March 2011 Rads

Options
1…2223252728…46

Comments

  • shooshoo23
    shooshoo23 Member Posts: 96
    edited April 2011

    COUNTDOWN= 9!!

    Congrats on being done girlfriday!! I'm right behind you. And I echo heavenschild, great story! It brought a tear to my eye. I have been very emotional too. I cried all morning for no specific reason. Someone said a kind word that touched me and off I went! 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • gingerstx
    gingerstx Member Posts: 91
    edited April 2011

    Girl Friday:  congratulations on being finished!   I also loved your story about the beach glass lady...

    I had my first boost this morning, preceded by the techs wiping off my old magic marker marks and drawing new ones.   After they maneuvered me into position, my RO came in, walked around me, made a few adjustments and gave her ok.  Then they gently pressed this cool gel-like thing onto the area to be boosted.  All the activity almost distracted me from the uncomfortable ache beginning in my arms!  Since I'm getting an electron boost (my tech said some people's are photons), they put a cube-shaped, class sided apparatus called a bolus onto the radiation machine and then gave me my boost.  The techs told me that all my other boosts (7 more) will be much faster and easier. 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • msjag
    msjag Member Posts: 416
    edited April 2011

    GirlFirday, what a heartfelt experience you shared.  Ironically, one day when I was having a low day, very teary eyed and emotional, my friends threw together a cheer me up party and all chipped in for a beautiful sea glass neckace. I just put it on this morning again, and while reading your story, it made me realize how lucky I feel  when there are so many people who are going through their treatment alone.  I too have been on the april rads, and they sure appreciated when someone posted your list!!  It should go to each rad thread every month!!

    9 more left...2 regular, 7 boosts, Three day weekend, rads closed on Monday, so a bit of a break, no major issues so far, still think its the aloe plant! saw the surgeion today, he said things looked great and even with TN, I should celebrate when done because I have a great prognosis...yahooo!!!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • marjie
    marjie Member Posts: 1,134
    edited April 2011

    HOLY CRAP my nipple peeled of today!!! BLECH Yell

    I don't care though because tomorrow is my last day, going to start practising my happy dance.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • sandymess
    sandymess Member Posts: 299
    edited April 2011

    Ouch, marjie! That sounds very painful. Glad you will be done tomorrow!

    GirlFriday, YAY!! You are done! So happy for you. And loved the sea glass story.

    I actually mis-counted today. I finished 21/33! So I only have 4 more regular tx's and 8 boosts. Whoo-hoo, I'm getting there!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • cmbear
    cmbear Member Posts: 1,086
    edited April 2011

    Girlfriday--Congrats!! woo-hoo, now time for healing. . . I loved the story about the sea-glass, how heart-warming  story. I get what you say about the Gyn part not being as fun. I had a TVUS on Tuesday for an ovarian growth that has been there since at least August (this is my 3rd ultrasound). It's like my gyn keeps wishing it will go away. Told me in January if its still there in April, he wants to yank it out. Wanted to wait till I was done with rads to put me thru anything else(how nice of him!) The only thing I keep clinging to is that only 1.9 % if ovarian cysts are cancerous.(seen that stat on more than one site) So I keep telling myself and my DH (who is more scared than me) that this is just my body being pissy and falling apart all at once but it doesn't have to mean I have more cancer. Gotta go with the positive!!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • GrandmaBubba
    GrandmaBubba Member Posts: 111
    edited April 2011

    COUNTDOWN = 5 

    marjie- I'm sorry your skin opened up, but glad you get to finish. You started this thread and a darn fine thread it is ;)

    This is a ride I didn't want to take, but you all have made it much easier.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • heavenschild
    heavenschild Member Posts: 212
    edited April 2011

    Margie:  Can't figure out how to download a picture, but this happy dance is for you!

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jRwsTyUPIYE

    C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S!!!!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • catlover6
    catlover6 Member Posts: 24
    edited April 2011

    I'm so glad you guys are here !   I have just started to peel around my nipple area ... the pain is not awful ( yet ? ) ... so good to see all of the suggestions y'all have to help us all deal with this.

    (( hugs ))  Sue

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • marjie
    marjie Member Posts: 1,134
    edited April 2011

    Sue - I don't think the pain ever gets too awful as much as it's just always uncomfortable which can really start to wear you down.  The nipple peeling just really gave me the "heebie-jeebies", lol!  Don't get me wrong though, there are a few times where I ended up taking Advil for some relief.  Ofcourse, like everything else, we are all different - some get really bad reactions and others seem to sail right through.  For me, compared to my chemo, rads has been much easier.

    There aren't words to express how thankful I am for all the advice I have received from this forum.  You ladies are GREAT!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • pumela115
    pumela115 Member Posts: 231
    edited April 2011

    Well today is my second to last one, i'm mad at myself because i should be done today but i was being a baby one day and i just stayed home for no reason really. GRRRRRR!

    Marjie-CONGRATS!!!!!  YAY for YOU!!!!!!!

    I hope everyone is doing well, happy friday!!!

                                                                Pam

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • sandymess
    sandymess Member Posts: 299
    edited April 2011

    22/33 today! I am getting VERY red and splotchy. I'm glad it's Friday. My poor skin can use the break.



    Have a great weekend, everyone!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • msjag
    msjag Member Posts: 416
    edited April 2011

    Marjie, congrats on being done!! It seems like yesterday we were having chemo one day apart!

     1 reg rad, then 7 boosts, three day weekend in MA, so they are closed Monday, skin will appreciate the break....still doing great...praying to my aloe plant every time a twist a piece off!!

    take care, all!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • 3teacher
    3teacher Member Posts: 42
    edited April 2011

    Marjie: I, too, thank you for starting this thread. I have gotten great tips and support from all you gals.

    I am doing the happy dance, too. Today was last day. You hit a bong thing when leaving. Thought that was cute. My skin did not hold up, but all assure me it will heal. Have bad raw skin under both arms and yucky chest. Thank goodness it all held on until boost time. Now we shall see if the boost area holds up. Got another RX to use. So now one for infection (Silvadene) and one for inflamation.

    Good luck to all and GOD bless and heal each of you. Have a great weekend and do something fun!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Sereena
    Sereena Member Posts: 99
    edited April 2011

    WooHoo.....30 down and 0 to go!!!! Red/brown, itchy, blistery skin will all soon be part of my past......time to heal. All in all not too bad. I actually felt sad....the staff was so caring and nice. It felt like a part-time job but without the pay-check. As strange as that sounds. Been taking arimidex for a little more than 5 weeks and no SE's to complain about. Hopping it stays this way.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • cmbear
    cmbear Member Posts: 1,086
    edited April 2011

    Marjie, 3teacher and Sereena-----Here's to wonderul healing!! Happy dance!! Happy dance!!! I'm a week out from my boosts and still slathering it on. It's amazing how quickly it heals. One day at a time.

    Everyone enjoy their weekend!! Rest and relax. My sister is coming into town, time for some girl talk!! Please everyone take care!!!!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • libraylil
    libraylil Member Posts: 528
    edited April 2011

    6 more to go!! Boosts have started. Worst is lymph dissection scar,red and peely. I think the armpit rubbing is keeping it from healing. Libraylil

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • shooshoo23
    shooshoo23 Member Posts: 96
    edited April 2011
    COUTNDOWN=8
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • sandymess
    sandymess Member Posts: 299
    edited April 2011

    GirlFriday: Thanks for the tip about hydrocortisone. I used some yesterday and it really cleared the rash up well. It's almost gone!



    Enjoy the weekend, everyone!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Colodisneylover
    Colodisneylover Member Posts: 220
    edited April 2011

    Hi All-

    I've been following this thread when I can and wanted to thank you for all of the great info on rads. I am doing chemo now and will start rads this summer.  Just wondering if anyone knows how soon you can have your tissue expanders out and implants put in after you finish rads? Is there a standard time frame? My PS is a jerk and I've asked several times and can't get an answer.  Thanks!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • texasrose361
    texasrose361 Member Posts: 1,829
    edited April 2011

    Hydrocorotson is what my radiologist recommended to and it does help...

    Y'all were right the boosts were'nt bad at all and now my appointment time is cut in 1/2!!! so it only takes 15 minutes now!!!!

    Marjie- nipple peeling sounds like NO FUN!

    I am so happy for all that have finished or are finishing soon!

    COUNTDOWN- 6 MORE TO GO!!!!!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • GrandmaBubba
    GrandmaBubba Member Posts: 111
    edited April 2011

    COUNTDOWN - 4 MORE TO GO

    COLODISNEYLOVER - My RO told me Thursday 4-6 months before any surgery (exchange).

    Libraylil - I caught myself tucking my shirt up under my arm when ever it would start to hurt. Someone (? RO Nurse) suggested lamb's wool between underarm and shirt.

    It looks like this part of the journey is winding down. I hope we can stay in touch after we are all through.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Colodisneylover
    Colodisneylover Member Posts: 220
    edited April 2011

    Thanks Grandmabubba.  I appreciate your response. I was hoping to get everything in this year, so I don't have to start over on the insurance deductible!  Bummer.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • libraylil
    libraylil Member Posts: 528
    edited April 2011

    Grandma bubba I could not find lambswool so I grabbed some fleece at the fabric store. Going to try that. My RO said not to use anything but the radiapplex gel and to mix neosporin,lotrimin, and hydrocortisone to apply to the peeling axilla scar. I went completely outlaw this weekend and used my aloe Vera plant. LEt it dry and applied the mixture to the scar. Feels better already. Spending the weekend in cotton tanks. Libraylil

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • pumela115
    pumela115 Member Posts: 231
    edited April 2011

    I have a question for anyone who is done or almost done. My last one is on Mon and i feel like i hit the wall. I am soooo tired :(  is anyone else feeling like this? I slept all day yesterday and i am still tired. Thanks! Hope everyone is having a good weekend.

                                                                               Pam

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • gingerstx
    gingerstx Member Posts: 91
    edited April 2011

    COUNTDOWN= 6!  My radiated breast still seems a bit warmer than the other breast but it has finally stopped feeling like a cooktop!  Sliding aloe halves over the area and then applying a hefty coat of cortisone cream has been keeping my rash itch at bay and helping with the healing process.  The rash is drying and there's no peeling or blistering to it or the non-rash area.  

    Has anyone else had their blood pressure go up?  I've been on a high BP pill for years, so I check it whenever I can, but my readings are usually in the 130's... this past week they've in the 150's.  

    Have a great Sunday!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • GirlFriday
    GirlFriday Member Posts: 461
    edited April 2011

    Pam: I finished on Thursday, and Friday I took a nap from 930 to 1!  I haven't done that once throughout this process.  The fatigue is cumulative...they told me to expect the next two weeks would be hard for my skin and the fatigue.  I have to admit, I'm kind of mourning too.  I really enjoyed my time with the rads techs and nurses.  It was almost something to look forward too.  And since this dx, my life has been up and down without routine. It was nice to have some kind of routine.  Also, I haven't really stopped "running" since my diagnosis, my surgery, and now rads.  I've been on some sort of manic energy.  Look at what this site has to say about fatigue, under treatment and SE. It might give you some insight.  All in all, I would say, don't worry.  You've just been through a lot, and your body is trying to heal itself.  When I got my dx, they gave me this pink tote with all kinds of stuff in it...one of the things was a manicure kit, to remind me to take care of myself.  I think we all need a mental break if not a physical one, let that "wall" you just hit be your guide! Here's a gentle hug from one burned boob to another!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • cmbear
    cmbear Member Posts: 1,086
    edited April 2011

    Pam, I am a week out and I still get exhausted. On my day off Wednesday, I took a four hour nap. Yesterday, I lasted for about an hour and half doing housework and I just had to lay down. It takes a while to get your stamina back.

    Ginger, definitely get that BP checked out. Your body is going thru so many changes and challenges right now.It's stressed, you are stressed, all kinds of changes can occur.  Tell your RO but also see your regular doc that treats your BP, they need to work together as a team. I have the opposite, my BP gets very low--but then BC kicked my thyroid out of whack (also explains the exhaustion) My RO kept telling my that all my SE's were left over from chemo, or just me getting old.(thanks!!) but not the rads. Seems rads do not have "those kinds" of SE's  that dramatically change your body.

    Oh and I have been using Polysporin on my uglier redder spots on my chest and it really seems to help heal a little faster. My dermatologist rec it over Neosporin saying it was better at scar healing. I'll try anything for that!! Another doc's opinion to put on the piles of opinons, suggestions, and hints we get from the medical community. Interesting how they all seem to have different opinions on what is best for us!! 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • GirlFriday
    GirlFriday Member Posts: 461
    edited April 2011

    marjie:  my nipple peeled slowly but surely, going from red to brown,to magenta.  Now it's the same color as the rest of my boob...I think it's trying to hide!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • pumela115
    pumela115 Member Posts: 231
    edited April 2011

    Girlfriday and Cmblastic- Oh thanks you guys so much!! It always makes me feel better when someone else has the same se as me, i hope that came out right Surprised I mean i'm sorry your having them, but it makes me feel more normal so to speak.

    Girlfriday, i know what you mean about morning too. I felt really sad on Friday, i thought it was just because i was so tired. I am really glad to be done with everything though. Laughing It will just take some time i guess. Does anyone know how it works now? I do have an appt with my onc on thurs and i'm not sure what happens now. I guess i'll find that out soon enough too.

    Thanks again for all your help! Happy Sunday everyone!!!

                                                                       Pam

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories