February 2011 Rads

Not sure yet, but these blisters could be shingles!!  I will know more tomorrow.  Apparently very common once radiation is complete as the immune system is so compromised.  I just want the diagnosis, a treatment plan and some answers to my many questions as we leave Saturday morning for our trip!  YOY!!!

Take good care and just breathe. . .

Teklya

For those of you that guided me in Aloe purchase... thank you!  I ended up with Fruit of the Earth.  Trader Joes had parabens.  My RO said Aquaphor if things get bad, but I read the ingredients and it has Lanolin Alcohol...the Rads nurse said no oil, no lanolin.  I've had 4/33, and things look good, but my Nip is bright red and a little bit tender.  I've been wearing a sports bra, and think I'm going to switch to cami's but most of mine have shelf linings with a lot of elastic.  Not on my list of comfort wear.  I looked at men's undershirt tank tops, because they are longer than women's, and I'm a tuck in kind of girl thanks to the cold weather of maine...but I'm wondering if the ribbed like fabric will be nipple unfriendly.

For those of you that are struggling with other issues. I'm right there with you! I had an ultra sound today...what was previously a 15 minute deal turned into 45 minutes. the tech recorded the sound of the blood flow to my ovaries...although the tech can't say anything, I know that's not good.  Does anyone remember the days prior to the "anxious waiting" time period?  I have to admit, This whole BC process only started in Dec, and those days seem way, way off!

Only one more sleep!  Off tomorrow morning for Jamaica.  Should be on the beach and enjoying a rum flavored drink by supper time. Can't wait; this has been such a hellish year, sooooo need this break.

Thank you for all your kind healing wishes for me (my shingles and my boo boos).

Teklya

Teklya: Anchors away!

SherryC: I"m going to check those shields out!

Torigirl: I've got those bras, been wearing them since surgery...I was just concerned about the later weeks of treatment and the underside.  They've prepped me that this could be very uncomfortable.

I'm so upset!  I will have Radiation tx number 6 today but think I am going to have to ask to see the Dr. (he said any treatment day he is available to see me just ask) because after successful surgery and chemo, I think I am getting lymphedema!!!!  I had a sentinel node biopsy, only 2 removed, both negative, with a lumpectomy.  My RO is doing radiation to the underarm area (where the incision is from the sentinel node biopsy) and maybe he shouldn't be since I was 2 nodes only and both negative.  I really like and trust him but I don't know about this.  The left arm (surgery side) is visibly swollen (not hugely so but a difference that is visible) in the upper arm, back side of same arm and slightly on the inside of the arm below the elbow.  I don't know because I've been having to put that arm up over my head during treatment to open up that whole area and that's a movement I'm not used to doing so it has been straining the shoulder joint and it has hurt some.  Also, that arm has always been slightly larger all my life.  So, I'm really upset if this might be lymphedema since I didn't have it as a result of surgery but now with the radiation!!!!  I'll let you all know what the Dr. says.

Juanita

Just a thought for those of you that have been having issues with your arms post surgery and movement/swelling. Right after my BMX (and 22 nodes removed) my Dr. had me go to a physical therapist who specializes in lymphadema and breast cancer surgery range of motion issues. I highly recommend finding someone who can work with you. This person was instrumental in getting my range of motion back, and honestly, I believe she is the reason that I don't have any symptoms of lymphedema yet. She taught me some exercises and really worked my arms. I would ask your RO if they can recommend someone to help out! Sending good thoughts and love to all of those who are struggling at the moment.

5 Treatments left after today. I cannot wait to be done and repair my poor skin!

Hey there Ladies,

Do talk to your RO if you are having issues with your arms whether neuropathy or lymphodema. They can make an appointment with a physical therapy specialist and that way your insurance will be more apt to pay for the treatment with little hassel for you.  My RO made all the arrangements for me to see the same physical therapist that I was seeing before I started rads.  Insurance company approved all the treatments I would need.  I can go everyday if I feel like I need to or I can go 2 - 3- time a week if that works better for me.  And I can continue to go until I have full range of motion with no pain no matter how long that may take.  It was definately worth the talk with the RO.

I have finished 14 of the 30 so I am almost 1/2 way through. Skin is still looking good and starting to get a little tan.  Gee, I have never had a tan in my life!  I am not a sun person, due to very sensitive skin.  I have always covered head to toe when I would go outside, even to the beach.

Hope everyone enjoys the weekend break from treatments and get time to rest and heal before next week begins.

Joy and blessings, Amy Jo 

Sharon - so sorry you are burning so soon, Take very good care of your skin.  Keep lots of cream on there.  sending you gentle {{{{{HIGS}}}}}

I am doing well, but I am so glad we have the weekend break.  It gives me time to rest and get keep my skin really lubed up.  Hope everyone is haveing a great weekend.  Amy Jo 

Amyjo....I too have been dizzy since my chemo treatments and it has continued in radiation even though I am drinking lots of water. Saw my Dr., blood pressure was ok...but he called it positional....so I need to be careful when I get up from bed, sit up after the rx treatment, etc. It also bothers me when I lie down in bed or turn over...once I am up I am ok. Hoping it will just disappear.

I wrote down all of your suggestions. My RO only suggests Aquaphor, but I have been using that and the Rio Vista Natural moisturing cream...actually need to order more of that....guess this week will test the lotions...thinking I should pick up some Aloe... or calendula. Thanks for all of your suggestions.

Hello Ladies, I am new to this thread.  I will not be starting my rads until 1st wk of May but curious to know about the SE's as I am going back to work at the same time.  I am a teacher and have been off work the entire school year.  I have decided to go back for the 4th quarter.  A lot of you have mentioned that you are tired after receiving the rads.  I am hoping that it won't be too hard going back to school to teach after (10 months off) and beginning rads the next week.   I am planning to go for my rads after school and then going home to nap.  I hope this works!  Thanks for reading my post...any insight will be appreciated.

Hugs,

Laura