Birthday fun

Happy birthday to me! Yes, on father's day I turned a year older. I decided to have a big bash this year, and even though not everyone I was hoping would show up, showed up, it was still a good time. My parents own an 80 acre farm, so what better place to hold an event such as this! 

Getting ready for it was a bit stressful, but what party isn't. I had to clean out the quonset (large storage shelter) and set up the tables. I bought some burgers and brats and a whole lot of beer. Oh, and don't forget the port-o-potty. My mom decided to get me a My Little Pony cake and some pony ears. :-D Did I mention I turned 36?

The party didn't really kick off until 7, though a few people stopped by earlier. When 9 rolled around it was time to light the BIG bon fire. My dad had a brush pile just aching to be burned. I swear the flames flew 30 feet high! We were up until 4 am watching that thing burn despite the big storms that rolled through and soaked it down. It really was a great party.  I am really happy people were able to celebrate it with me. 

Radiation 

I had my first radiation treatment on Tuesday. It was pretty easy. The mask they made was sitting waiting for me on the scanning bed. They had me lay down and they snapped it over my face. When I was comfortable and the nurses were happy with my placement, the bed slid into the scanner. After about a minute the scan was done and the bed slid back out again. I laid there for a couple minutes while they reviewed the scan. After they made the adjustments to the lasers, my bed slid back in and the radiation began. It kind of sounded like a guy shaking maracas around my head. I could feel a little bit of tingling on the treatment area, but that was about it. After a few minutes the machine turned off and the bed slid back out and that was the end of my treatment. Today was about the same, but this time I had a little bit of a metalic taste in my mouth.

I have to do this every day so I will keep you posted as symptoms emerge. I want to think of this as a journal to keep track of how I am doing as well as give anybody going through it themselves an idea of what to expect. I know I am always looking for experiences, so it is only fair that I share mine.