July 2010 Rads

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  • bennybear
    bennybear Member Posts: 326
    edited July 2010

    Hello all,

    Pat, Karen and Bailey, et al  I agree it is nice to have this place to chat with others who get it.  Sometimes it really helps.  

    Houndmommy,  I have the square thing happening too and some small polka dots.  I guess that is the rash.   I hope it does not get too much worse.  Though one rad tech told me it shouldnèt.    Pardon my keyboard that reverts to French,   I know I live in a bilingual country but it drives me insane...  

    Magpag,  I think an affair would be a whole lot more fun LOL,  does it count if my rad onc gave me a hug

     Have a good day,  

    b

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  • Houndmommy
    Houndmommy Member Posts: 377
    edited July 2010

    Wow!  What a storm we had!  I don't think I have ever experienced one that bad.  I'm glad I jumped off the computer when I did because I lost power just a few minutes later.  We just got it back on a few minutes ago - thank goodness because the house was getting really hot!

    My cousin gave me a aloe plant when I was there the week before last but it is dying (she repotted it and I think may have damaged the roots).  I thought it would be great to use during the rads.  I will have to look up how to make my own gel (Pagowens, I think, mentioned that she did that.  I didn't know that was possible so thanks for the idea.).  Maybe I can make some before the whole plant dies. 

    MagPag - I know what you mean about deoderant.  I was told to stop using it because it would be irritating but what am I supposed to do in 100 degree temps?!  My kids had a big swim meet yesterday (all day) and I was really worried smelling bad!

    Rocknesmom - I had a mx too (but no chemo).

    Patty - I envy your 10 minute drive.  That is great you have something so close to home. 

    Sonia - I know what you mean about friends "losing interest".  I also feel bad because I think I may have hurt a few of my friends feelings because I have had a tough time keeping up with emails/phone calls.

    Have a great evening everyone! 

    Hugs, Kim 

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  • bennybear
    bennybear Member Posts: 326
    edited July 2010
    Kim,  I am in a study right now that will finish in the next month or so regarding deoderant and radiation.   I was one of the lucky ones who got it,  and it has made no difference to my skin and that seems to be what they are finding,  so hopefully in the not too distant future that may change for others who follow.  Undecided b
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  • Houndmommy
    Houndmommy Member Posts: 377
    edited July 2010

    Hi bennybear,

    Glad to hear that deoderant will be a possibility for others in the future!  They also told me not to shave so that just adds to the problem.  I did notice that the square they drew on me covers the lower half of my armpit but not the top so one day I carefully put deoderant on the upper part of my armpit. I figured anything was better than nothing.  Do they have you all using a particular deoderant?

    Kim

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  • bennybear
    bennybear Member Posts: 326
    edited July 2010

    HI  Kim

    In the study they are using unscented secret stick.  They have said we can shave if we wish but only with dry with an electric razor.  all these little things are a nuisance. 

    I am finding I can't make decisions,  we can now go on a holiday but I seem paralyzed to decide anything,  I am doing very well so it is making me a little crazy but I guess I am worried if something does happen to my skin or I am too tired.  

    My last one this morning,  Yeah...

    B

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  • rocknesmom
    rocknesmom Member Posts: 39
    edited July 2010

    Hi Everyone! 

     A little frustrated here - for the second time in 2 weeks, the machine is down, so I am waiting for the call to come in! So frustrating!

    After 8 treatments, I have a lovely "sunburn". Doc said it will be worse by the end of the week. YAY!!

    I just finished reading through all these posts and laughed out loud at a few of them! Love all the spirit in this group! Be happy and strong everyone!

    Linda 

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  • Houndmommy
    Houndmommy Member Posts: 377
    edited July 2010

    bennybear - if I read your post correctly, you had your last treatment today?  Congratulations!  Interestingly, I don't feel mentally up to par (and I didn't have chemo so I can't blame chemo brain).  On Friday I got to my rads appt only to find I had left my purse at home and it had my barcode that I use when I go in to get my treatment and of course I didn't have my wallet so I couldn't run the errands I had planned.  Today, after rads I went for my oncology appt only to find it is Aug. 26th not July 26th.  Boy did I feel stupid!  I had a friend come with me too.  Good thing I didn't have my DH get off work!

    Linda - sorry to hear the machine is down again - how frustrating!  Were you finally able to get in today? 

    I had treatment #6 today.  My skin still looks good.   The doctor said week 3 is usually when the skin starts gettng bothersome.  They gave me a skin repair cream called Medline Remedy with Olivamine.  I don't like the fact that it has parabenes in it.

    Have a good afternoon!  Kim

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  • snuz1
    snuz1 Member Posts: 17
    edited July 2010

    Just got home from my first rad treatment today.  One down 29 to go.  

    Houndmommy I can relate to the fog head.  My doctor told me my short term memory lapses are from all the surgeries this past year and accumulative anesthesia.  It should take 6 months - 1 year to go back to normal.  It is a frustrating thing.

    I don't know if it is my imagination or actually happened, but my left breast felt heated when the beam hit  across my breast.  Oh well could be just   my imagination.  The treatment was so quick.  Holding still was a piece of cake, but of course that is when I get a tickle on my nose and can't budge.

    Well all my Survivor friends, have a great evening and chat with you again.

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  • Houndmommy
    Houndmommy Member Posts: 377
    edited July 2010

    snuz1 - glad your first treatment went okay.  I know what you mean about not moving - it isn't hard but I am soooo scared that I'll cough or sneeze during the treatment.  You know, one of those that hits you without warning.

    Does anyone have recommendations about taking care of ourselves during radiation?  I know I need to get my sleep, exercise and eat well but should I be eating anything special?  Vitamins?  Also, I was thinking of finally going back to the gym but I'm guessing this isn't a good time to start heavy with the exercise (I have several classes I like to take but I haven't been since my diagnosis in April).  I guess I'll just do my evening walks with DH and the dogs.

    Have a good evening!  Kim

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  • luckeme
    luckeme Member Posts: 19
    edited July 2010

    Hi Kim,

    My name is Jennifer and I just finished my rads last week -  28 "full" sessions followed by 5 that focused on the mastectomy scar. 

    I used Aloe Vera gel a lot. I put it on 2-3 times a day.  They also gave me Emu Oil, which sounds gross, but I smeared it on at night and slept in an old tee-shirt because it is greasy and may not come out completely in the wash.   I started getting a rash about 5 weeks into it, and some small blisters around session #30, but I pushed through and finished.  I don't know if anyone else has already discussed Emu Oil, but it may be what helped me the most.  When the rash showed up, I also put some Emu oil on in the morning after my shower and just wore a cheap tank top to protect my clothes. I finished last Weds. and my skin is just starting to peel and look better. 

    Are you the one who asked about deodorant also?  I was told not to use any, and especially no body product with aluminum - most deodorants have that as the main active ingredient. I am not an expert, this is just what they told me to avoid. 

    This is my first post but I wish I had been involved here through chemo and surgery, too.

    I hope it all goes well for you,

    Jennifer

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  • changes
    changes Member Posts: 622
    edited July 2010

    Hi all!

     Kim - the dietician told me to eat LOTS of protein. I don't usually eat too much meat, but I took her advice and my energy level seemed to improve after a couple days of eating more. And drink lots of water (which I don't really like). Check with your oncologist before you take vitamins or supplements - they don't usually want you to be taking antioxidants during radiation.

    Snuz - I was absolutely convinced I could feel the radiation hit, although I was told it was all in my mind.

    Bennybear and Jennifer - CONGRATULATIONS on being done!!!!

     Karen

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  • luckeme
    luckeme Member Posts: 19
    edited July 2010

    Snuz, I feel foggy in the head, too - I also think it is from everything we've been through up to now. I am sure it will clear up.  Some people say they can feel their chemo working, too - I thought I did.  I never felt the radiation as it was happening, but felt a little warm afterwards.  Since I went at the same time every day, I made friends with the 3 ladies in the time slots around mine.  I hope you find similar support - we are all in this together.

    Even in your first couple of weeks of radiation, you may not see much skin change, but use the stuff your doctor tells you to use on your skin.  I used my aloe vera and emu oil from the very beginning instead of waiting for the pink to show and my skin did really well.  

    Before you know it, radiation will be behind you! 

    good luck!

    Jennifer

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  • sebm9
    sebm9 Member Posts: 501
    edited July 2010

    Hola,

    I am 4+ weeks out from chemo (TCx4@3) and have just had my 5th rad today. I used Penguin Cold Caps during chemo and did not lose my hair (though I've lost all other body hair; eyebrows are just hanging in but I see the hope of a couple new sprouts on the horizon).

    My radonc has me not using any deodorant on my treatment side (I had stopped using deodorant with aluminum during the Cold Cap treatment because aluminum is absorbed in the blood and creates a bonding agent at the hair follicle, trapping chemo at the follicle). I lost my armpit hair, so no hair to shave for a while -- it'd be nice if it doesn't re-grow until rads are complete!

    The only thing I am allowed to put on my treatment area is corn starch, 5-6 times a day. No lotions or aloe.

    I feel very positive going into rads -- I went through chemo with almost no SEs, and was able to keep up my daily swimming an walking, as well as upped my activity level by adding some weight training, tai chi, biking, and am starting golf lessons. I've decided to do all the things I always wish I had time to do! I'll just be running out of sick leave towards the end of my rads, but it's been a wonderful gift to be able to spend time focussing on myself (something I have never done). I have the first rad appt. each morning at 7:30, and I've decided to keep up my daily routine of morning meditation (coupled with dog walking; helps that my dog is named Gandhi and is very peaceful and doesn't bark at the ducks in the park while I meditate for 15 minutes!), then rads, and then working 1/2 days throughout rads.

    I'm meeting with the nutritionist who is part of my radonc's care team (I didn't care for the one who was part of my medonc's team, she kept suggesting soy-based foods and I am hormone positive! sheesh!). Reading through the posts here has helped me put together a list of questions, esp. regarding various supplements etc.

    Anyway, it is nice meeting a wonderful new group of women. I get so much inspiration and support from the women here!

    Best,

    Susan

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  • LoveCranes
    LoveCranes Member Posts: 39
    edited July 2010

    Hi everyone.  Another rads session today and my skin is getting a little pink and a bit sore,  but still slathering on the lotions. 

    bailey1958 - My twins are 8 years old -- one of each.  One thing I'm glad is that they get along...most of the times.  I'm glad that your twins are taking care of you :)    But they're good kids and understand that 'mommy had a nasty bug that had to be removed.'  I figured that they're too young to know about breast cancer, but since they were wondering and asking questions about all of my appts, I tried to go over my 'scans' and the nasty little bugger.  They may not get it, but at least they're helpful when i'm not feeling good.

    I also am having the 'fog head' -- I just seem to forget a lot of things..simple things too and I didn't even go through chemo.  My kids tease me about it all the time.  But at least I do remember to go to my rads appt on time :)

    Good luck to everyone on your treatments.

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  • bennybear
    bennybear Member Posts: 326
    edited July 2010

    Hello all,

     Yup  I am done,  it feels great,  Thanks for all the good wishes.  It actually has gone quickly.  I am a little sore and I can still get a little worse but the nurse said I am not bad.   I will just continue with my cream 4 times a day.  So to celebrate we are going to France, I may be totally insane, but I think I can't let this win and I still get to have a life.

    Jennifer,  glad you are done too.    

     I was told to eat extra protein, drink tons of water and exercise and that all seems to have helped.  I am feeling pretty good,  days I didn't have much protein,  I felt draggy the next.

    I did feel the heat building up from the radiation,   I have been told to air out for at least an hour a day to let the heat out.   Weird.  

    We just had a wild storm that knocked huge branches down and spawned some tornado's.  Yikes.

     Have a good night everyone, 

    brenda  

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  • bailey1958
    bailey1958 Member Posts: 199
    edited July 2010

    Hi Everyone,.

    It's so nice to hear all your stories. I just finished day 5 today and I am starting to feel a bit of tightening and see a little tightness and swelling in and around my collar bone and incision. I've been using aloe, emu oil and calendula ointment. I've been eating quite healthy and juicing - so I seem to have a lot more good energy than I did before cancer this is related to the massive improvement to my diet.   I've been walking to treatment and home again (about an hour and a half in total) and seem to still have energy to do that. THAT all being the good news  - here is where my problem lies - reading some of your very recent talk about being foggy etc.- that some of you feel may be related possibly to chemo and radiation, I must report - since diagnosis, I have managed to:  cut a chunk out of my thumb - now very numb and quite sensitive, rip the skin off my shin which has left a lovely purple scar, and spilled hot water on my leg while removing the lid of a travel mug to put a tea bag in the newly boiled hot water  and now have a large water blistered burn on the upper part of one leg (I am quite a sight) actually people should really run in the opposite direction from me to stay safe) I know my family keep reminding me to pay attention - I actually feel like a bit of a senior (no insult intended given it appears I may be approaching sooner than expected). Additionally, I forget regularly and today I went to pick up my sister at the airport at the right time but unfortunately a day early! I have a sense people in my life may soon begin to question if I may be deliberately trying to harm myself. At this rate I may not have a brain in 16 more sessions. Perhaps they are actually radiating my brain and not really my remaining breast tissue!  Susan - I read your post tonight and I am in awe! You are an inspiration - you seem to have found the right place in this thread because there are a lot of strong, amazing women on here who are doing whatever it takes to get their/our lives back. Welcome to all our new joiners! Hope your day is good tomorrow - I will be going to the airport! Better go check her email and make sure!!! Nighty night. 

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  • rocknesmom
    rocknesmom Member Posts: 39
    edited July 2010

    Good morning all!

    Yes, Kim, I FINALLY had my treatment at 7:30 last evening - after waiting since 9:30 am!!! I go back this morning at 9:30. They tell me those treatments are NOT too close together. Sure hope they are right!

    I got a kick out of the "fog head" comments. My daughters are convinced I am senile! I grope for words, forget where I am going, and my short term memory is shot! My radonc says it is a definite combination of surgery, chemo, and rads, and that I will return to normal - someday!

    On my way to today's treatment! Wish me luck! Have a good day everyone!

    Linda 

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  • leklovessrk
    leklovessrk Member Posts: 18
    edited July 2010

    Hi all!  Hope you had a great weekend!  It is so nice to have a couple of days off from Rads.  I felt so much better on Monday morning.  Went to the beach and had a nice time.  Thanks for the aloe tip.  My doctor told me not to use anything but what he prescribed or Aquaphor.  Seems like most of you are having luck with it.  Will ask him about it.  Are you using the jell type?  Also, thanks for the busy pattern top tip.  Never thought of that.  Anything to help with the droopy boobs.  Today is day 11 for me.  A bit concerned to start my 3rd week since I hear this is the start of the "real" skin issues.  So far not too bad.  Haven't had a Rad moment yet but there's still time.  Keep your chins up (or should I say Boobs?) ladies and have a great day!

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  • eileenr56
    eileenr56 Member Posts: 135
    edited July 2010

    Will, I had #13 today.  So far so good.  The skin is still good - barely there pink color.  Usually gone by next morning.  Have one ichy bump today.  Used hydrocortizone and that's ok, but we'll see how that spot is from now on.  10 more full breast, 7 boosts.   

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  • spendygirl
    spendygirl Member Posts: 231
    edited July 2010

    Had #9 today.  Double digits tomorrow!  My son bought some pure aloe for me at the health food store, so I use that as soon as I get home from rads.  Aquaphor at night - so far so good.  Congrats to everyone for doing so well.  We're a strong bunch of women :)

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  • Houndmommy
    Houndmommy Member Posts: 377
    edited July 2010

    Hi Everyone! 

    Today will be Day #8 - 20 more to go after today.  I will be anxious to have this over but at the same time it means summer is about over - I feel like my entire summer has been about cancer.  My skin is slightly pink but not sore.  My biggest issue is that I am sore (like after my surgery) and have noticed I am staring to feel tight again (also like after surgery).  I got some Emu Oil and have started using it.  I can't bring myself to use what the doctor gave me with the parabenes.

    Sonia - you have had quite a time of it!  I'm sure you are just more distracted than normal.  I know I am.  Since being dx'd I feel like I have half a brain - despite my lists and calendar I still can't seem to keep things straight.  Unfortunately I hear Tamoxifen doesn't help the situation - I so dread that!

    Jennifer - Congratulations on being done and thanks for the Emu Oil suggestion.

    Karen - thanks for mentioning the protein and water.  I will pay extra attention to those things in my diet.  I tend to not drink enough water under normal circumstances.

    Susan - welcome to the group!  You are quite the inspiration with your routine!  It is great that you have been able to focus on yourself throughtout this ordeal. That has been a big frustration for me.  With 2 kids at home (and the fact that we have worked very hard to not let cancer disrupt their lives) I struggle to focus on what I need.  I feel I really need to focus on me and make sure I am taking care of myself.  Exercise is the thing I struggle to get worked into my life regularly and I know it is so important.  I also tend to be stressed out a lot.  I really need to refocus my energies.

    Brenda - France!  What a great way to celebrate!  When is your trip?

    Have a great day everyone!  I'm off to take the kids to swim practice and then rads for me.

    Hugs, Kim

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  • LuvRVing
    LuvRVing Member Posts: 4,516
    edited July 2010

    Just a quick "hello" to everyone.  I am starting Mammosite radiation today - 5 days, 2 times a day.  So I am officially a member of the July gang, and I can join the August group, too!  More friends to share with!

    Hoping everyone is tolerating their rads with minimal SEs and is looking forward to being at the end of the treatment cycle, other than the five year drugs. 

    I hope to be celebrating by walking in the Komen Race here in Kansas City on August 8th with family and friends. 

    Hope everyone has a good day!

    Michelle

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  • bailey1958
    bailey1958 Member Posts: 199
    edited July 2010

    Hi Everyone,

    Sounds like everyone is doing as well as can be expected. I definitely felt really tired last night after treatment #6 - and still that way this morning. I do think I am starting to feel the effects though the weather is very warm and I think that is contributing to feeling a bit lethargic

    My skin hasn't discolored but it does feel a bit tight - much like after my surgery too Kim. Just want to say, this is a lot to manage - try not to be too hard on yourself about not doing mothering perfectly right now.

     I'm really interested to hear about your mammosite radiation Michelle. It will be so great to have it done in a week. I think that is what is so daunting about this part of the treatment - it just seems to go on forever. Sounds like the run in August will be a bonding and supportive experience for you. 

    My sister is here and it is really nice to have the emotional support right now - I hope all of you are well and doing something nice for yourself everyday. Have a good day.

     Sonia 

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  • rocknesmom
    rocknesmom Member Posts: 39
    edited July 2010

    Hi Group!

    Just finished #11 of 28. Definitely starting to feel the burn and itch, but the tightness is really annoying! It's getting more difficult to put my hands comfortably above my head! After all that stretching to get it back after surgery, it's frustrating! Oh well, this, too, shall pass! I keep saying my "I'm grateful there is medicine to med me" pray, and try not to complain!

    Off for a nice long nap, then my daughters are taking me to a John Mayer concert tonight. Hope I can stay awake!

    Stay strong, everyone!

    Linda 

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  • eileenr56
    eileenr56 Member Posts: 135
    edited July 2010

    Well, today was 14 out of 23 full breast.  So far so good.  I had one ichy bump yesterday, but that seems to be better.  Very very very slightly pink so far.  No pain, but my nipple is numb (that's where my surgery was).  I'm crossing my fingers. 

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  • marilyn7
    marilyn7 Member Posts: 86
    edited July 2010

    5 down / 30 to go.  I had a little pause in the action because of the huge power outage in DC area.  The clinic was closed for 2 days, it was a weird feeling but I was actually disappointed.  I have the end date in mind and it was just pushed back by 2 days - but then again my body had a little break.  So far, so good.  I still haven't figured out the bra thing.  The only thing that hurts so far is the skin right below my breast - it almost feels like a bruise more than sunburn???

     My good news is that I FINALLY turned the corner on my final chemo.  I had TACx6 and the the last one really kicked my butt.  It took me a month to get finally feel like I could get through my work day without totally collapsing on the couch every night.  It feels great to have energy again.  I know I need to enjoy it while it last - before the rads fatigue sets in - I kinda feel like I'm in my 2nd trimester with all kinds of energy, but waiting for the other shoe to fall. 

     MIchelle - I did the Koman Race in DC, it was fabulous - a great sea of pink!! 

    Hugs to all,  Marilyn 

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  • Houndmommy
    Houndmommy Member Posts: 377
    edited July 2010

    I am surprised at how sore I am becoming and it isn't my skin, it is more like a bruised feeling.  Marilyn, it sounds like you are experiencing the same thing.  My range of motion is decreasing rapidly too so back to my post surgery exercises.

    Sonia - I hope you are having a nice visit with your sister.

    Linda - Did you stay awake for the concert?

    Good night everyone!  Kim

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  • MagPag
    MagPag Member Posts: 98
    edited July 2010

    Hi Everyone,  sounds like you're all staying strong and counting down the days.  Keep it up!  Linda, a night out at a concert sounds like fun, but I know I wouldn't stay awake.  Fatigue hit Fri after #13 and it's been hard to shake, although I feel 100% better after the long walk to/from rads. 

    Finished 16 of 16 full breast today, yeah! and did the set-up for the 5 boosts.  It was like the rad equipment was a Transformer with part after part added and adjusted to morf into a different thing. The machine ends up about an inch from my nipple, and is quite intimidating.  Eileen56, my incisions are right there too and has been numb since surgery. Hope all bounces back during recovery.

    LuvRVing and Marilyn7, congrats on doing the Race.  That has to be so inspirational!

    Hope the machine is up and running for everyone tomorrow.  Take care.  Donna. 

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  • bailey1958
    bailey1958 Member Posts: 199
    edited July 2010

    Hi Gang,

    Having a nice visit with my sister. Feeling very tired in the evening and am waking up with a bit of a raspy voice and a titch of a throat irritation - is anyone else having that experience?. Skin looks like I'm tanning a 8X7 inch square - no irritation yet. Hope your day goes well.

     Sonia 

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  • eileenr56
    eileenr56 Member Posts: 135
    edited July 2010

    Back from number 15 today.  So far so good.  Keep my fingers crossed.  Not tired yet.

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