Only 11 days of radiation/chemo to go; Bryan's brother posts pic on Facebook

Toni has now completed 5 weeks of radiation.  I believe she has 2 more general radiation treatments and then will start 9 days of "burst" radiation aimed directly at the tumor site.  A two week rest will follow the radiation and then (cross your finger and toes) only 4 more weeks of CMF infusions and daily chemo.

During her visit with the radiation oncology team, they reviewed how her skin was reacting to the radiation.  It was their opinion that she might not blister.  Yesterday, Toni was waiting on her turn for radiation and was conversing with another radiation patient going through the same regimen.  She told Toni the last few treatments tenderized her a bit.  It also reminded Toni, that the radiation will still continue to affect her breast for another one to two weeks following treatment.   So, Toni at least is cautiously optimistic, but well forewarned that things could change.   When I look at how red she is, I simply grimace a bit. Rudolph (as in the reindeer) had a dimmer nose.  

Looking back on the week, Toni had to take a timeout on Thursday.  She woke up Thursday morning and was just too tired to go to work.   Of all of the side effects (besides her lymphedema in her right arm), fatigue is numero uno.  She also had a bad headache.  The headache has since dissapated.   In general terms... the hair loss continues to be mild, her taste buds are slightly off (oatmeal is definitely off the diet; she said it tastes like glue), but the Xeloda chemo and her are mostly getting along fine.   No peeling skin on the hands or feet (a Xeloda common side effect).  We are looking forward to snoozing a bit on the weekend.

In other news, my brother Brad has been busy on Facebook.  I feel compelled to post other pictures in due time, but here is a picture that really stirred my emotions.   He posted this picture of his re-enlistment as a 1st Class Petty Officer at the "tipping" point of his career.  In other words, you're in for 20 or out at 10.   The occasion took place just following Hurricane Hugo (September 1989; yes this photo is 20 years old) paying a visit to Charleston, South Carolina where Brad was an instructor at the nuclear power training school (it is a anchored submarine in the river).   Well, the other guy... just happens to be me (back then Lieutenant Bryan Ross).   I can't tell you, how uniquely gratifying it was to be asked by Brad, to be his re-enlisting officer at such a pivotable point in his Navy career.   I would hit that "tipping" point and say goodbye to the winds and seas a few years later (leaving as Lieutenant Commander).  A salute to my brother, Master Chief Machinist's Mate Bradley Ross.