Navigating Breast Cancer: My Personal Journey – Part 3

I have started writing about my journey with breast cancer here:

Navigating Breast Cancer: My Personal Journey – Part 2

Navigating Breast Cancer: My Personal Journey – Part 1

Let’s just say part 3 – radiation and subsequent hormone therapy doesn’t get any better. In fact, radiation for me was worse than the 2 surgeries I had prior. I never thought it would hurt this bad.

I was scheduled for 20 sessions. The first week wasn’t bad, other than trying to lay down on this platform so you could actually get the right angle for the machine. That was a challenge every day of treatment. They put tape with marker on my back to help me line up right each time.

By week 2 my breast was turning bright red. The technician said, “Good, that means it’s working.” It didn’t feel so good anymore. Week 2 felt like I was laying in the sun with baby oil on. I felt the burning part of radiation then. Who thought this up anyway?

I won’t get into too many details, but it didn’t get better. My Doctor ended up dropping the last 6 sessions because he said I was sensitive to radiation and to do more would cause more cracking and bleeding. Great I thought, I get out early! I wish that was the end of the story.

Here I sit 3 weeks later and I am still having issues. The Dr. told me I would continue to feel the effects of radiation for the next 2-4 weeks. I called him today for a stronger lotion, the Aquaphor just isn’t helping. Tylenol and Ibuprofen doesn’t work either. I’m waiting to hear back now. And let’s just be honest, a bra is optional at this point…Does the fun ever end with this cancer crap?

The hormone therapy starts October 1st. The Medical Oncologist prescribed Anastrozole. The side effects are 1/2 page long. Is it even worth taking this? I don’t know at this point. One crisis at a time Diana. Lord, help me!