November Rads 2009

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  • Sparrow
    Sparrow Member Posts: 262
    edited December 2009

    Alright!!!!  Hooray for you, Deb!!!  :D  Are you going to celebrate?

    Jan, hooray for you too!!!  :D  Just one more-  that's awesome!!!  :)  

    Jessica, you are in the home stretch- the last 2 weeks was the hardest part for me.   I had headaches but no nausea until the last couple of days.  Pepto Bismol helped.  Hang in there, the only way out of this is through it...  XOXO!  

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  • Lauren3
    Lauren3 Member Posts: 289
    edited December 2009

    Congrats Deb!!! 

    Hang in there Jessica!  You can do it!!! 

    My eyebrows are coming in my normal color but my hair on top of my head is coming in with a lot of grey it seems.  Weird, but I hear it will look better once it gets longer. 

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  • cherneski
    cherneski Member Posts: 726
    edited December 2009

    Deb~so HAPPY FOR YOU!  I floated all day last week, I couldnt sleep.  Such relief!

    Janet~ tomorrow will be such an awesome day!  Cant wait for you!

    Bucca~ The pain sucks! Sorry it hurts.  I had bi-mx so I didnt have the same problem, but yeah my skin was really bad too.  I put the silver stuff on 3-4 times a day, I would put it on thick, leave it like that for about 15 min. then rub it in well.  In between I used Aquaphor, I swear that was the best combination for me.  The Aquaphor really helps relieve the pain.  It worked wonders in about 3 days.  But you really have to be on top of it and do it all the time.  I slept on towels so I didnt ruin my sheets. Best of luck.

    Hugs to all

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  • Lauren3
    Lauren3 Member Posts: 289
    edited December 2009

    Deb I like your new pic!  Your new "do" really makes your eyes pop!  Now that my lashes are growing back I can play around with some eye makeup and try to make mine pop too!  We should meet up to celebrate 2009 being OVER!

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  • Niknak0320
    Niknak0320 Member Posts: 138
    edited December 2009

    hey girls!  Congrats deb for joining us in the DONE crowd :)  And Jan, tomorrow is going to feel fantastic!!!

    I'd love to see everyones hair coming in if you'll share pics??  If you don't want to post them you can email them to me privately.  Mine is coming, still very short and a little gray too!

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  • josybee
    josybee Member Posts: 86
    edited December 2009

    Deb,Janet, Congrats on finishing, so happy you are DONE!! I am finally starting to heal up after finishing on the 17th. Stopped using the Silvadene and just using the aquafor now, the dark skin is peeling off and skin finally healed under breast. 

    buccaneersdj: The yellowish greenish slime you are seeing is from the Silvadene, my nurse told me it is from that, she said the Silvadene has antibiotic in it so no infection. I had  the same problem ad far as being raw under the breast, I was actually bleeding in that area. They gave me a spray cleanser called Allegiance Wound Cleanser and gauze pads to just pat dry that area, do not rub it.

    A Happy New Year to everyone!!!  We certainly deserve it!!!

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  • Janets1
    Janets1 Member Posts: 57
    edited December 2009

    Thank you for all the good wishes! What a splendid group of people!

    Again, all the very best,

    Jan

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  • debnyc
    debnyc Member Posts: 111
    edited December 2009

    Hey Everyone,

    I can't believe how quickly my skin is healing. It's only been 3 days since my last treatment and the burn has almost completely turned into a really dark tan. I'm only red around my scar. On the other hand, my energy level has never been so low. I'm sleeping upwards of l0 hours a night and am feeling drained throughout the day. How's everyone else doing? Hope you're all well, but most importantly...

    Good-bye year from hell!!! Hello best year ever!!! Wishing you all a Happy, Healthy New Year filled with lots of love and happiness!!!

    xoxo

    Deb

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  • mom2acat
    mom2acat Member Posts: 556
    edited December 2009

    Prayers going out to those having a rough time, and congrats to those who have finished!

    I finished up the rads to my hip on Dec. 2nd. Had a bad time with my IBS flaring up and diarrhea from the rads, but this week, the diarrhea finally stopped. I can start going off my bland diet, but not for long. I just came back from my appointment about the recent MRIs I had of my spine; I have several mets there that need to be treated, so unfortunely, that's going to cause some of those unwanted side effects again, probably even a little worse. I have a CT scan Jan. 6th to finish up planning my treatment, then I'll be starting the radiation to my spine shortly after that.

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  • gillyone
    gillyone Member Posts: 1,727
    edited January 2010

    mom2 - so sorry you are going through so much.

    Everyone with skin issues - hope they clear up soon.

    Yesterday was  my last day of rads so I feel like I'm starting the new year afresh. Yeah!

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  • Sparrow
    Sparrow Member Posts: 262
    edited January 2010

    Mom2, I'm sorry you have to deal with any of this!  I hope you keep feeling better!  XOXO

    Gill, I'm so glad you are done!  :D  What a great way to start 2010! 

    My energy is finally coming back 9 days after my last zap.  The week after rads ended I was a total couch potato.  I felt like it finally caught up with me big time. 

    The areas that turned the darkest, under my arm, under my breast and the nipple area have started peeling but it's not like peeling after a sunburn.  The skin underneath the newly peeled area hurts. It feels like raw burned skin.  It's peeling really slowly.  Every day I have a new quarter-sized area of new skin that hurts like the dickens...  I have been on OTC pain relievers for weeks now.  I knew I would probably peel but no one told me to expect burned skin underneath.  I guess I'll have to tough it out until the worst burned areas have peeled.  At the rate this is going it's going to take several weeks at least. I won't see my RO again till 1/28.

    Maybe I should have some cheese with my whine.  ;) 

    I sincerely hope that all of us have a fantastic 2010!!!  :D 

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  • Lauren3
    Lauren3 Member Posts: 289
    edited January 2010

    Mom2 -- how are you feeling???  Better I hope!

    DebNYC -- are you getting your energy back?

    Sparrow -- how's the skin doing?

    My skin is almost back to normal.  I'm meeting with my PS in 6 weeks and hoping he will agree to do my exhange in the Spring. 

    Well just wanted to check in here since we're all finishing up it seems.  XO

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  • Niknak0320
    Niknak0320 Member Posts: 138
    edited January 2010

    Can't remember if I updated here or not but I finally got my period back 6 months after chemo :( Happy New Year...grrr...I also decided to start the Tamoxifen on 1/1/10.

    My skin looks great though and the RO says she'll see me in a year :)

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  • Sparrow
    Sparrow Member Posts: 262
    edited January 2010

    Well, 12 days after my last zapping the raw spots are gone and I have my energy back!  :)  I spent last weekend cleaning the house and made fancy breakfasts twice.  My DH really loved that.  ;)   I think the entire field area will continue to peel but what's underneath seems to be normal tanned skin.  I feel SO much better!  :D  

    Niknak, how great that you won't have to see your RO for a year.  :)  I have to go back on 1/28 but maybe she'll say the same thing to me.  :) 

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  • Niknak0320
    Niknak0320 Member Posts: 138
    edited January 2010

    anyone doing the SCAR project?  I'm going to NYC on January 23rd/24th and I'm so nervous!

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  • buccaneersdj
    buccaneersdj Member Posts: 241
    edited January 2010

    Well my raw skin got me a week off from rads. I'm not sure how I feel about this; I really want to get this all done with, but my last rad was 11 days ago and I feel great! I will resume tomorrow for the final 14 tx. Has anyone else had to take a break??? My burn is all healed up and my energy level is almost like I was never sick....all things to look forward to. {{{HUGS}}} Donna

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  • debnyc
    debnyc Member Posts: 111
    edited January 2010

    I wore a bra today! It's so funny that such a little thing could make me so happy! My skin has totally healed. Just have a really weird looking tan. In fact, my boob is actually darker than my nipple now???

    My energy level is still low, but I think it's because I'm getting a cold. I saw my med onc today and was running a low fever. I've been on tamoxifen for a couple of months. She's sending me for a bone density scan because she said it can affect bones. She also put me on Calcium + Vitamin D3 supplements 3 times a day.

    Nikki, what is the scar project? Let me know if you want to meet up when you're in town. Good luck with the tamox. It's not been that bad for me.

    Buccaneersdj, sounds like you're doing great, and don't worry, you'll be finished before you know it.

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  • Sparrow
    Sparrow Member Posts: 262
    edited January 2010

    Buccaneersdj, how are you doing?  It sucks going back to rads after you started to feel better, I'm sure!  :(  

    Deb, glad you're all healed!  :)  I haven't tried wearing a bra yet.  I think I'll wait another week or 2.  

    I hadn't heard Tamoxifen can affect bones but you're right.  Apparently it's good for bones in women past menopause but not so good for us pre-menopausal girls.  Ugh, my mom and grandmother had osteoporosis.  I'm glad for the heads-up.  I'll talk to my onc about it the next time I see her.

    I had a bone density scan last year after I broke a rib sneezing too hard.  It came back normal. The scan wasn't bad at all, you just have to lie perfectly still for about 10 minutes.  You don't have to undress but you can't wear any metal like underwire bras or buttons and zippers.  I wore a t-shirt and sweatpants.  :)

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  • buccaneersdj
    buccaneersdj Member Posts: 241
    edited January 2010

    Sparrow, thanks for asking how I'm doing...so far so good. I had to have a new sim done for the boost, that meant another CAT scan, arggg! I started boost on Tuesday and already I feel crappy again, tired!!! Oh well, six more to go and I'm done!  {{{HUGS}}} Donna

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  • Niknak0320
    Niknak0320 Member Posts: 138
    edited January 2010

    hang in there Donna!  HUGS :)

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  • buccaneersdj
    buccaneersdj Member Posts: 241
    edited January 2010
    Thanks for the hugs guys!!Smile I made it through the week, 5 more to go.  This weeks newest symptom is dizziness similar to what Lauren wrote about. It is almost the feeling of lightheadedness (omg is that a word?) kind of like when you take a good allergy medicine. I hope it is just a side effect of rads and nothing else! TGIF hope you all hae a great weekend!! {{{HUGS}}} Donna
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  • Sparrow
    Sparrow Member Posts: 262
    edited January 2010

    Donna, UGH, a new sim with a CT scan???  You have my deepest sympathies!  :p  I know 5 more can seem like an eternity... but then POW!!!  it's over! :D  I really hope you feel better soon! May none of us ever be in this situation again!!!

    Haha, the allergy medicine analogy is a good one.  :)  I had that with stomach upset and heartburn at the end of rads.  The good news is that it went away pretty quickly and hasn't returned.

    I'm sorry but I just can't help  it-  Donna, are you really a DJ for pirates???  That sounds like the best job in the world!!!  :D  Are they hiring?  ;)

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  • Lauren3
    Lauren3 Member Posts: 289
    edited January 2010

    Donna, you described the feeling perfectly when you compared it to how you feel after taking allergy medicine.  That's exactly how I felt too!  My RO swore it wasn't from rads but it stopped once rads was over so I beg to differ!  Hang in there!!!

    I saw the RO for my follow up on Tuesday and he said I'm healing faster than the average person.  I was happy to hear that.  It looks like my exchange might be as soon as April but I'll know more after I meet with my PS next month.

    I had my first Zometa infusion on Wednesday.  I was terrified but I ended up feeling crummy for a day and now I'm basically back to normal.  A little achey is all.  Nothing compared to chemo though! 

    I went out for the first time today without having my head covered.  I can't even explain how good it felt.  It was the most normal I've felt in many months.

    I booked my airfare and hotel for the YSC conference in Atlanta so I'm really excited for that!  NikNak and I are rooming together! 

    That's about all that's new here.  Otherwise I'm just trying to get back to "normal" -- planning activities with my son, etc..

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  • debnyc
    debnyc Member Posts: 111
    edited January 2010

    Hang in there Donna. You are so close.

    I'm really surprised at how quickly my skin healed too. My sunburn faded into a slight tan and my skin, if anything, is a little drier. My RO told me I still needed to use aquaphor for 3 weeks post rads, and all though I HATE that gunk, I continue to use 2x a day.

    I still haven't booked my flights but still plan on going to the YSC conference. I was hoping to get a travel grant but was just notified that they're out of money :(  PM me your flight info and cell numbers.

    My Med Onc recommened that I get a BRCA test. I have no family history but because I'm on the youngish end of the bc spectrum, it was recommended. I went yesterday... after going through my entire family tree and their medical history--parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews--the genetic councelor told me, btw, your insurance won't cover the test and it's $3000. Ugh. Are you kidding me? After I spent an hour in her office? Needless to say, I did not get the test. For everyone else out there who hasn't been tested, I highly recommend making sure your insurance will pay for the test.

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  • buccaneersdj
    buccaneersdj Member Posts: 241
    edited January 2010

    Thanks Deb!!! Three more to go!

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  • Niknak0320
    Niknak0320 Member Posts: 138
    edited January 2010

    debnyc, I sent you a private message - did you get it?

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  • EngTchr
    EngTchr Member Posts: 184
    edited February 2010

    Hi November rads group,

     Are we all finished with rads now?  Hope so and hope everyone is doing well!  My skin color is finally fading back to normal.  I had quite a tan back in November and December!

    Becky

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  • gillyone
    gillyone Member Posts: 1,727
    edited February 2010

    Hi Becky - I think everyone must be done. These rad threads seem very temporary. I was done December 31 and now feeling pretty good and even have 1/2 inch of hair. Yeah!

     Were you June or July chemo thread?

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  • Lauren3
    Lauren3 Member Posts: 289
    edited February 2010

    Yes, I finished up on December 14... I actually met with my PS today and we're looking at April or May for my exchange surgery.  Oh and I'm getting my port out tomorrow!  Whooppee!  How's everyone else doing???

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  • debnyc
    debnyc Member Posts: 111
    edited February 2010

    So happy to hear everyone's doing well :) I was so surprised at how quickly my skin healed. I do have a weird tingling in my finger tips on my radiated side after I work out. Anyone else experience anything like this?

    Congrats on the hair Gillyone!

    and Lauren, so glad you got an exchange date and congrats on the port removal. I finally booked my trip to the YSC conference. Hope to meet up with you and Nikki and Tamara (if she goes) there. I fly in on Friday. Anyone else on this thread attending?

    BTW, not sure if you guys saw it, but there was a really scary NY Times article on radiation mistakes. It totally freaked me out. I'm so glad I didn't read it while in treatment.

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