Radiation is taking its toll on me

[PennyK]

I've completed 23 of my 33 treatments, and until now, a couple of Tylenol took care of the discomfort. Today, though, I woke up with terrible pain in just one area -- right under my arm. The Tylenol helped, along with a Lorazepan, but the doctor and technician decided I could use a couple of days off. I also got some hydrocodone, and I'll probably use that tonight.
My treatment was supposed to end with five sessions focused on one area (not where it hurts), but they're going to switch me to that part first, then go back to the other, which will have had a week to recover a little. At least, this is the last "new" kind of treatment...no more surprises, I hope!
My two daughters are coming next week, and now I feel that I'll feel good enough to tidy up in advance, and to actually enjoy the visit. I haven't seen them since the whole cancer thing started, so it will be great to see them. Wonder how they'll like my crew cut!

[Solly Mack]

1. I'm sorry. I can still remember that moment when it began to really hit me.

It's good you're getting a break for the painful area.

Enjoy your visit!

Good to see you!!

[PennyK]

2. Thanks, Solly

I like to think that I'm tough, having done natural childbirth, and shingles just last year. But the truth is I'm a big wimp. I'm just grateful that the muscle pain from Herceptin has eased up a lot. I was limping and now it's just mild discomfort.
Bad week over all...the election, on top of not feeling good, has me somewhat depressed.

[alfredo]

3. The only pain I experienced was my throat, and

When my wife ordered pizza.

Good vibes your way.

Keep us posted

[dixiegrrrrl]

4. I am so glad your doctors can give you a break when it gets really bad.

I know you have had a strong "can do" outlook.
Glad family can perk you up.
Hang in there.....

[PennyK]

5. I do try to stay positive -- when I can

It becomes difficult to get the pain from getting to me at times. Even when it's not hurting so much I feel like I'm under a cloud. We will see what the doctor says today.
I'm honestly wishing I had told my daughters not to come. I would just finish the treatment and get past it. Now, I'll have to be somewhat social...and if you saw the dust that has collected over the past months! I think i can just get the place presentable enough...I mean, my daughters know I'm not the Happy Homemaker!

[dixiegrrrrl]

6. If I had daughters...and they came to visit..

I would "let" them pick up the house for me.
It is tuff enough dealing with bills and dr. and treatment on low energy....

[PennyK]

7. I'm sure they will be delighted to cook

Daniele, my older one, has already said she'll jump in and help me, but I just don't want them to be grossed out when they get here lol! I'm talking about months' worth of dust. Eric is great on certain things, like floors, but he never notices dust collecting on our "plantation shutters". He's been so wonderful all through my ordeal and I have no complaints.
My energy level has been fine so far; that's not a problem.
I went back to Radiation, and they started treating the other area today. So I'll have five days of that, then one day on the other area, four days off for the holiday weekend, and then the final four. I will finish up just two days past the original plan, and I think I'll be just fine. Between Tylenol, pain meds, and Lorazepam, I think I can get through this just fine.

[PennyK]

8. I feel better already

Five days' rest for the painful area, and it's improving. My therapist said it looks much better, and that I will probably be able to finish without any more pain. The area will get dry and peel, and then, just recover. What a relief!
My younger daughter called last night and said "Mommy, don't even worry about cleaning!"
She just recently started working in the accounting department at Fox News in NYC, and even there, they were Hillary voters!
Phew. Just a bit more tidying before they get here, and I'm looking forward to seeing my beauties very much.
LOL -- we took our cat in this morning for a nail trim and a "sanitary shave," and she's still not speaking to us.

[PennyK]

9. Feeling good!

Both my radiation and my Herceptin side effects are at low levels of annoyance today. I'm feeling good enough to make an extra trip after the airport to the Trader Joe's nearby for goodies for the daughter we're picking up today.
We got the house looking "just clean enough" for company. Thank goodness my vacuum came with a pet hair attachment lol...the kitty has claimed a spot atop the back cushion as her special afternoon nap zone. It still looks a bit "depressed ," but not too bad.
Looking forward to some good time catching up with my older girl before my "baby" gets in Wednesday night.

[PennyK]

10. Doing well!

Daughter One got here on Sunday and she has basically taken the kitchen over. Came with me today for my radiation and got to watch in the control room.
I baked and ruined a cake this morning! No biggie, the crumbs are a yummy snack. I baked another one, she's going to do a key lime/coconut pie, and we are driving to the airport tonight to pick up Daughter Two late. A friend of theirs who lives way across the state is coming tomorrow for the feast.
I'm feeling pretty good; nothing really hurts...SO grateful that I can enjoy this time with my sweet girls and the Hubber!
Radiation ends next week and I'm quite happy about that.