Fifth Day of Therapy

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.

On my way home from the treatment.

A Bright Future Ahead

This morning, while I was having my brunch.  I was told by my husband that my radiologist is expecting me tomorrow for my first radiation therapy.  I was like "WHAT?!"  I don't remember me or him calling the radiologist's office for an appointment.  I know that I got a packet in the mail a couple days ago.  It was from one of my doctors but having scheduled for a therapy?  Oh, please! Does these doctors think it is easy for us, women, to accept what is going on to our bodies?  I am still feeling pain from my previous breast surgery.  Can I have a break from that tension, please?

I am not ready to see my skin being burned.  I love grilled food but me being grilled, it never came to my senses.  Though, I was not so happy about the news, I know I really have to undergo a radiation therapy. I remember talking to one of my co-workers and mentioned to her about the plan and how I said it "I do not want that radiation therapy!  they just opened a part of my body and now they want to burn it this time?"  She candidly answered, "Well, it is better to have a burnt skin than losing one the twins."  She was right, I know.  But, it is the stubborn side of me that was declining the process.

November 20, 2014 is my first radiation therapy appointment.  Yes, I am getting it, unwillingly.  It is a 5-weeks session.  Everyday except Saturday and Sunday.  Not fun at all.  On the brighter side, I will be cancer free.  Hence, I have to take a pill for five long years.  I still don't know if I will start taking the pill after the therapy or on the day of my first therapy. Phew! Why does it have to happen?  I don't smoke. I drink occasionally.  Say, one glass a week and I only had it since I came here in the United States, prior to that, NEVER!  But, I stopped taking alcoholic beverage a month before I had my surgery. 

Anyhow, I am blogging about my surgery and the therapy and all, so that anyone who can read this can get an idea.  October is Breast Cancer Awareness campaign.  I started supporting the campaign even before I found out that I am having a nipple discharge and up to this day.  After I had my breast surgery, I really feel that I have to continue supporting the campaign.  I will help spreading the good news that we, women, are special human beings and there are people and organizations out there that are willing to support and help us.

Thank you for dropping by and hope to see you again! =)