encouragement rock I got at my radiation treatment today <3
It’s been awhile since I have updated everyone on my health and I get messages sometimes from people asking so I figured I’d take a minute to update you all… Two days ago marked two months since I had my brain tumor removed. Seems crazy to think this much time has already passed!
I am currently in my 4th week of radiation and at the “halfway” point. After tomorrow I will be halfway done with this radiation stuff. I was made aware of the possible side effects many times starting back when I was still in the hospital in July recovering from my brain surgery. Unfortunately, nothing really “prepares” you for the depression, extreme fatigue, the all day - every day nausea or that eventually your food will all start to taste like metal and chemicals. It makes me sad that I once loved sitting down for dinner with the family, but now I dread it because I know I will have to sit there and force myself to eat something that just tastes like it’s poisoning my body. I feel bad that some days, I get home around noon from my daily treatment and will sleep until 5 or 6pm and miss out on time with the family because I am just so exhausted I can’t even stay awake. There’s never-ending issues from the radiation and I can’t even fully say that “I just can’t wait til it’s over” ..because some side effects may never go away.
Despite all the difficulties and the sickness, I do try my absolute hardest to live in a positive manner. That’s not always possible but I believe in myself that I’m doing the best as I can. I manage relationships with my family, my friends, my amazingly supportive boyfriend. I make time to play with my daughter, no matter how sick I’m feeling. She isn’t old enough to fully understand right now and for her, it’s not fair not to have Mommy at 100%. She’s a huge reason why I fight this battle every day! I also have to make time for my college classes… it’s not always easy when I’m feeling so sick but it’s a sacrifice and a choice I made. One day I can look back on this and be proud of what I pushed through and fought for. One day Gracie will be old enough to understand and she will be proud of me too! So for now – I will deal with the side effects and sickness.. it’s better than the alternative; not being here at all. I will soak up every good day I have and fill it with as much love and happiness as possible and I will be thankful for every moment in my life, good or bad, because that’s just it – I still have life!
As always – I want to say “THANK YOU” to all of you who check in with me every day and are always offering support. Thank you to my amazing family who puts up with my struggles with me even though I know it’s difficult sometimes when my mood gets down. THANK YOU to my amazing boyfriend who drives with me an hour each way every day to and from my treatments and never complains. Thank you to everyone who spares even a moment a day to think about or pray for me and my family. Your continued love and support means more than you’ll ever understand!
Love,
Heather
The adorable shoes we bought for Gracie. She is the flower girl in her Uncle Nick & Aunt Sam’s upcoming wedding. Cannot wait to see her all dressed up – she’s going to be soooo cute!