Hey guys! It’s been a month since our last blog post, so I figured I would give a little update. Honestly it’s nice not having to update very often—it means things are pretty uneventful and we like that!
I am currently at the half way point with radiation. I’ve done 14 treatments and have 14 to go. I go every week day and twice on Thursdays. I’m doubling up on Thursdays so that I can go to our family camp, Simpson Park, at the end of July. I’ve been really looking forward to camp so I’m glad we were able to make it happen!
I’m just now noticing side effects with radiation, which is pretty normal at this point. It mostly feels like a mild sunburn and I’m told that will only get worse. I was also told fatigue would be a side effect. I’m not really sure if I’m tired from radiation, my 4 kids, the heat, etc. All of the above? :) When I told Dr. Vance I was running and doing strength training, he was very encouraging and shared a bunch of studies that show how moderate exercise actually helps lessen fatigue during treatment. That was extra inspiration to keep me hitting the pavement! Running these country roads has been SO beautiful— so good for my mind, body, and heart.
I ran a 5k with some friends. It was a lot of fun and gave me the itch to do more races!
I also started taking a hormone blocking pill that I will most likely take for 10 years. I started taking it at the same time I started radiation and I don’t think I’ve noticed any side effects. I’ve talked to several people who are either on tamoxifen or have taken it and it was helpful to hear their experience.
Probably what I’m most nervous for is a shot that I begin taking next Tuesday to stop my ovaries from making estrogen. My doctor said it can be brutal and that the combination of radiation, tamoxifen and Lupron will be tough on my body. I will get the shot every month for 5 years.
Most days, I feel pretty normal. I praise God for that. Even with radiation every day, I just jump back into normal life when I get home and I’m so thankful I can do that! I’ve met a few other ladies in radiation who are quite a bit older than me and are having a really tough time. One of the ladies pointed out that having my kids is probably a good distraction because I don’t have time to think about how I feel, whereas she sits at home and that’s all she thinks about. I definitely agree!
Thank you for your continued prayers and for checking in on us. If you are praying, here are a few specific requests:
-pray that the radiation treatment would be effective with the least amount of harm to my body.
-pray for me as I get this shot on Tuesday- that the side effects would be minimal to none, even with radiation and tamoxifen. Pray that all of these treatments would do their job and be effective in getting rid of all cancer and preventing any reoccurrence.
-I have a CT scan on August 1. Still a while until then but the closer it gets, the more anxious I feel. I’m not sure if I’ll ever feel good about getting scans. Pray for the anxiety I feel with this and for clear scans.
-Pray for us as we continue to move forward, trusting the Lord with each day, each test, each scan, each pill, each shot, each doctor.
Love you guys,
Elizabeth
Judah is almost 11 months old! My hair is growing back straight and has lots of gray. Not exactly what I expected. :) My eyebrows and eyelashes have also grown back…PRAISE THE LORD.