Journal entry by elli gentile —
6 week post treatment update
Hi friends :) I had my 6 week post treatment check-up today with my radiation doctor. She did a quick pelvic exam and everything is looking like it should up there, which is great news! We won't know if the cancer is gone yet until I get my PET scan in 6 more weeks. I have also gotten some blood work done over the last 6 weeks and my red blood cell count and my platelet count are back to normal - also great! My white blood cell count is still low, so my medical oncologist is keeping a close eye on that. From what I have learned, we make our white blood cells in our pelvic region. My pelvic region has obviously been through a lot of trauma with the radiation so it isn't too alarming that my count is still low. If for some reason in 4 more weeks my white blood cell count is not back to normal we will run some other tests, but not to worry about any of this as of now.
As for side effects in the last 6 weeks I have started menopause and have hot flashes all day and night. It is definitely annoying, but they only last a few minutes and at least it is winter time right now. I have also gotten some hemorrhoids from the radiation and have been using a topical treatment, stool softeners and also a prescription suppository foam which have been helping a lot. Another strange thing (I think from menopause) is I wake up and my legs are so sore (especially my inner thighs) and I am so inflexible. I have been doing a lot of yoga to try and help but nothing seems to satisfy the soreness. I feel like a frail old lady! My sex life will take some time to get back to normal, everything is still very sore and raw BUT it is important to keep somewhat busy down there as there is a lot of new scar tissue that can grown downward and that will shorten the vagina and will not be able the be reversed. Mentally I am doing good. I have my days where I cry. A lot. Or see a baby or pregnant lady and cry. A lot. But for the most part I am super grateful and so happy to be alive each and every day.
The real appointment is 6 weeks from today! I am super anxious for my PET scan but I think everything is going to be perfect and CANCER FREE :) Thank you all for your continued support and prayers. I am amazed and thankful every single day for all the people on my team! I will keep everyone updated in 6 weeks time! Until then, MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!
xx
Elli
Hi friends :) I had my 6 week post treatment check-up today with my radiation doctor. She did a quick pelvic exam and everything is looking like it should up there, which is great news! We won't know if the cancer is gone yet until I get my PET scan in 6 more weeks. I have also gotten some blood work done over the last 6 weeks and my red blood cell count and my platelet count are back to normal - also great! My white blood cell count is still low, so my medical oncologist is keeping a close eye on that. From what I have learned, we make our white blood cells in our pelvic region. My pelvic region has obviously been through a lot of trauma with the radiation so it isn't too alarming that my count is still low. If for some reason in 4 more weeks my white blood cell count is not back to normal we will run some other tests, but not to worry about any of this as of now.
As for side effects in the last 6 weeks I have started menopause and have hot flashes all day and night. It is definitely annoying, but they only last a few minutes and at least it is winter time right now. I have also gotten some hemorrhoids from the radiation and have been using a topical treatment, stool softeners and also a prescription suppository foam which have been helping a lot. Another strange thing (I think from menopause) is I wake up and my legs are so sore (especially my inner thighs) and I am so inflexible. I have been doing a lot of yoga to try and help but nothing seems to satisfy the soreness. I feel like a frail old lady! My sex life will take some time to get back to normal, everything is still very sore and raw BUT it is important to keep somewhat busy down there as there is a lot of new scar tissue that can grown downward and that will shorten the vagina and will not be able the be reversed. Mentally I am doing good. I have my days where I cry. A lot. Or see a baby or pregnant lady and cry. A lot. But for the most part I am super grateful and so happy to be alive each and every day.
The real appointment is 6 weeks from today! I am super anxious for my PET scan but I think everything is going to be perfect and CANCER FREE :) Thank you all for your continued support and prayers. I am amazed and thankful every single day for all the people on my team! I will keep everyone updated in 6 weeks time! Until then, MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!
xx
Elli
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