The first time I had radiation I had no pain associated with my cancer. This time was a completely different story.

Given what we knew about how much of my hip was gone,

I did not really believe that a few zaps of radiation would give me such relief.

When your hip-joint is missing you really begin to understand how incredible the body really is. On the first day of radiation I was unable to get out of the car on my own. One of the radiation technicians lifted me out of the car and into a wheelchair.  We were blessed to have many friends who offered to drive me to and from radiation so my husband could continue to work. It was difficult to get in and out of some cars, but the technician at the radiation office was always ready with the wheelchair and a smile.

By the 5th day I was amazed to realize that I could now get out of the car on my own. I was even using a walker to get into the office myself. I admit, I was a little disappointed because the technician was really cute and had a great smile. But it did feel good to be able to do things on my own again.

I had 15 treatments on my hip. Every day for 3 weeks. In and out of a car. It was a trying and tiring experience. But I am so thankful for the medical technology and am still amazed at how lying on a table for less than 10 minutes a day for a few days could reduce my pain so dramatically.

Once radiation was completed, it was time to figure out the next step.

Next Steps: What treatment would keep the cancer under control? And what about the bones missing in my hip-joint?

This post is in honor of my husband going through radiation the last 2 weeks (1 more week to go).