16 down, 17 to go

Almost half-way through radiation—and believe me when I tell you, the end can’t come quickly enough!

The staff at the Winchester Hospital radiation center are wonderful, from the techs and the doctor to the nurses and the support team. I’ve been fortunate to meet a lot of wonderful, caring people along the way, and part of me will miss their presence in my life. The other part of me only wants to see them again if we happen to run into one another at the mall (translated: I don’t ever want to have to go back to the radiation center, or the oncology center, or the surgical suite…!)

Today’s radiation session was delayed about an hour and a half because of a particularly difficult set-up for a patient. In that hour and a half, five other women came in for their BC-related radiation appointments, and we six had a ball chattering with each other about places we’ve traveled. I was almost disappointed when the previous patient cleared the room and it was my turn.

My skin irritation is minimal—a bit itchy, and I notice it’s becoming uncomfortable to wear a bra (the skin where the strap comes across my shoulder and over my collar bone is sensitive; my radiation treatment plan calls for delivery up to my collar bone as well as under my arm). I may have to “go without.” It’s one (of several) reasons why I’m glad to be going through this in the winter (if I must go through it at all…). It’s easy to bounce under layers of clothes or a fleece vest.

So, 17 more days. That means I could be done on January 29, as long as there aren’t any weather- or health-related delays.

In the mean time, happy weekend. I need one, badly.