Journal entry by Brenda Downs —
Oh happy, happy day🎉 Seven months from my stage 2 breast cancer diagnosis to my final treatment today. Surgery, chemo, and radiation all finished🙌🏻
In the next two weeks radiation symptoms, mainly fatigue and radiation burn, will get worse before they get better. I have had mild fatigue and an itchy red/tan burn in the radiation field. So far I am successfully managing the burn by staying hydrated and applying Cerave ointment and Aquafor to the burn area several times a day. I’m doing my best to prevent skin tearing and blistering which would require a whole new level of wound care.
Next steps: I will have follow up oncology appointments every three months for two years. I will also be taking a daily aromatase inhibitor for 5 years to prevent estrogen uptake since my tumor was hormone receptor positive.
I remain so thankful for the incredible care I received at Mercy Medial Cancer Center. My nurses and doctors are truly exceptional people, and I can’t thank them enough for everything they did to encourage and guide me through all of my treatment.
I am in awe of the support that I have received from near and far💕 Thank you so much for walking beside me on this journey.
Seven months ago, I cried for one day, then began the fight of my life. Today I cried tears of joy as I finished my final radiation treatment and realized I am officially a cancer survivor🥹💪🏻
“You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have” -Cayla Mills
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