Glowing

My appointment with the plastic surgeon was quick. I didn't realize until Monday evening, when my bandages finally came off, that I had stitches on my right side that needed to be removed. He was determined that my right side was not going to open up again. I wasn't concerned because I knew I was done with chemo. He decided not to inject any saline into the expander to give it more time to heal. He said it was still swollen (I just thought it was the fluid in the expander). All and all he seemed pleased with how I was healing. He released me back to work part-time and gave the go ahead for radiation.

My second appointment was with the Radiation Oncologist. This was the first time Jim had the opportunity to meet him. We sat in his office as I asked him a page full of questions. He was very gracious to go over all of them with me in detail. He agreed that I could return to work but was concerned that at the three week mark I could get extremely tired. He says my body has been through a lot with the chemo and surgeries.

After our meeting he led me to the radiation department. The technician asked if I had taken anything for pain. "Hmmm, I thought? Radiation isn't supposed to be painful." He was concerned that it would be difficult for me to lay with my arms raised again for the session. I didn't think too much about it. Well....after 45 minutes of laying there, not being able to move...I should have gone with his recommendation and took something. In the end it wasn't a big deal. After leaving the Cancer Center Jim and I made sure to pick up some Aloe Vera lotion and Aloe Gel that I can be putting on during the day after each treatment.

Today was the big day...I got to go back to work. I was so excited to be there. I just spent the day cleaning, organizing, and reminding myself how to answer the phone. It's amazing how much you can forget in nine months. The partners are so encouraging and they're also concerned about my health. They don't want me to overdo. I've promised them I will let them know if I start to feel bad. I will only be working part-time until I complete and recover from the radiation. I continue to feel so blessed to be an employee within their company.

My second radiation treatment today was only 20 minutes (so much better than yesterday's 55 minutes). I also received a fourth tattoo. He told me I was a tough cookie because normally patients complain about the pain due to the location. I wasn't going to tell him it hurt (still does). I was glad it was a short appointment. Only 31 treatments left!!