It's a Roller Coaster

Hi friends! It's been a while since I checked in. In my last post, I mentioned not feeling well after the gamma knife surgery - and I continued feeling awful all of last week and at least half of this week. I did feel slightly better on Wednesday and better still yesterday, but these have been a tough few days that I hadn't expected to be so difficult. 

I started my new oral chemo drug, Xeloda, on Feb. 15, so I'm glad to be doing something again to hold off the cancer in the rest of my body. With this drug comes a painful side effect called hand-foot syndrome. The best treatment is prevention, so I've been coating my hands and feet with ointment and socks/gloves repeatedly throughout the day and before bed. My granny chic fashion game is strong right now. I'm also trying to prevent mouth sores or at least keep them small so they don't interfere with eating, swallowing, and speaking.

This week a radiation burn appeared on the shoulder blade they treated at the beginning of February. It's mostly just dry and red, but it has me feeling hopeful that the positive radiation side effects of pain relief are just around the corner. I've already had 48 hours straight where I only had to take the prescription pain killers at night. Praise God!

Next week begins eye radiation to treat the two tumors in my left eye. I've added slots for prayers on those days - that I would not be anxious while strapped into the mesh maks, that I wouldn't have to cough or sneeze while strapped down, and that they would be able to treat the two tumors we currently know about and any others that may have appeared since my last scan.

We are so appreciative of your care and concern for us. We have not lacked for rides, food, or practical help with laundry or yard work. Your tributes and sweet comments make my day. Be assured I've seen them and they've been so dear to me. New morning mercies I see, every day.