Radiation: 1st week

I have completed 6 sessions of radiation, 27 to go! The treatments are very quick (in & out in 30") and painless.
It's pretty early in the treatment, so no real complaints yet.. just some mild itching (probably because I have sensitive fair skin) and I've noticed only slight redness in some areas.

Here's a picture of me in 1 of the 3 positions used for treatment (the gown stays over my chest during the actual treatment):

A few more side effects from chemo:

"Chemo Brain" or my brain is short circuiting; I lose words in the middle of a conversation, I am misplacing things constantly (esp. my keys), we'd probably starve if I didn't keep a grocery list (even for 3 items) and I'm still a little overwhelmed in busy or high stress environments.

I finally lost a fingernail.. It's sensitive, but not as bad as anticipated.. I'm fairly sure the rest of my nails will be just fine.

I've lost all but 4 eyelashes (I have 2 on each eye now).

My joints/ligaments get stiff & pop a bit when I move them (maybe this is a sign of aging???)

Overall, I am doing better everyday.. the stuff mentioned above is relatively minor compared to what my body went thru recovering from surgery & chemo.

~Christine

Ready to Begin Radiation

I have completed the appointments to prep me for radiation which included the mold for my back, a CT scan, "blue dot" tattoos, and the plan verification using X-rays w/a simulator.. on Friday, February 17 the therapists did a "dry run" and I'm set to start my daily treatments tomorrow, February 21. The side effects that interested me are fatigue and skin redness (similar to a sunburn) .. I bought the recommended deodorant, aloe vera & prescription cream to help combat any major problems.

Today, February 20, 2006, I returned to work after being out of the office since October 2005. I'm one of the lucky ones who really enjoy working, especially with my current group. So, although I'm leaving the comfort of my couch and company of my kids and husband, I'm very happy to be back. Upon my arrival to my cube, I was greeted with purple streamers & twirly things with a sign saying "welcome back" ..here's a pic:

~Christine

Chemo Junk, Radiation & Hormone Therapy

Chemo Junk
My final chemo treatment was on January 26, 2006 and it was the toughest recovery of all. The fatigue set in, neurapathy got worse, more bone pain, and just the general junkiness seemed to linger. It's been 2 weeks, and except for my endurance, I'm finally starting to feel like myself again. I have been on an emotional rollercoaster, which is NORMAL reaction after completing chemo. It's overwhelming to think of what cancer has meant to me.. so with a little push, I have decided to seek the help of a counselor.

Radiation Therapy
Radiation is a follow up to the lumpectomies, it should destroy any cancer cells that may have been left behind during the surgery. I had a consultation with my radiation oncologist on February 2, who explained why I'm having radiation, and what to expect. On February 7, I had the 1st of 2 appointments to develop a treatment plan for radiation.
A mold was made of my back by laying on a large plastic bag filled about 1" thick with a warming gel substance. I will be using the mold during radiation treatments to be sure I'm laying in the exact same position each time. My tumor area was confirmed by a CT scan while still laying on the mold. I was then "tattooed" with 2 permanent dots to assist in lining me up so radiation would be administered in the exact area each visit. My treatments (standard for most breast cancer patients) will be Monday thru Friday, for just over 6 weeks. The next appointment is scheduled for February 16, and at that time the treatment plan will be confirmed. I should begin radiation treatment shortly there after (I'm guessing February 21, 2006).

Hormone Therapy
On February 9, I met with my medical oncologist to discuss "the next steps" in my treatment. Because estrogen is a factor in the growth of breast cancer, I have been prescribed Tamoxifen, which blocks estrogen receptors on cells. I was told about the side effects, but have decided they are worth the risk in order to prevent this cancer from recurring.

Future Screening
After radiation is complete, my medical oncologist and radiation oncologist will determine when to start screening for recurrence. Too soon, could result in a false-positive and an unnecessary surgery. Generally, screening is done every 6 months, then yearly. I have been scheduled for another (my 3rd) Echo Cardiogram for March, to be sure my heart is still handling the Herceptin with the dose-dense chemo I received. I will continue with the Herceptin, but every 3 weeks instead of weekly.

So now, I'm working on radiation and will continue updating as appropriate..

Below is a picture of a dinner celebration of my last chemo on January 26, 2006 with my Dad, brother Micky, Nicole, (me) and my Mom:




~Christine