Post Radiation Update

Hello,

Following radiation, my skin under my arm (axilla region) began to peel several layers down and became slightly infected. It was very raw and was not healing; but now, it is doing much better. Dr. Standish put a Medihoney dressing on it. Medihoney is used for moderately to heavy exuding wounds. After using it (2 dressings) for a week, my skin began to heal. It is still peeling, but there's no more rawness or sharp pain.

I'm in my last week of summer school. My plans are to go to the cabin Sept 2 & 3 and then camping for a few days with Mark, Janelle and her friend, Mike. I will be supporting Theresa on the 3 day Breast Cancer Walk in Seattle on Sept 11-13. I will see her off as she begins her 20 mile walk and I will be at there at the end of each day when she finishes. Sept 14-18, I will be going on a car camping road trip with Donna, Kristin and Linda Alva. We will be camping along the Olympic Peninsula. We will visit the Sequim spit and the Ho Rainforest. We may even camp on the beach if given the opportunity. Sept. 18-22, I will go to Texas to visit my dad. We plan to go to a rodeo together in El Paso.

While it looks like a busy month, I'll be sure to take my naps and use my energy wisely.

I've been taking turkey tail mushroom for 2 weeks now and I will continue until the study that I'm enrolled in is over. This particular mushroom has shown promising results in reducing the likelihood of prevention/reoccurence in China.

I was at Curves this past Saturday for our rummage sale. We raised approx $730; all of the proceeds will be going to the Susan G Komen breast cancer fund. It was so nice to give and receive hugs from my friends at Curves. I met some new friends while I was there also. The women tell me that they are still praying for me - that's awesome. I'm very blessed.

Remember to eat greens,
love Debbie

I Have Completed Radiation!

After 8.5 long months, I have finished treatment. Although, I will still have regular blood draws and scans quarterly to watch for possible reoccurance.

It came as a surprise to me that I was finished with radiation today. My radiation appts were scheduled through Aug 12, so when my radiologist told me on Wed. that I had only two treatments left, I was pleasantly surprised.

My skin on my chest wall and under my arm (axillary region) is red, dark brown and very tender. The skin directly above my sternum is also very tender. The dry skin under my arm pit has begun peeling and looks to be healing. I will post a picture in a few days. My radiologist says my skin looks exceptional - it must be the seaweed! It sounds like she will recommend the seaweed to her patients. I shared the wonderful moisturizing benefits of seaweed in the radiation waiting room to other cancer patients.

My next healing step is to begin cleansing my body (liver esp.) of the toxins and building up my immune system, cells, tissues and organs to prevent me from having to go thru this again. Dr Standish, will direct me through this process. This is the part that I have been looking forward to. I believe that my medicine (Naturopathic Medicine) will heal me. Stay tuned for this part of the journey.

I have had more energy and I have enjoyed walking, biking and camping. I still struggle with chemo brain, but that will get better in time. Instead of being one french fry short of a happy meal, now I'm two french fries.

Thanks again for the ongoing love and support. It is your love and concern that had motivated me to keep taking baby steps and not give up. My passion for life and living is coming back.

I'm going camping this weekend to enjoy nature. I'll be pitching a tent and cooking on a coleman stove - doesn't get much better than that (unless I'm staying at the cabin). Mark and Meoka will be joining me. Hopefully, we can get a little hike in.

Chat with you soon,
Debbie