Much Better

Even though I needed to have a quick visit with my radiation oncologist, today was still a better day than yesterday.

For one, it wasn't raining, at least not much, today. And since it had been raining for around 4 days, that was a great change.

The "Treatment Machine" was running about 20 minutes behind schedule, but that was not a significant issue. It even gave me a chance to chat and share with some of my fellow patients. I do find it informative to learn about the experiences of others, in treatment along side me. And I am DEEPLY grateful that my situation is only as bad as it is.

Based on what's going on with others, things could be worse. 

[To anyone, who has gotten this blog address from me in treatment, there is no need to be concerned about being mentioned here. Even if I had your name, I would NEVER publish it, or any of your personal details. I'm deliberately using the most oblique references, to protect peoples' privacy. Even if I'm given expressed permission, I'll never include HIPPA details.]

It's worthy of note that the reason I went to see the doctor, on a non-scheduled day, was that I had noticed a somewhat hardened swelling in my left breast. He was kind enough to take the time to explain to me that that sort of thing happens, because of scar tissue forming around the surgical sites, during radiation treatment. And that it can cause fluid to return to those areas as well. He also mentioned that, on conclusion of the radiation treatments, it may take up to 3 months for the swellings to all go away.
While my vanity compels a certain level of concern, mostly regarding "will my breasts ever go back to looking more normal?" and "will they ever both be the same cup size again?", I am no longer terribly concerned about the swelling issue.

I'm still willing myself to take things one day at a time. I cannot allow myself to be too concerned about the future right now. And I find a certain amount of "escapism" to actually be required, to maintain my sanity. Of course, those of you who know me IRL, realize that "sanity" is relative here.  ;-)

Both of my transportation trips today were relatively pleasant. I highly enjoy riding with intelligent drivers, who are willing to carry on interesting conversation as we travel. The only dim spot in today's transportation was the perennially drunken couple, that got picked up after me, on my ride home. Thankfully between practically chanting to myself "do not engage", as in their drunken state they were beginning to argue, I was able to constructively engage the driver in conversation that deflected their argument to more benign topics. Therefore, unlike the last time I was in a car with them, the rest of the ride was relatively quiet.

Aside from the fact that I have noticed myself becoming more tired, as the radiation treatment progresses, I'm still managing to maintain about as much of a positive outlook as I think possible. Blessed be that it may remain so.
I am also still trying to pass on the Stay Positive message, along with my blog address, to as many of my fellow patients as I'm able. If I can help anybody go through this with me, or even after me, that will make me happy as well.

Comments and words of encouragement are welcome. And if you'd like to help, or if you appreciate the provided information, please use the following link:

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