Lainie's Health Blog: May is radiation time!

It's been a while since I posted. Lots has been going on.

So Radiation/Cancer update:

Yesterday I went to the hospital for my radiation planning appointment. They took a special CT scan of me to calculate and plan where and how much to zap me. They also gave me 3 very tiny tattoo dots, which only 1 hurt, so it wasn't too bad. After coming home, we indulged in some Gin & Tonic out on the patio. Did you know you can buy diet tonic water?

Next week on May 9, I go for a "dry run" where they set everything up, and do exactly what will happen on my treatment days, but will not give me actual radiation.

Starting May 13, I will get radiation every day, M-F, until I have had 18 treatments. That means I should have my last treatment during the first week of June. Most people who have gone through this get a peeling "sunburn" in the radiation area, and some get fatigued. I have ordered a special radiation cream that is supposed to help keep my skin healthy.

I'm still really numb in many places, much more on the "cancer" side. Probably a little nerve got cut or damaged while they were digging around for lymph nodes etc. The Dr says it can take 6 months to a year for that to go away. My pain level is better - I've bought new bras that are more comfortable, but I kind of hurt when I'm wearing them, and also hurt when I'm not LOL. If I'm asleep- I'm not hurting.

Other news!- Wagner Wedding! We went to the Atlanta area to celebrate the wedding of my cousin Andy Wagner's daughter Amanda (Mandy). This event is why I pushed back my radiation to May- I really want to go to the happy events, and being around my family is such a great support.

In this photo, Frank and I are at the Amicolala Falls which are at the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail- so gorgeous!