Monday, February 28, 2011

February 28, 2011

Things have been super busy the last month, but overall pretty uneventful with cancer-related stuff (which I guess is a good thing)! I had to have my drain site (from my surgery) looked at because I was having some pain, and they initially thought there might be some residual cancer cells leftover that were starting to grow again, but after what seemed like a 2 hour sonogram, they decided it was just some swelling and scar tissue that's causing the pain. Dr. Balanoff said that as it heals and the swelling goes down, the pain will subside too. Basically - shut up and suck it up! :o)

I went last week to get my radiation placement tattoos (I've got three little dots) and I will have my first of 33(ish) treatments starting today. I'll go every day for 6 weeks and then I'll have a 6 month(ish) break until my next surgeries! The main side effects of the radiation are being really tired and then sunburn-type reactions...redness, peeling, blistering, etc. Hopefully it won't be too bad, but since I'm so fair-skinned I'm expecting the worse. I may have to join a nudest colony or something though - cuz if it hurts to wear a shirt don't think my happy-self won't be walking around the house topless! Speaking of which...please be sure to call before you come over for unannounced visits. Ha, ha! :o)

2 comments:

  1. I keep trying to post a comment and am having trouble getting it go thru! Will try again!

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  2. Just checking in to see how you are doing. Love your postings and it sounds like you have much to celebrate in this journey.

    I am fair skinned and managed to get thru rads with minimal problems. Just try to stay ahead of the burning. Don't ignore the warning signs and let it get out of hand.

    I am 3rd generation to battle this in my family with my mother and grandma losing their battles early in their life. I would love to find a cure/prevention as I don't want my 4 kids to face this.

    I finally had my genetics run again using the BART method and still am neg for BrCa1 and neg for BrCa2. Dr Fabian and Dr Jew both still believe I have a familial brca. Thankfully I am in a study at Washington University in St Louis where they are trying to ID new genes for brca.

    If you find you want more support or to get to know other brca sisters, please contact Young Survival Coalition group here in KC. 913-642-4YSC (4972) or ycskansascity@youngsurvival.org or www.youngsurvival.org/kansascity -- they are a great group. In fact I am getting ready to go to a food/nutrition class they are hosting at Whole Foods this evening. YUM!

    Would love to hear from you if you want. I saw Beth Roses a couple of weeks ago and she asked me if I knew how things were going for you. My contact is 913-206-4518 or Buttercup_66053@mokancomm.net or Jen at the YSC office usually knows where I am as I volunteer a lot with them.

    HUGS! Continued PRAYERS... CELEBRATE!!!!
    Julia Stegeman

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