Winter RADS 2012 Club...Please come join the fun!

Shachar

Well I start back in with rads tomorrow for 10 more plus boosts. My skin healed amazingly fast on my 6 day break to where today there was no pain and just itching. AND another recurrence spot has disappeared so one shriveled ant left. AND the skin peeled over my mastectomy scar....the scar has nearly disappeared. Hoping the rest will fly by with silvadine. Time for groundhog day again. Hugs to all!

sonson

Shachar- Good luck going back in to rads!  I have to say though that is amazing that it only took six days for your skin to heal!  Hopefully the rest of your treatment will fly by as well.

Today was #25 for me...only 8 more to go!  Next Tuesday they will start the boosts.  Hopefully my skin in other places will begin to heal as they target where the actual lump was at.  Too bad the actual lump was practically in my armpit...which is my worst area so far.  What doesn't kill us and all that crap!  Hope everyone is having a great day.

Shachar

Thank you, Sonson, and you will be amazed how quickly your skin heals up before boosts. It is nice they give you a break before boosts. I just assumed they went straight to them.

cowpower

Shachar and Sonson, glad you are healing up a bit. Its downhill to the finish now. I am completely healed now, if that gives you any encouragement. Its just the scar area that looks a bit red, and it has peeled the scar away- looks better than before. I do see a few more pieces of that darn stitch material just under the skin , however. I just cant wait to have the surgeon yank them out. (Imagine eyes crossed here)



Fgm, Hang in there, you will get yourself back. I am feeling more myself every day now. I feel like the big hurdle was getting over chemo, rads is much quicker.

cider8

Last whole treatment today. 5 boosts starts tomorrow. Yay! My supraclavicular area looks worse than my breast. It's a couple shades more red than my breast and the skin feels dry. My breast skin does not feel dry, interestingly enough. No peeling or sores anywhere. So now I can get some healing started! I hope the boost area does ok.



I'm so excited to be almost finished!

5LuvBugs

Yesterday was my last chemo and today I went to "Preparing for Radiation" meeting.  It went well and I have an appt for Jan 24, will find out more and possible get a CAT scan and tattoos - maybe even a schedule...OK girls I'll be officially joining you by the 1st week of Feb, until then I'll keep gaining from your knowledge & experience..

Thanks Tricia

Loneskier

I have 9 left.  I had 3 xrays today so they could map the boosts.  I hated having my arms raised above my head that long.  I have been lucky and my appts have been at the same time every day except on Friday's when I ask for an early afternoon appt because I get out of work early.

The Dr says I look very good.  I am red and a little itchy and sore but I am still wearing the Jockey  bra with no issue.  They are very soft.  I got a couple at Kohls for $12 each.

Loving

Sons on - I couldn't agree more!!! Soon, we will be done. Home stretch!!

cypher

Sonson, Loving, I agree!!! 

cider8, I had my first boost tomorrow but I think we are done the same day, the 23rd.  SO we're at five four three two DONE!!!!!

PatinMN

I had #7 today, 26 more to go.  So far no ill effects; just a tiny bit of pinkness on the left boob.  I need to go shopping for a couple of looser bras and/or camisoles this weekend, because I'm sure the discomfort is coming. 

As I posted on another board, I usually have questions about something or other, and the techs suggested that I meet with the dosimitrist (sp?), which is the person who actually sets up the plan.  It was very interesting and if you have the opportunity you should go for it.  She showed me my CT scans, and how they set everything up to avoid radiation to the heart and lungs as much as possible while getting to all the breast tissue.  There is a separate plan for the boosts.  It's all computerized and very high tech and I sure couldn't pass a test on it, but it reassured me that they really know what they're doing and have lots of checks and balances.  The plan created by the dosimitrist is reviewed by the RO, and after she approves, it goes to the physics department for more review and approval.  Who knew they even had a physics department?  The dosimitrist told me she really loves her job - she was so enthusiastic and happy to have a patient take an interest.

Madelyn

Hey Girls..

So inspiring to read such great stories.  I am 26/28 today.  I finish on Friday.  I used Miaderm/aquaphor, but mostly found aloe gel in the refrigerator to work really well.  Hugs to all.

Jazzygirl

Dear rad sisters:

Struggling through this week with energy up and down. I wonder if it is related to the internal rad, the recent travel, a stressful environment in my client site, or all of the above? Feeling very wiped out today and needed a nap but had an afternoon apt that I had to do after work, which just made for a too long day.

I am going to bed shortly and hope tomorrow is better. I seem to feel good then not so good every other day. Hoping tomorrow is my good day but manage client expectations better and get more rest. I see my local doc on friday for a follow up since the first brachytherapy treatment and see what goes on there. The areas where the catheters were are healing nicely!

Lifeonitsside

Cider8 - I'm there, too. Four more boosts and I'm done! Can't wait.

allurbaddayswillend

Unless the machine breaks down or something (please don't let it!), today is my last rad treatment! WOO! I woke up at 5AM and couldn't go back to sleep. I told myself it wasn't the excitement but I think it might be the excitement.

cowpower

Allurbaddayswillend, just checked alll the machines and tightened a few bolts, you are good to go, lol. Wait til you are walking out of there today- I think I floated out a bit my last day, and I am a hefty girl! Enjoy your triumph.

sonson

allurbaddays- It's definitely the excitement!  I'd be the same way if I were you.  I won't say congratulations yet since you may not have had it done yet.  I don't want to jinx it, but I'm sure everything will go just fine! 

cider8- My clavicle area is super red too and it's hard to cover that area up unless you wear turtle necks.  It's suppose to get cold again here starting today so maybe I'll start wearing them.  I've had a few people ask about that area in concern...not knowing that I'm going through radiation.

There are so many of us just about to finish up!  It's such a good feeling!

allurbaddayswillend

Also, dare I get a tiara to wear today?

and... is it considered good social form to give a gift to the rad techs? and if so, what?

Shachar

Awesome, allurbaddays! I am so happy for you! Yes, Tiara, tutu, bells, and whistles!

16/25 done! Then boosts, but not counting them yet. 9 to go!! Stay tough, skin. It feels good to be making progress again today. Everybody seems to be finishing up lately. I so cannot wait! Hugs and bleasings to all today.

elimar86861

allurbaddays,  Good question about the gifting to the rad techs/nurses. 

I see stuff there all the time.  Last time, I took some mini-muffins, but I am just not in the mood to take in any baked good of questional nutritional value this time.  Wouldn't mind taking something in, but I also would welcome some suggestions (not the usual baked goods.)

Lifeonitsside

Allurbaddayswillend - Yay! I'm right behind you with only four left. My clavicle is trashed, blistered and red and painful. But almost done!

cowpower

Elimar, I made a whole tray of cokies for my nurses/techs at Christmas, including some whole wheat pretzel twists I had dipped in dark chocolate just to use up the chocolate. The pretzels were a bigger hit than the cookies and candy. Go Figure. Sure was easy!



You guys are all hanging tough- fried skin and all. I'm proud of all of us for sticking through this. Its not as bad as chemo, but it sure isnt nothing!



Allurbaddays, just ironing your red ermine cape and polishing the tiara!

allurbaddayswillend

elimar, I decided on a basket of clementines and apples, it's not spectaculat but... I'm with you on taking questionable foods. I try to avoid common allergens when giving gifts anymore just because of my own experience and perspective.

Shachar

I am taking in donuts in the morning since I have an 8:30 appointment. Totally unhealthy but sure they will like it. I worked in the medical field for years and we were notorious for loving junk food.

I have a rash in the underboob area now and a single blister in the crease. Grrrr!!! I just want to get through this. Hydrocortisone cream just makes it burn so that is out. Nurse said no silvadine unless it is open, so just using aloe.

The good news is that the last two recurrence dots are gone. Where they used to be almost looks like a chicken pox scar. Adios!!!! Woot woot! Praise God!

allurbaddayswillend

Can you see my avatar? I found a tiara appropriate to the occasion at party america.

Shachar, yay for those results!!!! congratulations you for sticking with it! I'm sure they'll love the donuts too.

cider8

Nice tiara!

SwgeeWi

Congratulations Allurbaddays! I love the tiara and think you should wear it for a week! ((Hugs))

Loving

Congrats on finishing!!! 3 to go and I will join you. There was a newbie this week...she looked petrified on her first day. I'm sure I looked the same if not worse my first day and it felt good to tell her that it really isn't all that bad.

sonson

allurbaddays- Congratulations on being done!  Love the tiara...it's perfect.  How's your skin holding up?  Were there any problems?

Everyone around my time slot has already finished and they haven't filled the slots yet so when I get to my appointment I'm not even undressed and they are already telling me that I can come on back.  I like that I can get in and out so fast, but I miss not having anyone to talk to as I wait.    Oh well, six more to go and I will be done.  I also hate that my last day is on a Monday.  I have to wait all weekend long for my last day.  It will be the one time I wish they were open on the weekend just to get it over with!

Loving/Lifeonitsside- Not much longer!

Shachar- Hope the rash, the blister, all of it clears up soon so you can get on with it and get it done!  And, Yum, donuts!

Shachar

Allurgooddays, love the tiara! You go, girl! And Loving, so close!!! Sonson, you are also so close! I swear they have hidden cameras in the waiting room because as soon as I walk in the people from the lead room come out and get me, lol.

They were thrilled with donuts! Also left a dozen by the coffee for my fellow rads buddies. I tried to con one of the guys yesterday into getting his left breast radiated for me if I did my prostate for him (heehee!) But he didn't bite.

17/25 down. I cant count boosts yet because they havent determined how many. Besides, I want to keep my mental numbers low.

Well, turns out I was getting the control aloe, as if that was a shock. So NOW I am exclusively using the good stuff. Ladies, they should wrap this in gold. It is getting rid of my red even while resuming treatments, drying up my rash, keeping other skin from peeling. Wish I would have just used this from day 1, seriously. I do not like the way it feels. It is a thick gel that takes five minutes to dry and then feels like a facial mask all day long. Takes awhile to wash off as well but supremely soothing and protective. In 2 days has turned my lobster red to tan except for tje rashy underboob and it has really dried that up. Last night's blister is gone. I may sail through the rest! If it can take hamburger and heal it during treatments, must be good. Will report. Just dont like that all day tight mask feel but, hey, better than raw and peeling.

All of my pink ribbon sisters have a wonderful weekend!

allurbaddayswillend

sonson, My skin held up well. It's all red. I have a purplish spot in my armpit where I didn't moisturize enough I think because I wasn't aware the rays were going up so high - it gets the itchiest with up toward my neckline being next in line. Under my boob on my torso is a little tough feeling and looks like leather but not painful. I have peeled just a little so far, only noticeable when I moisturize and get little bits of skin. Last night I was waking up with some breast pains. That was no fun. and my areole is swollen since it was still getting zapped so it and the nipple are quite touchy. I know it will be better after a few days because it felt better just over the two day break I got last weekend. Sorry your last day is a monday! that does kind of stink, waiting all weekend to finish!

On the other hand, once the adrenaline/excitement were gone yesterday, I got veerrrry sleepy. and today I am wrung out like a dishrag. but still a happy dishrag.