Today was my fifth day on radiation therapy or radiotherapy. I did not like it but I need it. Over a month ago, I had a DCIS operation or Ductal Excersion. Before I started with the therapy, I had counseling from my doctors and oncologist. The doctors put me on light duty at work. I can only do some easy stuff. I cannot lift, transfer, push. It is hard to be on light duty. I am a hard working CNA and sitting is not an option. I do not stop until I am done with what has to be done.
Also, I started to feel some side effects from the therapy, like nausea and exhaustion, muscle soreness. I had my down time moment. I was crying the other night for no apparent reason, I was just crying. One time I was driving to work, my stomach was awful. I was nauseated and felt so light-headed. At work, I could concentrate, yes, but I was like out of my head. I had to ask my co-worker three times to make sure that I got what she was telling me. I survived, though and did not make any mistakes. Hah! The perseverance of a Filipina.
This morning, I asked the oncology nurse if it is normal to feel the heaviness on my breast and that shooting pain which is too painful, she reassured me that those were all some of the side effects from the radiation. It is not fun, AT ALL! As writing this, I am feeling that shooting pain all over my affected side so I have to take a pain killer. Thanks to my husband who is with me all the way. He is present whenever I need him.
Going back and forth to the cancer treatment center is exhausting. It is every morning, five days a week and I only got done with five treatments. Originally, I was supposed to get 25 treatments but my oncologist have me down to 18 treatments only. The experience is not as scary as I had pictured it. I am working with a great team of therapists, all females - my preference.
Before going to the treatment, I can only use unscented Dove soap. No colognes. No lotion. No deodorant. Each session, I have to apply an unscented aloe lotion around the affected area. Personally, it is a hustle. I am not a morning person. I love my bed and I love to sleep. Then, all of a sudden, everything had change. Luckily, I have my weekend off from work and from therapy. Then back again on Monday. sigh. I know it is for the best and for me to get better. Actually, after my initial treatment, I wanted to not comeback on the second day. I was on denial that I needed it. Anyways, I continued with the therapy. Five down, 13 more to go... wooohh...
Have another minute? Try to read this from Susan G. Komen. It is very informative.
Also, I started to feel some side effects from the therapy, like nausea and exhaustion, muscle soreness. I had my down time moment. I was crying the other night for no apparent reason, I was just crying. One time I was driving to work, my stomach was awful. I was nauseated and felt so light-headed. At work, I could concentrate, yes, but I was like out of my head. I had to ask my co-worker three times to make sure that I got what she was telling me. I survived, though and did not make any mistakes. Hah! The perseverance of a Filipina.
This morning, I asked the oncology nurse if it is normal to feel the heaviness on my breast and that shooting pain which is too painful, she reassured me that those were all some of the side effects from the radiation. It is not fun, AT ALL! As writing this, I am feeling that shooting pain all over my affected side so I have to take a pain killer. Thanks to my husband who is with me all the way. He is present whenever I need him.
Going back and forth to the cancer treatment center is exhausting. It is every morning, five days a week and I only got done with five treatments. Originally, I was supposed to get 25 treatments but my oncologist have me down to 18 treatments only. The experience is not as scary as I had pictured it. I am working with a great team of therapists, all females - my preference.
Before going to the treatment, I can only use unscented Dove soap. No colognes. No lotion. No deodorant. Each session, I have to apply an unscented aloe lotion around the affected area. Personally, it is a hustle. I am not a morning person. I love my bed and I love to sleep. Then, all of a sudden, everything had change. Luckily, I have my weekend off from work and from therapy. Then back again on Monday. sigh. I know it is for the best and for me to get better. Actually, after my initial treatment, I wanted to not comeback on the second day. I was on denial that I needed it. Anyways, I continued with the therapy. Five down, 13 more to go... wooohh...
Have another minute? Try to read this from Susan G. Komen. It is very informative.
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| On my way home from the treatment. |
