Ok. I was really slow to update you. I did get the final drain removed two days before Christmas. I still had to rest and take things easy as there was a lot of swelling remaining. A big thanks to all the family who cooked and prepped for the holidays!
Getting the drain out, though, allowed me to move onto some next steps, though. Most importantly, I was able to get my planning session completed for radiation.
Even though the post-surgery tests showed that there was not any cancer left, the idea is to try to get any cancer that can’t be seen right now and prevent recurrence. I am scheduled for 15 sessions of radiation, so was supposed to go for 3 straight weeks (more on the “supposed to” part below).
Want to know how radiation works? Or why? Here’s a YouTube video from one of the manufacturers. (I’m going to start posting YouTube videos so my kids might read this blog!) I am not positive this is my machine, but it looks familiar so I think it might be!
I started radiation on Monday, the 13th. In general, the radiation process is very efficient and fast. You have to go to the basement, which might be even more depressing than the fourth floor! But apparently, it is easier to build all the protection for the radiation machines in the basement than on an upper floor.
I then have a code to scan in and I sit there and wait for the door to open for me. Then I head back to change and have the linear accelerator work its magic on the cells. The below video also shows how it works a little bit more from the human perspective. I do have to hold my hands over my head like in the video and generally remain still, but it isn’t as claustrophobic as an MRI or as painful as a mammogram so it is tolerable. (For some people’s radiation, they have to be locked in position more than I am and I am grateful for my style!)
I find the whole radiation thing a little interesting because I am not feeling anything at the time. But you do feel the effects after. Well, I haven’t felt a lot of them, but my skin is a little red and I have been tired. (But then, I’ve been tired ever since surgery before Thanksgiving!) The effects are cumulative, so I will likely be getting more fatigues as the cycle goes on.
Side note: I also find the history of radiation in cancer treatment fascinating as well. And Sloan Kettering even has a whole timeline about the history if you also find such things fascinating.
Anyway, I was really looking forward to being complete with this round by the end of January. But, I suppose one shouldn’t count their chickens, etc., because today the machine was broken and I couldn’t get my radiation treatment. Which means it will continue into into February as well. Not the way I wanted to start this process!
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