Another Update

I have been a little lax on my blog updates since I finished radiation, so here’s an update. I will be seeing the surgeon tomorrow for a follow-up appointment. I don’t except much to come out of this appointment but since I haven’t flashed anyone in awhile, I figure I’m due.

On Friday I will be back in the Cancer Clinic for a Herceptin infusion.

I’ve contacted the Genetics Department at the Cancer Clinic and my test results are still not finished. They took my blood in May!

My dose of Effexor was doubled which has helped with the hot flashes. I still get the hot flashes but they aren’t as intense so I am able to sleep better.

My skin is still peeling and healing from the radiation boosts.

That’s about it.

me

Peeling

The radiologist was right when she said that my skin would get worse before it got better. I’ve been peeling in places that have never peeled before and the skin under my arm appears to be blistering. I’ve been given a prescription of Flamazine which in an antibiotic topical cream that they give to burn victims. I’m told that in another week or two, the skin should start to get back to normal.

Today I made a trip to the dentist that had been put off because it is not recommended that you have any dental work done while you are having cancer treatments. Actually, I made the trip down to St. Thomas yesterday to see my dentist. After I took my coat off and found a magazine to read, the receptionist called me and said, “You do realize your appointment is tomorrow.” I guess if I had to screw up any appointment, that was the best one to choose

me

Cartwheel

Today was the end of another chapter. Radiation is finally done.

Steve came with me to my appointment today…it was nice to have some company. When I signed in with the ladies at the radiation reception desk, they asked me if I was going to do cartwheels since it was my last treatment. I said that I was hoping some confetti was going to fall from the ceiling when the radiation machine turned off. After the treatment was over and I was walking out to the change room, my brother was there with a dozen red roses. I have been lucky to have him close by for all my treatments since he works next door to the Cancer Clinic. After I changed out of my hospital gown, I went up to the ladies at the reception desk, tucked in my shirt and said, “Are you ready for my cartwheel?” They said they were only joking, but I wasn’t…you know how I love a challenge. They didn’t want me to hit someone in front of the Tim Horton’s so they followed me down the hall where I did my cartwheel. It was a satisfying end to a long process.

It seemed fitting to end radiation on the '15th'; I think Jamie had something to do that one.

me

Break

Today I am thankful that the Cancer Clinic is closed to observe Rememberance Day. It was nice to have a break from going to the hospital. My skin appreciated the break too as some of the skin on my neck and under my arm is uncomforatably raw.

Two more days and the hardcore treatments will be done. It's hard to believe.

me

Today

The purpose of the radiation boosts is to kill any cancer cells that may be lingering around the scar site. The radiation doesn’t have much of an affect to the on the first centimeter of skin, which is where they want the radiation to so it’s job, so they put a sheet of thick rubber over my scar to act as the first centimeter of tissue. That way, the radiation will be focused on the superficial area of my skin, where it’s needed. The attachment that they put on the radiation machine comes about 1cm away from my scar. In order to have the machine line up parallel to my scar, they have me lay on my side with a pillow between my legs, a foam wedge to support my back and my arm over my head. At times I feel like a contortionist. Anyway, three more to go. Today I will also be in the chemo suite to have another infusion of Herceptin; this will be number 5 of 17.

Have a good weekend,

me

Sunburn

Today was radiation appointment number 25...5 more to go.

Now I know what it's like to get a sunburn from sunbathing topless. Not that I was ever that curious before, but now I know. I don't recommend it.

me

Mark-up Appointment

This week I had my mark-up appointment for the five radiation boost treatments. They took a clear piece of think plastic (8cm x 10cm) and placed it over the scar. They traced around the plastic to indicate the area that will receive the boost (I looked like I was attacked with a green marker when they were done). Then they took the plastic rectangle off and put a transparency sheet on top of me and traced the scar and rectangle outline. After that was done they asked if they could take a digital picture; they promised they wouldn’t get my head in the shot. Nice. Once they had isolated the area to receive the boost, they then had to figure out the depth of the scar in comparison to my lung. The technician did this by way of an ultrasound. Knowing the distance between the scar and my lung will tell them how deep the radiation can go so they can avoid radiating my lung.

Another day of learning.

me

Spring

Although the calendar is telling me that it’s the first of November, it feels like spring to me. It’s like my body had been in hibernation for the past eight months and now my eyelashes, eyebrow, hair and nerve ending are all starting to grow. Now I just have to work on shedding those extra pounds. Having a ton of candy around the house right now is not helping!

Happy Spring,

me