Ellen Updates

Chemo ✔️

Surgery ✔️

Next stop, Radiation. 30 sessions five days a week. Treatment was a marathon to this point but this feels like a double marathon. The radiation is particularly lonely – they lock me in a cold room alone, take away half of my clothing and make me lay very still.

To take the edge off, I’d love for my friends to make band or song recommendations to keep me company during treatments. My choice for the dry run was Counting Crows and with Pandora I ended up with a pretty good mix of music in addition to CC – Blues Traveler and Tom Petty. It took four songs and is supposed to be shorter once I start. So, in the words of Pat Benatar, hit me with your best [song] shot.

I skipped over posting about my surgery, mostly due to anesthesia and recovery requiring my focus. Still cannot recommend cancer and the treatment. 100% not fun. Lumpectomy and reconstruction on one side and reduction on the other side ended up being more intense than expected. Combined with lymph node removal and I am still feeling out of sorts as my body adjusts to the changes. Getting the green light to walk was a huge plus for me and it’s great to get outside. Even in the cold.

Bringing me to – if anyone is up for walking in person or via telephone, it’s important for me to keep moving during radiation to fight off fatigue. Currently scheduling. External motivators needed! 😁

Friendly reminder – if you haven’t scheduled your annual mammogram, now is the time!