The other "C" word was spoken today

Today, for the first time since we found out I have cancer, the other "C" words was spoken by the radiological oncologist. Quite a nice man. Thoroughly discussed radiation treatments and why they as a group of doctors decided to go this direction in my treatment first. I was tattooed today with three marks and put thru a CAT scan to help him line me up for the 28 days of radiation treatments. I will have to go back Friday to get the final mark up before starting radiation treatments on Monday. I will have 23 days of broad range treatment from my collar bone to my lower pectoral muscle then under my arm. The last 5 will be the same dosage but concentrate in the area where the mass was removed. Side effects will include tender pealing skin and some fatigue. Long term side effects will include hair loss on my chest and under my arm. (Heather has suggest to Patti that she wax the other half of my chest and underarm to keep me looking good when I show off my muscles at the beach --- right!) The other long term effects will be toughening of my skin on my right side, fluid build up in my right arm, my ribs on the right side will be somewhat more brittle and could break easier, and I will loose up to 10% of my right lung to scar tissue. He stated that I could have microscopic cancer floating around even after but the interferon should take care of that. But then he said that they are being aggressive with this treatment because they feel as a group that they felt that the ("C" word)CURE may very well be possible because I have not smoked, drank or have done drugs plus being in good health up to this point are all in my favor. He is saying my possibility of developing cancer from the radiation later down the road is 1-2 in 1000 because of the way I have lived my life. It truly was great news to us. I praise God for answering my prayers. Now I could get it again, but that will be another battle and a different blog. Doctors cannot give guarantees. One last note for this post. Today I awoke with my blood pressure at 117 over 73, the lowest it has been since Steve T was called to the army some three years ago in January. My weight this morning was 178#. Last time I weighed 178# was in 1987 when I had a physical before going to Germany for the army. And the weight loss is good as it comes from good food and a changed lifestyle thanks to Patti and Heather. Keep praying though. The toughest part of treatments (and cure) are yet to come.