RADIATION ONCOLOGIST VISIT

I have had a busy week - getting prepared for the big week next week.

Had lunch with a friend on Tuesday, which I enjoyed very much.  I did some errands and picked up a few bits and pieces for Christmas  - trying to think of Christmas Shopping a little bit, but my brain doesn't go there for very long.  Not my first priority at the moment.

On Wednesday I met with Dr. Dixon, the Radiation Oncologist (RAD ONC) - a very nice man.  I am much more comfortable walking into the cancer centre now - it will become a very regular part of my life.  People are so nice and sometimes serve coffee to the people waiting - all very civilized.  Dr. Dixon examined my chest and asked about my general health.  Checked my lungs and felt my neck (not sure why).  I had been told that there would be 5 weeks of radiation treatments, daily, 5 days a week, for 5 weeks (25 sessions).  Well he surprised me by telling me he wanted to do 6 weeks of treatment (30 sessions).  My tumour was large  as tumours go, 6.6 centimeters and very close to the chest wall.  So they want to make sure they get rid of anything that might be lingering.  Of course it just brought everything to the forefront again and I felt vulnerable and scared.  I had sort of put out of my mind the fact that the cancer was a stage 3 out of 4 and close to the chest. He explained the process and advised the side affects (those darn side affects) the scary bits for me are that because it is the left side, the lung and heart are close and could be affected (very rarely), but I guess they have to tell you.  I will not start this treatment until after the chemotherapy is finished.  I have an appointment in March to go for a planning session - they do measurements and markings on the area that is to have the radiation.  I think they do a dry run in a simulator machine, just so you know what to expect, it is a well organized process.  So when I left there, my heart was heavy and I was feeling pretty low.  I came home and went to bed.

Today I visited Baxters Wigs - two women running their business from the home.  I tried on many wigs - I liked many of them - so will get a 2nd opinion when Maureen comes down.  Just learned today that my insurance plan does not cover wigs - so that threw me a bit - they are quite expensive and I was thinking I could get a couple.  Well I guess that is not going to happen now.  I am very surprised wigs are not covered on my insurance - they cover the bras and the prosthesis, so I would have thought a wig was like a prosthesis!  Oh well - it is what it is.

A good friend (Shirley G) came over this evening and we had dinner together - it was lovely.  She brought me a present,  "Betty Crocker - Living with Cancer Cookbook" - so I am going to check it out and see if I can get creative in the kitchen.  I have been spoiled in recent years when George always did the cooking - but he can't stand for long these days and so it is my turn.  I am sure most of the recipes are 'healthy'!!

Signing off for now.  J