I'M DONE!!!

What a great feeling to be done with the radiation treatments!!  Definitely not done with the journey but at least I feel like I am two thirds of the way done.  Now I have 5 years of hormone therapy taking the drug that I thought I was taking for the last 5 years!  I pray though that the research will help the daughters of our generation and I don't regret doing the study at all for that reason.  My skin is still in pretty good shape although it definitely looks like a sunburn now....and I still am amazed at how big the field of radiation was.  Dr. Yan says its because of the angle they have to use so as to not radiate the lung but still get the breast tissue.  The radiation will continue to change my skin for the next couple of weeks and then over a long period begin to return to normal....not sure it will ever be the original normal but at least will resemble normal.

It was a weird feeling to go to the radiation therapy department for the last time as it has been so routine for the last month.  But will I miss it ....I think not.  But I got hugs from the gals who treated me plus Jenn DeWeese came over from her side to give me a hug as well.  When you finish treatment they have a tradition.  Mounted on the wall is a small bell like you might see on a boat about 8-10 inches in height.  There is a verse on a plaque on the wall that says to ring the bell three times to signify the completion of your treatment.  So you gladly ring the bell and everyone in the waiting room claps and cheers for you.  It is kind of emotional.  I saw many patients ring the bell and was touched by the smiles on their faces.  To say the least I had more than a grin as I rang the bell.

So, I am mostly packed and will leave for home tomorow.   Will be traveling with Krista and the boys and taking a couple of days to do it.  But I am so looking forward to being home and just getting back into my routine.  However, since my routine has so included my grandsons, I know that I will miss them immensely when I get home.  But, there will always be another trip as I will be back to see Dr. Yan in radiation oncoloty in April and then back to my 6 month routine with Dr. Pruthi in the breast health clinic.

So, I will try to keep you posted as to what really happens to the skin after you complete radiation.  I am sure it varies alot from person to person.  So, for all that have kept up with the journey, thanks, and big hugs to all.  Love, Patsy