Jennifer Marie J. Yang, MD

September 6, 2022

Update. We (Doreen , mom and I) arrived at Radiation Oncology early today… no other patients yet in the waiting room. 6 of 20 radiation therapy sessions… 30 percent done!

At today’s follow up clinic visit, I got to view my CT scan and how the radiation beams are directed at the tumor site. There’s no “good” way for the beams to bypass the heart and left lung, so we will just have to watch out for symptoms indicating their inflammation from radiation. In contrast to the heart and left lung, skin damage is easier to detect because it’s readily visible. Current skin regimen and hydration seem to be working and my skin is still intact, although the incision scar looks a little more red compared to when we first started. I do feel my shoulder range of motion is a bit more restricted from the tightening radiation-damaged skin (and muscle spasms may be contributory also), so I will continue exercises for that too.

Mom came along to the appointment because we had errands to do today after the hospital visit. She was craving crispy pata (a Filipino delicacy – boiled then fried pork leg/trotter) so we had that for our late lunch… Doreen wasn’t sure what to make of it. Might be someone she knew

Finally, Doreen ”did a Dave” – here she is posing by some Christmas decoration for sale at Landmark department store. September 1st marks the start of the Filipino Christmas season so the department stores are (still) fully stocked. Christmas carols are already playing too.

*Dave is Dave the Travel Pig