"Radiation Break Up"

I had to end a relationship today. That's right, I broke up with the radiation techs. I told them that while our relationship had been short, it was intense and brought me nothing but pain. I softened the break up for them with loads of candy!

After 30 daily (minus weekends) treatments, I have graduated from my radiation therapy! I faired well. My skin held up and I only have one sore spot under my arm. Granted, that spot is a wee bit painful...but overall, I think I did pretty good. I have to thank my Mom for doing a major splurge for me. For someone uber-practical, the purchase of a nearly $400 bottle of "La Mer" concentrate was a stretch! She heard from others who had used it during radiation to treat the skin that it was practically miraculous. I used it daily before bed during treatment. When examined, my nurses and my radiation oncologist declared that my skin did "phenomenal." So, there you go. I'm only bringing this up in case this could help anyone else and to thank my Mom.

While I'm thanking people...look at these great flowers from my husband and kids!

 

 

It's great to be done!!! After almost exactly a year of all this, It didn't seem like this day would ever get here. I didn't think it would, but to be honest it hit me emotionally. After my last treatment and on my way to the exam room to see the doctor I got a little teary. My nurse was great, after a hug she handed me a congratulations card from the radiation oncology team and soldiered on through the information I would need next. It felt good to leave the cancer center with the book she gave me..."Life After Cancer Treatment."

 









Halfway!

Today, I hit the midpoint of my radiation treatments! That's 15 down and 15 to go. We're making some progress! When the radiation oncologist examined me, he said things were looking good. In fact, better than average! That's good because I'm trying really hard to prevent some of the awful skin problems that can occur. Right now, I look like I have a very slight sunburn. I don't think there is much that can be done to prevent some radiation burn. I just want to avoid the blisters, peeling and other yucky things. So, I am hopeful for the best!

To celebrate "Happy Halfway Day!" I brought a big basket of chocolate to the appointment with me. It seems that people don't normally do that and so...I'm one popular patient! Now I bet they'll be expecting something even more spectacular for the the last day. I'll have to think on that one.

"Squishing and Burning"

Okay, the burning hasn't started yet. Let's not get ahead of ourselves. The squishing, however, has been completed and with good results! I went in for a mammogram and all is well! That, obviously, is MUCH better news than the news resulting from my first mammogram.

The burning is about to commence. I met with my radiation oncologist the day after the mammogram. I was taught all about what is to come. My 30 rounds of radiation therapy starts Wednesday. The most interesting part is my radiation oncologist himself. First, I'm thrilled to see him (since seeing him means I've completed chemo)! Second, he's funny.

When it was time for me to "get into a gown" during my exam. The nurse stayed in the room with me and he stood in front of the door and pulled the privacy curtain in front of him saying "pay no attention to the man behind the curtain." He did it in his best spooky, crazy wizard voice. He then told me everything he needed to know to be a radiation oncologist he learned in third grade - how to write on yourself (or in this case someone else). After taking a black marker to my skin, and drawing lines and dots, I got to keep the marker! Perk! Actually, they just aren't allowed to use it on anyone else. Sterile marker! I will keep it in case I want autographs from everyone when this is all done! You never know.

"Most Popular Patient Ever!"

At the end of my chemo treatment, my radiation treatments will get underway. I may get a two week break, like a treatment-free vacation! I just had my first appointment with my radiation oncologist. It looks like we'll be hanging out for about six weeks (30 treatments).

I'll be glad to see him again! It will mean that things are winding down and there will be a light at the end of the tunnel. I just might be able to see it by then! Plus, as a bonus, he promised to tell me a joke a day.

According to him, I also have the unique opportunity to become the most popular patient ever after it was revealed that I work for Hershey and do have access to samples! Hey, a joke plus winning the popularity contest...what a deal!