Tomorrow marks the 35th radiation treatment to my head and neck. It will also be my last day of receiving chemotherapy. I am exuberant, for sure. But it is not yet time for me to celebrate. As my nurse told me yesterday, starting tomorrow, my body will have to accept and overcome the full brunt of the treatments. They compound together into this final level that will knock my blood counts down, and continue to anger my embattled mouth and throat. That's the bad news.
The good news is that they are calling me a cancer survivor. I am not sure how that can be since I won't have a PET scan for 3 more months while the treatments continue to do their thing. But I'll go with it. The tumor in my neck is nowhere to be found.
So while many of my friends have been warmly reaching out to say "You're all done! Let's celebrate!", I have to inform them that I actually need to get past this pounding of treatments, then work back my strength, which is typically 3 to 4 weeks from now.
I am so happy to have only 1 more radiation treatment. Each radiation treatment, by itself, doesn't hurt. It's like getting a little bit burned in a spot, then burning that same spot over and over. And the chemo treatment isn't bad while you're being infused. It's the aftermath a few days later that kicks my tail.
So tomorrow I will get through the last of each, and my next mission is to recover and build myself back up. I am happy I've dropped over 40 lbs., and will continue to lose more over the next month. Although, I'd recommend Nutrisystem over this program.
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Happy happy birthday to you. I cried tears of joy for you. Hearing those words "cancer survivor " you are now one of thee elite. I love you and you will make it to the finish line. Keep the strength. Love cousin Julie.
ReplyDelete35th treatment on your 53rd birthday! We are moving your birthday celebration to.July 17! It will be Summer - your fav time! Kids will be out of school - your previous gifts from God - your FAV Sis and B-I-L will be showing you with more love than anyone can handle - we love you and wish you warmth, smooth soothing smoothies and a short last treatment on Your day! Love you!
DeleteThe risk of radiation-induced breast cancer from screening mammography is estimated to be minimal. The excess risk for breast cancer caused by radiation is increased with a younger age of the woman at exposure and increasing cumulative radiation dose. Breast Cancer Treatment
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