APRIL Rads Anyone?

eadsla

Gail--By all means, don't take my word on the amount of time before you can be out doing things in the sun.  I was just referring to hearing that the se's from rads continue 7-10 days after tx.  It would stand to reason that the recuperative process would be for a couple of months.  Ask your onc about that before trying to schedule summer plans, especially if you want to be outdoors.

Debbi, you may want to mention the throat issues to your onc and maybe they can adjust the field being treated.

 I've been getting hit with the fatigue, too.  I  just had my appt. time changed from 8am to 11am for the rest of my txs.  No matter what time I go to sleep,  I am really wiped out when the alarm goes off at 7.  And trying to nap during the day has been unsuccessful and frustrating.

Patoo--Just your mentioning your boosts coming up (woohoo, btw) reminded me that I can't remember how many boosts I'm supposed to get.  I know I'm having 33 total, but for the life of me and chemo brain can't remember if it's 25/8 or 28/5?  I just had 21 today, so I think I should be a little more aware...lol..?

Vertigo is a side effect?  That seems so...weird and random.  At least they didn't throw up their arms and say "It's not from rads..."  Hopefully they can do something about that.

Catherine

Debbi5108

Catherine thanks for the reply, I did tell them today and they gave me a script for a swish and swallow lidocaine as I can't take the one they give out at the rads center since it has Benadryl in it and I am allergic to Benadryl (weird I Know Ha ha), they said nothing about readjusting the field although I will check into that. My question is will it go away soon or do I have this to look forward to until the end of Rads???

Deb

eadsla

Deb--Allergic to Benadryl!?!?!?  Talk about IRONY!  How far into rads are you?  I've read some earlier postings where some women have had varying degrees of physical side effects that lasted through the beginning third or so of their treatment, but then cleared up on their own.  But i hope the new swish and wash helps.

Catherine

Debbi5108

Yes Allergic to Benadryl, I couldn't believe it either but then again I could tell you quicker what I'm not allergic too.  I hope it works as well will pick it up from the Pharmacy tomorrow.  I have completed 10 of 30 rads so far.  I think the fatigue is trying to start getting me but, I won't let it.  Chemo sucked this isn't so bad.  Thanks for the hope that maybe this will clear up, I can deal with the aches and pains from the neuropathy that the chemo caused but, the not being able to swallow without painI'm not so sure.

Deb

Anonymous

No boost #4 for me today...the machine's down! At least my skin will have a chance to heal before resuming tomorrow!

Almost there, ladies!!

Robin

Anonymous

Easia, me too with the full nights sleep and then fatigue when the alarm goes off.  I'm dragging this morning.  But I'm still claiming it's all in my head.  Since I didn't have to do chemo I refuse to complain because I just can't even imagine what you sisters had to go through with that.  You are my heroes!

susan13

Hello you lovely ladies,

14 down, 11 to go.   Ok so my rad.onc. said the nausea isn't so much from the radiation, it's cause I'm coming off the chemo, and our bodies remember the effect chemo had on us... so that coupled with the radiation is giving the nausea.... that was his answer. Kinda was hoping for something different, but if that's what he says.  He told me to take a Zofran 30 minutes prior to rad treatment, so that's what I did this morning. So far I'm ok.  Also the rad onc. nurse confirmed the same thing this morning.  Only thing is the Zofran on top of my allergy med is making me want to hit my head on my desk... zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.

Anyone nauseaus here who did NOT do chemo??

Good day ladies!

On the sun... I was told you can be in the sun but you have to have the entire radiated area covered with clothing AND sunblock, for the next YEAR.

Sue

Lainey64

Morning gals.  Yesterday I had my 2nd boost. Only 5 more to go!  These last few seem to be dragging.  I'm definitely feeling more tired now.  I am forcing myself to exercise after rads each day but it's getting more difficult.  One thing I did notice though is that after my workouts, I have a lot more energy than I did before.  So exercise is definitely helping.  I got close to 10 hours of sleep last night and already I'm feeling tired at my desk so it has to be the effects of the rads ganging up on me.  No skin issues though so I'm happy.

Susan, how do you take Zofran and then go to work? That stuff puts me out!   No doubt, you're probably ready to crawl under your desk and take a nap!

Have a wonderful day ladies!

Anonymous

The PCP couldn't find anything to account for the dizziness, but gave me a prescription for Antivert to help with it.

I am not aware of being nervous, except for about what is causing my dizziness. It is affecting my quality of life, since I can't drive like this and don't feel up to housework, exercise, anything but laying down hugging my pillow.

Only 12 Tx to go. My skin is still good: tan with a slight pink tinge to it. I continue using Udderly Smooth and aloe vera gel.

Debbi, I got a phone call from my 25 year old daughter this week, and she was so excited, I was sure she was going to tell me she was pregnant. It turned out she got an really good summer job writing curriculum( she is a teacher). She is married, and at this point in time, I feel ready for a grandchild, but Rachel and Stephen are the ones who have to be ready.

The water is shut off in our building for 2 hours this PM, a perfect excuse not to tackle the piled-up laundry. It's back to bed for me!

Bette 

BonnieK

Hi everyone,

Deb -- I hope the swish and swallow Lidocaine helps with your skin issues. 

Catherine, Patoo and Lainey -- I hear you when it comes to fatigue, even after a full night's sleep!  I'm having #7 rad today and am already having major fatigue issues.  Some are left over from chemo and some due to sciatica from long time lower back problems.  No nausea though, so I lucked out on something.

Robin -- I hope today's rest will help your skin to heal a little.  Good luck with the boost tomorrow.

Bette -- So sorry about the continuing dizziness.  Is the Antivert helping?  You'll get that grandchild eventually -- my daughter was married 7 years before they had a child and he was worth the wait!

Today will be my 7th radiation treatment and the only SEs I've noticed so far are fatigue (could be from my sciatica or left over from chemo) and a very slight rash on my chest.  Today is "doctor day", so I'll check with her about the rash.  I also have mild lymphedema and am seeing a therapist for that.

Bonnie

Debbi5108

Bettelou, I hope you get that phone call soon and I wanted it eventually just not when she was 17 and still in high school, That being said I am excited now that the shock has wore off.  Does your dizziness just come and go? Mine does and it also happens if I am reading. 

P have 19 more to go!!!! YEAH!!!!!

Lainey I am going to try working out right after to see if I can get more energy.

BKokie, I hope it works as well my DH just went to get it, and I need it because its almost impossible to swallow now.

marlenet

Hi

  I have 8  left  yeeeeehaaaa!  My skin is still good: tan with a slight pink tinge to IT But Under my breast the skin broke.  My onco said that not uncommon.  I was worried he would stop the tx.  .  He asked if it bothered me i said no.  I do not want nothing to stop my tx now.  It really does not hurt tho.  I can't say i have a lot of fatigue but i do tend to wind down in the evenings real fast.  I am so excited to be near the end. 

shan1171

14 down.......halfway there............skin holding up.

Sue - hmmmmmmmm, doctors, it's a conspiracy if you asked me!  So, if we were'nt having the rads, we wouldn't be nauseous?  chemo+rads=nausea.........it's a contributing factor, then.  Why is it so hard for them to acknowledge outright?

GEEZ oh PETE...........my aunt is having one of her pity parties (I'm in my room while baby naps, but I can hear her in the room next door).  I can't take much more of the crying/hateful a@# fits (especially over a bad tooth/swollen gums of all things)!  Mommy (my grandmother) is the one out there having to listen firsthand to it, bless her heart!  I'm trying to keep my cool, ladies, but..........................for.............f@#@% SAKE!  If the woman woke up one morning and actually said she felt pretty good, I'd fall over in a dead faint.

Deep calming breath.........gazing at my beautiful son..........okay.

Gonna (try) veg for a little while.  Hugs abound!

kjbell

I got a nice surprise from the doc., one less tx! My last zap will be on Tues. I have had the regular tx only, no boosts. My skin has held up, luckily. I read in another post that someone had a triangular shape on their chest from the rads darkening the skin. I looked at my chest and I have a perfect rectangle.

I hope everybody has good luck with the rest of their tx's! Have a nice day. 

susan13

Yes the Zofran makes me want to crawl under my desk with a blanket.  I think I'm going to pass on the Zofran from now on and only take it if I feel like I'm going to hurl.  Ugg.

Lainey64

Ok I have a dumb question... what does it mean when you say your skin "broke"?  I've seen the term and also the words "skin breakdown" used.  I

caligrlof68

I had my 14th treatment today. And if i do my math right that leaves....19. So far so good. My skin is reddish brown in my armpit and it's not painful, but it doesn't look real pretty. I, too, have a noticeable rectangle on my chest with some parts darker than others. I can't wait for this to be over with. I'm so tired of being a patient. I guess i'm lucky i'm not having nausea like some of you. I am sorry to hear that a few of you just feel cruddy.

Anonymous

I also have a perfect rectangle.  It's definitely darker under the breast.  Lainey64, I'm guessing that 'the skin broke' means it split or opened or blistered.  Even though I have no pain I can tell that the skin in the fold under my breast can easily be broken.  Last night as I was massaging the area I accidently dragged my nail over it and it hurt.  I think in that particular location the skin may be very fragile. 

It's just about 6:30 and I'm ready for bed already - sigh...  I've decided to not even fool myself that I'm going to exercise until rads are over - only 7 more to go!!!

eadsla

Deb--I hope the swish helps.  One thing I learned is that we need to eat during all of this.  Not being able to swallow...I hope you get some relief for that.  Same goes for everyone with the nausea and dizziness.

Shan--Do you have an iPod?  You do NOT need to be hearing that sort of crap.  Not to denigrate anyone's tooth pain...but seriously.  As someone who has had a crap dental history...get her to a dentist and make her shut up.  Or maybe literally put a sock in her mouth.  Tell her it's good for the pain...not hers, yours!

kjbell-Congrats on the good news!  I'm all for hearing that.

Today was the first day I had my new and later time slot.  Just having the extra hours in bed this morning and being able to take the time to make a breakfast made a big difference.  I hope it lasts.  Tomorrow, I'm going to stop by one of the malls on my way home, since they'll be open and try to do some walking around.  There's also this new multipurpose outdoor mall with fountains and music piped all over the place that is great for pedestrian stolling.  I hate exercising, but I'm hoping now with the later time, I'll have no excuse for not stopping by on the way home and getting in some good walking.

It's really cool to read of so many of you coming to end of txs.  Can you believe it?  I remember when I first heard 33 at 5/week...I knew I'd have to do it, but it seemed a bit daunting.  Funny thing...that time just continuing to pass along.  Today was my 22 of 33.  Just 6 more general txs and then 5 boosts.  So far, the skin has held up...I think that may be a benefit to being an A cup size...but I am still knocking on every piece of wood I can find these days when I think of it.

Just one more day before the weekend break...

Catherine

shan1171

Catherine - I actually hook my headphones directly into my puter......go for pandora.com.  I've got tons of cool stations saved there.  I just hadn't gotten around to it yet.  I ended up going out of my room to see what the H.  I called my dentist and made her an appt, because she acts like she can't do sh#@ for herself.  She usually bullies Mommy into doing it, but she has a hard time hearing over the phone.  I went back in my room and piled back on the bed with Cam.  When we finally got up, my grandmother told me that after all that, my aunt called the dentist back to beg for an earlier appt.  So, why didn't she call in the first place?!

I know I sound like a heartless bi@ch, but she has just given up and refuses to work to get better.  She could be up walking, but shuffles around in that damn chair bumping into my sh@t and running over my toes.  I have to watch Cam like a hawk because of the chair and all her meds.  Ah, I need to hush........but thank you for the sympathetic ear.

I'm glad you are getting extra sleep, every minute is bliss to me.  Walking around the indoor mall would be lovely (air-conditioning...........jealous).  I've been tromping around my steamy little town pushing Cam in his stroller, melting all over myself.  These hot flashes are AWFUL.  I've always been a healthy sweater, but GEEZ.  My neighbors watch me, probably waiting for my sweaty, bald-ass to fall over on the sidewalk in a puddle.  Ha!

I just want to get ME back, get rid of this prematurely menopausal, rock boobed, bald, out of shape, sweaty individual with "The Exorcist" mood swings. (Oh, but I did get my veneers..........at least my teeth look good)!

Night girls........gonna watch "Rachel At The Wedding" on my puter WITH my headphones........ha

BonnieK

Hi,

Today I was at the radiation clinic for such a long time...  First I got zapped and that only took a few minutes. Then it was on to a visit with the nurse who gave me a "recipe" for cheap mouthwash to use several times a day because my throat is red and I just got over Thrush.  She also told me that the rash on my chest is folliculitis -- just what I always wanted!  Then I had a very relaxing chair massage before waiting another half hour to see the doctor, who confirmed that I have folliculitis and should discontinue using Vitamin E oil on that area and use hydrocorticone until the rash clears up.  Apparently the E oil is too heavy for my skin, so I'll use Aloe Vera gel instead. 

It was a long day and I'm wiped out.  Hope everyone gets a good night's rest tonight.

Bonnie

BrandonMom

ONLY TWO MORE TO GO!!!  The end is in sight!!!  I'm running for that finish line!!

Last Friday, I was all tears.  My arm was in so much pain.  I also have an awful cough that no one will own, so my onc's plan is to wait and see if it clears up after rads.  My onc (not rad onc) also says nausea can be caused by the radiation.  I found that Pepcid works really well.  By the way, it is also an antihistamine, so I was hoping that would help with my cough as well.  It didn't but I got a prescription for codeine and can finally sleep at night

I also have the rash on my back.  My onc says it isn't unusual for the beam to go all the way through.  Freaky to think about...

Did I mention I only have 2 more to go???  I can't describe the feeling, but you are going to be so happy when you get here.  I'm glad I didn't get the tattoos, as it will also be a good feeling to take of the tegaderms and watch the x's fade away!

anamary1

Hi everyone, I'll join here since I may not start until the last week of May or later. April 24 was my last chemo, 4 dose dense Taxotere. Before that had 4 dose dense A/C. Before that had a right mod rad mast. on Dec. 23. All goes well except I detest being lopsided!

Ana 

Lainey64

TGIF!  Can you believe it's Friday and another week down!  Yes, yes yes!  We are all getting closer to finish line and I can't wait until we're all celebrating the closing of this chapter!  Welcome Ana.  You'll find that the treatments will go by pretty quickly.  You'll also find lots of information from these ladies because we've all experienced one SE or another! 

Oh, speaking of rashes and stuff, I'm not having any problems on my breast but have noticed several small "goosebump" like thingies on my back, upper arms and lower back.  I was wondering what it was from.  It doesn't itch or anything but my skin is definitely raised a bit.  My arm has been bothering me a lot lately too.  It's my arm on the affected side and I've been worrying about lymphedema lately.  I have an appt with my BS on May 18th for my 6mth follow up and they'll do a lymp test so hopefully it will all check out ok.

Brandonmom:  Woohoo!!  Only 2 to go!

I hope everyone has a fantastic Friday! 

Juli50

Last rad today! Party! Party! (doing the happy dance!)

hugs

susan13

#15 down, 10 more to go. 

Horray for those almost finished! and Juli all done! wohoooooo!

TGIF!  and a very happy Mother's Day to all you wonderful mommy's!

Sue

BonnieK

Happy Friday! 

Congrats, Juli, on being finished with rads!!  I've only done 8 so far and have 20 more to go, but it is going pretty fast.

Ana -- I'm lopsided too, and it sure isn't any fun.  I had my implant placed in early April and was supposed to get a lift on the other side at the same time.  The PS decided not to do the lift because I didn't have enough tissue to support it, so now I will need a small implant on that side if I want both sides to match.

Lainey -- The raised bumps could be the same thing I have -- mine is from using a heavy oil (Vitamin E oil) that reacts with my skin.  The rad onc said this happens a lot in Caucasian women, and recommended Hydrocortisone for a few days until it settles down.  I sure hope you don't have lymphedema, but it's good to get it checked out, just in case.

Have a wonderful weekend, everyone. 

Bonnie

Lainey64

Week 5 done... thank goodness.  Only 3 more to go. 

Julie - congratulations on finishing!!!

I hope everyone enjoys their "rad free" weekend!

bethaib

Wow..had to read a tons of posts...

There are so many of us that are on the downside of the countdown to being done...yeah!!!....it did seem so daunting when we started...but we have almost made it!  Juli and Brandonmom... Congrats!

I will start week 5 next week. My last week with the full breast radiation. I know sometime next week they will do what they need to for the final week of 5 boosts. I heard they get out the sharpie again...damn...I asked that they tell me in advance so I can make sure I bring something to change into, work clothes are too expensive to ruin. So I guess next week I will find out a bit more about how the last week will be. That sounds good...the last week. : )

I am getting so tired. Was hard to get up this morning. But that was probably due to the fact I woke at 2am and couldn't fall back to sleep. Think I finally did sometime around 4.  Met my husband out for dinner last night as I didn't feel up to cooking. I had put a pain patch on my back before I left the house, haven't worn them in a while but the back's been getting worse the past two weeks...when I got to the restaurant I ordered a strawberry daquri (sp?). Saw it on the menu and it sounded good. Haven't had much alcohol this past year due to the drugs I have taken for my back. Anyway, wasn't even halfway done with dinnner and I got this horrible headache. Then my stomach started to hurt, and then I started to feel like I was going to throw up. I told my poor husband I was sorry but I didn't feel good at all and I had to leave and would meet him home (he was finished luckily). I didn't feel well the rest of the night and have felt so so today. I didn't take one of my pain pills last night...and I can't remember if I took one the night before to be honest. So I'm wondering if that's why I woke up last night feeling hot (or maybe it was some pre menopausal thing lol), and why I ended up feeling so bad last night. I didn't think what I was taking now was addictive, been on it for a long time now. So not sure if the reaction was from the alcohol, or what? But it happened pretty fast. Told my husband the drink wasn't even that good lol

Mom's Day is Sunday. Been thinking about a lot of things lately. One of them the fear that my daughter will now one day have to deal with bc too now that her risk has increased. But I also have gotten teary eyed thinking about my kids. Think mom's day will be a little more special this year.

My daughter's boyfriend (her first) just passed his driver's test and she asked if she could ride with him after school today to a party at a friend's house that was a very short drive from school. She is a great kid and is adamant about not drinking (she's almost 17), she hangs with a good crowd of kids that don't drink and watch Disney movies sometimes when they hang lol. I found myself having a conversation with her about all the fears I now have around the driving issue and how now her life is in the hands of others who are inexperienced. I could feel the tears as I thought how I would die if anything happened to her.

I just starting thinking about this next phase of life as she is a senior next year and will be going out into the world and I found myself having a very hard time with that. It will be so hard to let go. My son will start high school next year, so I will have him home for a while at least. That will help, but it is not the same relationship as I have with my daughter. I made him give me a hug today...needed one. And when he left with his dad he gave me one on his own : )

Maybe I'll watch a sad movie and cry tonight...fits the mood...hubby is off having dinner with his boys after driving 2 hrs to meet them to play golf today. So I will probably be by myself for a couple hours yet.

Sorry for the long post...

Hope those of you who are moms or grammas have a special Mother's Day.....

Debbi5108

12 down 18 to go. Juli Congrats!!! And Lainey yes I so Agree TGIF. Rads seem to go fast but, I would love to be able to stay home without anything to do for a week straight but thats only a few weeks away.   I hope all you lovely ladies have a wonderful and Happy Mothers Day!!!

Debbi