After Radiation

Sherryc

I'l join ((((((((((((HUGS & PRAYERS))))))))))))))))))))))))

crog234

Count me in too....  (Hugs)!!!!!!!

Cindy

msjag

Without a doubt, I'm in ((((((((((((((((((((((((((HUGS))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))

MariannaLaFrance

I also felt adrift after rads, mainly because I was used to caring for my "condition", after the rough shock of finding out about my DCIS.  I really used the period during and after my rads to "zen out", going to yoga daily, riding my bike, eating well, reading and trying to keep stress levels down. It was an enlightening time in my life, as I think I reprioritized a lot of things.

SharonMH

Count me in   (((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((HUGS))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))       SharonH

Maybe484

I love you, cyber sisters.  It's difficult to articulate to those not in this situation how much your support means to me.  Truly.

GmaFoley, I have been taking photos--for a potential lawsuit (j/k)--and, I see no discernable improvement so far.  My photos are of the kind that pop up on the internet when you google "severe radiation burn."  The kind that scare you and make you want to close the website pronto. 

DebRox, I researched rads quite extensively but thought that they were necessary for me, given the weird location of my tumor---I do not want it to return to my armpit or arm.  I do NOT think I'm the norm, so don't let my extreme situation scare you.  But, on the other hand, you should know that rad damage can be serious and does occur.  The NY Times did a disturbing piece about radiation, ca. late Jan. 2010, I think it was.

grannydukes, you're absolutely right that docs don't tell you about this.  My last day of WBR, I was handed an information handout that said the effects would increase over the week after.  No kidding.

Sherryc and DebRox, I'd already decided to call my RO's office tomorrow a.m. to ask for a referral to a wound clinic.  This is a serious burn, and it's my dominant arm, and almost impossible to avoid skin-on-skin or skin-on-clothing contact or irritation in this heat.  It's just not where healing is very easy.

This is the worst I've felt during my entire bc "journey."  Thank you so much for your support--it means the world to me.  The virtual group hug is much appreciated, as I wouldn't be able to do a real hug right now.  Back atcha.

jo1955

Maybe - I hope you get some answers real soon and some much needed treatment for the burns. Don't you just want to slap the shit out of some of the doctors?  Especially the ones who don't listen? 

Maybe484

Yes indeed, jo1955.  My RO is great--but her resident, who always sees me first (teaching hospital) has openly yawned everytime I've been talking about my SEs.  I mean, he doesn't politely cover his mouth with his hand or anything.  He'll make a great RO one day.

jo1955

Maybe - You need to ask the resident if you are boring him or keeping him awake or both?  That is totally rude and really instills confidence in him - NOT!

duckyb1

Hugs, hugs, hugs , Maybe....................I just read where my BC sister rode a bike after Rads....................good heavens.........................I'm done rads, but if I tried riding a bike I'd probably fall asleep during the ride................fall off the friggin bike...................run over myself...................and have to spend the rest of the day trying to clean the "tire marks" off my face........................

Hey.........................I rode the merry-go-round on the boardwalk down the shoe this weekend................does that count...................

DebRox

Maybe:  Do you have a link to that NY Times article on radiation?  I am meeting with the RO next Monday.  I want to be forearmed.  Thanks.

Also please be sure to ask about HBOT.  Not many doctors know about it.  If you are going to a Wound Specialist they should know. 

Maybe484

I've thought that I'll tell my RO (his professor) that she needs to teach him an extra lesson on compassion.  She's great--looks right into your eyes, is very genuine and sincere, even holds your hand when the situation is appropriate.  Sometimes, apparently, lessons by example aren't enough.  Sometimes, apparently, doctors never learn those lessons.  I've also  thought that those planning on going into breast oncology ought  to be required to read on this board.

Maybe484

Here's a link to the article.  Be forewarned: pretty scary stuff here.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/27/us/27radiation.html  

FireKracker

Maybe-----WOW-I not only read the articles but watched the videos...This is not only scary it is beyond words....and once again I am furious. How dare those white coats who think that they are GOD do these horrific things to us vulerable cancer patients. I sure hope you take some drastic steps in your case...We are right behind you on this one....Damit i could scream.......and if you noticed it was these BIG hospitals from NY.who in my opinion are soooo over rated.I wish you the best along with pain free days forever.huggggggs and God bless K

jo1955

I read the article and so glad I was sitting down.  That is some pretty scary shit.  Just to think we are the ones subjected to this and we don't even know harm is being done until the damage is done and it is too late.  Makes you not want to do that again - I think I would just take my chances and skip rads if I am ever in that position again.

FireKracker

JO- you know i did not want to do rads but i did it because my family was besides themselves.I waited sooo long that there was no statistics that it would even work but i still did them....Im with you on the fact if i ever had to do it over again i really dont think i would.That would be a very hard call for me as I am NOT do any of the ALs.Dangerous shit no matter how you look at it....damned if you do and damned if you dont....We are real guenia (sp) pigs in this bc journey...oh how I do hate you BC.YOU SUK!!!!!!

jo1955

Granny - I do have to agree with you.  We are damned if we do and damned if we don't.  It is difficult to really make good decisions when you are in a total state of shock and venturing into new territory.  I had no idea of that the stuff I have learned on here and once I did find out about stuff it was way too late.  I hate BC too.

FireKracker

ya know i have to laugh at myself every once in a while...when i started this thread all i was worried about was the parabins!!!!!!. how niave could i have been?????

Sherryc

Marianna I was like you in that I used my time getting my exercise program in gear with yoga and walking.  Also with researching and changing my diet for the better and lost weight while I was at hit.  I can say I feel better now than I have in years.

Sherryc

Maybe-wow with that article.   I was not given a choice regarding treatment.  If I had know that I could have had a MX and no radiation I would have taken that option over the radiation.  My FIL had rectal cancer 18 years ago and underwent radiation.  It distroyed his intestinal tract and he ended up with a colonostomy bag after that.  So I have always been leary of radiation.  But when you think you have not choice and it is you only option of treatment you take it.  Boy have I learned about cancer treatment and will never just take a treatment without asking lots more quesitons.  I am with Jo I will never do radiation again unless I truly believe it is my only hope.

Maybe484

Imagine how I felt reading the article after getting severe rad burn.  I was trying to figure out the best way to self-treat my burn, and when I found and read the article yesterday, I had to take a xanax, but all my RO gave me was a baby prescription.  I truly hesitated to post the article, because I want to be supportive of everyone who's going through or gone through rads and I do not want to scare anyone unnecessarily.  But knowledge is power.

walley

grannydukes....... I'm  in sometimes a hug is all you need:)

ToriGirl

We need at least 3 hugs a day...so let's just hug each other all the time...HUGS ROCK!  Group hug again anyone??  {{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{HUG}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}

Thanks... 

Jwatrlily

Tori, I do, I do.  Huge hugs to everyone.  Will be back later to get in the conversation however, I'm not watching any videos that scare the crap out of me.  I had a mini meltdown at noon today and just cried.  Been done with chemo since 2/8 and rads since 4/15 but today I had to cry!  Haven't done that in such a long time.  Hate the uncertainty of BC.  Hate it!!!!

Hugs,

Juanita

FireKracker

Torigirl----did you read that article?????scared the crap out of me.i tossed and turned all nite prayin for Maybe and all of us to never have to go throu rads again...

And thank you Maybe for posting it.Knowledge is power.

Another group huggggggggggggg....sure keep it goin..we need all we can get.

God bless all of us fighting this giant monster.WE WILL WIN THIS BATTLE.NED FOREVER!!!!!!!!!K

FireKracker

((((((((((((((((((((((((((((JUANITA))))))))))))))))))))))))) huggggggggggggggggs

jo1955

Count me in for that group hug ((((((((((HUG))))))))))

Sherryc

I love group hugs ((((((((((((((((((((((((HUGS))))))))))))))))))

GmaFoley

Count me in to ((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((HUGS)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))). 

Today I broke down so bad I really thought I was going to loose it... and I didn't even read the article...not in the right state of mind today... 

I still am praying for you Maybe... it is so horrible what we all are going through...

jo1955

GMA - Here is a special hug for you my friend