Today,
I found out that my radiation treatments will go on for a little longer
than I had thought. At the initial consultation, I was told
30 treatments, with a week of "booster" radiations which will be
focused on the scar area, at the end of the treatment period. I thought
it meant the last 5 of the 30 treatments will be the booster
treatments. But, it seems I misunderstood.
I asked about it today, and it appears that I'll actually have 28 regular treatments followed by 7 booster treatments focused on the scar area.
It means a total of 35 treatments, not 30. I guess another week
won't make a lot of difference in the long run. However, it has sort of thrown me for a loop. I had been counting the days until the end of the treatments and now I've learned that I miscalculated the number of steps I had to climb. I had also made some additional medical appointments for that week and now, I'll have to reschedule at least one of them.
I was also told that there might be more severe skin reactions to this latter phase of the treatment; blistering, the scar reopening, etc. If that happens, they will stop the treatment for a day or two to give me time to recover. I am hoping that I will not have any such reactions. One of my cousins said she will accompany me on the first couple of days of the treatment and my daughter will be coming down to be with me for the rest, so I will have them for support.
Today, I am grateful for:
- Realizing there will be additional treatments while there is time to mentally prepare myself for them.
- My cousin making herself available to accompany me to treatments.
- My daughter being able to take time off from work to be with me for the last week of treatments.
- My eyebrows are coming back!
- And so are my eye lashes!
How was your day?
I'm sorry it has to go longer than expected, I'm sure that's disappointing. Yay for the eyebrows and eyelashes though!
ReplyDeleteI was not very happy about it, but it's OK. Definitely appreciate having eyebrows and eyelashes! :)
DeleteOh Bless, I'm sorry to hear you will need a few extra treatments. As you say after all you've been through another few won't make that much difference, but still, to think you were nearly there and then find out not quite would have been too much for some people, but your attitude is brilliant and I'm sure your positivity will get you through the last bit no problem.
ReplyDeleteFingers crossed and prayers for you regarding the side effects or lack of them hopefully. Great news about the eyebrows and eyelashes :) xx
Thank you, Suzanne. I was a bit put out, yesterday, but you know the quote, "The best-laid schemes of mice and men..." :) Such is life.
DeleteCancer treatment is always subject to change based on assessment of patient response, and test results. Follow-up will go on for quite some time before you're considered cancer-free. It would be nice if there was just a set treatment for everyone and then the cancer could be considered gone and no need to worry anymore. But it isn't that way.
ReplyDeleteYes, they've been taking X-rays every 5th treatment. Of course it would be nice if they share their findings with me, but so far, I haven't been told anything. I need to ask about it when I next meet with the oncologist.
DeleteWhat a disappointment to learn that you will need more treatments than originally informed. My first reaction was that they must like you so much that they don't want you to finish too soon! I guess some mountains have tricky spots to slow your final ascent, but when you get there you will have eyelashes and eyebrows and maybe even some hair coming through. I can't wait to find out if it will be strong and curly!
ReplyDeleteI pray that the new treatments will not have such side effects and that you will heal thoroughly every time.
(((Hugs)))
Bushlady
Thank you, Bushlady. Appreciate the hugs and the prayers. Actually, I do have some fuzz growing on my head - very soft and fine like a baby's hair!
DeleteI know you were so looking forward to the end of the treatment so you could resume a more normal life, so I understand your aggravation at realizing that you had calculated the wrong date. But this is all for your well-being so I'm sure you don't mind all that much, especially since now you're getting your eyebrows and eyelashes back!
ReplyDeleteKeep asking questions, though. There's no better advocate for yourself... than yourself. I'm glad your cousin and daughter were able to step in to drive you to the last sessions, in light of the side effects that are starting to make themselves known.
I hope you have a wonderful day tomorrow, Bless.
Once I got over the initial dismay, I've been OK with the treatments continuing for another week, or even longer, if necessary. I'll just take it one day at a time and not make firm plans.
DeleteI hope you, too, will have a lovely day, tomorrow, Nathalie. :)
Bless, I am so very sorry that you have the extra treatments to have to go through. I know this was so discouraging, as you were counting down the treatments.
ReplyDeleteHappy your cousin will be going with you, and happy daughter will be able take the last week off with you.
Proud the lashes are coming back..Praying there will be bad side effects to prolong the treatments. Hugs and prayers for you.
Thank you, Judy. I was a little upset, but it's OK. Another extra week isn't too much of a setback and I know I'll get through it with everyone's prayers and support.
DeleteHugs x
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lyssa.
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