Break Over - Radiation RDV

So here we are, once again at the CICL, this time around it will be for radiation therapy. I have already met with my radio-oncologist Dr. Gary Mok as well as his team. The appointment was very thorough and informative, they each explained the procedure and the possible side effects. As for the side effects, what scares me the most is the blistering, basically radiation is like a really bad sunburn over time. Also, they explained that there is fatigue involved, like being at a beach all day in the sun. Honestly, I would rather be soaking in the beach rays then have to come to the hospital everyday for 5-6 weeks for treatment. this is my last hurdle for treatment and I will jump over it with another victory and a gold medal🎖

I just saw Dr. Mok again and went over the possible side effects as to damage or scarring to the heart, lung and thyroid. The risks are low but there is always a risk, being a spring chicken at 41 is what makes my chances less likely for repercussions, lucky me😜. Now we wait again for me to go in for my scan and to size me for the pillow, whatever that means, I will inform you once it is done. They will mark my breast area, underarm and clavicle to be sure that no other areas are affected by the radiation therapy. This is yet another scary hurdle, I guess the unknown is always a little scary, but I have the best hand to hold during my fear, my rock, my husband.  

The pillow sizing went very well, basically it is a plastic pillow filled with a sand like substance. They place me on it with my arms over my head and make sure that it hugs me and it takes a mold of me. That will be used during every radiation session, to be sure that I am always in the same exact position. They then proceeded to mark me and gave me 6 tiny little permanent markers that I will have as a reminder of my journey. The scan will be verified by my oncologist and be sure that all the markers are ready and willing to receive the radiation in the next 2 weeks. 

They really need to do something with the ugly hospital gowns....😘

Love you all

Franca