No News is Good News

I don't have a whole lot to update on, but I felt like it was time to post again.  Keep in mind that in this case, no news is good news.  :)  I am still waiting to start my radiation.  I have what's called a simulation this Friday (3/22).  I will have xrays done of the area to be treated and will be marked with "tattoos" so that the exact same areas will be treated each time.  Hopefully we can start next week, but I really don't know the time frame from the simulation to the start of treatment.  I'll have to go in 5 days a week for 6 weeks.  I'm told that the most common side effects from radiation are skin burns and fatigue.  I guess I'm looking forward to those after the side effects from chemo.

I'm pretty much healed from the mastectomy and have been having fills in my tissue expanders.  I'm not going to pretend it doesn't hurt because it does!  The expanders are underneath my pectoral muscles, so after the saline is injected to stretch me out, it really does feel like I am being ripped apart.  Luckily, the pain only lasts for a couple of days, so I guess in the end I can say it was worth it.  My plastic surgeon actually told me that he was impressed with my "breasts."  They are progressing exactly as they should be and my skin is beautifully elastic.  (Good thing, since I'm only 29!)  My permanent implants will go in 6 months after I finish my radiation treatments though I wish it could be NOW since the expanders are truly uncomfortable.  They really feel like boulders sitting on my chest.

I am impressed by the turnout we had at the taco dinner my (BEST) friend organized for me.  And I am grateful for everyone who attended and those who donated...  I am humbled by the support.  I was able to completely pay off a couple of bills after the event!  I still have more and I will still incurr more.  I am keeping my youcaring site active for a while longer in case any of you are willing to share my journey with your friends or if you want to donate but have not been able to yet.  Again, thank you, thank you, thank you!

link to:  youcaring fundraiser site