October 2011 Rads

Well my turn to be worried.  My scarline opened, and doc saw it yesterday, gave me antibiotic cream.  Been using it, but today the therapists were looking at the area and all concerned.  There is some drainage and it seems to be opening more a little every day.  I SO don't want to have rads into December!!!  38 treatments are enough, and to have them stretch more than 8 weeks might just put me over the edge. 

I noticed in an earlier post that someone was asking about bras. If you are looking for a good bra, without underwire, I'd like to suggest one. It is a bit pricey, but it has been my friend through surgery and rads. It is from Lady Grace and the product number is 5527. It gives support but is quite comfortable. I hope that this will be helpful to some of you.

Thanks for posting.  I am taking the name with me to discuss with her.  I have had 4 days off and I am hoping she lets me have treatment today.  Still very red but slightly less.  It is amazing that it looks so nasty but does not hurt at all.

Off, hopefully for #25--

Hi Pam,

I'm so glad you got to continue. Hurrah! Nothing like getting it done. I was confused about the first cream I was given (triamcinolone) as it said it was for itching and I didn't itch. It was also a corticosteroid and I have found that you just need to go ahead and apply it. After its absorbed, a few hours later or so, use your regular cream over the top if you like. I didn't do that, and should have!

You know, it might also be worth your while to invest in some Calendual cream. It's actually a burn cream. The one by Boiron is best. Amazon or Whole Foods sells it. I swear it has kept other parts of my skin from peeling and has taken the red away. Just a thought. And soon, your bathroom cabinet can look like, mine.......overflowing with remedies.

Ceeze, did you keep your radiated area completely covered up and away from the sun during your cruise? I am going to Miami for a few days next week and I'm pretty sure I am supposed to keep my cleavage out of the sun. I am hoping I will be OK by next February, for a trip to Mexico.... 

lovetosail, we have some friends that wanted one last vacation together before they become parents, and they suggested Mexico in February. I think it will be a nice break from the winter and I am hoping I'll be OK in a bathing suit and summery tops by then...

I use Miaderm, which contains aloe vera and calendula, among other things.  

I would like to give an endorsement for Calendula cream (mentioned by MostlySew above). I tried many things (including emu oil, Aquaphor, aloe, and more) but I think Calendula (the one by Boiron) was my favorite Here is what's on the box..."Calendula cream is made from marigold which is 100% natural. It's flowers have been used topically for generations to naturally heal cuts, scrapes, wounds, rashes, and skin irritations. It has a moisturizing effect that is ideal for use on sensitive skin. Since 1932 the Boiron family has been committed to providing safe, natural medicines.". Anyway, I bought it on Amazon and it was inexpensive compared to some of the other creams. I also liked Udderly Smooth which is inexpensive and is available from Amazon and also from many drug stores. I hope that this is helpful. Hang in there everyone. It does end!!!!

Teresa, I'll agree with your doctor. . . . the incision from my mx took 3 MONTHS to finally close and heal over.  One spot was very stubborn.  I think with all that the body is going through: stress from emotions, fighting cancer, all the drugs in the system etc, that it is reasonable that we not heal as quickly.  The spot that took so long to heal, is where it is opening now.  ugh. 

Theresa5, you sound kind of like me.  I had # 21 today.  7 more to go.  I turned a pretty good red last week and had bumps on the upper chest.  RO said that is common where skin has had previous sun damage.  I guess that is so because I don't have the bumps on my breast or on my armpit which never got any sun.  He also gave me hydrocortozone (1%) cream to use for the itch and said I could put the other cream on top after the hydrocortozone had a chance to be absorbed.  They gave me aquaphor.  It is very greasy.  I was using eucerin lotion.  That was not greasy or thick.  I think there is a Eucerin cream that is thick, like Desitin.  I am using the Hydrocortozone and Aquaphor.  I put it on immediately after rads and then again before I go to bed and maybe one other time if I feel it has become dry.  It seems to be keeping it from getting worse.  It is not getting better though, but I guess I ddin't really expect it to.  The hydrocortozone does help the itch until it wears off. 

5kidsmom - you asked if I had my other breast checked - my initial mammo that ended up being a diagnostic followed by ultrasound followed next day by biopsy.....well, my rt breast only had the routine screen.  My BS assured me that my mammos were very clear and that she saw nothing in my rt breast.  No MRI ordered - BS believes it may lead to false positives.  It's an unknow that I have to face; however, the Arimidex and rads are supposed to suppress any cells in either breast.
 klick - I know exactly what you mean about our cancer being "not so bad" -- well, there isn't really a good BC and we go through most of the emotions that all women go through.  I feel very fortunate with my diagnosis so far; however, there are no guarantees and therefore I consider each day very precious.  My emotions have moderated some; but am still not sleeping much.

I saw a second M.O. consult yesterday and I am so happy that I did.  He was very focused, and he confirmed that he would not order chemo for me.  That affirmed my decision that I had already made without any help from my first M.O. who said "you decide on chemo, and call me in 24 hours".    I do believe that I will change over to the other cancer center for the long term care.  It is also closer and on the same highway as my job. 
My rads consult is tomorrow.  I scheduled a 2nd consult with the 2nd med center where I like the M.O.  It may work out that I'll do everything there and just go back to Sloan for my BS appointments.
I hope everyone is back on track after the storm.  I have expressed so much anxiety about rads, but as it gets closer, I am getting determined.
How have any of you dealt with the anxiety caused by lying still of being confined?  Just wondering if you are allowed to have a small iPod?  Any other ideas for keep the mind occupied and the anxiety under control?  I do have Xanax for starters.....
I wish everyone a good night's rest.  Best wishes to those who are finishing up the rads!
Joan
Oops - it's November....hope I can hang out with y'all in the October thread for awhile.  It's really been helpful.

Joan, after my first zap session I asked if I could bring my little iPod and they said ok, so yesterday I used that and found that it helped calm me IMMENSELY. I highly recommend you try that!



Also, my skin started turning pink already, believe it or not, but it doesn't hurt yet. #3 today.



Nat

Joan- I used my little iPod and it helped very much. I used it every day except one (I forgot to recharge it) and it was much "spookier" without the music. I hope that they allow it at your center.



MostlySew-So glad that you're done, done, done!!!

This made me giggle. Here's some tumor humor: 

http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/us/2011/11/03/pkg-moos-testicular-tumor-face.cnn 

Agreed - crazy video! 
I had my rads consult.  Anxiety was high; wait was long.  I didn't want to like the R.O. because I want to change to a closer med center.  But, I did like her and the choices she presented.
I may be able to get rads in the prone position.  In addition, I am eligible to participate in clinical trial to get ten days of partial breast radiation to the surgery site and 2cm all around.  Another big decision, but a positive choice if I decide to take the possible risk of recurrence outside of the lumpectomy site.
Anyone know about the 10 treatment partial breast radiation?  I have not had a chance to search the discussion board yet.
Thanks,

Joan

Last full breast rad done today, #27.  Boost simulation on Monday and then 7 to go.

Skin very pink, but cortisone creme is helping.

Fatigue--very minimal.