Radiation: 6th Week

So far I have completed 26 treatments, I have 2 regular treatments left, then 5 "boosts."
If all continues to plan, April 6th will be my last radiation treatment! I am getting pretty red, especially on my collar bone, so that treatment area has been postponed, but overall it's tolerable - I've had worst sunburns!

Yesterday, Monday, 3/27 I had an ultrasound to take measurements of the cavity where my tumor was. It will help the radiologist determine the settings of the final "boost" treatments.

Just over a week ago, 3/16 I had another echocardiogram to be sure my heart is still fine with the Herceptin.

Physical Update:
My toes are still fairly numb and some of my toenails have dark lines that are slowly growing out. My knees, hips and back aren't getting quite as stiff, so I think my body is adjusting to the Tamoxifen plus I've been trying to drink more water & walk more. I'm still experiencing hot flashes, mostly at night, but they aren't bothering me yet. My eyelashes are growing back pretty quickly, and my brows are suddenly start to fill in.. the hair on my head is slowly, but surely coming back too!

Emotional Update:
I'm still feeling overwhelmed. Last week I had a couple rough moments through treatment, and I'm not sure what specifically is causing me to be so emotional.. Maybe the shock of diagnosis is wearing off.. Maybe going from diagnosis, to surgeries, chemo & radiation without a break is catching up to me.. Maybe my hormones are wacky.. Maybe I have separation anxiety about being done with radiation (although I still have over a week left)..

I do know, "this too, shall pass"....

Radiation: 4rd Week

Things are sailing along smoothly!

I have completed 16 treatments and have experienced more itching and redness.. But, so far so good! I have about 18 more to go!

The Tamoxifen seems to be giving me a little more trouble though.. I'm still experiencing stiff joints, hot flashes, and some weird mood stuff: sometimes I feel pretty overwhelmed, which I'm hoping is just the adjustment of going back to work and spending all my lunches at Stanford..
I'm hoping the physical stuff will subside once my body gets used to the Tamoxifen.. I'm just not sure how long that will be!

Overall, life is good.. I still have my moments (which I know is diagnosis related, but also may have a little to do w/my moods), but I know in my heart, everything is going to be O.K.

~Christine