Permission to...

After doing some blog surfing I always get inspired.  Inspired to create something, or inspired to write something or inspired to better myself somehow.  Amazing how a blog can do that.  Today, I was inspired to give myself permission to do something.  Permission to do eleven things to be exact.  Eleven things in 2011.  (Get it???)  The only problem?  I don't know what those 11 thing are yet.  I've started a short list (on the piece of paper in front of me, which I know, does you no good)... but it's a work in progress.  I'm thinking that since it's February and there are 11 months (including this one) left in the year, I'll add one per month???  We'll see how that goes.  I think I'll add it on the sidebar, or maybe on the bottom of this blog. 

What do you need to give yourself permission to do?  Leave me a comment.  Inspire me...

Out East

Most of you know by now that I took a very spur of the moment trip out East a few weeks ago.  But, I wanted to share more about my trip... and how it came to be.

My good friend EJ moved to Vermont back in the summer of '09 (or was it '08)????, anyway, it's been a while.  I've wanted to go visit her for about that long as well, but the price of a plane ticket just didn't fit into my budget.  And, I felt guilty taking a trip without my family, or at least my husband.  So, I kept talking about it, but never went.  Since EJ has moved she has had two babies (to go along with her other two boys).  Each time she has a baby my desire to get out there and see her is even greater.  When EJ had her first son I spent a LOT of time with him (and her), and then I had Landon 18 months later.  When EJ had her second son I had a baby (Bailey) 13 days later.  Our kids were close.  We were close.  We had gone through a lot together.  When EJ had her third son I couldn't be any closer than a phone call.  It sucked.  And then, only 18ish months later she had her fourth son (yup, four boys... bless her heart) and I still couldn't be there.  It sucked again.  EJ has been home two times since moving east, but it's never for long enough. 

Anyway, around November my friend Anna and I had discussed flying, saving money, getting tickets etc.  It WAS going to happen, we were determined.  Then came the text message. 

"Hey, have you talked to our friend out east lately?" she asked. 

"What are you doing this weekend?" I asked.

Fast forward a few hours.  I call EJ...

"Hey, what are you doing this weekend?" I asked.

"No WAY!  Are you coming?" She said.

And two days later we were headed out at 4:30 in the morning.  We traveled across Michigan, across the border, to Canada, through Canada, through upstate New York (definintely not to be confused with New York city... there is NO confusion, let's just say that we passed through Carp capitol USA (don't blink or you will miss it) and an indian reservation where apparently everyone smokes.  A lot. I would say that tobacco shops outnumbered the houses.  A lot. Oh and somewhere in their there was a Bingo hall, just in case you need to stop if your ever in the area... fishing for carp or something).

We got stuck behind a school bus that stopped at approximately EVERY house on the main road through "town", which just gave us a chance to really appreciate the landscape.  Really really appreciate it!  Then we hit Vermont.  A few hours into Vermont we finally arrived at EJ's house.  Around 5:30pm.  Pretty good time, we thought!

 It was so good to see her.  So good to see where she lives.  So good to meet Julian and to see Rowan, Austin and Denver again.  We visited, ate dinner, visited some more and then Anna and I crashed.  
 

Friday EJ had to work so Anna and I headed out to Church street.  We had directions to Pine street as well, but we never made it there.  We shopped for a while and then we headed to a main attraction.  Think "Everything but the...", "Chubby Hubby", "Half Baked", "Fossil Fuel", and "Mission to Marzipan".  Did you figure it out?  No?  We headed to Ben & Jerry's for a factory tour. 

Friday night we headed out to dinner, just the three of us.  We sampled some fine Vermont cheeses, the girls sampled some beer, I enjoyed the water... and most importantly we enjoyed visiting and catching up!  Good times!  (End of first day)

Saturday we were able to go watch Denver play basketball and score a basket!  Good stuff!  We did lunch together and then us girls and baby Julian went shopping for a while!  We picked up Thai food at night and played some Bananagrams!  (End of last day)

Sunday morning we were up bright an early again (ok, so it really wasn't bright, but it sure was EARLY).  We headed back out at 5:30am.  At one point, the GPS got confused and tried to tell us that this would be a good route to take back home.  We disagreed. 





After following a few snowplows on the highway in Canada (for about an hour... at 35 mph) we were ready to start moving.  We made it home by about 6:30.  It was a short trip, but it was a good trip as well, good to spend time with friends, good to laugh, good to shop, good to get away!  So glad to have been able to do it and so ready to go again!

Singing Valentine

The Cityside Middle School Choirs (Landon is in the choir) have again decided to share their love with the Zeeland Community this Valentine's day.  All proceeds will be given directly to Zeeland's City on a Hill.  If you would like to send a "Singing Valentine" to a friend or loved one and support this great local cause, please  visit the choir's website here before February 9, 2011.  All calls will be made on February 14, 2011. 

There are 9 different songs to choose from and each call is only $1.00.  Seriously, what a sweet valentine and for only ONE dollar.  Can't buy flowers or even a card for that!

drains, doctors and dilauded

In lot's of ways this week has flown right by.  In many other ways, WOW, it's been a long week!  With surgery, anesthesia and pain pills everything that has happened from Monday on has been a blur.  If I've talked to you please know that I didn't mean to forget everything you and I said, I just did.  I had this after my previous surgery though as well, and kind of expected it.  Still stinks though.  The first few days home were horribly painful.  Yesterday I had the desire to get out of the house to go check out a sale rack at a store downtown Zeeland (important stuff, I know)!  I barely made it back home before throwing up.  Not sure what all that was about. So, then I went back to bed (on the couch). 

Last night I started taking one pain pill instead of two and feeling a bit more with it because of that.  This morning I actually felt pretty good.  I stayed on the couch until 10ish though, there is nothing I can do when I get up anyway.  I went to the doctor hoping to get the two drains out.  Actually, I was more than hoping.  I was planning on it.  Dumb.  Don't ever plan on anything.  I left that visit with two drains, same as when I went in.  The drains go right into my skin (or something) and suck the blood/fluid out so that it doesn't accumulate under the skin causing swelling and pain (that's my definition at least, not saying it's 100% accurate or anything).  The problem with carrying these drains around with me, aside from the fact that they are big and gross, is that my showers are limited to sponge baths right now.  I feel gross.  I've washed up a lot, I know that I'm clean, but there is something about the water running over your body that makes you feel cleaner.  (I promise, don't feel like you have to try that one out on your own). 

I made it through my appointment and my first haircut... and then quickly went home, took two pain pills and passed out on the couch.  I haven't moved yet.  My husband deserves a very big award for all he has done and is doing for me.  He is the best.  He doesn't complain, just does what needs to be done, expecting little to nothing from me.  I know that I'm lucky!

Long term my biggest issue is going to be not lifting Lila.  I've already forgotten a few times and attempted to grab her but was quickly reminded (and then consistently reminded for hours afterward) that she is above the recommended lifting limit.  We've got it figured out that she can climb on my lap and snuggle, but even then she somehow knows where to hit me, kick me or push on me to cause the most pain.  Oh well, this is it.  This is the end.  Wow!  The end, didn't know that I would ever be able to say that!  :)

Surgery Update

Just a quick update... many of you may already know from facebook.  I definitely didn't anticipate feeling this awful after surgery.  In fact, I anticipated being great by now, able to get out and about etc.  I knew that I wouldnt' be able to lift Lila, but didn't think I would still be stuck on the couch popping pain pills every four hours.  Due to the pain pills I can't keep my eyes open either.  Blah!

I ended up with two drains in again (same as when I had the original surgery).  The drains mean that I can't shower until they come out (hopefully on Friday).  I'm feeling rather gross right now, but have been able to wash up a few times and Matt helped me wash my hair this morning (luckily it's pretty easy these days). 

Prayers for quick healing and pain relief are much appreciated!
Thanks
Lynette

Short and Sweet

Tomorrow is the big day!  The expanders that I've had in since my mastectomy get to come out and the new, saline implants go in! 

Currently sugery is scheduled for 9:30am, it's an outpatient surgery so I should be home in the afternoon.  Surgery could take 1-3 hours.  Prayers are welcome and appreciated!

Simple

Did you make a New Years resolution?  How is that going for you?  Are you out to loose weight?  Get more organized?  Spend more time with God?  Spend less $?  Be on time?  Slow down?  All of the above?

I don't typically make resolutions.  I've learned in the past years that I can't keep them.  Ideally I would love to do all of the above.  And, ideally I will strive to do those things every day, resolution or not.  This year though, I decided to work on a word.  If you don't know about this fad, it's something I've seen on blogs and other sites, to pick a word of the year and make that your focus or resolution for the year.  My word is going to be Simple.  I went back and forth between a few words before settling on simple.

I need to keep things simple.  As shown below there are a LOT of ways to describe this word. 

When planning an activity with the kids or family, a lot of times I will get so involved in working out details that I miss the whole point of the moment.  Or I get crabby when it doesn't go according to my plans.  Life would be so much easier if I just kept things SIMPLE. 

When at the store I see some toy on sale that I'm sure the kids would love and so I get it for them.  When in reality, they would be happy if I SIMPLY got them chapstick.  (or better yet pulled one out of the drawer). 

You will hopefully be seeing more posts on this topic in the coming months and with any luck I will learn to be more simple (and no I don't mean unlearned)!  ;)

sim·ple   /ˈsɪmpəl/
[sim-puhl]

adjective, -pler, -plest, noun
–adjective
1. easy to understand, deal with, use, etc.: a simple matter; simple tools.
2. not elaborate or artificial; plain: a simple style.
3. not ornate or luxurious; unadorned: a simple gown.
4. unaffected; unassuming; modest: a simple manner.
5. not complicated: a simple design.
6. not complex or compound; single.
7. occurring or considered alone; mere; bare: the simple truth; a simple fact.
8. free of deceit or guile; sincere; unconditional: a frank, simple answer.
9. common or ordinary: a simple soldier.
10. not grand or sophisticated; unpretentious: a simple way of life.
11. humble or lowly: simple folk.
12. inconsequential or rudimentary.
13. unlearned; ignorant.
14. lacking mental acuteness or sense: a simple way of thinking.
15. unsophisticated; naive; credulous.
16. simpleminded.
17. Chemistry .
a. composed of only one substance or element: a simple substance.
b. not mixed.
18. Botany . not divided into parts: a simple leaf; a simple stem.
19. Zoology . not compound: a simple ascidian.
20. Music . uncompounded or without overtones; single: simple tone.
21. Grammar . having only the head without modifying elements included: The simple subject of “The dappled pony gazed over the fence” is “pony.” Compare complete ( def. 5 ) .
22. (of a verb tense) consisting of a main verb with no auxiliaries, as takes (simple present) or stood (simple past) ( opposed to compound).
23. Mathematics . linear ( def. 7 ) .
24. Optics . (of a lens) having two optical surfaces only.

Links I love... and projects I've made!

So, my posts have been sporadic at best.  I get that.  We've been busy.  But, I'm back!  I got up this morning and actually got excited that I may be able to do a blog post.  One that wasn't just words.  One that might include some pictures and links!

First... some of the projects I did this winter (Christmas presents mostly)...
My friend Kim taught me how to follow this pattern and sew this purse!  This one was for Bailey.  I made one for myself too (ultimately I'm not happy with how long the strap was though, but I made another one too, it's gray with black dots and ruffly)!

 I made these pillows (which I'm noticing now you can't see all that well).  The one that says "Bailey" was for Bailey (surprise) and the "peace" one was for my sister Angela for her birthday.  They both have some old chenille fabric on the front (w/ dots, something I got off ebay YEARS ago and finally was able to use) and a printed fabric on the back, the word is appliqued on.  The first one took me forever, the second one wasn't that bad (cutting out the fabric letters is actually probably the worst part of the whole process).  (There was no pattern for these, I bought a pillow from JoAnn's (on sale) and did the rest on my own)

There is also a brown and gold blanket there that was for Landon.  The brown is what the kids called a "squirrel fur".  Just a very soft material, but a nightmare to sew with.  There was brown fuzz EVERYWHERE.  Even sticking to the walls!  I made two other similar blankets as well, with minky fabric instead of the squirrel fur, but didn't take pictures of those.  They are nice, warm blankets though!

 And this is the advent "calendar".  Just a bunch of felt stockings that I sewed one afternoon with lot's of ric rac on them.  I love ric rac.  So fun!  Ultimately this will not be something we use long term, but it did what it was supposed to do.  The kids enjoyed looking in each day and finding what the surprise was and what story in the bible went along with it!  I always have good intentions on December 1, but by December 20 we are a few days behind and it get's overwhelming!  Each year I say we will do better! 

So, those are a few things I've made.  I haven't made anything in a long time now though, I'm sure I'll get the itch again soon and start back up!


And, on to the links!  Here are a few things I want to do when I do get that itch.  (some of them are just dreams, but cute ones!)

How About Orange is one of my favorite blogs to follow.  I've been following for a long time.  So much cute (orange) and modern stuff!
These flowers are fun...

These fabric wall decals:

These ornaments are fun... I know, wrong season, but I'm just catching up on a lot of my blog feeds:

I just (literally JUST) discovered this blog: kojodesigns
and look at these pillows:  I haven't had much time to surf around the whole site, but you can bet I'll be back!

And, there's the Tater Tots and Jello site that is always good for some fun ideas:
Here's a wooden name sign  (love the book one underneath as well) (actually made by the kojodesigns friends):

So much fun stuff, now to only find the time and the ambition!  Let me know if you find something you like or even better link me up if you try any of these!

The tree that DIDN'T fall down

I am the type of person that is easily consumed by fear.  Ever since I can remember I've been scared that my house will catch on fire (resulting in my death, of course).  Or a tree will blow over (in a gentle breeze or a wicked thunderstorm) and come crashing down on my house, smashing all occupants (I've even been known to make my whole family sleep downstairs if there is a threat of storms at night). 

These are "what if's".  I have no logical reason to fear these things.  I know they are silly.  These are things that Satan put in my head to turn me away from God. 

When I was little and started to get consumed by these things I couldn't stop myself.  I would end up sobbing and shaking (no dad, it was not my attempt at stalling bedtime), it was very very real. 

As I've gotten older I've found a real cure for this fear.  Something that really does calm me down.  Completely. 

Faith.

Knowing that God will protect me and that whatever happens is up to Him, puts me at ease (and to sleep).  And really, the worst that could happen is also the best that could happen. 

Looking over my BSF notes from this year I've noticed that God is teaching me more about this. 
Some notes I've jotted down regarding fear and faith:

• Fear grows when we see circumstances from a human perspective, Faith grows when we see circumstances from a God perspective.
• Some wise man once said (sorry, I don't know who this wise man or woman was): I am a man of many trials/troubles, most of which never happened.
• If we look at things from God's perspective they aren't as big or awful as they seem. 
• Faith looks to God to save instead of human effort.  Where am I relying on someone else or something to save me?
• Fear of God is living by letting God be God.
• Resolving to trust God over and over again builds a life of faith. 
• We choose what we fix our minds on, God or our circumstances.
• Satan makes us think of the things that could happen but rarely do.  God wants us to stay in today.
• We can't control the oppositions/fears that face us, but we choose how to react.  Trust or give in?
• Behind a life of great faith is a life of faithful prayer. 

There is so much more that God is teaching me as well, but that is for another day.

I will add that I've been doing BSF for many years.  It takes both time and commitment.  Some lessons are really hard.  Some are very convicting.  But I love it.  If your looking for a great study, you should check it out, there are men's classes, women's classes, day classes and night classes, and classes for the kids (during the mens or womens study. (or email me and I can give you more information.  bell(dot)lynette(at)gmail(dot)com )

What we need?

Amazing how when I start doing my bible study in the morning I don't always know what I need for the day and just start reading, sometimes out of many books, sometimes BSF lessons, sometimes straight from the bible.  God always seems to know what I need though and directs me to it.  It doesn't always happen instantly.  Sometimes I will page around in a book for a while before I settle on a passage or story to read, but when I do settle on something, it's usually something I need, whether I knew it or not!

This was from Moments of Peace for a Womans Heart.
There are no limitations on  your relationship with God.  Your earthly social, & cultural standing are of no importance to him.  Your gender, age, and your parentage ore of no consequence to the ruler of heaven and earth.  He accepts you fully and completely as you are.  You can count on that.
Galations 3:28 (msg) In Christ's family there can be no division into Jew and non-Jew, slave and free, male and female. Among us you are all equal. That is, we are all in a common relationship with Jesus Christ.

Happy Wednesday!

Our family Christmas Card...

First of all I need to apologize.  This is the closest anyone is getting to a Christmas card from us this year.  I have a picture, but don't have time.  At first I was making myself feel really bad about it, but then I started talking to many others that were not doing them either this year.  I feel bad because I do love to receive cards, so I promise that next year I will be more on top of things.  And who knows, there may even be a new year card or valentines card in the works.  (or maybe even an easter card...).

This past year has been a whirlwind. 

Lynette: I have learned more drug names and medical terms than I ever cared to learn!  I have endured being more tired than I've ever felt, more pain than I've ever felt, and more appointments than I care to count.  But I've also felt more love and kindness than I've ever experienced as well.  That has made it all worth it.  (I promise.  I don't mean to sound cliche when I say that, I really DO mean it).  I've made friends I would have never met had it not been for cancer, existing friendships have been strengthened because of cancer.  My faith has been strenghtened because of cancer.  Right now I'm working on gaining energy again, working on growing some hair and working on getting back to normal.  I have one remaining surgery in January and then I should be "done" for the most part (aside from some maintenance drugs that I will have).  Aside from cancer my life is pretty much the same as any stay at home mother of 4! 

Matt: He keeps very busy with work.  Working from home has been a huge blessing for us this year, God knows what he is doing!  He has coached 3 sports in 2010 I believe.  Basketball in early 2010.  Baseball in the spring and football this fall.  Now I think he has a break until next fall when football starts again.  He was able to re landscape the lawn this fall, and build a few garden boxes so we can plant a garden in the spring.  He also just built me some awsome lockers in the garage.  Finally a place to put all the coats and shoes and boots and backpacks!

Landon:  He's a 12 year old boy.  What more can I say?  (Actually, I can't say much because I'm sure anything I say will embarrass him).  He is doing great in 7th grade, all A's so far.  He loves his sports and his wii.  He probably won't admit it if you ask, but he loves his sisters and brother as well.  He went on the possum trip with church this summer and loved it.  He's hoping to be able to go again next year!

Bailey:  Oh the drama that comes with a girl.  She's 9.  I'm sure it won't get much better from here.  She too is doing great in school, she loves being social, watching t.v., playing school, painting her nails and reading Diary of a Wimpy kid books.  She loves her brothers and sister as well!  Bailey also just got finished with basketball, it was more of a camp style, but loved what she learned.  She loves to play in the driveway with Landon or Matt, but get's intimidated around other people.

Elliot:  It's hard to believe that he is 4.  He is in preschool this year, and will be attending young fives, I hope, next year.  He loves to play with guns.  Landon would have never been allowed to play with guns at his age, but there is nothing we can do to stop this boy.  He builds guns out of EVERYTHING, although Trio blocks are his favorite building material.  He also loves super hero's of any shape and size!  He is also my cuddler.  He loves to go do bed with me and snuggle!  I love it!

Lila:  She is a toddler.  A 20 month old terror toddler.  Just kidding.  Kind-of.  She can absolutely have us laughing one minute and then pulling our hair out the next.  I love the age she is for so many reasons, one being watching her learn new things every day, but it's definitely a hard age as well.  Her favorite things right now are her baby stroller, her friend Reed and cousin Parker, chap stick, markers and food.  Oh, and don't forget the blankie and pipey!  This is a girl that knows what she wants and will not stop until she get's it.  That should serve her well in life someday, but for now it's just frustrating!  but we love her dearly!

We love them all!

Hoping you have a Merry Christmas

and many many blessings for 2011!

Last One!!!!

WoW!  6 weeks went by SO fast!  Today is my last day of radiation.  For the past six weeks I've been driving the same route every morning.  Thankfully the weather was good for most of those six weeks.  And, today I will drive that route for the last time.  (OK, that's an exageration, this IS the same route I take to Target and Meijer and Starbucks and JoAnne's and...)  All this to say... I'M DONE!  Or at least at 6:30 this morning I can see that oh so bright light shining, and I've only got steps until the end of the tunnel!  It's kind of like a race... I started off strong, no problem, but at this point I'm crawling to get to the finish line.  I'm sick of it and I'm SOOOO tired!

For the most part radiation is easy.  5 minute appointments, the staff is wonderful, no sickness... the bad parts have been that I have a pretty intense sunburn going under my arm, at one point (no exageration) my skin was black.  I've noticed about three layers of skin peeling off.  (Think of the worst sunburn you've ever had... times 10)  It's uncomfortable to say the least.  About two weeks ago I developed shingles.  Luckily I caught it relatively early and was given some medicine and it was getting better quickly.  Right now I can still see the spots but have very little pain associated with them!

Thank you for all of your thoughts and prayers during radiation (and before).  They are so appreciated, I have felt them.  Truly, I have!

But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds declares the Lord.  Jeremiah 30:17

Advent Calendars

I mentioned it before and I'm mentioning it again.  I want an advent calendar.  A dear friend called me and said she had picked one up for me on a recent vacation, for which I am so grateful and excited!  But, I still want one "like I used to have".  I remember when I was little the felt calendar that hung on the wall.  My brother and I would take turns each day taking the handmade ornament out of the pocket and hanging it on a button on the tree (on the calendar) and reading the corosponding verse.  The anticipation grew to the day that we could hang up the final ornament.  The star.  I wish we still had that calendar, I'm sure it was something handmade that my mom picked up at a craft fair somewhere, I've looked and looked and looked for a duplicate somewhere, but with no success. 

While searching on Etsy yesterday I found this.  I'm so excited to get it.  While it's not the calendar itself, it is what I want to be IN the calendar, verses and tokens to go along with the verses.

Now, I'm going to make (with the help of my kids) a calendar of sorts to go with it.  I'll be sure to show the finished product when I'm done (which could very well be next year, so please don't hold your breath). 

What's your busy?

Sorry.  Two weeks.  That's a long time.  But there are two reasons for the time between posts. 
1.  There is nothing really new going on
2.  Were just way to busy. 

On dictionary.com busy is defined as the following:
–adjective

1. actively and attentively engaged in work or a pastime: busy with her work. check
2. not at leisure; otherwise engaged: He couldn't see any visitors because he was busy. check

3. full of or characterized by activity: a busy life. check
4. (of a telephone line) in use by a party or parties and not immediately accessible. check 
5. officious; meddlesome; prying.
6. ornate, disparate, or clashing in design or colors; cluttered with small, unharmonious details; fussy: The rug is too busy for this room. check

I'm not complaining.  We are all busy in one way or another.  I think the word busy is defined by the user of the word.  Busy for me may be a lazy day for someone else.  Were all busy in our own ways, right?

What have I been busy with?  Well... let's see.  Driving the bus... oops, I mean van, to pick up and drop off kids (all while watching Baby Einsteins to keep the girl (and sometimes middleschoolers) happy), driving to and from radiation every morning, editing shoots, laundry, laundry and more laundry (although, I have to say, I'm thankful to have a washing machine so that I can do laundry), doing everything I can to keep my daughter happy (her name starts with an L), basketball games, laundry, cleaning the kids' rooms (that took 2 full days), selling kids clothes, ordering pictures, cooking dinner, deciding what to have for dinner (I realized recently that it's not making dinner that I hate, it's deciding what to have for dinner and seeing if we have the stuff to make it... my three least favorite words are "What's for dinner?"), returning basketball shoes for Landon (twice now), BSF lessons, additional time spent in prayer (although, never enough), sweepting and mopping the floor, playing games, doing puzzles and reading books, watching movies with my family, MOPS stuff, snack stuff for church, eating (ugh, I've gained to much weight, need to quit this one), and sleeping (trying to keep the energy up during the day requires a very early bedtime).  And, I'm sure once I hit "Publish" I will think of 100 other things I've done this week that could go on this list. 

As far as radiation goes... things have been going great.  I've been home by 8:20 every morning, it's so nice to ahve it out of the way and not have to think about it every morning.  I get up early (around 6), do some work and or BSF (while drinking 2 cups of coffee), get in the shower at 7:30ish, put on my comfy clothes (typically yoga pants and a zip up hoodie so that I don't have to change at the office) and head out the door at 7:50 (there is an upside to short short hair).  Come home and change and I'm ready to go for the day.  The skin that is in the radiation area is getting red but it's not that noticeable and it doesn't hurt or anything.  I've been quite tired lately, but am still undecided if it's radiation or life.  Either way, it probably won't get better anytime soon. 

Anyway, just wanted to do a quick update.  I've got to run and get Landon from church and pry the crying child off my leg.  (No, I'm not neglecting her, this has taken me almost 2 hours to type while caring for her!)

Question of the week?

OK, so there seems to be some questions about what radiation is.  So, here's your lesson for the day (and mine, because I couldn't really answer that question before)!

Radiation is a cancer treatment that uses high doses of radiation to kill cancer cells and stop them from spreading.  At low doses, radiation is used as an x-ray to see inside your body and take pictures, such as x-rays of your teeth or broken bones.  Radiation used in cancer treatment works in much the same way, except that it is given at higher doses. 

I am receiving external beam radiation.  A machine aims radiation at cancer cells.  Radiation is used to cure, stop or slow the growth of cancer. 

Radiation therapy does not kill cancer cells right away.  It takes days or weeks of treatment before cancer cells start to die.  Then, cancer cells keep dying for weeks or months after radiation therapy ends. 

I receive radiation treatmens once a day, 5 days a week, Monday through Friday.  I will receive approximately 28 treatments.  Lindy did a great job showing the building and the room where the radiation occurs here.

Radiation side effects can include fatigue, skin changes (including redness like a sunburn, itching, or dry peeling skin), tenderness and swelling. 

So, there you have a description of radiation.  Hope that helps!

My treatments are going great so far, I truly can not wait to get on the 8:00 schedule, this all over the place stuff is quite a pain.

**On another note... Landon did make the basketball team.  Turns out there weren't 70 people trying out, but more like 35.  Either way, were proud of him and all the boys that either made the team or just tried out.  What would we ever do with our time without a sport to watch?  (His first game is Tuesday already!)