Radiation Follow-up
Today was my one-month check-up after completing radiation. I was looking forward to going back for the appointment because I had hoped to see the radiation therapy leads again. Actually, I don't know if they are called ‘leads' -- that's just what I call them because they appear to lead each team that they are on. Hmmm, maybe they are just pushy. Well, I like them, whatever they are called, but they were both out today. Bummer.
The radiation oncologist examined me and noticed that the areas where I had burned are still red. She asked me why that was. I laughed and said, "I don't know!" Was I supposed to know? I told her that in any event, I'm not surprised that it's still red given how sensitive my skin is.
She then analyzed the cosmetic effect of radiation on my breasts. She said that it doesn't look like the irradiated breast is smaller than the other one, but she warned me that it could still tighten up in the next few months. When I laid back for the exam, she pointed out that it was higher than the non-irradiated breast. Gee, that makes me want to get radiation in the breast without cancer! Who knew, radiation as a breast lift! (Okay, seriously? No.)
I know that what some women do (when the breast that had radiation gets smaller) is get cosmetic surgery in the other breast to make it match size and shape. Honestly, though, the idea of more surgery makes me feel a little queasy right now, so I think I'll pass…even if that means I'm mismatched in the end.
The radiation oncologist asked about my energy level. I confessed that I am still tired but that I thought I should be over it. She said that is still the radiation. For some patients, it can take them up to a full year to restore to their normal energy levels.
She asked about mammogram plans, my next visit to my medical oncologist, and so on. Because my surgeon and medical oncologist are at UCSF while my radiation oncologist is at Alta Bates, she is letting them take the lead. She told me that she would see me in a year and went out to give a paper to her nurse.
When I came out, her nurse exclaimed, "You come back in a YEAR! You must have been given time off for good behavior!" Everyone else at the nurses station said, "What?! A YEAR?"
Then I was taken over to the radiation department scheduler. He looked at the sheet and said, "WOW! You don't come back for a year?!?" I smiled crookedly and said, "Um, yeah." Well, it's one less thing for me to follow up in the short term! As much as I'll miss the staff, I'm glad for that.
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