November 2011 Rads

I'm waiting, too - no prophy surgery for me because no strong family history and BRCA neg. I used to be an optimist because I've always been healthy and lucky in life but I'm not convinced that I'm not going to have a recurrence now and I want to be mentally prepared, as much as possible. I'm really going to try and stick out the Tamox -- it has been 3+ months and so far, so good. Just hot flashes that came after 2 mos and will hopefully fade away in time. I don't have endometriosis or other gyne risk. Tamox is so much easier than rads, for me.

RealtorJackie - what is NED?  I have not heard that before.  There are a lot of acronyms on this board...

I am so glad you got your Christmas miracle...Very happy for you.

Realtor Jakcie:  Yay!!!!!! Glad you are done..nothing better than the happy dance. Prayers that your onc visit goes well.

Natters & RN4babies:  Sorry your husband or partner aren't being more supportive.  Hopefully you can both surround yourself with love from other family members for the rest of your treatments.

I had forgotten how wonderful my guy can be until now.  He was a champ during surgery and kept me organized during chemo.  He's not too interested in hearing about rads though. I think seeing the SE just the one time was enough.  It's nice to have all of you to hash it out with.  He did point out to me that I only have 2 more regular treatments before the boost.  I'm so glad about that since the worst area for me is the center of my chest.  It's a dark red and seems to be blistering a bit.  Hopefully it will heal quickly, though my RO told me radiation affects continue a week after treatment end.

Had an exciting day yesterday.  My parents are out of town and a neighbor called to say their was a broken window and it looked like someone had taken their car. She called the police for us.  When my son and I arrived from the hour drive, the police had just finished up.  They couldn't find any fingerprints.  My parents car, television and jewelry were gone.  Unfortunately, my folks hate cell phones and will only turn theirs on when they make a call then turn it off so I can't get a hold of them.  My son and I cleaned up everything and got the window repaired.  My sisters, brother and I have decided to buy them a new TV for Christmas while they are gone and set it up.  Hopefully it won't be too upsetting for them.

The worst part however was when my brother and his wife arrived.  My DSL started asking about an uncle who is dying of cancer.  He put off doing any chemo, surgery or rads and instead opted for alternative medicine.  My sister-in-law kept going on about his dying until I took her into another room saying I didn't think this was good for my son to here now.  She then finally caught on and said how wonderful San Diego oncologists were.  I was so glad to have the excuse that I needed to get home for a nap!  I was about to strangle her.   Ah.....family. 

I was wondering if anyone WBC's went down while they were/are getting radiation treatments.  Mine are at 2.7.  Should I be concerned?

And to the person that complained of having nausea while getting radiation, I'm having that problem too.   

MrsMot, Please do not feel stupid.  The only stupid question is the unasked one.  We are all here to help each other.  I hope your itching and nausea will improve soon.

My skin finally started improving, so much so that I'm attempting a bra today. One of my coworkers who had a UMX with recon gave me a big bag of bras of all different sizes and I found one from Wacoal with a pink ribbon on it that might have been designed for BC peeps because there are no seams inside and the inner material is extra soft, no underwire, and even the bottom seam is kinda soft compared to most bras, rather than rough elastic. I'm still padding my raw areas with a thick coat of Aquaphor, then a Tefla bandage, then some gauze pads, though. But it's as small as an eraser now, maybe, and the rest of my breast seems to be finally healing. I am 10 days out from my last boost. Less swelling and tenderness and the breast seems more brownish tan than angry red, too. The raw area has mostly peeled and is growing some new skin. I was so encouraged by the way it looks that I tried wearing a bra this morning and I even went for a short run. It made me feel so normal again, between that and being able to wear a bra to work for the first time in 6 weeks

I use a cortisone cream when I itch so much that I can't stop scratching. And I take 50mg of Benadryl every night to help me fall asleep, so that probably helps me avoid scratching overnight! You can get it OTC - it's called Simply Sleep and most drugstores have their own store brand that is basically the same thing (diphenhydramine).

Yup, cortisone cream followed by Moisturel cream, add in a benadryl capsule and I seem to be itch-free so far today.  Off to #17 in a few minutes. 

After driving to treatment today, I found out the machine had broke down.  I was laying there waiting for the treatment to begin; but nothing happened.  The tech comes in and tells me that she would have to call the repairman; and that it would, probably be about a hour and a half before the machine would be back up.  She gave me the choice of skipping a the treatment (my husband and grandson were out waiting in the car).  I decided to skip the treatment.

I want this to be over.  I'm so tired.  But what can you do? 

Thanks Natters.  I've got 12 more tx's to go.  (28 tx's plus 10 boosts)

Merry Christmas everyone!  Here's to a wonderfully stress free fun day.

Merry Christmas to all...
So much to be thankful for....and you, my BCO friends, are a huge factor in my recovery.
Bless you and your families today and in 2012.
Joan

Hope everyone had a great holiday!  Back at it today.  My poor skin is sore, bull of red bumps and so very itchy.  I dread going in today, however, the sooner I start back the sooner I finish.  I hope they are not running late either. 

That always happens Nans when you bring someone along.  Last time my husband came with me, it took 30 minutes when its usually less then 10.  I am sure you are done by now.  

May all have a minimum to no SE week. 

Missey, keep your eyes straight ahead and soon you will cross that finish line!  Keep going'
I did #21/30 today...#22 in just a few hours.  Am red, have itchy rash, and wonder how the boosts will affect my "ground zero" area.   I know I'll get through, at this point. 
Best wishes and hugs for all...
Joan

There IS a light at the end of the tunnel. My boosted area wasn't too raw before I began boosting and it never got too burnt. However, under my arm where my breast meets my chest was very raw for a couple weeks and it started to spread and peel under my breast. It did start to heal up about 10 days out from my final full-breast treatment, I would say. At first I was freaked out because it did continue to get worse after my tx ended, but in less than a week that stopped. Now I am healed up enough to wear a bra again, even though I am still using lots of Aquaphor and sticking a surgical pad between the bra and my skin on that side where I was really raw.

I know how hard it gets closer to the end, but YOU CAN DO THIS!

Nat