Two Thirds

20 out of 30 radiation treatments completed.  The usual schedule has consisted of radiation every week day, chemo in pill form seven days a week, and Avastin IV one day a week.  This, smattered with doctors' appointments, physical therapy, and occupational therapy are the big rocks in our week.

Radiation will be complete November 27th.  We don't know about the Avastin or chemo at this time.

We do know that we get to continue using the wonderful McGrane Center for strengthening.  I have been learning the settings on the various exercise machines that Sherry is using so that we can continue with the program without incurring the OT and PT costs.

The Avastin IV (above) occurs on the second floor of the Cancer Center--commonly referred to as "Chemo".  Chemo is staffed with exceedingly kind and supportive people.  Sherry takes her I-Pod and listens to her choice of music during her time getting the IV.  The chair is heated and will vibrate if Sherry chooses.  They serve lunch and warm cookies that Sherry is eager to munch.  The staff will bring warm blankets on request, so it is hard to imagine how the treatments that occur there could be more patient friendly.

The most disturbing thing to me was watching the nurse put on a gown and double glove before hooking up Sherry's IV.  I'm sure that this is a medical version of belt and suspenders, but it does underscore the toxicity of the substances that are used in chemo.

So far the negative impact on Sherry has been minimal.  She is tired more that before, she is puffier, and she has lost much of her hair.  We can literally live with that.

Sherry is currently napping on this snow dusted, sun dappled Saturday.  Nancy Allison from North Carolina is here, as are nephew and nieces John, Ellen, and Kathryn Blair.  We are warmed, encouraged, and delighted by their presence.  Sherry's cousin, Andrea Dixon, will arrive this afternoon.
Life is rich and full.