November 2011 Rads

Natters - I think they are called radiacare. I will have to look when I get home. They can be worn for up to three days and don't dry out. They remind me of those gummy hand toys the kids have that you can slap against the wall and it sticks. One side has a plastic (?) cover and one side has a red cover that you remove to place the gel against your burn. My RO said they are hard to find. One person called them magic gel sheets.

Natters, There are  Radiadres gel sheets and Cool Magic gel sheets made by MPM Medical. Ask your RO about these. I don't see why they wouldn't give or order them for you. The Phone number for MPM is 1 800 232 5512. You may be able to get on your own I don't know if requires an order or not. Hope this helps.

Darn - what is with these rad machines!! I was 1/2 way to my appt. (one-hour drive), when I received a call to let me know the darn thing was down. I should have known, as there was a 2 hour appt. wait yesterday due to it being broken and then repaired. I just want to get the treatments done before the traveling becomes tough in the Adirondacks. Now I have to add another day on to the end. Oh well, not all is lost as I am home, making turkey soup. 

...actually, I am not imagining the longer buzz, as yesterday, I actually was afraid because one of my zaps lasted so much longer than it usually does! I honestly thought the machine was stuck.

ptdreamers - thanks! I will ask for those if it gets worse this week. I only have 4 more tx to go - all boosts that pretty much miss my worst areas  I got some more of the Xeroform and Tefla and the big padded bandages that look like maxi-pads so I'm all set for now. The nurse said my wound was pretty superficial so hopefully it will start to heal soon. It's pretty painful if I reach for anything right now, or start to lay on it, or when I take a shower. But I'm still working and doing everything I need to get done. I will say the fatigue doesn't bother me during the day, but at night I am sleeping like a teenager (meaning - tons! like, 8-10 hours, unless I set my alarm earlier).

Ananda - I have had that thought once or twice, that it might be taking slightly longer from time to time, but I never asked, either. They don't seem to want to give me any kind of info at my rads place, so I only ask when I'm absolutely dying to know something.

Jamie - thanks - that is probably what is going on - the darn machine broke down yesterday and today!. Congrats on your last boost.

....Jamie - too funny that techs would be surprised that you would notice the changes in buzz time - mine is permanently ingrained in my brain!. lol

Dawmson, Jealous of the Hawaii trip even you have to stay covered up. It is downright chilly here in our fair state of Washington. Three more full than six boosts. Can hardly wait.

Hey lilylady- we're almost on the same time line.  If all goes well I have 10 more.  Can't wait to be done.  Just in time for New Year's Eve. My husband and boys are going to visit his family for New Years but I think I might stay home.  It's a 7 hour drive and a stay in a hotel.  I've finally gotten comfortable wearing no bra around the 3 of them (even with a large sweatshirt on you can tell I had a mx) but don't think I could handle it around the extended family. So I think I'll have a quiet celebration on my own.

Tvacrat-Congrats on finishing up.  Hope you are able to celebrate somehow.

Ananda-Hope your techs are able to answer your questions.  Don't let them make you feel like you don't deserve to know.  It's your body.  Be assertive...think of all of us standing their next to you giving you strength.

Rn4babies-Yay!! Congrats on completing rads!

I had my last boost today! Happy Dance!!!! I took a thank you card and Christmas treats for the staff, took a few pictures of me with my 'mold' so I could show my family and a few friends what I had been trying to describe with the mold and sci-fi type machine. I had a wonderful Dr. and staff and told them they really helped make this part of my BC journey easier.

I am red and itchy and told to keep using the aloe gel and cream for the next 3 months and then lotion for the next year to help my sking heal well and not get 'tough'. Dr. said I may experience fatigue for the next 6-8 weeks. I go back in one month for a check-up. 

I am so glad to have this finished and move on. (and get all this tape and x's off my chest!) Like you rn4babies, I now have to decide on Tamoxifen. I have the prescription filled and are suppose to start taking it this week, but I think I'm giving myself the rest of the week to catch my breath before taking the next step.

I hope all of you finish up well and heal quickly. Thank you for being so encouraging these past weeks as we all shared this part of our journeys together. Many blessings on each of you and I pray you each have a long and healthy future!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Congrats JenBro you did it!  So very happy for you.  May you live a long healthy life! Congrats Rn4babies!  You too!  So happy for you.  Tvacrat you too! You all did it!  May you all never have to go through this ever again!

Hello Ladies: Here is an update on my 33 RADs treatments thus far -

My team consists of 1 male RO and 3 females and 1 male techs. I love the doctor, but the techs I can take or leave. Per my Monday weekly meeting the doctor, I will have only 12 more treatments as of today. I will have 8 boots. He will also be increasing the dosages so that I will not have to do 2 a day's. NICE.

My skin is holding up pretty well. I've had eczema all my life so there are a few spots of that on and away from my radiation area. Thankfully the RO prescribed some steroid cream at a previous visit and it is helping with the itching.

So there is some light at the end of the tunnel. I will be finished by Friday, Dec. 30.

My hair is making some strides at filling in. I can see some black strands poking through the gray. Just wishing for full coverage. I am trying to be patient.

Thanks for reading and have a nice day.

Missey

Natters - There is so much stress in both of your lives right now! I am sending calming vibes your way and will say an extra prayer for your partner. Here...this is for you {{{{{{HUG}}}}}}

I'm done!!! Can't quite believe it. Lots of hugs and well-wishes all around. I brought them some cookies and a really nice thank-you card that expressed all my thoughts and feelings. I'll see the RO in four weeks. Parts are getting redder, but most of me seems to be healing. I certainly feel a lot better than I did this time last week or even last weekend.

Wishing all of us rapid healing, good health in the future, and many more new years to celebrate with those we love. Thanks for being with me on my journey.

Jamie