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How I'm doing: My first cold + the start of radiation

  • Ack, I have a cold. It's a normal head cold, which is wonderful. When I do get sick when I'm living in Illinois, it's full on, one of the reasons I want to move west in 2 years back to the West Coast. But that's a different story! 
    My labs are getting better, but my immune system is still compromised. In a lot of ways, I'm learning a new routine: The logistical, pragmatic part of going to the hospital daily; my improved energy levels post-chemo, while also now starting radiation, which will negatively affect my energy over time of the treatment; and how to balance wanting to socialize more knowing that I still need to conserve energy for healing. 

  • I've had 2 days of radiation. Yesterday, my boob felt hot! I started feeling warmth during the first treatment. Apparently they say you can't feel it, but people regularly report feeling warmth.

    Why wouldn't it feel different? My body is still being altered. I'm attuned. 

    Happy to report the radiation oncology team is awesome: fun, realistic, good energy! This is important when you're seeing people every day for something you'd rather not be doing. 
     
  • I'm also learning to live life with lymph in mind. My arm is at risk for lymphedema, and after radiation, my right boob will be too. This means that I'll have to wear a compression sleeve more than I like, that I'll have to lift weights and strength train differently, and when my immune system is compromised, I'll have to be extra careful to avoid a flareup.

    I thought exercise could make everything better! The truth is, it does make things better. It just might not fully prevent some things. 

    If only I could control it all. 🙃 

Coming up this week: 

  • Aida at the Lyric Opera House
  • Lunch with my godmother
  • A communal Spanish-themed dinner party
  • Exercise :) 

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