Summer 2015 Rads

Metta

Hello homesick campers. I miss my old life and especially my old body, too. Great analogy. I'm two weeks out but still don't feel like my old self. You guys are going to get through this. I remember thinking that eight more sessions seemed like forever, but it goes fast. Darumama, Gatomal, congrats.

I love the turkey baster idea! I couldn't reach my back, either. My upper and mid back got itchy as time went on, so I took a look in the mirror: sure enough, there was a tan square, so yes, radiation does travel through your body. Super creepy! But I guess it's fine.

Hopeful, if you were node positive at diagnosis, radiation was in the cards even with MX. I don't think there was any way out of it.

Midgie, thank you for that photo! Hang in there, Peruna and everyone. Eat well, drink water, rest, and your body will bounce back soon.

queenmomcat

Itchy spot on your back opposite the treated area: Or why I'm glad I'm reading this BEFORE I start rads. i'll make sure to get something with which to apply Aquaphor to my back.

ksusan

There are other forms of bolus--that's the kind I'm getting.

I've got a basting brush in a Ziploc bag for those hard to reach parts of the back.

queenmomcat

Basting brush, check. Or a husband anxious to do something useful, but he might want to minimize getting Aquaphor on HIMself. I'm guessing that back scratchers are on the "check with your RO first" list?

Still trying to reconcile myself to the 'no aluminum-based deodorants' issue.

dragonista17

Congrats to everyone who finished this week! And a big thank you to everyone for sharing their experiences, good information, some great laughs, and plenty of inspiration.

I'm marking the days until I can be in that I Finished! group. Today I had tx 14 of 21. The nurse and RO asked about itchiness, pain etc and I said no, just a bit of tightness. But now I'm home, and I need to change the answers. Eh, too little too late, there's always Monday. I'm also finally got really pink today - afraid to look at the moment, but need to apply aloe so no choice. The nurse said now is when the fatigue will really kick in, but it's been kicking my butt all week. One day at a time, it's all anyone can do anyway.

I hope everyone finds a nice way to enjoy the weekend off. Love the weekends!

Midgiemoon

Dragonista,

Happy Friday! I know how you feel. I was good when I was there today and came home with a hot, pink, and itchy boob! Oh well! Bless your skin with some moisture and relax, you are in the single digit count down!

There was a box on my porch when I got home from treaent. It was a fabulous Edible Arrangement from one of my neighbors. Perfect way to end the day!

Take care,

~Midgie

pboi

I'm at 15/25 today. Does the fatigue kick in worse for you on Fridays? It just hit me this afternoon. Or maybe it's because I'm at #15, or both. I'm hoping the weekend break will help.

PB

BayouMama

this is me today

Midgiemoon

Pboi,

Last weekend I was tired, itchy and sore. That was after 8/33. Hoping this weekend is better!

~Midgie

PatRN10

I have just had 4 this week and was so tired yesterday I had to take a nap. I hope this doesn't get worse and just kicked in early.

FastWalker

I found some weird tiny bumps under my breast today. Wonder if they are blisters? I will have to show my doctor on Tuesday (Doctor day). Friday was my 9th treatment - I have a feeling this is going to be a l-o-n-g 33 treatments. . . I had the MRI yesterday - it was a "wide bore" so it went OK. One more MRI today and then, hopefully, that's it for awhile!

Hope everyone is enjoying their weekend.

sailorbev

FastWalker--glad the MRI was ok. I, too, developed weird small bumps under my breast last weekend. The tech said it was heat rash. I have been putting Aquaphor on at night and cornstarch on during the day. They have been getting better. 

I am really enjoying my 2 day break from Radiation Summer Camp. I hope everyone else is, too. 

Midgiemoon

Hi everyone!

I wanted to give a shout out to you for talking up $1.68 Walmart camies, and your suggestion to wear the Cami under my bra.

It's an amazing improvement! I enjoyed having my husband drive me around today. We visited a nice winery in Thurmont, MD called Catoctin Breeze. Had some wine among the grapes and relaxed!

Fastwalker, I started blistering after 8/33 so you may indeed have blisters too. My RO told me put neosporin with lidocaine on them. Seems to work ok.

Here are some pictures from our day!

FastWalker

sailorbev: Thanks - thank goodness for wide bore Mri's lol! I am using Aquaphor and Aloe Vera. I bought some corn starch, but haven't used it yet. I think I will give it a try. Glad you are getting better.

Midgiemoon: Those $1.68 camis are sure a God-send, aren't they?! I bought 8 of them - 1 for each day of the week plus a spare. I have some neosporin in the house. Is lidocaine over-the-counter? Glad you are having a nice trip!

Midgiemoon

Fastwalker,

The neosporin I bought had lidocaine in it. I bought Safeway brand called triple antibiotic with pain relief.

Our trip was only 25 miles, I just love living in central Maryland, there are so many wineries to visit and festivals going on here and there every weekend

cheers,

~Midgie

FastWalker

Midgiemoon: Thanks so much for the info. Come to think of it, I think I saw that at Walmart. I have to go tomorrow anyway, so will check it out. . . Central Maryland sounds like a nice place. . . . I live near the Jersey Shore. Way w-a-y too crowded. Best time to go is after Labor Day when the crowds clear out and while it's still warm enough to enjoy.

Peruna

Hi All, I want to thank everyone who offered advice and support during my downward spiral about 10 days ago. I've been running between RO and Oncologist, giving lots of blood. Bottom line thus far: 1. Radiation was NOT causing my extreme "check me into ER Flu". I continued on and have 7 more Rads to go. 2. I've developed a kidney high creatinine problem. Cause still being investigated. See my GP on Monday. 3. (And this is important for all of us I think not just chemo(Taxol)/Herceptin ladies). I firmly discussed with my oncologist my belief that my body could not handle the 1x every 3wk Herceptin, with radiation and so soon after Taxol. I said I needed a break from Herceptin. She AGREED. So no Herceptin till Sept and then I may do weekly not the 1x every 3 weeks. The point is don't be afraid to know your body and speak up if something is really wrong! Thank God I have Doctors who listen, care & investigate! Yeah NY Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Team. Now I just want to heal and return to my vibrant self. I'm not even begging for my long hair back at this point.

The radiation has been a walk in the park compared to chemo/Herceptin side effects. Yes, I get tired but I walk when I can and now not near death, I'll put together a fitness,strength stamina building program soon. I put my ROs speciallotion on right after Rad, during day, then at night. So far not too bad. In comparison to HUGE CHEST infected rash from taxol/Herceptin Dermatologist is treating. Yes, there are side effects not noted for Herceptin.

Congratulations dear ladies who have finished and hugs to those still in the rad race with me. Please let me know how I may help.

Love & Blessings,

Peruna

Peruna

LOVE THESE PHOTOS! So beautifully soothing. Thank you for sharing.

sailorbev

Anyone else having issues with insomnia?  I used to have a lot of trouble with it but haven't for years. It started again when I started radiation and my usual tricks (breathing exercises, relaxation exercises etc.) haven't been working. 

JenH2015

I have had some problems sleeping recently - restless leg, and just edginess and I had a lot of trouble sleeping when I was first diagnosed. What has worked for me is audio books - I download the audio versions of books that I have already read (so if I drift in and out I don't lose the story line, and set the player to turn off after 15 or 30 minutes. Before cancer, I couldn't get to sleep with noise in the bedroom, but I find that listening to a book keeps my mind from focusing on unpleasant things and definitely has been a huge help in getting to sleep.

queenmomcat

JenH/sailor: oh phew. I'm not the only one, and for pretty much the same reasons as you--trouble sleeping beyond what the usual relaxation techniques can handle as a result (we're all assuming) of cancer diagnosis and treatment thereby.

But audiobooks with which I'm familiar and an Mp3 player with a timer did the trick. Well, that and sleeping medication. All standard disclaimers apply.

4pink101

hi all- I had a BMX in May with immediate reconstruction with an implant. I recently found out the anterior margins were clear but VERY close (1 mm) and radiation is needed?? I'm concerned what this will do aesthetically to the implant..and if my skin can even handle it due To the small margin?? has anyone encountered this. I don't know what to do.. I feel so alone and so scare

Midgiemoon

Yes, insomnia ... It has been challenging, but like others, I listen to online radio. I found a talk show host whose voice just shuts me down every night (John Batcelor). He is not boring, but his voice l helps me doze off. I also go to bed at the same time every night, and have had the same rituals for years. I can usually fall asleep ok,but staying asleep is another story. I do take 5mg Ambien once or twice a week. It has been really helpful since my breast is so tender from radiation.

4 pink101, I don't have any experience like yours, but some of the other summer campers might be able to lend some support.

Wishing you the best,

~Midgie

Darumama

Hi 4pink101- Do you have tissue expander implants or permanent ones? At any rate I would imagine the permanent implants and TE would be similar. I have TEs and my implant appears to have survived radiation (tomorrow is my last day). My PS overexpanded my tx side in case there was shrinkage or issues with my skin. I don't see her again till next week, but as far as I can tell the implant seems fine and didn't shrink--- I'm still lopsided! My skin is very red though. I won't get my permanent implants for six months. I got two very different opinions when I asked about problems with radiation and TEs. My PS told me there are "issues" in about half the cases, my RO told me he's only seen problems in 10% of the cases. Even though the PS said there was a 50% chance of problem she still encouraged me to go with the TEs because implants can always be switched out. I really can't speak to the question about margins. My closest margin was 7mm to my chest wall.

Darumama

Anyone else have the skin in their armpit get very dark? Part of the area extends out of the treatment field. Looks gross.

FastWalker

4pink101: I have several close margins. Two are 1 mm, One is 2 mm, Another is either 3 mm or 5 mm - can't remember. When I expressed concern over the close margins, I was told that close margins are now considered fine according to a study done at Memorial Sloan Kettering by Monica Morrow. (As long as there is no tumor on ink, close margins are now considered acceptable.) I am getting the same treatment protocols as those with wider margins so I anticipate similar skin reactions . . . As far as the implants, I am sorry I can't comment - I had a lumpectomy. Get another opinion and ask as many questions as you need to so you can feel confident in your treatment plan. Good luck.

FastWalker

Darumama: Not yet. I only had 9 treatments thus far though. I am getting a weird pulling sensation under my arm pit though. I hope your skin color returns to normal quickly!

SweetHope

JenH2015, Melatonin, besides being a natural sleep aide works great on restless legs.

Also, to help your body produce more melatonin naturally, wear a sleep mask. The darker the room, the more melatonin your body makes. I like the kind that contour and stand off the eye. Ulta offers a nice one for $12.

Peruna

Yes! Sailorbev. Getting to sleep & Falling asleep problems. Even with Ambien 10mg! Sometimes I add small Melatonin. During most stressful times of DC & Treatments, I would take a tiny bite of Xanax. I always told Docs what I was taking.

What I rely on when I have insomnia or can't fall back to sleep are: PODCASTS!!! The NY Times Book Review people have very soothing voices, I fall asleep again quickly. THIS AMERICAN LIFE, THE MOTH. NPR FRESH AIR, The New Yorker Fiction.

Also so so helpful, I use to fall asleep are MEDITATION APPS: "Living in Love", "MyMeditation Lite" "Sleep Pillow Sounds"

I use my IPhone with earphones.

Also, I sleep with a soft sleeping mask on eyes. Some are with lavender. I think this calms me and really makes it fully dark.

Hope these help.

Xo

Peruna

Midgiemoon

Ladies,

I know I have met several s bus divers around these parts. I started a new thread under the fitness area. Come join me, let's talk about what we live to do!

Cheers,

~Midgie