Radiation treatments

I finally made it back home late Tuesday afternoon. It felt good to be back in my own bed, although we're having a struggle getting my pillows set up correctly so I can breathe. I think we finally got it right last night and, of course, today is sheet chaning day! I wish we could glue the three pillows together so we can remove them and then replace them exactly as they are.

Before yesterday morning's treatment, the technician was concerned because my hands and arms are very swollen. She had the nurses check my vitals and call one of the radiation oncologist's residents to come and check me out. My heartrate is still quite high (130s) but my oxygen saturation is pretty good (95-98%). The doctor watched it as she had me walk around the floor to make certain I was okay. She decided to put me back on a low dose of steriods for 8 days, just to try to reduce the swelling that the radiation is causing in the tumor. I started the meds last night so hopefully my shortness of breath will be eased in a day or so. They will also have oxygen available for me during treatment since I have to lay on my back (very difficult for me to breathe that way). I don't think I'll need it since the treatment takes less than 10 minutes.

It's supposed to be a very hot weekend here in the northeast, so I plan to spend it indoors napping, under the umbrella outside or briefly in the pool (have to watch my sun exposure). I hope wherever you are and whatever you do, you have a wonderful weekend and stay cool!