While trying to learn the ropes of dealing with nausea, I started radiation treatments on February 8th. I was fortunate to have the Johns Hopkins crew from Green Spring taking care of me. Under the care of Dr. Deb Frassica, this unit ran like a well oiled machine! They were caring, attentive & helped me understand what was about to happen. I got to see pictures of my tumor & the amount of space it occupied … no wonder I was in pain! It took me longer to get to the appts, change clothes, get into the mold, than the actual treatments themselves. I was in for 11 treatments for this first phase.
Radiation itself was not hard. My problem was being so nauseous from taking chemo & having to ride to the appts, laying on the table & riding back home on a daily basis. My senses were on HIGH ALERT during this time. I could smell things from far away & even if bottles/ jars were closed. The smell of lotions, coffee, body odor, anything would set me off … it was really rough.