On We Go to Radiation!

It’s been a few days since our last entry - and I didn’t even let you know how her “Peek-a-boo” went. Her colonoscopy went very well for her and the doctor found her to be clear of cancer. The only finding is called Diverticulum, which are small lumps in the colon that can become inflamed unless more fiber is consumed. So, Rianne will now “get after it” with her fiber intake. All else was good and her stress of the possibility of having colon cancer is now GONE!
Rianne had a good weekend and on Monday we returned to NBMC for Chemo Infusion #5. We rose early and departed early, arriving at the facility before 9:00. We went in and met with Dr. Cook, Rianne’s Oncologist, and he said that the results of the Brain MRI from last week showed that the tumor has shrunken considerably. That was GREAT NEWS! He also said she will begin Radiation Treatment sooner than previously planned. He scheduled a consultation with the Radiation Oncologist for Wednesday (today) and sent us on our way. She was on "Cloud 9" all day long - I haven't seen her that happy for over a year!!
Yesterday she rose early and went to work at Curry County Title. She wants to put some hours in before her radiation begins, as she knows it will be every day for several weeks. I picked her up at noon and brought her home. She was tired and needed to rest, and again listened to her body tell her that she needed to lie down. She woke from her nap and did some light housework, then watched a few episodes of “The Mentalist” which is a favorite TV series of hers. She also likes CSI Vegas, CSI Miami, Bones, Lost, Medium, Ghost Whisperer and others. She can watch them for hours and sometimes does. Around 8:30 I coughed and startled her, which means she was dozing off on the couch from her medicine kicking in. I watched her drift off again and woke her to walk her in to the bedroom and tuck her in for the evening.
Today we again rose early and headed to Coos Bay for our consultation with Dr. Jenson, Rianne’s Radiation Oncologist. Before the consultation, just for fun, she tried on a few wigs and giggled the entire time! It was good to see her relax and smile. We met with Dr. Jenson and he explained the procedure to us. She felt very comfortable with him and was impressed with his knowledge of her Thallesemia Minor and also with his overall demeanor. He assured her that the tumor would be radiated successfully and for the first time we were told that her Lymphoma was “curable” versus “treatable”. It was a good emotional boost, but we have learned from experience to be somewhat wary of getting our hopes up too high. We ARE on a roller coaster ride here folks, so we are always keeping our eyes on the track ahead! He informed us that she will receive radiation treatments Monday-Friday for four weeks and that she will also be examined on Tuesdays to check her skin and overall condition. When we finished the consultation, we visited the housing facility behind the Radiation Treatment Center that is provided free of charge for radiation patients who need it. It is a very nice facility and we will likely use it if the daily commute to and from Coos Bay becomes tiresome.
Tomorrow we will return to the Radiation Treatment Center to allow the Oncologist to “map” Rianne’s radiation treatment procedure. This will involve programming the treatment machine to radiate the tumor safely and accurately, while minimizing side effects. “Mapping” will also maximize the effectiveness of the treatment process. He informed us that he will create the “map” and then use a “practice dummy” to insure that the machine is programmed correctly. If necessary, he will also prescribe medication to reduce side effects.
So, in a nutshell, we are entering a new chapter in Rianne’s cancer treatment plan. The radiation will be quite different than the chemotherapy, and we hope she works through it well. She’s a fighter and has a very strong will – I’m sure she’ll come out of it fine!
Thank you for your friendship and for your love, prayers and support. And thank you for reading this Blog and all of your comments. Remember - you are a HUGE reason she is able to get through this difficult season in her life!!