Journal entry by Catherine Boomer —
29 May 2021
I have completed 13 of 16 radiation treatments. I go every week day. The drive to Georgetown takes longer than the actual appointment....DC traffic. So far, things are going incredibly well, I have just a bit of sunburn in the treatment area. The team continues to be top notch and I continue to be deeply grateful for the excellent care.
With my targeted immunotherapy, I am fortunate to have the option for a shot instead of an infusion. I had my first shot last week. It's a small-ish needle but a larger syringe. Because of this, they need to inject very slowly, over about 5 minutes or else it stings a bit. The shot goes into the side of your thigh. I've always been thrilled with my naturally muscular legs, but it was a bit tricky trying to find enough flesh for the shot. Ultimately, it wasn't that bad and I much prefer sitting in a chair for 20 minutes (15 mins post for observation) over spending 90 minutes for the infusion. This means I can get my mediport removed. While I am grateful to have had it and the ease it offered for chemotherapy treatment, I'm thrilled about this as it is a sign of progress. My plastic surgeon will remove that June 7. I think the procedure is much easier than placing it, so I don't imagine having much recovery.
I am almost 7 weeks post op from my lumpectomy. I got the green light to resume exercise. Since the surgery, I've been walking most days with Ellen and focusing on gentle stretching, breathing and meditation. It is so nice to be able to ease back into yoga and strength training. I've lost quite a bit of muscle so I'm excited to slowly build it back up. I'm really looking forward to playing tennis and golf this summer. But I have to remind myself that my body is in a new phase and I shouldn't try to keep up with Eloise on the tennis court...this will be hard. I am so competitive. I need to reflect upon all those years I spent caring for my parents, I kept telling them to focus on what you can do instead of what you cannot. So, that's my mantra....
It has been 3 months since my last round of chemo. I have been on 'hair watch'...anxious for it to grow back, but trusting the process and practicing patience. I've heard so much about how it may come in completely differently than your previous hair or you'll have 'chemo curls'. This hair loss journey has mostly been fascinating. I wear a ball cap when I go out. I have a wig, but it's not super comfortable. I find I prefer to wear it when I want to feel anonymous. But, in just that past week or so, I'm starting to look like I have maybe an actual hair cut, like a bad ass buzz cut. So, I feel a bit more comfortable walking around without a hat; but then there is the issue of the sun. So, I have a couple cute sun hats I wear.
I am taking full advantage of being in DC and having access to all sorts of complementary therapy. Self care is not selfish and I truly believe I have tolerated this journey so well because I have such a kind, diverse team of people taking care of me. I get acupuncture twice weekly and a weekly massage. So far, I have avoided most all of the side effects associated with radiation and the medications. I will give my body some time to heal and recover from radiation before I drive north. I want to make sure I have the stamina for the 10+ hour trip. Also, there is still a bit of work happening at the cottage and it would be truly wonderful if things were accomplished before I arrived. I am putting this out to the universe.
As always, thank you for your kind thoughts, prayers and positive energy. I send it back to you, with gratitude.
peace
cackie
I have completed 13 of 16 radiation treatments. I go every week day. The drive to Georgetown takes longer than the actual appointment....DC traffic. So far, things are going incredibly well, I have just a bit of sunburn in the treatment area. The team continues to be top notch and I continue to be deeply grateful for the excellent care.
With my targeted immunotherapy, I am fortunate to have the option for a shot instead of an infusion. I had my first shot last week. It's a small-ish needle but a larger syringe. Because of this, they need to inject very slowly, over about 5 minutes or else it stings a bit. The shot goes into the side of your thigh. I've always been thrilled with my naturally muscular legs, but it was a bit tricky trying to find enough flesh for the shot. Ultimately, it wasn't that bad and I much prefer sitting in a chair for 20 minutes (15 mins post for observation) over spending 90 minutes for the infusion. This means I can get my mediport removed. While I am grateful to have had it and the ease it offered for chemotherapy treatment, I'm thrilled about this as it is a sign of progress. My plastic surgeon will remove that June 7. I think the procedure is much easier than placing it, so I don't imagine having much recovery.
I am almost 7 weeks post op from my lumpectomy. I got the green light to resume exercise. Since the surgery, I've been walking most days with Ellen and focusing on gentle stretching, breathing and meditation. It is so nice to be able to ease back into yoga and strength training. I've lost quite a bit of muscle so I'm excited to slowly build it back up. I'm really looking forward to playing tennis and golf this summer. But I have to remind myself that my body is in a new phase and I shouldn't try to keep up with Eloise on the tennis court...this will be hard. I am so competitive. I need to reflect upon all those years I spent caring for my parents, I kept telling them to focus on what you can do instead of what you cannot. So, that's my mantra....
It has been 3 months since my last round of chemo. I have been on 'hair watch'...anxious for it to grow back, but trusting the process and practicing patience. I've heard so much about how it may come in completely differently than your previous hair or you'll have 'chemo curls'. This hair loss journey has mostly been fascinating. I wear a ball cap when I go out. I have a wig, but it's not super comfortable. I find I prefer to wear it when I want to feel anonymous. But, in just that past week or so, I'm starting to look like I have maybe an actual hair cut, like a bad ass buzz cut. So, I feel a bit more comfortable walking around without a hat; but then there is the issue of the sun. So, I have a couple cute sun hats I wear.
I am taking full advantage of being in DC and having access to all sorts of complementary therapy. Self care is not selfish and I truly believe I have tolerated this journey so well because I have such a kind, diverse team of people taking care of me. I get acupuncture twice weekly and a weekly massage. So far, I have avoided most all of the side effects associated with radiation and the medications. I will give my body some time to heal and recover from radiation before I drive north. I want to make sure I have the stamina for the 10+ hour trip. Also, there is still a bit of work happening at the cottage and it would be truly wonderful if things were accomplished before I arrived. I am putting this out to the universe.
As always, thank you for your kind thoughts, prayers and positive energy. I send it back to you, with gratitude.
peace
cackie
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