Three Things We Need

1) Radiation: While my cancer journey is not over yet, I'm feeling closer to 100% than I have in months. The plan is to do one more expansion at the end of the month, wait a week, then start radiation with Dr. Francine Halberg, a radiation oncologist at the Marin Cancer Institute. Dr. Halberg is right downstairs from Dr. Head, Dr. Kelley and the chemo lounge. There is a lot of healing going on in that building. Radiation will last no more than 6 ½ weeks, so I should be done by the end of April. Hooray!

2) Chocolate: Here are the girls yesterday before school. Valentine’s Day arrived just in time and proved a great distraction from my parents departure the day before. While Grandma and Grandpa are still missed, the Valentine's Day chocolate is really helping to ease the pain.

3) Love: We couldn't do this without our family and friends--their love and support makes this all possible. Thor (the handsome old guy on the right) knows all about love. Thor and Toni welcomed Thea—a 1 ½ year old Chihuahua—into their home last month. Thor—who is 12—has been acting like a 9-year-old ever since she arrived. I guess love can work wonders for everyone.

Expansion Underway. Looking for Prototypes.

Just kidding!

Dr. D’Amore began the expansion process this week. During the surgery on January 9^th, he put in “expanders” which are essentially empty plastic-y containers. He will fill them up gradually—about once every ten days—until I reach the right size. This process creates an adequate space for the implants, which will go in about six months after radiation.

The expanders were pretty uncomfortable the first few weeks after surgery, but the expansion process rounded out the corners and I feel a lot better now. The best news I got last week is that I’m cleared to exercise again. Hello 5:15!!