Last week I saw my Radiation Oncologist and had a scan which is used to help map out where the “laser beams” will hit me.

They take into account the fact that I currently have expanders in, which will eventually be swapped out with implants after I’m healed from radiation. I also got a tour of the radiology department because well, I’ll be going there every day for the next 6+ weeks. I was given my own badge that will access the door to easily walk straight to the back when I arrive. The scan was also a simulation of what to expect during radiation. I lay on a table that basically feels like straight up wood planks and my arms are positioned over my head like I’m saying, “hey there big boy, wanna see my winking hooter?” It’s not awful, but also not like I’m going to relax and take a nap. Physical therapy after surgery helped me get to a point where I’m almost at full movement of my arms. When I stretch, there is still some tightness in the armpit area, but again, for the most part I have full range of motion which helps stay comfortable in the ‘hey big boy’ position. Which by the way, I’m also topless of course. Hubba hubba.

Once positioned, which took a little while to get exact measurements of everything, the simulation begins. I need to hold my breath for :30 while the machine moves me back and forth. Never realized how strenuous it is to hold your breath for :30! Next, contrast was injected. That was a first for me. Yes, it feels like, “Wait? Did I just pee my pants? This is going to be awkward.” Spoiler alert, I did NOT pee my pants. 😳 They put stickers on my chest, which ultimately helps them realign me to the specific position every time. The stickers eventually come off (once they know the markings are perfect) and they do a tattoo mark in it’s place. How many people can say they get free tattoos? Let’s be honest, I’m paying for it.

Leaving the facility I’m given my schedule for the next couple months. As I’m looking at it I’m counting 33 treatments. Hold the phone! I was told 28 treatments. Turns out I get 28 treatments PLUS 5 additional booster rounds. So the first 28 cover the whole right breast and lymph-nodes, this is where the cancer was and remember the cancer did hit my lymph-node on that side. The booster rounds are then hyper-focused where my actual cancer tumors were. Notice I said “were”? That feels great! 😉 You know what didn’t feel great though? Hearing that I have 33 treatments instead of 28. 28 is what I prepared myself for, not 33. I know it’s only 5 more, but it just mentally took me back to a place where I was pissed off again. It’s like running a 5K and when you’re approaching the end of the race, they say, ‘oh wait, you need run another mile.’ Seems so minor in the grand scheme of things but in the moment when you get different news than what you already prepared for, when the news is pushing the finish line further away, it fucking sucks. I don’t know if these ‘booster’ treatments are standard for everyone, in which case they should tell me up front, or if this is because of something specific to my cancer or the location. Something I’ll be asking the Oncologist when I see him Monday.

This Friday will be a practice appointment. They double check my positioning, the stickers and the “lasers”. My first radiation treatment will be Monday. I’ve been slathering up on the lotion to hydrate my skin, other than that, there is nothing else I can do to prepare. Bring on the “lasers”.

In happier news, the family and I walked in our first Breast Cancer walk this past weekend in Woodstock, Care4BreastCancer. A wonderful event put on by Family Health Partnership Clinic that I plan to participate in again next year, maybe with my own team. It was definitely nippy out, but only in one boob. The left one.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, for me breast cancer awareness is every day! Get your freaking mammograms. Love you.