Christmas

Cancer Radiation

I had my appointment with radiologist this morning. First off, he said the physical therapist was not following the most recent guidelines that they have adopted, and since I have no lymph nodes removed  and at the angles that my radiation should be administered,  it should not involve my lymph nodes or damaged them in anyway, so I can play pickle ball and vacuum.

I go on the 5th to get my scan done so they can mark my breasts for the radiation.  I am tentatively scheduled to begin radiation Thursday, the 8th.

It is possible that my 21 treatments may turn into 30 treatments, depending on what the computer program shows once the scan is done.

Murder Mystery Train Trip

Charlene gifted me with a Mystery Dinner Train Ride with an ugly sweater theme.  We made the 3 hour drive to Noblesville and had a great time.

The People’s Choice Award as voted on by a train full of strangers for the Ugliest Sweater Award goes to yours truly, Patty Puff, the bakery owner.

My lovely laminated certificate says I have demonstrated extraordinary holiday spirit and questionable fashion taste. I couldn’t agree more. 

Cancer - Physical Therapy

Went to my first physical therapy appointment yesterday. It was about an hour long as we did all kinds of things that she deemed necessary. I've been measured everywhere, including the circumference of my thumb. 

She gave me a bunch of exercises to do at home. She's very impressed with my range of motion, which is actually better in the shoulder  I've had nine surgeries on than in my right shoulder. She did some kind of measurement thing on this machine that actually measures the fluid in your body, so that if I think I'm getting lymphedema, it will measure as little as two extra tablespoons of fluid in my body and then we can start treatment on it. 

I did get a mixed bag of news as far as the future. After radiation, I can no longer play pickle ball because the repetitive motion would most likely cause lymphedema, but on the good part of that, after radiation, I can also not vacuum or mop anymore. 

I asked her how long are we talking about before I can play again and she said, “Never this is your life going forward.”

I asked why and she said that even though they didn't take the lymph nodes under my arms, the radiation will be so close to the lymph nodes that it will probably damage them and that will cause lymphedema.

She said I also have to be particular about how they take my blood pressure and I need to have them use a manual cuff.  

When I looked up what causes lymphedema in your arms, number one is radiation for breast cancer.

So much I had no idea of.