I'm back in Wisconsin again. Mom's radiation started yesterday. She seems to be doing well. Of course, it is only day two. She was reading through the (I'm making this name up) "What to expect during radiation" booklet and mentioned a few things out loud.

She is pretty tired, but has also been putting in some long hours at work. We will just have to see how it goes.

Also just received an email from Jane's mom, Julia. She wanted us to know that she is thinking of us right now since she knew Mom was starting radiation. It was very sweet and was greatly appreciated by me .....Mom hasn't seen it yet, as I just forwarded it on to her.

the radiation starts

on wednesday, mom started the first of 33 radiation treatments. they last mere seconds, and the whole office visit takes about 10 minutes each day.

she said things are going well and that she hooked up with good aloe vera lotion. but she can't wear deodorant or shave the whole 6 1/2 weeks! that might be hard.

scary for a moment there

mom emailed today to say that they thought they found something "worrisome" in her lungs when they were doing pre-radiation scanning.

she got that checked out, and it's nothing except scarring from an old infection.

but later, she got a call saying they thought they saw something in the intestines. she went back. clear again. her bowels are apparently very curvy.

i guess this family has issues with intestines!

the second big day

mom found out today that she'll start radiation dec. 21 and finish feb. 7 (mike's bday and the day she goes live on a new billing system at work).

it's a little later than she had hoped but still ok. she's still planning to go on vacation in mexico w/dad and other friends of theirs in february.

her spirits about the whole thing remain high. mom said she'll crack open champagne when she's done w/treatment. i think we have enough to toast by xmas.