I had my last chemo treatment on March 16th. I can't remember any of the dates of my other treatments, but that one stands out in my mind. Exactly why, I am not sure. But I remember it vividly.
I started my radiation soon after. I am scheduled to have 28 treatments, or "zaps" as I call them. This Monday, I have zap number 18. So far, it has really been easy. I get there everyday at about 2:25. I change into a gown and they are ready for me by 2:30. I go in and lay on this examining table. They use a remote control to move this panel over a pre-planned mark on my skin. The machine and panel are about 12 inches away from me. They leave the room, and I am supposed to lay as still as possible. The machine makes a buzz sound that lasts about 8 seconds. Then, they come back in and readjust the machine and panel to the other side of my breast. They leave the room again, and the buzz starts for another 8 seconds. Then, I am finished! I am usually back in my car within 15 minutes of getting there.
I am just now starting to notice some effects of the treatment. My skin on that side is a slight red. I am very fair, so this is very noticeable to me. It doesn't hurt; it just looks a little more colored. It's hard to believe that this treatment is really doing something because there have been no noticeable side effects, unlike chemo.
I will be so glad to be done. Life can get back to normal, or whatever normal will be now. I am certain it will not be as it was before. I have met so many people that are going through the same things as I am. I look at everything with a different perspective than ever before.
I am scheduled to walk in a few weeks in the Susan Komen Race for the Cure here in my city. I am so excited. I think it will be a very moving event. I have a lot of my friends and supporters walking with me. I will walk in it just a few days before I am to end my treatments. What a perfect way to start the rest of my life!
Copyright © 2001 Susan Lloyd. All rights reserved.
