Back to work after 8 weeks off....

First day back to work today :) I got to work and they had made me a card and everyone signed it and it was on my computer. It was pretty special. My day went good, but wow, I sure had to focus a lot. It was great though. I am so glad I came back to work before my residents graduate. They graduate on Friday, but will be in the clinic until the end of the month. What a great bunch of Oral Surgeons we have coming out of Harborview. Proud to be a part of them. ALSO....I went to work today with out a hat. First time I have ventured out without a hat. I still really need more hair to venture any where else, but I figured I were a bonnet at work while in surgery and I can't wear my hat while not in surgery so, I did it. My co workers thought I looked great, but I need more hair before I will be going out in the real public. It sure felt good to not have a hat on though. I am sick of hats. I want a real hair do.
This is my first picture with out a hat. Like I said I still need more hair. 

I have had 10 radiation treatments now. I still do not feel any symptoms. My skin is not feeling burnt at all yet. I put this first aid cream on 3 times a day. I am told that after 3 weeks my skin will start to show signs of treatment. I have 23 more treatments to go.

I went to crescent bar this last weekend and boy it is really hard to run from the sun. I am so used to being in the sun. I always put sun screen on, but I also always get so dark. Its just my skin. My radiation therapist are freaking out because I am so dark. I am really keeping my radiation area out of the sun.  But the rest of me is still getting really dark. 

It sure was great to be with our wonderful boating friends. Pughs and the Nelsons! We sure love you guys lots. And we always all have so much fun. 

Still walking several times a week preparing for my 3-day. Doing my first training walk this Saturday with Courtney Edelbrock (very special friend and 3-day teammate). We are walking 9.67 miles. Looking forward to it. That is half of one of our 3-day walks. I still hope to do a 15 mile day or more before the actual 3-day.

 

Radiation........

I have had three doses of radiation.  I don't notice anything at all yet.  It has been a bit of a hassle cruising to Seattle everyday, but we knew it would be. Radiation is really weird.  I lay down on this hard table, they put a pillow under my knees and then I put my hands over my head and grip onto this pole.  The Hugh machine cruises around me and zaps me in several different spots.  I will see my doctor on Wednesday and I am anxious to ask her exactly what areas are getting zapped. 

Other wise, things are good.  I am going back to work on the 19th.  It will be nice to get back into the swing of normal stuff.  After a few weeks they say my skin will start to get red and can feel like a sunburn.  Some people experience some fatigue. Lets just pray that I don't. I am tired of feeling tired. 

I have been walking several times a week.  I walked 7 miles today.  My longest walk yet. My neighbor Tonya goes with me most of the time.  Dan goes with me on the weekends.   I am really looking forward to the 3-day walk.  It is motivation to have something to look forward to at the end of the summer. Thanks again to everyone that donated to support this walk and breast cancer.

My hair is coming in a lot :). Can't wait till I don't have to wear a hat anymore. Probably several more weeks till that though.  I think I am feeling almost like normal.  I think :)??  

Things are good. Life is good. Praise God!