I started writing this update last week but kept writing more (so I split it up) in little spurts as I kept getting pulled away before I could finish. Sorry it’s so long & late!🥺 but here it is...
My last day of regular radiation is done!! Woohoo!! I just have 5 days of a “boost” left! That is where they focus directly on the incision area in case there was any “seeding”. Basically they’re aiming to destroy any cancerous cells that possibly got left behind when the tumors & positive lymph nodes were being surgically removed. It’s quick & “easy” as far as radiation goes. It takes them longer to set it all up perfectly & precisely on the right spot than it does to actually radiate it. My doctor keeps reminding me that the side effects peak a few days to a week after it’s done but so far I’ve gotten through it pretty well all things considered! There’s just a couple spots that are red & raw- at my clavicle along the line where my skin folds when I lift my arms above my head during treatment & then under my arm where there’s skin to skin contact & it rubs.
Overall I’m beyond blessed that I’ve faired so well through it all! I attribute that to a few things...
- Charis (grace in Hebrew...or Greek? One of the Biblical languages😅. It went along with my “C” theme👍🏻). First & foremost to Gods continued amazing grace to me through all of this! Reminds of Moses’ response to the Israelites right after God powerfully, miraculously & favorably freed them from slavery in Egypt only to be pursued by them, seemingly trapped in by the Red Sea. “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today... The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” Exodus 14:13-14 regardless of the outcome I know He is with me, He’ll go before & behind me! He has been super gracious & good to give me such great outcomes through all my phases of treatment! And strength to get through the tough parts....because He is where the joy is which is my strength! (Can I get an Amen! fellow Bible Recap listeners?!)
- CharActer (His & my focus on it) Secondly God calls us, while trusting Him, to apply the knowledge & abilities He’s given us for our physical, spiritual, mental & emotional health & wellbeing. He provides the strength, then we have to put it into practice. He’s created us with an amazing brain-body connection that can contribute to the health outcome.
Emotionally- put my affections on worthy things. “Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalms 37:4
Mentally “Set (my)mind on things above, where Christ is, not on earthly things
Colossians 3:2
“Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, (tell myself to)set (my) hope on the grace to be brought (me) when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming.” 1 Peter 1:13
I won’t “conform to the pattern of this world, but (will) be transformed by the renewing of (my) mind. Then (I’ll) be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2
Spiritually “I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in (me) will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”
Philippians 1:6 “And so, from the day (I) heard, (I) have not ceased to pray... asking that (I) may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy; giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in (His) inheritance” Colossians 1:9-12
- Cold Physically “Do (I) not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? (I determine to) Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but (I) do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.” 1 Corinthians 9:24-27
I’ve been disciplining my body to get in our 57-61’ pool every morning to do some laps and a short routine of exercises to help with my strength, range of motion and circulation of my blood & lymph systems through constriction (in the cold)& then dilation (in the warm shower after!). Even though I’m doing it everyday, everyday it’s hard to make myself take the plunge but as soon as I’m submerged, I’m so glad I do and I get moving! I always tell & remind myself, “for the joy set b4 you and the good you’re going to do yourself with this, get in! Don’t think just jump!”😄 it reminds me of a quote I heard long ago. “Physical rewards are greater in the anticipation than the realization but spiritual rewards are greater in the realization than the anticipation.” In this case the physical rewards are greater in the end (unlike giving into my fleshly desires that can lead to sin &/or forego the fullness of the blessings He has for me!)& illustrate how I don’t anticipate or feel like being disciplined, sacrifice sleep & the comfort of my bed to get up early and spend time communicating with my Savior through His Word and prayer! How sweet is it! Such a joy and a blessing!
Gods given me & I’ve tried to maintain a strong, healthy body coming into this and it’s enabled me to fight this battle well!
- Cream. At the doctors office they gave me some sample of creams & ointments to try to help with the burning and damage to the skin with the radiation. A dear friend bought me tube of the expensive “radiation oncologist created/endorsed” stuff. When I took it to a dear esthetician friend, she was not impressed to say the least. We started talking & playing around with some ideas & skincare creations that would be more healthy, helpful and affordable! I’ve been trying them out & pleased with the results! More on that to come!
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