The Anchor 💗⚓️💗 – Edition 26

10/28/17

Dear Friends and Family,

I have been busy with more doctor’s appointments the past few weeks.  I received a radiation simulation a few weeks ago.  The radiation technicians marked the affected area with three different color markers and put tape over the marks so that they would not wash off in the shower.  My body looks like a human map.  I also had my port removed on Friday, October 20th.  It was a great feeling to get my port removed!  I had my first “dry run” for radiation on Monday, October 23rd, they performed x-rays and put more marks on my body.  I received actual radiation treatments the rest of the week and met with the radiation oncologist on Friday.  The hardest thing about radiation is controlling your breathing, but once you figure that out, it isn’t too bad.  I have a mold made specifically for me that isn’t very comfortable that I lay down in while receiving treatments.   Six weeks of radiation treatment was recommended for me, but I am participating in a clinical trial called the Sapphire Trial and I was chosen to receive a higher dosage of radiation for four weeks instead of a lower dosage for six weeks.  They are studying the effects of radiation and lymphedema.  I will be followed for 10 years.

In the picture above, Maverick and I are celebrating  completing four radiation treatments and Plush Animal Lover’s Day!  We also have Astros Fever and are looking forward to a win tonight!  

Anchored in HOPE,

JW