I just got back from yet another appointment at the Cancer Clinic. I always feel weird when I go there, almost like I am unworthy. I sit in the waiting room with my long brown hair, looking at people with hats and toques covering their bald heads, and I feel like an imposter. I know not all Cancers cause you to lose your hair or make you look sick, but I look fine and I really didn’t have to go through all that much to get to this point. I feel unworthy of the title ‘Cancer Surviver’. It’s something that I struggle with all the time because I feel like I really didn’t have to go through all that much.
But anyways.
The results are in and I will be going back in September for Radioactive Iodine Therapy. I’m not too worried about it because I kind of figured I would have to go anyways, and really its just kind of like one last treatment to cap everything off and make sure I’m 100% ok. The Dr. said I could literally run off into the woods and never see a doctor again and probably be fine with no recurrence of Cancer, but this is just something that would put everyones concerns to rest.
It’s a week long process that will involve tests and 3 full days in complete isolation in a hospital room. I am not even allowed to wear clothes or PJs, I have to wear a hospital gown that they can chuck once I’m done because it will be full of my radioactive sweat. That part is kind of scary when you think about it. I don’t know if I am allowed visitors, considering I am in complete isolation, so Chad will get a second vacation from me in September. I don’t know if I will have a TV or if I am allowed a laptop. I really hope I am allowed some sort of enertainment in there. After the 3 days in hospital I will be allowed to go home but I basically have to stay away from people for a few days following, kind of like I have a cold and don’t want to get anyone sick. I’m also not allowed to go to airports or have babies for the next 6 months.
So it looks like my September is going to be pretty full. I just have to wait for all the information to arrive in the mail and then I can start to plan around this last treatment. The bonus to it is that I don’t have to go off my medication so I won’t feel like shit for 2 weeks before. Chad was pretty happy about that because he would be the one having to deal with me feeling like crap for two weeks. So it looks like he is safe for now!
And so, the adventure continues.
on August 17th, 2009 at 3:42 pm
just don’t be surprised if you leave the hospital with super hero powers!
on August 18th, 2009 at 4:23 pm
Very interesting treatment. I’d heard of it, but never really considered what it would entail. I hope they do allow you some sort of distraction from the fact that you’ll be naked in a hospital gown for three full days. I guess if the nurses check on you, they’ll have to be wearing those protective body suits? It’ll be like you’re ET! I hope this is it for you as I imagine it’s a pretty tiring reminder. I really admire your strength and acceptance of these cards you’ve been dealt. You’re a pretty remarkable girl!
on August 18th, 2009 at 7:45 pm
I hope everything turns out great for you. Its so hard to put your life on hold. Feel better and we should celebrate when you are released back into public again ;)