Radiation 101

(That's not me in the picture - but that's my machine!)
This morning was my 28th sessions of whole breast radiation!! I'm now done with the worst of it! I have 5 sessions left, and they'll be just a quick local shot to the spot where the tumor was. Yeah!
Each morning (M-F) at 6:30 I've been going in to the Radiation Oncology Center in Germantown for my daily dose of radiation. I lay down on the table and the technicians make sure I'm in just the right position, using my little dot tattoos and all the paint-pen markings they've been so liberal with! Then they position the machine, first from the right side for a 1 minute zap, then the machine swings over to the left side for another 1 minute zap. I can't see or feel a thing. I just hear a buzzing sound when the machine is on. Over time, the my skin has turned light pink - like a sunburn. My doctor has been very pleased that I've tolerated these treatments so well. Some people have skin peeling, flaking, or cracking and they need to stop radiation for a few weeks. I'm so happy I didn't need to drag this part out any longer!
I get tired during the day, but it's very manageable. The fatigue will last anywhere from two weeks to two months after my last treatment.
I also had my Herceptin today! Thanks Breana and Lisha for watching Alana and Tolan for that three hour appointment! (I have these every three weeks till July)
What a great Christmas present to be all done with the harsh cancer treatments!