Chemotherapy and Radiation

On Monday, September 11, 2017, I started my six weeks of chemotherapy and radiation. I was ready to move forward - to work hard at staying as healthy as possible. Unfortunately these six weeks were a bit tough at times. In my first week my head mask for my five days a week radiation treatments was super tight, and the daily chemo pills I was taking caused me to feel quite ill. Thankfully, hospital staff did what they could to make my head mask a bit more comfy and adjusted medications to combat the side effects of chemo pills. This made me feel a lot better. My second week went well. Unfortunately I became quite ill in my third week. I woke up feeling lots of pain around my chest. My husband drove me to the hospital where I immediately was taken to see a doctor in the Cancer Care urgent care unit at the Health Sciences Centre. After several tests I was told that I had blood clots in both of my lungs. I was given blood thinners and now need to give myself an injection every day. Thankfully it has made me feel much better. When I went back the next day the nurse told me she was grateful that I had not passed away. I was a bit shocked to hear that possibility as my intent was just to get better. Then to my surprise I had to stop chemotherapy throughout my fifth week as my liver function levels started to rise. I finished my sixth week being on both chemotherapy and radiation. My radiation caused me some hair loss. I am grateful that it wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be. At the end of the six weeks I was happy to be done.

 At the beginning of this six week session I quickly focused on living one day at a time. I was surprised that so many issues arose and that I had to take so many medications. I was grateful that as issues came up doctors and nurses quickly worked hard to make me feel better. I tried going for a walk every day to stay as healthy as possible. Throughout these six weeks I spent much time with my family and friends. I prayed every day and was grateful for all the love and support I received throughout this time.

 

Radiation - five days a week for six weeks.

 

 Very tight head mask!

 

My last day. Woohoo!

 

 

I received a fruit basket from my mom and dad.