Mini Update

Last Monday I made an attempt at returning to work full time. It didn't work out as well as I thought. Each day I stayed longer. However, for the last three days I have been able to stay at work for almost 10 hours a day. I even wore a bra two days in a row. It is almost two weeks since I finished radiation. Most of my burns are healed, still rather ugly, but almost pain-free. I stopped using all pills and creams. I will start Tamoxifen soon...maybe Monday. I'm nervous about taking it. It will make many people happy if I take it so I will do it. I had my first haircut today. It is still curly but looks much nicer since Kelly performed her magic. So all in all I am feeling great and very happy to be working outside the house again. Well I am totally exhausted so I will hit the sack. Remember to book your mammogram! I would also like to take the time to thank everyone who comments and sends me e-mail. I would like to personally write back to everyone but right now I am just a bit too busy to do so. I appreciate every kind word you say. Cheers Jeannie

It is Finished...kinda...

Friday was my final radiation treatment. I was advised that although it was my last treatment, it by no means meant the treatment was over. According to the book I was given "Life After Cancer", the radiation continues to work even after it is finished. Also, the side effects continue to worsen although I am no longer under the beam. I have been very lucky during my treatments. I suffered very little. That has all changed. I am so 'bleeping' uncomfortable right now. That actually started around treatment #19. By #20 I was 100% sure I wouldn't have been able to tolerate another treatment. My breast feels like it has been run over by a car and my armpit...OH MY GOD...my armpit. It is almost black and the skin is peeling. Underneath it is bright pink and feels like someone poured boiling water on it. Poured BOILING water on it and then took a orbital sander to it and polished it with salt. To top the whole thing off I have excruciating stabbing pains as well. My nipple and aerola were the first to suffer. That entire area also turned very dark brown, almost black. It bunched up as if it was cold and was horribly sensitive. Some dark spots are sloughing off and bits of new pink skin are emerging. I would pay someone any amount of money to sedate me until the pain stops. I have been awake since 2:30, confused about following hospital advice or doing something that works. I chose to do my own thing...caster oil. It doesn't sting like lotions and it is thick enough to stay on the skin more than 10 minutes. It felt heavenly going on the tender skin. Even now, one hour later it still feels a lot better. I have photos but can't upload from my IPad so they will have to wait. So, that's my update for the day. If you are curious about the discomfort just try breast feeding a piranha and when you finish dip your nip in rubbing alcohol. To finish off have a friend jam varying sized needles, ranging in size from sewing to knitting, in your breast. Have them surprise you by heating some of the needles with a blowtorch and drive them into your nipple. The entire time you should be trying to do any task without falling asleep. Good times, good times... Cheers Jeannie

Did I mention I have hair

I have hair now.  It's multicoloured and thick and wavy.  It's funny looking.  Here's a recent photo of it.  My last chemo was early January so it didn't take very long to get it all back.  It is only a bit shorter than my usual cut.

My last regular radiation session was today.  I have boosts beginning tomorrow until Friday.  The radiated area will be smaller. I hope it's small enough to leave my poor nipple alone.  It is so sensitive and dry. Other than random pain, much like period boobs, I also get stabbing pains. It's difficult to describe the pain but if you ever jammed your hand in a car door that might give a glimpse.  The stabbing likes to surprise me and pop up when I least expect it. You know what I mean. Like when I'm pouring milk or talking to the bank on the phone. That is rare though.  Most of the time it is just a dull ache.  Not even worth taking a Tylenol. Other than that I am as tired as I have ever been.  I appreciate the e-mails and comments I have been receiving.  I will reply, I promise.  I have to go to sleep now before I start sleep-writing. 

Cheers
Jeannie