Radiation Countdown & Chris with Pink Hair! (Click Here)

My fabulous friend Regina, my chemo date and also a breast cancer survivor!

As most of you know, Chris and I, along with some wonderful friends, are going to do a 5k walk to raise money for the Cancer Center of Santa Barbara on Sunday, October 11th! This is exciting for a few reasons:  (1) Chris and I will be in the same city (I am telling you, remember to appreciate what seem like little things in life,  such as seeing your husband every day!),  (2) We are both fit enough to walk 5k,  (3) We get to help support a Center that does amazing work for the community, and  (4) If I meet my goal of raising $2500, Chris has agreed to wear a pink wig for the walk!  I promise to post pictures of Chris sporting the neon pink wig on my blog!  To help make sure that Chris wears the pink wig (and that we support the Cancer Center!) please click here:  I want to see Chris with pink hair!

I have had my first 4 radiation sessions - so 4 down and 30 to go.   I am including a photo of the type of machine they use so that you have an idea of where I am spending a bit of my time every day! I go to treatments everyday Monday - Friday.  However, the treatments are very fast, taking only about 10 minutes - and part of that time is used to properly position me on the table.  You can't feel a thing, you just hear the machine make some clicking noises.  It is a bit eerie to lay on the table, hear a few noises, have the machine move around a bit and then be told that you are done.  The therapists who do all of the work delivering the treatments have all been wonderful.  I am crossing fingers that this part of my treatment goes as well as the previous bits. 

I have also been going to physical therapy 2-3 times a week to try and get full mobility back in my right arm.  I have made great progress and am doing exercises every day to strengthen and stretch my muscles.  I learned from my physical therapist that when you have surgery it is good to massage the incision site to help prevent scars from staying lumpy.  I am also going to the Cancer Center's Well Fit classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays and doing a lot of (very light!) weights to build more muscle.  The class is small, with about 10 people, all of whom are in treatment or recently finished treatment.  It is a super nice group.  I seem to be getting some form of exercise just about every day...

You are never to old for your first cappuccino!

I was able to fit in a visit after surgery and before radiation started to see family up in Washington State.  I even took my 94 year-old grandma to a cute coffee shop where she tried her first cappuccino!  She said, "now I understand why Jake (my younger brother) likes expensive coffee!"  After I finish my radiation, I will be going to visit my other grandmother who is 96 years-old - and a breast cancer survivor!

My "little" brother Jake with Grandma and me.

My last bit of news, is that on November 27th I will be flying back to the UK (as long as all goes according to plan)!  I am so thankful for all of the good care I have had here in Santa Barbara - from family, friends and medical staff.  However, I am looking forward to returning to my adopted home, reuniting with friends there, and seeing my husband's smiling (albeit sometimes groggy) face every morning - and I am especially excited for the breakfast in bed that I am sure he is planning for me! :)