Yesterday's recap (Breast Cancer Symposium and radiation)

I was lucky enough to have been a part of the Breast Cancer Symposium yesterday morning at the Shirley & Barton Weisman Delray Community Center. I got to hear Carolyn Newman, whom I met at a yoga retreat in September, 2011, speak about her amazing journey through breast cancer. She taught and continues to teach me so much and is truly so inspirational. She taught me that only a very small percentage of breast cancer patients test positive for the BRCA gene and so it leads me to wonder whether the other 90% (me) got breast cancer from environmental factors. Did I eat too much sugar, drink too much alcohol, gain too much weight? Yes, I know I’m not supposed to ponder the “why” but how can you not?? She also said that cancer likes acid. Sugar is an acid. Stress is an acid. Dairy is an acid. Animal proteins are an acid. Hmmm….

(I am going to give Carolyn a plug for her product because I think she’s so amazing. If you know anyone who has to wear an ugly lymphedema sleeve (more on that below), then check out Carolyn’s website: http://www.warriorwear4u.com/index.html )

The other reason I went to this breast cancer symposium was to learn about Nordstrom’s biggest secret – the Nordstrom Prosthesis Program. Did you know that every Nordstrom in the country has a certified prosthesis fitter? Nordstrom carries a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and skin tones breast forms to accommodate various body types and breast shapes. Along with a vast selection of post-mastectomy bras, Nordstrom will sew in a pocket to any non-mastectomy bra they stock at no additional charge to the customer. They also carry post-surgical camisoles which have special pockets sewn into the camisole to hold your drains. Hello!?!?! Why didn’t I know about this right after my mastectomy!!! Needless to say, I will be visiting a Nordstrom soon to see if they can recommend something for the 2 different cup sizes I will temporarily be until my reconstructive surgery/prophylactic mastectomy at the end of August.

Yesterday, I also went for my simulation for radiation. Simulation is a process by which the radiation treatment fields are defined, filmed and marked out on your skin. The simulator is actually a large bore CT scanner that is used to contour my body. The images are then used to arrange the radiation beams and make a customized plan. It is here that special care is taken to make the patient’s position as comfortable as possible while ensuring reproducibility on a day-to-day basis (hence why I also received 3 miniscule tattoos yesterday, one in the middle of my breasts and 1 on each side of my breasts). Since people come in all shapes and sizes, very specific patient measurements need to be obtained.

I also met with my radiation oncologist. He’s so amazing and gave me a big hug when I told him I got engaged over the weekend. We discussed some lifestyle changes that will happen during radiation. He told me I can’t shave my armpit during radiation. When he looked at my face after realizing that I refused to be a hairy gorilla after not shaving for 6 WEEKS, he agreed I could use an electric razor. Fine.

He also told me no deodorant. When he got the same look (see above), he told me I could use Tom’s deodorant, or any other natural deodorant. I also can’t be exposed to chlorine so no hot tubs or swimming pools for me. He also suggested that I wear as tight an undergarment as possible during radiation so if any of you have any suggestions for nice sports bras that close in the front, I would appreciate it. I’m thinking to check Target and Victoria’s Secret?

While sometimes I like to still feel invincible, its days like yesterday when I come crashing down when I get news that I’m not. Dr. S. told me that it’s recommended that I wear a lymphedema sleeve when I travel to Chicago next week. A compression sleeve is a stretchy elasticized (ugly) garment that is custom-fitted to your arm, and helps with pain and swelling caused by arm lymphedema. The sleeve helps to prevent lymphedema. Lymphedema is a swelling caused by an accumulation of lymph fluid in an area of the body. It typically occurs in a limb. For women who have had breast cancer the most common site is in the arm on the affected side.

So, I have one more follow-up appointment next Monday (4/9/12) to make sure I’m all set for radiation and I officially start 6 weeks of radiation at 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday, 4/10/12.

I was so emotionally and mentally drained last night when I came home. Jason, my amazing fiancé (whoa, sounds so weird to say!) gave me my space. He’s always so good at sensing when I need my “Ro time.” Jason – this blog’s for you. I needed some time to digest what happened during the day and so he’s my take on how my day was yesterday.