Radiotherapy

Tuesday 26th February 2013


Life has been busy since my last blog.  Kids are well and truly in school mode, with homework and after school activities keeping us busy.
Netball season hasn't begun and I find myself spending more time daily on club business/registrations.  The joys of being club president :)

Update on kids:
Miss 13 has started running,  needing her  fitness level high for club grading and trials to get in the association team.
She graded for her club and did an amazing job, managed to score higher than some 17 year olds.  We will find out early March if she  gets a spot in the association squad.
Miss 13 is happy to be at school with her friends and has started the year, getting all homework done daily. YAH!!!
She will be 14 on the 8th March.  I can't believe,  this tiny little bundle who stole our hearts nearly 14 years ago, is this beautiful young lady today.  Where the hell did the time go???  I wish I could rewind 14 years,  and again,  cherish all those baby cuddles, toddler questions, toddler tantrums (not many with our placid little girl) and really focus on her.


Master 9 is enjoying school and is doing 40 minutes of homework a night. (standard for yr 5)  He is such a gorgeous boy, so loving and makes us laugh with his endless stories.  He LOVES being on his scooter and is enjoying practising tricks.
Our little miracle, will be 10 in April.  Again, I can't believe how quickly time has flown.  I want time to stand still, I don't want to miss a thing with both kids.


As for me, Radiotherapy started on Monday.  It's painless,  takes no time all and I wish chemo was the same.
My hubby joined me for the first zap.  Like my 6 chemo's, I drove my car, with hubby sitting in the passenger seat.  I was excited to be finally having Radiotherapy, another hurdle to jump over to being completely cancer free.
We parked with plenty of time to spare.  Went in and dropped my appointment card in the box.  I was called and asked to sit outside "room 3".  A lovely lady called my name, and explained I would have my own gown which would be sitting in cubbie hole '12'.  I was instructed to remove my top and bra and place the gown on.  I was then taken into 'room 3', removed my gown and lay on the bed, ready to begin my 1st of 30 treatments.
I was wriggled around until they were happy that I was lined up with all the lasers and my 3 tatts.  (I can't see them)  Asked to put my arms up,  and hold the 2 bars.
By this stage, feeling calm was out the window and I felt a flood of emotion run through me.  I really struggled to keep my tears from falling down my cheeks.   7 months have passed since my official diagnosis and FINALLY I was up to radiation, thoughts of what I had already endured were forefront on my mind, as were the fears of BC returning and having to go through this hell all over again.
I closed my eyes and changed my thoughts to my family.

Before the radiotherapy could begin, I had to have some films taken as the original measurements were inaccurate.  Normal procedure is first 25 days, radiation is given to the entire breast and the last 5 days is to the exact location of the tumour.   B/C of the incorrect measurements, I will be treated in reverse, no difference in end result.
Before I knew, it was all over and we were on our way.  Yah 1 done :)

Went by myself today and all up the round trip took,  1hour and 20 mins.  28 to go :)


I have been moisturising 6 times a day and am thankful I am home, as it would be a pain in the arse taking the bra on and off at work.
I'm keeping everything crossed,  that any reactions to the radiotherapy  are kept under control with the creams.

Tomorrow I have bloods done and will see my Oncologist on Friday.  I'm eager to hear what happens with further testing etc and if I start Tamoxifen straight away.  Not loving the thought of Tamoxifen and all the side effects,  but will take that over a Breast Cancer any day.

I'm feeling really strong and very positive.   I do feel tired late in the day (too much computer work) and push myself to go for a walk in the evening.   I'm enjoying exercising with my new BF "gymstick" and looking forward to spending 3 quality days my family this weekend.

Be kind to yourselves and cherish every minute with your family, you NEVER know what is around the corner.

lots of love
Shaz xxxx