JUNE 2011 RADS

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  • Melanie_Ann
    Melanie_Ann Member Posts: 414
    edited July 2011

    19/33 down! I have 14 more to go! So far my skin is holding up pretty well. I pray it stays that way. Have a great weekend everyone!

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  • LovesChristmas-Barb
    LovesChristmas-Barb Member Posts: 706
    edited July 2011

    That's great Melanie Ann! Over halfway. I'm at 14/31 and I'm holding up pretty well too. I hope you and everyone else has a wonderful weekend!

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

    Yeaaaaaaaaaaaaaa ladies..................your doing great....................remember i said I did good too.............there is always hope..........................have a great weekend without Rads.............hugs

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  • Beetlebum
    Beetlebum Member Posts: 73
    edited July 2011

    I had 24/33 today.  I have 4 regs and 5 boosts to go.  The techs marked me up today for the boosts to begin a week from this Monday.  Yea!!!!!

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  • karebear76
    karebear76 Member Posts: 288
    edited July 2011

    I had #27 today. 1 more regular and 5 boosts to go!!!! My techs haven't done anything for the boosts as of yet. hmmmmm. so different for a treatment that is mostly the same throughout!

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  • pejkug3
    pejkug3 Member Posts: 902
    edited July 2011

    All you ladies that are getting close to the finishline...how are the SE?  Just trying to see what's up ahead of me.

    13/33 completed...

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  • EmilyInOntario
    EmilyInOntario Member Posts: 626
    edited July 2011

    Day 24 of 33 for me. I have one more regular and 8 boosts. My skin is fairly dark pink and getting tender but haven't used any cream since the start ( was told not to) until tonight. They told me I could use glaxal base if it really started bothering me. I was told I could also use a cool but not cold wet cloth on the areas to relieve any discomfort. The skin where I will be getting the boosts is not as pink and the doctor felt I should tolerate the boosts okay. Was also told to keep the areas covered when in the sun ie clavicle area, armpit and any exposed chest and not to use sunscreen because of the chemicals in it .

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  • suebak
    suebak Member Posts: 199
    edited July 2011

    Duckyb1-You are such a wonderful coach and cheerleader combined. When I read you words of encouragement, I just know I can do this. Every day, I think to myself, I can not let them burn me anymore.  When I feel like I want to scream, I come on here and there you are.  THANK YOU. The only way for me to be confortable is to be topless, and believe me, no one wants to look at this burned, ugly boob.  I am almost done, 8 boosts left.  This cancer better not come back, I will be one pissed off, crazy woman.

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  • cbharvest
    cbharvest Member Posts: 11
    edited July 2011

    Hi Gang,

    I just started my radiation last week. Three down, 16 regulars, plus five boosts, and I'm done. I have to admit that it is a relief to see that other people are freaked out by the treatments. I know it is helping, but it made me cry and hyperventilate the first day. I'm afraid that if I breath, I'll get zapped in the wrong place. Yesterday, I took two Advil before going in to see if that helped, and I asked them to turn off the country music blasting in the backround. Then I practiced creative visualization of a fond memory and refused to let my mind wander to the machine. It was definitely better. I also take my own sweat shirt to wear while waiting instead of a hospital gown. It makes me feel better, not sick. I haven't been told about skin stuff yet, but I'm so glad to have this forum to just come back to and not feel so alone. Thanks for being there and good luck to us all! Fight like girls!

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  • suebak
    suebak Member Posts: 199
    edited July 2011

    cbharvest-Breathe, you will be OK.  I was also freaked out in the beginning. The first week of rads, I would dream, at night, I was lying on the rad table, machine went on, and my boob blew up. I can laugh about it now. I only have 8 left and I must say it was not as bad as I had expected.  Yes, I am burnt and just this week starting feeling tired and emotional. RO said that is very normal. Don't blame you for asking them to turn the country music off, who wants to listen to that while being treated for cancer.  I am a country music buff, but, right now I don't want to hear "Live like you are dying" (lol) Hang in there.  You have lots of support right here.

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

    cbharvest.....................listen to Sue............she is almost there, and she has done well..........tell yourself every night before going to bed.......I can do this, I can do this...........there are horror stories on here, and then there are the stories of ladies who have had minor problems.........Let yourself get angry................remember we are fighting cancer........and cancer doesn't play by the rules.................so neither should we............Stay strong, and I know that is easy to say, and a lot harder to do...........have your weak moments, but when its over, come back fighting as if your life depended on it.............cause it does...................When I first began this journey back in Feb 2011, I told myself...........I have cancer........it does not have me..................now after surgery, Rads, medicine, and God...............I can say I HAD CANCER IT DID NOT HAVE ME..................Fight on girlfriend, you can do this ..........hugs.

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

    Sue...........I found my 8 boosts to be easier then the whole  breast treatment.............the machine gets really close to you, but don't let that "freak" you out............actually when they did mine, the machine actually touched my boob in one spot......................honestly, when they did them if the machine was not touching me, I thought "ok did they line me up right today"...........my wheels never stopped turning as I laid there....................I can't believe it has been a months since I finished.

    thanks for your kind words too, Sue..............I believe I made it through this because of the support I had......my family was wonderful......I never felt so much love, and remembering back to when my husband died 20 years ago from cancer, it was difficult for my children, but they got me through ..........I never went to 1 Dr. visit, or 1 Rads treatment without at least 1 or more of my children being there with me, and yet I was only 10 minutes from the cancer Center and was able to drive myself.......................then there was the loving support I got on this website........they make you hopeful, they make you laugh, and they even help you decide what to have for dinner...........when your done Sue, you too will encourage some "newbie" to believe they can do whatever it takes to fight this "beast" we have to fight................you just did with cbharvest................hugs.

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  • cbharvest
    cbharvest Member Posts: 11
    edited July 2011

    Thanks so much! You're right that these forums are full of wonderful, brave women facing a challenge together. I'm going to beat this fear and this Cancer. I love the "I had Cancer. It didn't have me." That's great. I'll keep coming back as I marshall along. Thank you. Thank you.

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

    cbharvest..............you go girl...............welcome aboard the ship of brave and inspiring women.............as ONE.............we win............hugs

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  • Elizabeth1889
    Elizabeth1889 Member Posts: 1,036
    edited July 2011

    Hi cbharvest,

    I can relate to how you are feeling.  I started my rad treatments on Monday and for the first four days, I managed to hold myself together after treatments only until to I got to my car where I cried before going home.  At least yesterday I managed to complete my treatment and get home without tears so it is getting a little better slowly but surely.  My RO is a jerk so I talked to my primary care doctor yesterday.  Simply being heard helped so much so thank you to everyone here to listens so kindly. 

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  • judith67
    judith67 Member Posts: 3
    edited July 2011

    Hi Ladies...........a positive note for you all.  I am 67, had a large tumor taken from my small breast, the blue dye didn't work and they took 27 clean lymph nodes. I started a 5 day, twice a day radiation treatment on June 24.  The tech was great, they played old time rock and roll during the treatment and a month later my scars are healing, a little red still, my skin is soft thanks to vitamin E oil and cream, still wish my nerves would  have feeling again, my nipple is red like a littlle cherry, but other than that, I am not tired, eating healthy, slender and my friends are amazed that I look beautiful.  Yes, it still hurts, is sometimes very uncomfortable and a good nights sleep would be welcome.  I am not afraid, just grateful and going through the process.Comments welcome!!!!!!

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  • GmaFoley
    GmaFoley Member Posts: 7,091
    edited July 2011

    CBHarvest: i third what Suebak and Ducky said... I asked the tech if I cry is it going to hit the wrong spot - he smiled at me and said - no, they plan for breathing but don't sneeze or cough... and then we both laughed...  I found for me the position my arms were in triggered some past bad memories when I was a teen and anxiety was very bad... The RO gave me some xanax to take before treatment and the nurse would walk me down and encourage me during the breaks when the machine was repositioning... I did get through it and by the third week, I didn't need an escort any more... AND no xanax... The first two weeks, I would say it is normal to freak out and cry...once you get used to what you are doing it gets better.... OH and as far as country music - I made them shut it off and had them change to Christian music and blare that - I concentrated on the words of the songs and felt lots better...

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  • crog234
    crog234 Member Posts: 801
    edited July 2011

    Having a hard time today.  This morning all I wanted to do was cry.  I have 4 radiation sessions left you would think I would be happy.  Course I am dealing with more that just radiation right now.  When i was doing chemo I got a blood clot and ended up in the hospital for 2 weeks and then rehab for 2 weeks.  I still am having trouble with my right foot.  I can walk a little with a cane.  It just seems overwelming to me right at the moment.  Thanks for a place to vent...

    Cindy

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  • suebak
    suebak Member Posts: 199
    edited July 2011

    Cindy-Hang in there.  I too, am very emotional right now and end is near for me.  RO told me it is normal to feel this way right now.  I cried hysterically on Wed when I saw him.  Told him I was really not crazy, although, it may look that way. He laughed and handed me a box of tissues. He said if this didn't happen often, we wouldn't have this box of tissues here. Having other health issues, as well as fighting cancer really sucks.  I have degenerative dics desease, back pain all the time, sometimes can't stand straight. Now, I think to myself, what is more a pain in the ass, the back pain or the uncomfortably boob.  I still haven't decided.  We will be OK. Finding each other on this site is the best thing that could have happen to us all. I think not knowing what is going to happen after we complete our treatments is scary and we are almost there.

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  • crog234
    crog234 Member Posts: 801
    edited July 2011

    Thanks Sue...  I know I will get through this but sometimes it just doesn't seem like it...  I also have degenerative disk... Last night I tossed and turned because of my back aching.  Finally took a pain pill and went to sleep after a half hour or so...   

     Cindy

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

    Crog234.....................there is an end to all this................and its the end that brings out all the emotion...............I think my emotion was caused more because I had such wonderful people taking care of me they became like family.............also it was the thought of "what next".........while doing Rads you almost feel like your "winning" the fight...............when that is over you think............."ok, what is the cancer doing now", is it gone away.............did they get all those little cells.................when your engrossed in fighting it, somehow it seems your in charge..........but once you stop you wonder...............ok who is in charge now........................well I kept my sanity by saying once I was done Rads.

    I HAD CANCER IT DID NOT HAVE ME....................you have to believe that.............

    Now if I can only talk myself into the Femara that I was suppose to take a month ago and haven't..............worried about the SE's....quality of life means more to me, especially at 76.............I want to "Live till I Die."...............not just exist.....................Do I play Russian roulette with the time I have left, and hope there is no bullet in the first chamber..................................God help us all.......Undecided

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  • suebak
    suebak Member Posts: 199
    edited July 2011

    Cindy-I know all too well about back pain.  Have a plate in my neck and now the dics in my lower back are going. My grandson's first birthday party was yesterday. We have so many babies in our family. I had a baby in my arms for 8 hours straight.  Last night, pain was horrible.  I can not take a pain pill at night, they keep me awake. Therefore, I just toss and turn until I pass out. I am not growing old gracefully (lol)

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  • crog234
    crog234 Member Posts: 801
    edited July 2011

    Ducky  Thanks for your words.  Especially "I had cancer it did not have me".   I am suppose to start my estrogen pill in 2 weeks after I finish rads.  I am nervous about taking it too but I was very estrogen + so I don't dare not take it.  I am 57 and hope to be around to see my grandchildren grow up.

    Sue thanks again  I have a granddaughter who turned 1 the end of April and one that just turned 3 on July 2.  They are what keep me going.  Can they do anything for your disks?  Aches and pains are no fun that's for sure. 

    Take care,

    Cindy

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

    Sue.....................I had kyphoplasty done at Delaware County Hospitl.......I fractured my vertabrae............the surgeery worked out great...........................I have a bad back too, they say arthritis...who knows..................but anyway...................I did accupuncture, and it absolutely is amazing................does not hurt................takes about 1 hour..........and the hour is pure heaven with the hot stone massage, and the pampering.....................I go to a woman in the Drexeline Shopping Center, in the same strip of stores with Anthony's............not sure if you know where that is.................if you would like to know more........let me know................she is fantastic, and the relief is amazing, and it DOES NOT HURT.....................I swear....................

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  • Maybe484
    Maybe484 Member Posts: 170
    edited July 2011

    I had no idea I'd be so emotional during this part of my treatment--it totally caught me unaware. 

    Thinking of you all!  3 weeks down, 2 more to go for me.

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  • vivirasselena
    vivirasselena Member Posts: 278
    edited July 2011

    GO ON STAGE 1!    You finished...(sound of me patting you on the back)  I broke out in some kind of crappy rash all over my chest... red and ITCHY....seeing the RO in the morning.  Anyone else had this kind of reaction?  I also had it during chemo.  Maybe it's chemo remnants.....

    michele

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  • crog234
    crog234 Member Posts: 801
    edited July 2011

    Hi everyone.  3 more boosts to go.....  I am feeling better today (at least so far).  They tell me that my skin looks good for as many treatments as I have had.  I am red but not peeling (not yet anyway) and hope it stays that way. 

    Have a good day...

    Cindy

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  • pejkug3
    pejkug3 Member Posts: 902
    edited July 2011

    So are boosts harder or easier on a body than the WBR?  I've read both ways...

    14/28 WBR complete + 5 boosts on the end.  :)

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  • mamadog53
    mamadog53 Member Posts: 61
    edited July 2011

    I'm done!  Finished!  33/33.  My skin held up pretty well during the whole ordeal, just a bit of redness near the supraclavicular and pink on the rest.  I drove myself to and from treatment every day.  I won't miss spending 3 hours a day in my car in Houston traffic.  The only bad part of today was that my husband couldn't be there when I rang the bell today.  His boss called a meeting and he couldn't get away.  I despise his boss more now than ever before.  So now I'm packing for a long awaited vacation in Maine.  I'm waiting to start the Arimidex until I get back.  I just want a week of not thinking about breast cancer and treatment and side effects.  Good luck to everyone.  Hang in there!

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  • Beetlebum
    Beetlebum Member Posts: 73
    edited July 2011

    Yea for you Lynn.  I'm so glad you're done with that.  Enjoy your vacation.  I have 9 more rads to go (5 boosts).  I have not taken the Arimidex yet.  I just can't make myself start it. 

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