Today, I crossed over the halfway point in radiation. There was some question about whether I would have 28 or 33 treatments, and my radiation oncologist has decided (in consultation with other doctors at Dana-Farber) that I will have 33. The last 5 are referred to as a "boost" and will be focused at the 2 sites where the cancer was. This could definitely affect my implants but long term survival is what we are looking for here... I'll deal with the cosmetic effects.
Radiation has been going fine. I have not had any noticeable skin reactions yet. The nurse said the area looks slightly red but it is hard to tell. I expect the redness, itching and peeling will start soon. I am also feeling more tired, so I am back to napping for a little while each afternoon. I think I was on a bit of a "high" when chemo ended and now I have crashed again. I was complaining to my chemo nurse a bit about it and she reminded me that if you have treatment for 5 months, it takes 10 months to get back to normal. I think I sighed when she said that and she commented that she knew it was not what I wanted to hear, but it is the reality so I have to allow myself time.
I ended up not having a blood transfusion last week as my medical oncologist and chemo nurse decided it would not really make a difference with my shortness of breath issues. I just need to give it time.
I went to the hospital yoga class last weekend and will go again tomorrow. I liked it but was definitely the youngest person there. I am also trying meditation although I had trouble making time for it this week. I'll keep trying!
I also went to the hospital breast cancer support group this week. The younger woman I met back in January (Jenna) came as well as another young woman (Robyn) that I met at radiation one day. The three of us are going to meet for lunch next week, basically forming our own group since the hospital group is mainly older women. Funny thing about when I met Robyn.... Her Mom had come with her to radiation that day. She had been saying to her Mom that there was no one at the Cancer Center that looked like her. (I have had the same observation.) Anyway, her Mom saw me when Robyn was in radiation and made Robyn hang out in the waiting room to wait for me to come back because "I looked like her." So basically, Robyn's Mom set us up! ;) Robyn and I went for coffee the next week and I really like her. We sat at Starbucks for almost 2 hours! So glad to have found both of these women who get exactly what I am going through right now. (I have lots of other supportive people in my life who have gone through this in the past. It is also nice to know people going through it at the same time!)
The hair on my head is slowly starting to grow back. No other hair elsewhere. I really just want hair on my head and eyelashes!
Craig broke 2 bones in his hand while sledding down Okemo (a ski mountain) a couple of weeks ago. Luckily, he does not need surgery. He'll be in a splint for the next few weeks.
I think the Lupron shot I had last week (to shut down my ovaries) is giving me MAJOR sour stomach and heartburn. I am pretty uncomfortable at times. I have started taking Zantac again (which I was taking during the second chemo drug) and if that does not help more by Monday, I'll call the Cancer Center to get a stronger prescription. It must be affecting my eating because I was down 2+ lbs this morning when I got weighed before my appointment with the radiation oncologist. I am also popping Tums like candy. The joys of cancer treatment...
On Sunday, we are hosting 20 people for Easter. I am excited to have a "normal" holiday after feeling so crappy for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Happy Easter to all!!
