I can't believe I already have 14/33 treatments completed. My driver-side seatbelt is not a friend of my skin right now. For this reason, I am not a fan of driving right now. My skin is feeling irritated from radiation (like a sunburn), but I know it is nothing compared to what may be to come. I have heard from other patients that their skin peeled and blistered a little later in treatment. But, it is difficult for me to compare myself to others who have undergone radiation therapy. For one, we all have different skin types. But also, we all have different strengths and locations of the radiation. The thing that separates me from most other breast cancer patients though is that I am also taking an oral chemotherapy along with the radiation. This is supposed to make the radiation work better. Radiation working better means stronger radiation, and thus, stronger radiation side effects. This is on top of the oral chemotherapy side effects. But so far, my fatigue, which is a common side effect, isn't too bad. The worst side effect for me right now is my skin irritation. And, I really don't think it is that bad. I just have to be careful what I wear and put lots of cream on my skin. I just increased my chemo dosage as well though, so please pray that it doesn't cause me the unpleasant side effects that I have been warned about from this pill. So far, so good though!
I have also just started back my physical therapy. Radiation tends to increase issues related to having my lymph nodes removed. Thus, I have noticed my left underarm and arm getting increasingly tighter (axillary cording). But, it is something that a little physical therapy can resolve! I had my first PT session yesterday (only for 30 minutes) and I am already feeling a lot looser.
Thank you for your continued prayers for our family. We really appreciate you all! God is good.
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