so long texas...

For those just joining in, my husband and I recently found ourselves at MD Anderson, speaking with a second opinions for my new cancer diagnosis and treatment plan. I just want to confirm my current treatment plan.

Today we got to meet with the radiation oncologist. After examining my scans, she reassured me that, once again, my health escapades hadn't taken a turn for the unexpected. I was right on track, and she was also telling me exactly what other doctors had said.

The biggest difference for me this time is that I am getting radiation to the left breast, which means there are a few more things involved since it is close to the heart.

Radiation for Those Who Want a Brief Explanation

1. Before starting the actual treatment, a simulation session is conducted. This involves imaging scans (like CT or MRI) to precisely map the area that needs treatment. Some places add small tattoos or small temporary marks with sharpies and a circular clear tape placed on your skin to ensure accurate targeting. (I like the small sharpie dots because you can lose weight or position may not always be the same as the tattoo - trust me, my whole first cancer never lined up with my tattoos.)

2. Using the images from the simulation, the medical team creates a detailed treatment plan. This plan specifies the exact dose of radiation and the angles at which the beams will be delivered to target the cancer cells while sparing as much healthy tissue as possible.

3. During each treatment session, you'll lie on a table while a machine (like a linear accelerator) delivers high-energy radiation beams to the target area. The machine moves around you, targeting the cancer from different angles. The procedure itself is painless, but you hear buzzing or clicking sounds from the machine. (For those getting treatment on the left, you will have to hold your breath to help ensure safety and radiation to your heart. It is good to start practicing before you start since you will have to hold your breath for longer than you think. The machine will automatically turn off if you cannot hold your breath long enough, to protect your heart. Most people should expect to not get their breaths right on their first day or two, so it's ok.)

For us getting left treatment, this time radiation involves holding my breath to shield my heart from the beams. (Yes, you read that right—taking a deep breath and pretending I'm on a permanent spa retreat while under radiation. The things we do to keep our organs in check!)

I'm basically done with all my medical appointments!

But, it's not over...

Things never can go smoothly... even when I hope they will.

Now, on to the real adventure: my hair. If my life were a movie, this is where the soundtrack would turn somber. I was absolutely exhausted and found clumps of my hair falling out faster than I could count. Lacking the right tools to snip off the remaining strands, my husband and I made a late-night pilgrimage to the nearest Walgreens. With a tight budget in mind, I opted for the cheapest set of electric clippers I could find.

Big mistake. Huge.

Instead of gliding gracefully through my hair, the clippers mangled it into oblivion. Hair got stuck, pain ensued, and I ended up with a rather unique hairstyle that looked more like I wrestled with a lawn mower. Just the look you want when catching a flight from Dallas airport. Needless to say, I attracted quite a few side-eyes from fellow travelers. But at this point in the journey, did I care? Absolutely not.

So here I am, sporting my latest "look," and ready to face whatever comes next. Because if there's one thing I've learned, it's that life is better when you roll with the punches—preferably while holding your breath.

And yes, that is me with my mange cheap clipper cut in the hotel room thinking, this is my life?!?!

Overall, the trip to MD Anderson was a whirlwind from start to finish. Every moment was packed with appointments, consultations, and tests, leaving little time to sit back and process the barrage of information we received. The medical staff was both thorough and compassionate, providing answers to our pressing questions, yet each response seemed to open the door to even more inquiries. 

It felt like we were constantly catching up, trying to grasp the complexities of the situation while being propelled forward by the sheer pace of the experience. In the midst of it all, we clung to the hope that clarity would eventually emerge, even if it seemed elusive in those hectic hours.

I was glad to get home!

There's nothing like - Home, by Phillip Phillips