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