“It feels like you are dragging your feet all the time. You have to take it easy,” said a cancer survivor.

“Radiation drains you,” another warned.

Taking vitamins to get a boost was not advised. UM radiation oncologist Dr. Cristiane Takita, whom I had been meeting with for a weekly hug and a reminder to rub a clear alcohol-free aloe gel on the radiated area, said I should avoid taking supplemental antioxidant vitamins.

“Vitamins C, E, A and D might interfere with radiation’s ability to destroy cancer cells,” Takita said. “Vitamins that come from food are OK. When radiation is finished, you can resume taking your supplements.”

This is because there is a potential conflict. Radiation creates free radicals, highly energized molecules that damage cells. These free radicals target cancer cells. Antioxidants keep free radicals from forming, or neutralizes them.

During our first meeting of 2012, she was unusually enthusiastic.

“Everything is going really well. This is great! Great! Great! Great! Great! And you are almost done,” she said. “There is no time for depression. This is almost over. You are halfway through.”

MY JOURNEY

Part 1: At age 33, I’m dealing with breast cancer

Part 2: Cancer treatment complicates dreams of pregnancy

Part 3: Hanging in when chemotherapy gets rough

Part 4: Tough surgery choices: Mastectomy vs. Lumpectomy

Part 5: Silicone implans are not the only way to go in breast reconstruction

Part 6: Rebuilding the breast from body tissue

Part 7: Body fat can be used to build breast

Part 8: Facing my fears after mastectomy

Part 9: Taking control of the fear that comes with breast cancer

Part 10: Doctor knows about being a breast cancer survivor

Part 11: Radiation therapy gives her hope

Part 12: Finding strength from others

Part 13: Facebook, medication help breast cancer patient deal with depression