June 19, 2006

Last week, Todd and I met with my radiation oncologist.  She explained what to expect from the radiation treatments.  For the first three weeks, I should expect to feel very little.  During the next three weeks, my skin is likely to act as though it has a bad sunburn.  And, I may have some of the same upper digestive trouble I had with chemo like heartburn.  The side effects will last up to a couple of weeks after treatment is done.  It doesn't sound too bad.

The day after our appointment, I had my "simulation" appointment.  This is when they figure out how I'm going to be physically placed to receive the radiation.  I had to lay still for 20 minutes while a CAT-scan type of machine took lots of images.  They tatooed 4 little dots on me so that they can line me up the same way every day.  They also have a brand-new 3-D camera system that they will use for my treatment that helps them put me back in the right spot if I move and I got to meet the doctor who developed the system.  Pretty cool.

My first radiation treatment will be next Wednesday morning.  They continue every weekday for 6-1/2 weeks.  I still have my immuno-therapy (Herceptin) infusion once per week.  I'll be able to drive myself for radiation, but Todd will still have to drive me on the day that I have Herceptin treatment since I have to take Benadryl beforehand.  I'm planning to have to be out of the office four days a week for 1-1/2 hours each day and on the fifth day for 2-1/2 hours.  I think time management will be my greatest challenge.

Yes, my hair is starting to grow back.  Suddenly one day a week or so ago my head had a 5 o'clock shadow and now my hair about 1/4 inch long.  I had hoped for curls and a lighter color.  But so far the hair is stick-straight and the only thing light about the color is all of the gray hair.  Oh well!