Radiation - Week 2 of 5

10 down, 15 to go!

Mom and I try and find things to do to pass the time, but it still moves too slowly for me. It is really hard being away from Carman and Rudy. Although the invention of Skype (talking via webcam) is wonderful, it can't hug you or hold your hand in the middle of the night. Or in Rudy's case, she can't provide me her endless kisses or cuddles.

Wednesday was quite a day in that I started myself on fire. I was making soup and the string on my hoodie hit the burner, then touched the side of my hoddie and burnt a hole through it. I was noticing smoke but I thought there was something on the burner. After checking the burner and seeing there was no smoke coming off it, I looked down and realized I was on fire. I first thought stop-drop-and roll, but I didn't think I had time so I slapped my side with my right hand. The flame came out and my t-shirt melted on to my hand. The burns on my hand wouldn't normally be a concern, but because it is on the same side of where my breast cancer was, my arm is a risk of lymphodema (permanent swelling of the arm). Just the week before I went to a lymphodema prevention course and they advised protecting the arm against burns and cuts! The situation could have been A LOT worse, and I am thankful the burns are healing up well.

Fatigue is setting in a bit. I found myself quite easily tired this weekend. My skin was still looking good of Friday, but today (Monday) I think some redness is setting in. I will take all of these side effects - the treatment benefits outweigh the risks!

Carman and I took it pretty easy on the weekend. I enjoyed cuddling with Rudy (we moved the mattress from our trailer into the basement for the winter). Carman put up the Christmas lights, we did a Costco trip, and took-in the new James Bond movie. And, Curtis and Taryn and the kids had us over for cedar-plank salmon on Saturday night.

Carman and I have felt so humbled by the gifts we have received, especially prayer support. My friend Linda stopped by Sunday night and said her mom in Newfoundland is praying for me. God's kingdom is so amazing, and I am overwhelmed when I hear people are praying for us.

A friend gave me a book called 'When Your Wold Falls Apart' by David Jeremiah. I wanted to share the poem the book opens with:

A Bend in the Road
Sometimes we come to life's crossroads
And we view what we think is the end.
But God has a much wider vision
And knows that it's only a bend -
The road will go on and get smoother
And after we've stopped for a rest,
The path that lies hidden beyond us
Is often the path that is best.
So rest and relax and grow stronger,
Let go and let God share the load
And have faith in a brighter tomorrow.
You've just come to a bend in the road.


How I pray that this is only a bend, and not the end. God have mercy on me!