Any April/May 2012 rad girls out there?

Joanne_53,

The instructions I was given for slathering the cream was, nothing on the skin 2 hours before and after treatment.  My skin is burnt and was seen by the RO today even though I finished my last treatment yesterday.  She has recommended to put some hydrocortisone on the unbroken skin and some dressings on the broken parts.  The name Nature's Aid was also mentioned by someone at the hospital - not sure how this cream works.  I was also recommended taking some Advil for pain and to watch out for fever as that will indicate a full fledge infection.  

Hi all,



Nurse gave me hydrocortisone today after rad techs saw me go to scratch my itchy red area. It's definitely calmed down the itch but it's a bit greasy. My back dries out quickly after putting aloe on it. It hurts when I scratch it. Still out of work, waiting to hear when I can go back but actually glad that it happened because the fatigue is kicking my butt now! I have 6 more tx and I will be done!!



Hope everyone is hanging in!



Cathy

Andi- I was feeling nauseous in the beginning too. My RO said to eat a little but more than usual. He said that our bodies are constantly trying to keep up with repairing during the radiation tx. I felt nauseous mid to late afternoon, and lots 2.5 lbs the first two weeks.. I've been having a snack in the afternoon, and eating a but more (healthy snacks), and it has helped.

Cindyl - Benadryl is on the drug interaction list with Tamoxefin --- not sure if you have started it yet.

Thanks, by not a problem Joanne.  My MO doesn't like to start Tamoxefin until rads are done if possible.  One set of SE at a time.  I have an appt. with him for the day I finish rads.  blech.  And in some ways I dread the meds more than any other part of this.

Glad things are going well!  I should stay out of the "Tamoxofin is the devil" threads.  I suspect they give me more to worry about than I need right now.

I agree - is there really a thread called that .... I went in open minded because I have to take it regardless --- and I remind myself that some of the s/e are also symptoms of menopause .. I was already have hot flashes and having trouble with insomnia -- that actually got worse after my diagnosis but getting better now that I am almost finished with my rads.  As for any other s/e ... cannot see them. 

You have to admit that the roasted chickens are the best thing there is --- Can serve it with so many things --- hot or cold too ---- Anything that can make our lives easier but still healthy ...

Last rad treatment today, yay! The rad tech and the doctor told me that the coming week or two will be the worst time for skin side effects, and I'm to prepare for itching and peeling. But maybe I'll be lucky like I was with my diagnosis, and get off easy.

Sandyland, I asked the doc about the swelling at the base of my throat and tightness across my upper chest that came on right after my treatment on Friday. She was adamant that it has nothing to do with the rads. Guess if it persists or gets worse I'll just ask my family doctor. If I can be bothered.  I'm just tired of worrying about every little thing that pops up and wondering whether I am imagining things. I need to get a grip, be grateful this was caught early and move on...

Yea! to everyone (mamglam, fredntan, akmom and others) who have finished rads or are finishing this week! Thanks for all your insight and yes, humor during this trying time. You've made it all easier for the rest of us.

I have been nauseas slightly too. Just took something for it. I just havnt got my appetite back. Good news i am down 1 pants size. I have lost five lbs on rads or since end of chemo. Am really tired. Am less teary, but sometimes it hits me.

MOT I love that bra -- I used to wear jockey underwire ones and some frilly ones to but I am going to buy a couple more of these and I might even try to dye one --- I now need a slight bit of padding because of the dint/dimple and this is actually just right.

Congrats to those that are finishing this week -- keep us posted on how things go --

Question: for those of us getting radiation after chemo, how long between the 2?

Hi Sarah, for me, between chemo and rads, it was almost 4 weeks. I had wanted to start rads quicker, but, they do bloodwork beforehand and my WBC wasn't high enough, so we waited another 4-5 days and retested. It was higher then and we started.

Today I had my 26th of 28 tx and my physical therapy session. Friday is my last day. All of my techs have been exceptionally kind, sweet, professional and I wanted to get them a gift to show that I appreciate them. I didn't want to get food or flowers. I ended up getting them a bunch of Willow Tree angels that I thought they could keep at the center. Who knows, maybe some other patients will add to their collection... I got them the: "courageous" angel, "hope" angel, "thank you" angel and one more I can't remember now, (chemo brain). The store wrapped all of them together in one big box. I hope they like them. They have really been outstanding and I will actually miss them.