A puppy arrived on our doorstep this morning! Kevin's been a little slow about getting a dog so Bonnie took matters into her own hand. As you can see, the little fella is already on the furniture. You should see him in action. He sings! VERY funny!!
Radiation Treatment Status: 29 done. Just 1 LEFT next Tuesday!!
Today was the first day I wasn't able to quite get my left arm in position over my head. The radiation therapists were great, though, and rigged something to support my arm a little closer to my body while still allowing them to position me for the radiation.
I then saw a radiation oncologist who I really liked. She was very personable and provided a lot of helpful information. She explained a few things and reminded me that the radiation effects will peak about a week after radiation is finished. After that, a little way into January, I should start seeing improvements. She gave me some strict instructions such as NO SOAP FOR A MONTH! Not on my radiated skin anyway. Don't get freaked out, though, because my sweat glands there are totally fried so I don't sweat. Not even when I have a hot flash. When I saw the doctor, I was wearing one of those baggy cotton things that tie in the back. She told me that I must wear one of those for the next month or, better, just hang out naked so that nothing is touching the radiated skin except good, old air. Now that won't be happening, I can assure you. I think Luke would be a little freaked out and, besides, I don't have drapes on all my windows. Still, I get the point and it's a reminder of what I have to do. I also have a prescription for a stronger hydrocortisone cream just in case I need it over Christmas.
After we were done in the radiation department, at Berny's suggestion, we stopped at the Champion Centre Pharmacy and just inquired about the Arimidex. Thanks, Berny, for the suggestion. It was a good one. I asked them when I might feel improvements after stopping the Arimidex and while I didn't actually get an answer, we had a very good talk with a pharmacist who was very familiar with this side effect and who pulled my file to put on someone's desk. That and talking to someone who has seen this side effect frequently was very comforting. Not a bad way to move into the Christmas break from cancer.
So now we're home getting the house tidied. I'm sorry to have missed Lou, who stopped by while I was at my treatment. Maybe we'll get a chance to drive out to see her beautiful lights and for a short visit during the holidays.
A Puppy For Christmas!
... from Lori! Thanks so much, Lori! How cheerful and full of promise! 
It seems necessary to not just talk about "the bell" in the radiation department without mentioning the name of the person it honours. I wish I knew her story and I hope she beat cancer. The plaque reads ...
Done! The very last radiation treatment!! Now I can get on with life.
Tomorrow will be my new "birth day" because after today I can put cancer treatments behind me. Today, at 1:30, I have my LAST radiation treatment. The very last one. I'm so excited to be done with surgery ... done with chemo ... done with radiation. Aside from a little tweaking with estrogen blocking drugs, I'm DONE with cancer treatments. 
Last night Kevin's sister's family, Uncle Kaschl and us had Christmas dinner at Don and Sylvia's. A super delicious turkey dinner with all the fixin's and then some! I had 4 glasses of wine! How did that happen? I think I was just so excited about today's LAST radiation treatment, I was partying already! Needless to say, I was toast when I got home. I'm good to go this morning, though ... if only my limbs would cooperate.
Yesterday was mostly a wigless regroup day for me. For Kevin it was "game day with the guys ... and Chantelle". Hannah was out most of the day. She and Leah spent some time at Leah's working on the essays they have to finish before January 1. Luke was out with pals keeping their lacrosse sticks warm, working out, shopping and then went to a movie. That left me at home alone most of the day, which was just what I needed after such a social last few days. I was in my pajamas almost all day! And no wig. Bonus. I think the wig wears my tender newly sprouted hairs off at the pressure points so I try to avoid wearing it as often as I'm comfortable, which means when not in social situations. 
This is Hannah and Tarah. They've been friends since they were 4 years old. Tarah was here last night for a while. 
It was such a nice Christmas yesterday! We opened presents in the morning at home with Don and Syl and then got over to Jim and Lynne's at about lunch time with the whole Kerr family. Only Josh was missing. Both game and dining tables stayed busy pretty much all day! We had a fabulous turkey dinner! The whole day was great!
A puppy arrived on our doorstep this morning! Kevin's been a little slow about getting a dog so Bonnie took matters into her own hand. As you can see, the little fella is already on the furniture. You should see him in action. He sings! VERY funny!!
Here is last night's early evening crew downing tequila shots. We've been waiting for a time when Arden was with us to enjoy the tequila he so kindly brought back for us when he was in Mexico. Last night was the night. Of course, I wanted a photo of everyone together before they started downing their shots but I made the mistake of saying "okay" when I was ready to take the picture, which they took as the go-ahead to start shooting their shots! I love seeing Hannah's and Luke's friends! Love it! Love it! Love it!
Here she is! Right here in our kitchen with her friend, Cody! More friends should be dropping by shortly. 
Today Hannah gets home! She already texted Kev to say her flight is 20 minutes delayed. That's not as bad as I was thinking it might be. Still, the day isn't done and I won't be relaxed until she's here.
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