Radiation Wednesday #6

Breaking with tradition, I do not have any pics of Ansel from today--can you see the paw marks in this photo? They were much more obvious in the larger photo. Ansel was such a pain in the rear today, whining almost non-stop the minute I made him come inside, until I had had enough and sent him to his basket. It is really beautiful outside--almost all of yesterday's snow has melted. When Everett and I came home from the hospital, Ansel's first move when I let him out was to find the soggiest mud available, and begin his excavation to China. Less than pleased, I refused to let him outside again, though I did take him on a lengthy walk. He is so high maintenance.

On to more enjoyable topics...Everett has really great news! There are no tumor measurements in her release paperwork today, because there was no discernible tumor to measure!! The spot on her jaw where the tumor was growing is still obvious, but the hope is that today's radiation and the cumulative effects over the last 6 weeks has done its job and the tumor is gone. The spot has healing to do; she is drooling blood as per usual after treatment. But when the healing is complete, the location of the tumor should not look any different than the rest of her jawline. Today was also her last melanoma vaccination shot.

I learned today that the hospital has also been radiating the lymph nodes in Everett's neck, every week! I had no idea! This information may well explain her retching and repeated swallowing with head bob, and perhaps even the occasional puking, as her throat area may well be tender or sore from the treatment.

She is still moving in very stiff, slow fashion, but I am so hopeful she has a speedy recovery to her elegant motion, now that we know she's made it through treatment. You did it, Everett!! The next few weeks will be crucial in her recovery, but we are really at the best possible juncture--even better than I dared to hope. She'll go in for regular check ups and if the tumor becomes visible again we'll need to take immediate action.

I plan to do some homework tonight, to tally the tumor measurements over time as well as the expense of all of her treatment, including surgery, in 2008. Look for those numbers tomorrow.