July 2009 rads group

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  • hrf
    hrf Member Posts: 3,225
    edited August 2009

    I will be finished tomorrow!!!!! Hope things are going well for everyone.    Helen

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  • Leah_S
    Leah_S Member Posts: 8,458
    edited August 2009

    I'm also finishing tomorrow. It can't be soon enough for me.

    I know have an itchy rash on my shoulder (on my back; exit burn) and on my sternum. The rest of my skin is a bit pink. The rad nurse gave me a cream for the itchy rash called Aquazum. I have no idea what's in it but it seems to help the itchiness. I tried to find out what's in it by checking online but all the sites that came up are in German. I think they get it in very large quantities since I was given a container with no label - about 2/3 cup in it. I'm asking for more tomorrow so I'll have it for afterwards. The nurses at our center always tell people not to buy anything since they give us any creams we ask for.

    My husband and I are going out for lunch tomorrow. I'd say it was to celebrate the end of treatment but since I start Tamoxifen as soon as rads are over (to say nothing of oophorectomy in the future, possible prophy mast on the other side, possible reconstruction) that's not exactly accurate. We'll just celebrate the end of rads!

    Leah

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  • nwood450
    nwood450 Member Posts: 110
    edited August 2009

    Hi All,

    It's been a tough few days.  My skin was doing so well up to this point.  I have a large area under my breast that is totally broken down.  Skin is peeling and it is red, raw and weeping.  Sorry for the graphics!  It is sooooo painful.  One more treatment for me tomorrow too!  Because of the condition of my skin, they considered putting it off a day.,  Hoping tomorrow will be the last and the healing can begin.  They will evaluate my condition in the morning. Can't sleep at night from the discomfort.  They are having me use cortisone cream only. 

    My husband is coming with me to treatment tomorrow.  Hopefully it will be a celebration!  But I know what you mean, Leah.  The next chapter in this story is tamox.  I see my med onco on September 9th for that. 

    Blessings to all on this journey of ours!

    Warmly,
    Nancy

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  • TwillNW
    TwillNW Member Posts: 46
    edited August 2009

    I am joining Leah, Nancy, and Helen in finishing tomorrow after 33 sessions of rads.  Hooray! 

    As posted before, my biggest problem was in the armpit area - that is where I got red, raw, and weeping skin.  Mepolex Lite pads that the treatment center gave me made a world of difference - don't know if I would have been able to function last week without them.  After having a lot of discomfort through Saturday, I finally turned the corner yesterday and feel much better with the end in sight. 

    Best of luck to all getting close to the end. 

    Tricia

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  • Dawnmrn1
    Dawnmrn1 Member Posts: 446
    edited August 2009

    Good Luc kto those of us finishing rads!  Celebrate any way you can!!! I am so happy for you!  To the rest of us keep going it will be done soon!  Hugs! Dawn

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  • Becky613
    Becky613 Member Posts: 25
    edited August 2009

    Hi Nancy, 

     I can't believe I'm experiencing what you are.  My skin has done well until this weekend (except for the nipple issue which is healing since the boosts started).  I also have a weeping, red and raw area under my breast.  Kind of suddenly happened.  The good news is after careful consideration the rad onc let me do the treatment today and skip the last 2 treatments.  YEA I'm done.  I hope that will be your case tomorrow.  It sounded like he was going to give me a 2 week break but we will be traveling  back to MA for a visit in a week and will be gone several weeks. I have to go back to see him Fri. and hope it has started to heal.  So I ended up with 33/35 treatments.

    I have not found the tamox to be a problem.  I started it in June just before starting rads.

     Good luck tomorrow.

    Becky

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  • hrf
    hrf Member Posts: 3,225
    edited August 2009
    Leah, Nancy, Tricia ... tomorrow is our day ... I'll be so glad to be finished. My skin has been holding up well. I use the Glaxal cream a couple of times a day and it's fine. Just in the past couple of days, my underarm area has become very red. I remember from my last time doing rads that for the next couple of weeks things may continue to be difficult and I recall a lot of peeling skin. I will be starting either Tamoxifen or Arimidex on Wednesday ... am waiting to hear back from the onc. I'm also thinking of doing reconstruction so this journey is not over yet. A friend wants to take me out for lunch tomorrow to celebrate so we will celebrate the end of rads. I sure hope I don't ever have to it again. A good day to all tomorrow and to a speedy end to this stage to everyone.   Helen
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  • nanabolini
    nanabolini Member Posts: 61
    edited August 2009

    Is it expected I wonder to give something to the people at rads  when you finsih?  One of the women on her last day brought cupcakes for everyone and a thank you card.

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  • Leah_S
    Leah_S Member Posts: 8,458
    edited August 2009

    i'mfinishedi'mfinishedi'mfinishedi'mfinishedi'mfinishedi'mfinishedi'mfinishedi'mfinishedi'mfinishedi'mfinishedi'mfinishedi'mfinishedi'mfinished.

    YIPPEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!DOING THE HAPPY DANCE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Leah

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  • hrf
    hrf Member Posts: 3,225
    edited August 2009
    Leah, let me join you in that happy dance!!!!! Cool Let's hope we never have to do it again.
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  • nwood450
    nwood450 Member Posts: 110
    edited August 2009

    Leah, Tricia, Helen, Becky ....

    We did it!  I'm doing the happy dance too!  Lots of tears from both me and my husband this morning.  Even the techs joined us!  It is truly a milestone.  It has been an honor to share this with all of you ladies.  We are all stronger than we thought and when our strength faltered, we gained the strength we needed from each other.

    Love and prayers to you all.

    Nancy
    xoxo

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  • MsDebS
    MsDebS Member Posts: 36
    edited August 2009

    Congratulations to all!  Day 22 for me.  Three more and than 8 boosts.  Dr said I am doing remarkably well.  There was a glitch today though.  Had to take my husband to the ER on my way to rads for a sciatica flare-up. Dropped him off and got him settled...went to rads and then went back to sit with him until he was released.  He is now on the couch moaning.  I am glad I am feeling so well because it wouldnt be a good thing if we were both down.  I dont think I made this much noise when I was in labor. Ha Ha.... I could hear him outside when I was watering the tomatoes. Poor guy cant even sit down...he has to lay flat on his back. And the whole house smells like Icy-Hot.  My turn to be the nurse.  He was so great through all of my treatments. 

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  • lollys
    lollys Member Posts: 205
    edited August 2009

    Congrats to all those finished-- I havent started yet but hope to gain strength from you all--just finished my 4 months ofchemo and trying to get some strength back--good luck to everyone--stay strong--Lolly

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  • hrf
    hrf Member Posts: 3,225
    edited August 2009

    Leah, Tricia, Nancy, Becky .... well done!!!!

    Tomorrow I start Arimidex......anyone else doing the same?

    Helen

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  • TwillNW
    TwillNW Member Posts: 46
    edited August 2009

    Hooray for those who crossed the finish line with me and hang in there to all who are getting close. 

    The rads center gave me a printed certificate that says I "completed the prescribed course of Radiation Therapy with the highest degree of courage, determination, and good nature."  I thought that was a pretty neat sentiment.  I didn't ask them if some folks don't get "the highest degree" - ha!

    Helen, I am doing tamoxifin and have been since June.  I realize that there are varied opinions about whether or not it should be taken during rads, but my onc said no reason not to go ahead and start.  Fortunately, I haven't noticed too many side effects. 

    Here's to hoping that rads are not the end of a chapter but the end of the book for all of us ! 

    Tricia

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  • Dawnmrn1
    Dawnmrn1 Member Posts: 446
    edited August 2009

    Congrats to all who are done, and strength and courage to the rest of us, half way for me today! WoooHoo!! Dawn

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  • jdeking
    jdeking Member Posts: 408
    edited August 2009

    Yay for all who are done! Great job, and here's to the next chapter of your lives - as a survivor! Laughing

     I have 7 left, I think most of which will be boosts. End is near, and I can't be happier!

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  • rreynolds1
    rreynolds1 Member Posts: 450
    edited August 2009

    Hi Everyone,

    I also received the same certificate.  I finished this morning after 33 treatments.  Wow!  I see my oncologist next week to start Arimidex.  Is anyone from CT out there? 

    Roseann

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  • Susantc
    Susantc Member Posts: 33
    edited August 2009

    I'm adding my congratulations to all who are finishing. I will be done on Friday. I am seeing my oncologist afterward and then will drive to Maine for three weeks of much needed vacation. Yeah!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Best of luck to all and thank you all for being here. I really felt a sense of community on this board and will keep you all in my thoughts as we go forward to the next phase. Take care.

    Susan

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  • Leah_S
    Leah_S Member Posts: 8,458
    edited August 2009

    Copngratulations to all who finished!!!!!!!!!

    Started tamoxifen today. No side effects yet. OK, OK, I really didn't expect any yet. I spoke to a friend who said her only s/e was weight gain. Sure hope I canavoid that one.

    Susan - enjoy your vacation! You're absolutely right about the sense of community. I don't know how I would have made it if I hadn't shared it with all of you.

    Leah

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  • hrf
    hrf Member Posts: 3,225
    edited August 2009

    I am also grateful to all of you for being here with me as we went through this together. It definitely made it easier.   Helen

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  • ibjennifer125
    ibjennifer125 Member Posts: 57
    edited August 2009

    #28 out of 34 today. These last 6 will be the boost to to my surgery spot only, so hopefully the burning will start healing now. My skin is an angry red, painful, and itchy. I thank God for all he's brought me through these last 9 months, but had someone told me this time last year what I would go through I would have laughed because I am the biggest wimp on earth. I have endured some tough chemo, mastectomy, and now rads. I've been poked, prodded, and stuck with needles...I who was terrified of needles. I've done it with the help of my Lord and Saviour.  I will be so glad to get these rads over. 

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  • donnamariem
    donnamariem Member Posts: 27
    edited August 2009

    Today is my last full breast treatment.  Tomorrow I begin the seven boosts.  I don't know about anyone else, but as glad as I am to be done with rads I'm also afraid.  I feel like I will be just left to flounder about.  At least during the treatments I was being proactive.  Does anyone else feel this way?

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  • ikat
    ikat Member Posts: 128
    edited August 2009

    Donnamariem,

    I don't think you will be left to flounder. You will still need to see your onco and surgeon.  the 6 month mamo will most likely review by your surgeon, Your onco will want regular visits also, are you going to be on one of the 5 year drugs? If so you will have to be monitored.  I think that the drs that deal with us understand the feeling we experience during the different stages of treatment. I also think that feeling alone is normal, but just remember you aren't alone you can alway find support here.

    kathy

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  • donnamariem
    donnamariem Member Posts: 27
    edited August 2009

    Kathy -  Thanks for your input.  Yes, I am scheduled to be on tamoxifen, but I am having my doubts about it.  I'll wait to speak with the onc again.  I guess it was more about the fact that I was going somewhere every day.  What will I do with the spare time??? LOL.

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  • kim40
    kim40 Member Posts: 904
    edited August 2009

    Congratulations to all who are done!  Yahoo!  This forum has made my life so much easier as I never felt alone and I had to go through this fight alone.  You ladies have been there for me every step of the way so I want to say Thank You!  Let's keep this thread going!

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  • hrf
    hrf Member Posts: 3,225
    edited August 2009

    donnamariem, I think the way you feel is very common. Many of us go through that anxiety. I finished 2 days ago. Yesterday I went out for very long walk and then had a relaxing latte. Today I spent time with my 2 year old granddaughter. So far I'm enjoying the way the time is being filled.

    Helen

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  • survivorsal
    survivorsal Member Posts: 12
    edited August 2009

    Congrats to all who are done!  I just found out today that I have to have 7 boosts instead of 5.  So it will be 28 regular treatments and then 7 boosts.  Has anybody else had that?  I've done 24 already and I'm red, sore, and itchy but the doc says I'm pretty typical and not to worry.  Saw the med onc yesterday and will start Tamoxifen September 1st (just after rads and the 1st is a nice number to start things!)

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  • survivorsal
    survivorsal Member Posts: 12
    edited August 2009

    Congrats to all who are done!  I just found out today that I have to have 7 boosts instead of 5.  So it will be 28 regular treatments and then 7 boosts.  Has anybody else had that?  I've done 24 already and I'm red, sore, and itchy but the doc says I'm pretty typical and not to worry.  Saw the med onc yesterday and will start Tamoxifen September 1st (just after rads and the 1st is a nice number to start things!)

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  • carollynn79
    carollynn79 Member Posts: 654
    edited August 2009

    I have 4 more regular and then 5 boosts, can't wait to be done.  It will be nice to have a day that i do not have to sit in the car for 3 1/2 hours!  Will have lots of trips back and forth but it wil be more a few times a month.  Red, itchy, sore, tired but having problems sleeping, and my arm is sore.  Biopsy on thyroid is scheduled for Tuesday so though rads is almost over still have to deal with thyroid issue.  Hard to say where that road will lead, oh well who says life's easy, at least I am blessed with friends far and near. 

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