Dearest family and good friends:
Well it’s official: I have become the Asian Princess. (Yes, only now!!) What do I mean? I am now having to use an umbrella when I am outdoors to shield myself from the sun. Luckily I bought some umbrellas a few months ago that offer UV protection (well at least that’s what the marketing labels said…..) It was that or become the Asian Vampire. Let me say that it’s right out of the movies – when the vampire gets caught in a ray of sunlight – not pretty – and definitely not comfortable. At least my mother will be happy. She loves the ‘porcelain’ look. In the old days it meant that one didn’t work in the fields or get one’s hands dirty. Definitely NOT ME! LOL!!. It’s not from the radiation – it’s actually from the chemo and the tamoxifen (the oral chemo drug that I have to take for 5 years). Who knew that I am not only sensitive on the inside but on the outside too!! (*big grin)
I just finished radiation treatment #14. Only 11 more to go. It is an exhausting schedule going down to the hospital everyday but I am managing. I am often fatigued at the end of the day but I am taking things easy and trying to get more rest. Believe it or not. If all goes according to plan, I will be done my last radiation treatment on Thursday, September 1st. My unit is being serviced on August 30th, but my team was very accommodating in scheduling me on another unit on that day so as not to interrupt my treatment and extending it to September 2nd. They have been great. I told them that I was hoping to get away for the long weekend. And yes, I asked nicely and smiled.
Quite frankly, I can’t wait for each night to pass – as each day brings another treatment and one day closer to being done. Now that I’m over half way done, I am getting giddy sometimes. Can’t wait!! Then – – freedom to start to live my life as I wish – – well sort of. :0
Now radiation treatment isn’t as bad as I thought it would be. It actually isn’t all that exciting. No “Star Wars” light show. No beams streaking through the room. It’s quite civilized and a little uneventful. I try to spice it up by wearing nice outfits and different wigs. The team is looking forward to the blonde one. I’m saving it for treatment #25. Luckily so far my skin has stayed in tact. But there is some change in the colour. It’s to be expected. After all, radiation is like getting sun-burnt or as a friend summed it up best: “it’s like being micro-waved”.
And for some amusement, after radiation today, I did a segment on BNN (Business News Network) – it was live. I attach the clip. I only hoped that I made good sense. Good thing: the make-up artist said I did such a good job with my make-up myself that she didn’t have to do much! Sometime it doesn’t matter how you feel on the inside, but how you look on the outside that counts – – at least some of the time! It really does help to keep up the positive spirit. Small victories in life to keep you smiling, walking tall and happy.
Big hugs!!
Winnie xoxo