Each day, for just a few minutes, I wait in the ladies' waiting area for radiation treatments. Once you undress and put your gown on, you wait for your name to be called over the speaker.
Today, as I sat there, I struck up conversation with a lady who just recently started her treatments and the daughter of another patient. As we talked, I realized how much you get out of talking to other 'survivors' (I still feel wierd using that word). She had been diagnosed with cancer before...about 20 years ago....and was now dealing with it again. Along with radiation, she is taking herceptin. I mentioned that I didn't qualify for herceptin or tamoxifen because my type of cancer (triple negative) doesn't respond to those treatments. The other lady sitting there asked me what triple negative meant, so I explained. Many people don't realize there are different types of breast cancer, and very few have ever heard the term 'triple negative'.
A lot of stories are exchanged in that little waiting area. It is like a little chat room.
When I mentioned how tired I was to the technician, she explained why fatigue is usually experienced. She said that the radiation is killing cancer cells and other cells in the area. So, your body is working hard to make up for that and that results in feeling tired. I am definitely more tired than I have been recently. It is hard to tell what to blame it on...but her explanation somehow gave me comfort.
Meanwhile, another patient, Marcia, was celebrating her 33rd and final treatment today! She was so excited that she was practically floating around. Her story is quite a doozy...she's been through so much and just recently had several scans that all came back with great news. She's in remission and finally at a point where she can breathe a bit! She is the only other person I've met with my kind of breast cancer. So, we exchanged contact information. After ringing the bell, she 'be-bopped' into the sunset. I'm so happy for her!
Next up, it is your turn, Teresa! :)
