Thursday, September 24, 2009

On Wednesday I Rang the Bell

At the Saskatoon Cancer Clinic in the radiation department there is a bell on the wall just outside of the waiting room. It is called Taya’s Bell and on it is written:

Ring this bell to honor your last treatment.
Let the sound fill your heart to signify the bravery of your life’s journey.
Taya Rae Sawka
Age 5
Medulloblastoma

Well radiation wasn’t exactly a walk in the park either! I mean it didn’t hurt to get it but the last 3 days were a killer. I have a really bad radiation burn under my arm and the doctor told me on Wednesday that it will peak in about 4 or 5 days. So it is going to get worse before it gets better. I have saline compresses to put on it and I am supposed to leave it open to the air as much as I can. Also I am not supposed to do any vacuuming, carrying groceries or anything that will create friction under my arm. (Aww Darn!) It feels like it is on fire already so I can’t imagine what it will be like on Saturday!

As much as I enjoyed being in the city the last 5 weeks, I am really happy to be home. I will get my next dose of Herceptin at the Nipawin Hospital so I won’t be going into Saskatoon for at least 6 weeks.

Today a very nice friend sent a cleaning lady to my house. It was really nice to have that done since I haven't been here much during the last 5 weeks and before that I was too sick to do much more than the basic cleaning. That was the best present ever - Thank you!

I was very sad on Tuesday when my medical oncologist (Dr A) told me that he is leaving for the US in the next few months. I will miss him.

1 comment:

Audrey said...

Congratulations on ringing the bell - must have been a good feeling! Sorry to hear your Oncologist is leaving but at least he was there for the majority of your treatment! Talk soon - lots of love, Audrey