Oh, oh, oh I'm on fire

I'm On Fire - Bruce Springsteen

When I knew that I was going to go through radiation treatment, I thought - "no problem, it's a snap".   I figured I could totally function when undergoing treatment and the side effects.   Well, as it seems to be a theme - wrong again Lisa!   To summarize what I experienced, radiation is like a long walk through a patch of poison ivy on a hot sunny day.   You move through it unscathed other than slight fatigue but then a few days later you break out in itchy hives and rash.   The sun burn breaks out.   I can only imagine, never having gone through it but just let you imagination run wild.

I was warned that the side effects increase for the next two weeks following the end of treatment.   And of course, the doctors were right - again!!   So, two weeks after I was itchy, red and swollen.   Basically, suffering from 2nd degree burns where I received the radiation.   It felt, at times, like I was on fire.  My body was worn out from fighting the assault and went into defense mode.   Four weeks after the end of treatment I'm able to see how well my body can fight back.   Things are looking up but I'll admit, it was not a fun couple weeks.

I hid out the first couple weeks to sleep it all off.   The next week, after a check in with the radiologist that the swelling, redness and tightness was all normal, I rode out it out.    Then it was a matter of just going with the flow, letting my skin peel, blister and turn to leather.    Those with a weak stomach should ignore the next section.

Since I am still recovering from surgery as well, the skin on my mastectomy scars is still not fully healed.   It's a bit more tender than the rest of the skin.  As a result, it takes a more severe reaction    Ok, all the 'queezies' have been warned.    I ended up with a few small breaks in the skin along the scar line which then started to ooze and drip fluid.   When I say drip, I mean soaking through bandages and gauze and clothing and running down my front.    For those who have been pregnant before, it's the same effect of being in the room with a crying baby.   Instant soak.

Ok, 'queezies' can now re-join,   I'm through with the overly descriptive content.    Not meaning to turn anyone off.   Just trying to recap the events of the last weeks for my own benefit.

My body has now turned the corner.   I think I'm now on the down slope.   I'm going to ride through the rest of the healing and enjoy the ride.   From here it just gets easier.  The fire is out and I am starting to pick up on the little complaints of everyday life, minor colds, allergy effects, etc.   Getting a glimpse of what 'normal' used to be.