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

Wanna see the boob?

Just in case I didn't mention this, I would like to buy a new set of boobs. Any Nova Scotians get free/discounted boobs? Don't get me wrong, I am super grateful to have been treated, NO COSTO, I always wanted little fun bags and figure now is as good a time as ever to get 'er done.

Anyway, if anyone would like to see what a 'revised' breast looks like just inbox me and I will try to arrange a viewing. I know I was very curious what mine would look like after the surgery. Then I wanted to see what it would look like after radiation.

My boobs are yours...

Cheers
Jeannie

I see lights ahead!

I remember reading about the side effects of radiation and thinking, 'big deal, that will NOT happen to me.' What an asshole. I am so tired that when I am not sleeping I am fantasize about sleeping. When I'm awake I have that dull headache that we get when we didn't get enough sleep. I even dream about sleeping when I am sleeping.

I love the suggestions in the books that we should take no more than a 20 minute nap or ensure we get exercise to combat the fatigue. I dare anyone to suggest that to my face. I would beat them to death with the book, well, warn them that I would beat them with the book in the summer when I can actually lift it over my head. Anyway, enough about that.

My hair is coming in fast and furious. It is lighter and a bit curly. It's very soft. I will soon need a hair cut. It's nice to have hair again.

My breast is quite sore. The nipple is extremely sensitive and the areola is getting very dark. Charred like a baked potato. The skin around that has taken a dimply, orange peel look. The entire breast, which is obviously much smaller because half was loped off in a surgical suite, is actually getting smaller and firmer. I need to hold it going up and down stairs and even the shower stream hitting it hurts like a mother fuc.., er, I mean, hurts a lot. I have been blessed that I have not had any blistering or burning of the skin. That is worth all the icky stuff that has happened.

My periods returned this month, twice to be exact with little more than a week between them. I see Dr. K. next month and will ask to have my hormone levels checked.

All that aside I have seven more rad treatments left. It's going to be very odd when I no longer have to go to the hospital...odd but exciting. It was a bit more of a journey than I expected but the end is so near I can taste it.

Cheers
Jeannie

PS. Anyone else notice the references to food and eating in that post. LOL