RADIATION AND CHEMOTHERAPY

I am into the second day of treatment now. I mentioned the black cross they put on my chest and on my sides. Yesterday, Sally came in and added to the art work. She is the one who will be doing my radiation treatments each day from now on, and yesterday was a long session. I now look like human graffiti with red and green markings added to the crosses. Actually the one on my stomach and chest looks like a map of Houston. I am grateful for that because I do get lost here. There are no mountains to help you tell which direction you are going - and because this is Texas they kind of do things their own way. The sun rises in the South~! So, I got lost on my way home the other day and just pulled up my shirt and looked at the drawing on my belly - and made it home in good shape. I think the drawing on my left side is a replica of the state of Idaho - and I don't know about the right side yet.

So far I haven't had any nausea or other affects of the treatments - except I am really tired. I have become very lethargic and could be satisfied with just sitting and staring off into space. Have to push myself to do things a little now. I will get on the tread mill after I finish this and see if I can stay awake enough to stay on. I saw a young boy walking down the hall a bit ago - I think I will see if I can give him $5.00 to do the treadmill for me today.

I see people at the hospital each day who make me realize how very lucky I am. There are a lot of people who have medical problems far worse than mine. I am so very lucky in so many different ways.

HOUSTON TRIVIA:

I learned last night that Houston in the 6th most humid city in the country - the only one West of the Mississippi. However, New Orleans in something like 5th and it is only a good spit away from being on the west side of the Mississippi.

Houston is the 4th largest city in the Nation. I always thought Philadelphia was, but it is Houston. And, my experience tells me that all Houston streets sound the same and are spelled almost exactly the same and all of them run both North and South and East and West - which is a lame excuse for the reason I get lost every time I get in the car.

All is well with me and I almost fell guilty for feeling so good. With all the support I have received from so many wonderful people, I feel obligated to feel a little bit bad, at least. However, I think there will be plenty of that to go around when the cutting starts - so hold on. I promise to feel bad before it is all over.

Thanks to all of you for you love and support!!

ALBUQUERQUE AL