Update...

Thursday 21st March 2013


19 days of Radiation and the effects on my skin are starting to show.  My left clavicle is red, itchy and tiny blisters are forming.  My left breast is turning pink and the skin is hot to touch.  I am yet to bathe the area in  salt water and  am moisturising 6 times a day with Aveeno.

Over the past 19 days, I have had some really nice staff getting me settled on the bed and making sure I am lined up with lasers etc.
I'm not entirely sure I'm liking having a male in the room and was completely gobsmacked when I had a big... black... Somalian drawing dots all over my breasts. (nothing to do with colour just not expecting males to be in the room)  Let me set the scene:

Once arriving at Perth Radiation Clinic, I drop my appointment card into the slot,  head over to collect my gown, duck into the cubicle, remove my top,  bra and slip the robe on.
I then sit in a waiting area and wait until I am called.  (I have waited an hour when the blasted machine was playing up) Once called, I follow them into the room, drop my basket holding my bag, top and bra (it's a big basket) and head to the bed.  Before dropping my gown and flashing everyone, I give my birthdate and then lay on the bed, ensuring my bum hits a certain spot.  I'm reminded to lift my arms over  my head and grab the rails.
Now,  this is where I do feel uncomfortable having a male in the room. Feeling vulnerable,   the staff at this point are lining you up with the lasers, upper body is  shoved as they make sure my side tats are lined up, they have the ruler out ensuring I'm centred and then  my chest is marked up, once they are happy with everything, they leave and the rad begins.  I'm left with my thoughts... are all the women seen today the talk of the beer garden??  What if I sneeze whist having treatment??   I look like I'm either sunning myself or wanting a good seeing too!!

So you get the picture, Big tall bloke, drawing on my boob and my thoughts... hence, my feeling uncomfortable.

It's been 52 days since I had my last chemo, time passes by so quickly.  My hair is growing back everywhere.  Think I need to get back into waxing soon (its been so nice not having to deal with all of that)

It's been 22 days since starting Tamoxifen and (touch wood) the only side effects that I seem to be having are hot flushes and heartburn.

Life is crazy busy and I have to remind myself to slow down and rest! Oh bugger! just looked at the time and on to my next job.

lots of love
Shaz xxxx