MY RADIATION DOCTOR DR SOOD SUGGESTED I WRITE A POST ABOUT WHAT IT IS LIKE LIVING ALONE AND DEALING WITH CANCER. SO HERE GOES.
The toughest time was while going through radiation twice a day and sometimes with chemo treatments in the same week. radiation and chemo tire me and nothing else gets done. so my housework and laundry, etc were getting way behind. But the great help of the trail community helped me get caught up. Mostly due to the word being spread by Matthew "Odie" Norman of the Hiker Yearbook, hikers were just stopping in to say Hi and ask if they could do anything. It was amazing.
At first quitting smoking was a big challenge but I was moving along well. I was almost (within a few puffs a day) a quitter. But now I am smoking again. But I won't give up because of the encouraging words from my daughter Tina, my doctors and nurses, friends, and several hikers who have faced the same challenges and given me words of encouragement and tips.
The financial challenges were also high at the beginning because of the increased costs of additional mileage on van, many additional supplements required, additional cost of certain foods I needed to eat, and cost of nicotene gum not covered by insurance until I got financial help from the American Legion Auxiliary National Emergency Fund. And a Big Thank you to those who gave me gifts and sent cards, especially Angela "Phoenix Rising" Coates.
There are some times when I feel very alone and over-whelmed. But at the same time there are also times I am glad for the quiet. I try to understand that everyone has their own lives and they are busy too.
There have been some big disappointments that were due to my lack of energy to not keep an eye on things better and/or take care of something immediately which resulted in my new pool case and two new pool sticks that were a gift along with all the accessories I owned valued in total at about $500 being stolen out of my van either in Duncannon or Damascus. Also stolen off my balcony this week was my DoTerra Essential Oil order valued at $125. SAD!
It means more to me than he may ever understand but I would like to thank Shane "Jester" O'Donnell who made sure I had fun! and was such a big help in the work that needed done before, during and after the Billville magic along with the other Billville members who were here. The other Billville members present were Harold "Over the Edge" Frederick, Erich "Bustace" Shellenberger, my daughter Tina Mumma, Noah "Honey-Do" Osner, Matthew "Odie" Norman and LNTracy newest members, Chris "Colonel" Rodgers who has dual membership with Riff Raff! also the one known as which one doesn't belong in our pictures, newest members also currently hiking south "Cuffs" and "CQ", new member "Toasty Buns" currently hiking North. and Herb "Beekeeper" Brown.
The main reason I believe I stay strong and focused in this challenge is to keep going as normal as possible still doing the things that bring me joy. And following Doctors instructions. Remembering what one of the women told me at Dr Moritz office, "This is not a death sentence, we'll take care of it." is a great help and knowing that the doctors really care about me and are keeping a close eye on me.
People look extremely confused when I tell them I was blessed with cervical cancer. But to me it was a blessing because I accentuate the positive and eliminate the negative. If it weren't for the cervical cancer follow up PT scan I would not know I have lung cancer till probably it was too late because there are no signs or symptoms for lung cancer. Signs and symptoms are very minimal in the very late stages.
And I believe in the power of prayer. So all the friends from near and far please continue your prayers for me and others who face such challenges. And may God bless you and keep you in return.
Love,
Mary "trailangelmary" Parry
I FINISHED RADIATION WHEN I RETURNED FROM TRAIL DAYS. IT INCLUDED THE LAST TREATMENT OF THE GENERALIZED RADIATION ON THE CHEST AND FOLLOWED WITH 6 BOOST TREATMENTS THAT WERE TARGETED DIRECTLY ON THE LUNG TUMOR.
WELCOME TO NEW NURSE. AT THE WOMEN'S CANCER CENTER RADIATION WHO PRESENTED ME WITH THE CERTIFICATE OF ACHIEVEMENT..
PRAYERS FOR INFUSION CENTER AT THE COMMUNITY CAMPUS MEDICAL SCIENCES PAVILION VOLUNTEER URSULA. SHE VOLUNTEERS THERE BECAUSE SHE FEELS SHE CAN GIVE HOPE. SHE ALSO VOLUNTEERS WITH THE "SEWING SISTERS SOWING KINDNESS" http://sewinsisterssowing.blogspot.com/
SINCE 1992 SHE HAS BATTLED BREAST CANCER TWICE, UTERINE CANCER, SKIN
CANCER AND MOST RECENTLY IN 2015 LUNG CANCER. SHE IS SCHEDULED FOR HER
FOLLOW-UP PT SCAN ON AUGUST 1. PRAYERS IT WILL BE CLEAR.
DR SOOD IS TAKING A BREAK AND THEN DECIDING WHAT HE WILL DO NEXT. THANK YOU DR SOOD FOR CARING ABOUT ME AND BEST OF LUCK IN ALL YOUR VENTURES.
THANK YOU AND BEST OF LUCK TO NURSE JULIE WHO HAS MOVED ON TO THE NURSING FIELD SHE HAS BEEN SCHOOLING FROM THE RADIATION DEPARTMENT. SHE WILL BE TRAINING NURSES AT AN EXTENDED CARE FACILITY.
While I was at Trail Days my hair started falling out in clumps and turned totally silver. I panicked for a minute till I told Shane "Jester" O'Donnell I may have to shave my head and would he do it. He replied, "Sure and we could put an AT symbol on the back of your head!" That made me smile and I felt better instantly. Thank You Jester.
Can't apply any color to it as instructed by Dr Veytsman. I have not shaved my head yet and have actually got a lot of comments on my silver hair! Several times since then I have thought of shaving it but others tell me it looks good and it does not look bad like I think it does. Dr Willis said you have to look for it to see the thinning.
In the meantime I have had group conversations with friends here in Duncannon which included me asking their opinion whether I should be a bandana, wig or scarf woman. My friend Tammy May, (who said if I shave my head, she will shave hers), said "None of those - we will rock the bald head!"
My hair thinning continues, and the hair line is receding.
SMOKING - Came home from Trail Days a smoker again. But not giving up on trying to become a non-smoker.
I've been so busy since returning from Trail Days that I have neglected to update my blog. I apologize to those following this blog and interested in following how my health is.
Monday May 9 through Sunday May 15:
Blood tests on Monday May 9 showed blood count doubled. So, I was able to continue radiation. Also received a call that one of the prescribed meds for side effects conflicted with one of my blood thinners for my PAD. The pharmacist caught it. So that was changed to zantac.
On Wednesday I was off to Trail Days until Sunday May 15. Although I would have liked to have done more while there I had a great reunion with as many trail friends as I was able to see. Because of fatique from radiation and the very cold weather locking my arthritic knees I was not able to get out and about as much as I would have liked but had a great time in Billville camp and was able to fulfill my duties as organizer of the ALDHA Hiker Reception. AND despite all the hugs, I didn't get sick!
Here are some pics from the weekend.
