The Road through Radiation
Hello World,
Hip Hip Hooray! What can I say? Radiation is over and it made my day.
Ok, that's about all of the rhyming I have in me this early in the morning. LOL. I'm waiting for my second appointment today in Tampa, so I thought I would update the blog. Yes, I still have many appointments in my future, but my daily appointments of getting radiated are over! Praise God!
I have been getting radiation since after Thanksgiving until 4 days ago. Tuesday was the conclusion of 6 weeks of radiation. It has been a rough road indeed. All I can say is that God has given me strength to make it this far. When I was inquiring about the side effects of radiation, there were many horrifying and disheartening stories. I was a little afraid of the long term side effects of radiation on my heart and lungs. However, I trusted the Lord to keep them safe. If I was going to be allowed to walk down this road, then I knew God had a purpose for it. He hasn't left me yet, so why would He leave me now?
I saw many men and women walk through those doors. I could sense their exhaustion as I entered the waiting room of people wearing the same gown as mine. At first, I didn't think it would take a toll on my body, but I quickly began to feel exhaustion pour over me day after day. I contributed my exhaustion to working every day before my radiation, and I would take quick naps on the table. Hey, I even took naps in the waiting room. LOL. Then it became more apparent the radiation was causing me to become irritable and exhausted. No matter what I tried to do to be in better spirits, the side effects were real.
My skin became darker before it turned red; then, my skin began to itch and peel. I couldn't sleep at night, because of the tenderness of the affected area. I was tired every single day. I never had enough time in the day to rest, and I still had to make it to school and give my sweet students the best chance at an education on top of getting my teaching certification and taking graduate courses. Not to mention, trying to be a faithful member in the church. Listen these past 6 weeks were a true struggle. To top it all off, my arm went through cellulitis; then lymphedema due to radiation, and physical therapy soon became part of the schedule. I didn't think radiation would have this much of an effect on my daily life, but I felt less energetic through this treatment than chemotherapy. Everyone says each body is different and responds differently to each phase of fighting against cancer.
Despite all of those unfortunate parts of this journey, I can say that God still had me in the palm of His hand. Yes, I did feel exhausted, but I made it through each day. Yes, my skin did have side effects but not nearly as bad as some other patients. The women would show me their skin, and I can say "Ebenezer hasta aqui me ayudo Jehova!"! (translated - Ebenezer thus far the Lord has helped me!) Yes, I had a million things to do, but God placed grace over my life and most were understanding. Yes, my arm did swell up, but I met my physical therapist who not only shares the same faith but I was able to testify to her of God's miracle in my life. I also found out she's been hesitant to join a church in her community, but I'm praying she finds a church home soon. :) God is planting seeds through my process! She's been testifying to others of God's work in my life to give someone else going through the same process hope and faith.
Fortunately, God placed the right people throughout this phase that encouraged me every step of the way! When I was down, they would remind me, "you're almost done! Hang in there, you'll be ok! You've made it this far!" Glory to God. On the last day of radiation, the weight lifted was like taking in a deep breath of life for the first time. One less thing to worry about. Thank you Lord! I've been celebrating all week with my biggest cheerleaders! :) My students are so excited to have me back all day, and I'm happy to be surrounded by their genuine love and care. God is good people. He truly is changing my life and everything in it for the better even when it seems painful and unclear.
In less than a week, my body is bouncing back, my skin is recovering, my energy level is rising, and I am focused on making these last few months as a teacher count before the summer. Then, I'll be ready to celebrate the birth of my niece (or nephew) and the end of my immunotherapy. So, let's do this! God is my Redeemer!
Love,
Dayse
Hip Hip Hooray! What can I say? Radiation is over and it made my day.
Ok, that's about all of the rhyming I have in me this early in the morning. LOL. I'm waiting for my second appointment today in Tampa, so I thought I would update the blog. Yes, I still have many appointments in my future, but my daily appointments of getting radiated are over! Praise God!
I have been getting radiation since after Thanksgiving until 4 days ago. Tuesday was the conclusion of 6 weeks of radiation. It has been a rough road indeed. All I can say is that God has given me strength to make it this far. When I was inquiring about the side effects of radiation, there were many horrifying and disheartening stories. I was a little afraid of the long term side effects of radiation on my heart and lungs. However, I trusted the Lord to keep them safe. If I was going to be allowed to walk down this road, then I knew God had a purpose for it. He hasn't left me yet, so why would He leave me now?
I saw many men and women walk through those doors. I could sense their exhaustion as I entered the waiting room of people wearing the same gown as mine. At first, I didn't think it would take a toll on my body, but I quickly began to feel exhaustion pour over me day after day. I contributed my exhaustion to working every day before my radiation, and I would take quick naps on the table. Hey, I even took naps in the waiting room. LOL. Then it became more apparent the radiation was causing me to become irritable and exhausted. No matter what I tried to do to be in better spirits, the side effects were real.
My skin became darker before it turned red; then, my skin began to itch and peel. I couldn't sleep at night, because of the tenderness of the affected area. I was tired every single day. I never had enough time in the day to rest, and I still had to make it to school and give my sweet students the best chance at an education on top of getting my teaching certification and taking graduate courses. Not to mention, trying to be a faithful member in the church. Listen these past 6 weeks were a true struggle. To top it all off, my arm went through cellulitis; then lymphedema due to radiation, and physical therapy soon became part of the schedule. I didn't think radiation would have this much of an effect on my daily life, but I felt less energetic through this treatment than chemotherapy. Everyone says each body is different and responds differently to each phase of fighting against cancer.
Despite all of those unfortunate parts of this journey, I can say that God still had me in the palm of His hand. Yes, I did feel exhausted, but I made it through each day. Yes, my skin did have side effects but not nearly as bad as some other patients. The women would show me their skin, and I can say "Ebenezer hasta aqui me ayudo Jehova!"! (translated - Ebenezer thus far the Lord has helped me!) Yes, I had a million things to do, but God placed grace over my life and most were understanding. Yes, my arm did swell up, but I met my physical therapist who not only shares the same faith but I was able to testify to her of God's miracle in my life. I also found out she's been hesitant to join a church in her community, but I'm praying she finds a church home soon. :) God is planting seeds through my process! She's been testifying to others of God's work in my life to give someone else going through the same process hope and faith.
In less than a week, my body is bouncing back, my skin is recovering, my energy level is rising, and I am focused on making these last few months as a teacher count before the summer. Then, I'll be ready to celebrate the birth of my niece (or nephew) and the end of my immunotherapy. So, let's do this! God is my Redeemer!
Love,
Dayse
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