I’m Radiating

1/22/2008 Estreitta 1 Comments

Well today was my first Radiation Treatment. 



before I let you know how that went, I should get you up to speed on what has been going on since I last wrote.   I do want to warn you this this is very long and detailed cause A LOT has happened since I last wrote.



Well Erik and I met with Dr. Shide on Jan 5, the Radiation Oncologist I posted about previosly.   During my appointment she was VERY apprehensive about my surgery and prospective radiation treatment.  She really tried to convince us that getting a Mastectomy would have been a better form of treatment. and highe recommended that we recondsider.  She ranted fo about 45 minutes that because I only got a lumpectomy there was a greater percentage of the DCIS coming back and possibly being more agressive form of cancer. Then she said she would loose sleep over it if i didn't have a mastectomy. She even questioned Dr. Perry asking "how old she was"....



The entire time I kept thinking that there was just as much risk of me leaving the appointment and getting in a car accident.  There is risk with anything you do but making a decision based on fear doesn't get you anywhere. Fear can make you feel trapped and alone While Trusting in the Lord with Everything.... you find freedom, strength, and peace.  I am glad i don't live in fear!



So obviously after the appontment was over Erik and I decided we would find another doctor.  Dr. Perry, my surgeon, kind of warned us that some oncologist could be kinda like that.



Prior to my meeting with Dr Shide  I had scheduled a appointment with another oncologist Dr. Karen Neilsen Jan 14.





Karen L. Nielson, M.D. specializes in radiation oncology and is certified by the American Board of Radiology in radiation oncology.

Dr. Nielson's extensive background has included Chief of Staff (1994) and Vice Chief of Staff (1993) at Moncrief Radiation Center. She is currently Chairman of the Moncrief Medical Staff Peer Review Committee and has previously served as Chairman of the Moncrief Medical Staff Quality Management Committee, as Chairman of the Moncrief Infection Control & Safety Committee, as Medical Staff Representative, Moncrief Pediatric Protocol Committee, and as Medical Staff Representative, Moncrief Board of Directors' Quality Management Committee. In 1993, Dr. Nielson was the recipient of the Moncrief Radiation Center Quality Management Award. Her work has also included involvement in radiation and oncology research.

Memberships: American Society of Therapeutic Radiology & Oncology, Texas Medical Association, and Tarrant County Medical Society.

Education: Medical degree in 1984 from Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas; transitional internship at St. Mary's Hospital and Medical Center in San Francisco, California 1984-1985; residency in radiation oncology at Stanford University Hospital 1985-1988.



When we met with Dr. Neilson the experience what 360 degrees different than the one we had with the other Radiation Oncologist.  She was very soft spoken and kinda reminded me of my 5 Grade teacher Mrs. Menedez.  She explained everything clearly and used charts and graphs to discuss the risks but also said that with the other patients she treated similar to me she has never seen a reoccurance. (PRAISE GOD)  She even gave us the book I posted that I am currently reading.  It is a great descriptive and informative book.



After the meeting with Dr. Neilson, I was scheduled for a CAT Scan.  I had a Cat scan last year when I was having some bad headaches s it was kinda familiar.



You know I have to say out of all the different "tables" I have been on none of them are comfortable.  Someone really shoulr design these with some padding and contour to the human body not all these hard surfaces.  anyway I digress



so today I began the first of 6 weeks of treatments.



The preparation for the treatment took longer than the actual treatment.  It took about a half an hour of them writing on me with a permanent marker.  While I was lying there with my arms propped above my head in the arm stirrups and them marking me up i was starring at the ceiling and I noticed these embossed leaves, i thought i bet they only put these up there because all the people who lay here need something to look at.  They continued to measure me and adjust the hard table i was laying on then they finally said that they would begin the treatment.  She said I wouldn't feel anythng but if i did to let them know.



To the right of me there were signs that would periodically light up they read READY and BEAM ON.  It literally took only like 3 minutes then they came back into the room nd said your all done but we have to take some measurements and picutres for documentation purposes.



They then helped me off the table and My shoulder and arm felt s sore and achey (It has been really wet and cold out,  I think I will start taking Glucosamine and Collagen Dr. Neilsen said it would be ok)



So let the next adventure begin.  I will let you know how it goes.



Incase you wanted to know more about my treatments here is a good description.



Radiation Therapy



When localized DCIS (lesion that appears in one limited place) has been detected on a mammogram or by physical exam, breast-conserving surgery in which the breast is not removed may be followed by radiation therapy as adjuvant treatment. There is a decrease in local recurrence of DCIS in women who receive radiation following surgery.



 



Indications for radiation following breast-conserving surgery
Radiation should be included following breast-conserving surgery if the DCIS has a high-grade histology, close margins, or is more than about 5/8 of an inch in size. (mine was 11 MM)



What is radiation therapy?
The purpose of radiation is to destroy any potential remaining DCIS that might still be in the breast. Radiation therapy is treatment with high-energy rays, and is given five days a week for a period of five to seven weeks.



Treatment is given on an outpatient basis. The radiation treatment itself takes several minutes. Patients are instructed to lie on a treatment table under the radiation machine. They are monitored during treatment by a therapist in the next room who uses a closed-circuit camera. Nothing touches the skin and there is no discomfort from the treatment. Patients are not made radioactive and the treatment only affects the specific area being treated.



Side-effects of treatment may include:




  • A sunburn-type appearance of the skin in the area treated, which may include blistering (ask your doctor what skin creams and care you can do during radiation)

  • Mild swelling of the affected area

  • Fatigue

  • Loss of appetite

These common side effects generally occur toward the middle of treatment and continue for a short time after completion of the course of radiation treatment. Radiation skin changes may persist for months after treatment completion: change in skin color, texture and sensation.  


 


Malachi 4:2 (The Message)


The Message (MSG)

Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson

.. ..



Malachi 4


The Sun of Righteousness Will Dawn
2 " But for you, sunrise! The sun of righteousness will dawn on those who honor my name, healing radiating from its wings. You will be bursting with energy..."

 






Radiate by Telecast


Jesus it's a beautiful day
I'm so deep in your mercy, I could swim in your grace
Lord the only thing I want to say
Radiate in me

I'm falling in love with you
I'm falling in love with you
Jesus I want nothing more
Than to radiate your love oh Lord
I'm falling in love with you
So radiate in me

Jesus radiate in me today
Let me be a light for you
In a world that seems so grey
Lord I offer up this song of praise
So radiate in me

1 comment :

  1. MySpace Comments:

    I am so happy that you have an oncologist who communicates well and seems to be clear about everything. It makes a difference when a doctor tells you everything you need to know. Thanks for sharing.

    Posted by Ray-Chill on Wednesday, January 23, 2008 - 5:02 PM



    You handle all things that come your way with grace! I am so proud of you for continuing to trust in the Lord..he has it all planned out! :) Love you girl!

    Posted by Misty on Thursday, January 24, 2008 - 12:27 AM

    ReplyDelete