SEPTEMBER 2009 RADS

kawee

Amy, I have green sharpie marks with some sort of clear tape over it.  I look like I've been picked up by some sort of space ship and they wrote on my breast.    Anyway,  I wash and aquafor and everything.  The tape (or whatever it is) doesn't irritate my skin.  You don't have those sticky things?   By the way, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

MTG

Amy - If you dont mind being a little pushy (which comes naturally to some of us), try telling them that you're not comfortable using no lotion but that you'd only be using Calendula,  and that, if they give their okay, you'll use it only gingerly on weekends when they can't readily re-mark you. From personal experience (I have sharpie marks instead of tattoos; most are covered with tegaderm but 1 breathes freely), Calendula only FADES sharpie marks vs. Aquaphor which wipes them out. It may be a bit more inconvenient for them but if it's important to you.....

Congratulations to all of you who are at the boost stage; you're coming up to the finish line !

AmyIsStrong

MTG - thanks for the suggestion. I have no problem being assertive (which sounds much nicer than 'pushy').  I use Calendula anyway so that works great. Thanks again for the advice.

WHERE WOULD WE BE without these boards?

On a related note - a neighbor AND a client both called me today - BOTH their sisters just got dx, both in their 40's.  I am going to give them some suggestions and reassurances, among which are "SIGN UP FOR BCO!"  But it sure feels epidemic to me when I am getting these calls. It makes me feel so good to be able to offer help & support to other women, as so many complete strangers have helped me.

caphan

Amy ~ I had my simulation for boosts and my first boost this morning.  The whole thing took about 20-25 minutes.  I have blue sharpie drawn in three places.  No sticky plastic things, just sharpie.  The tech asked me not to wash it off, just pat it over in the shower.  She said if it did come off, it would be okay but it would be easier all around if it didn't.  I think it's easier to line everything up and then zap away.  She didn't mention that I couldn't use any creams on the area.  I see the doc tomorrow and I'll ask her about it.  The area is very sensitive anyway so I use the Biafine cream a few times a day.   I can't imagine not being able to use any creams on it at this point.   Happy Belated Birthday!  What restaraunt in Philly did you go to? 

Today I came home and was so tired.  I slept for 1 and 1/2 hours.  I think I'm just feeling relieved that this chapter will soon be over.  Hope everyone is doing well this week!  Stay strong!

 Chris

MTG

Amy - you're 100% right; assertive is a much, much nicer word. And when I think about it, since we're simply sticking up for ourselves, it is ASSERTIVE not PUSHY.

Also, if anyone wants is a truly gentle wash, look into getting Cetaphil Gentle from your local drug store. It's designed esp so that you dont have to wash it completely off; in fact you can use it without water. I put a little bit on then simply dunk like a tea bag in a bath.

Titan

Betsy..glad the boosts are going well for you!  You deserve it!  I have 4 more regular than 7 boosts..so I'm almost there...Radiation has gone extremely fast! 

I think we can be pushy or assertive or whatever we want to be...!

Titan

Betsy..glad the boosts are going well for you!  You deserve it!  I have 4 more regular than 7 boosts..so I'm almost there...Radiation has gone extremely fast! 

I think we can be pushy or assertive or whatever we want to be...!

BetsyBuzz

Amy - My rads onc suggested I start using lanolin on my nipple for the boosts, in addition to aquaphor. Plus they have to measure and set up each time for me. The first time I had magic marker lines drawn all over me and they told me not of wash them off but they came off before I got home, as they failed to tell me not to use aquaphor. Note....it was a mess and I'm not sure if the stain will ever come out of my shirt...I guess ink and goo don't mix!  Another one of my "no shit Sherlock" moments. Plus, I'm allergic to the plastic tape sticky bandages they tried to use too. I get blisters and red bumps from them...they took a look at my flaming red and swollen breast and we all agreed not to go there. So they truly have to measure everything on me daily and have been totally awesome about it.

I asked the tech today how soon after your last rad you start healing. He said the radiation continues to burn your tissue for a while after the final treatment. He didn't want to give me an exact time but said it can be up to a couple of weeks.  Just one more part of this experience that keeps on giving well after the so called "last tx".

But that last tx is just around the corner for us YIPEE. 

Titan- I tried one of those chemo cartwheels on Sunday. My form sucked but it felt good trying. LOL

Titan

Betsy..whatever it takes!  Cartwheels do feel good don't they..all the blood goes to your head..maybe makes the hair grow..who knows.

I'm a little speckled today...they said it was normal since I'm so far along..11 to go..including 7 boosts...doesn't hurt..told me to give up the bra..so Miss Prude will be going braless pretty soon.

peg119

Had my first boost today.  4 more to go and then done with rads.  Yeah.  I don't think they have a bell to ring at my place but will definitely be celebrating somehow.  On my second bottle of tamox and so far it is going well.  No side effects.

BetsyBuzz

Peg - I have four more to go too! Plus, I'm on my second round of tamox too! At first I had mega hotflashes but they have subsided. I'm not sure I'm going to do a cartwheel at rads...but I too plan to celebrate!

Everyone...have a great day!

suz6446

I itched like crazy towards the end of my radiation.  I've been through with it for almost a month, and I still cannot stand any of my bras!  The band is tight and itchy and I can't stand the cups.  These are the bras I wore all the time before I even had my biopsy!  Have you found anything to help?  What bras work for you?

nas14

As of today, I'm celebrating the last of my 25 reg rads...only 10 boosts to go! Yea!!! Don't know whether or not it's just in my head, but I have been SO tired since yesterday--even with my naps. The rad onc prescribed Silvadene on Mon. when I saw her, because the skin is just now beginning to break down a little more--especially under my breast. I've been surprised that my skin hasn't reacted worse than it has to the rads, because everything breaks me out. Guess my several times a day of using Jeans Cream, Biafine & hydrocortisone has really helped. I was so excited today with finishing the last of the reg rads that you would think I was completely finished. When I finish the boosts, I'll probably be bouncing off the walls. Our cancer center doesn't have a bell to ring, but I sure wish it did!

aris

HI everyone,

I am on week 3 of rads - I think I had #15 today. I am doing fine for the most part. My skin is doing well, and I'm a bit tired, but really nothing as compared to the tired I felt with chemo. I think this is different because my morning walk is getting much easier on rads than it was on chemo, but I'm still sleepy. Nothing a bit of caffiene hasn't been able to help with!

I'm just tired of the drive, tired of everyone talking about cancer to me and just tired. I need a break and think I'll take one after rads are done, but for now, I'm just trucking through all of this! I have some hair growth on my head, but still have 2 bald spots on the top. I'm hoping for a bit more coverage soon.

I'm excited for those of you who are close to or at your boosts. You must be able to see the end, right?

Take care everyone

Pam

BetsyBuzz

Suz...so far all the bras I bought for rads are no longer working. Anything touching my chest bugs me...but I didn't anticipate I'd be in the same boat one month out from rads. Arrgh! 

Titan..before this I rarely ever went bra-less...and certainly NEVER out in public. Work clothes have been easier since our weather turned a little cooler. I can now wear a vest or light jacket over my cotton t-shirts. The most comfortable things I have are my yoga tops but they are not very dressy so I'm wearing loose blouses over them.

Pam - I hear you and second the "being tired of everything cancer related" especially those daily trips. We are close to the end and I can feel the excitement in the air.

Question - Has anyone's arm pit turned sort of black and blue? It's sort of gross but doesn't hurt. Also, I can already see the outline of the boosts on my tissue. Inside the circle it is a deeper shade of red. I'm hoping the regular rad areas are turning tan. A lovely thought but I think it's wishful thinking.

MTG

Betsy - I asked my technicians today about the boosts. Apparently , the radiation is shallower (also a different form - one is protons and one neutrons), so it will effect the surface more which explains the color difference.

Aris -  I hereby 3rd the tired of cancer crap. I feel like my right breast has become an independent entity, almost a very demanding, cholicy, disagreebale infant - feed it by moisturizing, change it by wearing comfortable clothes and frequently switching into less sticky tees, take it to the doctor, coddle it and focus many, many conversations on it.  Real infants are cute; there's nothing cute about this. Aargh !

ccbaby

I will have my last regular rad tromorrow, #25, and then I will get my sim for the boosts. I will get my first of five boosts on Friday. I can't wait for this phase to be over with.  I met with my radiologist today and he said that my skin is looking good, actually more than good, his words. I thought my skin was looking awful. The middle of my chest is very pink and has a few blisters, my arm pit looks almost black, but my breast area is just a light pink. He said if I didn't look pink, then the rads aren't doing the job.

elimar86861

MTG, I just finished writing another metaphor about B/C on another thread, AND I JUST LOVE YOURS about your naughty infant. 

Titan

Ten more to go for me..7 of them boosts..I have just started to get a little pink.  Glad to hear, Christy, that pink means the rads are working...I haven't had any pink until basically this week and it still isn't bad.. I was hoping that it wasn't that bad because I certainly don't want to have to stop them.  The Rad onc. said that everything is fine and that pinkness is to be expected and to really moisturize with the Aquafor...which I'm doing!

Ok..most of us are nearing the end of our rads..everyone is getting close to it...We need to plan the next step..we have all become close..but now it is time to MOVE ON...Where will we go next.?  Stay here and report weekly on how everyone is doing..we don't want to lose touch...we have all been through this together but we need to move on too. 

kawee

Mtg - Very funny stuff!!! 

Titan - I was thinking about that, too.  So glad to be done, but so sorry to lose touch. 

lollys

Well 10 more for me too--5 of which will be boosts--skin is very red and itchy--they said it looked ok but today she said it is really red and hopefully over the weekend will calm down--she really stressed using the cold ( not frozen) compresses--wet wash  clothes and put them in refrig in a plastic bag --then put them on for several minutes--they warm up pretty quickly-- wants me to do this several times a day--like i sit around all day with wash clothes on my boob--- but I do try to do it when I can in the evening--

we must keep in touch--i am going to try to post some pics. as I never have yet--it is nice to put a face to the names!!! hopeeveryone is ok--stay strong -Laura 

Anonymous

I started a bit behind most of you - today was #14 and I the radiation area is pink and itchy in areas.  I am using the prescribed cream - but the nurse told me that I am pinker than most at this stage of the game.  Such an overachiever.

I am using radiagel - and cortisone where it itches.  Hoping that after tomorrow having 2 days off will give my skin a rest.

The radiagel is supposed to be like aquaphor but without petroleum.  Should I use the aquaphor as well??

Thanks

Titan

Laura..haven't heard about the cold packs..but what a great idea!  Since we are all going through chemo/meno pause now due to chemo it will probably feel good...We had our windows open last night..it got down to 39 degrees here and I was still HOT...lovely....

9 more rads for me...7 boosts..they are going to measure me for boosts tomorrow...

Aprilgril11...congrats to being an overachiever!  got to keep the rad oncs. on their toes...Everyone is different but I have only used Aquaphor and have only experienced a little pinkness.  It seems to work...but then I haven't tried anything else..just doing what they tell me to do.

BetsyBuzz

Hi all... had my last meeting with my rads onc today. I guess the black armpit equals skin breakdown. Thankfully it doesn't hurt, just looks nasty. He said I would be feeling the effects of rads for at least two more weeks. 

Laura...is that your hair or a wig?

Kawee...Happy Friday and last treatment to you. You're first to the finish line on this thread. Congrats!!!

Titan - I broke down and bought some facial hair remover pads today. For so long I wished and hoped for hair...now it's everywhere but where I want it to be. I guess you have to be careful for what you wish for?  I feel like Chewie..from Star Wars! God...will these awful se's ever end?

lollys

Betsy that is my wig--it was taken Sept 2-- maybe i will get brave and figure out how to post a pic of me now--I only have abut 1/4 in of hair on my head--like you I seem to have a lot of facial fuzz--very light but what is that all about--is it supposed to go away??? Let me know how those pads work--

Congrats Kawee--carry on!!! 

another week almost done!!but who is counting(all of us!!!)

MTG

Kawee - HIP, HIP, HORRAYYYYYYYY !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

caphan

Hooray Kawee!  One more rad tx to go and then I'm done also.  Can't wait.

 Betsy~ the skin under my arm looks dirty.  Some of the skin has peeled and it does look gross.  Mine was red/purple for a while before it turned this horrible brownish color.  Doc said it's normal; to keep putting aquaphor on it. 

Hope everyone has a good weekend.  We're going to visit my son at college for parents' weekend.  Feels good to do something "normal" for a change.  Stay strong!

ccbaby

Congrats to Kawee and Caphan!!!  What a great feeling to be done!!

BetsyBuzz

Caphan - are you done today or Monday? If it's Monday...that's my finish date too! My skin also has a brownish cast to the color, not pretty....but this too shall pass.

I have to figure out what to do for my rads team..they have been SO nice. I asked about a bell yesterday and the women at the front desk looked at me like I was crazy. After I explained it and she said she would bring it up to the powers to be because she thought it was a wonderful idea. 

Happy Friday everyone.

peg119

Congrats on being done.  I will be done on Wednesday.  None today since I am at a conference.  Can't wait to be done and getting closer to life being back to normal.