December 2010 Rads

hope you all had a great long weekend and break from rads!

i had my first session yesterday - i ended up being there for 3.5 hours because there was a mixup with my appt time, and also i had to do more xrays, meet with the nurse, and do blood tests - none of which i knew about beforehand. luckily i had arranged for someone to pick my daughter up because i got home at 7pm (from a 2.30appt).

for the next 2 weeks, i have rads at a different time each day, because they messed up my appt times. but after that it settles down to the same time each day.i've been told to use xclair twice daily, and to use cornstarch until i get the xclair (it takes two days to order it in).

barbcard - sorry to hear about your daughter's reaction.

Sherry - I remember my doc telling me that the hydrocortisone can cause a good deal of thinning to skin, erhaps that is what has happened for you?  I have used Clobex shampoo when I had a reaction to hair dye and it worked so well!

So was Santa good to you?  I sure hope so.  I have to say that I looked around our table and realized that everyone I loved was there and they were all smiling, (and so was I).  Does it get any better than that?

All the very best for a peaceful and calm, healthy new year.  I am so glad to kick this year in the butt. 

take good care and just breathe. . .
Teklya

I too am happy that the snow passed us bye. For all of you who are in blizzard conditions, I hope that the snow gets cleared quickly and that you can move onward with your treatments soon!

 Barbcard2: I am younger then your daughter and I am embarrassed for her by her actions. But more importantly, I am worried about how the stress of dealing with it is effecting your health. I hope that you can find the strength to discuss your disappointment with her or find a way to let it go. I know that is much, much easier said then done but negative emotions and stress are not good for your health! My daughter is home from college and my son is still in high school but after the first of the year, perhaps we can meet for coffee/tea or lunch.

Toni and Raincity girl, I also felt fatigue immediately.  I had number 4 RADS today and I am sooo tired.  Hope everyone had a peaceful Christmas and felt rested after a day without RADS.

colleen

cmf & raincitygirl - It is not unusual to have fatigue early in rads.  If you are really active people, the fatigue will catch up to you quickly.  Take the time for naps and pace yourself if you can.  There were nights I could have gone to bed at 6:00 I was so exhausted.  

Take time for yourselves - you most certainly deserve it. 

This is my first post to this site.  I had my 18th treatment this morning and have 15 more to go.  For some reason the past week I have been very emotional.  The least little thing makes me cry.  While meeting with the doctor last week I just broke down in tears.  Everyone tells me how strong I am and how good I look, but when I look in the mirror I see a stranger.  I just want me back.  My brown hair is now coming back in grey and I have hot flashes all the time.  I don't want to be strong I just want to be well.

Guygirl, I understand. I just posted on the thread for middle-aged women how I had an emotional meltdown last night after trying to do too much. I had #20 of 33 today and had felt like I still had all my energy, but realize now that I need to slow down a bit--not easy this time of year when my sons are visiting and family coming over for meals.

My husband is always telling everyone how brave I am, and I wish he wouldn't do that. Then I feel like I have to live up to what he says. And sometimes I don't want to!

Stick around here. You will find lots of support and sympathy. The ladies here know what you are going through. It is a safe place to vent and ask questions. Make yourself at home!

 Susan

GuyGirl - It is okay to cry.  You are going you a major live changing experience.  I did the same thing when I was going through rads.  The lease little thing would set me off.  Right after I was diagnosed, I walked around in a state of shock for several weeks and it did not occur to me to deal with the emtions.  My mine was focused on getting the BC out of me and to get well.

You will get you back in time.  I have been finished with rads for 3 weeks now - waiting to start Tamoxifen and just now feel like me again.

(((HUGS))) to you 

toni30 - Congrats on being half way there.  You are on the downhill stretch.

Sherryc - I have to agree with your DH - don't circle the final date on the calendar.  Celebration day will come.  I circled my final date 3 times and it got me into such a funk I couldn't stand it.  This journey has been extra tough for you and NO you don't always have to be strong.  Sometimes that takes more effort than you think.  Go  where your emotions take you.  Sort them out as they happen.  You know your skin best - keep doing what you have been.  If you remember, my rad onc would not let me use anything on my skin.  When it was itchy and burnt, I started using creams myself, I did not ask and I have no regrets.

Hope your DH is feeling better real soon.

I can't say yet. I had #20 today. So far the area is pink, but without any itching, pain, or sores. There is a reddish area under the breast, in the crease, but cornstarch seems to be helping there. It is hard to predict, apparently. Some have serious problems, others only minor ones. I talked to one lady at my center who finished last week. She said the only problem she had was during the boosts, when an area turned dark and then peeled. However, she said there was no pain even then. So.. you never know...

Hi everyone! I can't believe how much I've missed in the few days I have been offline! I have family in town and with a 2 and 4 year old off all week from school, and my husband about to leave for 4 days, it's been a bit nuts around here. Anyway, had #4 today. So far so good, but I too feel extra tired. Could also be that I started my cycle today after not having one for about 3 years! I had my daughter and then was on a Mirena and then a pill that stopped them altogether. Went off the pill a month or so ago when I was tested ER+ and so now that it's back it feels like I've been hit by a truck!



Glad to hear that some are progressing well and finding all the right lotions and potions to use. I meet with my RO tomorrow for the first time so that should be good.



Sorry to hear about the moronic doctors and about your daughter Barbcar2. My mom has BC too and was diagnosed 2 days after I was and I wish we could be together, but since we live states apart, we have to do with phone and email. Not knowing your daughter, I would guess that she probably feels unequipped to help. Probably a mixture of fear, not knowing what to do, feeling overwhelmed, not wanting to see your parents in a weak state and maybe a bit of selfishness and guilt. Whatever the reason(s), they are her issues and I'm wishing for you that you can draw strength from this amazing group of women and hope that she comes to realize what affect her actions have on you.



Have a great evening everyone