Treatment & Side Effects

Yesterday I completed the last day of my radiation treatment. It was a quiet ending, without bells or ceremony, but filled with deep gratitude. The side effects were stronger in the final stretch, and finishing brought a relief I felt in every part of myself. Today is Thanksgiving, and the timing adds even more meaning to this moment. This post reflects on the end of this chapter, the lessons I carried, and the quiet strength found along the way.

A grounded reflection on my first days of radiation. The routine, the unexpected reactions, the quiet internal shift, and the way this treatment is shaping my journey both in life and in running

Radiation is the next step in my breast cancer treatment, and stepping into this phase brings a mix of clarity, uncertainty, and unexpected calm. In this post, I share what I’ve learned so far — the difference between full and partial breast radiation, what the daily appointments involve, the side effects I’m preparing for, and the emotional layers that come with it. If you’re entering this phase too, I hope this gives you company.

I went into surgery with fear, hope, and an empty stomach. I woke up tumor free, with one incision, clean margins, and a new sense of strength. This is that story.