Uber Vigilant Skin Care

Rewind to December 2012

Back in December, as soon as my mastectomy site was pain-free enough to touch, I started being extra diligent with skin care and moisturizing. At the time, I wasn't even considering what would happen to my skin during radiation, I just kept imagining that supple, moisturized skin would "expand" better than taut, dry skin. Dr. Meredith, my plastic surgeon, was constantly impressed with the excellent condition of my skin when I went for inflations.

I have dark-pigmented skin. Therefore, I have always tanned easily, and rarely get sunburned. However, particularly since I've reached "middle age", my skin gets very dry and I'm constantly saturating it with lotion. My morning ritual of lotion after every shower would serve me well after my surgery, and I even began lubing up before bed at night.

Fast Forward to Radiation  

Many people who receive radiation experience skin problems, including dryness, itching, blistering, or peeling.  Typically, these symptoms start about Week 3 of treatment, and usually resolve within a few weeks after treatment ends. These changes occur because radiation damages healthy skin cells in the treatment area.  Some people even experience something called "moist reaction", sores or ulcers at the treatment site caused by the skin peeling off faster than it can reproduce.

I'm feeling pretty sorry for my body's cells right about now!! I mean, here they are, merrily trying to reproduce as per normal, and in the last six months doctors have done nothing but try to stop them in their tracks.  First, chemo, which kills off any quickly dividing cell in my body. Now, radiation is killing off cells in each day's target zone. I'll bet my microscopic little cells are mighty confused right about now.

On alternating days, when I get the pseudo-skin laid over top of my radiation site, the rays are intended to target my skin. The therapists warned me that I would be even more likely to have skin reactions because of this. However, here I am at treatment #16 (can you believe it??!!??) today, and my skin is doing extremely well. [Well, I realize I was covered in ugly, red bumps and whined incessantly about them but, not counting that, my skin is doing tremendous!] I'm so relieved and thankful, and my doctor and therapists are incredibly impressed.

My uber vigilance includes lotioning at least three times a day with one of the recommended lotions. The key piece of information is that the ingredient list should start with WATER, never lanolin or a petroleum product. This Lubriderm is an excellent choice.

While visiting in Trail on the weekend, I was told that drinking aloe vera gel might also be helpful. Yes, you read that right -- DRINKING IT! In the past, I have used aloe gel topically on over-sun-exposed skin, but I hadn't heard of consuming it.  I picked up a bottle of aloe vera "beverage" -- which I realize isn't the full-strength, real deal -- but it is extremely tasty and I have downed two glasses each day since.  I'm told that real aloe is NOT pleasant to drink, but learned via a website this morning that I may be able to find it dried for including in smoothies, etc.  I will go back to the health food store soon and try to find it in dry form.

Easing myself into real aloe vera gel with this "beverage".

Doing an extensive amount of reading about aloe this morning, I learned some very interesting things. Aloe vera gel has been known to halt the growth of cancer tumors (!!!!!!!), accelerates healing from radiation burns on the skin, hydrates the skin, and accelerates skin repair at the radiation site. This is another example of one needing to do their homework.  Are these claims true? I'm not sure. But, my attitude is what's the harm in trying it?!? I would NEVER only drink aloe vera and skip chemo or radiation, but if it helps my skin repair itself, I'm all for it.  If you are interested in reading some of the information I found, here is a link, Aloe Vera Information

I realize that I may still experience the "after effects" on my skin such as darkened pigmentation or thinning and harder skin at the site.  But, for now, I'm thrilled with how my skin is holding up. 

Drink up :)

Fulfilling "Bucket List" Items

Like so many other people, I have a Bucket List of things I want to do before I die. I'm sure you're familiar with the saying, deriving from the phrase "She kicked the bucket.", meaning "She died", "She passed away", etc. I have never written down my official list, but it's been in, and on, my mind for far longer than I've been diagnosed with cancer. These aren't new dying wishes -- they're locations I want to explore and things I want to accomplish before I die.

Bucket List Item #1
For several years, I have desired to walk or bike on at least a portion of the Kettle Valley Rail Trail,(Link to KVRT) an abandoned railway bed that winds through south central British Columbia between Midway and Hope. A subsidiary of CPR, the rail line opened in 1915 and was totally abandoned by 1989. Infamous for its 18 trestles, the Myra Canyon section of the trail is one of the most popular to hike and cycle.

Imagine my delight when I discovered that one end of this popular section was mere kilometers from the RV park where I'm staying. My brother and I set out early on Thursday morning, with the goal of completing this Bucket List Item.  I'm NOT someone who likes heights, so I warned Kevin that I might not be able to successfully cross the trestles.  Thank Heaven he's the epitome of patience, and he said if we got to Trestle #1 and that's as far as we could go ... oh well!

An idea of the height and expanse of Trestle #1

Trestle #2

I did it!! I'm in the middle of Trestle #1!

We hiked 10 km ONE WAY . . .

. . . NOT!!

Here's the opposite side of the 10 km marker :)

We hiked about 5 km total (there and back), and I crossed Trestles 1 and 2 twice each.

So proud of myself -- AND, I check-marked an item

 on my Bucket List.

Bucket List items for next week:
- a hot air balloon ride
- walk on the Great Wall of China
- visit Australia and New Zealand

I guess this post doesn't have much to do with having breast cancer, but I hope it's a reminder to work hard to fulfill your dreams or maybe a nudge to create your Bucket List.

It's the Little Things in Life

Often, I'm looking for "big" things to happen; I'm wanting to mark progress or the achievement of goals by some extravagant, flamboyant occurrence -- that may or may not come. I'm learning, however, that I need to seek pleasure in the "little" things.  Circumstances that, during "normal life", wouldn't have meant diddly squat to me but, now, rock my world.

Exhibit A - I got to shave my hairy right arm pit this morning!
It's a hot, scorching summer in Kelowna, B.C.  The average afternoon temperature is somewhere between 35 and 40 degrees Celcius.  Long-sleeved shirts, or even T-shirts for that matter, are NOT the order of the day.  It's sleeveless and tank tops all the way!  Now, try that with one smooth, hairless arm pit and one bristly, bushy pit without feeling embarrassed and wanting to duct tape your right arm to your body so you remember NOT to raise it.  I begged and pleaded with my therapists yesterday, could I please, please shave it.  After convincing them that I would be uber-careful, they agreed!  I'm silken smooth on both sides now and am ready to face Kelowna's heat with two raised arms this morning.

Exhibit B - Swimming in a lake!
This week, my company in Kelowna has been my brother, sister, and niece.  My niece, Kim loves the water and waited patiently for several days for the opportunity to dunk into Okanagan Lake at one of the many tourist-filled beaches.  Yesterday, after visiting a parrot sanctuary and goat cheese factory, we found a beautiful, quiet regional park.  If it weren't for Kim's coaxing, I likely would have avoided the lake (AND putting on the bathing suit that accompanies lake swimming). However, wanting to be a good auntie, I donned my bathing suit and tiptoed like a tenderfoot out to deep water.  We had enormous fun, splashing about and swimming from buoy to buoy.  It had been too many years since I enjoyed some summer-swimming-in-the-lake fun (probably since Round Lake, Judy!!).

Exhibit C - Simple Chemo, not 24 hours in hospital!
Today, my brother and I had a marathon at the Cancer Agency.  My weekly oncologist visit was scheduled for 2:40 p.m.  Arriving about ten minutes early, I was surprised to be escorted to an examination room right away.  That put me ahead of schedule for my 3:20 p.m. radiation treatment, but we decided it wasn't worth leaving our deluxe, shade-covered parking spot and finding something to do for such a short amount of time. Once I was gowned-up and we were hunkered down in the waiting room, we were told they were 40 minutes behind schedule. We passed part of our waiting time by visiting with Peter and his wife.  Peter has cancer on the back of his tongue and has been given a very aggressive protocol of simultaneous chemo and radiation. It amazes me how chatting with another cancer patient will make me appreciate the relative ease and simplicity of my treatment plan and my body's reaction to chemo and radiation. Peter's protocol necessitates him being in hospital for the 24 hours prior to chemo to hydrate his body, as the drug is extremely dehydrating. While Peter was in the treatment room, I was also downhearted to learn that he received his diagnosis 3 weeks after their marriage. More reasons for me to count my blessings.

Exhibit D - Terrific Thai Food!
At the end of my treatment today, my favourite therapist, Jenny, asked what we were doing tonight. I explained that we had talked about going out for dinner, but didn't know where to go. Jenny suggested Bai Tong Thai Restaurant in downtown Kelowna. It was superb, and I highly recommend it if you are ever in Kelowna looking for authentic and tasty thai food.

Exhibit E - Barn-Board Frames!
For quite some time, I have wanted a picture frame to hold family photos.  I made a return trip to the Farmers' Market today, my family in tow, and was thrilled to find one vendor who sold nothing but products made from barn board.  I purchased a frame that will soon hold four pictures of my beautiful family!

Exhibit F - Calls from Old Friends!
Yesterday, I had a call from an old friend in Penticton.  She merely said, "I was thinking about you all day today, and had to call to see how you're doing."  It was a simplistic thought, and likely only a 3-minute conversation, but it made my day.  Very often, I think about someone several times throughout the course of a day, but I rarely act upon the thought.  I will follow Vina's example, and call next time.

Exhibit G - A Good Oncologist Visit!
When I checked in with Dr. Chowdhury today, I "passed" with flying colours.  Last week, I was suffering with my red bumps and was quite miserable when I saw him.  Today, the appointment went down something like ...
  "How is your energy level?"  Good
  "Is your skin red?"  No
  "Is your skin tender?" No
  "Is your skin flaking and itchy?" No
  "Do you still have your red bumps everywhere?" No
  "Do you want a gown for me to examine the radiation site?" No, go for it!
  "It looks really good.  Any questions or concerns?"  No.
  "OK, see you next week." Bye.

Next time I write a post that is whiny and full of complaining, can someone out there please remind me to reread this post and concentrate on what's really important in life -- little things!

Choices and Comfort Zones

It's All About the Little Choices in Life

How do we, as human beings, feel "in control"?  Does it come by being allowed to make decisions for ourselves? Do we feel "out of control" when somebody else lords their authority over us and makes decisions on our behalf?

According to studies, the average human makes 600+ decisions every day.  I just chose to have fresh Okanagan raspberries and almond yogurt for breakfast.  I just chose to make coffee so I don't get a caffeine-withdrawal headache. I just chose to sit down with my laptop and start a blog post.

Nonetheless, as a cancer patient, I often feel that everyone else is making all the decisions and I have no say as to what is happening with my body. Somewhat like a windblown leaf, I'm not controlling my own destiny, but rather am blown around by Cancer's breath. Now, I know in theory that this is NOT true.  I show up for every treatment and procedure, without someone twisting my arm to get me there.  However, during the past nine months, I have often felt that I have relinquished control of my body over to cancer.

You will think me crazy but, last Tuesday, when I went for my very first radiation treatment, I was thrilled to be offered a choice of housecoat colours.  For my gown -- no choice -- they were all over-washed, thread-barren, light blue.  However, there were two choices for housecoats -- a light/dark blue herringbone pattern, or plain navy blue.  Chris (the therapist) let ME choose.  He didn't just grab one willy-nilly.  He let ME choose!!! That simple gesture meant so much to me. Thank you, Chris!

Comfort Zones

At the Kelowna Cancer Agency, the waiting and treatment rooms are divided up according to the part of the body that needs treatment.  My neighbour, Jessie, was in "The Orchard" for treatment for a cancerous brain tumor.  I am in "The Park" for my breast cancer treatment.  Within three days, all four therapists who work in the Park -- Chris, Jenny, Leanna, Liza, and student, Richard -- had introduced themselves and worked with me.  

This Wednesday when I went for treatment, it was obvious that "The Park" was having difficulties. All the therapists were running from the treatment room to the computer room (they are NOT in the treatment room when they push the magic buttons for the rays to start zapping!!), calling directions back and forth to each other. A few minutes after my treatment time, Mike, an Orchard therapist, came to get me.

What??  You're not MY people!  The Orchard isn't MY treatment room!

Mike explained that they were having major issues with the machine in The Park.  I could wait, if I wanted, but they were happy to take me to The Orchard for my treatment. This TOTALLY threw me for a loop!  Only 8 short days before, the entire thought of radiation was out of my comfort zone.  However, in a very brief span of time, The Park and MY therapists had become my sense of security -- the mental boundaries within which my mind had become conditioned to be comfortable.

I DID go to The Orchard for treatment with Mike and Sarah.  I lived through it -- although my mind had convinced me that they weren't quite as good as MY therapists.

Even though it is important to occasionally push ourselves outside those mental boundaries, here's the new sign I'm posting on the 10" thick door of The Park treatment room ...

A "Bump" Update

After an uneventful drive from Ashcroft to Kelowna, Cheryl and I stopped at the Cancer Agency to try to see a doctor about my "condition". A few minutes later, a nurse examined my bumps and looked at the pictures of various body parts I had taken on the weekend. She was confident in saying that the bumps were definitely not a side effect of radiation. If they were, the bumps should be confined to the treatment site, and I only had a handful of bumps there.  Her suspicion was an allergic reaction either to body wash or lotion, and she suggested I buy Benadryl.  I immediately took two pills, which sent me into dreamland pretty much as soon as we got to the trailer.

Appears we had battened down the hatches successfully on Friday, as all was in good working order when we got back to the trailer.  The only thing we forgot to do upon our arrival was switch the hot water tank back on but, hey, that allowed us to procrastinate about doing supper dishes :)

Worried that I wouldn't get my 4 p.m. treatment because of my skin condition, I showed Leanne and Jenny the bumps I had been dealing with all weekend.  They gave me more reassurance that it was not a radiation side effect, and suggested I be seen by a doctor at a walk in clinic.  Apparently, the oncologists at the Cancer Agency are so specialized that their "family practice" is not great -- kind of ironic, I thought.

Treatment went off without a hitch -- likely the quickest yet.  I seemed to be lined up in no time, and it wasn't "pseudo-skin" day,  which always takes a while to get taped down.

Off to a walk in clinic we went  ...

Dr. Morris examined my arms and legs and diagnosed my condition as "folliculitis"-- basically an irritation of individual hair follicles.  Many internet sources taught me that there are a myriad of causes, and no real "cures".  I am to stay away from scented body wash, as well as lotions or sunscreen of any kind. He prescribed a hydra-cortisone lotion I am to use twice a day, and his expectation was that it should be totally cleared up within a week.

It is still NOT itchy-- thank Heaven!!  After a good night's sleep, slathered in my new lotion, the bumps appear to be slightly less inflamed.  PROGRESS!!

I Traveled a "Bumpy" Road this Weekend

* Perhaps my mind didn't like my two daughters getting all the attention with their
    broken jaws and broken wrist?!?

* Perhaps things had gone too smoothly during the last weeks of chemo
    and my "rest weeks" before radiation started?!?

* Perhaps I was under the mistaken impression that I would sail through radiation
    with ne'er a problem?!?

Are these the reasons my body got hit with another ailment?!?

Let me backtrack a few days ...

While playing cards with company on Saturday night, I rested my elbows on my dining room table and felt bumps on the back of my two upper arms.  A few of my daughters regularly get those during the winter months when sun is not plentiful and skin is usually covered up.  I thought, "I'll have to see if Rachel has discovered a remedy for these things.", and put them completely out of my mind.

In the morning, I bid farewell to my company and started cleaning up the house.  Something caused me to rub one arm and, low and behold, it was COVERED in tiny, red bumps.  Upon further investigation, I discovered that the bumps now completely covered both arms from shoulder to wrist. They were the worst where I first discovered them, on the back of my upper arms. Here's a photo -- NOT for the faint of heart :)

Ugly, eh????

I carried on with "business as usual" because, thankfully, they were neither sore, nor itchy.  My poor sister, Maureen, is a fabulous RN and gets promoted to the status of "Dr. Lewis" by my entire family.  If anyone has a condition or malady of any description, we call Dr. Lewis and pray she has some insight into what it is and a possible cure.  Well, Dr. Lewis called me at exactly the right moment to see how my weekend visit had gone.

Thank Heaven for modern technology --  I was able to text her these same pictures for diagnosis. Her suspicion was an allergic reaction to body wash (yes, I had just purchased body wash at Costco I had never tried before) or lotion (yes, I had used umpteen different lotions to be a diligent radiation patient, keeping my skin in top-notch condition).  She suggested an allergy pill and calling the Nursing Hotline.  Deciding to go with the allergy diagnosis, I popped an allergy pill about 3 p.m.

The "hives-like" appearance of my bumps by Sunday evening. 

By about 7 p.m., with my bumps now developing into "hives", I took a different brand of allergy pill and called the Hotline.  My own sister was FAR more help than the pleasant RN who answered my call.  Since I wasn't itchy, nor was my throat constricted, the hotline nurse felt I could wait to see a doctor at the Cancer Agency today.

Both Cheryl (back from her weekend in Vancouver and ready for another week as caregiver) and Kate were concerned with the progression my bumps had made.  They insisted I track down the radiation oncologist on call, so I called the Kelowna Hospital.  The oncologist was helpful and reassuring.  In his mind, these bumps have NOTHING to do with radiation -- otherwise, they should have started at the treatment sight (which they did not) and been mainly contained to that same area (which they weren't).  My mind is always puts at ease as soon as I have talked to, or seen, a doctor.

I am thrilled to report that the bumps regressed back to the original appearance of tiny red bumps overnight.  Still anxious to have an idea of why I have them, we will leave early for Kelowna today and hope that I can see a doctor before my 4 p.m. treatment.

I'll keep you posted on the prognosis.  

What Next?? ... Carry On!!

In my excitement to show you all my pictures -- fun ones and radiation ones -- I forgot to tell you the most astounding part of our Wednesday.  Cheryl was behind the wheel looking for a parking spot, which is not an easy feat close to the hospital.  She discovered an empty spot on the opposite side of the street so pulled off right to wait for a pickup to pass by before pulling a U-ee to grab the spot. The pickup pulled into a driveway on the left side of the road. Just as we were mid-U-turn, the pickup's reverse lights came on, and Cheryl laid on the horn so as not to get hit by the truck. The truck stopped and we parked. Apparently, the truck had pulled into the driveway with the intention of parking in that same spot. After rolling down the passenger window, the couple called us every name in the book and used some not-so-friendly body language.  Intuitively, Cheryl asked me to remember the license plate number in case anything untoward happened to my car while I was getting treatment.  Well - IT DID - not as serious as it could have been, but the windshield and drivers' side of the car were covered in sticky, orange pop when we got back there.  Can you imagine being SO upset over a silly parking spot that you'd waste the pop you purchased by covering someone's vehicle with it??  The courteous and helpful car wash attendant almost made up for the crabby, angry pickup people.  It kind of rains on your parade, though, when people are so rude.

Treatments #3 and #4 went by virtually hitch-free.  My only wish is that the therapists (I have mistakenly been calling them technicians) would not have told me that the "pseudo-skin" intensifies the radiation rays because now I'm checking my skin non-stop for "sunburn" evidence. Also, I noticed last night that my arms are covered in little bumps which I'm thinking are the result of either new body wash I bought or one of the many lotions I am trying.  I will have to cut out using each of them, one at a time, to determine which one is the culprit.

On Friday morning, Cheryl and I completed all the weekly "maintenance" on the trailer -- emptying various and assorted tanks and switching switches.  Good thing she's a trailer expert, because I'm NOT, but I have the hang of it now for future weeks.  Treatment #4 was the earliest of the week (noon), and we were on our way back to Ashcroft about 1:00 p.m., Subway sandwich in hand. Shortly thereafter, my cell rang with a panicked daughter, Esther, on the line. She had been jumping her horse, and when May refused a jump, Esther sailed over May's shoulder landing on her left wrist. We immediately switched routes home, and headed back through Kelowna tourist traffic , arriving at Kamloops hospital just as Esther had been sedated so they could set her radius bone.The top one cm of the bone had been cleanly broken and was offset about 5 mm. Miraculously, Esther and I were on our way out the hospital doors, cast on wrist, only 3 1/2 hours after she arrived at Emergency.

Am I allowed to ask, "WHAT NEXT??"

This post has not been full of cancer treatment procedures and how to cope with them.  What I've learned writing this post is that life continues on -- I will continue to encounter kind, generous people; I will continue to encounter rude, obnoxious people; I will continue to be an on-call 24/7 mom; I will continue to need to develop my problem-solving skills.  None of the baggage called "ordinary life" falls by the wayside just because I have this little thing called "cancer" I'm battling at the same time.

I WILL carry on!!

Vacationing in Kelowna ... Oh! and a bit of Radiation

Vacationing in Kelowna

The first night in my "home-away-from-home" was comfy and restful. One always wonders when sleeping in a strange bed with a strange bed-fellow whether any z-z-z-z's are going to be had or not. Other than a fairly early start to my day (5:30 a.m.), the night was fantastic!

Trying to forget that I'm in this tourist-haven for the purpose of radiation, Cheryl and I set off for an invigorating walk before the heat hit. Unfortunately  Fortunately, we found the ginormous, twice-weekly "Kelowna Farmers' and Crafters' Market" one block away from our destination, Mission Creek Park.  We spent about an hour meandering through the vast number of stalls, enjoying some cucumber-infused water, purchasing some yummy coconut-based gelato, and promising we would return next Wednesday with more cash.

Kelowna Farmers Market

With Farmer Bob,
the Market's mascot

As a result of discovering the Market, we didn't make it to the park until 11 a.m., with the car thermometer registering a sweltering 33 degrees.  Thankfully, the majority of our 8 km walk was flat and under a canopy of large trees.  Still, we were both covered in a nice sweaty film by the time we got back to the car.

Cheryl & I at Mission Creek Park

A Bit of Radiation

As promised, Cheryl was able to come into the treatment room and take some photos at the beginning of today's session.

Once I'm all lined up on the machine, I don't move at all.

The large circular part that is right over my head in this photo

moves around me according to very precise measurements.

During treatment, I'm not nearly this covered up.

In fact, half my body is bare to the world.

The techs thought I shouldn't post those kind of photos on my blog :)

My poor right arm went very numb again today.

Apparently, this happens to everyone and

I should expect it every time.

I learned more exciting information today!  Radiation rays are not effective on the first 1/2 cm of tissue or skin they pass through -- who knew?? Partly because of the size of my affected area, and partly because of the grade of the tumors, the radiation oncologist wants my skin and incision treated.  How could that happen when the rays don't affect the first 1/2 cm??  Modern technology has invented "pseudo-tissue".  Every second day I will have this fake tissue laid over the treatment site.  It was about 30 cm square and felt like very flexible silicone.  Tricked by the "fake tissue", the radiation rays will be effective on my skin, including my scar, and will zap any microscopic cancer cells that may have been left behind during surgery.

Another tidbit of surprising new information today was that I should not be using antiperspirant or deodorant on the affected arm pit, nor should I be shaving -- well, not much hair there yet, so that shouldn't be a problem.

I'm looking forward to another good night's sleep, and another successful session tomorrow.

One Down, 27 to Go!!

Good news to report -- radiation photo op has been officially approved for tomorrow's session! Therefore, I do not, as of yet, have a photo of me on the hard, plastic slab waiting for the buzz of those magic radiation rays to kill cancer cells.

After a fairly uneventful drive from Ashcroft to Kelowna -- a trip that should have taken 2-1/2 hours, but took 3+ because we were gabbing and missed the turnoff to Kelowna at Merritt and ended up half way to Hope -- we arrived at the Cancer Agency.  It is difficult for me to explain why there was a spring in my step and a cheshire-cat grin on my face as we walked the two blocks in 35 degree C weather.  My morning excitement continued -- just ask my travel partner, since she had to put up with outbursts of song, silly jokes, and lame sarcasm the entire way.

Upon checking in, we were escorted by a volunteer to "The Park" unit of the Cancer Agency. Shortly after, Chris (a radiation technician) took us to a small room for a talk.  In simple English, he explained exactly how my appointment would look today, allowed me to ask some questions, and showed me to the change room.  Suited up in my classy hospital gown, I was shown into the radiation treatment room and given a warm blanket to cuddle under.  Hard to believe I would need one since the outside temperature was scorching, but it was freezing in the room.  Chris and Richard pushed and prodded me into position, carefully lining up my two tattoos by some sort of laser.  Each step was carefully explained so I always knew what they were doing, and why.

Several times, the techs left the room, took an x-ray, and then returned to the room to make minor positional adjustments and put more black felt marks on me.  After this had happened three times, I was finally told, "We're going to start your radiation now."

Hold on to your hat -- here we go!!

As predicted, the treatment itself was very quick (about 3 minutes) and painless.  Apparently, two tattoos were not sufficient to do my "lining up", so I received two more after my radiation was done.  These two -- done by Chris  -- were painless!! Thirty minutes after I had left Cheryl in the waiting room, I was dressed and ready to hit the streets of Kelowna. We shopped for food supplies and headed off to the orchard/RV park to try to cool down the 5th wheel trailer that will be my home Monday thru Friday for the next 6 weeks.

I'm exhausted tonight -- not a radiation side effect -- merely a drive-filled, adrenaline-filled, excitement-filled, Costco-filled, heat-filled day.

Picture to follow tomorrow ...

I'm Radioactive, Radioactive :)

It is with a giddy sense of child-like excitement that I anticipate my first radiation treatment today. Might sound strange, I realize, but I am sooooooooo ready to get on with this! There is zero fear or trepidation.  Time to start jumping Hurdle #3!

My brain can pretty much visualize what's going to happen since my educated guess is that the "lining up" session accurately duplicated what an actual radiation session will be like.  The main difference will be that I'm not in the "donut-hole"of a CT scanner, I will be in a radiation machine.

Here's what the radiation machine will look like. Also shows the "knee wedge" I talked about earlier.

I will only have my right arm in one of these brackets.

I'm going to inquire as to whether my friend, Cheryl, can take a photo of ME lying ready to attack cancer cells.  My guess is "No!", but hey, it's worth asking!!

I have "counted down" to some incredibly amazing experiences this year. Radiation therapy has been another count down for me.  Today is Z-E-R-O!

I DO feel positive and hopeful.

I DO feel rested up and energized.

I DO feel ready to FIGHT! 

                                         

My only wondering is whether or not I can lay perfectly still for 3 minutes while the radiation is targeting minute, precise lymph nodes.  Time will tell ... but I'm throwing in my bottle of Adivan just to be safe!

Next time I write, session #1 will be history ...