Itsy, bitsy spider

It’s been a while since the last update.  Healing is progressing well following the April 17 surgery.  The drain tubes were removed just six days later.  Since then, Linda twice needed some fluid aspirated manually.   I think she just likes going to see the doc.

We met the Radiation Oncologist on Wednesday who provided an overview of how radiation therapy will go:  30 minutes a day, five days each week, for six to seven weeks.  This will start as soon as all of the surgical incisions heal sufficiently (about another two weeks).  From the radiation, she will have some sunburn-like symptoms along with some fatigue.  It also puts her at a higher risk of lymphedema (swelling). 

To get her fully ready to start radiation, she has to be able to “strike a pose” like those glamour shots:  hand on head as if propping your head up while lying down.  The exercise routine to get her ready for that is kind of comical.  She has to stand facing the wall, toes touching the wall, and her hands have to climb the wall like spiders until she can’t go further – hold that for 20 seconds.  Repeat 5 times.  My job is to measure how far she gets (she has improved seven inches in a week!).  So while I’m saying things to coach and encourage her, she’s singing “itsy, bitsy spider.”  I never hear that song at the gym.

She started hormone therapy this morning.  As stated in an earlier post, that will bring on menopause-like symptoms (fatigue, and what others – not me – refer to as bitchiness). 

The weather has been great, so she has been walking at least two miles a day.  We do a walk after dinner too – a good idea even if it’s not part of a get-well plan.

Thank you again for all your good thoughts, cards, notes, visits, meals, snacks, flowers, and gifts.  They are truly uplifting and your messages are well received.  One of our visits was with Ella, the baby daughter of Adrienne’s friends Sara and Ryan.  Here’s a pic of Ella "striking a pose" and another with Jake the Dog.  Hope these make your day like they did ours: