A month late…

(Blog written 8/15/16 but apparently I forgot to post!  Forgeting has been the story of my life…)

Wow, I’m not quite sure where the time has gone and wish I would of blogged more during my time being treated at Johns Hopkins and since coming home, but I just did not have it in me.  I have many blogs that I started to write, but I would get distracted, get too tired or would just lose my thought that I ended up just deleting them.  My radiation oncologist told me this thought process is completely normal with the medications I am taking and losing my mind is actually a good sign because he knows the medication is working.  (I’m glad that’s a good sign for him because still to this day and every day during treatment I struggle with legitimately losing my mind and forgetting EVERYTHING!)

So here I am now…

HOME!  Exactly where I should be with my husband and three children.

I have completed 30 rounds of radiation.  It was one of the toughest experiences I have ever been through and I do not know if I would have been able to get through it without my amazing support team.  My mom and Natalie were with me at each treatment and Rob and the boys came to a few treatments as well.  I thought it was important for Bobby and Brody to see where I was going each day so they understood enough in their little minds why Mommy was away for such a long period of time.  But let’s be honest, each day I was in the waiting room Natalie stole the show.  I think this really helped me get through my treatments and I believe she was able to put a smile on many hospital guests and employees.  Previously I heard that the people in a radiology waiting room are very different than any other waiting room and I can attest that this is very accurate.   Each day I saw the same people and learned a lot about each person and their journey.  They will always have a close place in my heart and I will always be praying for them, on a first name basis.

Currently I still have a lot of help.  The radiation exhaustion is insane.  I thought it was going to be similar to the first trimester of being pregnant, so I thought…I got this!  No way!  I was sooo wrong!  I simply never feel rested regardless of the amount of sleep I get and then all of a sudden I hit a wall and cannot do anything.  My doctor said the radiation will be working in my body for about 3 weeks after my last day of treatment and then side effects will slowly go away.  I look forward to each day of slowly getting better and I want to be back to a normal routine.  I will get there some day.

To all of my frequent blog followers, I am sorry I didn’t do more posts during treatment but all of my effort and energy was focused on physically getting better.

4 comments

  1. Sue Wakerley's avatar
    Sue Wakerley · September 11, 2016

    Hi Jess, You are so inspirational, brave and strong. You certainly shouldn’t be excusing yourself for the lack of blogs. What you have and are going through would be more than enough for the majority of us; however, you are thinking of family and friends by keeping them updated on ‘how you are’, so selfless.

    Got to say, it was nice to see your e-mail in my in box, as I do wait on news.

    Hope you now start to have less side effects of the treatment as time goes by. Sure the impact of radiation on your body has been massive and mustn’t be understated.

    It has been absolutely wonderful to see all the lovely pics of you, Robby, Bobby, Brody and Natalie Rose. Seeing your big smile, radiating happiness.

    Next, please God, all the results following the radiation will be all be good and positive. You are always in my prayers every day and with everyone else’s prayers and love you will have this beaten now my darling.

    We have spoken to Nob about coming over to see you all and hopefully next year, we will do just that. For the meantime we are sending you the biggest hugs across the Atlantic 😘😘😘😘.

    Love you all lots

    Sue, Oete, Alex and Kayleigh Xxxxxxxxxx

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  2. Sue Wakerley's avatar
    Sue Wakerley · September 11, 2016

    Omg, not good at typing one handed on my i pad, so please excuse my type o’s …….. I did mean Bob and Pete! Hope Bob doesn’t read this and do hope it has made you smile, what am I like. Must remember to read before I hit the send button next time. 😘💕😘💕😘💕😘💕

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  3. Yveline's avatar
    Yveline · September 12, 2016

    So much appreciate the updates! We’re so happy you are home and hope you continue to get stronger and better every week. Know to your are so loved and in our hearts and thoughts often. Hope we will be able to see you sometime in the future. Yveline and Mark

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  4. Rita's avatar
    Rita · September 17, 2016

    Jessica, thank you for your blog. I have been looking for your report on your progress. Happy you were up to write such a beautiful update. Pray for you and family everyday. Keep up the good work. God less!
    Your Grandma’s friend,
    Rita

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