Any February 2012 radiation gals out there?

NANCYJILL....just a short reply.  Tks. for the info.  Wanted you to know regarding your"no drains".  I had no drains after my 2nd biopsey (which was worse than the surgery), but ended up with hematoma's (very bid and long and blood filled) which lasted over 2 weeks and I had to wait for the surgery until these emptied.  I have large breasts so that just made them larger and I originally had no lumps, but after biopsey, ended up with that plus then I did have a large lump.  It was like someone had put a whole hotdog across the bottom of my breast contour...and then I HAD A BIG LONG LUMP!  That was almost gone when I had the surgery, but it was hard as a rock.  Then and only then did I have the "lump", otherwise no symptons.  Weird!  I almost think I should have had drains, there was so much fluid, but Dr. knows best.........I HOPE!  This waiting is driving me crazy  I want to get on with it once and for all.  I have too many other things to worry about.  I guess the Lord wants me to learn patience, which I am trying to do.  Good Luck to you!

20 of 30 today!  Actually it is 20 of 25 because the last 5 are boosts.  Saw the RO today and she was pleased with the condition of my skin.  Wants me to use Flamazine under the breast 2 -3 times a day. She did tell me that the SE of radiation carry on for about 2 - 4 weeks after the last treatment. OH JOY!  

I cannot wait for the end!   Looking forward to getting me energy back and to begin feeling like a normal person again!  

Hope you are all having a good day.

GirlPowerDebbie, Congratulations! 

bojo, Congratulations on being done!

Congrats girlpower and bojo!  You've reached that light at the end of the tunnel - wahoo! 

Congratulations bojo and GirlPowerDebbie!!! So glad to hear you made it to the end.

15 down... 18 to go

Day 26 today. I have no fatigue, zero. But my skin is itching, turning red, is dry and crusting over a little. Itching isn't too bad and comes and goes. I'm sick of having to slather sticky, gooey, messy lotions all day every day on my skin. Can't wait for next Thursday, when I'm free!

gerrib,

Had my last boost monday, but need to go back Thursday to see RO.  My underarm is starting to heal.  Underneath my breast is getting there. Still some new blisters showing up but no more pain killers last night 1st night in a week with no pain killer.  So it;s getting there.  I've beem home since last wednesday.  Was going to go back to work tomorrow, but i figured if i can't wear a bra, than i deserve to stay home until i can.  BTW who ever posted wearing a camisole with a shelf bra inside out is a genious!

Take care everyone

Jo

Mim445-I have the facial hair too. I have been shaving it with an electric razor, but might take msmouse's advice and have it waxed. Yuck!



Congrats to everyone finishing up. 14 of 33 for me today.

Beebop- my favorite thing to wear is the jockey cami from kohls. It's so soft. Need to get a darker one. White one is stained from my colorful road map.

I definitely notice improvement with the stretching. I go Thursday for another PT eval. I am having some swelling in my neck above the collar bone and under the arm.

I am noticing the fatigue now. I've done 12 treatments. Guess I have a way to go yet.

Mim - I have no facial fuzz so far.  I have about 1/8" of soft fuzz on my head, my eyebrows are starting to come back and so are my eyelashes.  Microscopic, but they are here!  I will be in wigs for a while yet (for going to work and out).  Once it gets warmer I do not mind being bald around my close circle of friends.  Too cold for that now.

Last day of rads, they gave me a certificate!  Not sure whether to frame it, dance around it, or have a ceremonial burning for it!  But, done with treatment for now so we are off on our trip tomorrow.

Hang in there girls, talk to you next week.

GPDebbie

Hi All, 16 down...17 to go. Tomorrow I am 1/2 complete! Getting red and itchy. I'm using Sarna (sp) for the itch or hydrocortisone. Girlpower... totally with you re the too cold to go wigless. I too am still wearing it to go out and to work. As soon as it warms up and I have about 1/2 inch more I'm going for it! I bought some Sally hansen cream for the soft hair on my face... will spot check that tonight... Oh the things we neve thought we would ever have to discuss . Have a great day all! Congrats to all that are finished!!!!   

Congrats Girlpower...and I would do the same as mlm...let'r burn!  (how symbolic, LOL)

Today was #22 of 28 for me...only 6 more to push through.  They marked me up for a new radiation field - will be getting 5 boosts to my mastectomy scar as my last 5 treatments.  I now have like 15 stickers to try not to loose.  LOL!

Told my RO about the shortness of breath - she says that is atypical, usually people don't have that symptom with the fatigue, however she has had a few patients complain of it and/or feeling like they can't get a deep breath (exactly!).  She assessed my lungs and said they are clear, but she is going to watch me closely for possible radiation pneumonitis developing.    It's rare, though, so we are hoping I either have a subclinical case that will improve on it's own, or I just present with shortness of breath as part of my fatigue symptoms.  Fingers crossed that is is nothing, as I sure don't want to do steroids for 3 months!  She is going to see me next week, of course, and then also 1 month post rads to make sure I don't need further evaluation and treatment. Oh and also, this breathing issue may explain my extra difficulty with the deep breath hold technique!  

My skin is still looking pretty darned great for this far in.  Only pink/mild redness and a few brown scaly spots.  I'm feeling very fortunate on the skin front.  

Oh, I am getting an itchy armpit, it seems pretty soon to be having that.....number 14 today.