Radiation, surgery, weight, and money

Radiation: I have three left. My skin has not experienced further degeneration since re-starting...after this posting, I will go an do a saline rinse, Burrows soak, etc. because they're working. Only three left....I think I can, I think I can, I think I can!

Surgery: Though I had to cancel my March 22 surgery date, it looks like another date will follow soon on the heels. It seems that the surgeries I'm doing (lat flaps) are pretty invasive and so they can't do recon. on both sides simultaneously, and would prefer to do one side at a time. I'll do the proph. side soon, but I'm waiting to figure out if I should do the mastectomy first or the oopharectomy first, and as soon as I figure that out I'll book the surgeries.

Weight: I officially weigh less than I did (by one pound) than when I started chemo! I have lost 22 pounds, plus the extra, of the hated chemo weight. HURRAH! Now I'm not working on getting back to normal, I'm working on getting skinny. I can't wait to see what the next few pounds do!

Money: I am pleased to announce that I have accepted a contract position through the Bellevue School District, working on curriculum development. I'm absolutely thrilled by this development because a) I really enjoyed curriculum development when I was teaching, and b) the pay is $24/hour, c) the hours are flexible (I've signed up for 10 hours per week), and d) I can work from home. This is about the best gig I can imagine for a stay-at-home-mom in need of cash, and I'm excited to get started.

I am DETERMINED to get my life back in order. I can do this...

Kristina

Five more left

Today I completed my last full field radiation treatment. All that's left are five boosts. I can do this...

Kristina

Radiation: NOT done

Today I went for my radiation check up. After a weekend of slathering up with soaks, compresses, and ointments (boring!) I have excellent results: no more ooze. The staff all stood around me and oohed and ahhed over how much better my chest looks. It's a remarkable difference.

This means that I'm back on the radiation bandwagon. Today I had a full treatment area dosage, and I get another one of the same tomorrow; after that, I will do the five boosts (on a smaller area, over the scar line). In other words, I had a delay, but I will do the full course of radiation.

This also means that I need to keep up with the soaks, rinses, and ointments. Sigh.

I have very mixed feelings about this. Overall, of course, it's better for my long term prognosis to complete radiation, so I will. In the short term, though, it's a bit frightening.

My new end date for radiation is March 7. I will not be writing it on my calendar, as the date has slipped so many times that it wouldn't surprise me if it slipped again.

Six more to go.

Kristina