The first week of Radiation treatment

Today I'm thinking about...
How difficult the week must have been for my wife
My kids mental strength and understanding of what's happening to their Mommy
Having to work out the next four weeks of the radiation schedule
How very privileged that I am

Lulu and I returned today from the first week of radiation therapy in San Francisco. Surprisingly, the week went better then I ever expected; however, it wasn't easy. I do think the fact that I was really busy at the office Monday through Wednesday helped to make the week fly by, and by the time that I got down to SF I was ready to be there for Lulu. I arrived at the UCSF cancer clinic on Thursday about 12:30 PM, and I found Lulu talking to our "cancer friend" Kate. Wow, I had been wondering how she had been doing in her battle with this sinister breast cancer? Kate was back. How many times can you have these freak meetings and still call it coincidence? I tried not to interrupt their intensely personal conversation, as I said my hellos as we all exchanged hugs. Lulu and Kate were sharing their individual battles with the likes of chemotherapy treatments, surgery recoveries, and the 5 week long expectations of the radiation treatments. I felt a little awkward sitting near the two, hearing them tell their side of the battle, it was almost as if they could have been close sisters sharing their difficulties with dating or relationships with boyfriends. However, I had to remind myself that they were sharing much more than that; they were bonding on a level that only someone that has battle this type of cancer can relate too. I realized that I have never really heard or seen my wife discussing her illness with others that share in this same affliction? The gravity of Lulu's circumstances hit me as I listened to them for that 20 minutes. I could see that this was so very important to Lulu and her recovery, and I made a mental note to bring up the fact that she should attend as many support groups as possible during the next four weeks of radiation treatment.

After a 20 minute conference call with all three doctors and one of our office's consultants (we discussed to future of the practice and how the plans for DFKs effects each of us), Lulu and I rode the elevators down to the basement of the clinic were the cancer radiation department is located. I got to see the whole treatment facility and observe the flow of treatment that occurs there (though they didn't allow me to see Lulu get her radiation treatment for the day). I was impressed with the organization and efficiency of the process, and in no more then 15 minutes Lulu was finished. I was astonished by how quickly the whole process was over, and Lulu was excited to get out of there and walk me back to the apartment that she had be staying at for the week. I was probably most proud of the fact not only did Lulu walk to and from the apartment to UCSF clinic, she was changing her diet (as I was informed that we were going to eat at a Herbivore restaurant for lunch). The walk turne out to be quite refreshing and I enjoyed the time together with my wife; talking about her week, and me talking mostly about the kids. I could tell from the energy in Lulu's voice that she really was happy that she (we) chose for her to have this treatment here in SF. We arrived to Lulu's modest shelter for the week (a basement apartment that was slightly dark and cold, but well appointed and nicely decorated). I was worn out from the drive down from Reno, and after discussing plans to spend time later going to dinner and a movie in the city, I napped a short time.

The next morning Lulu and I rose early to pack up her belongings and travel to the UCSF clinic for Friday's radiation treatment, before heading on home to Reno for the weekend. Lulu strode into the radiation room like a seasoned veteran and I went to the reception area to wait. This morning's treatment seemed even quicker then yesterday's? But I was thankful that she had completed the first full week of treatment. This means that she is one week closer to finishing the third leg of this cancer fight. The ride home was very enjoyable, and I was happy to share my wonderful wife with no one else but me. After three days away from each other it felt like I had not been with her for weeks. I really wanted to savior every minute that we have together.

Side note: For all that have been so involved with helping our family with everything from dinners to financial support, Lulu and I want to say that we are so very grateful. We haven't been very good at accepting friends and families generosity during this trying times, but we're working on being more open to the idea of allowing people that love us to help us during this time. Lulu wanted me to tell everyone how very blessed she feels having the prayers and love bestowed upon her. Each and everyone of you is seen by us as the network of strength propping our family up to face these difficult times.