Friday, March 9, 2012

I'm not surprised.

I was hoping to duck out after radiation today without running into Dr Sullivan. Unfortunately, (fortunately, maybe?) she called the techs and told them to call her when I was about done so she could come check my skin.

I'm officially taking a little break from treatment. She wanted me to take a break until next Thursday. I compromised by telling her I would see her Wednesday. She agreed.

Because of how broken down my skin is, we are going to do the remainder of my sessions without the bolus and hope that does the trick. The last week of radiation is called boost radiation and it targets the incision.
Because that's where my main issue is, she has no idea how this is going to work.
We'll watch it closely.

To say that I'm bummed is an understatement. Even though it's just a few days, it's still a delay.
There's a reason that radiation is scheduled 5x per week for 6.5 weeks. Obviously, that is what has proven most effective.
For once, I just wish something would go as expected. I know this is best for my body but I just wish that I could have made it through as planned. I'm disappointed.

I'm also a little nervous that my "final boob" is going to be a train wreck because radiation has been so hard on my skin. The plastic surgeon will only be able to do so much.

It itches, it burns, and now, it bleeds.

I have finished 23 of 33 treatments.
There's an end in sight, but a few hurdles along the way. A few prayers for healing would be appreciated!

Are these pictures grossing you out yet?

14 comments:

  1. Oh crappy! Well that just sucks! Im sorry there is going to be a delay. I know how bad you want to stay on track so you can be done. For what it's worth I still think those boobies are fantastic!!! Wow!

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    1. If you think these expanders look good, you're going to really like my implants. :)

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  2. Oh my goodness, that looks soooo incredibly painful!!! Whoa, I can hardly believe your photo. As if you haven't been through enough of an ordeal....just so sorry to know how difficult this part of the journey has been. You are such a trooper and such an inspiration to so many people! Thank you for sharing your story. I went through this with my mom and I have to say she did not have this horrible a burn from the radiation -- my heart just goes out to you. Hang in there and try to stay tough. Praying for some healing while you take your little break!

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    1. Thanks for your comment, Kate! I'm so glad your mom had better skin results than I'm having.
      Hopefully, this is short lived. :)

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  3. Hang in there, girl. I finished radiation about 5 weeks ago and my skin is looking so much better already. I'm the one that participated in the clinical study using curcumin ( I commented a couple of weeks ago). My skin did get really red and I had a rash but didn't really feel the burn like others have experienced. My skin looks really good---still a little brown but not bad. I've been told that it should continue to heal and look more "normal" in the coming months. Our bodies are amazing and able to recover from just about everything...including cancer treatment. ;-)
    I'm praying for you every day! Stay strong!
    Susan B---sorry, I'm tech challenged so not sure how else to post. ;-)

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    1. Thanks for your comments, Susan. Did you read that I started taking the curcumin as you advised? I actually was just thinking about you about 5 minutes ago as I took it. :) I hope something starts to work soon. This is miserable!

      I'm so glad that you are responding so well after the rads. Our bodies ARE amazing!

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    2. Angela,
      Yes--I did see your post about the curcumin---what dose are you taking?
      I just looked at the clinical trial paperwork---I took 6,000 (6.0 grams) daily dose of the curcumin. That was 4 capsules 3 times a day. Not sure what dose you are taking but just wanted to get that info to you.
      Susan

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  4. Oh, Ang! That hurts me (and my heart!) to look at. I'm so sorry its taking such a toll on your skin. I hope the break helps. Sending prayers for healing. xoxo

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  5. Ouch, Ang! That looks so incredibly painful and uncomfortable. I really hope this small break is a good thing for your body and that you can then finish up your treatment plan strong! Sending you prayers for comfort, peace, and healing! xoxox

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  6. Oh Ang that looks so painful, you poor thing, I can't imagine. You are so tough and I know you will get through this. I'm praying for you! I know you don't like the schedule being delayed, but hopefully this break will give your body the time it needs to heal so you can complete rad treatments and get on with your recovery. You hang in there sweetie! Love you! ~Kyra

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  7. Oh sweetie! That looks so painful! I wish I could just give you a big hug and make this all be over for you! Thinking about you constantly! Can't wait to see you in a couple of months for our walk! Love ya!

    Megan

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  8. I check in on you but never say anything but today I have to let you know that I am praying for you!! I can't imagine how painful that must be...you are so brave and so honest and share SO much with all of us out her in the blog world. I appericate your true self. Praying for you in Texas,
    Hilary

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  9. oh ack! That is about what I looked like too. It was the most horrendous experience in my life. I started 6 weeks after my BMX and forcing my arm into such unnatural positions. I had 33 doses, and the last 14 they scattered around. My skin was gone, they went for deeper and lost that horrid bolus. Yay for you, I already know you are done, but girlfriend, that was rough! Tina

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