February 2011 Rads

libraylil

Laura53  I work in an elementary school and will be getting my rads at the end of the day.  I worked throughout chemo, but that was just what I needed to do to remain sane.

Blindsided thanks for the positives.  Going for simulation today.  For me it can't equal chemo fatigue.  (My RO is so cute I call it the "stimulation". ) I will also feel more in control with the rads killing any C that might be left.  Funny when I am not being treated now it feels weird.

libraylil

Adey

"Stimulation"!  Hah!

Number 15 today...

Elisimo

Laura53 - Number 15 for me also today.  I am a little tired, but a short nap really helps.  Most of my fatigue is due to very low blood cell counts.  I am due to get a transfusion on Friday, I think.  So far there has been no blistering or burning and the Miaderm cream is working wonders at keeping my skin clear and smooth.  I cost $28.00US for a 4 oz. tube but it is well worth the cost.  I got 2 tubes and if you call they may try to talk you into 3, but I have not even used 1/2 of each tube so far so 2 tubes will be plenty for you.  I also use Emu Oil and Calendula cream, gel and lotion in between the Miaderm.  Miaderm 2x a day and then Calendula and emu oil the other 2 - 3x a day.  Hope this infor helps you decide what is the best thing for you to do.  What grade and subject do you teach?

Joy and blessings, Amy Jo 

Elisimo

Adey - we are 1/2 way done after today! Yeah for us! 

Jwatrlily

All was well with the suspected lymphedema.  My RO said he was not radiating up under the arm, just as far up as the incision for the sentinel node biopsy.  He said at this time he can not diagnose lymphedema.  He asked me a lot of questions about what my use and movement of the arm had been prior to breast cancer and since, etc.  He said with just 2 nodes removed and being negative in a sentinel node biopsy, that it would be very strange/unlikely for me to get lymphedema although nothing is impossible.  He did say though that just having breast surgery itself can cause it in some women.  Today will be number 7 radiation for me.  No skin issues but the breast is hurting a little but it has done that off and on since my Aug. surgery, seems to be from internally, and some times I get scared that there is another tumor in there but my mammogram on Feb. 3 was all clear.  The Dr. told me pain from breast surgery can last for months so I guess I need to not be so scared all the time.

Fatigue hit big time over the weekend.  Still having slight issues with neuropathy of the hands/fingers from the chemo that I will be one month since last treatment tomorrow, and toenail issues.  I have my check up tomorrow with my Oncologist and he ordered the tumor marker test CA 27-29 and will have the results.  I'm nervous as I've read there are a lot of false/positives with the CA 27-29 test.

It is overcast here today but the birds are singing.  We lost an elderly lady from my church over the weekend.  Ruth was a lovely person, aged 83.  She died suddenly at home, very unexpected.  9 years ago she had breast cancer and had a lumpectomy with radiation and took tamoxifen for 5 years, and has been fine since.  Her death was not due to her breast cancer.

I have radiation today and my sister in law is taking me.  I enjoy spending the time with her since we got things worked out between us, she has been super suppportive.

I am a little frustrated and wonder what some of you girls would do.  All through chemotherapy, ( remember, it's only a month since my last treatment now) I stayed in, not going anywhere in the public, being so very careful to not pick up anything.  I stayed away from church and anywhere or anyone that I had heard there was sickness.  I even stayed away from my beloved 3 year old grand daughter when she had a cold or a fever.  My sister takes me on Tuesday to radiation and her 1 year old grand daughter has had a fever for 3 days today (why her Mother doesn't take her to the Dr. I don't know!) and she said she is taking Meg with us tomorrow for my radiation!  I told her my husband can take me since Meg is sick and she insists that Meg "isn't sick that she just has a fever!"  I don't want to be around this baby.  Am I being unreasonable and over protective of myself or does it make good sense to NOT be around this baby with a fever?  I don't want anything to get me sick and interfere with this radiation schedule.  I can't help if I accidently or unknowingly am around someone sick but if I know it like in this case, I feel I need to take care of myself and do what is right for me.  What do you girls think?  Another thing that irks me is if my sister takes Meg, she will be exposing all the other people there getting radiation to whatever is going on with her grand daughter.  I feel that is being careless!!  One lady that gets radiation before me isn't doing well with treatments and has to be helped by the tech, back to the waiting room daily anyway.  They have to hang on to her.  It is so NOT a place to take a sick baby!  I don't need this stress.

Hugs,

Juanita

Eloise

Juanita, I don't know how contagious the baby is at this stage, but I think your sister should respect your wishes.  It might not be the best place for the baby either, when she's already sick and could pick up a secondary infection from someone.  I had to go to the emergency room on Presidents Day (totally unrelated to this, my cat bit me!), which was, of course, full of sniffling, sneezing, coughing kids, and a few days later I got a very bad cold, which I'm still sick with. Maybe I would have still been just as sick if I hadn't gone to the ER, or if I wasn't getting rads. But it hasn't helped my recovery. One week since my last radiation, and I have the energy level of a slug. 

My skin, however, is looking great, better than it did since day one of rads.  The part under the arm, which ten days ago was so red and blistered it hurt me to move my arm, is a very pale tan. The breast is still a little pink, but the pink of a moderate sunburn.  So keep lubing the boob, everyone!  This too shall pass! 

BTW I found with the Miaderm tubes that there was a lot of cream left in the tube after it appeared to be empty. I cut the tube open with the kitchen shears and got another day's worth out of it.  

kallimom

Made it in for my treatment this morning. We got about 20" of snow...cars and trucks stuck all over the place. I did call ahead and the rad. center was open...so we headed out and stuck to the main roads. Even stopped for groceries on the way home...store was so empty compared to what it usually is. Hubby is out trying to clear the driveway of a neighbor who is returning from FL today...hope they are ready for the shock !

Do any of you have your treatment with a Bolus? It is kind of like a silicone sheet that even out the skin and tissue so they have more depth control? I was reading about it and the info said it is probably a sure thing that you will have skin issues. I have been putting on my cream and so far so good...but heading into #10.....so hoping my skin doesn't get to bad.

Also, where do you buy Calendula lotion? Looked in a Natural Food section in the store today, but I didn't spot any and the pharmacist person didn't seem to know what it was.

I would tell your sister how you feel about the little one with a fever....I to try to stay away from crowds..especially through the chemo. I teach at the college level, and really tried to stay away from the students as much as I could...still caught a few things but didn't get to sick. My onc. was right on top of anything with the antibiotics right there.

GirlFriday

Jwatrlily: I had this same issue with my bonus grandson.  He's 20 months.  The weekend before I went in for surgery we watched him.  I was very clear in saying to her (multiple times) I can't watch him if he's been sick, is sick, or is coming from a sick household.  And what happened he had the flew so I spent my new year's eve cleaning up puke.  She didn't even apologize, and didn't look surprised that he was sick.  A fever is being sick!  I would say do what makes you comfortable.  If you don't want to ride with a sick baby, tell her!  It's your health. Not hers.  I no longer trust my former DIL.  I haen't seen my boy for months.  And as much as that sucks, I'm not willing to delay my treatments due to an illness I contract because she's an inconsiderate Fidiot. 

heathermcd

Ladies- I have 5 treatments left, but I'm not sure that I'm going to make it. The skin under my arm is peeling off, sore, red and black. My skin smells dead. I can barely wear clothes its so painful and I haven't been able to sleep. Called my RO this morning and they want me to come in early for treatment. It sounds like they might want to stop treatment. Does anyone have any experience with this? Has anyone used a lidocaine cream to help with the pain? I'm really hoping there is something out there that can push me through these last 5 days! Its not the burn the hurts, but the open skin. Any advice would be wonderful!

Elisimo

Juanita,

Tell your sister that you really appreciate all her help in taking you to your treatments but since radiation reduces blood cell counts and compromises the immune system of those undergoing treatment the doctors and nurses will not allow anyone with a fever especially a child around other patients.  Call your rad tech team and alert them and maybe they can call your sister and tell her not to bring the child.  It is not just your health that is in question, but all the patients that will be there that day.  Or at least they can intercept her at the door and tell her to wait in the car.  If your treatment facility is like mine there will also be chemo patients there in the waiting areas.

Hope this helps and do call your medical team and let them know what is going on and what your concerns are.  They can be a huge help if they know what is going on. 

Elisimo

Kallimom - I found the Calendula cream, gel and lotion all at Harris Teeter.  It is made by Boiron, you might want to check out at your local pharmacy and ask them if they can order it for you.

GirlFriday

amyjo49: That was sage advice.  Very adult, very appropriate and considerate.  I'm so glad you have patience and the gift of communication.  I'm edgy, have no patience at all lately, and no diplomacy at all!  Maybe someday I'll be able to ground myself enough to communicate your way!

heathermcd:  That sound heinous!  Are they giving you the right rads amount?  It sounds so painful! Almost like there was oil on your skin before treatment!  I haven't heard of anything like this on these boards, but I'll ask my wonderful rads nurse tomorrow!  I can't imagine your skin has any chance to heal with the constant assault via rads...and the fact that it's black and smelly sounds almost like there is infection too.  I would think you're just missing the boosts to the tumor bed...can they delay a week and then juice you again?  Wishing you some speedy cellular recovery! 

kallimom

Heather, I feel for you....seems like your 'team' should have something for you. While looking for Aloe today there was one with lidocaine.

We don't have a Harris Teeter around here, so will have to ask another pharmacist how to get that lotion. Today was a tough people day...so many people did not go to work because of all the snow. So will check another day when the people who know, are working.

Sherryc

heather my last week of rads was hell.  My entire nipple/areola was raw like hamburger meat. I took pain pills 24/7 and the RO gave me a lidocaine ointment.  I had to use the ointment to numb me so I could use my creams.  Also even the water from my shower hurt so I had to use it before I showered. I went topless at home ( could not stand anything on my skin).  My RO gave me the option to stop and heal a few days and then finish but I decided to just use the pain pills and lidocaine ointment and get finished.  My skin did not turn black or smell and when I blistered they dried pretty quickly (which was good) but the raw skin just plain hurts. My boost included my nipple/areola so there was no relief from that.  I am 6 wks post rads and now all healed up except my areola is one complete puffy looking scar.  My husband says it does not look too bad but it looks different than my other breast. I hope you can find some relief. Once it is over you will heal quickly.

BrilandGirl

Happy to report I'm done with 31 out of 33 sessions--only 2 more boosts left. Rad graduation is Wednesday. No skin breakdown at all so far--just a square tan. Basis unscented bar soap, Lily of Desert aloe gelly and Boiron calendula cream with dusting of corn starch have worked well for me. Didn't wear bra most of the time--any pressure on skin was painful. Also took time to air out the breast in evenings.

Elisimo

kallimom - If you do not have a Harris Teeter check at a GNC store, Walgreens, CVS, Trader Joe's, or other big chain grocery store that has a pharmacy section.  You might want to call around before driving to all these places.  With the price of gas these days I find I am phoning more that going out looking for things I need. You did not say where you live so you can also go online at  http://www.boironusa.com/products/calendula-cream.php to find where to buy in your area.

Heather - so sorry to hear about your skin. I have been using Miaderm, Emu oil, and Calendula cream, gel and lotion on my skin and it has really helped.  The Miaderm and the Emu oil I had to order online and only use the emu oil after my treatment.  It soaks into the skin so fast and does not leave any oily residue on the skin.  Several other ladies have use the emu oil and gotten great results. I use the Miaderm in the mornings after my shower and at bedtime.  The rest of the time I use the Calendula at least 2x a day.  Keep us updated on how you are doing and what you RO has to say about your skin.  Oh, by the way there have been others that have had the black skin and although it is very pinful it will eventually heal.  It will just take a little longer than just red skin.  I will try to get the names of some of those ladies and you can PM them. 

Adey

I just bought emu oil at Fruitful Yield if you have them in your area.

Laura53

Blindsided:  Thank you for your response...I hope your first day back to work was good as could be!!

  Take care,

Laura 

Laura53

Blindsided:  Thank you for your response...I hope your first day back to work was good as could be!!

  Take care,

Laura 

Jwatrlily

Thanks everyone for your positive responses and helping me to feel I'm not being a witch about all this.  It is my gut instinct to not be around Meg while she is feverish but my sister just doesn't get it and thinks I'm being overprotective of myself.  But then again she is the same sister who when my daughter was 3 weeks old brought 2 of her kids to Christmas with strep throat.....around a new baby!!  Only I got wind of it ahead of time and we stayed home that day.  She has always brought her sick kids to things and I've stayed home with mine to keep them from getting what her kids had.  She always accused me of being stupid and over protective of my kids and thought it was stupid for me to stay home.

I've got to call her in a few minutes and get this straightened out.  It's my health and I'm standing my ground with her.  Besides I asked my RO nurse today and she said "NO" I should not be around anyone, toddler or adult that has a fever.  She said my immune system is still compromised from the chemo a month ago, and with getting rads that is not safe for me. 

Rads tx number 7 went good today.  I have number 8 tomorrow morning, see my RO Dr. and then see my Oncologist tomorrow afternoon.

Have a great evening everyone.

Juanita 

kallimom

We made it to my treatment this morning, despite 20" of snow....Our street hadn't seen the plow since last night, but at least we could get out of the drive. Roads weren't to bad but there was a State of Emergency in place...but since we were headed to the hospital, we were ok. Treatment was ok...only one tech there this morning, but a lot of people cancelled. Hoping tomorrow I can call around for that calendula cream...and it is ok to use that Emu oil? Thought oil was a no, no. Hope everyone had a good day.

Blindsided

Laura53: Thanks Laura!  My first day back to work ( after 6 months) went well, in many ways it was as if I had never left!  I did not get the dumb questions I was expecting ( ie "did you have fun on your time off? or, "are you cured now?), although one male co-worker made a point of saying he liked my new "hairdo"- not sure if that was his attempt at a bad joke, or just stupidity on his part- consideriung the souce it could have been either!

Elisimo

kallimom - Yes it is okay to use the emu oil, just do not use it before your treatment.  Use it after you have finished that day's treatment.  You need to be sure it has plenty of time to be absorbed into the skin before any treatments.  Even the Miaderm and Calendula should be used far enought ahead of treatment times to allow for at least 2 hours for the cream to be absorbed into the skin.  Emu oil would need about 4-6 hours just to be safe.

Blindsided - take the male co-worker's comment about your new "hairdo" as a compliment and forget anything else.  He may have been trying to ease an awkward moment for himself without being too unkind.  Sometimes guys just do not know what to say and for some reason they cannot just keep their traps shut. ;-)  Glad you had a good day back at work.

Heather - your RO should know what to do about your skin and it may be that you will need a break to let your skin heal some before continuing with more radiation treatments.  Take care and let us know how you are doing.

Hope everyone has a restful evening, Amy Jo 

beacher4209

heather,you should ask for a break,i had a blister and open sore took 5 days off and went back and it is going ok now,2 left i pray its stays ok ,but please really try a break. i have an expander if i remember i think you do too? good luck oh yeah the only thing that worked for my pain was percocet.

lestwin

I too, have open bleeding sores, and yesterday was my last regular tx.  The doctor almost cancelled my treatments for a week, I start boosts today, but I wanted to finish with this.  He warned me it would get worse but I am not in pain, just sore.  I can't use many medicines or such, as I am allergic to so much stuff, even paper tape, so I am using an anti-biotic cream my dermatologist perscribed from when I had my last melanoma surgery.  I think I am doing great considering I am also struggling with leukemia (the meds wear me out) but I can do this!

kaymartian

When you say you use Calendula cream, lotion and gel does this mean you use all three forms?  If not, what is the prefered type?

GirlFriday

Heathermcd:  I asked my rads nurse today if she had ever seen anyone with black skin through treatment, and in 5 years she's never seen it.  Obviously, that doesn't mean that doesn't exist, and I know much of our cures are worse than our cancer, but I really hope you get what you need from your docs.  There are horror stories all over the web about poor treatments for breast cancer, and I'm not saying that's what you are experiencing, but I hope your pursue your docs to get the treatment and the care you need.  Don't let if fall by the wayside.  Now is not the time to be passive.  I'm hoping they help you through this last 5 appointments and you heal super quick! 

heathermcd

Hey everyone, updates on my skin..... they gave me oxycodone and some Zinc ointment for dealing with the open skin. It still hasn't done much in the way of pain, but I guess its better than nothing. I have 3 treatments left after this morning. Thank god i'm almost done since the slightest touch makes me cringe. When they put the Bolus on I swear I want to jump up and run! My skin looks like raw meat under my arm, and it feels like someone took a filet knife to me!

Girl Friday - The skin thing is hard to explain...I almost want to post a picture (if I knew how) just to get opinions. My RO said yesterday that it was normal for this to happen and that in her past experience it is also very painful. My skin is basically raw under my arm and the skin around the raw area has turned a dark grey color (which I call black or ease of typing). I think it is just dead skin, but honestly i'm not sure why it has turned dark. No one seems to be very concerned about the color of it and i've heard other women talk about this happening so I've just assumed it was common.

 Hope everyone else is doing well! We are well on our way!! 

Elisimo

kaymartain - Yes I use all 3 forms of the Calendula, The gel feels really cooling when you are putting it on. The cream is soothing and is great when you need to massage the area.  The lotion is great when you are tender and do not want to rub the cream in.  The lotion you can just goop on with a light tough and then put on a cotton t-shirt or tank top to keep it from getting on your other clothes.  All 3 are great for healing and soothing the skin and it is budget friendly too.  If you can aford the Miaderm, $28.00 for 4 oz tube, it is well worth the price since it is made specifically for skin that is undergoing radiation treatment.   

GirlFriday

Heathermcd: I'm so happy to hear that you are able to move forward. If I could I would take the last three hits for you!  You have been in my thoughts pretty consistently.  So that little tingle in the meatloaf skin is me forcing the skin to grow strong and healthy! Here's to the fastest week of your life!  Friday is on it's way!