Radiation side effects are beginning to make themselves felt: the sensation of something lodged in her throat cost Val some breakfast today and caused discomfort all day, and she is beginning to feel the predicted fatigue (on top of her current fatigue levels). But she was able to numb her throat enough with the oncology mouthwash to eat some bona fide meals today, with actual food components such as lasagna (thanks Suzanne!) and salad. She’s coughing so much less than in most of December and she’s breathing with less difficulty.
Tonight she and Trina and I drove up Mount Tabor in the dark. We got out at the gate below the summit, saddled up the birthday terrier*, and then did something neither of us could have done last month: slowly, steadily we climbed three flights of stairs up the side of the hill, continued up a steep dirt path, and brought our tired and tenacious bodies, quietly amazed, to the top.
* Tuley turned six today. She is finally old enough for her learner’s permit and a European Grand Tour.
YAY! Love to hear a little good news from ya’ll… and I had no idea that Tuley and Shannon have the same birthday! We are celebrating and sending hugs, love and as Dr. Who would say, “air from our lungs.”
xoxoxoxoxo
SUCH good news!
Awesome!