Radiation - So Much Better Than Chemo

Without a doubt, Radiation is much better than Chemo so far. 

Every Monday - Friday, I get up and ready for the work day.  I drive over to Daybreak for my 0800 appointment.  When I get there, I walk back to the radiation area and change into a hospital gown (from the waist up).  The ladies take me back and have me lie down on a hard metal table which is covered with a sheet.  It has the form of my upper body that was made during simulation.  Arms are placed above my head - right hand on left...and my head turned to the right. 

Once a week, they will do x-rays to ensure the machine is still lined up appropriately and that the radiation is going to the right areas. They line me to a couple laser beams which they put on the 4 tattoos (pin head sized) on my body.  They move me slightly with the sheet placed on the metal bed. 

After that - the machine will change position three times and radiate me.  It is as painless as an x-ray.  After 5-10 minutes, I'm up and out...getting redressed.  To date - there have been no side effects that I'm aware of...other than my skin being a little sensitive in that area.  Dr. Gaffney (radiation doc) meets with me every Tuesday to ensure I'm handling the treatment well. 

In the meantime, my other side effects are starting to slowly improve.  The neuropathy is much better.  My fingers/toes and hands/feet are only slightly sensitive - mainly in the very tips.  My hair is absolutely fascinating.  I swear it seems to grow every day - kind of like a chia pet.  It still doesn't look 'normal' but I'll take it.  The white baby 'fluff' is still on the ends but I can see my dark hair starting to come in - except at my temples which appears to be completely white naturally.  Who knew? 

In the meantime, my eyelashes and eyebrows have decided that it is their turn to fall out.  I've stopped trying to put mascara on the remaining four lashes because that only makes me look crazier.  If you look closely, squint your eyes and turn your head just right...you can see white baby eyelashes growing in.  I tried false eyelashes but by halfway through the day...they fall off or I take them off in annoyance.

I'm getting stronger every day and feel so much better than the day before.  I am back to being able to work full shifts and long days without major impact.  I am also able to walk up stairs without stopping to catch my breath at the top.  Alan no longer needs to slow down to accommodate my slow gait. 

Working out has been a little tougher but each day I can feel it getting closer to fruition.  I'm thinking it will be either this week or next that the routine will come back (or at least slowly starting to build at a slow walk on the treadmill).   My family is both happy to have 'Healthy Me' back..and a little remorseful.  'Healthy Me' wants to do things like clean the house, weed the flower beds and other various chores...but my strength requires that I can only instruct/supervise them.  They liked it better when my big activity for the day was watching TV.  :)

Alan and I decided to follow the sun this weekend and drove to Vegas in his new truck.  We spent Saturday by the pool in 89 degree weather.  To me - the sun now means health and feeling better after a very long, difficult winter.  I loved it!  I was careful to cover my bald head and radiation area...as well as apply 85 SPF sunscreen everywhere else. 

Spring is here!!  Or at least just around the corner...and I've never been happier to see it.