Week One Down…Five to Go!

I’m officially through the first 5 of 30 radiation treatments!

Honestly? It hasn’t been nearly as bad as I imagined. The mask is definitely not comfortable, but it’s only on for about seven minutes. (I really need to time it one day just to know for sure.)

So far, I don’t really feel anything. Other than the fact that driving there every single day is a giant PITA (Pain In The A$$).

I’ve been told to expect side effects starting sometime this coming week, so I’ll definitely keep you all updated. I’ve also gotten some slightly conflicting information from my doctor. At one appointment he told me to expect hair loss, but this week he said there’s only about a 25–30% chance that I’ll lose any hair.

So…once again, it’s another episode of Wait and See: Radiation Edition

Reiki has been incredibly helpful for managing my anxiety about radiation—and honestly, for getting me through each treatment. While I’m lying on the table, securely attached by that super uncomfortable mask, I spend the entire time repeating little mantras to myself and focusing on my breathing.

I read somewhere that if you’re feeling especially anxious, you can gently tap on your chest while repeating, “Let it go,” while taking slow, deep breaths. Obviously, tapping isn’t really an option when you’re supposed to stay perfectly still, but the deep breathing and mantras have been surprisingly calming.

Outside of radiation, I had another little victory this week.

I worked four days in a row.

I know that probably doesn’t sound like a huge accomplishment, but just a few weeks ago I was struggling to make it through four days of work in an entire week. So I’m celebrating this one. 🎉

Will I pay for it later?

Probably.

Am I doing it again this week anyway?

Of course.

Partly because I want to challenge myself and figure out what my body is capable of. But also because I want to get as many of my clients in as I can while I’m still feeling good.

This Thursday is also my long-awaited appointment with the neuro fatigue specialist. It’s a three-hour evaluation, and they sent me a 20-ish page questionnaire to complete beforehand. That alone feels like an endurance event.

I’m really curious to hear what they have to say. Maybe they’ll have some magical exercise, therapy, or strategy that helps me get a little closer to feeling like myself again.

And, as promised, I’m attaching a few pictures from my first radiation appointment. My nurse was kind enough to take them for me, and I’m really grateful to have them to document this part of the journey.

Here’s to one week down…and five more to go