The wait to see her was longer than my time with The Burn, this morning. Though I had expected the full-on planning experience, it turns out that won't move ahead until The Dutchman reports back post-chat with the Tumor Board, next week.
So, we reviewed the potential side-effects and risks of treatment. The big side-effects I already knew: fatigue and reddening, dryness and itching of the skin in the treated area. I didn't know that most patients experience dull aches or sharp shooting pains in the breast (kinda like lightning strikes, according to The Burn); apparently, they're nothing to worry about... just part of the rich and colourful tapestry of cancer treatment.
The major risks are radiation pneumonitis (a lung reaction characterized by a dry cough, shortness of breath and fever three to nine months after completing treatment) and -- wait for it -- an increased risk of cancer (of the skin, muscle bone or lung in the radiated area) five or more years after treatment. Ironic that a major treatment for cancer puts the patient at risk for more of the same, huh?
Good news, though; I'm provisionally booked for the CT scan on May 18. With that behind me, my first treatment day will be June 1, and I'll be off work for about three months. Could make for an interesting version of "What I Did On My Summer Vacation".
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