Jan 17th 2011

Happy New Year ! Was back at The Christie today to be 'marked up' for my radiotherapy treatment. It took about half an hour in total and was basically 4 radiologists taking measurements and a few x rays, They make lots of felt tip markings so they can line up the machine exactly, when the treatment starts. I had to lie with my right arm up above my head to keep it out of the way, so that was a bit uncomfortable as I don't quite have a full range of movement yet. Once they have done all the felt tip stuff, they make some permanent tattoo marks. It was only 6 dots that look like freckles but bloody hell, did it sting!! My proper tattoo hurt less !! ( Apart from the one under my arm where I still have no feeling). All in all, apart from looking like a child had drawn all over me, it was fine.

I had a chat with my oncologist about the hard scar tissue and he said it would soften up eventually and in a good few months, I will be able to see just how much tissue has been taken away. He said it will leave quite a big dent, so I may have the boob job on offer after all!!

I start treatment next Tuesday, so, fingers crossed!

The thing I am struggling with at the moment is my drug induced menopause. Its awful!!! I get very little sleep most nights. Its the hot flashes. They seem to happen about once every hour through the night. Its impossible to sleep through them and I have started sleeping with a towel on my pillow. My head gets very sweaty. It must be due to the now massive amounts of grey hairs coming through!!! ( See photo below) Not too bad considering my last chemo was only 8 weeks ago. I am not sure how long this will go on for, so I am seeing my doc on Friday to get something to help me sleep through it.

My nails are still a mess, but at least they haven't fallen out and they are growing quite well. If you look at the pic, you will notice that there is one ridge for each chemo session I had, how weird is that?

Will let you know what radiotherapy is like soon. Until then.........KEEP CHECKING!!!!!!