
Radiation Therapy begins:
April 16th: last day of radiation-Yippie, I am so glad. My nipple is fried to say the least. I'm soooo ready and glad to be done!!!!My follow up is June 3rd.
April 6th:Apt:4:15p.m. @ TMH Rehab. Ctr.This is the last visit with my rehab therapist for Lymphedema. Ms. Marylynne said I no longer need therapy as I'm doing my home exercises quite well. She said my arm movement and the range of movement was back to 95% complete.
April 6th: Apt:3:45p.m. @ T.M.R.M.C. Radiation therapy from now until I'm done on the 16th will be what is called a "BOOST". They concentrate on the area that had the tumor, whereas before they done the entire breast area and where the nodes under the arm where as well.
April 5th:Apt:3:45p.m. Last regular radiation therapy. Thank Goodness as the burn is beginning to set in. I was given "Special Cream" to use by Dr. Newman, and I believe it has helped. She said I actually look great compared to most people. I only have what looks to be a sunburn. (But, it hurts) She said some get so bad their skin breaks down and tears and blisters, so I know I am blessed with only a tan.April 3rd: Attending Tonya's Hope, A Benefit started in Lanark Florida and that has now been extended to all in Franklin County that are dealing with issues at hand from cancer. They have mad my journey a little easier and I am blessed for that. Looking forward to the day to honor Tonya and to be at the benefit. I am blessed to be here and able to make the event.April 1st April Fools Day wasn't NO JOKE, I found out I needed 1 more week of radiation.So, my last day will be April 16th, 2010. This is the week I'll get my 9 boosts, which are directed to where the surgery was performed on removal of the tumor. I don't know why, but I just cried like a baby over just one x-tra week. I was so ready to celebrate on the 12th and to get this journey over with. BUT~~ I need to do whatever is necessary to be strong & healthy.
March 27th: I was able to make a RACE Event Motocross I love it. I went to Jacksonville and spent time with my grandchildren as well. At the race, Pro Racer Davey Millsaps signed my head for the cause, just because. He is a wonderful young man and one awesome Motocross Rider. I will try to upload the picture of my head! Davey Millsaps # 18 Thanks Davey!!~~~~
March 12th: I went to a Lymphedema Specialist per advice of my surgeon because of the 23 lymph nodes I had removed from my cancer surgery. Marylynn Gordien is a specialist who does rehabilitation on Lymphedema patients. I will do rehab with her twice a week. She will order a compression sleeve for me that I have to wear during any plane flights or during any aggresive exercises to keep my arm from swelling. I was told I had to be careful of this for the rest of my life~~
March 4th, #3 TX thru April 09th, #34 TX: Radiation TX each day after work
March 3rd, 2010: Radiation #2 at 3:10 TMRMC with Dr. Sheiliah (Ramsey) NewmanThe hardest part of radiation therapy so far is the drive from Carrabelle to Tallahassee and then back home to Carrabelle again. This takes approximately 3 1/2 to 4 hours of my day just in the drive. The therapy itself takes a very short time. I would say 20 min. including undressing and checking in. They are very prompt with their apt. times for the patients at TMRMC. I'm quite impressed. So, I work till 2:00, drive to therapy TX, by 4:00 I'm done so we drive back home. Then there is still dinner to cook. I must say it is exhausting~~~ All I need is a personnel chef and someone to clean at the house~~~Also I have noticed although I try not to let on to most that I am somewhat depressed with the radiation more so than I was with the chemo. Maybe because most feel like oh well, she is done with chemo, all is good now. Just radiation, no big deal, BUT it is a big deal and I'm tired of the whole ride now. Let alone, you also just lie on a table like a slab of meat all alone kinda spread eagle like just waiting to get radiated, zapped!~~~~~~ I am just so ready for this journey to be over and get on with my life.
March 2nd, 2010: Radiation scheduled at 10:45. !st Tx took approx. 45 min. all together. I don't know why for sure, but directly as they finished the radiation, I began to ball like a baby. I think just realizing I now have to go through this for the next 6 weeks is breaking me down a little. The drive everyday from Carrabelle to Tallahassee is exhausting. 3 hours round trip. I still am working till 1:30 ish. to make my 3:300ish daily appts. The regular routine will begin tomorrow.
February 22, 2010: Seen Dr. Shaw my Radiology Oncologist and I had a CT Scan and they done temporary tattoos to get me ready for my radiation therapy. My first Tx will be next Tuesday.They will begin my daily treatments for the following week each day around 4:00
(I hope) as I am still trying to continue to work until at least 2:00 before my drive to Tally.
February 17th 2010:Consultation w/ Dr. Shelileah Ramsey. I have met with her once before and she is very sweet and understanding. This will give us a chance to follow up since my Chemotherapy is completed. She will set me up with a 5-6 week program of radiation to be given each day. I will drive daily Monday - Friday from Carrabelle to Tallahassee. Approximately a 1 1/2 hour drive. BUT, the drive is well worth the outcome~~~~Let it begin so as to end!~~~
February 15th 2010:My Oncology nurse called today, they ran a special test last Wed. once I finished my chemo and I got news today that all my blood work came up really good. NO CANCER showed at all. I go this Wed. for a consultation, the next week I go for a simulation
(dry trial run) and then by 1st week of March I'll begin. In six weeks my nightmare on -C- Street will be over!~~
Love Davey Millsaps
Love Davey Millsaps
Love Davey Millsaps