Radiation Oncology Check-up ... Check!

This morning, while waiting to be picked up for a meeting, I was making a really good attempt at writing a creative and interesting blog post about my trip to Kelowna on Tuesday.  Imagine my disappointment this afternoon when I picked up my laptop to continue writing, and NOTHING had saved. UGH!!

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A Second Attempt ...
In my day-to-day life, I am NEVER alone.  I go to workout with a group, I work with students and staff all day, I come home and David's there, I walk with him, or with a friend -- I am NEVER alone! Therefore, on Tuesday, I was looking forward to a relaxing solo trip to Kelowna for a check-up with my radiation oncologist.  My travels were most enjoyable, other than the few annoying drivers who thought the moisture on the roads necessitated a traveling speed of 75 kph (it was +5 degrees Celsius).

I had purposefully left early to check out the January sales and spend a few dollars at my favourite Orchard Park Shopping Centre store -- Tommy Hilfiger. Frustrated after learning TH had closed down in December, I eagerly tried to spend some money in other stores, to no avail.

After arriving early at the Cancer Agency, I was overcome with a weird sense of "deja vu" as I wandered down the hallway, past my radiation room, and eventually settling into one of the many waiting rooms. Six weeks of radiation felt light years in the past, yet many fond memories jumped to the forefront of my mind.

Memories ...

Three pairs of people sat together, rifling through bright green folders labeled "New Patient Information". Sort of eavesdropping,  I overheard their questions, concerns, and curiosities. I didn't want to appear to be a know-it-all, so I kept my "expert" opinion to myself. The beginning of this journey seemed so long ago.

Finally, after a very long wait, it was my turn. Dr. C and I chatted like long-lost friends about Christmas, Mexico, and dying pets. Next, it was on to the medical stuff.  He read every word of all the reports from my numerous chest x-rays, CT scans, and mammogram. Apparently, Dr. C could have saved me (and my family) many days of stress because he said the "hazy" lungs spotted on my CT was scar tissue behind my tissue expander -- a normal and direct result of radiation.  It was comforting to get yet another professional's reassurance that all was normal and well with my many scans. He also assessed my range of motion, strength, and skin condition before giving me a thorough physical exam. Most impressive, according to Dr. C, is the fact that my heart and lungs appear to be in perfect condition -- a rarity after radiation, during which both organs can be quite severely affected.

Even though I learned I have to return one more time, in July, for a final check up (I thought this was my final check-up), I left elated that Dr. C was so impressed with my physical condition. Imagine, he even commented on me having all my hair back, calling me "pretty".

Way to make an old lady's day!!