The Road to Radiation

With my chemo all over and done with, the next stage for me is Radiotherapy and I went for my pre radiotherapy appointment on 29th May 2014.

But first …. a quick refresh on treatment so far ; I've had surgery to remove the cancer, chemotherapy to eradicate 'pesky' cancer cells, started Herceptin (targeted therapy), to stop cancer cells dividing and growing, and now I have progressed to the 4th 'weapon' in my Breast Cancer treatment arsenal.

It seems Breast Cancer cells are not all the same, and I require these various treatments, with their distinct roles, to destroy the different cancer cells that are in my body and keep me cancer free.  This will eventually include Tamoxifen, a hormonal treatment that will slow/stop growth of some cancer cells.

So….  having 'breezed' into a car park space at NGH, I got to my appointment early and spent time in thought, whilst waiting, about the familiarity within the oncology unit and I recall how nervous I was attending my first appointments. Its been nearly 8 months since I received my diagnosis and since my whole life was made 'topsy turvey'…

The time since diagnosis has gone really quickly (mostly) and I hope that the next phase of my treatment will go equally as so. Anna, the Radiographer, interrupted my minds wanderings and my 'waiting room wig watching', and called me into a consulting room to prepare me for the CT scan, measuring up and tattooing!!

I was given a blue gown, and told this would be mine for the duration of the Radiotherapy treatment program and should I wish to do so , I was advised that I could bedazzle it! I wouldn't do a crazy thing like that!  mmmmmm!

It was explained in advance that there would be a lot of talking around me, pulling and positioning of my body, and when I was taken into the treatment room, indeed there was!

I laid on the bed of the CT scanner and as duly instructed, I did not move when they lifted my body into position. My left arm was lifted and placed into an arm rest/apparatus and my head was moved to the right on a cushion.

Measurements of my breast area were taken and another colleague came in and placed some stickers on my chest area…!

Random picture of a CT scanner so you get the gist!

I was left in the room alone whilst the CT scan was done and was told not to move!  Although the preparation felt a little like being a 'piece of meat on a butchers block', I was keen to comply with commands and be the perfect patient. This was easier said than done…..My nose and knee itched throughout and a stray hair from Vivian was tickling my eye lash and making my eye water!!!!!  so….I found myself in a fight with my natural instincts to move, talk, scratch, cough, sneeze to earn me this status! Arggghhh!

I relieved my itches and sorted my watery eye once the CT scan was done, but before being allowed to leave, I was marked either side of my booby scar with tiny black dot tattoo's!!!

So, it seems that  Radiotherapy works by using a high energy beam to kill cancer cells by causing the production of 'free radicals' that change the DNA of the cancer cells and stops them reproducing. My tattoo's 'mark the spot' where the beam will be targeted and I will have my first of 15 weekday treatments on 19th June.

I hope to dodge the possible side effects(fatigue (oh no!!), dryness/soreness/swelling/darkening of skin of the treatment area, and I look forward to putting this treatment be hid me!

A bonus bit of news; The Radiographer  has provisionally arranged for me to have my Groshong line taken out on Friday 6th June, as it will be in the way of the radiotherapy treatment. This will need to be approved by Dr Knighton, whom I am due to see on the 6th. This decision will depend on whether he agrees to the alternative method of administering Herceptin so I do not need the Groshong line.

Before I sign off folks, I want to introduce you to a new character in my life !!! 

MEET MILLY!!

My XMIL, Sue knitted 'Milly' and gave it to me as my treatment mascot after getting the idea from Cheryl and her mascot ERIC(see previous blog) . This was a complete surprise and a source of great delight …. LOOK- It's a mini version of me!!! Milly is wearing her own 'Vivian' hair do, wearing a pink tu tu as I did on my last chemo dare and wearing the replica t-shirt given to me by Kathy Sanford. 

HIIIIIILARIOUS!!!! 

Unfortunately I forgot to take her to my radiotherapy prep. appointment but she will be sure to join me   next time! 

Yay!!

INFORMATION:HER2 positive: http://media.curetoday.com/downloads/documents/HER2_pocketguide.pdf