March 2011 Rads

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  • Ween62
    Ween62 Member Posts: 10
    edited April 2011

    Hello Ladies

    Today was my last..Happy and filled with much emotion. Marjie just want to let you know I have been peeling for over the last week. very very red underneath and quite painful. I was able to get through the last 5 boost with no problem. As the peeling was mostly under my arm and underneath the breast. The RO said this was normal and will continue for a week or two after Rads. They perscribed a silicone pad called Mepilex Lite quite expensive in the pharmacy but can purchase alot cheaper on Amazon. They also perscribed Sulfadiazine Cream which I use everynight before bed. Both have been a life saver with the help of Tylenol and Advil.

    To all of you, just want to thank you for being there with me on this journey. Every day I got to read how each and everyone of one you were doing. Although we do know each other, you've all been dear and near to me.. I wish you all the very best and pray for good health, strenght and lots of laughter in your journey. We can only take this one day at a time. The one thing that has stuck with me since being diagnosed is, "take care of yourself and allow yourself to just be". Your all increadible women.

    Lisa

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  • shooshoo23
    shooshoo23 Member Posts: 96
    edited April 2011
    marje & 3teacher- I have been optimistic about my skin. But you guys have held out til the last week huh? I've done a lot better than I expected to because I'm very fair and I'm 21/33 and am just pink and sore. Bummer.....well, I hope you guys feel better soon. I have 12 rads left, 7 regular and 5 boosts. My fingers are crossed but it doesn't look like anybody gets through this without at least some skin issues :(
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  • sandymess
    sandymess Member Posts: 299
    edited April 2011

    18/33 today. A bit red and splotchy under my arm and some red under my breast, but so far not too bad.

    marjie, 3teacher & others: In my breast cancer support group, the women were discussing rads reactions and how the silvadine and other prescriptions didn't help them. One woman said the doctor finally told her to get "good, old-fashioned Barbasol" shaving cream. She did and slathered it all over, And it worked right away! Haven't tried it, but my DH has some that's available if I need to try it. Hope this helps someone. I know it sounds crazy, but they swear by it.

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  • 3teacher
    3teacher Member Posts: 42
    edited April 2011

    shooshoo: If it's any help to know, I am super fair- a true blonde and I burn with any length of exposure to the sun. Live with serious sunscreeen/Florida. So hang in there. The RN was very worried from the getgo cuz I am so darn fair. You'll make it!!

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  • 3teacher
    3teacher Member Posts: 42
    edited April 2011

    sandymess: That is a hoot! Will pick up a bottle tomorrow on my way home from boosts. As I recall it's very inexpensive, so what do I have to lose! Sounds nutty, but willing to try anything. thanks

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  • 3teacher
    3teacher Member Posts: 42
    edited April 2011

    Forgot this, sorry!

    LISA: Congrats and tons of luck and love to you. Hugs!!

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  • marjie
    marjie Member Posts: 1,134
    edited April 2011

    COUNTDOWN = 5.  Only 4 more to go.

    Thanks to everyone for all your pieces of advice...believe me, I am keeping track and will try them all!  Right now, putting anything on the open skin is just too painful.  Bathing in water with Epson salts is helping and tomorrow the techs are sending me to my RO's nurse to see what can be done.  You know, it's not pleasant at all but really, I am lucky to have come right to the end with no problems.

    Suck it up. buttercup Yell

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  • gingerstx
    gingerstx Member Posts: 91
    edited April 2011

    2 regulars left and then 8 boosts!  I'm beginning to see that pot of gold at the end of this rainbowed road!  I'm still using the aloe plant plus hydrocortisone on my rash and it's not getting any worse but seems to be drying up.  I felt the heat coming off it all weekend so I believe it that we continue to cook.  Let's all think of ourselves as radiant women! 

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  • LovemyLife12
    LovemyLife12 Member Posts: 43
    edited April 2011

    I AM DONE!!!!! YAY GRADUATION DAY

    Washed all the marks off I could without pain... Got a certificate of completion.  I asked the receptionist to humm graduation music as I walked out.

    I'll still be checking in with you ladies.  You can do it.  I am a big crybaby and I did it..

    Got follow up appt on May 25th.  The MRI in June per MO then Mammo next Jan.  It never ends.  But I will get through with my faith in Christ, my family and friends, and all of YOU.  THank you all so much... Love and Hugs to you all... Carla

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  • Adey
    Adey Member Posts: 3,610
    edited April 2011

    Hi all.  I finished on 3/29 and just want to let you know that for some the "two weeks after is the worse" does not apply.  I am two weeks out and after about 3 days past my last tx it just kept getting better!  Touch wood.  I wish the same for all of you.  (c:

    Also, cold aloe gel from the fridge felt great on the burning boob!

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  • sjames59
    sjames59 Member Posts: 22
    edited April 2011
    I echo what Adey said. I too was told that I'd keep "cooking" for 1-2 weeks after the final tx, but it wasn't the peaking of symptoms I'd expected.  I finished boosts a week ago today and the boost area continued to be bright red and sore through the weekend, but today is markedly lighter. Also, during the boosts the rest of the breast healed and faded from bright red considerably. I continue to be very tired, but am also back to work full time whereas I was working part-time from home for the last month.

    I'm the one who had the Sesame Street theme going with the machines nicknamed "Hurt" & "Burnie" & delivered Krispy Kremes the last day of tx - I made a poster too with all of the staff as various SS characters, and the RO as the magician, lol.

    Sharon
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  • GirlFriday
    GirlFriday Member Posts: 461
    edited April 2011

    Congratulations to all those who have finished!   

    31/33:  Two Boosts left!  My skin has finally blistered on the underneath side...not even the boost site!  I scratched it in my sleep last night.  YOW!  That hurts!  The RO I saw on Monday didn't prescribe anything, just said to keep using lotion.   My next RO appt is three months out.  I made a chocolate torte last night to bring into the techs today.  I don't think we get anything for completing the rads...what a bummer!  Assuming the machine is up and running the next too mornings...Friday am with no need to drive for 45 minutes is going to be odd!

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  • pumela115
    pumela115 Member Posts: 231
    edited April 2011

    29/33 4 more boosts to go! YAY! CONGRATS to everyone who has finished!! I guess i will have to figure out what to bring the techs, you guys are making me feel guilty, hadn't really thought about it! Ha! Have a great day everyone!!!!

                                                            Pam

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  • msjag
    msjag Member Posts: 416
    edited April 2011

    I am joining the top ten count down!! 10 more to go...3 reg, 7 boosts yahoo

     So far so good with skin, aloe plant is amazing, takes the heat out of the breast as well as makes rash/itching go away!!

    For anyone having trouble with skin under the breast, I believe it was on the Feb. rads that I read that putting a soft tank top on then a bigger size bra over that would help keep the breast from being skin on skin and help with healing.  I started doing that this week, just in case! I think whatever is gonna happen, will. 

    Another friend diagnosed with breast cancer, may just need rads, but I pointed her this way, told her how amazing all of you are (((((((((((((((((hugs)))))))))))))))))))) to all. 

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  • heavenschild
    heavenschild Member Posts: 212
    edited April 2011

    sjames59:  told one of the techs today about "Hurt & Burnie" - she thought it was hilarious!   Thanks for sharing that, it made me smile.

    24/30 today. I got time off for [somewhat] good behavior.  Because my skin was breaking down she was going to leave my last rad until the end, then she said I could have six boosts instead of five and forgo the last overall rad.  Thank you Jesus!

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  • 3teacher
    3teacher Member Posts: 42
    edited April 2011

    LovemyLife: Congrats to you!! I am so very happy for you and your family that that part is over, over. Yes, our lives will forever be more testing than "normal". I've enjoyed your posts. You've got a great sense of humor and a way with words. May CHRIST bless you each day!

    I am one of the unfortunate ones who is cooking afterwards. Miss Smarty Pants here thought she was homefree, esp. since I slathered on the Miaderm, etc. like wild diligently from the beginning. About 5 days after last regular treatment the skin under one arm just like sloughed off/raw skin. Now it's happened under the other arm. Using that RX for silvadine now and hoping for the best. Bad areas on chest, but they seem to be healing a bit. Little worried about under the arm areas. How the heck can they heal with constant rubbing?? PA says it will, but ?? My SIL (wound care nurse) tried to devise something to protect it, but it really didn't work after a while. Have to have access to all other areas to continue lubing up.

    3 more boosts. Hoping that area will survive.

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  • GirlFriday
    GirlFriday Member Posts: 461
    edited April 2011

    3teacher:  have you tried using a fleece liner under your cami...or even a man's Aline tank?  I saw corn starch suggested on other boards too...keeps the skin dry...no talcum powder though!

    I'm a little worried about my skin too. It's lasted so long, and is only peeling in small parts, but I just have this concern about what happens after I'm done being so thoroughly checked weekly!  I'm having separation anxiety! :)

    32/33!  Tomorrow's my last day!

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  • thrmine
    thrmine Member Posts: 98
    edited April 2011

    6 to go, one regular and 5 boosts.  I am doing alright but my underarm is dark red.  I'll be very glad to be onto boosts Friday. 

    Hang in there everyone!

    Alice 

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  • shooshoo23
    shooshoo23 Member Posts: 96
    edited April 2011

    23/33 down. I can 'officially' start my countdown!! YAY!! 5 regular and 5 boosts. marjie- I hope you don't mind if I borrow your format.

    COUNTDOWN= 10!! 

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  • 3teacher
    3teacher Member Posts: 42
    edited April 2011

    GirlFriday: I live in a soft, soft teeshirt around the house. Have worn a bra only like 5x since beginning rads. When I absolutely have to go out, now I wear the soft tee under my shirt. I don't quite get about the cornstarch, though. They keep telling me to keep it moist and esp. use the silvadeneRX. I am seeing my regular Dermatologist on Monday and he told me fromt he getgo that he could help me if it gets bad. Really doubt there is anyhting sronger than silvadene. One more for you- that's sooo great!! I'm right behind ya- Friday is last. I went and got some markers (joke) for the techs. Saw that idea from someone else. Want to bake cookies/whatever, but will need to do that next week. Just not now with all this going on. Hope your skin holds out- sounds like you are home free!! Mine never peeled- just went in places to directly raw. Wondered why my upper chest/superclavs were not bad. Techs explained today that my badly burned areas were under the bolus thing. Makes sense now. Anyway, best of luck to you!! (BTW super, super oncotype score!!!! You are soooo blessed. With that score you don't have to be checked all the time!! ) Hope your skin is just fine and you can go on with your life!!

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  • gingerstx
    gingerstx Member Posts: 91
    edited April 2011

    28 down, with only my 8 boosts left!  Skin is still holding up, except for a very red, raised rash covering most of the radiated area, so my fingers are crossed that it will start to look better now instead of worse. 

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  • sandymess
    sandymess Member Posts: 299
    edited April 2011

    19/33 done! I had my simulation for the boosts done today. Another tattoo. I am getting pretty red under my arm and now I've got the rash too. Nothing hurts, yet, though.



    Congrats to all those finishing and about to finish up! I wish you all well.

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  • GirlFriday
    GirlFriday Member Posts: 461
    edited April 2011

    Gingertx/Sandymess: Get the hydrocortisone and slap it on...gently.  You'll be glad you did. I still use it under what ever lotion I put on. 

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  • texasrose361
    texasrose361 Member Posts: 1,829
    edited April 2011

    i guess i AM getting boosts- for some reason my radiologist prints out a calandar for the reg treatment and just tell us the 8 boost appointments LOL so instead of finishing this week we finish next week :( what a bummer!)

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  • marjie
    marjie Member Posts: 1,134
    edited April 2011

    COUNTDOWN = 3!!! Only two more to go.

    texasrose - what a bummer to come to the end and be surprised with your boosts!  Ah well, one week is doable right!?

    I have been struggling with my skin and sleeping is difficult because everytime I move it pulls and feels like it's about to pull apart.  With the open skin now, I can't really use any creams or aloe because they sting so much but I have a friend who is a nurse and she got me some non-stick gauze that they use on burn patients.  It is lightly saturated with vaseline and has provided me instant relief....I am looking forward to a more comfortable night!  The bandages are called "Adaptic" by Johnson & Johnson.  I am also finding that taking an anti-inflammatory like Advil helps a lot too.

    Hang in there everyone and big high fives to everyone who is done...YAY!!!

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  • sandymess
    sandymess Member Posts: 299
    edited April 2011

    GirlFriday: Thanks for the tip. I'll start that right away.



    Texasrose: What a lousy surprise that was! Oh well, at least there's only one week left, right?



    Marjie: That sounds very painful! I'm so glad your nurse friend could help with that gauze. You'd think they'd have that handy at the RO's office. Geesh!



    Off to cook. 20/33 today!

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  • GirlFriday
    GirlFriday Member Posts: 461
    edited April 2011

    shooshoo:  Welcome to the count down!

    3teacher:  I think the cornstarch was for your pits so you don't sweat and complicate things.  I think it would be good for your inner arm to to prevent it from rubbing...but then again all lubed up it shouldnt' matter.  I was thrilled with my oncotype too!  The "invasive" part of my cancer was a surprise to the surgeon.  Apparently my tumor was like two different ones when they cut it out.  Now I'm navigating the genetic waters, and figuring out my girl plumbing wit cysts and fibroids...I wish Ov Cancer was as easy to dx as BC...Gyn are just not nearly as fun to work with! Ha!

    texasrose:  That blows!  but the boosts are a lot easier!

    margie:  I have snugged pillows up to each side of me.  Prevents me from rolling and making my skin stick to itself.  I put one under my knees if my lower back starts to hurt.  Samething I did after surgery.  Last night the pillow in the middle of the bed, pushed my man out of bed!  Ha!

    I finished this morning...33/33!  This little old lady that has to catch a ferry from an island off the coast, who is being treated monthly for pancreatic cancer and is now being treated with rads and chemo for lung cancer, gave me a jar of sea glass that she picks up when she goes for a walk.  She said she does it when everyone bothers her! Ha!  She said she liked talking to me.  I said my goodbyes rec'd several gentle hugs, and then made it to my car before I had to sit there and cry.  For whatever pain this stupid disease causes, there certainly are a lot of blessings!  And sometimes they come in a the form of a little old lady who's got the moxy to walk the beach because somebody pissed her off! 

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  • heavenschild
    heavenschild Member Posts: 212
    edited April 2011

    texasrose - boosts are not as bad!  Honest! 

     GirlFriday - loved the story re: the sea glass, what a wonderful treasure and reminder...

    Okay, time to admit that I have talked to enough people to get feedback that the emotional meltdowns that I am feeling (its as if the family dog died) are common among women getting rads.  The nurse at the rads center did say that it was like I got hit by a hormonal mac truck because of my hysterecomy and going off the patch, but still, others I talk to (and those who are post BC treatment) say the same thing.  Funny thing, i didn't see that in the list of SE's they had listed!

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  • GirlFriday
    GirlFriday Member Posts: 461
    edited April 2011

    Heavenschild:  That's a good one! I'll add it to the list I made a while back.  I've seen it cut and pasted in April, which makes me feel good...especially because it's a summary of what everyone with experience has contributed!

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  • Adey
    Adey Member Posts: 3,610
    edited April 2011

    Marjie-  I got those treated gauze strips with non-stick pads too (from my RO), squirted some extra Auqafor on for good measure, very soothing...

    Ask for gang!  You'll love it.  It's kinda like doing paper mache on your boob.  (c:

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