Any April/May 2012 rad girls out there?
Comments
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Maghery ~ So happy for you that you are finished! Joanne53 ~ Will be thinking happy thoughts for you when you finish on Tuesday!
BethM ~ My breast is very sore, red and tender underneath as well. I am using Miaderm, Aquaphor, etc. I did mention the corn starch to my Rad Onc...she said just to make sure there is no moisture when under the breast when using it because she said I might end up with a pasty pancakey mess underneath. Eeeuuuww! Just thought I would mention that so you can watch out for any issues.
Fredntan ~ Glad you had a good week with your patients. I have been very glad to be back at work, too, even though I am tired as all get out. By the way, I am wearing my jammies as I type this, too!
San ~ I know what you mean about the techs thinking rads don't mess with stuff like our throats. I mentioned it to Dr. Coleman and she said the direction of my rads during treatments shouldn't cause it. One thing is for sure, it isn't in my imagination. I have a real cough! I will mention it again next Tuesday and maybe to my MO next Thursday. I figure I will use whatever works for the skin issues. I tried Aquaphor last night but really didn't feel any better than the MiaDerm...gotta find some other stuff soon! Getting nasty under there. By the way, do they recalibrate for the boosts?
TGIF to all and hope your SE's are minimal. Enjoy the weekend and Happy Mother's Day to all!
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Momof3boys: I went through menopause at about 47 and went on HRT after 2 years because the hot flashes were so bad. I couldn't sleep more than about 45 min at a time. I would awaken to chills, a roar in my head and then the waterworks would starts at my head and slowly move down my body. The hot flashes are not half as bad now, so I'm hoping that when I begin the Tamoxifen my body will not revert to the prior flashes!
BLinthedese: I'm not running, but I am a power walker. I have continued to walk 5-6 miles a day and today I had TX 18. It's pretty tough some days, but I'm kind of "OCD" about it. Also, I had a little sun on my chest when I went in for my 3rd TX and was told that I should keep my chest covered and protected until finished. I'm pretty small in the chest B cup and I use my sports bra when I walk. So far, no problems. But, I am very tired which is unusual for me - usually high energy. I mentioned a metallic taste in an earlier post that has persisted making most food taste bad. -
Momof3boys: I forgot to mention that I noticed a significant increase in frequency and intensity of flashes when I ate any beef, unless it was grass fed beef. Poultry and pork too, not as bad. I bought only hormone free milk and gave up beef. That helped the flashes a lot! Sine my BC, I now drink almond milk, have very little meat at all and few processed foods. When I do give in and have chicken or a "boxed" food, my body reacts with a soaking!
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Yep, ever since LX I've come home and put on jammies, even if it is 5pm. Sometimes I even take a little nap before or after dinner.....
San -- I do think I mixed up aloe with lidocaine. Will have to see if it is sold here in Washington State....
Feeling a little more sore (and stiff?) in breast today -- finished #13 rads.... almost 1/2 way through.
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Maghery - Congrats on being done. I have 10 more to go so I am almost done. My skin (knock on wood) is holding up. My breast looks heavy and it is a little sore under my arm where the node removal scars are but other than that I can't complain.
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Hi Gayle, so glad to hear your skin is holding up well. I did fairly well with mine, though my back shoulder got the brunt of it which I find weird. I am extremely pale and I expected the worst but am pleasantly surprised that the burn wasn't so bad (compared to what it could have been). How do you like the radiation place you are going to? Just curious b/c as I mentioned in a very early post, my best friend worked there for 10-12 years of her radiation therapist career and left a year or two after 21st took over (she now works at Northern Westchester Hosp., and sometimes works per diem at WP hospital where I received tx.). Actually she's the one who got me an appt with the RO at WP, highly recommending her to me (so happy she did).
Thanks to all for your good wishes on my completion of rads. You will all be there soon. Thinking of you all.
Oh, by the way, I finally got definitive word that I can return to work on Monday 5/21. Never thought I would find myself saying this, but I'm so happy I'm going back to work LOL. I was supposed to go back 4/19, but my doctor's physical restrictions on my abilities were too rigid and my company denied my return. Of course, everything happens for a reason and it was a blessing in disguise b/c it was around that time that the fatigue started setting in from rads and I found myself napping almost every afternoon. So after being emotional and upset that I couldn't return, I took it in stride and seized the time off to get things done before I have to go back to work. While I'm looking forward to getting back to work, I dread resuming the commute. It's not bad (under an hour, door-to-door), I just hate being at the mercy of a train schedule! I work in NYC and live not far outside of it. Oh well such is life. I won't complain about such a trivial thing, especially after the year I have had. Ok going to bed - have to have my car at the auto body shop by 8 am (ugh, on a Saturday? bummer).
Hope everyone has a lovely weekend. Get lots of rest!!
Cathy -
i'm going to post this here and hope someboby views this who is post rads. RO said yesterday to start Domeboro soaks on red/itchy/very sore nipple area. Looks like it has blisters on edge and going to peel. Having trouble getting it to dissolve and used mod. warm water. Have made 1/2 amount on her instruction sheet which is the same proportion as the box label. Need to soak so I can get to grocery. Anybody else out there done this?
I did a search on here and found lots of people who used it but not much on actually how to do it.
Read for the whole breast zaps to end. 3 more then 5 boosts though no doubt boosts while not be any fun either.
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Cathy the radiation office is ok, they are pleasant enough. There are 3 technicians there and I have had them all, they seem to be on a rotating late schedule. I am one of the latest appointments usually so I get whoever is doing the late day. My dr. sees me once a week and has been very nice and will talk as long as you need to. There is also a physicians assistant there who I see and she is very pleasant. All in all I have no complaints.
Going back to work is a resumption of normalcy and helps keep our mind and overactive imaginations busy. Glad to hear you are well enough to go back. Many years ago I worked by Grand Central and did the train commute from the Bronx, I used to catch up on some reading so it wasn't too bad. Now I drive to work and fight traffic and dumb drivers. I guess we are never happy.
Gayle
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Luvmygoats ~ I am almost done with rads (4 boots to go) and my skin has broken down so badly that my RO put me on Domeboro this week. I disolve one packet (I got the powder kind) in very hot tap water and then wait until it cools a bit to apply it. I soak a thick wash cloth in the solution, wring it out just enough so it's not drippy, and then fold it in half and apply it to my skin. My problem area is under my arm and above my TE, so I just sort of hold it in place with my arm and hand. The directions say to apply for 15 mins, which I do, but I re-soak the wash cloth about every 5 minutes to attempt to get as much of the solution on my skin as possible. Also, I keep a spoon handy to keep stirring the solution.
I am finding some relief with this stuff, so I hope it works for you!!
SAN
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luvmygoats,
I am post rads and had similar situation to you. I was using saline soaks and the the RO recommended that I go for dressings. The nurses were putting Proshield (barrier cream) and then placing a silicone sheet on the sore nipple. This silicone sheet can be cut and placed accordingly and it restores moisture to the skin. It feels good when they place this on my skin as they store these sheets in the fridge. I am still going in for these dressings as they do seem to help with my skin.
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Just wondering if anyone has used the soaks for the area under the breast (where my breast rests on the skin underneath)? The area under my breast is getting so sore and red, but I am curious to find out if I will eventually be advised to use soaks. 10 more rads and then 5 boosts to lumpectomy scar. Glad those of you who are having such nasty skin issues are at least getting to the end of your treatments. BC treatment (of all kinds) is NOT for sissies! Happy Mother's Day to all of you. Linda
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Hi there looks like we are on the same schedule as i had rad #12 on Friday.
I have some redness already even though I tan easily.
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Jan ~ Hope you make it through with just a tan...this red stuff is for the birds! By the way, where are you in California? Just curious.
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Just wanted wish all of you, my new "cyber friends", a wonderful day filled with blessings. All of your thoughts, comments, and caring words for everyone in this forum has certainly been uplifting to me!
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Hi ladies,
Just checking in. My shortness of breath is still there at times, but not enough to keep me from hiking or going to bikram yoga. I think I'll have them do a CBC though, to see what my red count is. I'm a vegetarian and on top of that, eat about 90% plant-based-mostly fruit/veggies/nuts/seeds and a little dairy. I had to eat meat during chemo because I felt so run-down, but stopped after chemo. My red count was great during chemo, so it's possible I'm anemic (I've been borderline before).
But what the h*ll? Who said rads was easy? It's just different. Not easier than chemo--just different. I think telling patients that it's easier sets us up for false expectations. I am FLATTENED right now, so much less energy than I normally have (and was getting back once I ended chemo). I'm in such good shape that I thought I'd breeze through and that has not been the case at all. I was exhausted for the first time last Monday and then Friday I thought I'd been slammed by a Mack truck.
Two more weeks to go. Skin so far is great, but you know the rest: not so great.
XO
Claire
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Hi Ladies
Well I have completed 18 out of 35 treatments and have definitely HIT THE WALL. I am finding that I must eat something, healthy of course, at least every few hours. I went just 5 hours on Friday without eating and almost felt like I was gonna collapse. It was terrible. Then I got something in my stomach and quickly recovered. Yikes! Same thing happened Thursday morning. I went to my early morning treatments without eating breakfast. I had to stop by the Panera Bakery and picked up one of their egg souffles. Again, it brought me back to life. Yikes, I won't be doing that again. I am carrying some healthy snacks like trail mix and nuts with me from now on.
Can't wait till this is all over. -
Claireinaz-You might want to "beef" up the protein. When I first started rads I was eating very little meat, and was totally exhausted and sick, but on the recommendation of my rads nutritionist, I increased my protein consumption and eat a protein rich snack right after rads (usually nuts, or yogurt) I also added a benidryl at bedtime to help me sleep better. I'm actually feeling better than I have for a long time (owie skin not withstanding) (I'm at 25 of 33 treatments)
Yes Califgirl. Snack, lots of small meals, are working much better for me. If I eat to seldom I feel really lousy. If I eat too much I feel bloated, sick and/or exhausted.
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SAN -- the aloe with lidocaine -- did you use any particular brand? Thanks
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Hi BLinthedesert:
I also like to run - started early fall last year, had to take a hiatus after surgery, but ran some during chemo when I felt well. I started 28 rad on April 3 and now have only 2 more to go. I have been running 3x/wk (but only 3-4 miles) and going to my boot camp and TRX classes 3x/wk. I also joined a trail running group that meets once a week (fun!)
My skin has that sunburned look now and is a little sore under my arm, but overall not too bad. The exercise had really helped to keep me sane through this. It helps tremendously with mood!! I think it has allowed me to maintain shoulder mobility and avoid stiffness. I have been a little tired on and off only the last few days, but generally no significant fatigue. I decided at the beginning of treatment that I wasn't going to have any (mind over matter?).
Sunscreen - my RO didn't specifically mention it during treatment, but did say I'd need to avoid sun exposure to the radiated skin and use sunscreen going forward. I'd ask your RO - you don't want to use anything irritating to the skin
I just lathered on the creams (Miaderm, Emu oil, steroid and Biafine) and wore a regular sports bra. I tried on a few of the tops with the built in bras but couldn't find one that fit well. (My TE's are about "C" cup size).
I hope you feel well during your treatment and are able to keep up the running! Best to you.
LovesDogs
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LovesDogs, Thank you so very much for your response. Congratulations having only two more treatments, it sounds like you have gotten through with flying colors. Running after chemo is likely to have been a much larger challenge than just rads -- good for you to keep up as much normalcy as possible. I am going to start some arm exercises today, I can already tell that there is some stiffness (that if it continues could change my running form - likely for the worse
). Interesting that you used steriod, do you mean like a prescription cream - I have some from a rash that I have had for many months now. I am starting Miaderm a few days before I start, and have my Emu oil ready and waiting!
Again, thanks for the sports bra information -- I have a ton of sports bras, and was hoping it wasn't going to be an issue with wearing them. I did buy some men's very soft cotton t-shirts and thought if it got bad near the end I would cut one of them up and use a large square as a barrier between the sports bra and skin.
Have a wonderful rest of the weekend (I have two dogs, I love them too!).
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Sandyland:
I also had a difficult time emotionally with the radiation. It wasn't entirely clear-cut that I had to have it, but the BS, MO and RO all said they would do it, so I chose to. About a week into it I was very weepy, cranky and discouraged. I felt that the staff were impersonal, I hated having to drive to the center every day and I think I was just sick and tired of treatment (after 6 months). I was also concerned about the effects on my reconstruction (TE's).
After spending a 3 day weekend away,reading some books, praying and meditating, I was able to let go of the resistance and just accept it, and that has made all the difference. I got to know the staff and now see them as kind and caring, I listen to music and say affirmations on the way to the appt every day and now am at peace during the treatments. I've had a much better outlook and the time passed quickly. I have only 2 treatments left.
Hang in there all of you who are discouraged. You will get through this!!
Happy mother's day and blessing to everyone.
LovesDogs
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BLinthedesert:
I think the shoulder exercises are a great idea. If you're able to keep moving I think you're much less likely to have stiffness or discomfort during/after treatment.
I have a prescription steroid cream, mometasone furoate 0.1%. I had some redness and itching in the upper inner corner of my skin and this has helped. I know some RO's use hydrocortisone cream. It may be best to run it by your RO before using what you have just to be sure.
I think the soft sports bras for exercising would be a good start. I've also worn soft cotton camisoles under my clothes instead of bras and this has been comfortable. It also keeps the Emu oil off my shirts. With the TE's, I don't really need a bra most of the time since they "stand alone"
LovesDogs
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Lovesdogs,
I appreciate your words regarding finally accepting the RADS. I was feeling and thinking the same way. I did what you finally did and have come to accept it. My only question is what type of diet have you followed during your treatment in order to keep up your energy level? I would love to know what I should change? I have a little girl and I have kept very active. I also have been walking at the gym and or the park. I just don't know what I can do to help with the fatigue. Maybe more red meat? I cut that out pretty much. not sure if that would help.
Thanks! -
linnyhop - I have skin breakdown where you are talking about -- just under the breast and it is very sore -- right now I using polysporin but will see the RO again tomorrow for and see what he says. I have 2 more left and I am DONE!!!
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Hi all. I have been reading through all the messages and getting ready to start 33-34 rads tomorrow even though it will be only 2 weeks since my last taxol tx. I met with the RO this week and he did the simulation. He told me that I cannot use anything on my skin unless they give it to me and he doesn't expect any skin problems. I think that is the kiss of problems to come. I have been the oddball through all of this BC stuff. I had a huge hematoma after surgery, I had a collapsed lung from port placement, and I had horrible SE's with taxol and still have pretty bad neuropathy. Anyway, I have learned a lot from all you wonderful ladies. I hope you all will help me through this journey!
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Joanne ~ Sorry you have the problem under the breast, too. I am finding it a bit hard to keep soothed and dry all the time. I will ask my RO what she thinks about using the Polysporin. Hope you will let me know what your doctor tells you. i would appreciate it. So glad you only have 2 more left! I have 9 or 10 regular and then 4 or 5 boosts to the lumpectomy scar. Can't wait for this to be done and the healing to begin for all of us. One thing I have been doing is if I wake up and I feel sore or "firey" I make sure I put on more MiaDerm right away. That seems to sooth things a bit so I can sleep better. I tried the Aquaphor but it didn't seem as soothing to me. Disappointing since it's much cheaper!
CatWhispurrer ~ You sill find lots of support and knowledge on this board. The women here are incredible. Sorry you have had such a hard journey. You deserve an easy time during rads for sure. I have developed bad neuropathy, particularly in my feet, post chemo...it's a real nuisance. Going to discuss it with my MO this week. If it's like lots of rad questions they will probably tell me it's not a side effect of treatment...LOL! Good luck as you start your treatment and know I will be thinking of you. The best advice I can offer is to moisturize your radiated area a LOT!
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CatWhispurrer-Keep a positive attitude and you will get thru this.
Joanne- I have the same issue under my breast. I have a teflon pad the nurse gave me wedge under my breast to keep it from rubbing together and dry. My RO said not to put anything on it as it need to dry out. Hope it feels better soon.
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For under the breast problems, I have been using flannel strips (cut from a baby receiving blanket) to soak up sweat and keep things dry there. It has been working very well and I highly recommend it!
I have been having real difficulties sleeping. It takes me awhile to fall asleep and when I finally do, it's not a restful sleep. I can't get comfortable and I wake up after sleeping for just a couple of hours. I don't know what's behind it. I'm done with treatment, so it's not the anxiety from that. Anyone else suffering from restless sleep?
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Hello everyone- I hope everyone had a good weekend, and all of the Moms had a wonderful Mother's Day.
I hope this helps someone else, as I think it has helped me. I was feeling really crappy, exhausted, lightheaded, headachy, etc.... I was also downing over 120 ounces of water w lemon every day (that's just what was in my water bottle). My husband told me I was drinking TOO much water. I checked w a worker at our local health food store. She told me you should drink half your weight in ounces of water each day (so if you weigh 140 lbs, then you should drink 70 oz water). I was probably drinking double that. Since then, I've cut back on the water and I'm drinking two glasses of low calorie Gatorade (am & pm), and I feel much much better. Normally, I wouldn't touch the stuff (my boys love it), but I have to admit, it has helped.... -
momof3boys -- So glad you are feeling better. It sound like the gatorade is helping you with your electrolytes -- when you drink "too" much water it can cause an electrolyte imbalance. I use electro-mix (see link below) as my electrolyte supplementation. It is a little cheaper than Gatorade, and doesn't have any sugar. When I am running, especially during the summer, I use one packet everyo 2-3 days, but in general, one packet could last 4-5 days. You can find them at any Whole Foods or natural foods market. I will my RO this week if it is ok to use -- I know there is some problem with antioxidents during radiation, otherwise Emergen-C would be another option.
http://www.emergenc.com/index.php/products/specialty/electro-mix
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