Sunday, July 19, 2009

Update on my arm

Thursday morning started off with my regular treatment at the Cancer center then I was off to the hospital. The East tower is just a block from the Clinic so the timing was perfect. I got checked in downstairs and then the nurse took me upstairs to the waiting room and told me someone would be out to get me. A few minutes later I hear a male voice call my name. I got up and looked over to see a very good looking man, tall, dark and handsome, standing in the doorway waiting for me. He introduced himself, Fabian. I couldn't help comment, I asked him if the women teased him about his name. I followed him down the hall and we entered a room. He closed the door and after some small talk, I started to unbutton my shirt. He dimmed the lights and directed me to a freshly made bed. I got comfortable and he started to cover my throat with warm gel..........and then did the ultrasound! Ha! Makes for a good intro. Well, he went from my neck to my wrist and back up the other side of my arm and double checked me out and there are NO signs of a blood clot so that is great news. The bad news is that I can't get in to the Physio office until Aug 3rd. Both staff are booked up solid and since this is the best place to go for this type of arm swelling, I'm going to have to wait.
Apparently these therapists are the top people when it comes to working with breast cancer patients who experience swelling of this nature. I am back to see Dr. Kaufman this week for another check up and if this plan needs to change, I'm sure he will advise accordingly.
Only 5 more days of full radiation. I'm hanging in there, but the energy level seems to drop a little every day. The full radiation is under my arm and around the back of my underarm and down my side, and of course my full breast. Once this week is over, the radiation becomes "targeted", which means the beams will be focused on the specific spot where the tumor was removed. The tech's at the clinic mentioned that when it gets to this time, most people are very glad to be done with the whole area because their skin has been compromised so much. As much as mine has changed color and a few other things, I'm doing really well.....aside from having a swollen arm.
I'll update in a few days. Hope everyone enjoyed their weekend.
Sharon

2 comments:

  1. Yay for no blood clots! And a double yay for the hottie LOL ... too bad you didn't get a number or a dinner out of the deal!
    My weekend was good, relaxing, enjoyed the weather! I hope yours was good as well!

    Take Care,

    xox

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  2. Me again ..... I just had to share this with you, as I saw it I immediately thought of you. Such a moving piece and the comments at the end brought my girlfriend and I to tears, take a look:
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QuMVaAxuH6o

    Thinking of you,

    xox

    ReplyDelete