October 2011 Rads

Rn4babies,

Have you tried cornstarch yet? I'm not sure you can/should use it if you've got open sores under the breast, but when you get them healed, it's great for helping to keep you dry. Lots of us out here also would put a really soft t-shirt strip 4"x10" or so under the breast under our bras. That helps keep the friction down and you could change it often at work. Just be careful setting it under there as the skin is so tender right now. I also tried to be sure that each time I applied lotion, I lay down with my arm over my head and the area drying till it was absorbed. Probably an impossible task for you before work, but perhaps at your night time application.



Hope this helps, it will get better and finally be over one day....it's just sometimes tough getting there. Good luck (from one who's been there).

Glad you're feeling better RN4babies! I could have used an invention like that during rads. I looked pretty comical trying to air out as well.

Hi ladies, I can tell that we are all finishing up since the posts are getting fewer. I just wanted to check in and say that my really bad rash that started with the boosts finally started getting better on Wednesday. 1% hydrocortisone did nothing for it, so I got a prescription for triamcinolone cream. The rash still looks bad (lovely red dots all over my chest, up to my neck and almost to my belly button) but doesn't itch anymore. My skin is deep red where the boost were but has already faded a lot everywhere else (my last regular treatment was 2 weeks ago today).

My next goal is to get all my holiday shopping and several big work projects done so I can relax and do NOTHING for the last two weeks of the year. If there's any year when any of us should ask for a lot of pampering for a holiday gift, this year is IT!

rn4babies:

I too am having some nipple problems, cracking,... I am finding that it is more comfortable when I take a bandaid, put some triple ointment on the bandaid then attach it to the nipple.  For me that protects the nipple from the clothing rubbing on it..

I had tx #6 today and now have the start of a round blistery spot.  It seems too soon.  But whenever I would be in the sun too long, my skin would erupt in raised spots.  So maybe it's just my skin reacting to the radiation.  I have a long way to go, but really, after all my worry, it isn't that bad.  I met a dear woman who is being treated in her throat area and must wear the tight mask that bolts to the table.  I cringed when she told me and have been saying prayers for her ever since.  That made me feel so ridiculous with my petty fears....my treatments are very short and do-able. 
Hope you are all enjoying your post-rads recovery -- just in time for holidays.
Best wishes to all,

Joan

That mask does sound bad, but I said something similar and one of the ladies on the forum told me it's not a zero sum game. Just because someone else has it worse than you, it doesn't diminish what you're going through. That being said, it's a good thing if it helps you get through, but don't let it make you feel wimpy or bad for complaining about your distress.



It would seem to be really early for a blister Joan. I wonder if something could be rubbing that spot to cause a blister. I am not sure, but I think for the radiation to cause it, it would have to get bright red and sore first.

I feel so fortunate to have made it this far into radiation without skin issues. Today is number 20, 8 left after that! I'm very tired, and REALLY sick of this disease running my life, but it's so close to being over now! I meet with the surgeon on Thursday to discuss/schedule my oopherectomy. And then I'll be done except for the 5 years of meds! Ran into my husband's aunt Christmas shopping, she'll be a 5 year survivor in a matter of days. She was inspirational, has a great sense of humor, but gently reminded me that it's never really over. We'll have to manage this for the rest of our lives. But it's okay, 'cause it's manageable. She was awesome.

Tomorrow is my last treatment! I can't believe it. It has been a long long road between surgery chemo then 33 rads( including 5 boosts) Also I had surgery last Friday (hysterectomy/oopherectomy ), My skin is a mess as well- so I'm not feeling like kicking my heels up. But inside I have fireworks and dancing and singing for days!

Love and Peace!

Laura 

Laura - I know you are still healing from surgery but I hope you have some small treats planned for this Friday. At least your favorite supper or glass of wine or gourmet chocolate or something like that? I am jealous that you are finishing up a week ahead of me: CONGRATULATIONS!!! 

Kay1963, None of the NPs that I saw knows what the raised reddish itchy spot is.  I guess it is not typical rads skin damage.  It is sooo itchy and I have been trying anti-fungal on it to see if it responds.  I just do not want it to spread. 
Nat - Only one more week for you??  I like what you were told - that it may not be the worst thing we COULD be going through but it may be the worst thing we have gone through....so true.  I have been feeling pretty emotional about everything this week. 
Well, happy week end, and glad to hear more of you are finishing up soon.
Best wishes to all,

Joan

Hello beautiful ladies!! I am sorry I have been MIA. So, I have finizhed my Rads on 11/14! the last week was sooo exhausting! I was emaotionally, physically & mentally exhausted! So I deceide to take some time fof work and give myself a break from BC etc! I took Short Term disability and was home resting and healing my body from the radiation etc...my skin got really bad the last week of rads, blister under my breast, peeling, burn you name it!! I was in so much pain and agony, my RO preseribed a sulphate cream to use on the open blistered area, that helped... also being at home, I let the area get some area so that helped alot!! I am happy to say that 3 weeks out of radiation my skin is clear and smooth and back!! I have a bit of a shade on my breast but my RO said that it will go away.. I am currently using palmers cocoa butter. Just thought i should stop by and say hello.

Take care ladies

Laura, Silia, and soon Natters...congratulations on making it to the finish line in this part of our journey. I read a quote that I liked..."Don't ruin today by worrying about what might happen tomorrow." I know...easier said than done, but I think it is a good goal to shoot for. Again, congratulations ladies. Onward and upward.

Rads have been very emotional for me, too. I didn't have chemo and this was the most intensive part of my treatment, and the one that affected my daily life mthe most. On top of that, my partner has NOT been there for me and we are going thru a very rough patch. one thing I read about on where is that the period AFTER tx can also be hard, harder than we anticipate. We might continue to have physical issues and emotional issues. Somebody on here suggested a book called "After Breast Cancer" and I just got it to read since I am done tomorrow.

Natters - I totally understand the emotional part, i had chemo & radiation and somehow found radiation to be more emotionally & physically tough than chemo. I had to to STOP and take some time off for myself and body to heal after radiation. I took 4 weeks off, break from work, etc and it really helped, i feel a new me:-) I am sorry about your partner, urghh as if you need another stress in your life! Take care of yourself, you are a priority!!

I am going to get my copy of the book today!! Thanks ladies.

Sending you well wishes on this beautiful Friday and wishing you have a great & blessed weekend!~

Hugs!