Just a quick note.  I am doing well.  Slowly getting my strength back.  My doctor told me that it would take about 8 weeks to recover from radiation, but I was hoping that I would bounce back a little quicker.  Life is regaining a bit of a rhythm and I am enjoying being outside more - although my allergies seem a lot worse.  Hard to say if I am getting old or still recovering, or maybe a little of both.

I have a couple of things going on this week.  I will have a checkup with my Oncologist and Tuesday and this Friday I will be having surgery to have my chemo-port removed.  Thanks for all the prayers.

Chris

Finished Radiation, First Post-treatment scan tomorrow

I finished radiation on schedule and the Lord continues to provide.  I have a couple of freckle tattoos and two large patches of skin that are missing hair and look sunburned, but on the whole I am doing well.  Additionally I received a certificate and they let me ring the bell for my ceremonious last day of treatment.  It is great to be finished and to be working on my strength and endurance.

Tomorrow I will go in for my first post-treatment CT scan to make sure everything is clear.  Not really very revealing since I will not know the results until next week at my doctor visit.  My first CT scan during my treatment was very anxiety producing.  I had a lot of concerns that the chemo would be found ineffective.  Thank you for your prayers regarding this.  The Lord has given me a lot of peace about a number of things in addition to the last test and this test tomorrow.  To be sure, I have thought about the possibility of something being found and even having to start chemo again, but I am quickly reminded that He has provided and will continue to provide during the storm.

Thank you for your thoughts and prayers- they have meant a lot to me and my family- Chris

Half-way with Radiation

I have finished my first 10 radiation treatments without too much trouble.  I am struggling with a couple of things but it is very minor when compared to chemotherapy.  Keeping well hydrated seems to be my biggest challenge, just can't seem to drink enough fluids.

I met with my doctor; things are progressing and I am still on schedule to finish my treatments (yeah) this month.

While I do have my good days and bad, Andra and I were able to go spend a short weekend at a bed-and-breakfast to celebrate our 14th wedding anniversary.  It was a rainy weekend, but we brought our umbrella and had a great time.

Thank you for all your prayers and support!
Chris