Let’s Get It Started

 



The following week was followed with another MRI of my brain, 100 000 phone calls, appointments made for more MRI’s and then cancelled as the machine broke. Which was pretty convenient as we were already headed to Cape Breton for the weekend for our daughters cheerleading provincials and it would mean an extra, long stop on an already exhausting drive.


It was a weekend filled with hiccups, time with family, time with friends, teamwork and fun. Being able to gather with our favourite cheer families and enjoy our time together was what I really needed to keep my mind settled and distracted. The weekend was long and tiring and maybe I should’ve listened to my husband and stayed home to rest before I started treatments, but I’m still glad that we did go and see our daughter kill it on the mats.


We got home at 8:30pm Sunday night. So much unpacking, getting settled, starting laundry, reading through instructions of what to do the next morning. My mind wouldn’t shut off. My husband went to bed by 10pm. I was awake until at least 3am, with my alarm going off at 6am. I woke up, took my stomach pill, waited half an hour and took my chemo pills. It was time to hit the road for my first treatment session. 


I had the same nurse who made my mask, along with two radiation technicians. They spoke to me about side effects. I had previously been told I shouldn’t have too many, however all of the technicians told me that given my age and where its located in my brain, with the lasers being aimed at my brain, to expect stomach problems, headaches, exhaustion and hair loss. Good thing I already have my hairdresser on stand by.


They put my mask on and it was so tight I couldn’t even open my eyes. They clipped me to the table and told me they would be back in 10-15 minutes. Unable to see or move, I could hear the machine whirring around me. Then sudden bursts of warmth and tingling. It didn’t hurt, but it was a very strange sensation. After 10 minutes, they came back in, took the mask off of me and sent me on my merry way.


We decided to get breakfast at Smitty’s while my stomach was doing ok. 

Best breakfast we’ve had so far. But it didn’t take long for my head to start pounding. I slept most of the drive home, but not comfortably. When I woke up, my head felt like it had been run over and my stomach was turning. I could barely keep my eyes open. 


Once home, I spent the rest of the day not feeling right. I would start to do something and realizing I was too tired and have to lay down and shut my eyes for a few minutes. I opted for soup for supper where my stomach didn’t want to settle. That night was the first night in a long time that I fell asleep before 11pm. 


Todays treatment was the same, however, and I know I’m probably imagining this, the mask felt tighter. I think I’m going to have to rely on something to keep me calm as it is hard to breathe properly and not being able to open your eyes, breathe or move is kind of scary. Today I’ve been fortunate to have a very small headache. Yesterday was very intense. I’m exhausted and still having problems with my stomach, but am struggling to keep my emotions in check today. I guess I’m still dealing with the reality of it all. This is my life now. 





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