Radiation Healing

Yayyy I was done with radiation on February 19th :-)  I went on this machine thirty one times - 25 whole breast radiation treatments and 6 boosts that are a different type of radiation that doesn't penetrate the skin as deeply.

Radiation Machine.  The machine is set up for the boost but it is the same machine for the whole breast radiations.  The blue things are to help support your arms as you hold them above your head while getting the radiation.

My skin was pretty red and irritated afterwards.  I kept putting the hydrocortizone on it for a few days then switched back to the Aloe Vera and I intermittently did Aquaphor too.  It didn't really hurt much but did get darker and darker and then started peeling.  The skin underneath was very pink and tender looking - I tried not to peel it more than I needed too and it is still peeling a little bit, more like flaking off in little bits and pieces.  It is more annoying than anything.

Since I have scars on both side that looked the same before rads it is clear to me that the radiation side scars look a LOT better.  They are almost non-existent.  Even my SNB scar.  Really.  There is also some dark discoloration in my armpit and all around my breast, but I think over time that will fade.  Or maybe I should say I hope that will fade cause it will be visible in a tank top or bathing suit.  Oh but I have to be careful getting sun on it for the next year anyway. I am putting the Aloe Vera on daily cause I think it will help and that the skin is still peeling or is a little dry - I can't tell.

I started wearing deodorant again about a week or so after my last radiation.  I am still afraid to shave under that armpit.  I have some fine hairs on the upper part of my armpit - there are none on the bottom half and that skin is darker, even after the peeling.

My place gave me a certificate of completion of rads.  I think it was nice of them . . . I just feel that completing chemo was a bigger achievement.   I did get to ring the bell when I was done with chemo . . . but a certificate would have been nice too.  I think after 31 days of seeing me they think more about these things?  I even got a hug from one of the technicians on my last day. 31 is a lot . . . but prostate cancer patients have to have 38!!!

Here is a picture of the outside door of the radiation room I went to most often.

They close the door when they are giving treatment   The beam on light flashes on and off and there  is a whirring sound that also goes on and off when the beam is on.  The door is 6 inches thick and there is a long hallway before you get to the radiation machine.

I am going to try and post some pictures of my armpit and from the radiation place, if my chemo brain will remember.

I'm happy to be done with radiation.  Am I glowing?