Fall 2013 Rads

sloyd66

wow ok lindacam

Shalimar630

Yea! I'm done also. Got through pretty well. See my MO in two weeks to find out which med she wants to put me on. The techs at the Rad center showered me with confetti on my way out. They do that with everyone finishing up which is rather fun. I kept seeing the confetti on the floor on random days, didn't know why it was there..

TanyaF

Finished my full breast rads yesterday. One of the ROs looked my skin over and said I am good to go for my boosts. So I have six of those and then I am done! 

It's nice doing this with others. (I go to the rads center on a shuttle) Five of us started around the same time and we four finish next week. We have had different SEs, and one has to have a break in treatment because of skin breakage. Another woman has no redness at all!! 

FierceBluebird

sloyd, there is always something they can do. Take one day at a time. Put yourself in the hands of good doctors and try not to worry about the future.

canuck46

Bounce - OK I'm a guilty lurker!!  Just getting over a nasty cold which of course has left me fatigued again but I have had time to catch up on all the radiant and soon to be radiant ladies.  Seeing my BS on the 27th and am anxious to see what meds she puts me on so I can drive myself crazy checking out all the SE's!

Lisasp - I still have dark patch where boosts and SNB were.  Glad you are doing well.

Hugs to all, Marilyn

FierceBluebird

Hope you feel better Marilyn.

I can't sleep because I'm starving and can't stop thinking about delirium's yummy sandwich recipe! 

bondsy

Just finished treatment #7 out of total 25. I'm starting to have some swelling/soreness. My nipple is especially very sore and swollen. I started wearing undershirts instead of a bra! The only thing that makes this all bearable are the very nice people in the radiation department where I'm going. They all try to make the experience as pleasant as possible.

Bounce

Hi Marylin

Hope you get over the cold easily. Take things as easy as possible.  Lots of chicken soup! Although I am getting over the radiation fatigue I find it doesn't take a lot to wear me out quickly nowadays.  So rest as much as you can.

Bondsy - I found this video very quick and easy to learn and it helped me with my pain from the beginning of rads on.  Just be very very gentle.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f6jgDk4apog 

Freeboobing was very helpful to me also.  Although I finished rads over a month ago I still can't always wear my bra the entire day.  Some days its off by 12:30 some days I make it till 19:00.

Try to avoid any material rubbing against your skin.  I once went for a longish walk and after that all the skin peeled off my nipple.  However - if that happens don't be alarmed.  The new skin underneath is very pale but it darkens with time.

Hugs

TanyaF

Three more boosts and then done!! 

bondsy

Thank you Bounce!

LisaSp

yay Tanya!

wyo

Thats great Tanya- you won't have to make that long trek each day! 

sloyd66

Have anyone tried the genie bra during their treatment? If so how was it? I'm still able to wear my bra in my 5th week, but reading some of y'all post I'm getting nervous my luck may run out. And I just can't see myself going to work with my ta tas hanging low. I don't even like the look of the sports bra in my clothes.

wyo

getting a visual 66 hahaha. 

 I tried the genie bra (actually was not able to wear any of my pre-surgery bras after lumpectomy- the incisions lined right up with the wires.)  The genie is very cheap and does a pretty good job of support without smashing and looking like you are not going to the gym.  If you get it- get the one with the small pads that slip into the cups.  Don't put it in the dryer and though I was careful they are getting a little "pilley" after 2 months

My all time favorite is still sassybax but they don't have padding and alas I have what I like to grandly call "asymmetry" and its noticeable in a bra like that when wearing even something remotely fitted. 

sloyd66

ok wyo, thanks... my incision is not under my breast actually it's across my breast, where my bras really cover it

wyo

no prob- my SNB incision is the one that lines up perfectly with the side seam and wire of most bras.  One thing I forgot with the genie- it is cut a little more "full" than regular bra straps and higher on the armholes so some shirts it shows-noticed that while in Miami wearing tank tops hahaha

L2girl

hi, just checking in again. I've been busy with the holidays, and flew halfway across the country and back the first week of January to visit family. I never wore a sleeve or anything, so far so good.

I am still healing from the rads. My skin is mostly back to normal, but nipples ate still itchy and peeling. Still pale colored, too. I still feel tender and swollen inside the breasts. 

Also, I think some late fatigue set in a few weeks after I finished rads. I think it was somewhat delayed, since right after I finished rads end of November, we had our two busiest weeks at work, so I think I just ran on adrenaline because I had to meet tight deadlines. Then, just before Christmas I started feeling tired. Since going back to work last week, I feel so tired I don't know how I will get through the day, but I always do.

I also started tamoxifen, but the tiredness started before that. I think I just pushed myself too hard all through rads. Now my body just needs to recover. Glad to hear many of you are recovering well!

wyo

L2 I feel your fatigue- same here it was a good month after rads that the fatigue set in- I am doing better the past 2 days as I am making sure I am drinking a lot of fluids (green tea & water), walking daily and eating more regular meals.  Honestly I think I pushed too hard too and of course now everyone expects you to be "bounced back" and ready to work haha.  

Glad you stopped by

wifessupport

Hi All,

My wife had her bilateral mastectomy in March-2013 and
radiation was completed in June. She had tissue expanders placed at the
same time during mastectomy and her last expansion was in November.
However since beginning December she started having itchy skin. She saw
her oncologist in December and she said this is common and asked her to
apply 1% hydrocortizone. However over the past 2 weeks the rash has
increased with small bumps like mosquito bites. She has a terrible
burning, itch and occassional cramps and pain in the radiated area on
the breast. We met with the dermatologist yesterday and she presribed a
lidex cream and said if it is does improve in 2-3 days they may do a
biopsy. Now I am scared. Is this common with tissue expanders? Has
anyone experienced this before?

Thanks

Shalimar630

I bought a couple of the coobie bras and found them very comfortable. I like the pads, but don't care for how they move around. I keep planning to stabilize them, but haven't yet. They seem to run a bit large. I wish I had gotten the next size down.

I am only a week out from finishing and so tired. Just can't get motivated to really accomplish anything. I think that has also contributed to some depression. I'm thinking of perhaps getting a referral for some counseling. Does anyone else have these feelings? The fact that we're are out of treatment and what can be done, has, and now we just wait.. Sorry to be so gloomy, but as I said....

wifessupport: I'm sorry your wife is having such discomfort issues. I don't know anything about expanders so can't offer any advice, but wanted you to know I'm thinking about you. Hope they find out something soon.

Bounce

Shalimar630 - rads really wore me out.  I was screaming FATIGUE from week 2. 

Its been more than a month since I finished (YAY I can hardly believe it.  Where did the time go?) rads and although I feel much better I get tired very easily and often need a nap.

I think its fine to rest up and not go full steam ahead one week after finishing rads.    I also think its a great idea to speak to a psychologist.  I decided to take advantage of counseling offered by my oncology center - but I found the psychologist a bit vague and unfocused.  She would ask questions and I would wander from topic to topic without finishing a thought or coming to any new insights.  So I asked her to help keep me focused and things have improved.

Turns out what bothers me most is dealing with doctors and the medical system!

But there are so many questions and issues to deal with after treatment!  If you feel depressed its a good idea to get help earlier rather than later.

I was considering having an identity crisis just before I was diagnosed with cancer so I put that on hold.  Now I really do have to figure out who I am and what I want to do.

I don't even know what is fun for me and have to figure it out.

That sounds really sad  in writing - but I am thinking of it in a good way - like I may have to try a whole lot of things to see what I enjoy doing - besides for napping, resting and flat out sleeping!

So far I have discovered how much I enjoy reading books.  It sounds lame but I used to read a lot as a kid but when I had kids I had less and less time to read and am always distracted by the TV or Internet.

I have started reading again and love it!

So I'd say let yourself rest as much as you need, do something you enjoy and get some counseling.

What's next on the fun list?

Shalimar630

Bounce, thank you so much for the reply. I guess I feel at times like I'm in a blender and everything is swirling around me. Not sure what to grab onto. 

I think this whole process is such a trial for all of us, that we all have changed and have to find our way back to what is a "new us". I know that I am not stressing about what I previously did. Who cares how clean the house is, I'm playing with my grandkids. 

We had a pipe break last month which flooded my hobby room. It hasn't been fixed yet, so I don't have that outlet to retreat to at the moment. We haven't been fully reimbursed yet, not sure why it's taking so long. All of the stuff from that room is in the family room, making it basically unusable. My daughter and grandkids are living with us so it's a pretty tight fit, just adding more stress. (The water damage, not the kids) I enjoy having them here, I believe they keep me otherwise busy so I don't mope.

I'm looking forward to spring. A more uplifting season I think will help everyone's spirits. I know it will mine.

70charger

Bounce & Shalimar  I am feeling the same way.  Don't know what I like, don't know what I like to do.  Somewhere along the road of life I lost myself. Between 4 kids & running a business 6 days a week with hubby there was no me. I'm so use to others first that when I do for me I can't help but feel I'm being selfish. Even though I Know I'm not. And now what that I'm done active treatment?? I am a physical labor type worker, but I'm too pooped out when I do small things.  So much for working this season. So now what? It will be interesting to see how it all plays out.  Chin up  .

FierceBluebird

wifesupport, hopefully your doctors will find some answers for her.  Sorry you are going through so much.

Count me in for the Identity Crisis Club!  Nothing holds much interest for me. I also have been reading much of the time since I just don't have any energy yet. It could also be a combination of SAD. I normally feel a bit depressed in the winter when the light has diminished. Luckily I have a new puppy who I enjoy walking and exercising, but if it wasn't for him I'd be hiding under my blankets in bed with a book! 

wyo

Hi all

couple of things- itchy bumpy awful rash-  I don't have tissue expanders but I know that rash- it would wake me up at night with the intense itch. My oncologist gave me the prescription strength hydrocortisone which really did nothing except take the extreme edge off.  I tried PO benadryl with some limited success. When did the rash appear in relation to her radiation schedule? Mine appeared last day of radiation and lasted 3-4 weeks.  Hope that helps reassure you that these things do happen but keep following up with her care team to stay on top of it. 

What to be when we grow up- I have this wonderful read you may enjoy if you like this kind of thing- its called The Second Half of Life by Angeles Arrien.  Its based on finding the courage to change at mid-life and how to prepare to create your legacy.  Its beautifully written and I think even a younger person would feel like the second half of life happens after something like dealing with cancer.  

Bounce

Bluebird144 - A new puppy!

Looking after anything young is a great tonic - but a puppy has to be fantastic.  Dogs never complain.  They don't care what you are wearing.  And every time they see you they are happy and wag their tails.

I once told my husband I wished I could greet him and the children like a dog - just rush up to them and say I'm happy happy happy to see you.  Welcome home. I love you.  He looked at me like rads might have fried my brains too!

Try to get as much sunshine as you can when its around.  There are special lights to buy as well.  Maybe is worthwhile looking into.  You have been through so much and anything that will cheer you up is good.

wyo - thanks for the book recommendation - will try to get it.

I have been thinking that one of the things I have to do that is a daily chore is cooking.  Maybe I can reintroduce some fun into it by making some new dishes instead of the same basic tried and tested dishes we are all so bored with!

 

Shalimar630

Yes Wyo, the book sounds interesting.

I've tried a couple of new dinner recipes in the last week. Nothing wow, but at least it was something different that I actually planned ahead.

Bounce, you gave me a laugh with your images of greeting your family and your husbands reaction. What can we do but keep them wondering..

Over the weekend as I was just sitting around reading, my husband asked me what I was thinking for dinner. I said I didn't know, I was just going to go to the cupboard and hopefully something would jump out and say "pick me, pick me". (He got us chinese.)

Bounce

The really funny thing is when I see hubby or kids and I think "dog" and greet them with warmth and happiness (although no barking or tail wagging) it makes us all feel good.

I know they know that I know that they know that I am playing puppy - but what the hell it makes you feel all cheered up!  And you know - family like it when you greet them like they are the best thing to walk through your door all day.

I love going outside for walks with my husband on warm winter weekends.  We drive to a nearby park and walk in the sun.  I told my husband I will either hang my head out the window and pant all the way to the park or jump from the front seat to the back seat and back again.  I think he pretended not to hear and just drove. 

I might be slightly crazy sometimes but at least it is happy crazy.  When I am sad I am just quiet!

Sunshine and walks help keep the blues away.

FierceBluebird

Bounce, when your husband starts putting your food in a bowl on the floor- you'll know you've gone too far.  lol...

wyo, just ordered the book from my library, thanks! I'm hoping it will be the pick-me-up I need since I'm headed into surgery again. 

Last night I dreamed I was being chased by a really fast galapogos tortoise and a grizzly. I was throwing bean bag chairs at them to slow them down. 

Remind me not to do LSD before bed! 

sloyd66

Hi Ladies! Have anyone tried Argan Oil?