Date and Time for Radiation

In less than a week I begin radiation. It's the next phase of my journey; the insurance policy so to speak against the cancer recurring. I'm scheduled for 25 sessions, beginning Tuesday at 12:30. I hope to meet with my radiologist on Tuesday following my first session to discuss the total number of treatments in light of the clean pathology report. I don't want to skip out on radiation altogether, but I'm hoping the number can be backed up, to something more like 15 to 20 sessions. I know from speaking with people and other research the side-effects get worse the more sessions you have.

Otherwise it has been quiet. I'm getting more mobility in my arms every day. My left arm is still weak and hurts periodically, not a great pain, more like a twinge if I move it wrong or abruptly. I can finally sleep on my stomach again for short periods, although my shoulders get kinked up pretty easily. More stretching is needed I guess. I've started my fall house cleaning (missed the spring cleaning completely), so we'll see how good my arm really is. I'm taking it slowly, and making sure I take lots of breaks.

We were in Pictou last weekend. Mom, James and I went to visit my aunt Sheren. She was diagnosed with cancer 15 years ago and she's been a rock for me throughout this journey, one of my many mentors. We talked about the "sisterhood" of breast cancer. We both have had experiences where we've been drawn to strangers because of the disease.

My contacts tell me my co-worker Socrates is scheduled for surgery later this month; either the 20 to 21.

I also received a card from Kathy E. Her daughter had found a lump in her breast, but fortunately the test results show it is benign. However, it was a very stressful time for her, until she received the news.