I'm a mom too!

Teachers, I took 10 weeks off from my job for surgery and radiation.  If anyone would ask me advice I would say if you can’t easily leave your job, don’t even go in. Not working was be\st for the kids (stability) , best for the sub (stability), and best for me.  Surgery and treatment went really smoothly, and the whole time I stressed about not being at school. I felt good enough to be there, however every time I considered it I got really anxious. I had weekly appointments. I didn’t always know what was going on either.  Add Covid precautions, remote teaching while teaching in person, and Covid stress and the answer was clear. It baffled me though that many people not affiliated with schools did not understand why I wasn’t working.  Going back to work is going surprisingly well and I’m really glad I took that time. I would do it again in a heartbeat.

That was the phone call I got at noon today, and my response was...OOOKKKAAAYYY? And the resident that called me laughed. He asked, "Are you OK with that?"  OF COURSE I'M OK WITH THAT!  The short story is that they are happy with the 16 treatments that I've had and they think it is enough.  The long story is my case is unique. It was a large area of contained cancer. They did 3 weeks of whole breast radiation. The next 5 treatments were supposed to be a targeted boost of higher radiation to just the cancer cavity which is large. Upon making my plan they discovered it is too large to do without risks. Basically the risks outweigh the benefit. They are more comfortable leaving me be than going forward with the boost which I most likely do not need. Sooooo...... YIIPPPPEEEEEEEEEE!  I feel great and tomorrow I'm going back to work. You can now pray that I remember how to teach. :) What a roller coaster the last 14 weeks have been.  Ready or not here I come 2nd grade! 

Today was CT simulation for more targeted radiation next week. The surgical area did shrink making this easier. Skin still looks good. I added a picture of the prescription I’m using on my skin for my memory. 

It’s still going good. No reaction yet! 😁 

Just finished radiation treatment #8. It’s still going well. Drinking a lot of water. 💕  

Radiation is still going well. It takes 1.5 hrs. to go, do, and get back home. Time in the machine is about 10 min. I'll take it! The drive isn't bothering me yet. Skies were blue, the trees are beautiful right now. Thank God it isn't January.  Today is the first day of Breast Cancer Awareness. I am thankful for any and all donations people have given in the past to breast cancer research. It is because of research that I have no evidence of cancer currently. I have given my story to a friend to help raise more money for breast cancer. Here is the link to that  https://charity.gofundme.com/o/en/campaign/survivher-amanda  .