Starting Radiation May 2018

star2017

Thanks, Josie!

I'm also using Silvadene. The doctor said I could start applying it away from my scar, which is still getting the boost.

The area under my arm is the deepest red/brown. That has started to peel. The doctor warned me not to pick at it, so I will just put tons of moisturizer and wait patiently for things to get better.

Three more boosts to go!

star2017

done with radiation! How’s everyone else

Simbobby

Congratulations Josie and Star,

So happy for you to be done.

I was down to my last four sessions when they put me on a break. My underarm nodal area is black and is the area that still needs to be treated. Breast has lots of blisters, some open and weepy.

Wounds have been dressed with Mepilex to expedite healing (some kind of silver material with healing powers) and taking large doses of Ibuprofin for pain.

How long was your break in treatment Josie. I completed 26 of 30 treatments but I still have to finish the other four. They don't want to cut it off at 26.

I have to trust that they know best

DearLife

Yay to JosieO and Star 👍🌈👍! You did it!

SimBobby I am sorry you are having such a painful reaction. I hope the cream works and you heal soon. Hang in there. You are almost done.

JosieO

YEA, Star !!!!

So glad for you-you did it,

How is your skin holding up?

Having that little break really helped me-I was able to finish and already my skin is healing nicely.

Started my AI, feeling good.

Happy for all of you-you helped me make it through

JosieO

Simbobby,

I’m sorry that this happed to you right at the end.

But agree that you needed the break. I was also concerned, because I had to take that break right at the time for the boost. But the radiation oncologist gave good advice. The Silvadene cream cooled the burn and helped the skin to heal. Looking at it now, I’m glad I had that break. I did get all my sessions in, and in better shape

We’re cheering for you. And we’ll be screaming when you cross that finish line.

Hang in there.

JosieO

Simbobby,

Sorry, I didn’t see your question-I actually had a five day break, came back and got the last remaining 3 boost. Total of 33 in all, 5 of which were boost. I had a cancerous lymph node, so had some beams directed to the clavicle. That and my underarm (axcilla) were the areas that broke down.

But it’s amazing how the skin can recover.

Have faith

JosieO

DearLife,

Thanks so much for the good wishes- your support is most appreciated.

See you in hormone therapy-meanwhile, enjoy life

nat_blue

I already posted about my accelerated partial breast radiation before surgery. I just thought I'd pass on the results for anyone considering this treatment. I'm 10 days post surgery and all seems to be healing. The tumor shrunk from its largest biopsy specimen of 7mm to 2 mm.

star2017

wonderful news, nat blue

star2017

simbobby, so sorry to hear you’re skin reacted badly. How’s it doing now

JosieO

nat blue, this is great. Thank you for sharing on this procedure and VERY happy for the reduction in your tumor size.

YAY !!!!

nat_blue

Thanks, JosieO and Star2017. I was happy with the news. I was hoping to shrink to 0mm, but can't get too greedy, especially as it was very slow growing to start and therefore a bit less responsive to radiation.

Simbobby

I had to take a week long break from my radiation due to some severe skin issues. Skin is healing nicely and I completed my last session yesterday. Thanks everyone for all your help. One more treatmentphase to check off the list.

JosieO

Simbobby,

YAY !!!!

So glad that you finished and that your skin is healing.

It was a long journey but you did it,

See you in hormone therapy (???)

Wishing you all the best

star2017

I had my post radiation check last week. All looks good. My skin seems to be recovering well. It’s not irritated, just Darker I’m the treatment areas.

How’s everyone else doing?

JosieO

Hi Star,

So nice to see your post and very glad for your good news.

I have healed well, with the exception of a small seroma in the surgical line of where my lymph node was removed.

And I had some pretty dark skin as well, again where the lymph node was removed.

On the good advice of a friend, I bought and started to use a product called Meladerm. It acts as a skin lightener without some of the more harsh ingredients found in prescription lightening products. I found that it also seems to have an exfoliating effect-with some focused “scrubbiing” with a washcloth and a loofah sponge i’ve been able to remove a good amount of the darkest pigmentation without scratching or breaking the skin.

It’s only sold from the company’s website or on Amazon, but I think it helps.

Otherwise, taking Arimidex (in generic form) and doing well. Waiting for my first post-treatment mammogram in December and hoping for an “all clear”. Gets a little scary at times, but have to trust my outstanding doctors.

Please stay in touch