Sept 2011 Rads

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  • Cherr
    Cherr Member Posts: 8
    edited September 2011

    StephN, I woke up this morning just after 3:00 also being sore. I put on some more of the Aquaphor cream. I have had a hard time relaxing since this began. Hope the second week I will cope with everything better. Fatigue has not been too much of a problem for me yet but I have not been sleeping through the night too well. My appetite has not been affected so far and I am hoping to keep up my strength by eating well. Last night I had some Greek yogurt which has a lot of protein in it. Looking forward to watching some football this weekend and getting my mind on something else. Take care and hope you feel better.

    Cherr

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  • Cherr
    Cherr Member Posts: 8
    edited September 2011

    StephN, I woke up this morning just after 3:00 also being sore. I put on some more of the Aquaphor cream. I have had a hard time relaxing since this began. Hope the second week I will cope with everything better. Fatigue has not been too much of a problem for me yet but I have not been sleeping through the night too well. My appetite has not been affected so far and I am hoping to keep up my strength by eating well. Last night I had some Greek yogurt which has a lot of protein in it. Looking forward to watching some football this weekend and getting my mind on something else. Take care and hope you feel better.

    Cherr

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

    I am sorry so many of you are having discomfort and fatigue.  I have to say I have not had to deal with a lot of fatigue.  If I stay pretty busy I do well.  Sometimes I get real tired late afternoon and catch a short nap.  My skin is looking pretty good after 23 treatments.  It is red and has a rash now.  My nipple is pretty sore.  I am using lidocaine mixed with Aquaphor for that.  The only problem is that it is thick and greasy and stains.  I can only wear old shirts with it.

    I hope it gets better for all you ladies out there,  Hang on...........it goes quickly!  Plus it is the weekend so everyone is off.  Yippee!  Enjoy your weekend everyone!  HUGS!

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  • stephN
    stephN Member Posts: 284
    edited September 2011

    Cherr, I like Greek yogurt too.  Good idea!

    Janis, you've got such a great attitude.  I know your last few treatments are going to go so fast and you'll be done before you know it!  I'm glad to know they will give lidocaine for the nips.  :)  I can't use the aquaphor, but I've found that my skin likes emu oil, so this weekend I'm going to slather that stuff on.

    Cheers!

    Steph 

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

    Janis, You are almost there! 

    I read that we should be ingesting about 70-80 grams of protein a day, if that helps.  I've been on the anti cancer diet, but have added extra protein and exercise.  Protein will help your body regenerate tissue. Good energy most days...but only on #14. 

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

    I have been wearing an old cotton t shirt this morning since it is comfy...plus already stained from the lidocaine/Aquafor mixture.  I have been crazy busy this morning as we wanted to get the carpets steamed cleaned today since it is hot.  Plus I am baking cake  balls for next week and got the rest of my cakes baked.  So really busy all morning and had noticed my nipple was real sore, but no time to check it.  My vacuum developed a clog so I turned it over to work on it.  Somehow I brushed my elbow across my chest and that pain was LOUD!  When I went to check, I see my cranberry nipple is now peeling and so is the surrounding skin.  Yikes, that smarts!  My underarm is getting itchey too so I wonder if that will be next?  I am close to the end so hoping this goes not get much worse.  I slathered it all again with the lidocaine and Aquaphor so that helped the pain a lot.

    I have to get the house put back together later.  Hubby moved all the furniture out of the rooms we steam cleaned.  My living room furniture and huge cat tower are in the kitchen.  Poopr Pistol is so confused.  LOL.  I have been dusting like crazy, it amazes me how much more you see when the furniture is all moved.  I'll be at this project for awhile.

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  • stephN
    stephN Member Posts: 284
    edited September 2011

    Oh, honey.  I'm so sorry!  Feel better...and take care of yourself!

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  • neecee
    neecee Member Posts: 663
    edited September 2011

    Janis - ouch!

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited September 2011

    Oh, Janis, sorry!  Maybe keeping busy helps to keep your mind off it, but wow! That's a lot going on over there. I've been a lazy couch potato today, must say, I'm enjoying it! I have a new Kohl's coupon so I might HAVE to go tomorrow before it expires, lol. After all, when my husband buys something I always here, but Honey, I had a coupon. lol

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  • Katarina
    Katarina Member Posts: 386
    edited September 2011

    I'm 8 Rad treatments done and find I need to take a nap every day. I'm just not getting my stamina back although I walk 3 miles a day and take yoga classes. I was fatigued during chemo but this is worse. 

    I've started eating only protein and veggies. I think the energy is improving.

    The Miaderm seems to work. I wish they had told me to cover both breasts instead just one. I'm finding my other breast is a bit red and burned. 

     Here's to all of us getting through this treatment part with less discomfort than chemo or surgery.

    Hugs 

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  • dogeyed
    dogeyed Member Posts: 884
    edited September 2011

    JANIS, you cleaning your carpets, hey, that's what I'll be doing starting next weekend.  First I have to dust and tidy up the house, and then will come the steam/wash vacuum.  Instead of paying someone, husband and I are going to get one that does it.  He volunteered to do the work.  We've rented one from the store before, but wondering if you have your own vacuum to clean?  If so, what kind?  We'll be buying one next weekend.

    DIVINE, I'm so glad you found a comfy camisole at Walmart.  I plan to investigate the idea, we have a Walmart, but might wind up at Target to get a washing vacuum, altho Lowe's has some there.

    ALL, I have finished #8 out of #33.  I feel for you women who are having SO much discomfort with your rads treatments!  Makes me more conscientious about putting my prescribed lotion on 3x daily as prescribed.  Everybody who has finished rads harps on using plenty of lotion.

    My dental situation is almost bearable now, had to triple my current back pain meds since my mouth hurt SO bad.  But one of those pills can be refilled sooner than the others, so I won't run out!  I have really been enjoying this weekend of complete rest.  I keep waking up early from the tooth pain situation, so napped a whole lot yesterday, I thought it was Sunday when I woke up at one point!  Tomorrow I have to do SOME laundry, my rads tech keeps remarking on how my socks don't match and have holes, gee whiz!  So, I thought I would go in barefoot tomorrow...hahahahaha.  Always, Gail

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  • DivineMrsM
    DivineMrsM Member Posts: 9,620
    edited September 2011

    The RO told me I could use Cortaid (hyrocortizone) for the itchiness & rash.  I have a mild case of both and find the Cortaid is helpful.

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

    dogeyed, You have to vacuum everything really thoroughly before you steam clean.  We got our vacuum at Wal Mart a couple years ago.  It is a Eureka Boss and works exceptionally well on pet hair.  We have two dogs and three cats so vacuum every day.

    Stormy, I hope you are over at Kohl's buying yourself a little something.

    I am really tired today but have been busy cleaning all morning.  Took a shower before going to the store and discovered I am peeling all around my node incision as well as the whole nipple and surrounding area.  I put some Lidocaine/Aquafor mix on a 4x4 gauze pad and stuck it right on my nipple!  The pad prevented the goop from leaking through my bra and shirt.  As soon as I got home I shed the bra and good shirt and now am braless with an old cotton t-shirt on.  I really covered everything with the lidocaine mix.  It is pretty sore.  The lidocaine helps with the itch as well.

    I hope everyone is having a great day.  Hang in there ladies.  Hugs to all!

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  • pam53
    pam53 Member Posts: 131
    edited September 2011

    I had my simulation today and have my first treatment tomorrow.  I will have a total of 34 zaps.

    I got three tatoos on my mapping session and will get one more tomorrow. I was also very upset by the idea but they are very small blue dots, much smaller than a freckle.  They did not hurt at all when they were performed either.

    My biggest fear is the fatigue issue.  I am trying to work through this (four ten hour days) and also taking a 10 week online course which starts on week two of rads.  I don't know if I am trying to do the impossible but am not ready to give up my plans, so I am going to try.

    Looking forward to getting through this with you all!  We can do it!

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

    Pam53- Eat well, exercise and rest when you can!

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  • pam53
    pam53 Member Posts: 131
    edited September 2011

    Thanks for the advice SAB.  I am encouraged by how well you are doing thus far.  I will also try and add more protein to my diet. I tend to eat too many carbs.  Exercise is not a problem.  I am an avid cyclist.  Just got back from a two week trip, cycling Vancouver to Southern Oregon on the coast.  Cycled 750 miles.  It was beautiful!  My RO and MO agreed to delaying rads until I got my vacation in.  I am so glad I did it.  I feel physically, mentally and emotionally ready to battle the enemy now!

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  • Patty252555140415
    Patty252555140415 Member Posts: 152
    edited September 2011

    Hello Ladies:-) # 15 of 25 today. I'm red swollen and sore, I'm using the aquaphor three times a day and trying to go bra less but I'm a DD and sometimes it hours to go braless. How many of you have haD blood work during rads? I started taking Arimdex two weeks ago. I'm quite tired I don't know if it is the after effects from chemo the ads or the pill. Probably a lil of all combined. I wish I had someone to tell me to increase my protein before all this started. I am so bloated from the chemo ughhh. But I'm going keep on keep in on.

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  • MostlySew
    MostlySew Member Posts: 1,418
    edited September 2011

    Hi everyone,

    Finished #9 today and going back for more tomorrow! I did figure out over the weekend that while aloe Vera brings the heat from my inflammation reaction down to just about nothing, the miaderm causes it to totally flare up again. So......aloe Vera gel and aquaphor are now my best friends. Glad I figured that one out.



    I also have a dental tip, complements of my periodontist: when I mentioned I was taking sleeping pills occasionally now she asked if my mouth gets dry overnight, which it does. She said I should rinse my mouth with a fluoride mouthwash on my way to bed as the dry mouth allows plaque to build up and therefore I'd end up with cavities. Yuck.....don't need those! So, she gave me a sample of Colgate dry mouth relief. I'll do anything to avoid more doctors. I thought this might interest those of you having a hard time sleeping like I am. What's up with that anyway?



    Have a good evening everyone, and Janis, you're almost done, hang in there girl and keep slathering that boob and armpit.



    Dogeyed, bet your smile looked great this morning with those new teeth and no more pain (ar least I hope that's subsided). And Pam, welcome. I did just pick up some protein powder today, 25 grams and tastes like chocolate. Since I don't eat meat, this is a bit easier for me to get the 75 to 90 grams per day

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  • Ceeztheday
    Ceeztheday Member Posts: 403
    edited September 2011

    #17 of 35 today. Tomorrow I will make the halfway point! Congrats to all of you finished or finishing! Best of luck to our newbies. Please feel free to post your questions and your fears here. We all know how It can be. You are not alone.

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  • neecee
    neecee Member Posts: 663
    edited September 2011

    Ceeztheday - congrats on the halfway mark!  I'll be halfway on Thursday.

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  • browniefranks
    browniefranks Member Posts: 87
    edited September 2011

    8 more radiation treatments to go! Skin is so badly blistered and sore. The fatigue is unbelievable as is the back / side pain. Anyways glad I'll be finishing soon! Congrats to everyone who's finished!

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

    brownie...I got for my last regualr treatment today.  I am peeling and the area under my arm is SO SO sore!  I have not had a lot of fatigue.  Have done really well until this nasty peeling started.   I sure did have pain though...chest and the rib area.  I am so glad you are almost done too.  Hang in there.  After today I just have 5 boosts!

    ceezetheday..CONGRATS!  You are halfway through.  Celebrate!

    neecee...we will be celebrating with you on Thursday.

    MostlySew....you are creeping up not far behind us. 

    Pam...try not to worry about the fatigue.  It doesn't happen to everyone.  I got tired a few times but I stay pretty busy and did pretty well.  Just rest when your body tells you to. 

    Have a wonderful day everyone.  We are almost to the finish line!  :)

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  • pam53
    pam53 Member Posts: 131
    edited September 2011

    First radiation treatment is in the books.  I will be having two 30 sec zaps.  I am glad the first treatment is over.  It was nothing and I did well emotionally.  I actually feel relief to have gotten the first over--only 33 to go! :)

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

    Good for you Pam.  Nope, not really too scary is it?  It goes so quickly you are in and out in no time.  Glad it went well for you!

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  • BernieEllen
    BernieEllen Member Posts: 2,445
    edited September 2011

    Hi everyone had 2 of 30 today.  We are told here not to use any cream or lotion at all.  Has anyone else heard of that.

    Best wishes to you all

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  • neecee
    neecee Member Posts: 663
    edited September 2011

    Pam - It will be over before you know it!

    BernieEllen - did they say no lotion or cream at all, or no lotion or cream before coming in for treatment?  My RO said the latter.  I put on my lotion after my treatment.

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  • ksmatthews
    ksmatthews Member Posts: 812
    edited September 2011

    I had # 14 today and I notice that I am pink.  I have been having sharp pains in my breast all day!  They told me this is completely normal. 

    I just use miaderm 4 times a day.

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  • dawmson
    dawmson Member Posts: 75
    edited September 2011

    Hi ladies, I'm going to be an October 2011 rads person but I wanted to ask you experts a question. 

    What is the risk to the heart with left-side radiation? I went for my simulation last week and I guess I sort of "failed" - I need to go back this week and get hooked up to some sort of machine that monitors my breathing and figures out how to deliver rads timed to my breathing and heart position. I don't totally understand it but I'm kind of freaked out about rads to my heart.

    I had a lumpectomy/SNB on Aug 30 - my tumor was far lateral on my left side, in the 3pm position. 

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  • ksmatthews
    ksmatthews Member Posts: 812
    edited September 2011

    I have raditaion on the left side and they do "gating" on me too.  There is a little box they set on my stomach to monitor my breathing.  Somehow it controls the radiation to keep it from hitting your heart.  Just ask your RO all the questions you need too!

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

    #16 today.  A brisk and sunny 3 miles along the coast this morning and a day full of errands ended in my first bout of fatigue.  Oh well, it was worth it!

    Pam- Fantastic trip!  You must be quite fit, and I'm sure that will help you in so many ways.   

    BernieEllen- I'm with neecee on this.  Double check because I have not heard of a no lotion rule from anyone (August or September anyway.) 

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