[Westcoastgirl]

Sheila, I too have found you a wonderful inspiration in my journey, although I cannot compare mine to yours. I was fortunate to be diagnosed stage I but coming here I know to count my blessings while I can. I have volunteered with the Canadian Cancer Agency to talk with newly diagnosed breast cancer patients and part of my training was a tour of their facility at the Cancer Clinic here in Vancouver. I was impressed with the lovely rooms available to people going through treatments and pleased to hear that they were so very reasonable. I cannot help but wonder that you would not have the same service available to you. 150 miles is just too darned far as radiation does become a tedious process, day after day. Could you book in for the week and go home on weekends? Also local hotels will usually offer reduced rates when you have a medical reason for booking. I found the thing that got me through radiation was face cloths soaked in saline solution applied to the area being radiated. It helped take away the burn and I am sure reduced the negative effects. One doctor suggested keeping the solution in the fridge but since I did my radiation in the fall, room temperature was more than adequate to reduce the heat. All the best. You have a big gang of women here rooting for you. Carolyn