Ringing out

Ring this bell
Three times well
Its toll to clearly say,

My treatment's done
This course is run
And I am on my way!

On August 31^st Ashley, Don, and I arrived at the Jacobson Building at Mayo all excited for my final radiation therapy.  Unfortunately, upon arrival, it was posted that treatments were delayed due to problems with the proton beam.  I did take a couple of photos that day while Kris and Angie were there and I also got a picture with Heidi and Ellen at Mayo who greeted me most every day with smiling faces and encouragement as they checked me in for my appointments (awesome gals who obviously love what they do).  I wanted to share those photos even though I didn’t end up being able to ring the bell that day.   At 8:30 PM, I got the call that my final treatment was postponed until Tuesday, September 4^th. 😕 

Over the Labor weekend my husband and I cared for my burns which takes 2 hours/day between soaking the burns and then applying antibiotic cream to the areas.  The worst and most painful of the burns is behind the ear where it is infected from the burns it has endured.  Over the weekend I enjoyed watching my hummingbirds and butterflies.  They were so active and kept me smiling. 

Tuesday, September 4^th-- We are in the middle of a big downpour and in a Tornado watch.  Don, Ashley and I arrived in time and checked in.  Things were running late, but the beam was working (Yay).  I eventually got in, after several repositionings I was finally in line for the beam.  After the second beam was completed they took the mask off and the technician said “we have a parting gift for you from radiation oncology.”  He handed me a pretty little white box with a pin of Hope inside which I will treasure and keep with me.  I decided to bring my mask home to take pictures to show you and for my family and friends to see it if they want to.  I’m including photos of these things, to read the captions I with the photos, click on each photo.  CaringBridge only allows 5 photos per journal entry, so  look under the Gallery tab at the top to see more pics. 

I walked out to ring the bell at about 6:30 PM.  The door opened to see Don and Ashely, 2 of my radiation team members and the receptionist and a lobby full of other people there for treatment.  I proudly rang that bell 3 times and then the emotions flowed.  The entire room was clapping and cheering me on.   I was so happy, with tears of joy and relief that it's over.  Thank you to everyone that was there and applauded and gave me hugs and words of encouragement.  It’s something I will never forget.

A big thank you to my family, friends, neighbors who have kept me in their prayers, stopped by to visit, sent cards and gifts.  It was all so unexpected, but it is so appreciated.  You all played a key role in keeping my spirits up during this time.  I have several weeks of healing time now.  The burns should be a lot better about 2 weeks.  The nausea is improving.  I have a hard time sleeping, but that will improve too I’m sure.  They say I should feel back to normal in about 6 weeks.  My eye is not completely back, but is improving more.  Considering it’s been just 3 months since my surgery, I’d say I’m doing really good and am so pleased with the outcome.  I believe I’m cancer free right now.  I will continue to post updates as I heal.  

The future will be scans in radiology in 6 weeks and then again after an additional 6 weeks.  After that, I will see my ENT surgeon every 3 months for 2 years for some type of scans, then every 6 months for 3 years, and then every year after that.  

If you care to see a video of me ringing the bell, I will be posting it on Facebook.  I'm not able to post it in here because it's not a YouTube video. 

I am on my way!  😊

Terrie