curlygirl's Cancer Blog
August 31, 2008
| I have two tattoos. How many do you have? | Views: 1208 |
I had my first setup appointment for my radiation on Thursday and they put two little tattoos on me, apparently to help them aim the beams properly. I am a rather preppy gal and I have an extreme fear of needles, so getting a tattoo is not something I would have ever considered. It’s fun, though to tell people I have two tattoos! Most people are shocked!
(Honestly, just little dots—they’re hard to even distinguish from my freckles.)
After my last post, I have had the opportunity to cool off and I’m much calmer and less whiny now. I called the onco nurse and she told me that it’s normal for radiation to start about 6-8 weeks after surgery. Mine will start closer to 10 weeks after, but I’m ok with that, finally.
I got my tamoxifen on Saturday, but did not start taking it right away because I was consumed with a fear of gaining weight. When I talked to the onco nurse about the delays in my starting radiation, she asked if I’d started the tam and I had to admit that, while I was stamping and whining about radiation, I was purposely delaying the start of my hormone therapy. The irony did not escape me. The nurse tried to calm my fears and recommended more exercise and a healthy diet. My friends promised regular walks to help me keep up the exercise part. I started the meds on Tuesday night. I’ve not really had much in the way of side effects. A little bit of achy joints and less of a craving for sweets (nice!), but nothing else, so far.
On Friday, I have my second setup appointment, then (so they say) I will get my treatment schedule. I’m glad to know that we’re nearly on our way. My attitude of gratitude is back in force. I’m so grateful to have had such an easy path through the world of cancer. I’m grateful for the resources to promote and support my treatment and healing. I’m grateful for the loving support of my friends, family, and coworkers. It is a stark reminder of the fact that blessings are all around us. We just have to be willing to see and accept them!
I have two tattoos. How many do you have?, 
5 comments)
12.17.08 - 
Auntie Carole 
Thanks for your support -
Hi Kathy,
I have been on Tamoxifen for 1 month and have not put on a single pound I may of even lost 1 or 2. I have decided to stop taking it after much research on it and other alternatives out there. I would love to hear how you do on it.
I just finished radiation. It was tough on me because I didn’t have the greatest support system. I have 2 tatoo’s as well. I feel like a bad ass. The 6 weeks flys by. I rarely got tired. I rode my bike to my appointments for the first 3 weeks then it got to hot. You are going to do great!
Kathleen
18
1 Left Calf
3 Right forearm
3 Left forearm
1 Right elbow
1 Left elbow
2 Right upper arm
1 Left upper arm
2 Right chest
2 Left chest
and as of Thursday
1 Left inside elbow (in the crease)
1 Right inside elbow (in the crease)
But hey your 2 are cool….......
Hugz
Mac
Sorry, on the inside of my right bicep there is the prayer of St Francis, from my arm pit to my elbow and on my right there is the Lord’s prayer filling the same space, elbow to armpit. That should make 18 with 2 more scheduled.
Not that I am competing just wanted to fit in with the board “bad asses”
Mac
Okay I am sleepy…Left bicep is St. Francis Right is the Lord’s prayer
Hooray for a treatment schedule! That must be a tremendous relief. Sometimes just having a plan of action is comforting.
In answer to your question, I have one tattoo – I just got it last month! It is a little design I created myself, and represents my family: the sun cradling the moon, with three stars ascending from the two. I will send you a picture sometime. I was afraid of how it would feel, but it was so much less painful than I expected. I’m not feeling badass, though – at least no more than usual. :)
Continuing to send love,
k