August 2011 rads

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  • Ceeztheday
    Ceeztheday Member Posts: 403
    edited September 2011

    julianna51 - Thank you so much for your reply. You give me hope. So glad that you are on the home stretch!

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  • jenny12000
    jenny12000 Member Posts: 39
    edited September 2011

    I have 6 regular and 5 boost left to do now. YEAH!

    Question: Will the boost hurt/burn more? My doctor said that due to my position, he is not be able to avoid the nipple area, the nipple going to hurt. Like to hear any experience from your ladies to maybe better prepared for it...mentally, at least. Thank you! 

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  • MamaV
    MamaV Member Posts: 907
    edited September 2011

    Going for boost #2 of 8 today - Jenny12000 - my nipple is in the boost area too!  I will let you know how it fairs.

    Everyone enjoy a weekend free of radiation!

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  • Beana
    Beana Member Posts: 23
    edited September 2011

    HI ladies - i haven't posted for a long time as I have WRESTLED with the decision.  I considered all kinds of things but in the end am going ahead with full breast and axillary boost 30 total.  I started on Tuesday, so I have finished 4 and 26 to go!  I am VERY RELIEVED to have finally started!!!!  the positioning appointments were crazy painful for me for a crazy funny reason.  I  have implants, and my left one is so "perkey" they had to build me a plastic gizmo to push it up and off to the side so that it doesn't get irradiated.  LOL  But it took 3 visits of 2 hours each with my right arm in that position.  I cried all the way through the last hour of the third visit from shoulder pain.  but now they are getting my routine own and it's getting easier every day.  I just read through the last week of posts so I'm up to date on all of you brave wise women!!!

    My best to all of you!  It seems like several of us started near the same time so it might be nice staying on August rads - what do you think?  Or should we switch to september?

    I am a chiropractor so I will have to alternative tips from time to time.  Remember - 30 minutes of exercise (just a walk!) per day cuts recurrence and metastases by 40% - HARVARD SAYS SO!!! 

    anybody else in denver - we could meet for our walks...  Love to all!!!

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  • justmejanis
    justmejanis Member Posts: 1,847
    edited September 2011

    Sarah I too am scheduled for 33 treatments.  I had #13 today, so just 20 to go.  So far I am fine except for some redness/soreness especially in the underarm area.  Not too bad.  You have a crazy busy schedule!  I am having fatigue late afternoon as well.  I have both the calendula gel and a prescription for topical lidocaine.

    So glad most everyone seems to be doing well!

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  • lrw333
    lrw333 Member Posts: 215
    edited September 2011

    Good Grief. I rest a little and have pages to catch up on... If I miss anyone it is not intentional.

    Congradulations Pat I am so happy you finished your rads. I am a little envious. lol

    Kymm you sound like so much fun. I bet your hair looks so good.  I am like you and can't wait to get my life back.

    Kate your so right. It will be over before we know it. I am so happy your doing so well. I truly hate to complain because I fear I will I will scare someone that is just starting to death. lol But your a perfect example of someone who is doing great.  So it can be done...  Yes I look forward to celebrating with you...How are you planning on celebrating?

    Julianna It really is hard to believe aloe. What gets me is they hand me another tube of the natural gel but the plant I am growing and I know what is in it I can't use.Naturel Care gel is processed aloe The first ingredient is water and aloe is the second. So go figure. I would have thought mine growing would be healthier and better for me.

     Lynniea your kinda like me. Mine has not been normal either but hang in there. Take it one day at a time. 

    SarahBob 3 kids and going thru this? You go girl. Your amazing. I am exhausted reading about your day. Praying all is welland your still doing well.

    Janis thinking of you. Your problems are so much more then mine and you took the time to offer encouragement and well wishes to me. Taking your advice and slept about 12 hours. hehe I am praying your doing better. I wish I could do more.

    Ceeztheday MamaV,Jenny,Beana just wanted to say hi and welcome I hope your all doing well.

    Merrilee how's Gatlinburg treating you?  I hope your having a good time with family and not hurting ...

    Whoo Hoooo!!!! The weekend I am so glad for this break. I went to treatment today.I told the techs what the Dr. had offered me. That I could quit but I would be at a higher risk. This was something I was going to finish. I asked them to not fuss over me when I cried to just do there job and get it over with. I would let them know if they hurt me. They were really great and the treatment went well. They know what to expect and that I am not quitting. Yes I cried a little the pain is still there. I think it became easier today because I have set my mind to do this. I am fine and Thanks to all for helping me thru this. I just can't put my thoughts into words about how much it means to me. I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend with their loved ones. You are all in my thoughts and prayers..

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  • katehudson25
    katehudson25 Member Posts: 2,467
    edited September 2011

    Irw333, How very sweet of you to give everyone encouragement. 4 days after radiation I am going to Nashville, Tennessee for a few days, and will celebrate there.

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  • katfinn
    katfinn Member Posts: 59
    edited September 2011

    Thanks Merilee, BB226 and KateHudson25 for the tips on benadryl gel, prescription hydrocortizone and other ideas on how to keep the itching at bay.  My tech gave me this yellow liquid that stains your chest (and clothes) but I don't think it's working very well.  Then my doc said to use it along with hydrocortizone and an ice pack.  I have a major heat rash/sunburn above my breast and a little below it too.  Ugh!  I can handle it but I'm concerned that it will get worse next week.  I only have 2 weeks to go.  Next week will be rough but I guess the last week (my boost week) will only hit the tumor site so hopefully I'll start to heal. 

    I haven't been too tired but am feeling it today (but this could also be due to working again - (teacher) and getting up early each day.  I need more sleep!

    Bra Tip:  If you want to make your bra more comfortable go out and buy a bra expander (at JoAnns for $2) and it works great.  You just hook it on to your bra and it makes your bra fit much more loosely so it doesn't dig into the skin.  

    I am getting 33 rads but only have 2 weeks left so I think I get to celebrate with Kymm and Kate.  It must be a "K" thing.  I am also excited to put this all behind me and just be normal again. 

    Good luck to everyone and enjoy your rest this weekend!

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  • Merilee
    Merilee Member Posts: 3,047
    edited September 2011

    Leaving for Gatlinburg this morning. Can't wait to see my sweet sweet daughter. Totally geeked here!

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  • bb226
    bb226 Member Posts: 102
    edited September 2011

    Hi everyone,

    I think of all of you everyday and check this thread even though I am done and on the other thread. IRW I am hoping that your SE calm down.

    I wanted to just share this story...I wanted to do something big the night of my last rads. As you know you are pretty tired. I bought a new outfit, beautiful high sandals, new jewelry and a new bag (all on sale). My husband and I went to an expense restuarant that we don't usually go to because of the price and sat at the bar for happy hour drinks and appertizers (no dinner). The bartender took a picture for us. I found that picture yesterday. I don't think that I looked more beautiful in my life. The happiness in my eyes is undescribable! Well now I am going to print and frame it and add the date. I will look at the picture and always remember that feeling of being done. My the way, my husband also looked great and his eyes showed relief. My piece of advise is document that celebration and then frame it.

    Everyone enjoy the weekend off. For a few of you this will be your last weekend because next weekend you will be done!

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  • Merilee
    Merilee Member Posts: 3,047
    edited September 2011

    bb- welling up with tears of joy here, thanks for sharing that.

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  • justmejanis
    justmejanis Member Posts: 1,847
    edited September 2011

    Merilee I hope you have a wonderful trip.  It sounds perfect.  Enjoy every minute!

    IRW...I am really doing fine, just have to wait to see about the ultrasound on the thyroid nodes.  Just another hiccup is all.  I am not worried at all.  I am feeling good, a little soreness on the breast and armpit but not severe at all. 

    bb226...what a wonderful story!  How great you were able to dress up and go out and look and feel fabulous.  Frame that picture and cherish it every day!  Thanks for sharing your story.

    Kate, you have done so well, proud of you!  How fun you will be able to take a trip to celebrate the end of treatment. 

    katfinn....thank you for the bra expander tip!  I may just have to go get one of those.  I hope you have found relief for the itching and discomfort.  Two weeks left is great! 

    I have no plans at all this weekend, but am enjoying not having to be anywhere!

    Have a great day everyone.....hugs to all! 

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  • lrw333
    lrw333 Member Posts: 215
    edited September 2011

    bb what a story. darn it you got me too. So proud your done and getting a little peace now. Katfin your in the home strech. Just hang in there, Kate you will have a great time in Nashville. I lived there many years. Janis so glad your feeling better. Going back to bed this girl is so tired. Sleep is a blessing sometime. Have a fun day everyone.....

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  • julianna51
    julianna51 Member Posts: 438
    edited September 2011

    bb - what a beautiful and inspiring story.   And, what a wonderful idea to document the celebration.  I always believe we have to have something tangible to show our victories in life because sometimes it is so easy to forget until we look back and see what we have overcome, the challenges we have met, and the success we have had.  Thank you!

    merilee - have a wonderful trip!  I think the trip to the waterfall sounds incredible.   Can't wait to hear about it.

    lrw333 - I hope that you are feeling much better.   Sleep is wonderful.   I finally asked the doctor for something to help me sleep (or stay asleep) and as much as I resisted it, the medication is really helping.

    My folks have just moved back to town and I'm off to help with some unpacking.   Everyone have a wonderful and restful weekend.

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  • Beana
    Beana Member Posts: 23
    edited September 2011

    good morning -

    bb226 - wow, you really hit an emotional chord here!  I'm so glad your celebration went so beautifully!

    lrw - i so agree with you on the aloe.  the fresh should be so much better.

    someone asked about supplements - i interviewed 4 different ROs and two said not to take anything, one said take whatever you want but don't tell me, and the fourth never mentioned it.  I think they really don't know how they affect anything.  so i decided, since i have so much faith in them, i'm just going to do whatever feels right.  It's so empowering to do something you believe in!

    janis - that pain you had/have could also be an intercostal neuritis - meaning the nerve between the ribs got inflamed either from the rads or from some (even really) little movement you did.  it can honestly be excruciating!!  anti-inflammatory drugs can really help (obviously I don't say this as a chiropractor because I'm not allowed to, but they helped mine a few years ago).  i took celebrex for just a couple of days and it helped a condition i had had for years.  be careful - it has risks, but I think not if you take just a little of it.

    so glad to have the weekend off to help the stress leading up to all this!!!  have a nice relaxing weekend, everybody!

     Jeana

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  • katehudson25
    katehudson25 Member Posts: 2,467
    edited September 2011

    Irw333 I used to live in Nashville too. I lived there from 1984-1985. I lived in Bellvue. I love it there.

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  • ann329
    ann329 Member Posts: 38
    edited September 2011

    Sarah, I also am on a total of 33 schedule (28 plus 5 boosts).

    Had #21 on yesterday.  Skin holding up remarkably well.  The only spot giving me trouble is under the breast at the crease - a small area is itchy and red.  ON recommended corn starch for keeping the area dry, but my RO gave me a script for Triamcinolone Acetonide Cream (0.1%) - which is providing a bit of relief.  Fatigue is bothersome today.  It's not a bad tired tho... just kind of an all over relaxed feeling.  :)  Getting seriously tired of daily treatments (it's a three hour process for me as it have to travel to the center), but haven't missed a day of work.    7 full breast and 5 boosts to go....  am starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel.  One thing I can say to those of you newer to rads, it is definately doable!  Hang in there everyone. 

    (Merilee, have a GREAT trip and visit with your girl, and

    Irw, you're so close.  You will do it, you will get there.  Sending strength your way...)

    (((((hugs)))))

    Ann

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  • lrw333
    lrw333 Member Posts: 215
    edited September 2011
    Kate I was there at that time to... Small world.    Smile Ann Thank you so much. With all the support I get from here I know I can.... I needed the strength. ((((HUGS))))  I burned in the crease too. I know how irritating it can be. I keep using the lidocaine and then putting aquafor on it...I don't know how you do it. Working and traveling 3 hours? Your amazing...
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  • justmejanis
    justmejanis Member Posts: 1,847
    edited September 2011

    Beana.......the pain was very very bad at the onset.  I was doubled over.  Really scary.  I still have some discomfort, but no pain so feeling a lot better about the whole thing.  Whatever it was. 

    I lived in the Denver area a long time ago for many years.  My son and DIL live in Conifer.  I love that area and miss the Rockies so much!  We moved to Idaho from Cheyenne Wy. last year.  I really want to go home, but not possible!

    Ann sounds like you are doing great.  Glad you are not having a lot of skin reaction!

    We went to a few garage sales this morning, now I need to get some thngs done around here!

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  • SAB
    SAB Member Posts: 1,498
    edited September 2011

    Someone asked about their aloe having water as the first ingredient so I looked at mine again "Skin Gel Ultimate Skin Treatment" from AloeLife and it is "99% Certified Organic Whole Leaf Aloe Vera Juice Concentrate" plus seaweed (thickener) and some vitamins and chamomile--no water added.  Seems to work.  I purchased it at New Leaf market.  I don't know where else it is, but their web address is www.aloelife.com-maybe they have a list of where you can find it.

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  • Beana
    Beana Member Posts: 23
    edited September 2011

    hi Janis - yes, i've seen it a hundred times just like that - like a knife going right through to the front from the back (or vice versa). believe it or not, people wake up with it, unable to breathe.  or in my case i moved my head about 5 degrees while i was sitting still, and it was just like a stab in the back and stayed like that for awhile (i don't remember how long), but then became a deep ache for years.  Adjustments, acupuncture and massage all helped but it came right back.  I really wanted chiropractic to be the thing that fixed it, but it didn't!  A couple of days of celebrex, and I was 90% better.  Oh well!  Anyway, I hope it feels better sooooon!  Jeana

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  • julianna51
    julianna51 Member Posts: 438
    edited September 2011

    The aloe I've been using has as its first ingrediant Whole Leave Aloe Vera Concentrate, also has Emu oil and also something called allantoin (which helps protect skin).

    One other thing possibly on the actual plan aloe vera - I know in making aloe vera juice there are things they remove because they are very hard on the digestion so maybe some of that might be  true for the skin?  Or at least skin that is at issue from radiation or other things.   Who knows.  We are so different, aren't we.

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  • justmejanis
    justmejanis Member Posts: 1,847
    edited September 2011

    Jeana, the pain has not returned so at least I am not dealing with it anymore.  The worst was just that one day.  If it returns I won't worry as much.  At least I kind of know what to expect.  My RO insists whatever it was, it was not related to rads.  Okay fine!

    The only thing I have for my skin is calendula gel, and a new prescription for topical lidocaine.  It helps, but it so thick and greasy I don't care for it.  I have to wear an old shirt as it feels like Vaseline and the shirt sticks to my breast.  It does not absorb well.  So....I rarely use it.  So far the calendula is working okay and pretty soothing. 

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  • katehudson25
    katehudson25 Member Posts: 2,467
    edited September 2011

    7 treatments to go 3 regular and 4 boosts. I am just a tiny bit sore and itchy, but nothing bad at all. The radiation therapist thinks my skin looks great which is surprising, because I am so fair.

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  • Ceeztheday
    Ceeztheday Member Posts: 403
    edited September 2011

    That is wonderful news Kate.

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  • justmejanis
    justmejanis Member Posts: 1,847
    edited September 2011
    14 down, 19 left.  ILaughing am almost halfway there! 
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  • julianna51
    julianna51 Member Posts: 438
    edited September 2011

    Kate and Janis - Great news!   Janis, at that halfway mark time just  flys!

    I start the first of 8 boosts tomorrow and then I'm done!  Yay!    We're flying through this ladies!

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  • lynniea
    lynniea Member Posts: 611
    edited September 2011

    I am 7 down and 27 to go.

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  • katehudson25
    katehudson25 Member Posts: 2,467
    edited September 2011

    Ceeztheday and Juliana thanks so much for the good wishes. Juliana I hope your 8 boosts fly by. I am one treatment behind you with 7 treatments left. Let us know how the boosts go. I start mine on Friday.

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  • justmejanis
    justmejanis Member Posts: 1,847
    edited September 2011

    Thanks Julianna!  So far I am doing really well with very minimal problems.  If it stays this way I will be good. 

    Kate, glad things are going so well for you.  Sounds like the worst is over for you and I know how exciting it is.  I hope the rest of your treatment is just as easy.  Then take that much needed vacation!

    lynniea I was at 7 not so long ago.  You are getting there!  Hoping an easy time for you!

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