Back in June of 2011 after my bilateral mastectomy, Dr. West told me they hadn't gotten the margins they'd hoped for and that radiation was an option to help ensure a lower chance of recurrence. I signed up without really thinking twice. I knew that I couldn't live with the fear of recurrence if I didn't get radiation. However, if I knew then what I know now about the long term after effects, I may have elected differently. The pain in my left side, the cramping, the tightness, the skin damage, and the diminished lung capacity have all sucked and will continue to suck for the rest of my life. All of my suffering seems to mostly be related to radiation damage. I am so thankful to not have a life-threatening illness, don't get me wrong, but I hate the constant reminder of the struggle my body is going through when I'm at the gym. I am typically capable of completing every workout to the expectation of the trainer, but it can sometimes be painful, especially if we do chest or back workouts. I just keep getting stronger every day, but it is crazy to me how much this is still affecting me six years later. No amount of physical therapy ever helped. I can only hope that as I continue this healthy lifestyle and working out that maybe I can heal myself or at least make it a little easier to live with.
I'm not sure when I'll be seeing an oncologist again; I don't have any appointments scheduled, but when I do I'll be sure to post another update.