As the temps start to plunge, kids are back at school and sweaters come out, I hope you all are enjoying Fall.

I have started radiation, had a doctor visit and some labs, so I thought I'd give a quick update.

Radiation is interesting.  First when you walk in the room, the door is about a foot thick.....hmmm.    Once in, getting set up takes a a short amount of time.   They put my arms up in the arm stirrups, then lock my head in by my chin (awesome if you are claustrophobic).  Then they line me up.  The precision of where I am on the table and the lining up of my little tattoos with their machines numbers is quite exact.  Once I'm all locked in and set up they all vacate the room and leave me alone with the radioactive machine.  No wait, stay with me, really it will be fine.........  :/

The Chin Strap 

   

I am zapped a total of nine times with several movements between.  The square rubbery piece is like a second skin that is added halfway through when they are near my ribs to give extra protective covering.  If I have no other doctor appointments, I'm done and say goodbye until tomorrow.  I get home and have special lotion I have to rub all over the radiated area.  This is to try and alleviate some of the burn and prevent cracking of the skin.  Rinse and repeat every day, Monday through Friday.

Side effects are not as severe so far as chemo, but the fatigue I had enjoyed a vacation from is back.  I am also experiencing much tightness across the entire chest and the burn has started, especially near the armpit.  I have started having small headaches almost daily, and something is giving me some occasional stomach pain.  I am also experiencing sporadic neuropathy in my toes and fingers.  My right arm is sore daily from the radiation and tightness, as well as muscular soreness.  My fear of lymphedema is alive and well.   My sleeping is interrupted most nights.  I'm trying to work on it, for now naps will have to do.  I know that may not sound like it's not as bad, but chemo was worse.  I just hope it doesn't get any worse.  Some I'm sure is still from chemo, it takes quite a while to get out of a body, up to a year or sometimes longer.  Thankfully Summer is over and I got to enjoy most of it.

My radiologist oncologist says I'm doing pretty well and about as expected with side effects.  My white cells count has improved but only for a chemo/radiation patient.  If you had my numbers, well, you too would be visiting the doctor ;)  While I thought I graduated from Physical Therapy, she is sending me back due to all the tightness and soreness.  More appointments.  Ugh.  Hospital fatigue is also setting in.  If you need a tour of Froedert let me know, I've got it down to a science ;)

I have been to a few survivor classes to try to figure out how to go from survival mode to living.  I have been reminded each time how lucky I have been to have so many people in my corner and there for me.  Not everyone is as lucky.  I couldn't imagine having to do this all alone.  So thank you all for being there.  :)

My dear FHS family continues to keep me smiling.  This month they all filled out little buses with notes of hello or inspiration.  They are the best.  Our Japanese teacher was in Japan this summer with some of the HS kids and took a picture of this magnificent car.  I asked him to bring me one home.  He did!!  Okay it's not quite my size for driving but.........

 

I have a oncologist appointment coming up next week and believe I may have my first 3 month CT scan ordered.  Yikes.

Til next time, enjoy the cool weather and changing colors.  With Pinktober a few days away, I'm going to have to come up with some good posts.  Guess I better start thinking ;)