Friday, October 18, 2013 - Thought I'd post an update on the past week. I met with my radiation oncologist on Tuesday and my skin looks good. I'm noticing a little burning under my back shoulder. The creams and lotions seems to keep it at bay. He did measure my left arm and is referring me back to the Physical Therapist Lymphedema Specialist as he thinks I may be developing some in the upper left arm. I couldn't get an appointment until next Friday, October 25.
Also on Tuesday I met with the Urologist Dr. Elizabeth Williams. She ordered a CT scan and x-rays which I had this morning as well as some blood work to check my kidneys & bladder. On November 12 I will be having a cystoscopy in her office. These tests will rule out kidney stones and bladder cancer. Dr. Williams seemed confident it would not be cancer, but since I was on Cytoxin for one of my chemo drugs, this can be a factor. With my history, she doesn't want to take any chances. I am no longer having blood while urinating or having the pain and burning. The urine sample came back negative, but so did the last two I had when I was having the blood.
I was early for all my radiation trips this week and was in and out. Takes me longer to undress and redress than to get the radiation.
My frame of mind has been a lot better this week. I am also noticing a little more fatigue, so I usually nap for a while when getting home. Thanks to all that have driven me over in Dane's absence. You'll never know how much you are appreciated.
So I'm hanging in there - keep those prayers coming!
Radiation Update
Thursday, October 10 - I started radiation on October 1. As stated, Dane was able to get me there that whole week. I'm still not driving due to the neuropathy that is still present in my hands and feet. It seems to get worse at night. I still have a lot of fatigue from the chemo. I was told the effects of the radiation would take a couple of weeks.
I met with Dr. Frazier, my radiation oncologist on Tuesday after my 5th treatment. He looked over my skin to make sure everything was in order and it was. I will see him every 5th treatment. Today is the first day that I have felt some burning like I have a sunburn under my left arm. I am using Aquaphor to help with that along with some moisturizing lotion as my skin is really, really dry.
I met with Dr. Frazier, my radiation oncologist on Tuesday after my 5th treatment. He looked over my skin to make sure everything was in order and it was. I will see him every 5th treatment. Today is the first day that I have felt some burning like I have a sunburn under my left arm. I am using Aquaphor to help with that along with some moisturizing lotion as my skin is really, really dry.
An x-ray, also known as a "port film," was taken by the radiation therapist on the first day of treatment and every 5th treatment. Port films verify that you are being positioned accurately during your treatments.
Port films do not provide diagnostic information, so radiation therapists cannot learn about your progress from these films. However, port films are important to help the therapists maintain precision in your treatment.
Dane & I went to Webb City (where Adam & Ann live now) the last weekend in September as I haven't seen Brayden since the wedding. It was a much needed visit for me and boosted my spirits. It rained all day Saturday, but Sunday was beautiful so a lot of the day was spent outside. We came home on Monday and I started radiation on Tuesday.
So I have 26 treatments left and moving right along. Thanks to those who have driven me over. Please continue to pray that this neuropathy leaves and things get back to normal. I am having more good times during the day so that is promising.
Psalm 46:1 “God is our refuge and strength , an ever-present help in trouble”
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