Liz Christensen finishes Poosh
After 33 trips to Huntsman Cancer Institute, Elizabeth Ann Cook Christensen finishes her last Poosh treatment.
Alpine, Utah — September 27, 2007 — In what many are calling a courageous journey, Liz Christensen finished her final Poosh treatment today. Poosh, known in the medical community as Radiation Therapy, is an intense, daily bombardment of brain tissue with high doses of radiation resulting in memory loss, confusion, dizziness, lethargy, hair loss and nausea. Liz started this treatment on August 9, 2007 and has continued treatment every weekday until today.
Experts indicate that more than 5,200 miles were driven over the 33 days of Poosh, doctor visits, and hospital visits. This is roughly equivalent to driving from Alpine, Utah to Lima, Peru.
A small ‘graduation’ ceremony was held at the Huntsman Center today.
The mask used during Poosh, inspired by the infamous “Friday The Thirteenth” movies,
was used to clamp Liz’s head in place during the treatments. This same mask met its end tonight in a ceremonial burning outside the Christensen residence. Witnesses remarked that the burning of the mask was symbolic of Liz’s victory over brain cancer.
Many local dignitaries attended the mask burning event and dinner including Brad and Kim Christensen, Dave and Leilani Christensen, John and Mara Ambuehl, Dan and Heather Christensen and 13 grandchildren.
We are looking forward to four weeks of rest and recovery free from Poosh and Koosh.
The Christensens
6 comments:
LOVE CONQUERS ALL--
YIPPEE YIPPEE YIPPEE
I KNEW YOU WOULD DESTROY THAT UNWANTED GUEST-----
LOVE A YOUS ALL
SICILIAN DREAMER N SON XOXOOX
Congrats on cap and diploma! You did it! I can't believe that I (Leslie) ran right into you both as you were arriving for that last treatment - I enjoyed seeing you again and visiting for just a moment. We continue to keep you all in our prayers - Tyler is thinking and praying for you too!
The Eatchels
What an article! I'm submitting this journalist's name for this year's Pulitzer. Liz and Herb, I'm sure you would have preferred the drive to Peru. . . Your names stay in our daily prayers and we know how much prayer helps, so we'll keep it up until you tell us to stop. We love you and are so inspired by your courage and faith. Enjoy the respite from Koosh! I'll call to see how your appetite is coming and when you want your grilled salmon dinner.
loving you both!
Annie & Greg
Dear Liz and Family - We miss the blogs! How are you doing? How did you enjoy Conference? Our hearts were full of concern and appreciation for you every time they spoke of Family. We love you and miss hearing from you.
Love, Adel and Julia
Liz, you did it! I hope you're feeling strength everyday now that you can stay home a little bit.
I love you and think of you often and will get up there to visit in the next couple of days. It was great to see you when I was there last.
I'll see you soon.
XOXO Gail Berry
Liz--Fantastic celebration!! Todd and I are keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers. I stopped up to see you on Tues. at 6 pm, but no one was home. I was coming back from YW's volleyball at the church and I had my cheerleader outfit on and thought I'd do a cheer for you. I will come by again. My brother just went through a week of chemo & 62 radiation treatments, so I know what an ordeal you and your family have been through. You look more beautiful than ever -- we send our genuine heartfelt love to you. Thank you for your example of faith and courage!
Todd and Nancy Mc
Post a Comment