I have now completed 10 radiation treatments, or two weeks worth, which leaves 23 more treatments. I feel good, except for a little tiredness. I will probably start to see more effects this week (slight burn to the skin). I am using a cream on my skin to keep it from drying and cracking.

I have had all kinds of pretty colors used to draw all over my chest - purple, green, blue - with Xs, lines, and stickers. The best part for my grandchildren is that they firmly believe that I have a treasure buried in my chest because "X" does mark the spot. My daughter tried to talk me into letting her take pictures of me during radiation. I told her nobody was going to get to see my road map. She did take some pics though which will be posted with this blog. My doctor, Dr. McDowell, is also in one of the pics.



Speaking of my grandchildren, they left last Thursday to go back to Chicago; but they will all move back here in August. My daughter found a studio in historic downtown Summerville and is already starting to grow her business.

Unfortunately, our photo sessions were rained out for the day that we had scheduled, but Misty is going to reschedule for August and still donate part of the proceeds to the Charleston Breast Center.

This week besides my five radiation appointments, I have three other doctor appointments. It's always something. I can actually see the hair on my head now. It's all fuzzy.

Take care y'all.

From Donna:

It's about time for an update. As you all know, I finished chemo in April. Since that time I have had a lot of doctor appointments and preparation for radiation. I had a CT (May 18th) and everything looked good - praise God.

I also met with the doctor who will do my radiation. I will have 6 1/2 weeks of treatments - 5 days a week. The side effects are fatigue and a bad burn (like a sunburn). A permanent side effect is that the ribs on my right sight will be weakened, which means I could break a rib easier. Because of the area that is being treated, I had to have my life port removed, which I had done on June 1st. I was awake for the procedure but I was given something to take the edge off, so I didn't care.

I have had two more CTs since May to "mark" me for radiation treatments. It wasn't the most comfortable position for me. I had to lay with my arms above my head in brace-like devices for 30 - 45 minutes, with my head turned to the left, and I could not move. My chest looks like a road map, with purple and blue lines, x's and stickers.

I did go to the dentist and get a filling. After about the fourth time that I gagged, I told the dentist that it was pretty bad when I would rather get chemo than go to the dentist. He laughed and said, "Don't tell anyone that."

I have great news. My daughter, Misty, the one who keeps this blog up for me, and her family are moving to South Carolina. I am so excited! I will get to spend so much time with my three grandchildren. They will be here this weekend for two weeks vacation, go back to Chicago and move here in August.

While she is here, I asked her about taking a picture of me with a small group of women who have been with me through my journey with breast cancer and so she is going to do that picture, plus she is scheduling photo sessions at Sullivan's Island for anyone else who would like pictures, and part of the proceeds will be donated to the Charleston Breast Center. My only regret is that my daughter, Lisa cannot be here for the picture as she lives in Oregon.

So, I am ready to start the next step in my journey. Thank you all for your prayers and support.