Still doing the ole radiation stuff…
- suzannebanks6
- Aug 1, 2021
- 3 min read
Soooo, Friday would have been appointment # 25 of 30, but the fact that my Radiologist gave me the day off, I’m only at # 24. Yay for getting a day off! Unfortunately it’s because my skin needed a break from the burns. I will resume on Monday with my regular appointment, then the plan changes.
My next 5 appointments, aka known as my last 5 appointments are switched to what they call ‘Radiation Boost’. The ‘boost’ targets the tumor bed or lymph node, whatever the situation, which means they don’t zap the entire area they’ve been zapping.
This will give the ole lymph node a clear message… don’t even think about coming back!
On top of that, my next 5 appointments will be done in 3 sessions… the beauty of radiation is it can be adjusted so that one gets the same dosage, but in shorter or longer sessions, depending on the patient and diagnosis.
Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday will all be longer sessions, 'boost' zaps, and then I’m done with radiation!
My skin and me are both looking forward to healing from this. I’ve burned in places I’ve never burned before… upper left chest area and underarm! Yeowie!! It’s definitely uncomfortable right now… itchy, crackly, hot and painful. Radiation can even bring back side effects from surgery that had dissipated… I’m feeling more tightness and pain in my upper arm than I did pre-radiation. Again, it’ll all start to subside once radiation is over.
I have quite the lineup of products… including a Rx antibiotic cream, and they're doing a great job, but a serious burn is just that.
Patience, products and time.
Thank you AB, once again, for your insight and advice... this time with radiation cream (it's my favorite!). You've been so helpful and I look forward to meeting you soon.
Fatigue is a real thing and another common side effect of radiation. It took a couple weeks to feel the affects, but I can definitely sleep longer, lately, and I’m backing off on anything extra that’s not necessary. Just doing what is necessary for now. And not that we have choices when dealing with health issues and when they strike, but my last week of radiation, potentially my most fatigued week, will be our busiest week at work.
What horrible timing “C”!!
Even though symptoms from radiation will linger for a couple months, there’s light at the end of this tunnel.
Other symptoms still hanging on...
neuropathy from chemo… it’s been 15 weeks since my last treatment
chemo brain… it’s a thing! And it can strike any time, but mine typically shows up mid-sentence (winnie the pooh said it best!)
pain from surgery… I’m much better, but I’m still not totally painfree 11 weeks out
Obvi my hair is growing out… it seems like it’s on a slow growth plan, but probably because I don’t see the difference from day to day. Right now, it’s just crazy hair! But something I do see and am thrilled about… I have eyelashes and eyebrows once again.
Thank you BK, AW, KK, and the entire crew at the Friday Night Greek Fest. I love and miss you too! Dinner was amazing, as always!!
Work is cra cra busy, and always is this time of year… after all school starts next week! But with so many changes, and so much uncertainty, it definitely makes it harder for everyone… parents and staff.
Patience and understanding… so important for us all to get through this.
The kids’ first day of school is supposed to be fun and memorable!
New clothes, possibly a new backpack, maybe even a new lunchbox, and then it's always so much fun seeing all their friends again, and who's in their class!
But this year is even better... coming back 'in-person' after a very challenging year!!
Fingers crossed that everything goes smoothly for a great school year!!
What’s coming up next for me…
Bone density scan
Finishing up my last week of radiation… woo hoo!
Appt with my Oncologist for what’s next!
You're getting down to the wire, Suzanne. Thinking of you.