Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Done With Radiation!!!

Yes!! Today I finished radiation!  I AM SO HAPPY TO BE DONE!! I had 33 treatments, starting the end of Oct.  There were 4 delays--3 because of the machine, and 1 to give the skin a break. 
Overall, I am pleased with how well my skin held up.  There are areas that are very red, and could get a little worse the next few days, but hardly any pain at all.  Just some discomfort now and then, and some itchiness.  My fatigue is the worst part.  It's almost as bad as when I had chemo!  The fatigue might last a few weeks. 
I was told to keep moisturizing for a few weeks, and to keep that area covered with sun block anytime it is exposed (like my clavicle area if I wear tank tops, because the lymph nodes there were radiated).  I will need to do this for the rest of my life.  Also the area will have a tan look forever.
I have some"cording" on my inner arm on that side.  It is deep inside from the armpit to the elbow, and hurts if I touch it or reach for anything.  Cording has something to do with the tendons, where they feel like cords and are very painful.  I don't think I'll need a physical therapist, I just have to do a lot of stretching.
I brought my "team" (techs, nurse, doc, and front desk staff) some treats--a bowl of fresh fruit, and some homemade treats.  I got a few hugs, and was told they never wanted to see me again (unless it was to just stop in and say hi!).  They are a great, caring bunch of people.
Nothing new with my heart.  I seem to be tolerating the new med ok--no signs of low blood pressure.  I have my next heart scan on Dec. 29th.  Next Wed. I'll have another Herceptin infusion and more blood tests.  I won't see my onc. until 3 weeks after that.
Did I mention I was tired?  I have been doing a lot of shopping after rad. treatment, and including tomorrow (Thurs.) I will have had Brennan here 3 days this week.  I love that kiddo, but I really don't have the energy for him right now!  But he sure makes me laugh!  Tomorrow won't be so bad because I can take it easy in the morning since I don't have to go to rads!  Then B. will be here around 1:30.  Then Friday will be my first day with NOTHING scheduled!  I am staying home and getting some Christmas stuff done--like wrapping or cards and stuff.  I've got most of my shopping done, and I'll do the last minute stuff next week.
Tomorrow is my mom's birthday, and Sat. is Rich's birthday.  Then Christmas, and the week after that--Alyssa's birthday! She is a new years baby.  :)
I hope everyone is staying warm!  Even my friend in the Fort Myers, FL area is cold!  I hope we get a little break from the cold soon.  The cold affects my fingers and feet because of the neuropathy.
Love and Blessings!!
Tina

4 comments:

  1. Congrats, Tina, on finishing up with the radiation!
    Have a Merry and Blessed Christmas!

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  2. Congratualations! No more radiation! Woo-hoo!!!!
    Hope some of the other nagging things go away, and that you feel better than you have in months this Christmas. Love ya.

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  3. CONGRATULATIONS! She "that endureth to the end shall be saved!" (Matthew 24:13) That is a great promise you can claim. I'm praying your energy is restored in record time and you can genuinely enjoy the next two weeks celebrating all the birthdays including Jesus's. Love and blessings - Tom

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  4. I just want to say that I love you SO MUCH. And I am soooo proud of you. Good work, mamabear.

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