SEPTEMBER 2008 rads group

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

    Kristy, this one's for YOU! I may not be able to post for a couple of days. Things are crazy busy at work.

     

    A "raspberry tart" (with vanilla ice cream and raspberry liqueur , hm-m-mm)

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  • KristyAnn
    KristyAnn Member Posts: 793
    edited October 2008

    Thanks Nancy- Im counting down- 2 to go!

    Kristy

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

    Hi y'all.

    Congrats to all who have finished!

    Well, I've 3 boosts left, and I'm definitely counting the days until I'M THROUGH WITH ALL this mess, but I have to say, I'm kind of freaking out...and I have a question for those that are through and those that are about to be through...what are we going to do now?  I feel like a let down, I feel relieved but empty because I'm not going to be going to my treatments soon.  I dunno, it's hard for me to describe.  I can't wait to get home, but I dunno...

    Anyway, the weather here has been very cold (in the teens), but sunny.  I'm glad it hasn't snowed, and I hope it'll stay like this until my brother and I get home!  I think both my brother and I are getting a little homesick...

    As far as SEs, my armpit has been peeling for how many days now?  My neck, shoulder and chest are a little bit sore from the treatments, so my doc suggested I take ibuprofen during the day, and oxycodone at night so I could sleep, which has been a bit of a problem for me for the past few days too.

    It's kind of funny; I was scared to get the boosts, but I think I'm pretty much okay with it now.

    Anyway, I hope y'all have a great rest of the week...sorry for being a sad sack today.

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  • Makratz
    Makratz Member Posts: 12,678
    edited October 2008

    Hi TexanCupig,

    I think I know what you mean.  I finished on Monday and have been feeling down.  I guess, as much as it sucks, you get used to seeing dr's, having appts, etc daily, and then all of a sudden, your done.  You're on your own.  Monday and Tuesday I was very emotional, crying, I don't know, just felt sad.  Today was better.  I hope tomorrow is even better. I was wondering if I'm feeling this way because it was the end of everything, or if it could possibly be the Tamox I started last Friday.  I think that's why we need to keep communicating via these boards so we know what we are going through is normal.  So, you're not alone! 

    Good luck with your last few rads.  I bet it will be really nice to get home.  You're brother is a saint for helping you through all this.  Hang in there!

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  • nancy258
    nancy258 Member Posts: 162
    edited October 2008

    Tex & Makraz, we've really been through a lot and have put most of our lives on hold while putting all our thoughts and energies into this radiation process.  It totally consumes you, making it a little hard when it's all over to switch gears.  Give yourself some time to adjust.  Treat yourself to a pedicure or new outfit.  We can finally now spend the time on all those things we really like to do or things we've been neglecting, we just have to remember what they are!

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  • Makratz
    Makratz Member Posts: 12,678
    edited October 2008

    Nancy258,

    I got my haircut today to cheer me up.  I think it helped brighten my mood because I did something I WANTED to do, not that I HAD to do.    I'm sure a new outfit will come soon and then I'll feel alot better!

    Thank you!

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  • roberta37
    roberta37 Member Posts: 371
    edited October 2008

    Well I'm down to two more and the scar under my arm has given them concern.  Yesterday they wouldn't give me my treatment until after they talked to a doctor who gave them the go ahead.  Today I had to see a GP after (the rad oncologist would have been an hour wait) and she said it just looks superficial and doesn't think it will be a problem to get my last two treatments but still had to talk to a rad oncologist.  They have also set up another doctors appointment for me tomorrow.  It's uncomfortable and I'm doing the saline soaks and flamazine cream after.  I just one of those people that if you say I have to do 28 then I have to do 28.  

    Sharon - what you are going through/feeling is absolutely normal.   I bought a book called "After Breast Cancer" and one of the things it said: "All of a sudden, you are congratulated and abruptly thrust back into the land of the well."  I felt that way between chemo and radiation and I'm not sure how I'll be feeling when radiation is finished.  Glad in a way and scared in another as it's almost like my safety net won't be there anymore.  I have a long way back to my healthy self again but once treatment is over that's my goal.  

    Had enough energy to actually clean the pumpkins and do the seeds (good source of iron).  Tomorrow or Friday I'll have to actually carve them.   My last appointment on Friday is at 8:00 in the morning so I'll have time to come home and have a nap before taking the kids out.

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

    Hey, everybody! 

    Nancy258, we will fondly & enviously think of you in Costa Rica.  Wow, was that great planning or what??

    Kristy, see if your GP/PCP will prescribe Silvadene for you.  I'm surprised at your rad onc.  S'up with that?  What does he recommend?

    Sharon, Makraz & everyone, felt the same way after rads.  Bummed & lost.  Because everyone I know who doesn't have BC kept saying, "Gee, isn't it great that you're all done with treatment!"   And I wanted to say, yeah, but I've got to start tamoxifen now & I have to see my surgeon in three weeks & I have to see my med onc in a month, and I have to get my first post-dx mamm at the end of the year, and........well, you all know what I mean.  It ain't exactly over, in the first place.  And the "stalker" is still out there.  And I'm still trying to figure out who the hell I am with this new "identity" as a person with breast cancer.  

    Plus, there's that element of post-traumatic stress thrown in.  Oy.

    Actually managed to clean off my kitchen table yesterday enough to see the tablecloth I had put on it a month ago!!  It had bills & cancer-related paperwork all over it. . . .

    Kathi

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  • Makratz
    Makratz Member Posts: 12,678
    edited October 2008

    Kathi,

    Exactly!

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  • KristyAnn
    KristyAnn Member Posts: 793
    edited October 2008

    KAK, They recommend Aquaphor, Radiaplex and will prescribe XClair- I have samples of that now and I dont know WHY they dont like Silvadene but they just dont. My skin is not infected just really raw so maybe that makes a difference. If I could work topless all day It wouldne be nearly as sore LOL.

    2 more and Im done!

    Kristy

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

    Kristy, don't know Radiaplex, but I do know that if your skin is raw, it's at risk to develop an infection, so that's why something like Silvadene is helpful to use to prevent an infection.  XClair is helpful, but contains no antibiotic, but you know I suppose you could apply Neosporin or Bacitracin as a preventative antibiotic cream, too.  Just a dab under your XClair maybe.  Okay, here I am acting like I'm at work!!   I'll stop now. . . . .

    Maybe it you just show up topless at rads, they'd get the hint.....well, I guess we all sort of end up topless at rads, don't we??

    Kathi 

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

    Ditto Kathi !! Unless they people deal with they just don't now.

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  • Skye64
    Skye64 Member Posts: 109
    edited October 2008

    Congrats to Nancy258 and Makraz!!! Jippi....

    Shari1232:  I got nausea from the radiation....in the middle of the treatment...

    And for the others, I can tell you..I got burned, two little blisters.....All of them is gone...my skin looks now after almost 3 weeks a little bit brown....but only a little bit and only where I got the boosts. The other skin is pal....and I can see my bikini frame again, so please hang in there..everything will be fine..

    I am getting my power back, only at 8:00 in the evening I am very tired...

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  • Skye64
    Skye64 Member Posts: 109
    edited October 2008

    Congrats to Nancy258 and Makraz!!! Jippi....

    Shari1232:  I got nausea from the radiation....in the middle of the treatment...

    And for the others, I can tell you..I got burned, two little blisters.....All of them is gone...my skin looks now after almost 3 weeks a little bit brown....but only a little bit and only where I got the boosts. The other skin is pal....and I can see my bikini frame again, so please hang in there..everything will be fine..

    I am getting my power back, only at 8:00 in the evening I am very tired...

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

    Hi y'all.

    I wish I could say I'm dealing with the end of treatment issues, but it's just not going away!  I talked with a friend of mine, who also finished rads not too long ago, and I'm beginning to agree with her...I JUST NEED TO GET A GOOD CRY OUT!!!  Another friend of mine, who had bc, but NO treatments and is having reconstruction, took me out for lunch, which seemed to help a bit.

    When I went to my treatment this morning though, the techs asked me how I was doing...I started crying, telling them I'm having end of treatment issues.  They gave me hugs and told me it will be allright!  When I was done with the boost, Shauna gave me flowers to cheer me up.  They usually give flowers to those that are done with rads. Embarassed  Then, now that I'm back from lunch, my brother left me a note saying he's sorry, that he's trying to be supportive as much as he can, and that he loves me, and there I go again...weeping, like I am now.  Thank goodness my support group meets this afternoon; hopefully, there will be more than the social worker and one other regular that ALWAYS goes to group.

    Anyway, I wish the itch would go away...like yesterday's news?!?  I have another question for y'all...when our skin peels, is it just going to be that one peel, or am I going to peel again? 

    I thank y'all for your support, and I hope y'all have a great Friday!  I have 2 more rads and then I'll finally be done!

    Thanks again!

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  • Makratz
    Makratz Member Posts: 12,678
    edited October 2008

    Hi TexanCupig,

    Your doing well.  You should have a good cry!  Go for it!.  That's how I was feeling this week and it is SLOWLY getting better.  I just try to keep myself busy.

    Don't know about the peeling, I was lucky and only blistered slightly.

    Best of luck with your last 2 treatments.  I finished this past Monday, 1 week ahead of you!

    Hang in there......

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  • KristyAnn
    KristyAnn Member Posts: 793
    edited October 2008

    TexanCupig,

    Ive been really teary the whole last two weeks of rads- I dont know if it is end of treatment issues since I am still facing a hysterectomy- I think I am just completely tired and tired of it and it makes me weepy!

     5 hours from now I will be FINISHED!

    Kristy

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  • redheadace1
    redheadace1 Member Posts: 212
    edited October 2008

    KristyAnn--Hurray! I'm thinking about you having your last treatment. What a relief it will be. Congratulations to you and Nancy 258 and all of the other girls who have finished.

    I'm doing well except for occasional stabbing pains in the ol' boob. My energy seems to be coming back. I need to go back and read over what's been happening with you all. I've discovered a new obsession: cooking! I was so intimidated by it before, and now I love it. It's so calming and I really enjoy the sensation of doing something healthy and loving for myself (or my friends--so far none of them have died from my efforts!)

    Hope everyone has a spooky weekend. We will light up the night with our glow-in-the-dark boobs! 

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

    Oh, Kristy, I can't believe you have to have a hyst after all this.  @#%&$!!!

    Sharon, I'm still weepy!  I have a feeling I'm going to be weepy for the next five years!  I get choked up especially when someone's kind to me.  Just typing that makes me tear up, I'm not kidding!  I did have a couple of good cries during the last few weeks of rads, which I really needed, too, & that helped a lot.  When do you get to go home to Texas?? 

    Ace, glad your feeling better.  Your post prompts me, on this Halloween, to re-post this bit of animated weirdness from my blog.  I know at least one woman on the forum here who was planning to dress up as a boob that glows in the dark & to make her husband dress as the "normal boob!"   LOL

    Wink  Kathi

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  • Makratz
    Makratz Member Posts: 12,678
    edited October 2008

    Kristy,

    Congrat's on finally being done!  I'm sorry to hear about your hysterectomy.  KAK said it completely: @#%&$!!!

    Redheadace1 - I love to cook and find it very relaxing.  I hope you have some fun with it!

    Congrats to all others for making it through another week!

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

    Here's a cocktail for anyone finishing up today.

     

    Ha!  I've been savng this one specially for today!

    Martha Stewart has a neat way to make eyeball ice cubes. You take a small radish and scrape off most (but not all) of the red skin. Using a small melon baller, you scoop out the center of the radish. Cut a pimento-stuffed olive in half and stick one half in the scooped out radish. be sure the flat side of the olive half is facing out. Make a bunch and drop them in an ice cube tray, then fill it with water and freeze. 

    The one above looks like something similar made with a blueberry. 

    Well, I'm totally healed from the rad burns. Not even a little peeling.  

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  • KristyAnn
    KristyAnn Member Posts: 793
    edited October 2008
    IM DONE!!!!Embarassed
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  • Makratz
    Makratz Member Posts: 12,678
    edited October 2008

    KristyAnn,

    YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!Kiss

    I believe NancyD left you a delicious Halloween drink above!
    ENJOY!

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  • roberta37
    roberta37 Member Posts: 371
    edited October 2008

    YEAH KristyAnn on being done.  I'm done also today and I almost got postponed yesterday because the computers were down for 3 hours..  Luckily I had talked to one of the nurses earlier yesterday and they wanted to see me in person so they said to come in for that and they would try and fit me in and did.  My daughter made the techs all Halloween treat bags which they liked and I went in my orange spider witch hat.  Had to do something to mark the day and I've been all about the hats since loosing my hair. 

    Very sore under my arm and by the end of the day with all the friction I'm just about ready to crawl out of my skin.  Did get some tylenol 3's to take at night when it gets really bad.

    Hope everyone has a great weekend and HAPPY HALLOWEEN. 

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

    Yay, KristyAnn & Roberta!!   Love the blue eyeball, Nancy!!

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  • nancy258
    nancy258 Member Posts: 162
    edited October 2008

    KristyAnn, CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!  See how quickly it went by!

    Roberta, I think you are finishing today also.  YEH!  YOU GO!

    Texan, Congratulations in advance I know you're finishing Monday, and you can finally get back home.

    I'm three days out from my last boost, and the boost area is the only pink, sore area and it's not too bad.  The other skin that was raw has now healed and feels good.  Day after last treatment I started getting sharp stabbing pains in my breast.  Previously, I had needle like stabbing pains, but these are more like spikes stabbing me.  Called nurse and she said it's normal, take some advil.

    NancyD, love the eyeball idea.  I have to try that.

    Happy Halloween!

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  • KristyAnn
    KristyAnn Member Posts: 793
    edited October 2008

    Congrats Roberta!

    Have a great weekend everyone!

    Kristy

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  • Skye64
    Skye64 Member Posts: 109
    edited October 2008

    Congrats to all finisher....JIPPI......Cool

    Have a nice halloween and weekend.....

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

    Good afternoon, y'all!!

    I cannot thank y'all enough for your support!!!

    CONGRATS on those who have finished!!!

    Well, I'm down to my last treatment on Monday, and I can't wait to get home, but not with a lil drama from my treatment this morning?!? Surprised

    Last night, right after I applied the silvadene, I started itching like I've never itched before!  I wanted to rip the skin off the radiated area, that's how bad I was itching.  Unfortunately, since I don't have a primary care physician here, I had to go to the ER!  By the time I was seen, the itching subsided, but it was still there!  The doctor gave me a prescrip for a stronger version of triamcinolone and a pill for itching, which KNOCKED ME OUT!  I'm still feeling the effects this afternoon!  So anyway, I saw the doc this morning, and he wanted me to take a break from the boosts; have a 3 day weekend!  I told him not!  I have to get back to MYU so I can vote, by golly!...lol...LaughingEmbarassed  I told him I want to get ALL this over with, and he said go ahead then!  So, my last treatment will be on Monday...YAHOO!!!

    I also can see the world again...I got my eyes checked and FINALLY got glasses so I can see, but it's weird, because I'm going to show my age, but I have to wear bi-focals now...but it sure is good to see the EVERYTHING again!

    Well, I hope y'all have a great Halloween AND weekend!

    And, thanks again for your support!

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

    Congrats to those finished and almost finished!! Yea!!!

    Happy Halloween!!

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