Thank you everyone @Anastasia @Bunniekins @WIP @Bow @Shaz51 @Owlunar @outlander @Former-Member @Lee82 @Eve7 @NatureLover @Clawde and others calling in.
Today was a better day! I got there a little bit early so I asked to see the radiation nurse prior to my radiation session. Thankfully she was available and I got in straight away, before my radiation. So that worked well.
I spoke to the nurse about not being comfortable having male radiation technicians. She obviously has access to my file, because she said "I see that you have PTSD, is your discomfort related to that"? I said it was. She was very nice and did not make a big fuss about it, and didnt make me feel stupid. Just said that she would fix it. So that was a huge relief. I noted that she went straight in to the radiation area immediately after ... possibly checking that there were no male attendants scheduled for my session. Interestingly there was a different lady, who introduced herself and said they were a little short staffed that morning, and so she was helping out. I strongly suspect that she was brought in at the last minute, but didnt want me to know. I had said to the nurse that I didnt want a fuss or to cause any disruption. So the system obviously works. I was very grateful.
I also spoke to the nurse about the pain I had been experiencing. Sharp burning type pains along the scar line as well as very sore breast tissue all over. I had been told that there was unlikely to be any side effects (other than fatigue, which sets in very early on) until at least the second week or after. So it worried me when I was getting these pains over the weekend. I had wondered if perhaps it was due to the little toxic white pill, but thought it odd because it was only on the left side. Anyway the nurse said it was not uncommon with radiation, and to take OTC analgesics for it when needed.
I was so tired driving home this afternoon after radiation. I actually dozed off momentarily, but caught myself in the nick of time. A bit scary. I'm very glad I'm staying up there for the rest of the week, because I honestly do not think I can safely travel each day all week.
So I have everything all organised for hubby ... meds, food, friend, clean sheets, instructions for little Holly, etc.
And I have thrown what I need to pack onto the spare bed ready to toss into my bag in the morning. My little unit at the hospital has a small kitchenette, so I am going to take simple foods so I wont have to leave my room except for radiation or nurse appointments in the hospital. The accommodation is only a 50 metre walk to the cancer institute as well, so I will just park and stay there until I check out. If need be, there is also the hospital cafeteria if I get bored with whatever food I take with me. Taking .... bread, cereal, fruit, yoghurt for breakfasts ... 2 min noodles, more fruit, cold meat and salads for lunches ... and a couple of those fresh microwave meals for dinners. All easy and achievable with the kettle, toaster and microwave in the room. So I hope to eat okay while away ... least ways I promise not to starve.
I have another 10am departure in the morning, in order to get there for another 11.30am session. I will then check into my room. They told me today via email that I can check in before my session if I'd like to. But its easier to have radiation first, then check in. Although if parking is a problem ... which it sometimes is at the hospital ... I can check in first in order to get through the boomgate to the accommodation parking. Then check in after. So its all set.
My apologies I still have not got back to a number of you who I wanted to respond to individually. Perhaps I will be able to while I'm staying at the hospital. I'm hoping I will have decent WiFi, but if not, I will have limited mobile data.
Okay bed time for me. Although I crashed on my bed after getting home this afternoon .. I'm still really tired. I actually got a couple of hours sleep last night, which was nice. Although it doesnt seem to help the overwhelming fatigue. I guess I'm being hit from at least 2 angles with the fatigue ... the toxic white pill causes extreme fatigue, as does the radiation. Not sure why the oral chemo pill causes it. But I know that the radiation causes fatigue because it kills off cells (both cancer and healthy cells) and the body has to work very hard in order to rebuild lost cells.
Good night everyone. I will get back to you again when I can. Really going to miss my little Holly while I'm away.
Emelia 💞🤗🌸
xxxx