I began radiation a week and a half ago, which means I'm already half way done. So far the side effects are pretty minimal.
My skin gets a little red and tender, not painful, just tender, like my clavicle is embarrassed about something. If I run and try to breath ( I've found I can't do one without the other) my chest hurts just a little and I suspect I'm about to have a heart attack. I developed a sore throat in connection with a mild cold and coughing is a little painful. My doctor and I discussed this and determined it is probably because my coughing puts pressure on my radiation burnt insides. Swallowing is also painful because my esophagus is mildly burnt. Also I get achey, like sore muscles from a work out, in my shoulder blade area because that is where all the directed beams converge to exit my body. I'm a little more tired than normal but it's much easier than chemotherapy was so I'll take it.
In other news, my hair is still gone. I have a slight fuzz on my head, but it's still thin and with bald patches. My eyebrows have continued thinning but I suspect this is mostly part of their natural growth cycle and is mostly apparent because no new hair is growing to replace what leaves. I now draw them on with Anastasia's Dip-brow, some fancy makeup I bought at sephora after consulting one of their sales people. I use black eyeliner to make my weird eyelashes less apparent. I have also learned how to wear liquid eyeliner which I find exciting and fun.
Also, not appearance related, I have a second job. I started in October working part time at Peaks Ice Arena. I was getting bored, and it keeps me pretty busy. I can't decide if I actually enjoy it, I'm not sure I thought that through very well. I have to say, it is probably hazardous to make decisions under the influence of cancer.
I have been extremely emotional lately, sort of like it's all finally catching up with me. Every now and then I get upset about how hard this has all been and I cry a bit.
On the positive, life is still enjoyable and I'm meeting new people and starting new friendships all the time. This has been a wild ride.
My skin gets a little red and tender, not painful, just tender, like my clavicle is embarrassed about something. If I run and try to breath ( I've found I can't do one without the other) my chest hurts just a little and I suspect I'm about to have a heart attack. I developed a sore throat in connection with a mild cold and coughing is a little painful. My doctor and I discussed this and determined it is probably because my coughing puts pressure on my radiation burnt insides. Swallowing is also painful because my esophagus is mildly burnt. Also I get achey, like sore muscles from a work out, in my shoulder blade area because that is where all the directed beams converge to exit my body. I'm a little more tired than normal but it's much easier than chemotherapy was so I'll take it.
In other news, my hair is still gone. I have a slight fuzz on my head, but it's still thin and with bald patches. My eyebrows have continued thinning but I suspect this is mostly part of their natural growth cycle and is mostly apparent because no new hair is growing to replace what leaves. I now draw them on with Anastasia's Dip-brow, some fancy makeup I bought at sephora after consulting one of their sales people. I use black eyeliner to make my weird eyelashes less apparent. I have also learned how to wear liquid eyeliner which I find exciting and fun.
Also, not appearance related, I have a second job. I started in October working part time at Peaks Ice Arena. I was getting bored, and it keeps me pretty busy. I can't decide if I actually enjoy it, I'm not sure I thought that through very well. I have to say, it is probably hazardous to make decisions under the influence of cancer.
I have been extremely emotional lately, sort of like it's all finally catching up with me. Every now and then I get upset about how hard this has all been and I cry a bit.
On the positive, life is still enjoyable and I'm meeting new people and starting new friendships all the time. This has been a wild ride.
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