The machines are getting bigger

It began today, radiation therapy. #1 of 37. Every weekday until July 30th, maybe later if any days are missed. It is going to be a monotonous long summer to say the least. Pam isn't really looking forward to it. Treatments are being done in the hospital, and the hospital is just a little bit more cold, a little too full of people, a little less private. But she has to do it.

This time in between chemo and radiation, prompted Pam to do more research before beginning this new chapter (she has never had radiation before). And when you research cancer, especially recurrent cancer, you find a lot of stuff that just isn't very uplifting. Pam shared with me this passage from breast cancer guru Dr. Susan Love (scroll down to Local Recurrence After Mastectomy). See what I mean? But she will remain upbeat and positive. She will. Her faith is not wavering.

The radiation folks, Bob and his dark haired young friend (whose name I forgot of course) do their best to keep Pam comfy and informed. They know their equipment and procedures well. The plan for Pam is well thought out and meticulously detailed. I was given a total play-by-play of each move they made, and I was even allowed to watch a monitor in the control booth, safe behind an 8 inch thick door that separated Pam from us. The radiation comes from four different angles, three from the sides, glancing blows trying to minimize hitting vital organs like the lungs, heart and esophagus. Then a shot from under the table through her shoulder to hit the lymph node area. Very interesting. Too bad it is Pam who is the subject of this all.

There will be more to come. Thanks for the prayers.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jer. 29:11