It is hard to describe how tiring radiation was. I couldn't have imagined it myself, even though the radiation oncologist and others had warned me. Sixteen treatments, five days a week. Gruelling. I steeled myself but many days were difficult, with low physical and emotional energy. I did manage to ride my bike most days, and was pleased that I got my commuting time down by 5 minutes.
The staff are incredible—kind, caring, professional. For example, the receptionist always noticed me leaving and waved goodbye, even though I was in her peripheral vision and about 10 feet away. I told her how much that meant to me. She said I was sweet and I countered that no, she was sweet. Even the COVID screeners at the door were kind. When I would say I was going for radiation, they would simply ask if anything had changed since yesterday, rather than going through the long list of possible symptoms.
And the radiation technologists - well, they are just lovely. I told them repeatedly how much I appreciated their perfectionism. Every day they would take measurements to ensure that I was positioned in exactly the same way. They appreciated that my deep inspiration breath hold technique was consistent. I expect that consistency is primarily an effect of many years of yoga.
So much to be grateful for. As far as anyone knows, the cancer is gone now. I will continue taking the anti-estrogen drug, Letrosole, and have regular followups with the medical oncologist.
I can't imagine going through all this without the support of family and so many friends. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Claire and I went out for dinner at a Mexican restaurant to mark the end of treatments. It felt very special.
It will take me a while to process it all, but it feels like life is starting to open up again. My plan is return to teaching in the fall, just one course then, and likely two in the winter.
I hope summer brings you fun, relaxation, and whatever you need! May you be happy and healthy.
