Radiation Plan Ahead

Today I met with the radiation oncologist at Emerson Hospital in Concord MA to discuss the radiation treatment plan.  Emerson is ~25min from the house and I will no longer have to fight I-95 traffic. While it was good to see their facilities and meet the doctor, it did seem a bit early because we don't have the surgical results yet to put the final radiation treatment plan or schedule in place.  Regardless, assuming I am able to stay on track for a lumpectomy (official name is breast conserving surgery), I would have my simulation mapping and tattooing the area for radiation ~3 weeks after surgery and start radiation ~4 weeks after surgery.  The regiment is 33 treatments (~5000 rads), 28 to administer to the breast / lymph nodes and 5 for a boost to the lymph nodes around my left clavicle (collar bone).  Assuming I have surgery mid to late Aug, I would start radiation mid to late Sept running for 6.5 weeks until early/mid Nov.  Radiation side effects are sunburn, fatigue, and some irritation/pain should the lung/heart/chest muscle get inadvertent radiation or heat from the radiation.  I will have to go to Emerson every weekday for 10-15 min of radiation.  When you receive radiation you lie on your back with your arms overhead and the machine whirls around you per the mapping instructions.  According to the doctor, and from what I've read, the fatigue with radiation builds over time culminating around 3 weeks.  While annoying they say it's not as bad as chemo.  The doctor thought given how well I am feeling on T chemo that I should feel the same in radiation.

Tonight I read the journal of a friend of a relative blogging her breast cancer journey.  The early entries brought back memories - the day I was diagnosed, the biopsy, the first chemo and subsequent side effects.  But her surgical experiences were not without issues and it reminded me that while I am feeling well now not to take anything for granted and be prepared for when things do go wrong.  I will be sure to ask my surgeon a lot of questions so I am prepared for bad or good news.  Am also hoping that the pop up "lump" in my right breast which seems to have disappeared does not pose any new issues that need to be considered for surgery.

The friend also said in her journal, and I have found true in my journey, that cancer does not affect just the one person but all those around her in this process.  I am forever grateful to my family and friends for stepping in to help us get through these difficult times!

The Hot & Cold Of It

One of the new side effects I've experienced with Taxol is hot/cold flashes.  They can occur at anytime and anywhere.  In the middle of the night a hot flash will wake me up and I'm peeling off sheets.  After only a couple minutes I'm freezing and I'm pulling the covers back up.  Sometimes the hot flashes last longer and I'm peeling off layers.  I did not experience this on AC chemo.

Another new side effect I've noticed is I'm losing my eyebrows.  I thought the hair loss was done!  Wonder if they'll ever grow back.  Looks funny too, they're patchy, kinda like a 4 year old tried to draw them on haha.

While these side effects are annoying I'm still feeling much better than on AC chemo.  I meet with the radiation doctors Monday to determine the next phase of the treatment plan.  Can't wait to put this cancer chapter behind me!

1st Trip on Chemo & 2nd Taxol

My second week on Taxol was very uneventful and we were able to take a trip to camp in Maine for July 4th weekend.  The water was warm and the weather was nice so we were able to do a lot outside. Since I was feeling so well we did a short hike on Cascade Falls (3/4 of the loop, ~1 mile).  I was also able to do some swimming which didn't hurt the port side unlike some yoga I tried earlier in the week.  It was great getting to see the grandparents and a couple of the Uncles for the weekend, and getting to forget about having cancer if only for a few days.  Only a few more months until this chapter is behind me!

Had my second Taxol treatment yesterday, 6 down and 2 to go.  All went well and I had a lot of energy afterward, did not need to nap.  This time I did not experience any of the sleep problems or the joint pain the first night like I had the first treatment.  The mouth sores are starting to return so will have to continue to brush my teeth and use the mouth rinse regularly.  Since my white blood cell count was up I did not have to get the Neulasta shot this time, will continue to monitor this over the remaining treatments.  Overall my energy level is better and starting tomorrow I plan to work in 10-30 min of exercise a day.  I need to combat some of the weight gain from the steroids!  Following chemo I will have surgery to remove the tumor cells and the port, then radiation.  I will be meeting with the radiation doctors soon to start laying out that treatment plan.

Erik and I in front of Bald Mtn - 3 Baldys!