HALFWAY DONE WITH PROTON !

I am so excited to say as I write this that I am 17 down, 16 to go with radiation therapy!

I have weekly appointments with my radiation oncologist and she said treatment is going excellently. We have been able to target the entire left side of my chest from my rib cage to neck effectively while not hit either my lungs or heart with any “meaningful” amounts of radiation. Obviously there are trace amounts but SO much safer and positive for my long term heart and lung health!

I continue to work full time, Sat-Wed.

I have radiation daily sometime around 5-7 pm (I do not find out until the day before). Mon and Tues I drive to Jax from my hospital I am a pharmacist at (1.5 hours) after work, have radiation and a doctor appointment and then drive home (1.75 hours). Two of my best friends, Kacee and Heather have gone with me to help make this drive more of “hanging out” and less of just loss of time. On Wednesdays I drive to Jax after work and then spend the night with my good friend Wednesday and Thursday! Justin comes as he can during my “weekend in Jax“ as well. Then I drive back to Gainesville Friday night after treatment to get ready for work Saturday morning. It has been a hectic schedule but thanks to Katie and Phil’s hospitality I still feel like I get a weekend and I actually love the Jax area (never would have known that!)

In terms of side effects from treatment

• throat contains to hurt when I swallow - I am eating smaller bites, softer foods (Rx. I don’t toast my bagels anymore) and using motrin as needed

• My left chest and breast is def a different color now than the right side - it is a dark reddish tan and very speckled (which is normal) it also is itchy now.

• range of motion with my left arm is getting harder as we radiate more but I am trying to workout/stretch as normal which is helping as much as possible

• Its not making me “extra” tired at all, I am tired Mon/Tues from working all day and driving but anyone would be. I think this may be a mind over matter thing for me and I’m just being stubborn.

Other life Updates

• I have changed my aromatase inhibitor from letrazole to exemastane. I was having severe edema in my legs and feet - we assumed it was from chemo but as chemo was more than a month ago with continued edema issues I reached out to my medical oncologist about my aromatase inhibitor. She agreed and immediately prescribed an alternative, so far I have had no issues with edema since the switch!

• I GOT MY MONEY BACK FROM PROTON INSTITUTE CAUSE MY INSURANCE HAS PAID FOR EVERYTHING AS THEY PROMISED ME!!!

I will keep everyone updated on how the second half of radiation goes with skin changes etc. and what to expect if you are looking at options!

Until then - gentle reminder amidst COVID- EVERY DAY God wakes you up - even if in a mask or at places with half capacity - it is a blessing.

I am thanking God daily for my access to treatment, perseverance and health, and obviously for baseball season.

Sami