Radiation, Recipes and More

I am radiating!  I have had five sessions of radiation so far... only 28 more to go.  So far, its a breeze.  I don't have any skin irritations, the doctors say that it will likely come about within the next two weeks.  I am lathering up, multiple times a day with a high quality Aloe and a creme to be proactive with the skin irritation.  Everyone at the radiation oncology office is really sweet and makes the process enjoyable.  


I met with Dr. Meyering on Friday for a check-up, hadn't seen her in three weeks and realized that meeting with her often gave me a sense of security.  I knew that she was always checking me and making sure I was healthy.  Every three week visits for Herceptin and a check-up with her will take some getting used to.  I had my 8th round of Herceptin, I will have 17 total.  We got the test results back from the DCIS cancer (second cancer) they found during surgery and it is estrogen positive, just like my big tumor was.  Because both were estrogen positive, she is twisting my arm and suggesting I start taking Tamoxifin.  More to come on this... I am NOT happy about it. Actually been really upset and there have been gobs of tears. 


I started physical therapy yesterday, to get a better range of motion on my left arm and shoulder.  I am almost able to completely straighten my arm now...  I have to have my arms above my head during radiation, keeping still for 10 minutes or so.  During which, there is lots of pain on the left side so I am hoping that quickly improves. I usually say a bad word when I am raising it up above my head during radiation, and you know I don't do that often.  


This journey has been all about the small wins...  I worked out hard tonight at the gym and it felt so, so good.  I started working out last week, light workouts and realized how weak I really am.  Running 2 miles was difficult for me, VERY difficult.  Makes me feel even more unlike my old self...but tonight was a win and once I realized I was pushing myself I was delighted.


Foods High In Protein
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Cool Weather Coming Our Way

Detox Harvest Soup

 Ingredients: 

3 cups vegetable broth
2 carrots, sliced
2 sweet potatoes, chopped
1 cup butternut squash, cubed
1 cup red lentils
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
2 tablespoon basil, chopped
1 teaspoon turmeric
1 teaspoon maca
1/2 teaspoon cumin
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Place all ingredients in large pot and heat on high until boiling.
2. Cover and simmer until vegetables are tender.
3. Add salt and pepper to taste and serve.