"Only One Week of Rads to Go!"

Well, folks, I had my last "regular" radiation treatment today & now have 5 remaining treatments they call "boosts".  I think when I walk out of the Moncrief Radiation Oncology Center next Monday after the last treatment, I am going to fall on my knees & praise God!  These last 5 radiation "boosts" are aimed only at the scar area where they removed my cancer to nuke any cells that aren't welcome!  I think the main difference is that I will only be on the rad table for a couple of minutes - not the usual 10 minutes.  I don't know what the extra radiation will do the skin of the scar area - but whatever it takes to kill off any remaining bad boy cells!  I really wanted to use Hoda Kotb's "Bad A**" word here - ha!

I am a little tired & have semi-stopped all my extraneous running around so as to conserve energy for things I have to do.  I honestly think it has either made me a little fatigued or I am just plain milking it to have an excuse to be lazy around the house - ha!  I let the Maid Brigade go because I feel like I can handle the big chores now that I am ending treatments.  BUT, do not bring your white gloves next time you come to my house!!!

So, what does my radiated chest look like you say?  Well, can you say 10 times worse than any red, deep purple sunburn I ever experienced with my fair skin!  And, how does it feel you ask?  Like someone ironed my left chest & underarm area with a steam iron.  It burns, stings, feels tight, itches, is peeling & I cannot stand clothing to touch it.  Yes, I have temporarily given up wearing a bra!   But, this is par for the course of what you go through to kill off the big C!  So I'm explaining - not complaining!!! 

I couldn't do without these products:

This, too shall pass, & it is almost over!!!

INTERESTING NOTES:

Radiation therapy does not kill cancer cells right away. It takes days or weeks of treatment before cancer cells start to die. Then, cancer cells keep dying for weeks or months after radiation therapy ends.

As a general rule, the area that is being treated with radiation should NOT be exposed to much direct sunlight for up to a year after treatment. Sunscreen is highly advisable for these regions. Sunscreen should not be applied on treated area while undergoing treatment.