I couldn't write a whole page on Radiotherapy, as it's really quite boring! very much the anti-climax I expected. The trip begins with a CT scan and a tattooing session - unfortunate you don't get a say in the design of the tattoos, they are just 3 tiny black dots, used to ensure perfect line-up of the machine each time. Then its a trip everyday to the unit, Monday to Friday for 3 weeks (15 sessions in my case, some people have different amounts), lie on a couch, arms above your head, baps out, zone out for 10 minutes - and that's it! all done!! Now I did have a wobble on my second session, I suddenly felt very vulnerable and exposed. But once I'd talked to one of the team the next day, the staff took great care to slow things down, and make me feel much more comfortable.
When the radiotherapy had finished, it was explained to me that it continues to work in your body for a few weeks, so my skin would continue to redden and get sore, I was advised not to wear a bra for a few weeks. Not the best look when your boobs are wonky!
During this time, I was also preparing for our wedding - which has helped massively to distract my mind throughout all of the treatment. My Treatment finished on 26th May and we got married on 27th May - nothing like a tight deadline! It was a beautiful, relaxed day - and definitely a great celebration to mark the end of my treatment.
So that is it! Active treatment is over. My plan is now 6 monthly Breast surgeon checks and yearly Mammograms, an Oncology review in July, some Psychotherapy to make sure I'm OK post-treatment (apparently this is the hardest time), and some Complementary therapies just because it was offered! My hair is growing back - in all areas, tamoxifen is not nearly as scary as I thought, and my sore boob will get better very soon.
Breast Cancer has been the hardest thing I've faced in my life, but I've got through it, I feel like I stared death in the eyes and said "Not yet Mate! Not my time yet!". Breast Cancer and the treatments have changed my physically and mentally forever and now is time to find my "new normal". But what do I want my New Normal to be?
I've been given the OK to run again - the thing I love to do most, so I've been referred to a local gym who have Cancer Rehab specialists to help me (to stop me from doing too much too soon), being fit, active and healthy is me, and will continue to be. I have to think about going back to work at some point - but there will be physical challenges there too. And I have to remember those who dropped everything to support me through this, now have to pick up the things they dropped and get back to their normal lives. So this is really another little journey I'm starting.
So at this point, I'm going to sign off from this blog. I want to Thank every person who has read this, learned from it, sent messages and comments - and especially those who encouraged me to write this in the first place - it has been a therapy!
Thankyou to all the people who have dragged me through Breast Cancer - my husband, my children, my Mum, and my fabulous friends. The walks, the coffee's, the cakes, the flowers.
One thing I can say - bloody hell we've had such a laugh throughout it all!
Signing off - A Princess Warrior who won a battle ......... and who WILL win the war xxxx
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