Today I had my 10th radiation treatment. I am scheduled to have a total of 32 so I am almost a third of the way through radiation therapy. After the first couple of days of measuring, X-raying, lining everything up perfectly (lots of math in this field), which took about an hour each time, it really does take only a scant 15 minutes for the three “shots” of radiation I get every day (5 days of the week). Usually when they run the radiation (three sets varying from 30 to 70 seconds each) I am asking God to make sure it kills only the cancer cells, that no other tissue is damaged, that they get me lined up perfectly, that God be merciful to me, etc.

So far I have experienced no side effects such as skin turning red, or extra tiredness, though I understand the effects are cumulative, building up over the weeks. But we are praying for minimal side effects. So we praise God for the way things are going and give Him the glory.

There is another concern though and today I went to my family doctor and he did an EKG (which was normal) and fitted me with a heart monitor for 24 hours. I have had some irregular heartbeats which cause me concern because some are more intense than I’ve ever had. I’ve had occasional incidents of irregular heartbeat for 30 years. Doctors have told me it is nothing to worry about. I had a clean bill of heart health in the work up here at Loma Linda University Medical Center before my surgeries almost a year ago. However, one of the chemo drugs I took last summer and the Herceptin I am currently receiving can cause heart damage so being aware of that, I am being cautious.

I should get the results of this 24 hour test in a couple of days. We are praying everything will be fine and this too will pass with no ill effects. We appreciate your prayers for me. I will let you know the test results.

Other than that I am doing well. I have still been able to go for my walks each day. I do tire easily yet am able to rest when needed. Since the middle of November I have not yet had to take another Mestinon for MG weakness. We continue to “sing His praises” for this and keep praying for His complete healing.

God is so good. Our hope is in Him every day. Completely.

Jacque