257 and counting...

Today, for some inexplicable reason, I got out the calendar and counted up the number of days since I was diagnosed with IBC. Since 10th October last year, 257 days have passed.

On day 256 I had the last of my 30 radiation treatments. Today I am looking at the purple flesh in the treatment area and feeling relieved that it's over. I have a few sore spots, but overall it's not too bad and it will get better.

At first I was quite intrigued by the Star Warsy nature of the treatment, with laser beams criss-crossing to mark out the treatment areas on my chest and neck. It led me to investigate how the linear accelerator makes the x-rays that kills the cancer cells that may or may not have been left behind after chemo and surgery. Apparently, micro-waves are used to speed up the electrons that collide with a heavy metal plate and are converted into x-rays. That's the simplest way I can put it.

I did miss the company to be found at the chemo clinic. It can feel quite lonely lying stretched out on the treatment couch on your own. However, I did make up for it in the waiting room and made a few new friends, sharing sympathy at their soreness and elation as their treatments finished. It became something of a joke that the receptionist always seemed to call me to go to the treatment unit just as I was getting into an interesting conversation. One day she said, "You're having too much fun in there!"

One thing about radiotherapy that does make me feel somewhat miffed is that there is no visible evidence that the treatment has been effective. You just can't tell what is happening with microscopic cancer cells. My radiation oncologist even had to admit this when I teased him about it one day. I am, however, aware that the statistics are on my side and am happy to pay this insurance against a recurrence of this stupid, ugly disease.

I'm also glad that 90% of the $10,000 AUD cost of the treatment is well and truly covered by our universal health system. A few years ago the government introduced a safety net to assist patients with large medical bills. When a family has spent just over $1,000 on out-of-pocket expenses in a calendar year, 80% of those costs are re-imbursed, which means that we will only have to pay 10% of the treatment costs. I'm glad to see my taxes at work in this way.

I will continue to see my taxes at work as I continue to receive Herceptin treatment until next January. I do thank God for the dear little Chinese hamsters whose ovary cells are the source of this drug that will give me additional insurance against recurrence. This drug is another aspect of treatment that is covered by our health system and costs me precisely nothing.

I cannot say how good it feels to be taking my life off hold and getting back to school in two weeks' time. Finally!!