Radiation Simulation

Wednesday I had my simulation appointment in the radiation oncology department.  This was to get everything set up for me to start radiation next week.  (Edited to add that I'll be going daily, M-F, from August 5-September 14, at 4:30 each day)

They brought me in and had me lie on the narrow, hard CT scan platform with my arms over my head and my head facing away from my right breast.  There were lasers that lined me up correctly, so I got poked and prodded until I was in the right position.  I was lying on a sort of foam pad that the techs shaped around me while removing the air from it.  This made a form of my upper body so that I'll be in the exact same position every time I get radiation.  

Dr. Schulz (the radiation oncologist) then came in and marked me up with a red Sharpie so the techs knew where to place these stickers with wire on them.  The stickers show up on the CT scan so the lasers can be correctly set to hit the right spots.  Then I had a quick (but uncomfortable) CT scan.  Dr. Schulz looked at it and then came back in and put more marks on me.  Then the techs gave me five tiny little black square tattoos (again, for lining me up correctly in the future).  

I circled the tattoo so you can see it--LOL

The first of the tattoos felt like I was being poked to draw blood. The second felt like I was being poked with a toothpick.  The third and fourth were really painful (low on my sides at the bottom of my ribcage) and the fifth was again a toothpick prick.  Not the most exciting tattoos!  It did get me thinking of what I eventually want tattooed on my "breasts."  There is some beautiful tattoo art on the web (google "post-mastectomy tattoo" to see some), and it is fun to think about designing something unique.

Overall, I feel like my recovery is going very well.  As of this week, I'm feeling more normal than not.  I'm sleeping less and just generally feeling better!  Of course after a great week, I'm really tired today (Friday).  However, I did have a pretty active week this week.

I had my first (and second) drink since before surgery in January.  I went out with my dear friend Nancy on Wednesday for Effen Good cucumber martinis at Bar Louie.  Yum!  And it was so nice to catch up with her.

Thursday we went out with Greg's parents for Travis' (belated) birthday.  Cara and I had been shopping earlier that day and Costco had the cutest maxi dresses on clearance, so we each bought one and wore them that night.

At the risk of jinxing it, it seems like the neuropathy is getting better.  It's not gone, but I can walk farther and my feet are no longer excruciating at night--just sore.

The discoloration of my nails (caused by the AC) is growing out.

I was discharged from OT as the cording went away!  I don't doubt that it'll come back at some point during radiation, but I'm happy to be free of it for now anyway.

I've also started to eat better and exercise more.  I'm using Lose It, and not really making it within my desired calorie counts, but I'm closer.  And I've dropped a few pounds.

I'm beginning to see glimpses of life beyond cancer.  I've started (again) looking to see what full-time jobs are out there.  Not applying yet, but looking.  

Life is good.