July 2011 rads

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  • Lena
    Lena Member Posts: 1,036
    edited August 2011

    Elizabeth, you're right -- uggggh back to rads and to add insult to injury, having to drive there and back in a downpour. Just got home from 21/33. Since I ate breakfast before going, I'm still not hungry yet. Well at least I don't have to water the plants on the deck today....

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  • kshav6
    kshav6 Member Posts: 25
    edited August 2011

    LeeLee, yes I use the Aquaphor too.  First I put on the aloe then if the itching continues I use the Aquaphor.  yesterday my boost site was bright pink like after a day after being out in the sun all day.  I had not gotten that pink the whole time durring rads!  It hurt about like a sunburn too.  On went the aloe and the Aquaphor and it is a little better today.  I feel like my boob has been cooked from the inside out!  It has been sore when I get up in the morning and my underarm area feels a bit swollen too.. On a good note, the fatigue is starting to back off "SOME". :) How many boosts do you have LeeLee?

    I hope your week of rads flies by ladies :)

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  • Lena
    Lena Member Posts: 1,036
    edited August 2011

    Just started using Aquaphor today in addition to cortisone cream and Jeans cream. I hate all this greasy stuff but I don't want the itchy pink chest to turn into a flaming red painful or blistering or peeling chest!  I do look forward to being clean and dry again someday....

    ::::sigh:::: 

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  • LindaJanette
    LindaJanette Member Posts: 71
    edited August 2011

    kaskav I didnt get it today but i will tommorow-again lets stay together on this path for a while.

    Yeah girls we started the week with broken machines and messed  up timeslots.

    but i am at 24 with boost sarting wed ending next Friday,

    Ok alot more tired , a little nausea, and feeling real ugly, also between horrible red and leathery brown all of which is peeling and itching and some of those stabing pains althoug brief ,,these are a few of my unfavorite things.....When the bell rigns  when the rads end,,,, when i meet friends like you, these are much better and a few of my real favorite things,,, and then we dont feel so bad..

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  • pejkug3
    pejkug3 Member Posts: 902
    edited August 2011

    Hang in there, LindaJ.  I was thinking of you ans saying prayers for you today.

    My sister and the two little girls she is foster parenting are here for a visit.  They came in today and will go home on Thursday.  My two aunts and grandma come in on Thursday and leave on Sunday.  And my kids start school on Monday.  So it's a wild and busy week for me!

    Needless to say, I'm exhausted.  I just finished rads on Friday and everyone thought that now would be a good time to visit.  I'm happy to see everyone.  I just wish I weren't so tired.  Thankfully, they're all lending me extra time to rest and not making me feel guilty about it.

    My skin is recovering...the skin under my breast is only minimally sore but I bet it would hurt like HECK if I tried to wear a bra.  That's a couple weeks off, I think.  My nipple has peeled twice after the Sunday where I tore 2/3rds of it off removing my nightshirt.  Now the peeling is spreading over the breast but it's not painful at all.  My underarm is still very, very tender.  It's working on healing but it still has a ways to go before it's anywhere close to healed over.  I have a long, deep-ish open sore right on my SNB incision.  I kinda wonder if it's healing right.  If it's not significantly better by Friday, I'm calling the RO.  The open area is surrounded by very red skin that is very dry and sensitive.

    I'm not suffering.  I'm not 100%, but I'm definitely not suffering.

    PEace, love and healing to all my rads sisters.  This too, shall pass...

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  • Elizabeth1889
    Elizabeth1889 Member Posts: 1,036
    edited August 2011

    Hi everyone,

    One more WBR and then it is on to the five boosts.  My skin is rebelling, but the nurse did not think any extra creams were needed.  I think I need some prescription creams, but as usual with my rads center, I am on my own.  Thank goodness for neosporin, miaderm, and emu oil. 

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  • GmaFoley
    GmaFoley Member Posts: 7,091
    edited August 2011

    Kshav: you ARE burned from the inside out.. As my RO put it what you see on the outside is also happening on the inside... Ladies just keep using your creams and aquaphor and you will be fine - I had to sleep topless most of the time to keep the skin from sticking, but if you get enough aquaphor on the bad spots it won't be as bad with your nighties on - use dawn dish soap to get rid of the stains on your nighties..

    Adding : Peking: it will be worse before it gets better..just really get some rest and use your creams.. I finished in the beginning of july and I just now got a tank with a shelf bra on.. there is rad healing going on the inside still - don't push the bra thing too much.. slowly get up to using them again

    You WILL make it and it will be over soon!!! just not as fast as we would likeWink.

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  • LeeLee3
    LeeLee3 Member Posts: 40
    edited August 2011

    Kshav6 - I think it's interesting/strange that I really have no problem with my boob itself, it's mainly my underarm and a little directly under my breast.  I had some minor itching of my breast like the first couple weeks of radiation, but that was it.  Yep, the Aquaphor does really help me.  I wonder if I had used the Alra under my arm as well, it would've reacted a little better...

    Yesterday one of the therapist gave me something to put between my skin and the side curve of the bra so that it doesn't touch the skin - its non-adherent dressing and that has provided some relief for when I have to wear a bra to treatment or out in public :-)

    Glad your fatigue is getting better!  I'm having a total of 5 boosts, had #3 today - I will be done on Thursday!!!!  How many for you?

    Yeah, I agree ladies, we just have to keep with the aloe, creams, aquaphor, etc. and we will soon have our beautiful glowing skin back!!!!

    Blessings to all!

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  • Lena
    Lena Member Posts: 1,036
    edited August 2011

    22/33 today. Had to drive in another frickin downpour to get my rads. I keep telling myself "it's not snow, it's not snow..." but I just hate driving in bad weather. Today is the first time my chest actually looks red instead of pink, but at least it doesn't feel any worse (yet?). I put on cortisone cream, then Jean's cream, then Aquaphor. 

    Do any of you ever get too tired to drive to rads? I ask because I'm getting borderline. I'm making it so far and will keep going as long as I can, but the second I get home I collapse for the rest of the day. The techs said it happens sometimes. Maybe when I get my boosts my Pack Rat will drive me to treatment (we talked about it tonight). 

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  • GiGiL
    GiGiL Member Posts: 928
    edited August 2011

    Question for you ladies. How would you feel if your husband decided to leave for his yearly fishing trip over the last 10 days of your rads treatments?

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  • Elizabeth1889
    Elizabeth1889 Member Posts: 1,036
    edited August 2011

    Hi everyone,

    Today I had my last whole breast radiation.  Five boosts and then a week from today, I will be done with rads.  Time for healing, but it is difficult to imagine life without being a cancer patient.  Thanks for listening and for supporting me. 

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  • LeeLee3
    LeeLee3 Member Posts: 40
    edited August 2011

    Hi Elizabeth1889 I'm about a week ahead of you...I'll have my last boost tomorrow (Thursday).  Today the therapists were saying they were going to miss me and I was saying it's going to be strange not to have to go there on Friday.  I told them I reeaalllly like them and that they had definitely helped to make this process bearable, but I really don't care if I ever see them again - and I told them I mean that in the nicest way - LOL!!  And we all had a good laugh.

    This forum has also been very helpful and comforting.  Now I'm onto the 5-year task of tamoxifen and whatever SEs it has to offer.  Will you be taking tamoxifen or the likes?

    Just remember, we are all survivors and we'll be fine.

    (Never a sunset without a sunrise!)

    Blessings to all!

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  • LovesChristmas-Barb
    LovesChristmas-Barb Member Posts: 706
    edited August 2011

    Hi Elizabeth1889! I will be finishing up in a week also...we'll be celebrating on the same day. I hope the week goes well for you!

    Leelee...congratulations to you on your last day tomorrow! I should be taking the tamoxifen too but I decided I want to wait until after we go on vacation in a few weeks. I don't want SE's to ruin our fun. Will you be starting soon?

    Prayers for everyone!

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  • mamaoftwo
    mamaoftwo Member Posts: 267
    edited August 2011

    I am impressed at the high pain tolerance and determination of the other women on this board. You all are so inspiring. 

    I just finished 20 out of 28 and all of my skin in the radition field, including the breast and under the arm and the chest area, is bright red and stings like a bad sunburn.  I am fearful of returning for more radiation. 

    IDD EC + DD Taxol done 06/02/11. Rads starting 7/19/11. cyclingmama2.blogspot.com
    Diagnosis: 12/15/2010, IDC, 1cm, Stage IIa, Grade 2, 2/11 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2-

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  • Mimidi
    Mimidi Member Posts: 231
    edited August 2011

    Got marked for boosts today.  Two more full breast treatments this week and then next week 5 boosts and FINISHED.  What will I do with no treatments? 

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  • Lena
    Lena Member Posts: 1,036
    edited August 2011

    Mimidi, what you'll do without treatment is HEAL and LIVE YOUR LIFE. (we all hope)

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  • Mimidi
    Mimidi Member Posts: 231
    edited August 2011

    Lena that is what I want to do.  November, 2010 seems like years ago.

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  • Elizabeth1889
    Elizabeth1889 Member Posts: 1,036
    edited August 2011

    LeeLee3:  Congratulations on finishing tomorrow.  I will be thinking about you.  I have an appointment with the MO the day after I finish rads.  He will probably start me on an aromatase inhibitor then.  Personally, I would like a few weeks break between ending rads and beginning AI's.  I will ask him if that is all right.

    Barb58:  A week from today, lets break out the champagne and toast each other.  I hope the week goes well for you, too. 

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  • coraleliz
    coraleliz Member Posts: 1,523
    edited August 2011

    23/28 & I'm quite red. I'm no longer using any ointments, gels, lotions, oils, etc. They seem to make it worse. The only place that isn't red is my armpits & I'm using deodorant with aluminum in it. I was beginning to think something was wrong, but the hair has quit growing in the lower 1/2 of my armpits, so they are getting zapped. By far the most problematic area is my chest area that got sun exposure in my teens & 20's.

    I asked the tech, if my skin kept getting worse, would they have to stop treatment. She said that is very rare & that if I developed open areas I would be given silvadene cream for those areas. I hope it doesn't come to that. I just can't stand the increased burning & itching caused when I put all that goo on my skin. My skin only itches 2 times a day with nothing & usually less than 1/2 hour in duration. Tomorrow's a new day & things could change......

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  • LeeLee3
    LeeLee3 Member Posts: 40
    edited August 2011

    Hi Barb58- Thanks!  Actually we may be starting the tamoxifen around the same time, because my appt with the oncologist is not until Sept. 8th, so I won't be starting it until after that appt.

    Hi Elizabeth1889- Thanks! I didn't make my appt with the oncologist until yesterday and the first avail was Sept. 8th, which is three weeks away and I thought that was too long.  But I confirmed with the RO today and he said that's o.k., so hopefully it will be o.k. for you to take a break for a few weeks also.

    Hi Mamaoftwo - I agree, the ladies on this board are very inspiring - I think we really bring to life the saying that what doesn't kill us makes us stronger!

    Hi Mimidi- I know what you mean, my sister's favorite saying is "now what" - LOL!  And that's kinda how I feel, but I also agree with Lena - HEAL AND LIVE!!!

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  • Elizabeth1889
    Elizabeth1889 Member Posts: 1,036
    edited August 2011

    Hi everyone:

    I had my first of five boosts today.  I was not bad.  Setting things up took longer than the actual treatment.  The attachment they put on the machine comes very close to your surgical scar, but it does not touch your body.  For once, I wish the weekend were not coming because I would like to get the boosts over with as quickly as possible and be done. 

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  • Mimidi
    Mimidi Member Posts: 231
    edited August 2011

    My appointment for my usual treatment was cancelled today because of a broken machine.  Since I had been marked for my boosts I was given that on another machine.  Just a zap and it was over.  I was told I could have my other four boosts and then finish out the other two regular treamentts.  Thank goodness I did not have to skip today or tomorrow.  Praying that I will still finish up with all treatments next Friday.

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  • GiGiL
    GiGiL Member Posts: 928
    edited August 2011

    LeeLee congrats on finishing tomorrow.  I have 5 more regular full breast treatments and then 5 boosts.  The area where the tumor bed is is holding up well.  The outer edges and armpit are turning red.  When I get the boosts, will those areas start to heal?  What was your experience?

     Elizabeth, it won't be long now for you.  Home stretch is in sight.  I am encouraged as each one of you comes to the end of the rads.  I know I will be about a week behind you Elizabeth.  Glad to hear more info about the boosts.

    Lena I think you are one day ahead of me.  How is your skin holding up?  I was only pink and then tan in one area since day two, and now the pink is spreading upward and into the armpit.  I had negative nodes, and still the armpit is getting blasted.  I didn't realize that until the redness has begun to appear.  I had been using the Tom's on the upper part until the end of last week.  Wish I would have known they were radiating that.  No one even mentioned the deodorant issue, although I had read it here on the board.  Surprised 

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  • LovesChristmas-Barb
    LovesChristmas-Barb Member Posts: 706
    edited August 2011

    Actually, my skin kept getting worse for about 5 days after the radiation was finished. Then it started to peel a little and heal. I was really blessed...mine didn't get that bad. The rad techs say it looks really good compared to others.

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  • Lena
    Lena Member Posts: 1,036
    edited August 2011

    GiGi....today was 24/33 for me. The techs and both the RO and even MO (saw her yesterday) all say my skin is holding up great, even though this week, it started looking more red than pink. Can't wait till I can stop slathering all the guck (the creams) on my body, though. In order, my present "regimen" is cortisone cream, Jeans cream and then Aquaphor.  Ewwwwww, I just wanna feel clean and dry again!

    I guess it's now obvious that I was never a fan of body lotions! 

    GiGi what day did you start? My first one was July 18th. 

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  • Elizabeth1889
    Elizabeth1889 Member Posts: 1,036
    edited August 2011

    Hi GiGil:

    My skin has held up pretty well--deep pink, but no skin breakage areas. I feel somewhat sore all over. The worst part for me is the area under the breast.  The only part that has not turned almost red is the tumor incision area.  No telling what the boosts will do there.

    The techs explained that the whole breast rad treatments used photons to penetrate deep into the breast tissue, but the boosts used electrons that mostly hit only the skin. 

    Thanks for your encouragement.  I hope the time until your last treatment will pass quickly. 

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  • Elizabeth1889
    Elizabeth1889 Member Posts: 1,036
    edited August 2011

    Hi Lena:

    I agree with you about being tired of using creams and lotions.  I feel greasy all the time.  Also, I want to get back to using scented shower gels.  The RO nurse proudly said to me before I started rads that they would give me all the creams I needed and I would not have to buy anything.  All she ever gave me was one tube of Aspercreme.  Then, when I told her I was using emu oil, she looked at me like I was a freak.   

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  • pejkug3
    pejkug3 Member Posts: 902
    edited August 2011

    Quick check in before bed (I'm beat!)...

    I'm 6 days out of rads and the three open areas on my breast are closed.  But I have to admit, I ditched the Silvadene.  I have a friend who is a wound care nurse and she recommended Mupirocin ---  That stuff is AMAZING!  In one day the angry, red areas that were giving me trouble were so much better!  It could be the timing of everything and I may have healed up fine on my own with the Silvadene - but I really doubt it.  I slathered that stuff on this morning and took my kids to the zoo.  I was surprised to see my armpit in such good condition when we got home from a full day at the zoo.

    Anyhow - love to all my July rads sisters. 

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  • Lena
    Lena Member Posts: 1,036
    edited August 2011

    Hey Elizabeth....I don't know what's with your treatment center and your rads nurse, but my rads nurse started me off with a tube of Jeans cream and told me she'd give me more of the creams when and as I asked for them, and she DOES. I just got my third tube of cortisone cream today (I noticed I was getting low) and I'm sure I've gone through close to a dozen Jeans cream tubes by now. So, I have plenty of guck to smear on my body! (ewww, yuck!) With the sole exception of the front of the calves of my legs occasionally in the wintertime, prior to rads I NEVER USED BODY LOTIONS. I didn't even like using it on my legs when I needed it (because applying it made my hands gooky LOL). But in the winter, sometimes my calves get really itchy dry skin, and when it gets real bad I put the lotion on. Ahhh yeah scented bath gel, I miss my Caress now that you mention it.

    pejkug that's WONDERFUL your recovery from rads and those horrible skin problems is starting to noticeably heal up.  So, another question: is any of your former energy coming back? 

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  • coraleliz
    coraleliz Member Posts: 1,523
    edited August 2011

    Pejkug-is the Mupirocin a prescription?

    I have no open areas but my chest is getting redder. The nurse asked me today if it started to "peel". It hasn't but I think it's close. Most of my red area is fairly numb from my BMX. Just the edges itch. When I apply lotion, it really aggravates the semi-numb area. It might have something to do with this area "waking up" as my BS calls it. I was given  a dressing "coolmagic gel sheet" last week that I was found to be helpful. It is not available locally so I ordered it from the mfg in Texas & it came today. But since my itch is now minimal, I don't want to risk aggravating it. I only have 4 treatments left. Fingers crossed.

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