9/23 Only three more days of radiation on my eye. My face is getting redder and redder and I'm trying not to think about it too much. I feel like I'm back to where I was after eye surgery. But I'm not uncomfortable and I haven't lost my eyelashes yet, and no sign of bluriness yet - so it certainly could be worse. After enlisting the help of Dr. Melian, I am going to have a follow-up appointment with Dr. Camacho, the endochrinologist, on Thursday. We'll see what'up with my thyroid. My last radiation treatment to my back will be next Thursday, the day the boys get home from their golf trip to Ireland. We'll have much to celebrate. Between now and then, I am being spoiled and wined and dined by various friends, and Claire arrives Saturday to play with me until she leaves for Virginia to be in her friend, Jane's (Smithie), wedding. And Buckley, Dylan's dog, is here to keep me company, as well. He's such a love. Susan flew all the way here for 10 days and we had a wonderful time, and I'm hopeful that by seeing me and visiting Loyola everyday she feels more comfortable with my condition. Dad has settled in after his long trip to Laos and seems to be happy to be home, but had a wonderful adventure with Susan and John. So that's about it for now. I thank you again for all of your calls and cards and visits and messages of good cheer. I truly feel like this is a team effort. You guys have been fantastic! xoxo

9/19 Dr. Melian told me that the pain I had experienced in my eye and in my back on the first days of radiation was due to inflamation and pressure on the tumors. The GOOD news is that the pain has gone away (in each case on the 3rd day) because the tumors are shrinking and therefore are not touched by the inflamation. My friend Mary Bendle was my driver today and SHE had the very good fortune to meet Dr. Ahmad as we arrived for radiation. He was hustling down the hall. He thought my eye looked really great and said maybe I wouldn't have a cataract afterall (we'll see!) of course it was great to see him and Mary said she understood why I am so fond of him. I delivered chocolate chip cookies to my nurse and to Dr. Melian. I found out today that it normally takes up to a year to get an appointment with Dr. Melian. I feel like Dorothy who has landed in OZ!

9/16 Well, today was my second day of radiation to my back. The setup takes a few minutes, as the machine rotates and shoots the radiation through my back while I just lay flat on the table (after my eye is radiated). It's all so fascinating! The beam lasts about 30 seconds on my back, twice as long as my eye. Just as with the first round on my eye, I'm experiencing a strong ache in my lower spine, but Advil seems to take care of it. Beginning yesterday, though, I am feeling the effects that were described to me. I am feeling really tired, and the area of my face that is exposed is becoming red. I can't say I don't feel well - I just am without energy, which is a new sensation for me, because I'm always full of energy. Susan has been driving with me since she arrived, and we try to make stops before or after. Then I come home and sleep for a little while. I can tell that I will have to curtail some activities over the last weeks of treatment. Nurse Alison tells me "Listen to your body." So that's the latest. I meet with Dr. Melian every Friday in case I have any questions. If I've calculated correctly, I'll have my last treatment on October 2. I thought I'd jump back into things the following week, but now I'm beginning to doubt that. I may need a week to lay low. We'll see. In the meantime, I am just fine - just not much fun! xoxo   8:40:08 PM