Cancer Radiation

Finished 42 radiation treatments today!  21 on each breast.  My skin is incredibly red and sore.  The rash from the radiation is so extremely itchy.  I’ll be so happy when this heals in a few weeks.

Interesting Fact

I learned at my oncologist’s appointment today. Simultaneous radiation

 to both breasts, typically for Synchronous Bilateral Breast Cancer (SBBC), is rare, with studies indicating an incidence of approximately 

0.7% to 3.2% of breast cancer cases. 

Cancer - radiation

Today, I started the first of 21 radiation treatments.  There will be 16 treatments and then 5 boosters treatments that directly target the ares where the cancer were. The picture shows the door of the radiation room.  All the walls are that thick also!.

 

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.

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.

Cancer Bilateral Lumpectomies

More Cancer - damnit

Had a MRI biopsy on October 20th. The results came today. 

DIAGNOSIS:  Ductal carcinoma in situ, intermediate grade, cribriform type.

Official cancer diagnosis

Cancer

Well, I woke up this morning feeling one way and I go to bed tonight totally different, after having been told today that I most likely have breast cancer.

I had a mammogram September 11 which was abnormal and today I went back to have a more thorough diagnostic mammogram and ultrasound of my breast and there is a mass in my left breast. I am scheduled to have a biopsy on the 30th.