June 2010 Rads

Blarney, I have the same throat issue as you do and was also told by the radiation oncologist that it was not related to radiation.  It started about 3 weeks ago and I was told that I probably over did it and to take some ibuprophen.  I explained that there was no way that I over did it as I have been extremely careful.  I asked my radiation technician and she said that she thought some others had mentioned that ache before.  Well I completed radiation last Wednesday and still have the throat pain and am hoping that it goes away.  I will see my plastic surgeon next week and will ask him about it as he was helpful with some of the other things to expect with radiation.  I started Tamoxifen last Thursday and so far so good.

I finished # 23 today and have 10 more to go. I'm having a hard time keeping my spirits up; counting the actual days helps a bit. How wonderful it will be if (when) I can get my mind on something other than cancer for a change.

I quit with the emu oil; it's been so hot and humid that I can't stand being greased down. I shower right before I go for my tx, then I use cool compresses to cool things down. I made a calendula tea, which I keep in the fridge and spritz frequently during the day. The techs remarked today that my skin was looking really good; my upper chest is still giving me a little trouble. Under my arm where the nodes were removed is getting numb again and a little swollen. Corn starch feels great!!

redsoxfan: I tried wearing a bra the other day and it felt like I was wearing wool. I bought some soft, all cotton tank tops and they work really well for me. My nurse told me to leave my bra and top off as often as I can.

Cowgirl,

I find it fascinating that the resident says it is an irritated esophagus and the big-shot rads oncologist says not related to radiation. it lessened over the weekend and started up again yesterday after rads. Just hope yours, mine and everyone else's goes away. Let me know.

Blarney

Hi- I started Rads June 8th and will finish July 23rd.  Boosts start tomorrow.  My underarm is reacting and I have been given Silvadene and I use Aloe and Vitamin E on my breast, which onther than turning pink has done ok.  I am at the stage of caking Silvadene on my underarm followed by a gauze pad (as per RO).  I will see the oncologist next week to start Tamoxifen, as I am pre-monopausal.  Not looking forward to that.  I haven't been too tired with Rads -- more of an inconvenience not being able to have my treatment until 8 am and being 45 mins late to work.  I haven't taken any time off.  I consulted with a nutritionist and have made some dietary changes and have had 3 acupuncture treatments to ward off fatigue as well.  The acupuncture has seemed to have made a difference.  My mental acuity seems better than a couple of weeks ago.  Best wishes and postive thoughts to those starting or in the midst of Rads.

 Liz in NY

diagnosed 1/2010  DCIS HR+  Lumpectomy 3/15/2010 re-excision 5/5/2010

EnglishMajor: What a great idea with the lotto tickets; I'm going to buy 9 tomorrow on the way to the hospital! I wondered if others were doing something nice for themselves to help get us through our tx. I bought some bright print shirts to pick my spirit up, I walk before tx, I treat myself to breakfast, I take advantage of the free massages when I have time... I'm running out of ideas.

Domeboro packets have been around for many years. Back in the late 50's, early 60's my mother had all sorts of skin problems on her legs due to poor circulation and  her doctor recommended Domeboro soaks. 

Thanks Barbara and Redsox fan.    I had my 3rd treatment today.  Yesterday I put on aquaphor (spellingg??) when I got home.  My breast seemed warmer than the other and I wondered if it was a good idea to put on something so thick just after treatment.  Today I waited about an hour and used udderly smooth (less messy, easy to smooth on)  twice today and will use aquaphor at bed time.  I also put the udderly smooth in the refrigerator.

My doctor said that most people she sees get pink some some red, but most don't have problems.

I don't know if it matters if someone is large  breasted or not (I'm not).

I've been drinking water, but not up to 6 bottles yet.  have to work up to that.  Plus I need my diet coke (not to many).

The thing that concerns me is this.  I have pen marks with clear round tape (for lack of a better word) on my body.  I try not to get cream on them, but you never know.  I shower in the morning before going to treatment (absolutely no cream before treatment), I hope the cream is completely off and not imbedded in the tapes.

I have two more regular treatments, then 5 boosts left!  I can finally see the end.  My breast actually looks better than it did last week, go figure!  I'm using xclair, a little aloe and emu oil.  One thing that is distressing is that I've developed a horrible itchy rash on my arms.  Of course, the radiation oncologists and nurses say it's nothing to do with radiation treatments.  I haven't changed detergents, put creams on it, changes soaps or medications.  I went to my primary care physician yesterday, she gave me a shot of cortisone.  It didn't help.  Benadryl does nothing.  I was up most of the night itching.  At least it takes my mind off my breast!  I called the doctor today and they recommend zrytec and prescribed me a six day regimen of steroids.  Wish me luck!  At least my primary care physician believes it's related to the radiation treatment. I'm not an allergic person, so this has perplexed me.  I wonder what else the radiation is doing to our bodies!

Where did you guys find the cotton bra with snaps or hooks?  I've been looking, and the only ones I've found smash me together - which I'm thinking I won't want that 'togetherness'   If you have time and read this can you let me know what brand?  I can maybe find online.

HALF WAY DONE!!!  10 regulars and 5 boosts to go.

kickon@it:  Breast still not burned--just stays pink so far...Fingers crossed:  Found Fruit of the Loom 100% cotton hook-and-eye front-close bras, 2 for $10, at WalMart.  Went the day after my surgery with my daughter.  I usually wear a 36 or 38, depends on brand.  I bought a pack of chesty morgan 44's(!).  I had a lot of swelling, I anticipated they'd shrink in the wash, and the key word was "comfort."And for rads, they've been great.  Just enough support.  Not tight anywhere.  Keep skin from rubbing on skin.  I've begun wearing them at night, too, because I can't stand any nipple rub.

EnglishMajor:  Love the lottery tickets idea.  Good luck!!

eileenr56:  As you know, I'm following the lead of the emu and aloe people.  The aquafor, bag balm, hydrolatum all seeme too thick to me, too.  (Also allergic to lanolin in aquafor!   Plus, it's been my experience that using anything with petrolatum feel moist !initially, my skin or lips seem to be dry very soon.  Have not had that problem with emu.  My hands and arms, where I rub the excess, look great!)

samsue:  Congratulations on finishing. I get a little break before tamoxifen.  They want me to to an AI after two years.  Worry about SE's of the drugs.  I'll see how compliant I can be in following the prescribed plan.  Let us know how it's working for you.  In the meantime, enjoy the "vacation."

chita:  Hope you can conquer the itch.  Let us know what worked.  I too wonder what the radiation is doing every day....

mixin:  Your comment about keeping spirits up struck a chord with me.  Tears do materialize, sometimes at inconvenient moments.  Wondered on the table today, what would happen if my chest started heaving....Decided I'd call for the techs and delay.  I can't remember what it was like what it was like to be me before cancer anymore.  I don't think I will ever go back to that normal.  I think there'll be a new "normal,"  with cancer in my mind, but not front and center.

I found this at another bc site and it pretty much sums it up for me these days.

 "I have my moments of such sadness. They hit me quite suddenly. My loss of innocence. The innocence that made me feel that cancer couldn't happen to me." Lynn Redgrave   

So,BarbaraA, what are you doing with all your free time?  Have you seen the alternative md yet?  Please keep us posted.  

Going out to dinner to celebrate. 

Did bloodwork yesterday.  WBC down to 2.7 (from a healthy level after chemo) and onc said it's definitely the rads.  Not low enough to give me a shot yet, but he wanted me to do another lab next week.  Bummer.  

I'm half way through now (17 done out out 28+5) and emu oil has done wonders so far.  Both my radiation oncologist and my med onc have been quite surprised at how well my skin has held.  A slight pink/tan is all there is and there is no irratation (itch/peeling/hardening/thickening) so far.  I'm so grateful for emu oil.

My radiation oncologist said she may start recommending emu oil to other patients now.  To me that's the best testimony.  Thank you (AGAIN) BarbaraA.

I had my 12th of 34 treatments today. My radiation onc is on vacation so I saw his colleague and she said my skin was holding up well. I'm using L'Occitane Ultra Rich Creme and emu oil. I had bought Laid in Montana emu oil while I was in MT and have since run out. I just bought another bottle of locally made emu oil called Jade Jewels by Valley View Emus in Fennimore, WI. I haven't opened it yet but am hoping it's just like the MT brand I've used.

faithful - Glad to hear your treatments are going well despite your low blood counts. I hope the improve so you don't have to get a Neulasta shot.  Gina

My doc put me on 6 days of prednisone.  It's working wonders on my itchy rash on my arms.  I have only the 5 boosts left.  I never had any breaks in my skin.  I use the Montana emu oil also.  I'm so happy to be almost finished with this part of treatment.  Hang in there everyone, it will be over before you know it!

Oh, Access2010, I hope your scar area clears up quickly.

My emu oil was bought via Amazon and has an "Swanson" brand.

Have a great weekend, everyone.  It's 4 weeks down (19 tx) for me.  9+5 more to go.

Access 2010:

How frightening that must have been for you.   It does sound like an infection.  Let us know what the the diagnosis is.  And be really, really, nice to yourself.  

marita - try to look at this as a journey you have to take. You are now in the rads routine. As part of that routine, you need to add a daily treat to that routine. Perhaps add an hour at the end of each day to go for a walk to a park and take a sketch pad along. If you get tired, sit down and sketch. You accomplish many things by taking time for yourself. A little exercise, time for and about YOU, a little peace and time for introspection. I realize it is easier said than done but as part of my rads tx, I added a daily walk to a different place each day.

I feel good about it because 1. I am a lazy slug and 2. I got to see a different part of my beach town each day (and I am curious by nature).

I finished tx last Friday and still take my walks.

As you said, there is a reason for all of this, we just don't know what it is and may never know so we need to seize control and make the journey OUR journey not cancer's.

PS redsoxfan - BOO YANKEES BOO YANKEES. May George RIP, though