halfway there

Today I have passed the halfway mark in my radiation treatment.
It's a huge change from the chemotherapy.
As one of the nurses at chemo said: there is so much drama around chemotherapy. Everyone knows about it, you have so much support and interest. On the other hand, radiation therapists are enveloped in silence and secrecy. They do not acknowledge any side effects until presented with the facts.  A doctor friend once told me that radiation is a very lonely time. I understand that now. During chemo, life is like a huge celebration with non-stop support, care and interest. Radiation: well, you come and go as though you were popping down to the bank or post office. You feel nothing when there - in fact, I have a lovely little schlof while I'm being microwaved. The effects come later.
2 weeks ago, I felt as though I was swallowing blades. Despite the pain, I was most curious to see how far and bad it could go and would this finally force me to stop eating so much? Quite a way to diet! The next day, I was told that Dr H was tweaking my 'plan' and sure enough, this final member of my great team performed the miracle and for the last week or so, no pain whatsoever. I began by feeling really tired, but my fabulous weekend in New York showed me that a lot of it was psychological and I've had none of that fatigue for the past week. (touch wood, spit 3 times etc).
Yesterday, I swam 68 laps. Very slowly. Enjoyed it immensely. I doubt whether I worked off half the disgusting hotdog I ate at Costco. Next time I'll stick to the chocolate and nut-encased ice cream.

What does everyone think about the dangers of milk products? I have been hearing all kinds of research stating that milk and it's derivatives are like poison to us. I am devastated. Everything we enjoy is bad for us??? What is left? Does eating an icecream here or there have to feel like a cardinal sin? What about cheese... how can that go too? On the other hand, once people thought that cigarettes were healthy and there was a lot of doubt before it was proved definitively that they are all but. Do we, should we, deny the negative impact of animal products on our health?
As for me: I gave up my usual toast and cheese for breakfast this morning in favour of a mango. But a mango hardly touches sides, so I followed it up with a large Ouma rusk, dunked in my tea (with milk of course).