I'm almost done with radiation!
YEAH!
I have a few more days left of the regularly scheduled radiation treatment and then I start the 6 more booster shots. The boosters are more focused beams. The regular treatment has been a wide area covering the right breast, the lymphs under the arm, and the lymph nodes at the base of the neck (about 1 sq. foot). Remember that was to prevent any stray cancer cells from coming back. Then, the boosters are a much smaller area, focused on the where the tumor was (about 3 sq. inches). I'm so glad I didn't get overly tired or burned as people warned me I would. I am more stressed and tired from the hectic work schedule around all the treatments. Lots of driving every day to and from appts, and also working before and after treatment every day.
I also started going to therapeutic rehab for Lymphedema. My right arm was starting to get bigger than my left due to the lymph nodes not being there, it is swelling and inflamed. The rehab entails learning exercises and massages that help reduce it. I'm trying hard not to have to wear a rubber compression sleeve. I hated wearing stuff like that with my wrists, and I am not wanting to do that again.
On Dec. 1st, I noticed my hair is starting to grow back. I have a bit of a fuzz head right now. see?
You can imagine how I look without my hair, eh? Well, here it is... Yikes.
Uncle Fester!
My eyelashes and eyebrows will need to grow back, too. You can see the redness from the radiation on the right side of my neck.
I'm Okay. That's the main thing. I am glad this is almost over. Should be around Dec. 19th.
Time to celebrate! I should have a short hairdo by Summer 2009. In the spring of 2009, I will be looking at the reconstruction part of the treatment, but at least the cancer part is done. YEAH!
I have a few more days left of the regularly scheduled radiation treatment and then I start the 6 more booster shots. The boosters are more focused beams. The regular treatment has been a wide area covering the right breast, the lymphs under the arm, and the lymph nodes at the base of the neck (about 1 sq. foot). Remember that was to prevent any stray cancer cells from coming back. Then, the boosters are a much smaller area, focused on the where the tumor was (about 3 sq. inches). I'm so glad I didn't get overly tired or burned as people warned me I would. I am more stressed and tired from the hectic work schedule around all the treatments. Lots of driving every day to and from appts, and also working before and after treatment every day.
I also started going to therapeutic rehab for Lymphedema. My right arm was starting to get bigger than my left due to the lymph nodes not being there, it is swelling and inflamed. The rehab entails learning exercises and massages that help reduce it. I'm trying hard not to have to wear a rubber compression sleeve. I hated wearing stuff like that with my wrists, and I am not wanting to do that again.
On Dec. 1st, I noticed my hair is starting to grow back. I have a bit of a fuzz head right now. see?
You can imagine how I look without my hair, eh? Well, here it is... Yikes.
Uncle Fester!
My eyelashes and eyebrows will need to grow back, too. You can see the redness from the radiation on the right side of my neck.
I'm Okay. That's the main thing. I am glad this is almost over. Should be around Dec. 19th.
Time to celebrate! I should have a short hairdo by Summer 2009. In the spring of 2009, I will be looking at the reconstruction part of the treatment, but at least the cancer part is done. YEAH!
Uncle Fester...too funny. I am so glad that you are doing better Dr. O. It is your gracious spirit that keeps you going. With much love,
Tanya
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I love your attitude! Uncle Fester didn't have your blue eyes
My apologies for not being in touch more often. Please know that I do think of you often and remember you in my prayers. I'm proud to know you and honored to call you friend. Hugs and love, Callista
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