Tom and I met with the radiation oncologist this morning. He feels strongly that we should start radiation as soon as possible. He said it was fine to wait until reconstruction is over, since it is so soon, but did not recommend waiting until September when the girls are back in school.
It looks like radiation will start mid to late June and I will be going M-F for 6 – 7 weeks. I have an appointment on June 1st for some measurements and either at that appointment or the next, will be scheduling the appointments. The Dr. said it’s not a problem to get appointments early in the day (they open at 8 am), so I can have the rest of the day to be with the girls. We’re not sure how it’s all going to work since the girls will be out of school, but we’ll figure it out in the next few weeks.
I will be having radiation to the sternum, breast and lymph nodes (on top of my shoulder and under my arm). The side effects will be (might be) fatigue and skin irritation. He said that the majority of his patients that work full time are still able to do so, even with the fatigue, and he doesn’t think it will interfere too much with what I need/want to do over the summer.
I really didn’t want to have to deal with treatment over the summer since the girls will be home, but I was also concerned that if there are still cancer cells in my body, waiting 4-5 months would give them time to spread. So while the scheduling of it all will be a pain, I think it’s just better to get it done.
So looking ahead… Reconstructive surgery on the 18th, radiation beginning mid-late June and hopefully surgery in early June to remove my ovaries. We’re going to need a vacation in August…maybe a last minute cruise? (I wish!!)
I’m relieved to have an idea as to what the next months hold as far as treatment. I can’t say I’m looking forward to it, but am happy to have a plan of attack. It’s all part of God’s plan and we’ll keep trusting that all the little details will work out.
You are a trooper Jennifer, a privilege to pray with you on this journey. “Eph. 3:20”
Jennifer radiation isn’t that bad. I did not even begin to feel fatigue until about halfway through the treatment and it was manageable with rest. I did get burned pretty badly after the 20th treatment but then the doctors just allowed me to stop for about three weeks and I used a prescription cream daily until the burns healed. Treatment doesn’t last that long either ,it goes by really fast. What I did while I was having treatment was I would just lay there and pray for her every need that I could think of in my family or in my friends lives in by the time I got through my treatment was over for the day. You’ve got this! Don’t worry!
Sounds like the groundwork has been laid, your paths are being prepared and aren’t you glad that you have all these experienced people to guide you in this journey. I know I am!
Hugs
Will continue praying as you continue down the road to health.
(You should be able to pick up an Alaskan cruise fairly easily, no?)
Praying for you sweet lady