Last week after posting I realized the week marked seven months since I was diagnosed with breast cancer. It's interesting that it also marked the end of radiation, the slew of follow up appointments and a bunch of tests, which by the way I have no idea what the results are, and my oncologist was very lackadaisical about when I would know.
He thought that since I felt good results would be good. That's nice. arghh. And like any one else who's life is marked with cancer you really want to put that check in the box that states...you are clear.
I was also amused at a comment by the same oncologist that stated he's be glad he wouldn't be seeing me so much in the future, only every 3 months once we review the results. The amusement came because I've really hardly seen him. My last appointment was prior to radiation, so it was two months ago. And other then the literally 5 to 10 minute check in to review my pre-chemo blood results we've had no contact. All my contact has been with nurses to "note" my chemo and post chemo reactions.
Continue reading "7 Months Since I was Diagnosed with Breast Cancer" »
Today is the final day. I've completed 34 radiations sessions and I'm out of there until tomorrow when a round of catch up and next steps appointments begin. One appointment Thursday, three Friday and one next Tuesday, because a gal during cancer treatment can't seem to get enough hospital and doctor visits in.
Truthfully I feel both relieved and anxious to have this part of treatment completed. I'll be glad not to have to drive to the hospital every day it definitely put a crimp in my lifestyle and attitude.
A little over a week ago they changed my radiation protocol from 33 sessions to 26 and added an additional 8 sessions of the ABC radiation for a total of 34. In simpler terms, ABC equals higher does on a smaller and more surface area in which I had my nose plugged and filled my lungs with air and had the air flow cut off during the radiation zaps. Filling your lungs lifts your chest away from your heart and is suppose to provide protection.
Continue reading "34 Breast Radiation Sessions Complete - I'm Out Of There" »
Radiation has both been going amazingly fast with 20 sessions completed as of yesterday and agonizingly repetitive. I continue to feel like I'm living in a world of deja vue each time I park in the eleven car radiation designated spaces and walk into the hospital doors.
Monday through Friday I have the same schedule. Interestingly my good be on time behavior lasted for the first couple of weeks and on week three I've been a bit more lackadaisical and often late. I keep thinking that yes, on a good day it takes 13 minutes to get to the parking lot once I'm in my car and therefore I don't need to give more then 20 minutes of commute time. But, Seattle city traffic is often congested, not to mention all of the construction happening on Madison where Swedish Hospital is located. So my drive time is taking 13 to 35 minutes one way.
I've was complaining, actually, feeling rushed and anxious that I was now late AGAIN and recognizing that I am no longer the model breast cancer patient in treatment. Oh, I've fallen off the wagon. Then yesterday as I was scanning the cast of characters in the radiation waiting room I began a conversation with one that I've seen a few times and has the most gracious sense of being.
Continue reading "Radiation: 20 of 33 Completed" »
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