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Week 25: Radiation Cycle#3 Complete

So here is what I know/have come to know so far:

  • I have successfully completed the first 3 of 33 radiation treatments scheduled.
  • I have 30 minutes added to my daily moisturizing routine to account for the creams I need to apply to my skin to reduce the radiation effects..
  • While my radiation oncologist has told me that their equipment does not really have much scatter (a maximum of 2 millimetres), all the technicians leave the room when the beams go on.
  • I have breast tissue in my back, and by "I" I really mean you too. So if you hug yourself, tissue extends to where your hands can reach around under your arms and over the top of your shoulder, so that area needs to be irradiated too.
  • The lead "mats" you see at the dentist, used to protect the rest of you when you have x-rays, won't stop these rays.
  • In addition to the actual radiation treatment I have to have, I also have additional x-rays each week in addition to the 33 radiation treatments. In addition to the 33. In case you didn't get that the first time.
  • I have taken a liking to soft clothes and small pillows. Is it any wonder?

This week will be one month since my surgery and I can feel improvements every day. I have however this past week developed axillary web syndrome. What the heck is that? Well, apparently it occurs when you mess with the lymph nodes, which you do in a mastectomy or lymph node biopsy/removal, or even radiation. The lymphatic system gets confused and you see a "cord" running from the armpit sometimes through to the elbow and fingers. (Much like a vein that is pulled.) It is quite painful to extend my arm. I have maybe 1 cord and I am working with a physical therapist to get some relief. This doesn't always go away in one go, but will go and come and go and come before it eventually resolves in a few months.

For now, that is all that is going on. I am enjoying my very relaxing Thanksgiving weekend.
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