Is it ironic that I am taking radiation treatment for pancreatic cancer during November, which is pancreatic cancer awareness month? Is it also ironic that purple is the color to signify pancreatic cancer? I've tried to wear some purple each day to signify the awareness, and some of you may appreciate the purple in my wardrobe.
I've finished a full week of radiation, now I get 2 days off. I really don't feel much different after 5 radiation treatments. I don't feel sick or rotten like I did back in March. I am a little more tired even though I have been spending 9 or 10 hours a night in bed. The doctor told me I probably wouldn't have nausea this time since the location of the tumor allows the radiation to miss the digestive tract. Also, I'm not taking any chemo drugs. They did tell me, though, that I may experience some nausea and more fatigue toward the end of treatment because my body will be dealing with all the cumulative damage from the radiation. Hopefully, the worst damage will be to the cancer cells.
We haven't done much of anything since we got here. I guess I'm a little lazy about getting out. It seems like we have to drive a ways to get to anything. The weather is supposed to be really nice this weekend (sunny and 70s) so we'll probably get out and do something.

Joe