Checking in…exactly three weeks after my lumpectomy. Today, I was able to remove the steri strips. The surgical site healed really well. The pathology report was good– There was .9 cm of abnormal cells, they have left the building, margins were clean, and everything was as expected (no invasive cells, further discoveries, etc.)
Now, I can do normal activities without restriction–swimming, yoga, lift more than 10 pounds on the right side. I’ll be throwing myself into as many of those “freedoms” as I can, because I have one week before radiation starts, and my skin begins to burn.
Recovery from surgery was easy. Surgery was on a Friday and I was back at work the next Tuesday. I have been spending lots of time going to doctor’s appointments. I feel like it’s my new hobby. I am very excited, however, to have a week without appointments coming up.
Medical Oncologist Appointment: After radiation, I’m going to start Tamoxifen, which is the anti-hormone medication that pretends to be estrogen and attaches to your cells. I was really nervous about taking this medication (still am), but I’m very pleased that the oncologist agreed to a lower dose. There’s a new study that came out in December which followed patients taking 5 mg, vs. 20 over three years with similar results. Hopefully this will minimize the side effects (all the side effects of menopause, but you’re still supposed to get your period). I went to the gynecologist to learn more about what could happen and what to look for. She was more informative in regards to what can happen to your period, which was helpful.
Radiation Oncologist Appointment: I will be doing 27 sessions of radiation of the whole breast. If I was over 40, I might have been eligible for the accelerated version of radiation. But, I’m not. This is going to be a slog. I’m dreading the next couple of months. Hopefully, I can stay on top of the skin side effects and work to minimize the fatigue through exercise. I’m buying various skincare products that are supposed to help (I’m balancing being prepared with over-buying random expensive creams). I did get a good radiation time that doesn’t interfere with work–7:30 AM. Radiation starts April 3. *
I’m going to try to enjoy my last week of “freedom”!
*You may be wondering how you can help, which I really appreciate. If I’m experiencing significant fatigue, I may reach out for help with daily living tasks (groceries, laundry, cleaning). Otherwise, I am sure I’ll need cheering up because I know I’ll burn pretty bad (fair skin and all). Text me/FB message me funny/cute photos or videos of dogs or other animals (sorry, cats don’t really do it for me) after April 3. Or say hi and tell me about your exciting life (I guarantee it’ll be more interesting than a play by play of my skin burns)
Phrankly Phred 