My radiation is finished today. I completed 33 treatments of radiation for breast cancer including the boosts. I post a picture of fireworks as an illustration of celebration but it’s also how hot of some of my skin feels. The worst of my skin is my shoulder blade area and under my arm. Recall your nastiest sunburn and that might help you understand how red and raw my skin is in places. I’m told these areas are typically the worst for breast radiation patients.
But it’s over! I can now begin to recover. Tomorrow I don’t have to drive 100 miles for treatment and then go to work. Tomorrow I don’t have to get into that radiation fry pan again. Tomorrow my skin can begin to heal. For all these things, I thank God and am happy that I have turned another corner on my pink journey. There is light at the end of my tunnel and I’m almost there.
Rock on Sista! Heal thyself! (I’ll send a bunch of “love waves” to help!)
Congratulations!
I’ve been taken by your talent and your story for quite some time. Thank you for sharing this with us. Please know that you have the love support of everyone here – best wishes.
–Paul O’ – San Francisco
Oh, thank goodness it’s done!
I hope and pray that your pain and discomfort are eased as you heal.
Hugs, if you want one,
Julie Andrea
Wahoo!! I’m so glad for you!
Is the radiation burn anything you can use after-sun products on (aloe gel, for instance)? Or is it deeper than just your skin?
PTL!
Brilliant news! you’ve done marvellously! good luck in your recovery.
Sue (hugs)
Congratulations on coming to the end of your treatment. I am a fourteen year surviour of double mastectomies and greet every day as the best day of my life. Stay focused, be happy. Margaret
Woo hoo!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I’m dancing with you!!!
Prayers going up for quick healing and soothing relief.
@Amy:
Yes I use an aloe gel that the radiation dr gave and I have a prescription steroid cream too. Both help but nature in the end does have to take its course and just heal. Most of the problem is skin and my surface tissue. Only one really red place today on my upper shoulder blade so I think I’m getting better.
@Everyone:
Thanks for stopping by and celebrating with me. Thank you so much for your prayers and words of encouragement. I especially love the hugs. Here’s back at ya — (((hugs)))
Cindy
MATZLETOV!! My mom went through all that and has been completely cancer free for ten years now…from our keys to GOD’S EARS! I just have to tell you how much your site means to me and how much your generosity has touched me. Before I got too sick to work, I was a regular eco freak as we called ourselved in Berkeley, where I put together a Haz Waste Reduction program for industry, etc…in short, I had a beloved 20 year career in Environmental and Public Health in six states, BS in Env Health and MPH, and HHP and MTh, credentials, I was always in demand, th my my body shut down, woke up numb, went into a wheel chair and an odyssey of medical set backs…not least of which was the rheumatologist from the dark side whose meds made me gain 80 pounds and told me that was pretty normal…tra la la…fast forward…ten years later, I am finally doing better but completely unemployable…having been on disability, having my hubbie walk out and disappear, and being a full time single mom who has to sleep a bunch and whose immune system is very very wobbly and un sturdy…I have fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue immune dysfunction, asthma, ibs, etc etc etc…and, of course, the depression….but, I finally started taking care of myself a bit better, grew most of my own food this past summer, lost half the weight, took myself off most of the mood meds, and did some hiking in the park I live by….we had to move to the pac nw to rent a small place from my mom, after losing two houses in the bay area, and it has been quite the culture shock, but we are finally doing ok…..I just hate the dark and the wet and the cold…would love to move back to Hawaii, but that will take a few more miracles….someday….all this just to say that I freak out about what to give for gifts to family and friends at this time of the year and even yarn is expensive these days, so finding your site has really rocked our world, OF COURSE I have tons and tons of bags saved up and have started cranking out gifts for the family like crazy, even my teen son thinks they are “tight”, so, thank you, bless you, and love and light to you, what you have done here has already made the world a better place.
You did it! Congratulations. Let the healing begin!
That’s so fantastic! Is there anything you can put on the burns to soothe them?
So glad it’s over for you and you can concentrate on healing x x x x x
I am so glad to hear that you’ve come to the end of the treatments! I’m praying for complete and quick healing of your skin! Thank you for sharing your journey with us!
Congratulations!!!! I really am happy that you finally finished your treatments. My best to you and your family. God Bless you!
Congratulations on finishing your treatments!
I just found your blog recently through a comment you left on mine, so thank you thank you because I now know how to make a recycled plastic bag bag by crochet I received one of these as a gift last year and I love it! I look forward to hearing more news from you!
Congrats Cindy!! I am so happy to hear this. I hope your burns heal quickly. I am in awe of your strength and bravery. I send many happy thoughts your way.
Take care
Annie
YIPEE!
thats really great news, congrats!
the fireworks display looks great 🙂
I did not know. But congrats on finishing what i can only imagine to be a pretty tough thing.
My roommate recently completed a year long of shots for HEP C treatment. Not that i’m comparing the two at all. Yours is probably more serious of a matter. But glad to hear your done with it.
Missy.
Love the fireworks……….My prayers are added for smooth sailing and Good Health from now on 🙂
I love your recycle site !! Thanks for the information and patterns.
HUGS
Cathy Trott
From LaPorte, Indiana
Congrats on the end of your treatment!
I’ve been following your blog for a while (it’s great) and am delighted to hear your good news.
Congratulations!!
Hoooray!!!!!! You are a fighter and you’re winning the battle! You go girl!
I haven’t taken the time to comment in awhile, I just wanted to say, “hooray” and you continue to be in my thoughts and prayers!
Cindy, I just wanted to pass along my very best wishes to you.
Melinda
Congratulations and best wishes! I’ll be sending positive energy and thoughts of healing your way!
Just read about this post. Congratulations! My best wishes for your happy life.
Cindy, Congratulations!
My husband’s family has battled this disease for generations. We now have four strong survivors with us.
This is a long road, but you should be proud of how far you’ve come. Please know that there are many who have you in their minds and hearts and prayers — even when you don’t know us.
Blessings to you and your family. -Midwest Mom
I’m glad to hear you’re on the road to recovery – since it’s been a month, I hope that you’re feeling _much_ better these days. I am always amazed by the bravery of your endurance through this journey.