January 2011 Rads

lestwin - I am jumping in this one, they say don't use aluminum based deodorants.  I use Toms brand aluminum free unsented extra absorbant.  I do not use it on the right side (tumor) as I have not needed to.

Sherry - I hope you feel comfort soon. 

I get 5 zaps...One long one, then 2 from 2 other angles.  Xrays every 5th, which is Monday for me. I have completed 22 of 33 (YAY), but my skin is getting bad so tomorrow we start the boosts then we will return to the regular treatments.  I have stopped wearing a bra and now just wear tanks or camis with a sweater or sweatshirt over it.  Congrats to eveyone who has completed their rads!!!!! 

Jo hope eveything is Ok please let me now what the BS says.

jo - saying a little prayer for you and hoping it turns out to be nothing.

lestwin - i assumed that it was the rad arm and used deodorant on the other side.  I used a toms brand on the other side or powder but it did get a little stinky...I think you can used it after your treatment on the rad side but see what your RO says.

omaz - my Onc gave me a presrciption in Oct. for Tami and said start 1 week after rads.  And then she said "See you in 8 Months.." My apt with her is not until April or May.  Since I didn't have chemo I didn't really connect with her all that much.  I am going out on my own with the split dose and then if I have a problem I can see her.  No one ever suggested I have any testing - I think you can have a test to see how you would/are metabolizing the Tami.  But my guess would be they like to wait and see if you have SE or not. I can't/won't take effexor or neurontin for the hot flashes and they are my biggest concern.  I got the split dose idea on my own. (I am a graduate of the Univ. of Google!)

I crossed the finish line and am doing the happy dance.  Had a nice long talk with my doctor and am feeling really good about the future.   Looking forward to celebrating with my family.

I just got back from the surgeon and everything is fine.  I had some fluid build up which he drained.  The fluid will be sent out for testing and I go back next week for a CT scan.  I was told this could happen for months even years.  But at least I know what to do the next time this happens.  Feel soooo much better now.  Thanks everyone for your thoughts and prayers.

Oakley - The fluid is normal when you have a lumpectomy. Typically, the fluid is reabsorbed into the breast tissue but can build up pressure behind the nipple and become uncomfortable.  When it is drained off, it is instant relief.  Some don't get it, others do.  The CT scan is just a precaution to make sure there is nothing else there.  My surgeon is very thorough.  Don't know if it is standard protocol but I will have it done just because I trust what he is telling me and it would make me feel better.

Victoria,

  I am having the same problem.  My RADONC insists it is not from the RADS but I never had it before.  I have had 17 RADS and it is getting worse.  I have trouble getting the air all the way down without great effort.  I went to my family doc and he sent me for a chest X-ray, which was fine.  SO now he is setting me up to see a pulmonologist tomorrow(hopefully).  I have to stop RADS for a few days.

Lynda we will def have to get together when I come to austin.  Glad all is going well for your tx.

Jo-glad it was not anything serious but still a hassle to have to deal with.

cmf-hope the breathing is nothing serious will be praying about that.

Oakley the natural deo did not work for me I was so glad when my glands shut down.

Saw my RO today and showed him my blister area close to my areola.  Also about 1 1/2 hours before tx I started itching in a new spot.  When I got undressed I could see the start of a patch of small blisters.  He took a look at all of it and asked how my nipple felt (it is very very red) I told him it hurt and I have a high pain tolerance.  He said it looks like it hurts.  Told him I was not wearing the nipple shields any more because of where the blisters are located.  He was glad of that.  So  bottom line is when the blisters break they are drying up and not staying wet which is good.  He told me to use the Kenalog steriod cream for the itch and gave me a script for Regenecare which is a lidocaine oitment.  It will numb my nipple and blister areas so they will not hurt.  He said I can use it as often as I want.  He just wants me to be as comfortable as possible.  The bad thing about the nipple is it is also in my rad sight for my boost so no relief until I am finished next Monday.  He did say that if the blisters get the wet wheepy stuff to call him and he will call me in a Silvedene script.  So lets hope the little blisters that are raising do not get very bad and just dry up.  I am thinking possitive thoughts at this point. I am near the end.

Went for no. 7 today.  I am more pink this time that I have been so far.  I need to be better about reapplying the miaderm.  I really dont want the yuckiness.  I also cut an old cotton tshirt today into large squares that I can tuck under and over my left boob to keep it dry an hopefully irritation free.

The daily appointments are starting to wear on me.  I hate dealing with this every single day.  Ugh.  Ready to be done! 

Tobye - Welcome to our group - good place to hang out.  Sorry you have to join us but there is alot of good information and support here.

Interesting that some rad oncs insist the shortness of breath is NOT from rads when logically, if we haven't experienced it before and a small part of our lung is being zapped that it is more than likely from rads. At least your onc Teklya admits it! I asked my rad onc today about it and she listened to my chest then said it sounded fine. For the life of me I can't remember what she said it might be caused by - I can't believe I've forgotten!  I think she thought it might be inflammation and it should settle down, I hope so. 

Cmf, good luck with seeing the pulmonologist, I'll be thinking of you and hoping you can get some relief soon and get back to getting on with rads.  Tobye, I hope your breathing has improved, it sounds as if you have been through a tough time but glad the scans and tests of your lungs and heart came back clear.  I will ask for extra tests too if it persists, just to be on the safe side.

Jo, sending positive thoughts to you for your scan and I'm glad you could get some relief with it being drained. 

Oakley, glad you got the go-ahead to shave, I have been using an electric razor which does an ok job but the whole area including my boob is just numb and feels weird. 

SherryC, I'm so sorry you are having such a horrible time with the blisters, hang in there, you are so close to finishing and I hope the cream gives you some relief.

#12 done and no fatigue yet (apart from shortness of breath) plus redness seems to be stable at the moment. Good luck everyone!