Spring 2015 Radiation Sisters

CassieCat

Jean, congrats!!!

Tobycc

So glad to read all the posts! Jean, I am so so happy for you-- God bless you friend!

I just finished two weeks. My breast is pretty swollen, pink, a bit sore inside now and then Have been using Calendula and my PA left two samples of Radiaplex: I think some of you use it? Thoughts?

Have a wonderful weekend warriors

Kath

kathy7

I am a few weeks out from radiation.

the only recommendation I would make to everyone pink or on their way.  Ask for the gauze squares that are saturated with a Vaseline type substance.  So after you put on the nice expensive moisturizing lotions, put the Band-Aid on over, especially near places that rub on clothes, (ie clavicle). 

My compassionate doctor waited to give to me till the end, when my skins was quite dry.

So, if I had to do over again, that is what I would ask for!

 

 

DaisyQ

Congratulations, Jean! Glad you are done.

I finished on Monday 4/20. My skin is really dark brown and starting to flake off--very pink underneath. My skin feels so much better already! I am still a little tired, but it is totally manageable.

I am thinking about all you ladies at the beginning, middle, or nearing the end!

MombieZombie

My boosts were done with proton. Nothing about my boosts was like anyone I've met so far.

Jean! Happy Dance!

Everyone seems to be moving along. Lots of progress. Happy Friday everyone!

bw49

Did anyone get red and sore after there 4th radiation- please let me know. my breast is also a little swollen-

amylsp

Congratulations Jean and Daisy for finishing this week! Only three more to go for me.

Tobycc

bw- I am red and swollen after two weeks: more swollen than red: doctor gave me Radiaplex: waiting to hear from others who have used it

K

ElaineTherese

bw, I was pink after my first week. It never progressed to peeling.

Tobycc, I used (and still use) Radiaplex three times a day. It's supposed to help rebuild the skin, but it doesn't prevent damage.

bw49

Elaine were yous swollen? and sore?

ElaineTherese

bw,

My boob is sore, but I don't know if it's swollen. It had a seroma for awhile, and it doesn't seem to have shrunk in size. So, maybe it is swollen???? I feel better since I finished, though.

NurseShark

Yay Jean !!!!!! Congratulations

sharita

I completed my radiation treatment a total of 25 doses on 04/21/2015 but my radiatiated breast area the whole right arm pit area radiated and the surgical site on the radiated area is all black and has excruciating pain sharp pain like a sharp knive cutting me a lot of lymph node on that right arm I do not know what to do with this i told my Dr on the day I saw her but she said it was normal but I knew it was not ! no open wound but this pain and swelling is a huge concern !

any help and advice will be well appreciated!

I do not need any more complications

zjrosenthal

Sharita, I would insist on the doctor looking at it. it doesn't sound normal to me. love, Jean

Iowawoman

Yahoo, Jean and Daisy! Sharita, glad you're done and sending thoughts of strength.

I've finished 9 of 31. Doesn't feel like enough done yet. I'm pink, tiny bit itchy at times. The weekend helps, and I'm loving my Miaderm so far.

angiem45

thank you for all the advice..  just started last monday.  im pink and a little tender but otherwise good.  my doc gave me aquaphor cream but also sells something in the image renewal center i am going to try too.  I did have some shooting pains down my arm friday but i dont know if it was related to the radiation or just some nerve pain. 

NurseShark

I am so itchy!!! Just started today . Maybe a little pink.

Angiem45 :I am getting arm pain too. Usually if I carry baby to long but it feels like it did right after node dissection. Ugh.

Gatomal

congrats Jean! I'm guessing you are done from all the other well wishers. How's the great grand baby? How are you nurseshark? I'm starting to read this board in prep for maybe a mid to late June start. This Cancer thing takes FOREVER. I hate you cancer. Hope you are feeling okay and loving lil Levi

zjrosenthal

If anyone here is experiencing itching, try scratching your leg or head while pIcturing the itch area. It fools the brain and the itch subsides.

Thanks gatomal. Yes I am DONE! Love, Jean

mhenz

knitting pt I have to say I feel the same way about decisions and I'm doing like the silliest things misplacing things etc... I really think it is just all the stress of the situation. The bills are starting to roll in. Who to pay first. Good lord. I'm taking the next few weeks off work so I can concentrate on getting myself and house in order.

goldenpawsKim

Hi girls - I'm only into rads for 8 days. Obviously no symptoms yet but I was wondering should I be applying cream (aquaphor) now or wait until I see redness? I'm meeting with doc later in week so I thought I would just check with you all until then. Thanks. ♡ Kim

bw49

I was told the week before to apply remedy creme twice a day- but 4 hours before treatment- I am sure every Dr says something different- Glad you are not having trouble-

JJOntario

This is so not fun. The itching is driving me crazy. Just starting using a cortisone cream. I'm tempted to wear socks on my hands to bed so I don scratch in my sleep. Now that is sexy...

zjrosenthal

JJ I've posted this before but when the itch gets bad try scratching another area like your leg ir your scalp. It fools the brain. Love, Jean

cbooklvr

Hey Springers, finished #12 of 28 today. The machine was not working, so I went to work only to be called back later. At least I'm still on schedule.

I have some redness on my chest and kinda itchy. Otherwise doing ok, not sure if my tiredness is due to rads or herceptin. Wishing minimal symptoms to all

Cherice

maricar

Hi,

I was diagnosed with DCIS on March 1st, had my lumpectomy last week (4/14) and still recovering from that.  I am supposed to start my  radiation in June.  I'm meeting with my RO next week for the 2nd time.  I'm so happy to be able to find a place where actual survivors share their experiences!

Can anyone tell me how soon after RAD treatments are done can one go swimming?  I have vacation planned in August for my nephew's wedding, all booked before I found out about my condition.  This will be just a week after I finish radiation.  Is there anything I absolutely must avoid?

 

Thank you,

Maricar

zjrosenthal

1. maricar, be sure to do the stretching exercises after your surgery. If they didn't give them to you, ask on this list and someone will post them. Rads are not too bad and your RO will most likely give you some topicals to use. Nothing on the area to be radiated for 4 to 6 hrs before treatment. I finished last Friday and am tired and a bit sore. You can probably go to the wedding but don't overdo it. Ask your RO about swimming. Love, Jean

maricar

Thank you Jean and congratulations!  I am doing the exercises and doing quite well.  I still feel a bit sore but it's tolerable.  It's the itchiness I can't handle right now.

I'm sorry to hear that some of you got burns and even peeled.  I feel your pain already!

God bless,

Maricar

zjrosenthal

Again, my advice for itchinG. Scratch a different part of your body such as your leg or scalp. It fools,your brain and relieves the itch. Love, Jean

Moderators

Hi Maricar, welcome to Breastcancer.org! Sorry that you have to be here, but we're so glad you've joined the community and we hope you find it to be a place of support and encouragement.

Besides the advise of all experienced members here, you may want to to take a look at the article Managing Skin Side Effects from the Radiation section of our main site, for skin care tips before and after radiation treatment ends.

Hope this helps!

The Mods