November 2011 Rads

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  • ptdreamers
    ptdreamers Member Posts: 1,080
    edited November 2011

    Dawmson Thanks for the information. The RO keeps pushing aloe Vera but I'm not convinced. Its itchy and red. The Miaderm seems soothing so I think I'll continue with that. At least I'll give it a try. They are taking two days off for Thankgiving and Christmas so that will give me a couple of breaks.

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  • LuvRVing
    LuvRVing Member Posts: 4,516
    edited November 2011

    I was given a list of potions that I could use to soothe my skin, once I get started...Cetaphil, Moisturel (which I already use), lubriderm, Aquaphor, Eucerin, or 100% aloe vera.  I was told they wouldn't prevent reactions, just make me more comfortable. There is mention of miaderm, Jean's Cream and Biafine, none of which have been "rigorously studied."  Not sure that means they won't help, just that no one has sponsored a clinical trial to prove it.

    My instructions say that my skin will get itchy and red.  And in my case, they are focusing radiation on the skin, so I expect it will get pretty ugly at some point.

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  • ptdreamers
    ptdreamers Member Posts: 1,080
    edited November 2011
    LuvRVing Sounds like you have had a rough time of it. Good list of options for creams. Hope rads goes well for you and without too many problems.Smile
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  • MrsMot
    MrsMot Member Posts: 90
    edited November 2011

    Thanks LuvRVing... you are so right...Its probably "much to do about nothing."  This cancer thing is a rollercoaster ride.  My hormones are screaming.   I just can't start radiation till this PET scan.  A good cry makes everything feel better.  I need to Buck Up and deal with it.

    Best of luck with your treatment.

    Happy Friday (tomorrow) everyone! 

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  • missey29
    missey29 Member Posts: 48
    edited November 2011

    Hello ladies! No RADS today. the stupid machine broke down. The tech called me at 2pm. My appt is at 3:45pm. Geez. I'm thinking of switching to the hospital close to my job.Yell I need to have the RADs done by 12/30 so my insurance pays at 100%. Don't these people get it! I'm so frustrated. The doc will get a piece of my mind on Monday.

    Thanks for letting me vent.

    Missey

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

    Well, I only have 3 treatments left. Yahoo!  Actually it has gone better than I thought it would.  My RO said I might be tired though the first week after I finish.  I hope everyone else is doing ok.  Have a great weekend!

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  • Natters
    Natters Member Posts: 361
    edited November 2011

    Mrs Mot, my heart goes out to you. I'm sure it's nothing, but I'm also sure you wont be able to breathe until you hear back for sure. Thinking of you and sending positive thoughts tonight.

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  • RealtorJackie
    RealtorJackie Member Posts: 91
    edited November 2011

    MrsMot:  You are allowed a good cry--we all are!  This is a very traumatic time in our lives. I know we are all here for each other.

    Feeling very tired today.  I had lunch with the girls who go before and after me each day for treatment.  That felt good. 

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  • kdajay
    kdajay Member Posts: 90
    edited November 2011

    TGIF everyone!

    Today I have 14 treatments left which means I am slightly over half way there! (I think it is easier on my mind to count down instead of up Smile.) At this point I am significantly burned...under my breast is  a variation of blackish and red and peeling skin that is itching today and under my arm is red and peeling and hurts especially on and near my scar.

    I was told yesterday that the day after Thanksgiving is a reduced treatment day and that only certain patients noted by the doctors need to come in. I am not one of those, which at first made me a little upset because, as we know, that means one more day added to the end; but, now that the burning has increased pretty much, I am looking forward to four days of no treatments.

    Since I normally don't burn in the sun but tan really easily, I am curious why my skin is being so reactive and began to think about medications I am on. Is anyone taking high blood pressure medication and having burning issues with the radiation? Just curious.

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  • LuvRVing
    LuvRVing Member Posts: 4,516
    edited November 2011

    Kdajay - I am not surprised that our breast skin would burn easily because most of us have probably never tanned that area, so it would be as sensitive as a baby's skin.  My RO has warned me that my skin will take a beating.  Not looking forward to that one bit!

    I hope everyone has a restful weekend.  

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  • rn4babies
    rn4babies Member Posts: 409
    edited November 2011
    kdajay - I also don't burn but tan very easily. My RO said on the first visit that he thought my skin would do welll because I'm olive skinned......wrong!  I also am very red, burned and the underside of my breast is raw and open. They gave me Sween cream to put on it and told me to use Domeboro soaks if it doesn't get better. I had #18/30 today. I'm not on any medications at all so I guess that proves that its a little hard to predict how someone will react to the treatments. I'm so looking forward to getting this over with. I will have my treatment on Sunday to replace the one I should have had on black Friday. Then I'll have my 4 days off. I'm looking forward to it also.
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  • RealtorJackie
    RealtorJackie Member Posts: 91
    edited November 2011

    kdajay:  I am extrememly fair-skinned.  I always burn in the sun.  I did #13 today.  So far I only am slightly pink.  I thought I would be raw by now.  I am taking Arimidex.  Go figure!

        They are scheduling us on Sunday this week, and giving us a 4 day holiday weekend! YIPPEE!

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  • Joan811
    Joan811 Member Posts: 2,672
    edited November 2011

    Hi ladies, sounds like so many are reaching or passing the half-way.   YAY!
    My practice rads session - this Tuesday.  Then start on Wednesday.  Would love to get the Friday off, but was assured they are open.....my BD.... but as it was said before, I am happy to be celebrating.... so why not get a rad session out of the way.....
    I called my M.O. about continuing Arimidex during rads - I have said before that she has spoken to me only once sincy my 9/28 session with her.  (Her NP prescribed the Arimidex and no follow up.) Her substitute NP called me back  this week and said that M.O. says I can continue.  I am not having any SEs right now from Arimidex because I have been on low dose steroid for allergy.  So no pains.
    I have developed a cold on tops of allergies, and today added light-headed and queasy.  I need to be in great shape for the rads practice as I have major anxiety and feel like I can't breathe.  But I made it through the planning so I know I can do this.  I have not yet met the rads monster machine.
    I was off the board for a few days while ill...and when I read your posts, I am reminded about just how much women go through to kick the butt of BC. My thoughts and prayers are with each of you that your SEs will be minimal and that your reports will be clear.
    Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday because it is for everyone - I believe that most people can find something to be thankful for.
    Hugs and God's blessings to each of you.

    Joan

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  • Vicks1960
    Vicks1960 Member Posts: 473
    edited November 2011

    MrsMot:

    Let the tears flow!!!  I understand that there are hormones in tears that are healing both physically and mental/emotioinally.  Not knowing and having to wait for 'results' is sooo hard!!

    LuvRVing:

    I too love rving.  We fulltimed rving for 13 years, now just go about 5-6 months a year..

    Ladies, if its alright with you I would love to add your names to my prayer list...

    I had my last brachytherapy radiation yesterday and they removed the balloon.  MUCH more comfortable now.  Monday I start the hormone blocking medicine, Understand I will be on it for the next 5 years.  

    I have really appreciated being able to share with all on this site,  seems like it helps to know I am not the only one with some of the anxiety that having BC causes.

    Have a great rest of the weekend, and for those who are in the USA, have a WONDERFUL THANKSGIVING!  We do have a lot to be thankful for...

    Vickie 

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  • JenBro
    JenBro Member Posts: 21
    edited November 2011

    Joan, I will be praying for you as you start your treatments soon. Also that you will kick the cold quickly. Happy BD next week! (I should finish my rad sessions the day after my BD, Dec. 12) I hope it's a good day for you and you can celebrate!

    I found the whole rad machine and session fascinating. I know I have a warped perspective. I just closed my eyes and pretended I was laying on the beach getting a tan! I'm just so thankful that it doesn't hurt. There are no needles or injections and it only takes but 10 minutes. It feels a little sci-fi, but once you get used to it, it's a snap. 

    I went off Arimidex 2 weeks into my radiation treatments. (I had taken it for 6 weeks at that point) The two together were wiping me out. I felt totally exhuasted. I still feel tired with the radiation, but not nearly as much as when on the Arimidex. My RO said to go back on after radiation treatment. I am glad to deal with just one thing at a time. Initially it took me about 2 weeks to adjust to the A.

    I just had rx#19 and my skin is holding up better than expected. No pink or burning yet. I am thankful. I guess we all are so different there is just no way to know how each of us will react to the treatments. 

    Vickie, yes please add me to your prayer list. I appreciate all the prayer I can get. I will be praying for all of you as well. This is not an easy road that we face but I find with this great support from ladies like all of you, a good sense of humor, and a lot of prayer, we can get through it.

    Hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving! Enjoy the extended break.

    Many blessings,

    Jen

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  • Beanpole
    Beanpole Member Posts: 32
    edited November 2011

    I am also doing my rads in November. I have two weeks left. So far -so good. I have had a couple rough days where I was really tired.  Curious- I thought it was suppose to be cumulative so that you would be more tired as you go along. Are you all experiencing that?

    I am rather burned. In fact I look like someone threw me on the barbeque and forgot to flip me! 

      

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  • nans
    nans Member Posts: 45
    edited November 2011

    Dawmson thanks for the information about the creams.  I'm only a few rads in and am anxious about the reaction my skin might have.

    Vickie and Jenbro you are wonderful to add us all to your prayer list.  I'll be sure to do the same.  God has given us a lot to handle, but I know with His help and all your prayers we will get through this and be the stronger for it.

    MrsMot I hear you about the tears.  Even when we have a great day, I think we've earned the right to let the tears flow.  Often times once we do that we end up feeling much stronger for the rest of the day.

    I was disappointed to find out my center would be closed for Thanksgiving and the day after.  I was certain my RO said I'd receive treatment regardless of holidays.  My husband doesn't remember that conversation so maybe it was just chemo brain.  I thought it was bad that I don't remember things now I'm adding things to my memory.  Laughing At least as someone else said we can look forward to a 4 day weekend. I was able to schedule on for Sunday so hopefully I won't be too far behind. I'll have to find out what the deal is for Christmas and New Years. If they are closed on the Monday after I won't be done until December 30. I was hoping for a few days off before New Year hits. At least it shouldn't run past the New Year.

    Beanpole, I heard it was cumulative too. I just started this week though and was completely wiped out on the first day. The other days haven't been as bad. Maybe it was just emotions adding to the mix. I heard the same thing about it being cumulative when I did chemo too but I found some days were definitely better than others. I loved your BBQ comment.  A good sense of humor is the best medicine!

    Have a wonderful Thanksgiving everyone. We really do have a lot to still be thankful for. 

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  • Joan811
    Joan811 Member Posts: 2,672
    edited November 2011
    Jenbro, Wow your comments are very timely.  I do not know why but the past two days the Arimidex kicked in in a big way.  I had a break from symptoms, and now it is back. Your comments about taking it during rads is very helpful.  If I continue to feel like I do today, I don't want to do both.
    I am sure I can do OK with the rads.  I am llying face down and turn my head to the side so it is like taking a nap for me too.  After the long-ish appointment on Tuesday, I'm sure I'll adjust.
    I did think the CT scan machine was amazing...and it was so cold in there but I liked that because I could breathe better.  They kept offering me blankets but I didn't want any.
    Right now I want to take a nap but have to go to a party.   Hope I can rise to the occasion!
    I will celebrate BD with my family on Tgiving Day.  Then rads on Friday, and maybe dinner out.
    Last night I couldn't sleep and was remembering the names of the special ladies here and saying a prayer for each one I remembered. 
    Hugs and prayers to all.....Joan
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  • nans
    nans Member Posts: 45
    edited November 2011

    Hi all,

    Just went to Target and saw that they have their extra soft sweaters on sale for 9.99.  There was a nice red one I bought to wear for the holidays...extra big.  Laughing  They are on sale until the 23rd here in San Diego.

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  • dawmson
    dawmson Member Posts: 75
    edited November 2011

    For me, the fatigue has definitely been cumulative. I started feeling more tired at week 2 but now that I'm in my final week (6.5 weeks altogether) it's pretty bad. I'm not napping during the day but if I'm not in bed by 9:30 I am barely able to keep my eyes open. I wake up tired, too. I also have felt like my brain isn't as sharp and that my thoughts are often all jumbled together.

    Only 5 more treatments left - I hope the fatigue goes away quickly for me!  

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  • marthah
    marthah Member Posts: 322
    edited November 2011

    Hi, ladies!

    Just popping my head in for a quick hello and cheer! I'm from the Oct Rads group (started the thread), and only have ONE MORE TO GO! I will finish up tomorrow. 

    I'm just here to say hang in there! You CAN do this! Go, team...GO!!!

    Happy Thanksgiving, one and all!

    Martha

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  • dsnydawn
    dsnydawn Member Posts: 175
    edited November 2011

    Thanks Martha,

    Have a Happy Thanksgiving!!  10 down today(18 to go), so far skin is good ,just tired..  How did your skin hold up??

    Dawn

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  • LuvRVing
    LuvRVing Member Posts: 4,516
    edited November 2011

    Congrats Marthah!!!  Finished is such a good feeling!

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  • ptdreamers
    ptdreamers Member Posts: 1,080
    edited November 2011
    Congrats to Marthah and Dawmson to being in the home stretch. I have 23 more so the Holidays will definitely be challenging. Hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving. We are here so that is  enough to be thankful for right there.Smile
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  • marthah
    marthah Member Posts: 322
    edited November 2011

    Dawn,

    My skin has held up fairly well compared to what I hear others saying. It looks tan/sunburned, and was pretty irritated just about the time I was finishing up the WBR. The boosts have really been a breeze. I'm starting to notice a little bit of flaking just above my breast. Experienced some off and on itchiness too, which feels like a sunburn itch. I've been using Miaderm, started out 2x/day, and went up to 4x/day during the worst of it. Back to 2 or 3x/day and will likely continue to use it for the next couple of weeks. 

    Michelle, I baked pumpkin bread to take to the clinic tomorrow! Laughing

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  • tvacrat
    tvacrat Member Posts: 60
    edited November 2011

    m4babies,

    I was chilled after my last treatment (#19) and my husband likened it to getting chilled when you get sunburned - fine minds think alike! 

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  • tvacrat
    tvacrat Member Posts: 60
    edited November 2011

    ptdreamers,

    I use XClair twice a day and Aquaphor before I go to bed. I shower every morning with Dove for sensitive skin. I just finished #21 and have a prickly-heat type rash on my chest, but no other skin complaint. 

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  • tvacrat
    tvacrat Member Posts: 60
    edited November 2011

    I had 20 adults, 3 children and an infant for an early Thanksgiving celebration yesterday. I brined, stuffed and roasted 2 turkeys, made a jello mold, sweet potatoes with marshmallows, green beans with almonds and a crab dip. There was a lot contributed by others and my husband did most of the clean up, as usual. I was worried about my energy level (today was #20), but I fared pretty well. I'm just not bouncing back as quickly as I did before. And I'm really looking forward to being served on Thursday!

    We do have a lot to be thankful for! 

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  • kdajay
    kdajay Member Posts: 90
    edited November 2011

    18 down and 12 to go! I had the doctor look at my skin yesterday which is peeling and is oozing where the skin has peeled off. Normally they would give me a sulfa drug to take at this point but I am allergic to it so no go. The next option was to give me a burn gel pack to use after the Domeboro soaks but they were out of them. What I did get was a pad that is not supposed to stick to the oozing part...it sticks though. So here I am with 12 to go and feeling kind of yucky. I will have four days off for the weekend though so that I am thankful for.

    Hope everyone has a good holiday and, tvacrat, after that bout of activity you need to sit back and let everyone wait on you!

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  • Natters
    Natters Member Posts: 361
    edited November 2011

    Joan811, thinking of you today and hoping that your long appointment goes fairly smoothly. If you haven't gone yet, just try to think of all the nice things coming up with your family for your birthday celebration and Thanksgiving feast. How are the Arimidex symptoms? I'm lucky that the Tamox has been pretty gentle with me so far.

    As for my skin care regimen during rads, I only shower with Extra Moisturizing Dove and try not to let the spray directly hit my affected nipple (or even my breast for too long). I only shower once a day now, as directed, and try not to linger although it's hard not to enjoy warm water when it's cold out. I lather on Miaderm 3-4 times a day, and I've also started using Aquaphor on my nipple and scar. I don't shave that armpit and use a natural deoderant (rather than an effective anti-persperant). I'm also starting to wear looser bras or camis at work, and no bra in the evenings.

    My breast is very swollen and red and tender, and my nipple itches like crazy at times. Beanpole, my boob definitely looks like it was left on the BBQ too long, so I totally know what you mean. But my skin is holding up well so far - no peeling or blistering or breaks in the skin. Even my underboob looks fine, and that is where they seem to expect it to get worse. I've only had 13 tx but tomorrow will be my halfway mark, and that is something to celebrate. I might be starting to feel fatigue, pretty tired by 8-9pm each night, which is early for me. However, I have been depressed and discouraged so it's hard to know what to blame it on. 

    kdajay - good luck with your skin and I am so glad after reading your post that you get a 4-day break now. Your skin sounds like you could use it, and I'm sure you're looking forward to some downtime with family and friends.  

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