Radiation - Will I Glow in the Future?

I am now half way through the radiation sessions. I have done 15 sessions with few side effects yet. It is annoying to have to drive to the cancer center every day, (I really love weekends now because I don't have to go) but I like it better than having cancer return.  I am just a tiny bit tender under my arm and my skin is a bit darker but no big deal. I also had a day last week and this week when I was really tired but most days are so much better than when I was going through chemo that I have nothing to complain about. While going through chemo, I was beginning to think I was just becoming a lazy person because it the tiredness went on for so long but now that chemo is over I am getting my energy back little by little. Some days I get a lot done but others not so much. The radiation doctor said that the radiation causes some tiredness also so when it is done I will be even better. I have been able to do more yard work, more sewing and more cleaning. I am so happy to not spend most of the day laying around.

I am almost done with one quilt for a grandson's birthday, have started another for a grandson for Christmas, and a few holiday pillow cases. My yard is almost done for winter and today I will clean for book club to come over. All in all, I am amazed at how good I feel for having cancer. It makes me nervous that I haven't "suffered enough" - maybe it will come back. The doctor says not but he can't know for sure. I still have the Herceptin infusions every three weeks until the end of April and five years of oral meds. This is really a long haul and no one else I know who has had cancer has had so much treatment so it better not come back or I will be so bummed out. Hopefully, after all this I won't get Alzheimer's too because I think I have had my share of trials in this life and I would rather die than get that disease.

But back to radiation, so far so good! I am happy with how my body has handled all it has gone through and hope it continues to respond well in the coming months and years.

Radiation Begins

Last week I was "mapped" for radiation. That means they tattooed 5 little dots on my chest and sides, took measurements, and took x rays. This week I went every day for radiation, which was very fast and efficient. So one week down and five more to go. It has taken only 45 minutes round trip, changing clothes, and radiation! I must admit it is annoying to have to go every day though. This first week I have not noticed any change in my skin but the doctor said it could take from two to three weeks for any discoloration, but I did buy some aloe to put on my skin as soon as I see an change so I don't get bad burns. The radiation burns are what I am most nervous about - they are ugly and painful from what I have heard from people who have gotten them but not everyone gets them. I hope I don't get them but I have the aloe to help and if that doesn't the doctor said he would give me a prescription for something stronger.

My oldest daughter and youngest son came over and helped with the yard work I needed done to prepare for winter. I have only a little left to do this fall and hopefully my energy will return to normal by spring and I can prepare my yard to look good for selling the house. Now I have a cold with sore throat, but I think it may take longer then usual to pass. I'll see since I haven't had any illness since all this started last March. I feel I have had an unusually easy time for all this treatment and hopefully it will continue. The nausea, body pain, and sleepiness has been minor compared to those I have talked with and read about - I am blessed to have gone through this so well.

Now I have to whip up a quilt top this month for a Christmas present so no time for sickness.