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Monday, July 21, 2008

RaDiatioN TrEAtmenT

So Friday I had an appointment with the Radiation Doctor. I forget his name. I really liked him. He was the most personable doctor I have had yet. He also was very throe and very informative. He did a full body exam. He went over all the possible side affects. He then went over what would happen. So if I choose to do radiation the possible side affects are fatigue, nausea (which they will prescribe meds for), skin burn(which I can use Aloe lotions), stuffy head(which they can prescribe something may also have to have tubes), hair lose after the first week of treatment(peach fuzz after treatment, then no hair for 6 months, then possible no hair grow except for Mohawk hair growth) I think those are the only immediate side affects. I asked long term and I didn't really get an answer. The only one that bothers me is the possible permanent hair loss. Knowing that eventually my hair will come back is comforting and makes it not hard for me to lose it. I am not so sure about the possibility of it never coming back for coming in thin that is a little harder to swallow.

We found out that you don't grow new brain cells you receive all your brain cells by the time you are two. Which in this case is good. The radiation only attacks the cells that split and grow. Which is the cancer and hair, skin things like that. So no brain damage just killing hair follicles, skin cells and the cancer.

We also found out that treatment will be 15 visits or three weeks. Which I think is great news. I was thinking 6 weeks. All the breast cancer patients I know are doing or have done six weeks. He said brain cancer is different. Even though it was breast cancer in the brain still brain so different. The appointments are about 20 minutes and a little longer on Mondays I have to see the doctor on Mondays before appointments.

I also had someone ask what is radiation. For me basically it is laser lights that are pointed at the area of treatment.

Also having radiation decreases my risk of the cancer returning by 50%. So I would go from %60 that it will return to my brain to %10 if treated with radiation.

I have heard not good things about radiation and was a little unsure if it was the right thing for me. So Ryan and I fasted yesterday to make sure that radiation is a good treatment for me. We feel that it will be o.k. to do the radiation. So I am scheduled for another radiation appointment to be measured and marked up or tattooed on Thursday. So I will let you know how that goes. I then should start treatment that following Monday or Tuesday. It depends on if they can get everything ready and set up how quick I will go in.

I still have the thrush it doesn't feel as bad and I am still taking the meds. It is a pill I will take for 10 days.

I also have an appointment with Dr. Fewle tomorrow so I will try to be better and post about that tomorrow.

I am feeling so good. I feel like I have most of my energy back if not all of it. I think the kids do a great job of keeping me busy and preoccupied which I think really helps.

9 comments:

us8now9.blogspot.com said...

Please let me know which day is going to be your most hectic when you are doing radiation. Will it be Monday's since you have to see the doctor first? Same plan for radiation as we had for chemo, just tell me what day!

Heather said...

Good luck!

Jade said...

My Family and i wish you the best.

Dr Rado has been a family friend for several years i hope his is treating you well.

Jade Gross

Sara said...

I am so glad you are feeling good. You are an amazing woman, the Lord will direct you to the path that is best for you. Have faith and keep enduring. Love ya.
Sara Spencer

Anonymous said...

Rochelle,
O.K. I have a cute pink cap for you to wear. You will get through this too. You are amazing and continue to be my inspiration!!!
Love,
Teacher Kathy

Anonymous said...

Rochelle, we love you and praying for you. Love, Aunt Linda

tharker said...

Rochelle,
I saw the sticker on the back of your car today and it is PERFECT for you. You are Superwoman and you can beat this!!!

Sleepless In St. George said...

I plan on posting the freezer recipe's on my blog....but get me your email and I will email the entire program to you. A gal in my ward has a brother in Richland that is a radiologist...I will find out his name and get back to you on it!

Melanie Cain said...

This is Melanie Cain, I am Chris Carvers daughter. I finally found your blog again, I use to read once in a while and report to my mom. She is always asking about you. I am glad your surgery went well and things are going okay. I put your name in the temple this week and I wanted you to know that our family prays for you! I admire your strength and courage and pray that the Lord will bless you and your sweet family. Best of Luck