My fried boob
22 Feb 2011 7 Comments
in breast cancer, coping, side effects, treatment Tags: breast cancer, coping, treatment
I was a radiation rock star. After 16 of 19 treatments, my skin looked tan. No itching. No burning. No noticeable fatigue. I naively thought I was escaping the negative side-effects of radiation.
The last three treatments were “boost” doses. For women with early-stage breast cancer, treated with breast-conserving lumpectomy and radiation, for women like me, an additional “boost” dose of radiation to the original tumor site has been found to reduce the risk of cancer returning in the same breast.
My final treatment was last Wednesday. No changes on Thursday. Everything was still fine on Friday. However, by Saturday, it looked like I had ironed my chest. When I was a high school senior, after a brainless episode involving baby oil, a bikini, Atlantic Beach, and more than 20 hours in the sun, I had the worst case of sunburn anyone has ever experienced. My current condition tops even the disastrous incident of 1982.
I am truly miserable. I can’t even wear a bra, and unlike some women, I hate not wearing a bra. I’m hardly a rock star. More like a feminist lobster.
Feb 22, 2011 @ 18:52:59
Well once you are able to put a bra back on (for support) you gotta jam out to the B52s Rock Lobster in honor of The Boost! Feminist Lobster. You are too funny. Thanks for sharing your journey with us!!!
Feb 22, 2011 @ 20:45:58
Feb 22, 2011 @ 20:59:10
Ouch! Hope you’re feeling much better soon-
Feb 22, 2011 @ 21:41:02
Somewhere there is a witty comment about offering my “support” for a quick “bounce-back”, but the exact wording of it all eludes me.
) Hugs (the distant kind that won’t smash your fried boob) and blessings!
Feb 22, 2011 @ 23:27:29
Here is to a feminist lobster. I love that line. It is the dregs of bottom of the ocean on steroids – or radiation – saying you will suck up this thing and live on! Go Carolyn the feminist lobster. Rock on!
Feb 24, 2011 @ 23:05:15
Oh, Carolyn, I am so sorry! Praying for you to endure this and come out the other side soon!