Saturday, September 12, 2009

Early to bed and early to rise...

STILL makes me tired lol....but I'm trying! Whew! The first week of school/radiation is finally over. Thank GOODNESS! To be honest, the very first day was the worst. When I sat down to have lunch in the teacher's lounge, I wasn't sure if I would be able to get back up!! But I did, and somehow made it through the rest of the day. I then had to rush out of school to drive to radiation where they were waiting just for me. Since there are no appointments that late (since when is 3:45 late??) in the day, the therapists are taking turns staying late for me (yes, I do feel badly) so I feel the need to try and get there A.S.A.P. Believe it or not, I'm walking past the students in line waiting for the bus, and I'm out of the parking lot before they are! I think the week finally took its toll yesterday. I was moving pretty darn slow when I walked into the radiation center and even the therapist du jour remarked that I looked "tired." Really? No kidding? I wonder why? I think anyone with 24 wide eyed eager elementary students feels exactly the same way I do, and they aren't even going through cancer treatment! lolol That's just what the opening of school does to you! And as the saying goes, "This too shall pass."

Radiation is going well (as well as radiation can go I guess) and the only issue I've had is that I've broken out in a radiation rash, which they told me is common. I had tiny little red bumps in the area receiving treatment which reminded me of chicken pox. (no, I'm not showing you a pic of that!) It was extremely itchy!! They recommended cortisone cream and I raced to the local pharmacy and picked some up. It did help and I'm continuing to slather it on each day. Speaking of days...I only have SEVEN DAYS LEFT of radiation treatment! Everyone chant with me...HIP HIP HOORAY! I'm sooooooo looking forward to being finished with this part of my treatment.
Maybe things can get back to being semi normal for awhile.

FYI...I love my new fifth grade class and I am extremely happy to be back at school. I am so lucky to work with such a fabulous staff that continue each and every day to show me their love and support, as well as the many school families that have told me how happy they were to have me back. It means the world to me. Thank you SO very much to all of you.

Have a wonderful weekend...I'm planning on sleeping through most of it! :-)

xox
Joanne

4 comments:

  1. YOU are AMAZING! Thank you for taking the time our of your day to read my blog. You are kicking cancer's butt :)...and I will keep you in my prayers. I'll also be thinking of you every time I feel too tired to get out of bed early. YOU rock!

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  2. Joanne,
    What a strong wonderful person and teacher you are!!!! I think of you often. You are in my prayers!!

    Love ya,
    Bethany Kenney

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  3. Thanks for the update Joanne!! As always, I am so impressed with your strength and positive attitude. Teachers are already my heroes anyway, with your tremendous dedication and hard work, and the mental, emotional and physical energy involved!!! So I know it takes an extra special person to push through the extra fatigue you describe from radiation. Your school is very lucky to have you, and it sounds like they know it :) And now only 3 days left of treatments? HIP HIP HOORAY! Here's looking at "semi-normal" :)

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  4. Joanne,

    Sorry to read about your struggle with cancer- as a spouse with a husband who has stage 4 cancer and was given 3 months to live over seven years ago- lots of operations, chemos, etc. I know how hard it is- so glad to hear that your friends were there for you- I hope that your husband's friends were there for him also as no one can understand how hard it is for the spouse also. As you said- you always think it will be someone else and until it comes into your life you never understand what someone is going through or may need. Good luck!! John is still hanging in there thanks to our strong faith, family and friends. Judy D.

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