December 2009 Rads Group

somanywomen · December 2009

FYI....I have been reading a lot about organics and was just reading about ...organic extra virgin coconut oil...seems to have a ton of health benefits...says it is good for dermatitus, psoriasis, eczema and other skin infections.....I also read that you can mix organic honey with cinnamon for minor skin infections....So I mixed my honey and cinnamon and made a paste and smeared it over my bumps (I hope I'm not covered with ants in the morning).....Tomorrow I will try the coconut oil.....My husband thinks I've gone coconuts!!!!....since the docs don't have a conclusive treatment for our "unrelated to rads" side effects...I will just have to figure it out myself!!!

mimi1964 · January 2010

somanywomen - don't want to "jinx" myself but so far no itching here! I hope the Calendula spray you purchased works. :=) Wasn't you using hydrocortisone cream? If that wasn't working I would ask the doc surely he could prescribe something for it.

Lissette - I hope you meet a nice,older man with kids. There is always hope :=)... you are a very beautiful young lady I'm sure there are many young men out there that would love to be married to you. Mxt or not. Have faith in yourself. Don't let breast cancer steal that away from you. LOL to washing off the ink... that sounds just like something I would do. hahaha

adrienne2 · January 2010

hhfheidi, I'm glad that you're not having any armpit involvement. For some reason, I didn't have any discomfort at all after yesterday's treatment. Maybe it's because I put a cool pack on my breast when I got home. It's an ice pack, but I'm keeping it in the refrigerator instead of the freezer, since we're not supposed to use ice packs.

Your cats showed you your lump? Sounds as if they saved your life. Buy those cats some treats!

I noticed that extra warmth, too. I'm sure if I mention it to my husband he'll think of "HOT titties," as yours did As you say, "Men"

Lissette, congratulations on approaching the finish line. You go, girl! The three-day weekend is coming at a good time for you, isn't it?

Renee, that emu oil sounds great. When I get further along in my treatments, if the creams and oils I have aren't working, I'll try it.

I know what you mean about the oils removing the marks. After they marked me up at my first treatment, I covered myself with calendula oil. By the time I got home, most of the ink was on my camisole and shirt. Fortunately, I had worn old clothes, since I figured the oil might ruin them. Also fortunately, the rad techs don't need the marks in my case: the tattoos give them all the information they need.

Somanywomen, I'm not experiencing itching yet, but it's early days for me. Good luck with the coconut oil and honey/cinnamon paste. I laughed at your mention of ants -- lol.

Our local Vitamin Shoppe didn't have the calendula spray, but I ordered it online. I think it will be especially good if my skin gets tender later. For now, I'm using the oil, which works really well, but is awkward to spread it around.

Yesterday I had treatment 6 of 33. I was expecting that burning sensation in the late afternoon, but I had no problems at all. Maybe it was that cool pack I used, or maybe it was because we kept the room a little cooler. The times I had the most trouble, we had a fire in the wood stove, so the room was pretty warm. Being cooler seems to help me a lot. I know that the night I had the worst reaction, I felt better immediately when I went into a cooler room. I hope this theory is true, because it's an easy fix

I hope you all had a great New Year's eve. We had our usual quiet evening at home, although we did walk down to a local pizza place for a treat. We were amazingly lucky: it had been pouring down rain all day, but it was just sprinkling while we were out. After we got home, it started pouring again.

Enjoy the long weekend, my friends.

adrienne

6 down, 27 to go

mimi1964 · January 2010

adrienne2 - I also have the tattoos, but they put one straight (o.k. semi straight, LOL) line on left outer quadrant of my right breast that is receiving radiation and they tell me they use it to also help line things up. Sure enough when the red radiation grids come up on the ceiling from the machine if the techs have me in the right position one of the lines will go straight down that purple paint pen mark they have put on me. Which makes me think.... hmmm? What the Krap are the tattoo marks being used for then??? It really looks like nothing honestly, but then what do I know about radiation technology, I'm just a nurse! Glad you got to go out for pizza. we had pizza in last night. We ordered it out from Papa John's Pizza. LOL! It was really yummy, especially when you don't have to cook!

Renee

somanywomen · January 2010

Happy New Year to all.....I sure hope this year is better than 2009!!....I have been reading posts on line this morning and find myself in a freakin cancer mood.....So many women...Too many women and it just sucks that we are all so slammed with this crap, biopsies, operations, no win decisions, cts, rads, nonchalant doctors, meds and fear of return...I just feel so sorry for all that are fighting so hard with such dignity......I need to find my sense of humor this morning....so here goes..

I had to wash off the honey/cinnamon goo, was very annoying when it dried...I decided to give the Calendula spray a try overnight...seems to have worked, bumps are calmer this morning...Adrienne, they had to order my Calendula spray for me at the Vitamin Shoppe, only took a couple days to get in.....It's a brown runny spray, but feels good...I put a soft hankerchief over area and then tank top to protect clothes...My bumps really didn't appear until this week, I just finished #21.....9 to go, 4 regular and 5 boosts.....

To all....are any of you having to take deep breaths and hold while getting zapped??

It was nice having my husband take me to rads last couple weeks, I felt protected....He goes back to work on Monday....With the Space Shuttle supposively shutting down in Sept 2010, just wonder what this year will bring.....hopefully they will extend the program...can you imagine our government having us depend on the Russians for a minimum of 5 years for a ride to Space Station??...crazy, huh??

It's going to be a dreary rainy day here in Florida, but we have 3 rad free days, so it could be worse.......

adrienne2 · January 2010

Renee, isn't it interesting how different we all are w.r.t. treatments and advice given by our doctors and nurses? My techs don't use any lines at all: just the three tattoos. Once a week they take a "film" and analyze it to make sure that their positioning is still right.

Another difference: some people are told not to use any oils or creams until burning starts, but I was told to start right away. Some people are told to use creams just before a treatment, some are told not to use it within 2 hours prior, and I was told not to use it within 4 hours prior. Honestly, it makes my head spin

Anyway, I'm glad you got to enjoy a cooking-free evening of pizza, too. It's one of my favorite foods.

somanywomen, thanks for the idea of having the store order that spray for me. I should have thought of it myself. Interestingly, when I called the store to see if they had it, they didn't volunteer to order it for me... you'd think they would have.

Thanks for the update on the honey/cinnamon paste. Guess I won't try that one

Regarding holding your breath: my techs told me to breath normally. They said my treatment plan was designed assuming that I would be breathing. I'm glad I don't need to worry about that: these days, anything I don't have to worry about is a good thing. I suppose whether it's necessary might depend on the shape of the breast, the equipment used, or just the doctor?

Only 4 regular treatments to go? That's great! Hang in there. Enjoy these 3 rad-free days.

adrienne

Jules824 · January 2010

Happy New Year to all. Have a nice weekend.

Jules

mimi1964 · January 2010

adrienne- I know the differences in radiation therapy is overwhelming from place to place and doctor to doctor! My onc told me to start my cream (that's what they gave me, but it has leaf oil and grass oils in it - I used it for about 2 1/2 weeks and started having a little rash and happened to think, hey! I'm allergic to grass and maybe this is causing the rash, hence I got the Emu Oil on my own without asking them), about a week before my treatments started so I did as told and to continue to use it everyday at least twice a day for the entire duration of treatments. I too was told unless I used the cream at least 3-4 hrs before txt (this gives it time to be absorbed well) not to apply till after txt. Fortunately I am now going in the afternoons and this is no longer a problem. I was also told not to wear a bra during treatments (for the entire duration) and that I could only wear like a tank top mens t-shirt. Of course I am a 34 D cup and have had 2 kids so boobies aren't where they use to be. LOL! I told the Onc I worked in the public and not wearing a bra wasn't an option... I was going to wear one. So... he told me just to make sure I took it off as soon as I get home everyday. Which I do and that is usually around 4:15 p.m. every evening. There are days when I have it on longer. I know it's probably not good, but what can I say... I have a life. He also told me to wear a sports bra that fastened in the front. There are none on line that I can afford that aren't 50.00 and up or in Cullman, Alabams where I live to fit me. I did buy some Bali comfort stretch bras, but had to get a B/C cup they don't come in a D. They are pretty commfy and come down below the underneath part of the breast and don't rub, which I think is the big thing. They have enough stretch in them to give where the nipple is. I may have to break down and buy one before it is over but I am praying not. Push comes to shove I will use one of my hubby's handkerchiefs and fold it up and place under the breast to keep skin off skin.

I'm sorry I got off topic, but that just shows us how different our docs/Oncs are in their treatment plans for us.

somanywomen - My techs told me the same as Adrienne's, that I was to breathe normally, that it was included as part of my treatment plan. I know you said you are using a different machine for rads so maybe that is the difference?

Jules - Happy New Year to you as well and have a great weekend.

Renee

Anonymous · January 2010

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adrienne2 · January 2010

Renee, I'd probably wear a bra in your situation, too. I do have an old sports bra that zips in the front, but it's the type that smashes my breasts together, and I believe that would not be a good thing, so I'm not using it. I'm smaller-breasted than you, so I've been able to get by with a stretchy, slightly supportive camisole, at least so far. I'll check out the Bali comfort stretch bras -- thanks for the suggestion.

How fortunate that you identified your allergy to the cream they gave you, and you figured it out early. Good thinking!

My treatments are in the morning. What I've been doing is getting up at 5 a.m. to shower and oil up my breast. This is more than 4 hours before my treatment. However, just in case, just before I leave for my treatment, I wash the breast to remove any residue. I carry a tube of cream with me to the treatment center, and apply it before I get dressed after treatment. So far, it's working. Of course, the problem is that we don't really know what to expect, doctors can't predict who will have problems and who won't, and we don't know if what we're doing is helping or hurting. I was tempted to make an experiment of myself by treating half my breast one way and the other half a different way, but I didn't have the nerve

Jules, thanks for the New Years wishes. Happy New Year to you, as well. Have a wonderful weekend.

hhfheidi, I'm surely glad your cats found that tumor. My cats don't seem to be much help at all Good for you for keeping an eye on it and acting quickly.

Enjoy the weekend, folks. May this year be better than the last.

adrienne

lissette80901 · January 2010

Happy New Year ladies! Renee- Thanks for the confidence boost! Lol

Jules- it's interesting that your tumor was sore. Mine was too and the docs told me that was a good thing because cancer "doesn't hurt." Sure!

Somanywomen- I heard about holding your breath during rads to protect your heart. My doc said I don't have to because they were able to shield my heart during treatment. He showed me the plan. Pretty cool.

I guess last night was pizza night. That's what I had for dinner too.

I wish the doctors would just tell us what to do. It's so frustrating trying all these remedies and not knowing what the effect will be.

mimi1964 · January 2010

Where's everyone at today? I am really enjoying this 3 days rads free weekend!!! I've been catching up on some much needed house work. I really need to take our Christmas tree down... not sure that is going to happen today however, our house sprung a water leak in the wall of my granddaughters closet. My DH has gone to the hardware store now to get supplies to begin the repairs. Yuck!!! It's freezing here at 13 degrees outside and he is going to have to go up under the house to repair it. That's life I guess.

I hope everyone brought the New Year in right with some good food, family and or friends... maybe just sitting around being lazy or all of the above. LOL! NO matter how you brought in the fact is that you did and your are happy and healthy.

somanywomen - how is your skin rash today? hope the itching has passed!

{{{Hugs}}}

Renee

somanywomen · January 2010

Hey Mimi.....just checked in for the day....thanks for asking about rash, the calendula spray seems to be working the best, I used only that yesterday and last night, seems to be calming it down....Wow, if it isn't car problems, it's leaks (out washer was leaking, just got part and fixed it!!)...We also had leak through wall in guest bedroom/bath wall in Aug. 09, ...my husband was going to try to fix it, had to go through front of house to get to leak in pipes, was to complicated called insurance and Rooter Rooter.....got a check from ins to replace the new laminate floors and walls etc...still haven't got to it.....Was side tracked in Sept with this nasty BC change of life/priorities crap!!!...hope yours is an easy fix...can't imagine what your poor DH will have to go through today under house in that weather.....good luck!!!!

Jules824 · January 2010

Hi gang, just checking in too. How is everyone today?

Thanks for the New Year wishes. Right back at ya. Lets hope we get over this hurdle and thats it for 2010!

Somanywomen I am sorry about your leaks. I hope everything is cleared up for you and back to normal.

Wahhhh.. lol... I now have those annoying shooting stabs in my breast again in addition to burnt. What gets me most is the tiredness. Is anyone else this tired? I feel like I ran a marathon!

Yesterday I rested in between watching the pork and sauerkraut cook :-). Then late last night we had my 3 granddaughters overnight till dinner today, and I really shouldnt have attempted it. Oh I love them sooooo much and was glad to see them, but I can barely walk today. lol..

Well Im off, have a good Sunday everyone. I was going to say to my husband lets take my dad out to breakfast Sunday but I think Im going to lay around and watch some movies or read!..lol..

((hugs))

Jules

RunswithScissors · January 2010

Dec 31 was my last tx! Joy, ecstasy, laughing.. would be jumping up and down but that would hurt my breast!

Almost didn't make it to last appointment. was overcome with a vomiting episode the night before and by 9 am appointment time still to sick to pick my head up off the pillow. I think it was food poisoning.. but who knows. Flu? Rads?

My side effects are supposed to crest about the 5th. So far I've just started serious itchiness, the speckles some of you mentioned, but today... BLACK and BLUE. Literally. My nipple and a little square under the arm where the nodes were removed.

I'll keep you posted about how it goes over the next few days. I was one who accelerated tx, but the doc never told me about the succulent vs. dried up meat issue. (Or ANY cosmetic effects. Grr. Of course, she has her $$ now, right? What can I do about it now?) I'm agreeing with those of you who are fed up with doctors.

Mimi,

About the he vacuum puller device. Your breast is already being subjected to so much! Why can't they send you someplace that has the prone machine, so the same effect could be accomplished by gravity?

mimi1964 · January 2010

RunswithScissors - in regards to the vacuum device... there isn't anywhere local that I know of that has a prone machine. I live in podunk Alabama. LOL!! There may be a city futher away from me that has one of those prone machines but if they do I would probably have to drive about 100-150 miles. But it would be nice to not have something pull or subject my breast to anymore than it has been, because by the time they start using the device I will have had 28 txts. Owweee!! O.k. enough complaining. I will live... I just really wish I understood why all of the specific things were being done to me, but my Onc has really not explained what each specific procedure (like that) is suppose to accomplish. And I still don't understand (not really) why with only a 1 mm clear margin I didn't have to get chemo. There is such a part of me that worries whether or not they got it all really or if there were any stragglers left behind. Guess I just have to keep faith that the rads is doing the job. HUH!!

Renee

BonnieSF · January 2010

Hi Everyone! I have not posted in a couple of weeks I think. Welcome to those who have joined in that time. Happy New Year to all and hopefully we'll all have a better 2010 than 2009!

I have completed 17 with 13 more to go. Can't wait until Jan 21. I get 2 grays each time over the entire breast. I'm not red up to the collar bone, but close. I can see a distinct red square now. Feels like bad sunburn. I have been putting lotion on it 3 x a day since day one, on their instructions. Seems to help.

5 of the treatments will be boost; same 2 grays, but directed right at the tumor site, which is at the bottom of the breast. Total of 60 grays.

They told me that it might feel better to wear a soft t-shirt under a loose sports bra, and they are right!

Yesterday I noticed a spot near my armpit where the skin is really red and painful. Looks like a burn. Hope that this is not a sign of things to come. Anyone have any spots like this? What would help? Cold pack, refrigerated aloe? I have not tried these things yet. My skin turned pink after the first treatment, but has not gotten too bad until just now. No bumps or itchiness, thankfully!

I drive myself each day and have not had any trouble. My appt is 8am. All the techs and everyone are really very nice. The rad onc is fine. I'm sorry that some of you have trouble with your techs or dr. That must be the worst.

Will be starting tamoxifen 2 weeks after rad ends. Have a followup with the surgeon scheduled for late Feb. No mammogram scheduled yet. The thought of putting this burned breast in a mammogram machine right now - YIKES!

That's the report! Have been off work for 10 days over Christmas - Back to work on Monday. They have been supportive at work about naps and such. Very lucky.

It's nice to have the long weekend. Give the poor skin a break.

Hang in there, everyone!

Bonnie

somanywomen · January 2010

Okay, I have 9 more to go....This rash did not start getting itchy until #18 last week, the calendula helps but not totally.....I take a couple ibuprofen couple times daily....And they know me by name at the Vitamin Shoppe with all that I have purchased, I guess I should invest in the company.....

Since lump, my surgery scar is still tender with a few hot spots on it and very hard...My sentinal node area feels tender with hot spots (soreness) and feels like I have a very hard rock or walnut where my lymph nodes used to be...so like you Bonnie, I keep wondering if something was missed or if something is wrong.....

Mimi, did you get leak fixed?...It is 39 degrees here in sunny Forida feels like podunk Alabama, lol....It is beautiful out, blue skies and I have lots of pelicans diving in near our dock...I swear they get so close you think they're going to splat right in front of you!!!

Runningwithscissors....hope it's not the nasty flu...did you get H1N1 shot?...I got mine at Walmart a couple weeks ago....

Jules, are you and I the only two burning/itching??...The tiredness has not set in, only when it comes time to do housework!!!

adrienne2 · January 2010

I hope you are all enjoying this long weekend. I'm having a fine time, myself, although I wish it were happening later in my treatments, when I'll really need a break, but I'm still enjoying the freedom from rads

lissette, it's interesting how many of us had pizza for New Year's Eve -- there must have been a memo on that

Renee, I'm feeling sorry for your poor hubby working under the house in this weather, and probably wet, too. Brrrrrrrrrr.

I agree with you about wishing I knew more about why certain things are being done. If I hadn't done my own research here and in other places, I'd know a lot less. I don't know if the doctors restrict information so as not to scare us, or what, but I prefer knowledge to ignorance.

somanywomen, I'm so happy to hear that the calendula is helping your rash. I had a big hard lump by my sentinel node excision, too. About two weeks ago, it finally started shrinking, and is very small now. I think it was just a reaction to the surgery. My surgery hard spot is shrinking, too. Since I had to have a second excision, this scar is newer than the sentinel node scar, so I'm expecting it to soften up soon. Of course, I don't know how rads will affect it. I'm doing stretching exercises every day -- they were given to me by the nurse after surgery, and are supposed to "realign the scar tissue" and maintain freedom of movement.

Jules, how are you doing with those shooting stabs? Yikes! Sounds like that famous fatigue has hit you, too. Take good care of yourself.

RunswithScissors, I am mentally jumping for joy right along with you!!! Many congratulations on finishing up. Black and blue? That must have been a shock. Please do keep us posted on your recovery -- it does me good to hear the good news.

Bonnie, congratulations on being way over half-way done. Sorry to hear about that armpit pain. I'm only 6 treatments in, and my armpit is already bothering me, so I'm expecting to have trouble there later. I don't know if it would be the same for you, but the small pains I am feeling go away if I keep the area cool, and get worse when the area gets warm. I'm sleeping in positions that keep my arm away from my body, so the armpit stays relatively cool, and that helps. Whenever I start feeling the pains during the day, I expose the area to the cool air, and it quiets down. I imagine that would be unacceptable for you to do at work, though I occasionally use a cool pack (not ice cold, though -- we're not supposed to use ice packs), applied outside my clothing, and that works, too.

My techs and doctors are really nice, and I feel very lucky about that. I can't imagine going through this without their kind support. Anyone with bad doctors and techs has my sincere sympathy.

To everyone I've missed, I'm beaming good wishes your way.

Hang in there, everyone. We'll all get through this.

adrienne

mimi1964 · January 2010

somanywomen - yes my DH did indeed get the leak fixed and he did it without having to go under the house. He had to cut a large hole or should I say square in the wall in the closet to get to the plumbing but it is now repaired. The rest of the time was spent trying to dry up the carpet that was so soaked! Quite a mess.

Bonnie - I'm so sorry to hear about the burning,,, YIKES!!! that sounds painful even if it's not bad yet. Ask your Rad Onc about buying some Emu Oil and using it. It is very good for radiation burns. My grandfather used it all the way through his rads on his prostate and he never burned at all. I have now switched an I am using it and it is working well for me. It seemes like the Emu Oil pulls the heat out of your breast and helps to heal it. It would be worth asking about.

Adrienne - It is still cold here... BRR!! The temp is 11 with the wind chill and the high today is suppose to be 35! It is suppose to be like that all week. Actually Thurs and Fri this week we have highs given of only 26 both days. Double BRRR!!! But I love the cold weather.

Lissette, Jayne, and RunswithScissors- I hope all of you ladies are having a great Sunday. Stay warm and happy. And if you live where it is warm (Lissette in Cali... do something fun, like go to the beach or for a walk and enjoy the day).

I have to get ready for another Christmas family dinner (it's after Christmas, but this is when everyone could do it and it was quite unexpected and we have one more... it will most likely be next Friday with my dad since he was in Paris, France for Christmas). Have a Great Sunday afternoon.

Renee

lissette80901 · January 2010

Hey Renee, enjoy your Christmas dinner. That's nice! I'm in northern Cali. A bit chilly here but not bad. It's really sunny. About to go for a run then go into work to prepare for the kiddos tomorrow. 2 weeks flew by which is great because it's 2 weeks down of rads. :-)

I'm getting a little red and patchy in spots. I think it's because I switched to calendula oil instead of cream. It has olive oil. Apparently not good on my skin! Awful! I'm back to calendula lotion and aquaphor. :-( How's the emu oil? Worth trying? Let me know. I'm down to the last 7. Does anyone know how badly the last ones burn? Ugh!

mimi1964 · January 2010

Lissette - I have no idea about how bad the last ones burn as you will finish before I do... Keep me (us) posted on your results. I think RunswithScissors might be able to give you a little more insight as she finished up her rads on Dec. 31. She was able to her rad onc to speed up her dosage and finish her up before the end of the year. I asked mine and was told a BIG, FAT...NO!! I had to many treatments left to go and he said it was "too risky". I personally think it was his way of getting more money. LOL!! Especially since there are studies all over the internet that show where it is being done everyday that they give higher doses of radiation in a shorter time period. I know it would have saved me another deductible in 2010, of course if they had not "dragged their feet" after I went in for my sinulation and taken off all the holidays they did then I wouldn't have liked finishing anything but my last 5 boosts and I thing we could have sped things up a bit. I have really given my Onc, my techs, and my nurses a run for their money. Due to myself being a nurse I ask to many questions and have refused things... I usually refused to be weighed every week. LOL! I'm a little over weight and I don't need a permanent reminder of it each week. haha!! And I think if the Onc wants to touch and do a breast exam on me this week I may scream at him, especially since I saw his fill in this past week and he didn't find it necessary to do it. It makes me wonder what the deal is... Is he a pervert or what??? I'm just annoyed with doctors right now and most of the medical profession I guess. Maybe you ladies don't mind exposing yourself each week to the rad onc but it bothers me more than a little bit. (Sorry for the RANT - I'm just having one of those days where I'm a little irritated)! O.k. it's over

Sorry Lissette I got a little off subject... it's just when I start thinking about how this diesease and the doctors have taken over my (our) lives it burns me up!!

Renee

adrienne2 · January 2010

Renee, your weather sounds too cold for me We had some cold weather recently, too: it got down to 12° one night, and stayed pretty cold for about a week. We were relieved when it finally got above freezing and stayed there, although we got a little snow as a parting gift. We walked to my treatment that day (while it was still 26°), and got home before the snow started -- whew.

Good for your DH for solving that nasty plumbing problem. I'm glad to hear that he didn't have to go under the house to do it.

A second and third Christmas dinner? That sounds like fun.

Lissette, sorry to hear about your patchy red spots. I've been using the calendula/olive oil mix all along with no trouble, but it's early in the treatment cycle for me, and of course everyone is different. I hope your switch to your old lotion helps out.

I'm hoping you'll breeze through your last 7 treatments. I'm sending good wishes your way, along with a big but gentle hug.

Good luck to everyone this week. Take good care of yourselves.

adrienne

BonnieSF · January 2010

Runswithscissors: How is it going with your side effects of the accelerated rads? As I read your words, I realized that I'm very likely facing some nastiness during my last week of boost - and the following week as things crest and settle. Uh oh! I have not had any itchiness, only the big red square and the burned patch. Some fatigue, but not too bad.

In the beginning I swore I could feel my lungs burning, but that went away. Probably my (overactive) imagination. The dr said I would not be able to feel any lung effect until the treatment was over. And then I might get pneumonia. Anyone else get that story?

So cold! So many of you have such cold temps! I'm so spoiled here in San Francisco. Today was gorgeous - sunny and about 60 degrees. Definitely spoiled. But grateful!

I have been using all different creams and lotions, but not emu oil yet, or any oil. I ordered My Gals Radiation Cream online - I'm using the most right now. It seems fine. I have also used Rescue Cream by the Bach Flower Remedy company. Aveeno daily moisture cream I use a lot and like. I HATE Aquafor! Quit using it.

Renee: Sorry you're so fed up with your drs.That must make the whole miserable thing so much worse.

Lissette: You're running?? Wow, that's great! I'm jealous I have not been running in a month because bouncing is NOT AN OPTION! Ouch! But I don't go even walking so I guess I'm just lazy. I have just lately started yoga again, very gently.

Lumpy scars: I had a hard lump, almond sized, at the SLN biopsy scar. I would press the lump hard each day and this seemed to make it softer and shrink over time. Maybe it would have shrunk anyway. I had two lumpectomies, so the SLN scar is long healed by now. After the second lumpectomy I had a couple of large thick lumps near the scar. I do the same thing - press it hard when I apply the lotion. It is getting softer and smaller, so I just keep it up. It felt so WIERD when I first was pressing it, but that feeling went away.

Itchiness: What about using cortisone for the itchiness? I'm not itching (yet) but I would use cortisone if I was.

Good luck everyone as we start our full weeks again. It was nice to have two short weeks.

Stay warm!

Bonnie

BonnieSF · January 2010

Adrienne, You asked if anyone else had irritation in the armpit and nipple early on. I had irritation very early in the armpit area - that's still the most irritated. But even though it got irritated early, it has not really gotten a lot worse, until just recently (at #16 or so). I am very fair skinned too.

I wear only very very soft cotton or old worn silk pjs under a loose sports bra (or no bra). Due the surgery, I have very little feeling in my my nipple. Who'd have thought I could be grateful for that!

I have been taking photos all along, so I can see how the redness has progressed. I can see a cleary defined red square that goes up to about 3 inches below my collar bone, it goes all the way to the outside under my arm, down about 2 inches below the breast and almost to the tattoo in the center of my sternum.

They have not said if they will use anything to lift my breast for the boost. I will ask about that. My tumor was at the bottom and deep, so they might try something tricky.

Good night, everyone!

Bonnie

lissette80901 · January 2010

Ugh back to work today and #19... Bonnie- glad you enjoyed the weather. It was beautiful in Oakland too. Supposed to be a great day today as well. Yay! I have been working out as much as possible through treatment. During chemo I walked 3-6 miles every day. I still gained weight but not too bad. I live near lake merritt so it's easy to get out and exercise daily.

Adrienne- thanks for the hug. I'll let you know how it goes. Maybe my skin was just ready to burn and had nothing to do with the oil. Who knows?

Renee- it's interesting your doc said you'll feel the difference in your lungs. Mine said I won't even though 2 parts of my lung are exposed. I swear I had trouble breathing during my run, hmm...

And my doc doesn't even look at me, let alone touch me. He looked at my skin last week because I asked him to. All doctors are different though. My reg onc would do a breast exam every time I saw her. When I switched to a male, he said there was no need to. I wonder what other people's experience is.

Have a great day everyone!

BonnieSF · January 2010

My rad onc looks at the breast each week. He is checking the skin. This week I will show him my extra burned patch. I'll let you know if he has any good advice for that.

Bonnie

somanywomen · January 2010

Bonnie, my itchy red spotted break out began on #18 of 30...I just got home from rad #22...The rad doctor assistant (I never see Rad Onco), she tells me I look good...I am red and extremely itchy on right upper side of my lump (left) breast, lump at 2 o'clock..she asked if I were taking benedryl, so I guess I will try that too..I asked if I were getting more radiation in that area, she said no, that there is just less fat to protect my pain area....Last night, I layered on cortizone with aquafor over that.....I'll let you know if taking benedryl helps....

Anonymous · January 2010

After my second radiation tresatment my breast is red and swollen. Its about three times bigger than my other breast. I cannot get a bra on. Saw the radiation doctor and she thinks its an infection and not side effects from the radiation. She gave me antibiotics... a form of penicillin (I am allergic to penicillin). So far no reaction to the antibiotic. My surgeon called and wants to see me after radiation tomorrow. Has this happened to anyone else??????

somanywomen · January 2010

Veggy, no that doesn't sound right at all...I didn't have any redness until rad #18, I have 8 left, my breast has itchy rash on the non-lump side of it....At least my doctors admit it is a se of rads....My breast is not swollen, did you ask what would cause an infection??..Glad you are seeing your surgeon tomorrow for some answers...good luck....

December 2009 Rads Group

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