SEPTEMBER 2008 rads group

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  • dancemom23
    dancemom23 Member Posts: 56
    edited October 2008

    #11 today - 1/3 of the way done!

    Last week I was in no more of a rush for Friday and the weekend than usual - this week it's a whole different story - the weekend is so important to me so I can get some rest and a break from rads, because I'm really exhausted.  My appointments are still 7:45 am - I was hoping to switch to 4:00 by now, maybe next week, I hope I remember to ask them tomorrow.  Problem with early morning is that I don't get out of work until well after 5, and don't get home until after 6, if I had 4:00 rads, I could get home by 5 and wouldn't have to leave the house quite as early in the morning.

    Chris

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  • vhqh
    vhqh Member Posts: 535
    edited October 2008

    Hey all, I'm still doing good!  Round 4 of 20 whole brain rads today, absolutely no side effects as of yet and I am still asymptomatic.  It's certainly something different to experience, face mask is locked down to the table, head can not move, flash of blue light if I keep my eyes closed and I smell bleach during the zaps.  Only abut 15 seconds per side so it really goes fast.. 

    Got me a new work ID made today, wanted one with my cute curly hair before it falls out again, maybe permanently, old one was done shortly after my hair was coming back in from chemo, with the lighting and the green shirt I was wearing all I needed was the stumpy ear posts to look like Shrek!  We're going to play a joke on my supervisor, start out with obviously misspelling a word or two on an email, next email misspell 3 or 4 words, then go to 8 or 9 words and drift off into some completely weird and off subject like I'm completely losing it.......he'll kill me when he figures it out but it was actually HIS boss that came up with the idea!

    Saw the rad onc today, she prescribed some silvadene for my neck and mastectomy area, it's not weeping and only one raw spot (from a tick bite I got the first week of tx) but it is still very red and tender 9 days post tx.  Quite a bit of peeling going on too.

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  • Skye64
    Skye64 Member Posts: 109
    edited October 2008

    Hi Lady's,

    I am done...Today I got my last boost...That was easy, all the boosts....counted 30 Sec.I had a discharge meeting with the rad. doc and nurse. My skin is red but good , only under the adhesive tape which covered the markers, the skin is a little bit broken, but manageable. I cannot tell you , how happy I was, when I left the office..btw I got a graduation certificate. How nice.

    For my nausea they gave me some Nexium and Xanax, just low dosis. But it helps me. I tried running, but that was a bad idea....after 10 min. I was so groggy..omg....I totaly underestimated the radiation therapie. I think I will need some time to recover. But my dry cough is gone.

    But it is not over: I will see my gyn at the end of october, talking about the oophorectomie, to make me postmenopaused. I still do not know what to do.....

    Nancy. I am sorry for your delay, but hang in there....

    All of you, hang in there, there is a light at the end of the tunnel....

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited October 2008

    Awesome Skye64 !!  Cool

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  • Skye64
    Skye64 Member Posts: 109
    edited October 2008

    Thank you   Smile Rose.

    At the end I can say....7 weeks are a long time....But you all will see, you will get over it.

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  • Roxi65229
    Roxi65229 Member Posts: 462
    edited October 2008

    I'm here, been so busy at work. Took awhile to catch up with all your notes. Officially 1/2 way done. Pink but sore. My onc told me yesterday they may cut out the last burst to my clavicle, so only three zaps not four on my last day.

    Mary  

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  • princessS
    princessS Member Posts: 45
    edited October 2008

    I have had one wreck of a week.  I've still felt sick from this flu thing, I actually thought I had strep throat so I went to the dr.  But no strep throat, just some sort of bacterial infection, was put on antibiotics.  I spent $90 today in copays ($55 at radiation and $35 at PCP)  I also had to get the antibiotics ($15) and yesterday the Silvadene ($15).  Yikes, and I'm not working for 3 weeks and I wasn't able to work my other job this week due to being sick.  What a drain this cancer thing is on finances.  Hopefully next week will be much better.  I think I've hit rock bottom.

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  • roberta37
    roberta37 Member Posts: 371
    edited October 2008

    Skye64 - congratulations on being done.  7 weeks is a long time.

    vhqh - glad things are going good.  I was thinking about you today and wondering how it was going.  

    princessS - sorry about your week.  Being sick isn't great at the best of time but while undergoing this stuff is no fun at all.

    Roxi - yah on being 1/2 way there.  I'll be 1/2 way tomorrow and get a three day break this weekend which will be so nice.

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  • KristyAnn
    KristyAnn Member Posts: 793
    edited October 2008

    Skye,

    I have to see my gynecologist on Oct 24 to discuss the oophorectomy- same situation as yours- trying to make sure I am definitely post menopausal because I cant take tamoxifen and doc wants to put me on arimidex

    Kristy

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  • Skye64
    Skye64 Member Posts: 109
    edited October 2008

    Kristy Ann, why cant you take it? What kind of problems do you have?

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  • nancy258
    nancy258 Member Posts: 162
    edited October 2008

    NancyD, how disappointing.  Well I guess you get to do the last day over again. Ugh!

    Skye64, congratulations!

    PrincessS, hang in there.  I know how you feel, but this is money well spent.  Hope you feel better!

    I just had #24, so 4 more regular, then 8 boosts.  I'm officially 2/3 through.  I'm getting some pink & discolored marksin my armpit now.  In fact under my SNB scar, the muscle feels sore.  Saw my BS yesterday, she said it feels like a tendon.  I guess the radiation could tighten it up?  I'll ask the rad onc Monday. 

    It's getting more uncomfortable to wear even a sports bra.  For work I'm most comfortable in just a cotton cami with one of my husband's button down shirts over it.  Hubby's button down shirts have been my uniform the past couple weeks with either a sports bra, tank top or cami underneath.  I rip the bra off the minute I get home.  My skin always looks best in the morning, almost normal when I first get up after a good night's rest with nothing touching it too much.  Once I start with the shower and the steroid cream, it gets all red and angry again.

    Have a great weekend everyone.  Enjoy the down time.

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  • KristyAnn
    KristyAnn Member Posts: 793
    edited October 2008

    Skye,

    My onc tests everyone before they go on tamoxifen- its a blood test to see if you can metabolize tamoxifen. My test came back as a poor metabolizer which means I would not get any benefit from taking it basically. She does not like the shots that suppress estrogen- thinks they are too dangerous so her solution is to make me permanently post menopausal. I was peri menopausal before chemo and chemo put me into menopause but my onc does not trust that result right after chemo since some people revery back to pre or peri.

    Kristy

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  • TexanCupig
    TexanCupig Member Posts: 1,539
    edited October 2008

    Hi y'all.

    Well, I'm officially over the 1/2 way point!  I had my 17th treatment this morning, and I'm dealing with the whole radiation thing better?!?  Although my brother and I caught some kind of cold/respritory infection.  And to top it all off, on Dr. day, the other doc that's working with my rad onc, she says I have a staph infection!  So, I'm taking keflex for 10 days and trying to keep this cold at bay, though I have to admit that I'm feeling a bit better!  So, my brothers and I were wondering...wouldn't radiation kill the staph too???

    Rose, I think I was having a self pity party the last time I was here. Embarassed  I still miss home a lot, but HOPEFULLY, I'll be home in about 3 1/2 weeks?  My boyfriend and I decided it'd be best that I stay here, because if I go home on a weekend visit, I may not come back to finish my treatments! EmbarassedSurprised 

    Well, the weather has been wishy-washy here.  We had snow a couple of days ago, and this morning; it's been windy and rainy, but it looks like the sun's trying to shine.  And it seems like the sun always brightens my days too!

    I hope y'all had a great week and have a greater weekend! 

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  • sharpie
    sharpie Member Posts: 13
    edited October 2008

    Hi, everyone. This morning was pretty bad. I got my markings for my boost and although I knew it was coming, I broke down. It's been weeks since I've cried and Tuesday I was flying high thinking I was back on track. The techs were really nice and I told them it was just me. Two weeks left and hopefully it will be over for a while.

    I hope everyone has a good weekend.

    Lisa

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited October 2008

    It's the weekend - YEA!   I need time to heal.

     Understandable Sharpie - we hold it in and try to cope with our emotions. I'm sure I'll do the same once it's all over.

    Sharon - my goodness a cold and staff infection - bless your heart!  I would agree staying put is best.

    Roberta37 - I'm jealous! Enjoy your 3 day weekend :)

    Enjoy the break ladies, Hugs and Prayers Kiss

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  • princessS
    princessS Member Posts: 45
    edited October 2008

    I have to tell you all I feel 100 % better today.  I am back in action.  To all Canadians-Happy Holiday weekend, enjoy it!  The rest of us will be back at it on Monday.

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  • redheadace1
    redheadace1 Member Posts: 212
    edited October 2008

    Hi, all. Nancy, I was so sorry to hear you have to go through more.

    vhqh--You're so strong. I'm praying for you every night.

    Princess, I'm glad you're feeling better.

    I've been out of touch for a while--I'll be done this coming Thursday. Had three boosts so far. They've definitely been more intense as far as SEs--I'm having this achiness in my ribs and shoulder blade on that side. I'm so ready to be done.

    Here's to a restful weekend for all of us!

    Ace 

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  • tchmuzik
    tchmuzik Member Posts: 110
    edited October 2008

    Had my last boost today - number 35 in total - YIPPEE SKIPPEE!!!!   All this HELL started last November - it has been a long road - ups and downs - could not have made it without my wonderful support system - friends and family.    Today a friend went with me - she bought me a pink shirt that says SURVIVOR and one for her self that says I WEAR PINK FOR MY FRIEND - we wore them and anything else pink we could find - ha ha!!   She picked me up in her convertible - had my last treatment - took pictures of the sweet ladies who treated me - went for a late breakfast - THOUGHT we were going shopping after breakfast but suddenly I WAS EXHAUSTED!!    We came on home - i went to bed and slept FOUR hours!!!    The doc said it might take 4- 6 weeks to get back to normal - ha ha - whatever THAT is - I've forgotten.

     I'll continue to keep up with all of you - everybody hang in there - all of you ARE SURVIVORS!!! 

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited October 2008

    Hooray tchmuzik!! Cool 

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  • NancyD
    NancyD Member Posts: 3,562
    edited October 2008

    I'm so glad the weekend is here. I couldn't post after my boost yesterday as I went back to work and stayed an extra hour and a half to get work done that my vacationing designer SHOULD have done before he left. It will be like that all next week, too.

    The boosts are over on Wednesday, just before you Steph. I don't feel particuarly tired during the day. I have too much job-related adrenalin in me to let me down, but I crash when I get home @ 7:30-8 PM. I haven't been able to keep my eyes open past 9:30, even if I try so I miss most of my favorite TV shows. I'm too tired to even set the recorder :-(

    My chest is sore and scabby. I left the Xeroform pad off last night. It was making the skin all soft and goopy. I let it dry out and scab over a bit. I'm of the mind that scabs are nature's bandages, and unless there's an active infection I shouldn't have to put the antibacterial pads on. I will cover it with a sterile gauze pad to keep it clean and from being irritated by clothing.

    I'm comparing it to my underarm, which did not get the Xeroform treatment. The scabs in that area have flaked off, new skin is already there, and there's just a little peeling around the edges.

    Anyone else have severe reactions? What was your treatment? My NP said that people who have chemo first tend to have the more severe reactions. Any correlation to this among the women here?

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited October 2008

    Any over the counter creams good for a blister?

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  • roberta37
    roberta37 Member Posts: 371
    edited October 2008

    tchmuzik - yah for being done rads.  Glad you'll be sticking around and letting us know your experience after.  

    PrincessS -  it is so nice to have a three day break.  Will be a busy weekend as we have 15 coming over for Thanksgiving dinner but I have lots of help and it will be good.

    Nancy - I don't know how you put in so many hours - I'm beat at the end of the day from doing 1/2 day.  I'm lucky to get through reading my daughter a bed time story and then it's usually me that is asleep before she is (she's 4).

    I'm not sure if I'm having a more sever reaction but I'm half way there and my skin just started getting red.  It wouldn't surprise me that we have a harder time because our bodies are already knocked down from the chemo. I know for me I'm not going into this feeling the healthiest to start with.

    redheadace1 - that's great that you'll be finished next week.

    Rose47 - sorry haven't got to the blister stage yet so I'm no good to you there.  Hope you find something that works. 

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  • KAK
    KAK Member Posts: 1,679
    edited October 2008

    Nancy, I just can't believe your boss & your work situation.  Gawd, what a jerk!  I'm glad you'll be done with the boosts soon.  I can't believe you have to sit there & work with your skin driving you nuts.

    Yay, tchmuzik!  Yay, Skye! 

    Oh, gawd, Sharon, what is it with us rad girls & respiratory infections?  I suppose it makes a kind of sense that we're more vulnerable to catching something while we're getting zapped.  I've still got two more days to do on the Keflex they gave me & of course now the antibiotic is catching up with me & making me gassy!  I feel bad for anyone who's in the same room with me sometimes!!!   Did they give you Silvadene?  That kills staph & just about any other bugs in the universe.  And BTW, Sharon, I would be so bummed to have to be away from home during all this, it's totally understandable that you would have your moments about that alone, never mind any of the rest of this jolly adventure.

    All you Texas Gals, how the heck is the hurricane clean-up going?  Seems all we hear about now on the national news is about the financial crisis & credit crunch... and don't even get me started on that!

    I can relate to everyone's exhaustion.  The last two weeks of rads, with the infection & all, I could barely stay upright for half a day & slept like a log!  I've been thrilled this week to last until about 5:00 each day, but I'm down for the count by 7 or 8 each night.

    They were right about the SE's getting worse after the Vancouver protocol was done.  I've had the itchies pretty badly these last few days & my armpit is killing me.  There's one spot right in the middle of the armpit that burns like crazy.  I lay down yesterday after getting back from a visit to a plastic surgeon with a cold-pack folded into my armpit.  Ahhhh!

    Roberta37 & all Canadians & Canadiennes, hope you have a great holiday weekend.

    Ace, I'm glad you're almost done.

    Vhqh, it's great to hear that the brain zaps have gone well so far.  If your boss can't take a joke, by the way, you can always blame the whole thing on the zaps!

    Good luck to everyone.  I hope we all stay in touch until at least every one of us is done & has recovered from all SE's!  Then we can start a few more threads on tamoxifen, etc.

    Kathi

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited October 2008

    I'll see my dr. Tues. so I'll ask what to put on the blister. Thank goodness I'm done with the full breast rads. This weekend I have been more sore and this blister is driving me crazy since being rads. Four more boosts and I'm done. Honestly my boob couldn't take anymore.

    I'll be here until everyone is done Wink

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  • vhqh
    vhqh Member Posts: 535
    edited October 2008

    KAK - I've actually told several people that I have it made, I have my get out of trouble free card, if I screw anything up I can just blame the zaps! 

    Nancy - I think you've come to the same conclusion I did, letting it dry out a bit may be best.  I have been using a little silvadene on it as needed and I think I'm making progress.  Some of that new skin is certainly a little tender though, some spots still seem to be cooking some too!

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  • NancyD
    NancyD Member Posts: 3,562
    edited October 2008

    New skin is DEFNITELY tender. That was one thing the Xeroform pads soothed. Dang it, damned if you do, damned if you don't.

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  • KristyAnn
    KristyAnn Member Posts: 793
    edited October 2008

    For all of you who have to stay covered up for the next year- I found some great sun hats:

    sundayafternoons.com -- I have the resort hat with a scarf.

    They sell a couple of the same items on sungrubbies.com but the first website has a lot more.

    Kristy 

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited October 2008

    Hi Everyone,

    Well by the time I got to my treatment this afternoon my blister turned in to a HUGE one. OUCH!! I was given Silvadene. 

    Cute hats KristyAnn ! Just In Time is great site for caps/scarfs under hats.

     Have a restful evening ladies Smile

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  • NancyD
    NancyD Member Posts: 3,562
    edited October 2008

    Now I'm figting a cold, on top of everything else. I have that sinus-congestion-that-drips-down-my throat-and-makes-my-bronchial-tubes-clog-up cough. Kind of a super post-nasal drip. It's the type of day I would have called in sick, but I've used up my sick days and I have my second-to-last boost.

    My chest dermatitis is better. Still stings when something touches it (like clothing, LOL), but it's healing and not getting worse. I hope the boost area doesn't start getting this bad.

    How are the rest of you doing? Who else is finishing up this week besides Stephanie and me? 

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  • Skye64
    Skye64 Member Posts: 109
    edited October 2008

    Rose and Nancy...

    I am sorry for hearing that you both got so much trouble. Hanging in there....

    soon it will be done...it is so great, if you have not drive there every day..just a relief....and the other things, you will deal with it....my skin is really red but only there, where I got the boosts. I got 2 little blisters...but they are healing now. I am still using the emu-oil. When I am at home, I do not wear a bra....just a big shirt...I got some pain, like shooting...but it is not a big deal and I read here on the board that is normal...

    Have a nice day, girls

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