Bring on the Boost.

Today I finished the main part of radiation. I got through all 25 without missing any, without real terrible skin. It's irritated, but it's not blistered. The last part are these 5 "Boost" treatments directed right at the tumor site. It's sort of hard to believe it's this close to over.

I feel like I should clear something up. I get a lot of comments regarding how well I've done, but you aren't getting full access to the 'behind-the-scenes' moments. Some are funny and some are downright sad. It's been hard; some days more than others. I think, though, when I sit to type here, I feel like I can focus on mostly the good. I can usually see that I am really pretty lucky. Not everyone has the support I have. Not everyone has health insurance. Not everyone gets called "pathologically healthy".

Everything from the practical to the emotional issues seem to keep rolling in like rough surf. Many times I can dodge the impact, some times I get totally wiped out and take those close to me along. We've been tossed around and battered, fatigued, but we have shaken it off each time, somehow, and gone back in. Trying I guess, to finally get one great ride. The one where you feel the power of the ocean, the sun on your skin, taste the salt in the air and water. When you stand and walk out of the surf, take a deep breath, you feel like your lungs may burst. That one. The one where you feel like you were strong enough to be part of the ocean.