(This is part 4 of a 5-series on my great cancer journey. Catch up with parts 1, 2, and 3 before reading this one.)
After the horrors of chemo, stage 3 of my treatment was radiation. Compared to chemo, this was going to be much easier on my body. The only tough part was that I had to show up 32 times in the course of 6 weeks. OH…and by the way…we are throwing a pandemic into the mix for a little more excitement.
The “zaps” (as I called them) weren’t that bad. My skin burned a bit and peeled off (like a bad sun burn). I was tired at times. Compared to chemotherapy though, this was much easier to handle.
And the funniest part of all of this is my son’s reaction to my treatment. This is how he imagined his mother after radiation. How cool would that have been? I only wish.
The last day of radiation treatment was jubilant. I couldn’t believe that I had come this far. My journey had started way back in July/August with my diagnosis and now, 9 months later, I was at the finish line. I couldn’t help myself. I had to celebrate before ringing my bell. I HAD TO DANCE!!!
And despite finishing treatment (with a pandemic hanging over all of us), I couldn’t help but recognize that I felt a little fearful being finished. What if the cancer comes back? What happens if they missed something?
As I drove away, I decided that I couldn’t focus on that fear. I had to celebrate the victory. The victory was of persevance, of smiles, of love, and of good faith. I had beaten that son-of-a-bitch cancer in a big way! I had done it with my (bald) head held high on my terms.
Coming soon—Part 5. Lessons Learned– the lessons I learned on my journey.
Until next time,
Cancer Free Kristen
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