Pooped out - Day 11 of radiation

It started yesterday, the feeling of having no energy. I've had that same feeling when I had radiation 3 years ago. That's the good thing of keeping this blog. I can look back and see what was happening in the past. It was about my 15th treatment that this feeling of fatigue hit me back then. That's about the main side effect of radiation. I write this, not to complain, but to educate others who might at some time go through this. Just the other day I was talking to "Cookie" as we waited our turn for radiation. She has cancer of the vocal chords I believe. Had just began to feel tired and asked me about it. I explained to her what I had gone through previously. Just going through this you get to meet so many wonderful people. You can always strike up a conversation whether it's in the waiting room or after you are in the gown waiting for you turn for the radiation.

When the alarm rang this a.m., it took so much of me just to get out of bed. Was so tempted just to stay home and sleep. It's so hard to explain this feeling of being tired/fatigued. Different feeling than ever before. All day I counted down until I knew that by 5 p.m. I was going to be in my jammies, phone off the hook, and was able just to sleep for as long as I could. That ended up being 3 hrs. But like before, it's so difficult to get the 'umph back, the energy level back. But as I was told 3 years ago I'm doing quite a lot with working full-time and going through these treatments. People are often amazed when I tell them I am on my lunch break for my treatment, and that I'm rushing back so as not to be late. It's no wonder that I am pooped. I also was out Monday for my birthday, Tuesday for Tim's band banquet and last night for Tim's chorus concert.

Today's session was a bit different. Yesterday I had a couple of x-rays taken, normal for a Wednesday. Today I was told that the doctor had ordered some more to be taken today in order to make "an adjustment." For 45 minutes I lay still while about 8 x-rays were taken of my chest area. Then my chest was once again marked up to show the spot to be radiated. I was then given my treatment. Not sure what to make of these additional x-rays.

As I left, Dena (not sure of spelling) asked me for my blog address. She's the technician that took the digital pictures of me yesterday. She asked if I posted every day, to which I said usually. I told her that today's post would have to do with the reasoning of additional x-rays and what "an adjustment" truly meant. Only time will tell. I hope that she does explore my blog and perhaps leave a comment to know she's out there.

So, another day is done (finally). Next Monday will be last known radiation for me. The PET/CT scans being done on Tueday, March 11 will determine what the future holds for me. Keeping fingers/toes crossed, and yes- saying a prayer also.