I had my appt with Dr. Dorn today to plan radiation and also have a radiation simulation.
Radiation starts April 4 and lasts 33 days. I go to MSTI for radiation for 6 1/2 weeks 5 days a week (Mon-Fri). The only reason I will have a break is if my skin gets too blistered.
Today the radiation was simulated (I had a practice run) so the radiation Doc could do his thing and document what the settings should be so only the breast tissue is treated. I received 3 very small tattoos they will use to make sure I am set up the same every time I go in for radiation.
I was given special lotion to use 3 times a day on the skin that is impacted. Somewhere around 4 weeks I will receive another type lotion that has lidocaine in it to help with the pain. I will have a sunburn that continues to get worse until I am done. (Sunscreen is not allowed)
I will start getting fatigued around week 4 and the fatigue could continue as long as 6 weeks after radiation is complete. Dr. Dorn said the best thing I can do to reduce the fatigue is to continue to be as active as possible. Running, lifting, hiking -- anything to keep me going. In other words, continue my normal work out routine.
Each radiation treatment will take 1 1/2 to 2 hours out of my work day. The radiation treatments themselves only take 15 to 20 minutes, however you have to leave the office, drive to MSTI, park, change clothes, do radiation, change back into work clothes then back to work.
I will work from home at least 2 days a week during this time to help keep my hours up at work and have the option to work more days at home if needed. When I work from home it saves me 1 1/2 to 2 hours a day. I will probably put some time in on the weekend (4 or 5) so I can compensate for the lost time and still have time to work out.
I am very lucky to only have to do radiation and not chemo. It is only 6 1/2 weeks of a minor inconvenience to continue to have a long and healthy life. So remind me of that when I get tired, cranky and whiny :) I am sure I will have my days . . . .
Well, you make my grumpy, whiney self feel very bad for being whiney and grumpy without reason!! I wish I could support you by actually being there to help. I can cook very healthy meals (though what I would really like is chocolate and ice cream). You are going to do great. Just count backwards from day one. We will start at 46? 45? (What to they consider 1/2 a week?. That will make it over with more quickly. You are going to do so well!!
ReplyDeleteIt is 33 days total and I go Monday through Friday. I do not go on Saturday and Sunday. So it will be 6 full weeks and 3 days the following week. A little more than 6 1/2.
ReplyDeleteI will create a countdown. I think I'll just count the days I go and count down from 33. I just feel lucky I get to go on vacation for 2 weeks before it starts. I think that will help a bunch. Otherwise I would start next Monday and dive right in. Maybe since I get to rest for 2 weeks I won't get tired so quickly, that's what I'm hoping for.
Come over and we can be grumpy together :)