I can't believe I haven't posted anything in almost a year. Many things have happened in that time, some blog worthy, most not so much. I have one more infusion/chemo appointment upcoming and I will be done with that. I had a 5 week period of radiation.
Radiation was difficult mostly due to the time consumption. I had to drive everyday about 80 miles round trip after work. The radiation is painless, but for me in about week 4 I began to blister (This was around Thanksgiving). The blisters then turned into a pretty horrid 2nd degree burn. I ended up having to take time off work and wear burn bandages and take liquid morphine just to sleep. I still have a deep tan in that area and looks like some scarring as well. I have a huge amount of respect and empathy for anyone who has had serious burns. It was the most painful thing I have been through in this whole ordeal.
Once this last chemo appointment is done I will meet with my surgeon so that she can then refer me to a plastic surgeon for breast reconstruction. There is concern from radiation on how well my skin has recovered and how "stretchy" it will be. I mean I want huge boobs again so, it better be stretchy enough! ;) I of course kid and feel, that I will take what I can get, however, I want them to look good.
I am currently also seeing a physical therapist (PT) for edema, which is a collection of fluid in the body. I have some slight lymphedema in my right arm, so I have a PT massage my arm and back to keep the arm from swelling too much. This is caused by the removal of my lymph nodes.
Bored yet? I am on a roll here, I really need to just write this stuff down, even if it's just boring technical info.
Work is going ok, I have really tried to just focus on it and treat it like it is a brand new job. This helps for my mental status quite a bit. I am thankful everyday to have a job and not just any job, but one where I help people, and get paid well to do it.
Speaking of mental status, I have seen a therapist for my freaked out brain. Not sure if it has helped, but I felt better after talking to someone. I was in a low low place, feeling down about my horrible work evaluation and the loss of my marriage of almost 16 years. Oh and not to mention, cancer! Just wish the brain could be turned on and off at will, sure would be nice.
Spring is coming out here in Cal, and I love it. It makes me feel hopeful and I think even a little bit of joy.
Radiation was difficult mostly due to the time consumption. I had to drive everyday about 80 miles round trip after work. The radiation is painless, but for me in about week 4 I began to blister (This was around Thanksgiving). The blisters then turned into a pretty horrid 2nd degree burn. I ended up having to take time off work and wear burn bandages and take liquid morphine just to sleep. I still have a deep tan in that area and looks like some scarring as well. I have a huge amount of respect and empathy for anyone who has had serious burns. It was the most painful thing I have been through in this whole ordeal.
Once this last chemo appointment is done I will meet with my surgeon so that she can then refer me to a plastic surgeon for breast reconstruction. There is concern from radiation on how well my skin has recovered and how "stretchy" it will be. I mean I want huge boobs again so, it better be stretchy enough! ;) I of course kid and feel, that I will take what I can get, however, I want them to look good.
I am currently also seeing a physical therapist (PT) for edema, which is a collection of fluid in the body. I have some slight lymphedema in my right arm, so I have a PT massage my arm and back to keep the arm from swelling too much. This is caused by the removal of my lymph nodes.
Bored yet? I am on a roll here, I really need to just write this stuff down, even if it's just boring technical info.
Work is going ok, I have really tried to just focus on it and treat it like it is a brand new job. This helps for my mental status quite a bit. I am thankful everyday to have a job and not just any job, but one where I help people, and get paid well to do it.
Speaking of mental status, I have seen a therapist for my freaked out brain. Not sure if it has helped, but I felt better after talking to someone. I was in a low low place, feeling down about my horrible work evaluation and the loss of my marriage of almost 16 years. Oh and not to mention, cancer! Just wish the brain could be turned on and off at will, sure would be nice.
Spring is coming out here in Cal, and I love it. It makes me feel hopeful and I think even a little bit of joy.