Surviving Step by Step: Heat and Melting Marks

Monday, 15 June 2009 01:40 Written by Wendy Williams

I'm feeling good right now. The weekend break from radiation makes a big difference. This past Tuesday was not fun. I was lightheaded and felt run down. Managed a movie in the morning but didn't quite get the kids to the pool in the afternoon. When I decided to nap instead the room was slightly moving. I fell asleep for one and a half hours. My dizziness was gone after the nap. The next day I was able to see my radiology oncologist and he said I need to drink a lot more fluids. I’m known for drinking a lot of water already; now I’ll have to increase my fluid intake even more. Fair enough, I can handle that advice from my doctor.

My skin is looking good; was barely pink. Showed the doctor the lotion I’m using and he said it was a very good lotion. My energy level has diminished somewhat. I try to do only what is required. I feel more tired from the radiation than from the chemo. Granted, I wouldn't trade one for the other. At least my food tastes good now and the stomach doesn't have a sickly feeling. But I need to be careful with the heat. The heat is brutal to me. I carry water everywhere I must drive. I took my youngest son to the park in the evening and my markings kind of blended into the clear tape put over them. I think until Monday morning they will be fine. One is half on the skin so I asked my husband to get a sharpie and mark underneath to have a line in case it falls off before my next radiation. I check them often now. With the water from the shower and lotion going over top of them, seems like they will need to be checked and changed more often. Now I see why some people get the tattoo marks. Well, they can have the needles. I get a big one every week when I do my Herceptin treatment. Less pain, my gain.

My hair is growing now. I see some hairs longer than others. My children don’t mind me walking around the house without a covering. That is a good change in the house. I do keep one handy in case someone comes to the door. I will take my youngest to the park with just a head covering. With the heat, my wig is hot at times. If I get out early enough, the wig is good for a few hours. It is not as shiny and new anymore. The underneath looks frazzled. It needs a good conditioning; that’s next on my agenda. I will need it for a few more months

I hope everyone enjoys the week and will write again soon. MY Faith will keep me strong and my Family will make me smile. Life is good.