July 30, 2006

Todd and I are on our way home from the EAA Air Show in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.  As usual, we occupied a motor home on the airshow site with our dearest friends, Peter and Shellie.  We had a great time and a good rest for a few days.  I took a ride in a Bell 47 helicopter (think M*A*S*H) and loved it.  I've wanted to learn to fly a helicopter for a long time and the ride renewed my interest.  I'm now more determined than ever to get my FAA medical certificate back again.  Then, all I have to do is figure out how to pay for lessons.  One obstacle at a time...

When we get home, I will have only 10 radiation treatments left.  The treatments themselves are uneventful.  They are like getting an X-ray - no big deal.  I am starting to have a little trouble with heartburn, but I've had worse.  My skin definitely feels burnt, but the cream the doctor gave me quiets that.

As I expected, the worst part is the substantial time investment.  I've got a routine going, so it doesn't disrupt my day too badly.  All in all, not a bad experience.

Starting in late August, I will be trying an every three week schedule for my Herceptin treatments.  Herceptin has such a long half-life (stays in my system for a long time) that they can triple the dose and give it to me one-third as often.  The only potential problem is that I might have a reaction to that much medication at one time.  I've been tolerating the weekly doses well, so the doctor expects that I'll be able to tolerate the change in dosage/schedule.  It will be very nice to make less frequent trips to the hospital.

I was able to give up wearing the wig a few weeks ago when the weather started to get really warm.  My hair is about an inch long now and it is very low maintenance.  I would love to keep it really short, but Todd would prefer I grow it long, so I will.  In the meantime, I'm glad it won't be long for a while.