Well, we only have a couple weeks of treatments left. Needless to say, we are all worn out. This has been a very hectic process but we are keeping our outlook positive and trying to relax for a few minutes whenever we can. Rob & I have been trading off days each week so that at least one of us is with her all the time and then we work all the other days of the week. Tori's boyfriend, Neil, has also been coming down to Bloomington on his days off and going with us to her treatments.
Tori is just completely exhausted and still battles constant nausea & some vomiting, but she continues to amaze us all with her tenacity and gracious attitude as she is in the process of slaying this giant before her. She has also recently developed a bit of right sided weakness & right sided neglect which has affected her balance and caused her to take a couple small spills. So we started doing some therapy to address those issues and her doctor has started her on some steroids to help decrease any swelling in the brain that might be contributing to these problems. The steroids have made her a little more energetic (and talkative!). She was even able to do some low key training with me the other day, successfully running and walking short intervals on a beautiful trail near our accommodations ...and I hate to say it, but she is actually still in better shape than I am!
It is hard to live a normal life while having treatments five days a week, but Tori was able to work one day last weekend. She was going to try to work today too (before leaving for Bloomington), but she just woke up too sick to do it. So, as you can see, there are good days and bad...but she just keeps plugging away. We have days of tears and days of sadness, but mostly we just keep focused on the task at hand: getting through the Proton Beam Radiation.
We are still awaiting word from the insurance company about the exact amount that they are going to pay and what we will owe. They said it could be another 3 weeks before we know anything for sure.
Thank you again to all who are supporting us with prayers, finances, encouragement, and good thoughts. We appreciate and love you all. Here is a cute picture of Tori doing a dance of celebration over her new hat that she got last week.
Tracy Collins
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