The last 5 sessions that I have are "boosters." That means that they radiate the exact location of cancer growth. This targets scar tissue that is left in the area where the lump was removed. (Radiation of my entire breast is done.)
The booster is done by targeting the scar itself. The target area is marked with a large "x" in sharpie marker. I move into the same position as my previous sessions. The an attachment is put on the machine so that it filters the radiation beam to the target spot. It takes 5 minutes and I'm out. Quick and easy. Here's what it looks like.
Now for the side effects... I have a nice tan on my breast. I've put some photos below. You can see that the red tissue is where the skin is reacting to the radiation, aka radiation burn. That is why they recommend that you put Sween or other skin treatment lotions that are meant for cancer treatment. It's pretty red and raw. I still get routine swelling and pain in the scar "x" spot. (Sorry for the full shot.) You can see that the skin is starting to grow back already where it's red under the peeling darker skin. I'm a fast healer. :)
Otherwise, I'm finally starting to get some energy back. Just in time for the holidays. I even had enough energy to go to a hockey game for the San Jose Sharks; of course they one. It was a well deserved treat for me and my man.
I've lost enough hair to the point where I'm wearing my wig each day. I've received more compliments about my hair as a red head than I have as a brunette. Maybe it's time for a permanent change? I'll let you be the judge of that.
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