February 2011 Rads

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  • Elisimo
    Elisimo Member Posts: 1,601
    edited April 2011

    Just stopping by to see how you girls are doing.  Hope everyone that still has boosts to go do well.  Remember you can PM me anytime with any problem or question.  Please remember do not peel the skin off.  Let it wasy off on its own or you may have a nasty painful mess to deal with.  So, please resist the urge to "help" the process along.  Enjoy your days of rest and hope you are all having nice weather today.  Amy Jo

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  • sjames59
    sjames59 Member Posts: 22
    edited April 2011
    Thankful for the weekend, as well as for a week of boosts completed. It definitely gave the rest of the breast a much needed break. Two more tx to go!
     

    Having named the machines "Hurt" & "Burnie", I decided to go with the Sesame Street theme and get a few little thank you gifts for the staff when I go for my last tx on Tues. For the techs, I'm giving them all some markers, since they seem to like to draw so much (on me)... and some "Math with Bert & Ernie" activity books from the dollar store. There was a SS book there, too, called The Fix-It-Shop so I'll put a label over "The" that says the RO's name, and change some of the story to fit a rads clinic. There were some rubber ducky bubbles that I picked up for the receptionists, and some bags of life-saver (not SS) candy for the nurses. Amazing that the trip to the dollar store REALLY took it out of me on Friday, wow!


    Amy Jo, thanks for the heads-up on more fatigue to come. I've been trying to guess how I'll do with upcoming meetings at work and guess I'll come up with a plan b just in case.

    Oh, and there's a fundraiser at work perfectly timed for another part of the thank you... Krispy Kreme doughnuts. I'm definitely the KRISPY one these days, and using lots of KREME, so I'm getting a dozen to take to the clinic too :-)

    Sharon
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  • Elisimo
    Elisimo Member Posts: 1,601
    edited April 2011

    Sharon - you crack me up girls. Sending {{{{{{HUGS}}}}}} and prayer your way as you finish your boosts and manage your work schedule.

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  • ToriGirl
    ToriGirl Member Posts: 1,188
    edited April 2011

    5 boosts left to go....Next Monday will be the last...still red, peeling and itchy like crazy!

    I've had one cat nap since starting rads....but have noticed that I'm just going to bed earlier than usual....

    Was out of town this past weekend, so this girl is T I R E D....will probably try to get to bed even earlier tonight and relax and treat myself well....

    Glad to hear everyone finishing up and doing so well...Can't wait to be there...

    xoxo

    Tori 

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  • Elisimo
    Elisimo Member Posts: 1,601
    edited April 2011

    Tori - I use Benadryl for the itchy areas and extra Miaderm cream.  You do need to get as much rest as you can.  I have not done much except sleep since I finished my rads.  I may actually wake up one of these days. ;-)  {{{{{{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}}}}} and you will be done soon.  Amy Jo

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  • GirlFriday
    GirlFriday Member Posts: 461
    edited April 2011

    ToriGirl: My RO recommended layering the creams...hydrocortisone first, and then following with Aquaphor.  I've been using Aloe and Baby Aveeno on a rotation all along, but at 27/33 (8 boosts) my skin has reached a break down point.  I bought the Aquaphor this am, and although it's a greasy mess, I'm pleased with how soothing it is.  I wear out about 730...I just drag and find myself doing really silly things. 

    AmyJo:  Totally get the emotional aspect of this process now.  I cried at the movie "Up" the other day.  And I mean sobbed!  I wish I could sleep...I just spin out every night, but I feel like I want to sleep for two weeks. 

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  • Elisimo
    Elisimo Member Posts: 1,601
    edited April 2011

    GirlFriday - Tell your onco about the sleep issue. There are several things that may help.  For me it took a mild anti-anxiety med to help me over the worst part.  I am fine now and back to falling asleep as soon as my head hits the pillow and not waking up until 5:30 or 6:00 in the AM, which is my normal wake up time.  

    I still seem to cry at the drop of a hat.  My daughters have told their children not to worry about Grammie when she cries, because she is just really emotional right now and just thinking about how much she loves them and misses them makes her cry.  The 5 grandchildren range in age from 3 - 11 with a new one due this July.

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  • ToriGirl
    ToriGirl Member Posts: 1,188
    edited April 2011

    Ladies...

    4 more boosts to go...but something came up and I"m worried...there is a small rash that has appeared on my back....on the left side of my spine...was itching like crazy last night so I took out my back scratcher and itched it real good...but noticed the rash this morning as I was getting cleaned up...

    It has continually started to get worse and painful...like pain under the skin...

    Could this be shingles?????  I don't think I take much more ladies...  :(

    Can it wait until I go in for my treatment tomorrow or go somewhere else right now?

    Thanks...

    Tori 

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  • sjames59
    sjames59 Member Posts: 22
    edited April 2011
    Tori - yikes, that doesn't sound good - I don't have any info on shingles, but maybe it would be good to get it looked at? I hope it clears up for you soon.

    I finished my final boost tx today, and came away with a pink balloon and a certificate of completion. I stopped at a friend's and we released the balloon into the sky, thankful for the completion of this step of an unwanted journey. BTW I don't like pink and thus will never be a good BC poster child. The staff liked the Krispy Kreme doughnuts, and the fun little gifts.

    I'm also thankful that during the boosts the rest of the breast has had a chance to get better... still red but not as bright as the boost area, and really itchy. I tried the hydrocortisone cream but switched to oral benadryl and that has helped. The other weird boost SE (at least I think it is since it's just been since they started) has been really vivid and active dreams at night - I wake up pretty tired from them!

    take care all, time for bed!

    Sharon


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  • cmbear
    cmbear Member Posts: 1,086
    edited April 2011

    Sharon,congrats on finishing your last tx!!! I love the "KrispyKreme" idea, can I steal it??  Too funny!! Don't blame you for the anti-pink thoughts. I avoid pink shirts when I go shopping, now more than ever. Figure I have enough t-shirts from Pink-to-ber to make up for it.

    And crying, don't get me started!! I cry at commercials for the movie UP!!!! I cry in the car, I cry in the shower. I figure we are all allowed every once and awhile, just I try not to share my pity party with only a select few of my closest friends and family. 

    Tori, get that rash checked out! Could be an allergic reaction to something too. I'm crossing my fingers that its not shingles!

    Hope y'all have sweet dreams! I'm off to cream up before bed!! 

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  • GirlFriday
    GirlFriday Member Posts: 461
    edited April 2011

    Tori:  I'm hoping it's a simple as dry skin...you figure we're taxing our bodies to the limit, and you really don't have time for shingles, so it's just going to be dry skin!

    amyjo:  I'm trying to avoid the pills...I have other issues with a uterine fibroid and a complex ovarian cyst, and I have to wait until 4.22 to get another US...I'm not good at waiting!  I know the sleep is totally psych related, and I'm just trying to manage it.  If I can't sleep after 4.22 I'm going to go for a script!  You have the best age range for grandchildren!  No teenagers yet!  Give them big squeezes and an occasional pinch just to keep them on their toes! 

    cmblasitc:  Aren't you glad it's not Hallmark movie season? I'd be a wreck!

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  • Elisimo
    Elisimo Member Posts: 1,601
    edited April 2011

    Tori - I agree with the others, get that rash checked out asap. 

    GirlFriday - Try taking some extra Vitamin E that may help with the sleep, I may take a couple of days to start working.  Sometime that works and sometime not, but it is worth a try.

    Claire - Just let the tear flow for awhile, they will ease up one of these day, I hope.;-)

    Sharon - congratulations on finishing. Now take time to rest and heal. 

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  • duckyb1
    duckyb1 Member Posts: 13,369
    edited April 2011

    Tori.............I would get that rash checked out as quickly as you can...........I was told I would need radiation (33), and was advised (plus I worked for a pharmaceutical co.) for 15 years, so I am very familiar with Shingles, since our company was one of the 1st with a shingles prescription medicine) to get what is now out.

    When discussing radiation I was advised to get the vaccine (new) for Shingles......It is called Zostavax......during rads, and chemo your immune system is compromised, so if you had chicken pox as a child it lays dormint, and returns years later as Shingles which is adult chicken pox.............I did get it last week...........No SE, but it is not cheap..............I have Aetna Insurance, and the co-pay was $85.00, and they paid the rest..............Without insurance it can cost as much as $200.00 +.....................Well worth the money though if you are  a senior.................Not sure if they give it to younger women.........

    However Tori, if you are the right age for the vaccine,but what you have is Shingles they will not give it to you...........I hope this is not what it is...........I know several people who had it, and if you don't catch it early it can become serious..............GO TO A DR. NOW.  Hugs.

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  • Teklya
    Teklya Member Posts: 435
    edited April 2011

    Having just finished shingles, I can tell you that it is no picnic.  It was horribly painful, kind of like a burning pain.  The rash is very red and there are little blisters filled with pus which will dry out and fall off eventually but for now, get to a DR and get some meds ASAP. 

    sending you a great big (though gentle) hug!

    Teklya

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  • kallimom
    kallimom Member Posts: 54
    edited April 2011

    ONE to go !!! Tomorrow is the last treatment ! Can hardly believe it. Also having my port removed in the morning...so it looks like this nightmare, I mean journey is almost over. I am really tired and under my arm is bright red  and sore but not broken or blistered, so thinking kudo's to Emu Oil and Rio Vista Hoof Cream !! Hoping it continues to hold up and just heal. The advice from all of you has been a God send. This week has all been boosts on the former tumor area...and so far so good...they said they would look at my underarm area again tomorrow....sure hurts and am using an underarm pillow to keep it from rubbing together.

    Love the idea of Krispy Cremes....might have to steal that idea as well. The nurses have been very nice...the Dr. I don't know....he isn't very talkative, but as long as he knows his business. I too have funny feelings on the skin on my back...just kind of itchy not a rash. Hope your rash is not Shingles. Do any of you feel tingling when you are getting your treatment?

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  • Elisimo
    Elisimo Member Posts: 1,601
    edited April 2011

    kallimom - Yeah almost over!!!  Tomorrow we celebrate with you.  Be extra sure to keep using your creams and the Emu oil.  The area will continue to burn from the inside out for a couple of days and that is when you are most apt to get blisters.  Take care my friend and allow for plenty of time to rest and get naps in the weeks ahead.  The fatigue will hit fast and hard for a while.  PM me if you need and encouragement or questions answered.

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  • 3teacher
    3teacher Member Posts: 42
    edited April 2011

    kallimom: Congrats on getting your port out!!! yippee  Mine drives me nuts, but have to keep it in for Herceptin until December. Then I can join your party!

    Keep slathering it on!

    sjames59/Sharon: Love reading Psalm 31 on yours. FAITH!!

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  • kallimom
    kallimom Member Posts: 54
    edited April 2011

    I will be slathering !!! Thanks for the advice Amy Jo...I will keep drinking and slathering !!! I have said this all week, but tomorrow seems far away and very surreal....it should be the end of treatments, hopefully forever....

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  • ToriGirl
    ToriGirl Member Posts: 1,188
    edited April 2011

    Yeppers....it is shingles.....YUCK!! Started on meds so I'm hoping to get some relief soon...



    I have 2 boosts to go....still doing some peeling and burning so that on top of the other yuckiness is kinda bringing me down right now a little bit....



    I'm extra tired today, so looking forward to getting some rest tonight....



    Thanks for all your good thoughts and suggestions....



    Peace and prayers,



    Tori

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  • Elisimo
    Elisimo Member Posts: 1,601
    edited April 2011

    Tori - hang in there you are almost done.  Hopefully the meds for the shingles will help with the pain and yuck.  {{{{{{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}}}}}

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  • duckyb1
    duckyb1 Member Posts: 13,369
    edited April 2011

    Tori, so sorry that it was shingles..........hopefully you got the meds in time.......Like cancer wasn't enough, right..................is there any mercy anywhere...........hugs and prayers

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  • cmbear
    cmbear Member Posts: 1,086
    edited April 2011

    Tori, I am so sorry to hear about the Shingles. What a crappy thing to happen. Use your meds faithfully and find extra special time to relax and take your mind off of what you're going through. Stress can do a number on you right now. Think of being on a nice quiet beach, under a cabana of course, being served a beautiful fruity island beverage by some hunky cabana boy. The sound of the waves gently rolling in, steel drums playing in the background. . . 

    I'd be there in heartbeat if I could!!!

    Kallimom, seems like we have been on this journey forever. Today is my last day too. Chemo, surgery, rads--and still standing!! We should be proud!! And relieved to be on to the next step of recovery. . . I am jealous of getting the port out, I have no eta on mine getting out. Sometime soon I hope. . . Good luck on that procedure!!
     
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  • kallimom
    kallimom Member Posts: 54
    edited April 2011

    Tori, So sorry to hear it was Shingles....I hear they are so painful....just isn't fair with all the radiation fun happening at the same time. So hope the meds help.

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  • kallimom
    kallimom Member Posts: 54
    edited April 2011

    Well, I am done....seems so strange....had tears of joy this morning. Taking the port out was really easy, I liked this surgeon much better than the one that put it in....he was a total jerk. I was surprised it was a big as it was, and mine was a mini port. Today's Dr. said he would have put it in a different spot and it would have been more comfortable. Will remember his name is I find anyone needing one.

    My skin is really sore and red...but not quite as sore as yesterday...have been using my underarm pillow to cut down on the friction, as it seems to be helping...they told me it would be 2-4 weeks before it all heals and the tiredness begins to go away....that is what Amy Jo said at well...so will keep slathering and hope it heals quickly.

    I told the nurses about Hurt and Burnie and the Krispy creme...they got quite a chuckle this morning. I actually saw one of the rad. nurses in the cafe and she said to come on down when we were finished our coffee, so I did....we were all finished by 8:45...so nice we didn't have to wait around 10:45....

    Hope you all have a wonderful weekend.  Smile

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  • Elisimo
    Elisimo Member Posts: 1,601
    edited April 2011

    Wow, it looks like everyone that started rads in Feb 2011 either has finished or will be finished in a day or so.  Congratulations Ladies.  Another milestone completed so now we are all on to the next step of our journeys.  We can all still come back here and check on each other and how we are doing.

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  • kallimom
    kallimom Member Posts: 54
    edited April 2011

    We went to Red Lobster to celebrate....hubby and I....we both made it ! My youngest son has been right there with me through it all...he is in grad school at Syracuse University and has just to much work to do to come home this weekend...but he called and said he feels like a big load has been lifted off his shoulders....he has been wonderful. So guess we will celebrate when he can come home...or we will have a big party for his grad and my successes....yep, made it through....so hard to believe...will need time to really realize the treatments are over.

    Hoping you that are still doing radiation keep the faith, it does end....just keep slathering !

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  • ToriGirl
    ToriGirl Member Posts: 1,188
    edited April 2011

    Meds are kicking in and I'm having some relief already...thanks for the well wishes...one last boost left for Monday...seems kind of surreal...but will be glad to put it behind me and move forward.

    Everyone have a great weekend!

    Tori 

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  • kallimom
    kallimom Member Posts: 54
    edited April 2011

    Glad to hear the meds are helping...and super glad to hear Monday is your last day....hope everyone has a good weekend. The weather here in upstate NY is beautiful today, sunny and warm, at least by NY standards...only wearing a sweatshirt. Wore just a hat with my really short hair to the store a little while ago...first time I have gone out without the wig....can't say I like hats but now with a little hair they should be ok for awhile when I am not wearing my wig.

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  • Jwatrlily
    Jwatrlily Member Posts: 211
    edited April 2011

    Tori, I'm so sorry about the shingles.  Hoping you have an easier go of it then it sounds.  kallimom and all others who have just finished, CONGRATS!!  You made it!!!  Hi everyone else.

    I have 5 more boosts then I am done.  This Friday the 15th is my last treatment!  On Sunday the 17th our kids are having a 40th Anniversary Open House for us at our church.  I bought new clothes and shoes for Hubby and me.  I am so looking forward to it but not sure what I will do with my hair but probably will spike it.  It is about normal length (I always wore it short) on the sides and back but in front, the bangs area, it looks like a man's as it is so short.

    As for how I'm doing, the nickel size blister is healing and peeling.  No more blisters but some areas of suspicion and I am burned so bad.  Sore, hurting, pain in the breast off and on, other odd sensations, up in the night for lotion so it will cool the burn down, and just generally feeling miserable.  You should see my frown in the mirror when I put the lotion on.  It's Academy Award worthy!!  But, I can do this, I WILL DO THIS.  I'm Triple Negative so I am determined to get all the treatments I can and got through every single chemo treatment so I am doing this too!!!

    Have a great week everyone,

    Juanita

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  • ToriGirl
    ToriGirl Member Posts: 1,188
    edited April 2011

    Ladies...

    I"M DONE!  Just getting back from my last treatment!

    It was bittersweet...a few tears, but such a relief to have it be over and done....As silly as it sounds I feel relieved and empowered...ready to move forward on to better, happier, healthier days...

    Shingles are healing...still sore, but getting better...

    Peeling and itchy all over the place, but now, it's just about giving it time to heal....

    I am going to see my dad this weekend...so ready for a little bit of R & R and to not think about anything but having a little fun....

    Praying for you all...amazed at all of you and your strength and well wishes for everyone...

    Happy Day!

    Tori

    DE COLORES! 

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