This week is the first week I've started to feel burned. It's not bad. It feels a little like a slight sunburn. I saw Dr. Dorn yesterday. He said all was going well. One of the radiation techs told me today my skin looks really good for my 13th day of radiation. I've been very good about putting my lotion on 3 times a day. That is supposed to help.
I have been very tired due to my neck and back. Dr. Dorn did tell me that about this time is when you also start getting a little tired from the radiation. The radiation is killing all the cells in my breast tissue (the idea is to kill all the cancer cells if there are any left) and my body is working over time to repair the cells. So, I'm getting the double whammy.
I had physical therapy this morning and it was great. Noah did the electrode thing (can't remember exactly what it is called), also heat and them massage. The electrical current thing is annoying but feels good at the same time. The heat feels fabulous and the massage feels great at the time but can make you sore later.
I finally cried uncle and worked with HR and my boss to reduce my hours to 32 hours a week for at least the next 4 weeks. Radiation was planned and I can easily work a normal week and do radiation. With my neck and back I will be at physical therapy 3 times a week for 4 to 6 weeks. Physical Therapy is one hour plus getting there and back to work and changing clothes -- about 2 hours 3 times a week. Then I have exercises to complement the physical therapy I am to do at least twice a day that take 30-60 minutes.
So that's what's going on with me. I'm looking forward to people bringing me a couple of meals a week for the next few weeks. That will be a huge relief. With reduced hours at work hopefully I will get to bed on time and sleep at least 8 hours. The sleep is key -- but I can't get 8 hours of sleep if there are not 8 hours left in the day for me to sleep.
It'll all be over soon . . . it might feel like a long time to me, but in the scheme of things it will be over soon.
I know you are not use to slowing down...but it's time. You cant heal if you dont give your body the time it needs to recover. I will see you this next week
ReplyDeleteI think the electrode thing is the "Tens"? It really is supposed to help with pain. I hope it works for you. Look at all that you have completed so far. The accident has made it so much more difficult. I'm glad you talked to work. It seems that they have been very supportive. That has to help with your worry. As hard as work can be, it helps to distract you sometimes too, I'm sure. Hang in there.
ReplyDeleteSomehow we missed each other at work this week. It sounds like you are making good progress with both your injuries and your treatments. It sucks you have to deal with both at the same time for sure! I am very excited about the Race for the Cure! We are going to be the talk of the race with our light up rainbow boas! Thanks to your sister that originally found those. I also wanted to tell you how inspiring you are! You are managing your health and these issues better than I think most anyone else could do. I wonder if you are tasked with these challenges so you can help others learn from your strength, courage, and determination.
ReplyDeleteYou're almost halfway done with radiation - YAY! You can do all things through Christ who gives you strength! I echo Idahokat's thoughts as well.
ReplyDeleteAhhhhhhhhhh, Miss Michelle, you brought tears to my eyes . . . I don't know why this is happening but I do believe there is a gift there somewhere. I just have to believe and be patient. It is hard sometimes but your post just reminded me. Thank you
ReplyDeleteAnd you know, don't you that I AM THE REAL GRUMPY!!! I saw him first, first first!!! But I guess I will let you borrow him for a short time. He is the most expressive of the 7 don't you think? Never a doubt as to his feelings. I'll move on to be my second favorite, which is, of course, Dopey!
ReplyDeleteGrumpy is mine, mine, mine all mine right now. I even have the sweatshirt to prove it. You can have him back later, then I will gladly be Dopey.
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