Half way? Already? Today was treatment number 16 out of 33. It is going by pretty quickly. Traveling every day to Escondido to get zapped definitely adds another component to an already busy schedule. But as they say, time flies when you are having fun. Right?
I'm doing pretty well, considering. The aloe seems to be helping. I'm not having too much discomfort or burning feeling yet. There is increased redness in the area, but it isn't too bad. My arm swelling seems to be under control as well, even with my "day off" on Sunday. I continue to bandage at night and wear the sleeve during the day. I have a physical therapy appointment tomorrow morning and we will measure to see how I'm doing. I also continue to exercise about 6 days a week. Not only does it keep me sane, it helps me stay strong to fight this fight.
I also am taking some natural supplements that were recommended in an article on natural remedies for lymphedema that a friend, (Tamara from Natural Health Solutions), sent me. I'm taking bromelain, horse-chestnut extract, and rutin twice a day.
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| Where bromelain comes from |
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| Buckwheat contains a bioflavonoid called rutin |
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| Horse chestnut |
One thing that I am sure is continuing to help me is your prayers. I am so blessed by you all. Today at Bible study, two different women told me how inspirational I was. I do hope I can help others as I go through this, but I take absolutely no credit in that. It all is the work of God in my life. I am weak, He is strong. If it wasn't for His grace and faithfulness, I would be a quivering heap of fear and despair. I am so thankful that God has not forgotten me. That He hears me when I call on Him, even if I haven't been faithful in my devotions and prayers. Any inspiration that I may give I want to give credit to the One who has given me the strength to wake up each morning and fight this fight. I pray that everyone would grow closer in their relationship with Jesus as they see Him help me along this road.
Hi Tonya! I found your blog through Daria's blog. In 2010 I was diagnosed with stage 2b Her2+ idc. I had a left mastectomy, AC+T+H chemo and 33 radiation treatments. I finished rads Dec. 16th. (in 2009 I went through chemo and rads for colon cancer)
ReplyDeleteCongrats on being halfway through! Aloe works well, but if your skin gets worse switch to aquaphor. My rad. onc. gave me a few little breaks to keep the skin from getting too bad, and now, other than looking a little tan, you would hardly even know I had radiation. The fatigue hit me pretty hard at the end, but most of that is gone now. I'm now working on getting my strength back after 2 years of brutal treatments, and enjoying life!
I feel the same way as you when people say I'm an inspiration--It's all God! He has been with me through everything and I give Him all the glory! My favorite verse right now is 2 Cor 12:9-10 "My grace is sufficient..."
May God bless you as you continue to show Him to others!
Tonya, I'm happy to hear you are half way through! You really are coping so well and your positive attitude is amazing. Thanks for the tips on supplements. Good luck with the second half!
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