Another job done....

Today, Friday, March 2 I had my last radiation treatment.

Is that cheers I hear? Good, cuz  I don't have enough of a voice to speak well, let alone cheer.

Drs. say three weeks before my voice is totally back, about the same time for my throat to heal and then look out --- I am going to eat!

Well, that is if my dental work is done or on the way. Natch, I never do anything the easy way . As some of you know, chemotherapy plays havoc on teeth and gums, causes real damage. Then I had radiation and , well, the bottom line is the other day I felt a loose tooth. That was scarier than getting cancer news , mostly because it is my front tooth.

Off to the dentist. I will lose two teeth, pay thousands and thousands of dollars for new teeth, bone grafts -- more facts you don't need unless you want to start a fund of monies! I start in on Wednesday with preliminary xrays and further exams to determine the extent of damage to my mouth.

If you click on this photo, you will see me on the right and my radiation tech on the left. Photo taken today as  I finished up treatment and was presented with a certificate of award for completing radiation.

If I get many more of those, I can wallpaper the bathroom.

Next on tap? Rest to get back my strength, more Aloe Vera on my skin to prevent scaring, and still drinking Ensure to get some calories down. I see both the radiation oncologist and my primary oncologist in 6 weeks and then have my PET scan to find the exact status of this cancer.

Keep good thoughts, okay?

Now, I can also concentrate on working on my book.

Oh, almost forgot. Cousin Dave from Minnesota was here with his friend Roger .We had a good visit even though I go to bed at 7 p.m. They fit right in here with the crowd and everyone enjoyed meeting them. Watch for things to appear on Dave's blog in a week or so.

March is a busy Hallmark month for our family. Daughters Karen and Linda have birthdays, so does my daughter in law Wendy. Son Lee and Valerie have a wedding anniversary.

Hope this finds you all staying warm.

Jan

Comments

[Tracey Priestley Schaaf]

Hi Jan,
I've been reading your blog and am so inspired and impressed. You're a great role model. I have four (4!!!) girlfriends currently in various stages of treatment/recovery for breast cancer. Have given them all your link for inspiration.
Know you will be fine--you are the toughest woman I have ever met. You're in my thoughts and prayers.
Much love,
Tracey

[Ann Erdman]

Janice -- You go, girl! I was talking to a friend about you today. She's in the dumps because two of her pals were diagnosed recently. I told her they (and she) have two choices: pull the covers up over their heads and presume the worst, or take the high road, keep pressing on and take a page from my friend Jan Curran's book. Then I forwarded her the link to your blog. So keep up the good work and remember you are well loved by so many, including me!