The first treatment was Tuesday. It took a little longer because the two techs were explaining things as they went along. I have three girls that rotate and work with me...Joan, Jessica and Lori and they are awesome! On this first day Joan was explaining my "Do's and Dont's's" and when she said "no shaving under your right arm" I stopped her and said "what? No I have to, please!!!". Her reply to me was "trust me". Ok, I guess I have to.
The actual radiation only takes about three minutes total. They line you up with lasers that are going across the room with the marks they made on my chest, it pretty neat. The machine is turned on and starts on the left side and shoots for half the time then the machine rotates across to the lower right side and shoots again. You can't see any actual beams.
Day two and day three went very quickly, I was probably only in the office about twenty minutes total.
I was getting ready to take my bath on the third night and as I was lifting my arms I noticed that under my right arm there was absolutely no hair! Bare! And then I knew what Joan meant. One of the side effects, you lose your hair under your arm. But at that moment, I stood there and it truly hit me as to what was actually going into my body and what was taking place inside. It was overwhelming at that moment, but then I realize how lucky I really am.
The other side effects have been minimal so far. My right side is swollen and about twice the normal size. Now ladies, before you think how lucky, it's only on one side! So, actually I'm kinda off-balanced!! No pun intended!! I did feel really sleepy after the fourth treatment and the girls told me fatigue would probably set in next week. That will be tough on a lady that is never still!
I hope you all have a wonderful Labor Day Holiday! Spend time with family and friends and let's all pray for one another!
Keep the faith.
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