Can you imagine wearing a really tight sleeve and glove on your right arm daily? How about sleeping in something that looks like one of those police dog training sleeves? Here are a couple of pictures to give you an idea of what I am going to be wearing. The beige sleeve and glove are compression garments and the big blue oven mitt looking thing is to sleep in.
Yesterday was my second appointment with the lymphedema therapist and we went over a lot of information along with getting me custom measured for my new torture devices. I can tell you right now I am probably going to be pretty cranky in the next few weeks since I can not stand having on tight clothing!
Wednesday I go in for my simulation at the radiation oncologist's, which just means they are making sure the "mapping" they did is accurate. October 9th is my first radiation treatment. Total number of radiation treatments is 34......so if all goes as planned the end should be around the beginning of December. The schedule does get pushed out if I am ill, skin needs a break from burning or the radiation machine goes down.
Side effects from the radiation, from what I am told, could be fatigue in about week three, skin issues, swelling and lymphedema (might make it worse). According to the doctor, skin color is no indication of burning from radiation. There is also a slight chance of another cancer in the radiated area but that will take 10-20 years to develop. Something to look forward to in the future (that is sarcasm just in case you weren't sure).
I am due for a tempertantrum....just want to kick and scream!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Cheryl
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