Rang the chemo bell .... now I've rung the radiation bell!

All done with 25 rounds of radiation to my right chest area.

Yahoo!!!

Mom was there with me today for my last appointment. Thank you mama! We celebrated with lunch at a new place.

I won't miss the 25 minute drive each way, every weekday for the past 5 weeks (in Atlanta traffic -- UGH!).

I won't miss laying there getting the radiation -- I counted the radiation lasted 20 seconds long from one angle, 20 seconds long for the 2nd angle and 20 seconds for the 3rd angle, then 7 seconds for one from the back right shoulder angle.

It's over quick!

I won't miss the skin redness, itchiness and new tightness in the right arm and chest due to the radiation.

I'm so glad to be done with this part of my healing journey!

I'm still seeing my physical therapist who helps me release some of the newer tightness in my right arm extension.

Doing exercises at home specifically for this helps a lot -- I don't enjoy it while I'm doing it but it is good to feel more open when raising my arms for daily living.

Treating my skin with all sorts of things to help it heal from the radiation. About a 10 inch x 7 inch area is red and looks sunburned on my right chest, plus some on my upper right back shoulder. There are a few areas that are especially red so I'm more tender there and put more special lotion there.

Radiation oncologist says it will take about 6 weeks for the skin to heal.

In a week or 2, I'll meet with my regular oncologist to discuss a hormone blocker since my cancer is estrogen driven.

I'm still exercising and eating well, drinking lots of water and green tea. 

I've started working with nutrition clients again over the past few months and it feels so good to help others.  

For this summer, Julia's a lifeguard at our local pool and she is babysitting for neighbors. Eva's an art teacher at a local camp. Eva will start at University of GA in August and Julia will be a sophomore in high school this Fall. 

Scott is working from home still -- so thankful to have him at home -- he's great at chauferring Julia around and helping me -- though she just got her learner's permit so she'll be chauferring us around now.

I feel so thankful and lucky to be living this life. Truly thankful for all that I have and I look forward to what's next in life.

I hope everyone is having a good summer and enjoying your life!

Life is sweet, even in the hard times. Hug your loved ones. Love yourself. 

Take care,
Caitlin
xoox