Saturday, November 16 - Since it's been almost a month since I posted, I have a lot of catching up to do. Sorry about that, but didn't feel up to it most of the time. Typing has been hard for me due to the neuropathy in my hands and feet.
I was told that I would not have to have my last 5 radiation treatments, so finished radiation on Friday, November 8. It was a happy day, but surreal. I couldn't believe I was finally done. I ended up having 28 total instead of the original 33. I will follow-up with the radiation oncologist in December to get my skin checked again. I am pretty sore, but keeping it covered with Aquaphor and some Gold Bond Healing Lotion. I am starting to peel in the armpit and the other areas are getting browner. I was told to expect this for the next 4 - 6 weeks.
I also went and got fitted for an arm sleeve since I have minimal lymphedema. They had to order it, so gave me a back up generic one to wear in the meantime. It does make my arm feel better. I only wear it during the day and expect to pick up my custom one on Thursday.
I have lost about 35 pounds since this journey began. I still don't have much of a taste or appetite, but expect this to improve as time goes on. I have a hard time standing for long periods, but have been trying to walk as much as I can. The neuropathy seems to be ok when I wake up and gets worse as the day goes on. The past couple of weeks it has been very painful in the evenings feeling like someone is jabbing me with needles. I'm still praying this gets better and doesn't become permanent.
I still tire out very easily, but this is starting to improve. I had my port removed yesterday (Friday, November 15). It was one more thing to cross off my list. Yay!!!!
A few days before my cystoscopy (bladder scope) I started to get another UTI. She went ahead with the scope, gave me antibiotics to treat infection and sent it off for a culture. She didn't think I had cancer but bladder was very inflamed and wants to repeat next month when my infection clears up. If it still is infected and inflamed, she will biopsy. Previous blood work and ct scan ruled out kidney stones.
So the rest of the year will be spent going to my follow-up doctor appointments, and continuing to heal. I don't know right now if any scans will be done. I know they do watch the blood every 3 months to make sure the cancer antigen stays at a good level. So stay tuned on that.. I see my medical oncologist on December 5.
Oh yeah - my hair is coming back in lots of peach fuzz!!!! AND I have eyebrows and very short eyelashes!
So again, I thank you all for the prayers, good thoughts, cards, meals, phone calls and visits - not to mention all the rides to my appointments. Thank you doesn't quite put into words the gratefulness I feel.
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