Radiation Therapy: Week One

Now that I've completed my 4 rounds of chemotherapy, I will begin Radiation therapy. If you're not familiar with my story, click HERE to get caught up.

I will go through three weeks of therapy, 5 days a week.  Each session will take about 20 minutes.  Last week I had to have parts of my breast "tattooed" with what was described to me as tags so that the radiologists would know how to line me up on the table each day.  These "tags" were poked into me with a needle.  They will leave permanent "freckles" on my skin.  I have 6 of them, and I can clearly see them.  Just another way for cancer to leave its mark on me!

The radiation machine, which is called a Linear Accelerator, is huge.  I lay on my back with my arms above my head.  There are two small poles that I hold onto and once I'm in position I'm not allowed to move at all.  The machine then moves around me.  For once the machine doesn't get too close to me, so I don't feel claustrophobic. 

While I'm undergoing radiation therapy, there are certain "rules" I need to follow so that I don't further irritate my skin.  I have to use aluminum free deodorant to help avoid skin problems.  They gave me a list of products to choose from.  They also have a preferred list of lotions to use to help keep my skin from peeling and to provide comfort.  I've been told to expect my skin to turn red like a sunburn, and to expect it to hurt.  I've also been told that I can't shave my armpit while undergoing radiation.  Here's to hoping my hair doesn't start growing back there!  Radiation will shrink my remaining breast tissue another 10 - 15%....lovely.  I was hoping to avoid breast reduction surgery on my other breast, but I worry that now it may be needed.  We'll see.

Day 1; 7/26/22

I arrived and changed into a gown.  The radiologists are so nice.  They showed me the lockers where I can put my stuff, and I got ready to be taken back to the machine.  I was asked if there was any music I'd like to listen to since they have Spotify.  I told them 80s music all the way!  

After lining me up and letting me know I can't move until they're done, they started the machine.  I wasn't sure what to expect.  Would I see the actual radiation beams, or something else coming through the machine?  Nope.  What they did have was nice ceiling art to look at while I was on the table.  Something similar to this picture:

This first appointment took about 30 minutes since they needed to take x-rays for comparison later on.  It was really easy, and went quickly.

When I got home, I started to notice that I was feeling warm on my right breast.  I wasn't expecting to feel anything this quickly, so I put on the approved lotion that I bought.  I was also more tender than normal, and it was uncomfortable to lay flat on the bed.  I began wondering if I was going to have to figure out another way to comfortably sleep.  

Day 2; 7/27/22

The appointment only took about 15 minutes from the time I got there until the time I left!  I spent less than 5 minutes on the table.  One song on Spotify didn't even finish!  I wasn't as sore as Day 1, but still warm, so I used the cream again.  I will most likely use that every day.

Day 3 & 4; 7/28 - 7/29/22

I was EXHAUSTED day 3 and 4.  It was like my 2nd round of chemotherapy type of exhaustion, where I couldn't even keep my eyelids open.  I'm wondering if the radiation fatigue that isn't supposed to hit me until after treatment is over is hitting me now.  I was told that the side effects could last for up to a year, and since I'm already experiencing the fatigue, I wouldn't be surprised if this is what happens. 

I finally broke down at home yesterday.  I believe I've handled this very well since my diagnosis in January.  I had surgery in March and recovered quickly.  I shaved my head in preparation for chemotherapy and didn't cry hysterically.  I went through two rounds of chemotherapy while continuing to work, two more over the summer, and I believe I handled chemotherapy like a champ.  I've fought through every disgusting side effect that has been thrown my way, many that I'm still struggling with, and have just kept on going, trying so hard to not complain along the way.  But I've had it.  I'm done.  I want control of my body back.  

I'm stressed about how these new side effects will get in the way of my daily life, and how those I continue to experience will make it even more difficult.  It sounds like the radiation effects are possibly worse than chemotherapy effects!  I go back to work on the 10th.  I have a NEW classroom to completely move into and set up, a NEW curriculum to learn, and a NEW job to fulfill.  I will continue to do what I've always done, and, as Dory says, "Keep on swimming".  It's the only way I know how to keep going.

Here's an incredible performance of New Kids on the Block and New Edition from the American Music Awards from January of this year.  

Chemotherapy Update

Wow, it's been a long time since I posted.  If you're not familiar with my story, click HERE to learn all about it.

As you may have realized, I've been gone for a while and haven't been updating my blog.  I've been looking for work since April, and due to potential employers looking you up on social media, I needed to temporarily turn off my blog and my YouTube videos so that I wouldn't be discriminated against.  Let's face it; people are nervous when they hear the word CANCER, and I just couldn't risk it.  So along with surgery and chemotherapy, I've also been stressing about finding a job.  It hasn't been easy.  I'm so excited that I found a job teaching 5th grade at a school nearby!  

Needless to say, I'm thrilled to be back!  So many things have happened since my last post.  The rest of round two of Chemotherapy went well, with no big problems.  I ended the school year and was thrilled to no longer have to juggle both work and Chemotherapy since I still had round 3 and 4 left.

The first thing I did to start my summer?  I went to the New Kids on The Block concert!  There's nothing quite like 20,000 screaming fans to get you going!  We had INCREDIBLE seats.  Closer than the last concert, about 8 rows back from the floor.  I've been a fan of New Kids on The Block (NKOTB) since I was 11.  When I was young, I had their posters all over the walls of my bedroom, and tons of merchandise.  When I was 12, I was able to go to one of their concerts when they came to Fresno, California.  They were "nosebleed" seats, and I don't remember much about the concert at all, but I was able to see them.  In 2008 they came back together and began making new music and touring again.  I've now seen them the last 3 times they've come to Salt Lake City.  They know how to feed off of nostalgia and put on a show!  These 5 men, 4 of whom are over 50, work their butts off each night while on tour, and they make it look easy, still sounding fantastic.  I will go to their concerts until they can't move any longer!

The shirt a friend of a friend made for me

My sister and I

Why yes, the band member in the center picture (Danny Wood) is wearing a Han Solo t-shirt!!

 Never Gonna Give You Up!!  

It was a fabulous night, and one that will always be special to me.

OK, back to the health garbage! Round three of chemotherapy brought a few new side effects.  I had the same antibiotic round one and two, and I had no problems with it.  Round three my body decided that it was suddenly allergic to it.  About 10 days into round three I woke up covered in hives.  I could hardly open my eyes, I was swollen and itching all over, and I could hardly sleep.  Luckily I was able to see my oncologist the next day and was given anti-itch and steroid medications to get rid of the hives.  It worked quickly, which was fabulous.  

I also began developing brown spots on my face.  Apparently this is another side effect of chemotherapy. They are very obvious on the sides of my face, and I also have one on an eyelid, and it makes my eye shadow look weird.  My taste buds returned, along with my appetite.  The only food I've found that I still can't stand is potato chips...no matter the brand.  So much for the weight I'd lost.  I'm guessing it won't take long for it to all come back.  Oh well.

You can clearly see the change in my skin tone.  I am NOT happy about this, and I don't think it will go away!

I've always tried to be open and honest with these posts, and share with you whatever this was doing to my body, no matter how gross.  I've debated for a while about sharing the latest, and most frustrating side effect since it is VERY embarrassing, but I figure, why not?  So here we go...

At the end of round two, I began developing hemorrhoids.  Not just your regular hemorrhoids.  I'm talking hemorrhoids on steroids!  When they first started I had to miss a day of work due to the pain I was in.  It hurt to stand, sit, walk, everything.  And it was difficult to sleep.  I went to the Urgent Care and they only told me to do what I already was doing...thanks for that!  Eventually I was able to see a Gastroenterologist and this side effect is pretty much under control.  I will continue to see the doctor so that this doesn't get out of hand again.  Without a doubt, this has been the worst part of my Chemotherapy experience!

My fourth and final round of Chemotherapy was on July 1st.  At the appointment with the oncologist before my treatment, I was told that chemotherapy would send my body into menopause.  Chemotherapy basically puts the ovaries to sleep, stopping the entire process.  I will begin taking anti estrogen pills since estrogen can stimulate breast cancer cells to grow.  Getting rid of the estrogen will help slow down, and even keep the cancer from returning.  The downside?  Hot flashes, and apparently I will begin growing hair on my face, like men do!  The hot flashes began at the end of round 2, and they haven't been fun.  I also had to deal with another round of hives.  So the theory that I'm allergic to the antibiotic doesn't hold now since I was given a different antibiotic after round three when this happened the first time.  I also continued to suffer through hemorrhoids.  "Hives and Hemorrhoids" became the phrase to describe round three and four!

When I left at the end of chemotherapy that day, I was given this bottle of Apple Cider.  I thought it was really sweet of them.  Many people will ring the bell inside the treatment room when they complete their last round of chemotherapy, but I just didn't feel like doing it.  I only had to go through 4 treatments and they were only four hours each, where many people have to go through 8.  I think it should be reserved for those who have to suffer through 8 rounds and are there for 8 hours each time.

So chemotherapy is finished.  Four months went by pretty fast.  I think my body and mind handled it well.  It could've been a lot worse.  Now the process of getting this poison completely out of my body and regrowing my hair begins.  I was lucky and didn't lose my eyebrows, and still have strands of hair on my head.  I also didn't lose many eyelashes.  I'm noticing that the hairs on my head that survived chemotherapy are already growing longer.  What I'm worried about is that I'm not seeing new hair growing in all the other spots of my scalp.  I've read that about 6 weeks after your last round of chemotherapy is when you should start to see hair growth.  Many people have documented their process on YouTube.  Needless to say, by week 3 many people have significant peach fuzz.  If we count July 1st as the first day of my last treatment, I'm already in week 4, and there's no fuzz.  In an attempt to help the process along, I bought a hair growth supplement and a new shampoo and conditioner made specifically for my situation.  I know this is going to take a long time, but I'm still nervous.  It's a little bittersweet.  I absolutely want my hair back, however, it's become very easy to get ready each morning.  I haven't needed to do anything with my hair, and shaving hasn't been necessary for months now!  

I'm half way done with my cancer treatment.  Chemotherapy is done, and radiation begins in a few days.  I'll have another blog post detailing that treatment later. 

Round Two RECOVERY - Week One

I've been told by doctor's that the way I react to round one of Chemotherapy is the way I'll react to each round.  Boy, did they lie!  This last week, for lack of a better term, has been HELL.  

Round two was on a Friday afternoon and I went back to school the Monday after.  I discovered very quickly that having spring break off during my first round was VERY IMPORTANT.  I was so exhausted last week that I could barely keep my eyes open.  I actually couldn't keep my eyes open.  That's never happened before.  My bone pain wasn't that bad until Wednesday.  By then, I was done moving around.  Simply moving was nearly impossible.  Between that, developing a fever, and a few other gross side effects that I'm not going to explain here, I ended up missing work on Thursday and Friday.  I was NOT happy about that.  My mouth has been extremely dry this time around.  I don't know if dry is the way to explain it.  It's this weird chalky feeling which makes it a challenge to swallow and even talk at times.  Needless to say, I'm very grateful that my next two rounds of chemotherapy will be during the summer when I don't have to worry about doing ANYTHING.

This time I had the IV through my arm, towards my elbow.  This bruise is over a week old.  Last time it went into my hand and I didn't bruise.  Won't be doing this again.  

Let's see, the positives from this past week:

I received a package from my cousin last week.  He made this crown for me.  I was told to wear it on days where I needed a confidence booster, or to feel like I needed to be in charge of something regarding this situation.  I have a feeling I'll be wearing it soon.  Such a sweet gift.

The shirt for my New Kids on the Block concert is finished and on it's way to me.  An old friend has a friend who makes shirts and she worked with me to create this.  My friend also paid for this, which blew me out of the sky!

I am a HUGE fan of Greg Gutfeld.  He's on a few shows on Fox News.  Back in November, before all this crap started, I bought tickets to his show.  He doesn't do many, and just happened to pick Salt Lake as one of his locations.  Needles to say, I was very excited about this.  As last week progressed, I was worried that I wouldn't be able to make it.  Luckily, by Saturday I was feeling better, and determined to go!  I can't remember the last time I laughed so hard.  It was definitely needed.  After the show I had the opportunity to have dinner with my Aunt and four of my cousins that I hadn't seen for at least 20 years.  So much fun!

I've been periodically stepping on the scale since I need to make sure my weight is where it's supposed to be.  I stepped on it Tuesday and about lost my mind.  I've lost 11 pounds since starting chemotherapy!  I've also been told a lot of people GAIN weight.  I don't see how that's possible.  Between the salty taste of food, and now only being able to finish about half my plate before I'm full, the weight is falling off.  So maybe there's another positive side effect of chemotherapy??  It's definitely motivating me to keep this going.  

Looks like I've had a few great positives this week that have almost balanced out the crap.  I have 8 school days left.  Then I can just not stress and let this all run it's course.  If all goes well, my last round will be the beginning of July, and radiation therapy will start in August.

Since I seem to be ending each post with a video, enjoy this from the Rascal Flatts.  I love this song, and the video is a great take on it.

Round Two

Week three of my round one recovery was fine.  The salt taste was gone from my mouth, which was wonderful.  I tried Panda Express again, and it looks like it will be quite a while before I eat there again.  These drugs have changed my taste buds for a while.  The biggest thing I noticed this week was that despite getting the same amount of sleep, and even a little more, fatigue kicked in...BIG TIME.  I've never actually been so tired that it was difficult to keep my eye lids open, but here we are.

Yesterday was my second chemotherapy treatment.  Thankfully, it went much better than the first.  The Benadryl was pumped in first, before any other drug.  Since they didn't need to pump it in fast to help counteract my reaction to the chemotherapy drugs, it was able to go in A LOT slower, and where I still felt it, it didn't put me to sleep.  After that they did another anti nausea medication, and one more that I can't remember.  Each of those drugs took 20 minutes, so I was there for an hour before we even got to the chemotherapy drugs.  All in all this round took about 4 hours.  I was able to sleep during half of it, so that was nice.

Looking back at my notes from the first round, I knew that bone pain was first on the list.  My doctor gave me a prescription to help with that.  As of now, I haven't had much bone pain at all.  My doctor did say that my body may not react quite the same since I've already had the drugs once.  It now recognizes them.  I've also kept taking Claritin each day, along with another immune system pill, which I'm guessing will also help.  

Last Wednesday, what I'd been waiting for finally happened...big time.  My hair started coming out.  It started off small, like in the first two pictures.  You've seen the 3rd picture.  I decided to help the hair loss process along and just pulled it out.  The last two pictures were what happened in the shower the next two days. 

After this HUGE round of hair loss, this is what I looked like:

It's weird how patchy it came out.  Guess I thought it would come out evenly.  Most of my hair was still in the front.

The rest of the week my hair slowly came out.  Each day I needed to clean out my hats and caps since I was losing hair each day, and clean off my pillow each morning.  As of this morning, here's what my head looks like:

So in one month, I've gone from hair before the cut, to hair after the cut, to hair after buzzing it all off, to hair after the main purge, to how it looks now.  That's a lot of different looks in 4 weeks!  I am almost COMPLETELY BALD!

I'll keep my eyes on my temperature the next few days.  Luckily, Brandon isn't magically sick this round, so that's one less thing to worry about.  Round three will be on June 10th, so technically 4 weeks from now instead of 3.  Why, you may ask?  Because my New Kids on the Block concert is on June 8th and I refused to have any treatments around that time.

Speaking of that concert, it is only 3 1/2 weeks away!  I bought this hat to wear the day of the concert, and I love it! 

I saw this poster in another NKOTB video and it hits home now.  I'm thinking about making a shirt that says this, except it wouldn't highlight Donnie, since he's not my favorite!  I'd probably say something like, "Cancer sucks!  Came to see NKOTB anyway!"  Any thoughts?

Here's to hoping this week is easier.  I have to go back to work Monday, so I won't have a week to sit at home and deal with everything.  Luckily, since we're so close to the end of the year....14 SCHOOL DAYS LEFT, the week is pretty easy.

Round One - RECOVERY Week Two

The past week has been pretty good.  Food isn't nearly as salty.  It comes and goes.  Just like the doctors said, I feel like normal again.  I had blood work done and my body is handling the drugs very well, and I'm staying healthy.  I've been more tired than usual, but that was to be expected.

The most interesting thing over the past week happened this morning.  I was beginning to wonder when I was going to start losing my hair.  When I got out of the shower,  I noticed the process has finally begun.  There were hairs on the shower floor, and a few strands on my pillow.  I am very grateful that I have already cut my hair.  Just seeing the short pieces in the shower was weird and would've been harder to deal with mentally had they been long.  I now have lint brushes in my house and purse, ready to clean up the mess this is going to make.

When I got home from school I was curious to see how easily my hair would come out.  Usually it takes a lot of work to pull out my gray hairs.  Because life is ridiculous, they are the hairs that want to hold on the most!  I pulled on my hair a little and was surprised when quite a bunch came out.  I did it again, and more came out.  I've watched YouTube videos of women losing their hair due to chemotherapy and they just cry and cry as their hair comes out.  I thought I would be more concerned about losing my hair.  Turns out, I'm not.  

I don't want to have to clean up strands of hair everywhere, because it's going to get EVERYWHERE.  I figure that if I just pull it out myself, I'm in charge of how this goes.  For some reason, that empowers me.  It's almost fascinating to see how this happens.  Maybe it's a way of trying to be in control of ONE part of this journey.  

Sorry if this sounds gross, but I don't care!  

So my hair is now falling out.  I'm not looking forward to this process, only because it's going to be messy.  My next chemotherapy treatment will be on May 13th.  Hopefully I will be able to handle it because unlike the first time, I'll have to go back to work 3 days later.

There are five weeks until the New Kids on the Block concert!  Once again, I'd like to end with a smile.  Enjoy this video from a few years ago.  I LOVE this video!