Today is my first day of radiation. I will be getting 33 treatments for the next 6 weeks. I went in on Tuesday the 22nd and got my CT scan, which took 3D pictures of my body. I also got 4 little tattoos, tiny dots. Dr. Khater used those images from the CT scan to make plan of exactly where I will receive radiation. The tattoos are used to line up the machine correctly. On Friday I went in for a practice run. Dr. Khater explained to me that statistically they know where a reoccurrence is most likely to occur and they used that information in addition to the CT scan to determine where and how much radiation I will receive. I have heard that radiation is easier than chemo, so I'm hoping that is the case. Dr. Khater and the techs are so great and helpful. I am feeling ready to get started.
Last Wednesday I had my first Herceptin only infusion. It took about an 90 minutes and everything went smoothly. I saw Dr. Thomas, I had lots of question about my hair growing back, my nails getting better, when I would have more energy....basically he said be patience and that everything I was experiencing was pretty typical. I did have some swelling in my hands and he checked me out and said I had some slight lymphadema. Because I had lymph nodes removed during surgery, I am at risk for swelling on my left side. I was pretty disappointed in that news. Dr. Thomas sent me to a physical therapist who specializes in treating LE. I met with her on Friday. She was really nice and informative. I have to see her a couple times this week, but the good thing is we noticed it really early and it can be managed.
I also saw Dr. Jones. The incisions are looking good. He was able to do my last fill on my left side before beginning radiation. I also got another fill on my right side. I am not scheduled to see him again until March! Right now I am just hoping that the radiation treatment will cause any issues and everything will go smoothly.
So I am feeling pretty good. Tony says he thinks he sees a little hair growth! I have been trying to be more active and I think I am slowly getting a more energy and stamina...baby steps. Feels really great to be done with chemo and out of that cycle. Now I am just trying to be patient with my body as it heals...mentally I want to be 100% better, but physically that will take some time...but really each day gets better.
Thanks so much for all the love and support!
Monday, January 28, 2013
Thursday, January 3, 2013
1/3/2013
Happy New Year Everyone! Even though 2012 was challenging, I definitely feel it was a very good and lucky year for me. I found my lump, was diagnosed, and able to start treatment. I can't even imagine where I would be if I hadn't gone to the doctor when I did. However, I am ready to ring in 2013 and keep moving forward. I had my last chemo yesterday and I am back at the clinic today getting a Neulasta shot and some fluids. It feels so good to be done! I know in the next few weeks I will deal with the side effects, but to know that I don't have to do it all over again is awesome! I will still need to come back every three weeks for Herceptin, but it doesn't have the side effects of the other drugs and I am sooo looking forward to growing some hair.
I saw Dr. Jones, my plastic surgeon, on Monday. Things are looking good with the incisions. I am stitches-free! He removed the stitches and I was able to get another fill on both sides. I will have my last fill on Jan 18th before I begin radiation. I am hopeful that this will be it with the incisions, no more issues! Fingers crossed!
Also we met with Dr, Khater, my radiation oncologist, yesterday. I will go in for mapping and a scan on Jan 22. On Jan 25 I will have practice run and then I will begin the six weeks of radiation on Monday Jan 28th. Dr. Khater is so great and the primary rad tech is a women named Angel, who is a breast cancer survivor, so even though I have some nervousness about radiation, not really sure what to expect, I know I am in good hands.
I just want to thank everyone again for all the support. I truly feel surrounded by love and kindness from all over. I really feel lucky. I know there are people going to chemo and dealing with cancer and other illnesses and doing it by themselves and I can't even imagine how tough that must be. I have always felt all of the prayers, positive thoughts, acts of kindness and love. It has been an incredibly important part for me in getting through all of this and staying strong and focused. I am forever grateful. And I know I will continue to have support and love as I continue on to the next steps, thank you.
I also want to give a quick shout out to Tony, my parents, and my in laws. They have been so amazing, helpful, and there for me every step of the way. They are awesome.
I saw Dr. Jones, my plastic surgeon, on Monday. Things are looking good with the incisions. I am stitches-free! He removed the stitches and I was able to get another fill on both sides. I will have my last fill on Jan 18th before I begin radiation. I am hopeful that this will be it with the incisions, no more issues! Fingers crossed!
Also we met with Dr, Khater, my radiation oncologist, yesterday. I will go in for mapping and a scan on Jan 22. On Jan 25 I will have practice run and then I will begin the six weeks of radiation on Monday Jan 28th. Dr. Khater is so great and the primary rad tech is a women named Angel, who is a breast cancer survivor, so even though I have some nervousness about radiation, not really sure what to expect, I know I am in good hands.
I just want to thank everyone again for all the support. I truly feel surrounded by love and kindness from all over. I really feel lucky. I know there are people going to chemo and dealing with cancer and other illnesses and doing it by themselves and I can't even imagine how tough that must be. I have always felt all of the prayers, positive thoughts, acts of kindness and love. It has been an incredibly important part for me in getting through all of this and staying strong and focused. I am forever grateful. And I know I will continue to have support and love as I continue on to the next steps, thank you.
I also want to give a quick shout out to Tony, my parents, and my in laws. They have been so amazing, helpful, and there for me every step of the way. They are awesome.
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