I am radiant!

Friday was my last radiation treatment! I celebrated by making someone else make a coffee for me (my guiltiest pleasure). 

These treatments haven't hit me with any big chemotherapy side effects, and yet the process has been difficult. For each treatment, I was alone, stripped down under the series of radiation beams, holding my breath on demand to position my heart away from the dangerous beams, while all the docs and techs are evacuated to the next room to avoid exposure. The whole thing made me feel far more vulnerable than any of the infusions or immunotherapy shots. Every day (M-F). It was a lot. 

The Radiation Oncologist says the side effects—internal pain and inflammation in my ribs—will resolve over the next 4-6 weeks. I don't have any surface burns or skin peeling, although that could still show up. Treat with oncology lotion, the same I've been using as a preventative.

Immune System Update

I get asked a lot about my compromised immune system and when it will be recovered. The chemotherapy definitely kicked those protections to the curb. 

However, it's coming back. My white blood cells are testing above zero, even if they are still below normal parameters. Same with my red blood cells and platelets. It's all progress. 

Also as progress, I was able to get some new vaccines last week: flu and Covid. All the Oncologists (I asked everyone) approved. However, after the fact, I should have gotten the actual shots in the arm opposite my breast cancer (I did not). Apparently, the vaccines can affect the size of the lymph nodes, which are used to gauge new cancer growth? I suppose it would have been good to know that beforehand. (sigh)

As for the original issue, my immune system remains under reconstruction for at least the next six months, probably longer. The immunotherapy shots through July don't knock it back as much as the Big-Bad Taxotere, but my white cells are still challenged. I'll continue to rebuild my vaccine protections. And as I get feeling better—enough to get out more—I'll still be masking up in public spaces. 

Thank You!

I remain grateful for all your messages of encouragement, notes, postcards, and calls. I had another Zoom-coffee with a dear friend today. Thank you for your time and kind words. I am lifted by your generosity and love. 

What's Next

Immunotherapy shots (Phesgo) continue every three weeks until July. I'm interested to see which side effects remain by the end of February. I could use a break here. 

I'm up for another Zoom-coffee! Message me and I'll put you on my calendar!

xo

Sherri