The side effects of radiation treatment tend to be fatigue and a burning sensation on your skin, like you were sunburned. They told me when I started treatment I might notice these side effects after a few weeks, I probably wouldn't notice right away.
Within the first 2 days of treatment I was exhausted and my skin was agitated with a burning sensation. Whatever side effects were mentioned I got in full force right from the beginning.
I was 36 when I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I was teaching 3rd grade at the time. I did not have the ability or the desire to take a leave from work while I went through treatment. Most people who are diagnosed with cancer are older and are often are already retired from their jobs. They have the ability to focus on treatment and rest. Each day, I went to work, taught 34 third graders, drove 30 minutes to radiation treatment and 30 minutes home. I ate dinner and was often crawling into bed about 6:30 in the evening. It took everything I had to maintain this routine.
Every little extra germ made me sick. I had to stay away from large groups. If anyone was sick, I got what they had. In the midst of all of this difficulty, the thoughts I had during this time were of staying relaxed and trying to enjoy each day. I chose not to stress about anything or worry about accomplishing tasks. I felt blessed and content.
It is our mindset that helps us get through the toughest days. We have to control our thoughts. We have to choose what we focus on and focus on what will give us strength and help us to accomplish whatever lies in front of us.
I've been reading over the things I wrote back in 2012. I read about the difficulties. I remember the difficulties. Then I read what I wrote about being blessed and I am amazed. Somehow in the midst of the difficult time, I figured out what to focus on to make me whole and give me the strength to finish the race.
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