Spring 2016 Rads

Options
1…3233353738…42

Comments

  • LovesToFly
    LovesToFly Member Posts: 1,133
    edited June 2016

    I'm far from grandkids, 42 with 7 and 13 year old kids.

    My skin is the same 2 days past rads...but...last night I lost a chunk of nipple skin. Yup. I had cream on it, covered by a gauze pad. I guess I thought the cream would keep it slippery and I could just peel off the pad, not so much.

    I got aquaphor to try on the dry not open patches.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • cbowle
    cbowle Member Posts: 55
    edited June 2016

    Ingerp - You're only as old as you feel and at 45 years of age I still feel like I'm 25! Happy Hoping I keep it that way for the next 45 years!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • New-girl
    New-girl Member Posts: 358
    edited June 2016

    Congrats Sue on finishing and celebrating your anniversary.  We will celebrate our 32nd in September.  I too remember thinking the 10 year was so long.  Both my hubby's parents and mine have both passed their 65th so hoping we make it there too.

    Day 2 of boosts.  Under arm is on fire like never before even though boosts are only to sternum area.  I asked why all of a sudden my under arm is extremely painful.  Not a good answer.  Just maybe yesterday with the length of the set up for boosts irritated it.  Who knows.  Ready for next week.

    Do most people have a celebration of finishing rads? I know I have heard of several doing "chemo gifts".  Our vacation is meeting our 15k deductible so thinking my gift will have to be something economical but does anyone else have treats to themselves for this part of our journey?

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Katzpjays
    Katzpjays Member Posts: 237
    edited June 2016

    New Girl - my underarm got very red and stingy about the time of my second boost. I have to believe it is just the delayed cumulative effect of the whole breast treatments.

    A word about cabbage leaves....they work! I am stillvery red and stinging (especially under my arm) so I bought a cabbage when I went to buy groceries last night. I used my first leaf as I was having my morning coffee this morning. First of all, it felt cool and wonderful. Secondly, it felt like it was drawing the heat out of my skin. The leaf was actually hot when I removed it. I followed up with a second leaf and then applied Miaderm. It feels much better at the very least, as cabbage leaves are effective as cold packs, but I suspect there is some other therapeutic "plant" value. I'm no longer a skeptic.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • New-girl
    New-girl Member Posts: 358
    edited June 2016

    Thanks Katzpjays!  I will run to my Sprouts market and get some cabbage.  This is the first day in my entire treatment that I can say I am truly miserable.  Thought I had skated through with not so bad SE's.  I have taken an Aleve but might get my cabbage and call it a day with Netflix!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Lovinggrouches
    Lovinggrouches Member Posts: 530
    edited June 2016

    Newgirl, my boosts caused way more discoloration and pain than all the ones before, especially under the arm, under the breast and my nipple. I guess because of the path of the rays? It's over before you know it though. I celebrated my completion by eating out at a non expensive restaurant and taking a 3 day weekend from work!! You can do it!!!! Just cream REALLY well!!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Cathytoo
    Cathytoo Member Posts: 667
    edited June 2016

    Katzpjays....thanks for the good word on cabbage leaves. I'm just finishing my first of four weeks. Twenty treatments that include boosts. It's too early for any skin issues, but my underarm does hurt. I thought it might be the positioning, but maybe not. Going today to buy my cabbage. I'm also using Miaderm several times during the day and Glaxal Base at night. Question...salt and pepper on the cabbage or just plain??? LOL

    HAPPY FOURTH TO EVERYONE

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Carlsoda
    Carlsoda Member Posts: 249
    edited June 2016

    Day 8 of 30 for me. Still feeling under the weather...have since Tuesday and I am still not convinced it is radiation related. I did just introduce almond milk into my diet (going dairy free) so maybe it's that??!!

    LTF, I am so jealous Niagara-on-the-Lake and Quebec City too!! You are so lucky and deserve this break! I went to Quebec City back in 1985 on a high school senior band trip. I just loved it there, albeit I bought too many croissants! I've been wanting to go back for years...maybe one day??!! Also...Happy Canada Day! Tomorrow I am going to wear my "home" tshirt to work...it's an outline of Canada with home in the middle :)

    Sorry so many are struggling right now...just keep applying the creams and counting the days


    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Ingerp
    Ingerp Member Posts: 2,624
    edited June 2016

    That's Grazy going to QC and it does sound like a lovely trip.

    I *do* think cabbage has something going for it other than being cool. When I googled it it showed up as something for engorged breasts for nursing moms and even bum knees.

    I did break out a really good bottle of wine the night I finished rads. Earlier in the spring I was picking up my son's wedding ring from the jeweler who made it and had a look around his studio--I just thought if something grabbed my eye I might treat myself. I had gone there directly from signing the paperwork for my second surgery. I ended up with a bracelet I've worn every day since. In my head it's my BC bracelet.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • LovesToFly
    LovesToFly Member Posts: 1,133
    edited June 2016

    haha. We are going to Mt Tremblant in August though!!!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Carlsoda
    Carlsoda Member Posts: 249
    edited July 2016

    LTF: fun fun! We are planning a road trip to Ontario this fall. We'll come via the UP of Michigan and enter over by Sarnia. Get to see family and do lots of shopping! As Wilma and Betty always said...CHARGE IT!!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • tbalding
    tbalding Member Posts: 449
    edited July 2016

    2 more whole breast treatments, then start 5 boosts Wednesday. Tech told me today that she thought I'd make to the end without any skin issues. I hope she's right! I hope she's right because, to me, it's super red and itchy at the corners of the area

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • EmilyJane7505
    EmilyJane7505 Member Posts: 25
    edited July 2016

    LovesToFly sorry to hear about the chunk of nipple skin - uhg. Sending healing vibes.

    So, my last day of radiation is tomorrow - yeah! However today my RO called me and said 'oops they should have scheduled you for 7 boosts instead of 5'. So, I went in for an additional treatment today and will go twice again tomorrow. Finishing with a bang I'd say.

    I'm a little over 2 months out of chemo and I finally stopped wearing a scarf around last weekend. Just got sick of wearing them and figured the scarf was as equally shocking as my super short hair. I find it interesting how people receive me differently with this look though - some people smile when I smile but some people are like 'what the...?' I'm not sure that post-chemo is the first thing coming to mind for them.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Hootowl
    Hootowl Member Posts: 26
    edited July 2016

    My first grandchild is actually due on September 29th, my birthday. I'm pretty excited.

    Lovestofly, I hope the Aquaphor will help you out. You've had a time of it.

    Grazy, I went to Quebec City last year and loved it. It didn't hurt that the exchange rate with the dollar was great.

    I have three more boosts after tomorrow, no new issues and just hope for uneventful finish. I do have some issues with the prone position for these boosts. I feel a bit panicked not being able to see what's going on.

    Emilyjane75, congrats on your finish

    Happy 4th!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Lovinggrouches
    Lovinggrouches Member Posts: 530
    edited July 2016

    emilyjane, congrats on soon finishing. My RO said to me on my last day, "what if I told you that you needed 5 more?", I said "bring it on!", but he was just kidding!!!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Ingerp
    Ingerp Member Posts: 2,624
    edited July 2016

    Carlsoda--LOL!! (I wonder if younger members get that reference?)

    Hootowl--don't suppose she could hang on til 10/26? That's the best birthday. ;-)

    Hooray for so many finishing soon. Cannot wait for this long, lazy three-day weekend. Hubs said something this morning about going out to do something fun tonight--I didn't have the heart to tell him I would so prefer early dinner and bed. . .

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • LovesToFly
    LovesToFly Member Posts: 1,133
    edited July 2016

    my collarbone and nipple are starting to feel better, but my underarm and under boob are very red and irritated and painful. So not happy! I'm taking advil alternated with Tylenol around the clock.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Grazy
    Grazy Member Posts: 373
    edited July 2016

    LTF - my RO recommended Polysporin for the sore area I had and I used that for a few days - healed things up quickly. I bought the creamy Polysporin (opposed to the ointment) with 1% cortisone because I also had some itchiness at that point as well. Not sure if you feel like adding yet another product but maybe worth a try?

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • LovesToFly
    LovesToFly Member Posts: 1,133
    edited July 2016

    on the bad spots I am alternating pain relieving Polysporin with the silver cream that I was prescribed. it's helping a lot on the collarbone, but my nipple is a disaster. All white and swollen, I don't know if the whiteness is infection or blistering. It actually doesn't hurt that much though.

    My under arm and under boob are rough red and achy, I use the ps there for the pain relief. So miserable!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • LovesToFly
    LovesToFly Member Posts: 1,133
    edited July 2016

    we are never going to need more creams for skin ailments, burns etc...around here. I've got:

    Glaxol base

    Unscented lubriderm

    Hydrocortisone

    Flamazine

    Polysporin

    Aquaphor

    Acriflex

    Aloe with lidocaine

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Grazy
    Grazy Member Posts: 373
    edited July 2016

    Yep, you're pretty producted-out!! I hope you heal quickly - it'll just take time I guess! Happy Canada Day, Jill :)

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • cbowle
    cbowle Member Posts: 55
    edited July 2016


    #15 down and #18 to go! They called me this morning and told me I was on hold because the machine was having issues and within an hour told me to come in. Thank God! I don't want any delays and want to be done as quickly as possible. Skin is still surprisingly good. There is only a hint of pink and with this 3 day weekend I'm guessing that might help keep it in check so that I can go to Mexico next weekend with good skin. Fingers crossed!

    Tbalding/Truffles - are you still at #15 with me? How is your skin doing? You girls are doing #21 and #25 or something close, right?

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • LovesToFly
    LovesToFly Member Posts: 1,133
    edited July 2016

    thanks!! Happy Canada Day!!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • PlanB58
    PlanB58 Member Posts: 157
    edited July 2016

    Wow miss a few days and it's tough to catch up! My skin is looking almost back to normal! Oh happy day!

    Ingerp so glad Wedding/ pig roast went well lots of great memories there!

    Grazy have a great trip

    Katzpjays love the pics!

    Here is the B&B we spent our 31 st at this week. Katzpjays and I are anniversary buddies!

    Hang in for all still in treatment it will end and you will feel better!imageimage


    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Grazy
    Grazy Member Posts: 373
    edited July 2016

    PlanB, what a sweet photo - congratulations to you both and very best wishes for many, many more wonderful years together. P.S. Love the B&B's porch - I'd enjoy spending hours there!

    edited, oops, forgot the ampersand :)

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Carlsoda
    Carlsoda Member Posts: 249
    edited July 2016

    PlanB, what a lovely place and lovely picture...congratulations!!!

    So, I have a question :) has anyone noticed redness under their breast, about an inch or two down by the ribs? I am wondering why that area is getting some radiation there...not much there except some bones. And maybe it's just normal, but not sure.

    I hope everyone has a wonderful long weekend (Canada and U.S.) and to all who have finished, their skin heals fast. It is sad to read what some of you are going through right now. I wish there was a better treatment option.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • tbalding
    tbalding Member Posts: 449
    edited July 2016

    Jill, so sorry you're still in pain. Praying for relief for soon!

    PlanB, Happy Anniversary!

    carlsoda, I have about an inch of red under breast too

    cbowle, yep, still on same schedule, 15/21. Tuesday is last whole breast. Then 5 boosts. Tech said yesterday that she thought I'd make through treatments without skin breaking down. It's fiery red all over now. Started out pink at beginning of week 2 at center & top of chest. That kept getting redder every day and beginning of this week underarm was pink & is now fiery red same as rest. Nipple was very tender to touch a week or so ago. Now, not so bad. It & outer edge of chest started feeling itchy beginning of this week. But it's not hot or painful. I use hydrocortisone cream & the Phytoplex cream they gave me to use 3-4times a day. But I'm very tired. I've had a rough week at work, didn't sleep good for 2 nights, plus rads. Hoping for a restful & relaxing weekend.

    Congratulations to all who are about finished

    Happy 4th! Hope you all have a relaxing weekend!

    Trish

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Deaconlady
    Deaconlady Member Posts: 158
    edited July 2016

    I will be 2 weeks out from last boost on the 4th. No more pain or burning, just a lot of peeling. I just never know where I will find skin pieces....but I'm keeping up the Aquaphor and it's helping.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • New-girl
    New-girl Member Posts: 358
    edited July 2016

    LTF- This 3 day weekend could not have come fast enough.  Under arm pain and skin is at its worst.  Taking Aleve and an occasional Valium at night to get me comfortable.  I asked the RO if the boosts had anything to do with it and she said no its just the cumulative effects of the 28 treatments finally catching up.  I woke up this morning feeling like someone had shoved hot coals under my arms.  Not fun.  I am hoping I am at the worst and it will start to get better soon.  Skin still intact but super sensitive. 

    TMI question for the anniversary couples....when do you feel well enough to even think romance?  Even with the gorgeous B&B and my husband I adore, I would be too miserable to even think romance.  How long after treatment ended did the feeling of wanting to be touched come back?

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Valstim52
    Valstim52 Member Posts: 1,324
    edited July 2016

    Planb58 how lovely and congrats. I spent 20 years in Michigan, St joseph on lake michigan. What a beautiful state.

    Cabbage Leaves question: you wash them, dry them and then put them in bags in the freezer correct?

    I finished 7 of 33. No rads friday as machine was down. I'm pink, but aquaphor and aloe gel are so far doing the trick. had itching on my back and used cortizone cream and that did the trick as well.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories