Any April/May 2012 rad girls out there?

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  • mamglam
    mamglam Member Posts: 178
    edited May 2012

    Lory48,

    Congratulations!  You did it and now just to rest up and recover.  Your celebration sounds fun!

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  • LovesDogs
    LovesDogs Member Posts: 95
    edited May 2012

    Momof3boys:

    How long did your MO recommend that you wait after completion of rads to start Tamoxifen?

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  • Cindyl
    Cindyl Member Posts: 1,194
    edited May 2012

    Whaaa! My skin is peeling.  It burns, It itches.  I'm having stabbing pains in my breast and because I cannot wear a bra my back is screaming.  I'm usually pretty tough, but I'm sitting here crying, wishing I could just take enough medication to sleep until I heal up, but I can't.  Mom needs her dinner in a couple of hours, and then she'll need tucked into bed, so it's at least 5 hours before I can go off to bed. 

    Just to add a little something special to my day, Trooper (my hearing dog) is sick and has thrown up twice so far.  Blech.

    And still 3 more treatments to go.  Rads may be a breeze compared to what others are going thru but Whaaa!

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  • mamglam
    mamglam Member Posts: 178
    edited May 2012

    Cindyl,

    (((HUGS))) to you!  Sorry you are feeling this way - I hope things improve for you.  

    LovesDogs,

    I began my Tamoxifen before the radiation treatment began and the RO was okay about that.  It has been tolerable with few SE's.  

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  • MizMarie
    MizMarie Member Posts: 332
    edited May 2012

    Hang in there Cindy - better days are ahead!

    I'm less than 2 weeks out from rads, and my one burned area is peeling, and there is definite improvement. 

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  • Cindyl
    Cindyl Member Posts: 1,194
    edited May 2012

    The RO nurse told me Friday that the peeling meant the healthy skin cells had died, "but that's good news because it means the cancer is dying too!"  I wish I thought it was that simple.

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  • cher2012
    cher2012 Member Posts: 1
    edited May 2012

    hi, am getting mapped tomorrow and will get start day then i guess, about a week?  sorry i didn't make it sooner lol, but had some pleural effusion in right lung and had to get that checked out first.  so now i'm ready, although quite nervous but trying to be kool.......  

    you have probably just finished recently?  did it go okay?  are you healed?  how did your skin do?   thanks, cherie

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  • TexasRose2127
    TexasRose2127 Member Posts: 128
    edited May 2012

    LovesDogs-  My MO told me to start as soon as I complete RADS.  I am going to start the day after my last treatment. Filled the script 2 weeks ago.   Last treatment is Wednesday---- Woo Hoo!!!! onto my final part of my treatment plan

    Rose

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  • Michbunny
    Michbunny Member Posts: 91
    edited May 2012

    Cindyl, have you tried aloe vera gel (w/no alcohol) to soothe your skin?  I kept my bottle in the fridge and applied the gel as needed.  It doesn't help the peeling, but the coolness does feel good.

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  • TexasRose2127
    TexasRose2127 Member Posts: 128
    edited May 2012

    Cindyl- {{{HUGS}}} coming your way.  Not fun but we will get through this!

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  • Michbunny
    Michbunny Member Posts: 91
    edited May 2012

    This weekend my husband and I went on a long overdue, and much needed, getaway to the Catskill Mountains, NY.  We had a great time--our B&B was delightful and the breakfasts were spectacular!  Of course, I feel like a blimp and am afraid to go on the scale to see what damage was done.  But, it was nice to be catered to, that's for sure!

    We also did a considerable amount of hiking on the trails.  I'm so glad my stamina held up!  I'm feeling the effects now (and I kept dozing off in the car on the way home), but I'm proud that I was able to do the hikes and climbs.  It was worth it to see the spectacular scenery and waterfalls (my favorite).

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  • TexasRose2127
    TexasRose2127 Member Posts: 128
    edited May 2012

    cher2012-  I have completed 22 of 25 rad tx & my skin has held up pretty good.  A little red & blotchy & a little flaking.  Be prepared to have some skin damage on your back---apparently the rads goes right through!!!  Everyone has different symptoms so your experience may be different.  Welcome to the group  :-)

    {{{HUGS}}}  Rose

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  • Cindyl
    Cindyl Member Posts: 1,194
    edited May 2012

    Thanks for the good thoughts!  Yes I've been using Aloe and it helps some.  Most of my breast is not too bad, but the fold underneath? OW OW OW OW! I've use the mepilex dressing they sent home and it helped for a while, but now? OW.  I finally took a maxi pad and folded it sticky sides together and put that under my breast.  It seems to be helping some. I am so glad I am done with the wbr and just doing a limited field.  Maybe I will heal up.

    Michbunny, sounds like a lot of fun.  I'm hoping we can go somewhere fun sometime before the summer ends.

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  • LovesDogs
    LovesDogs Member Posts: 95
    edited May 2012

    Cindyl:

    so sorry to hear you are so uncomfortable - that is no fun!  I've got some peeling and soreness mostly under my arm and I've been liberally applying Miaderm.  I've also used Emu oil, Biafine and a steroid cream when it's itchy.  I hope yours feel better soon.

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  • LovesDogs
    LovesDogs Member Posts: 95
    edited May 2012

    mamglam:

    What side effects have you had with Tamoxifen?  I already have hot flashes, so can't imagine that will change much.

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  • LovesDogs
    LovesDogs Member Posts: 95
    edited May 2012

    Cher2012:

    I had BMX with TE's and finished rads 5/15 after 28 treatments.  My skin got just a little darker during the first half of the treatments, then gradually turned red - similar to how a sunburn looks.  The redness is gradually subsiding now, but the skin still feels a little rough and I have some peeling skin under my arm (this area was also the most sore) and just a little under my breast.  I've had some intermittent itching.  Overall, really not bad.

    I'm using Miaderm, Emu oil, Biafine and a steroid cream (for itching) to moisturize and soothe.

    I had a difficult time emotionally at first because I didn't really want to do the treatment, but once I stopped resisting and being negative, it was much easier.  I did not experience fatigue and have been able to mainting usual activities and exercise program.

    Here's hoping that you will do just fine with rads.

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  • LovesDogs
    LovesDogs Member Posts: 95
    edited May 2012

    TexasRose2127:

    Thanks.  My MO said to start the Tamoxifen a week after rads.  I guess there is alot of variation in when it's started.

    I hope your last 3 treatments are easy! 

    PS - I used to live in Colleyville.

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  • LovesDogs
    LovesDogs Member Posts: 95
    edited May 2012

    Michbunny:

    Sounds like a wonderful and well-deserved trip!!  Good for you.

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  • mamglam
    mamglam Member Posts: 178
    edited May 2012

    Michbunny,

    Your trip sounds fun and I am glad to hear that you were able to enjoy yourself.

    LovesDogs,

    The SE I have with Tamoxifen have been hot flashes and some bone pain (joint??) - these have been tolerable and the MO wants me to continue on.

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  • linnyhopp
    linnyhopp Member Posts: 567
    edited May 2012

    Cindyl ~ The maxi-pad idea sounds like a great one.  I am going to try it right away.  I knew it was coming and my breast is incredibly red and so sore in the fold underneath.  I am thinking one spot is going to blister and/or break open after a couple of more treatments, so will try the pad to keep the skin underneath from touching.  Thanks for the info.  Don't know what I will do about under the arm though.  I have been using Miaderm and I think tomorrow I will stop and get some aloe vera to add to the mix.  By the way, hoping Trooper is feeling better!

    Michbunny ~ Your weekend away sounds like it was just what you needed.  My husband and I went for a late breakfast and to an Italian festival in San Diego.  It felt so good to be out and a part of things again.  It's not like I was a hermit, but between chemo and then rads we hadn't really done the typical, fun weekend things we always did before.  After these rads and healing I look forward to even more fun.  By the way, I walked a lot today and like you, I was happy to be able to do it!  Loved being by the ocean (my favorite).

    Hope all of you have a greaty start to the week with no (or at least minor) skin issues!

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  • Joanne_53
    Joanne_53 Member Posts: 1,477
    edited May 2012

    congrats San and Lory -- it is such an emotional time -- long trip to get there and now you are done !!!  woohoo!!

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited May 2012

    Morning everyone- Peeling, peeling and more peeling. I am with most of yall with the crease under.. OWWW I am going braless most days, with a baby cloth under to keep the skin from touching. Saturday DH and I rode with a group of friends to various locals. I wore a bra (of course) with the baby cloth under and between the girls. After 250 miles and a bit warm motorcycle ride I was a tad swollen..to say the least. so back to braless and oiled up.. Now I am trying to get back ont he diet train, gotta lose 60 lbs. Praying for of you that are starting or partway through, for strong skin!

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited May 2012

    Dear all,

    congratulations to those who have finished rads. I have a week more then I'm done.  

    Sandyland, as you've read I'm experiencing some anxiety and i wonder if that is related to ending treatment. I feel similarly as you do.. I do think we would all benefit from reading what the PTSD definition is and make allowances for ourselves--because we all have the potential to experience some PTSD because of our dx.

    My skin: red and mottled, a dry red patch above my collarbone--but so far that's it. However the right side of my back is red!  I guess the rads "bleed' through, too.  I'm sleeping a lot more though...rad fatigue, and weariness of tx in general.  

    My hair typically grows pretty fast, so my hair is over 2" now chemo ended 3/21...very wavy unlike the way it was (straight).  Silvery blonde on top, darker on the sides.  I'm not coloring or cutting till tx is over, though...and not sure I ever want chems on my head again. I love being able to wash it, let it dry and not doing anything else to it...I may keep it short but right now I want to know what it's like to have wavy hair, so I'll let it grow a bit for a while!

    Hugs

    Claire

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  • linnyhopp
    linnyhopp Member Posts: 567
    edited May 2012

    Claire ~ It isn't nice to admit, but I am jealous of your hair growth.  I finished chemo shortly after you and I am just now seeing some fuzz.  However, I am grateful to know that at least it will come back.  I know what you mean about chemicals from hair dye, but don't think I can put up with this gray and whatever color it now is "look." 

    Lory ~ I am using men's white 100% cloth hankies in my bra.  Wish I could go braless, but not a good look at an elementary school!Laughing

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited May 2012

    Hey Linny, I used a vinegar rinse...as soon as I saw hair growth.  I read somewhere that it stimulates growth.  Maybe that helped! I also practice an intense form of yoga...lots of sweating and primo circulation to head and elsewhere. My growth may be related to that.

     I know what you mean about the gray. I'm 53 and feel too young to go all gray. I'm seeing my stylist next week to talk about organic coloring products.

    Claire

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  • fredntan
    fredntan Member Posts: 1,821
    edited May 2012

    Claire let us know what your hairstylist says about hair dyes.



    I think i may have turned a point here. I am way less emotional. Havnt cried in week! Am off my antidepressants(started while on chemo).



    Will see what this week holds. Have to see my new breast sx about sx early next year for diep. And then see my regular MO who will give me the tamox script



    Am going to sign up and start training for half marathon in nov. I know i can at least walk it if i need to. Not sure about running with this TE. Will ask BS this week

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  • linnyhopp
    linnyhopp Member Posts: 567
    edited May 2012

    Claire ~ Thanks for the vinegar rinse tip.  How many parts vinegar to water?  And, how often did you use it?  Hey, it's a cheap and easy way to try and promote hair growth.  Saw my MO Thursday and he didn't want me to take Biotin for some reason.  Not clear as to why really, had so many questions that I forgot to really ask for specifics.  So happy that you and Fredntanare able to do your normal exercise routines.  I try to walk, but the neuropathy in my feet gets worse when I do.  It seems to cause more numbness and pain when I walk.  Yesterday I walked quite a bit and especially my right foot was numb on the ball of the foot and it felt like my toes weren't there, but they still hurt.  Weird feelings.  I am taking B Complex and L-Acetyl Carnitine for it...hoping it's not permanent!  I don't know what hurts more the feet or the boob from the radiation. LOL!  Hoping one will cancel out the other.

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  • fredntan
    fredntan Member Posts: 1,821
    edited May 2012

    Oh i havnt startec training. Just thinking about it. Lol. Next week we will see

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  • ang7894
    ang7894 Member Posts: 540
    edited May 2012

    I am on nioxin shampoo and conditioner to grow hair back and am using biotin was told from doctor it was OK now to do.But so far just a little fuzz so I am starting to grow something but I am only out of chemo 3 weeks I am just on herceptin now and on rads. I am also interested in the vinegar as well what kind? reg or apple cider ?  Whoo 10 days down from rads..

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  • Joanne_53
    Joanne_53 Member Posts: 1,477
    edited May 2012

    Lory, I was in pain all weekend -- polysporin, corn starch and saline rinses --- my nipple has peeled !!! yuk !!! I really am surprised what this did to me -- I did not expect it and I was good right up to the 22nd treatment -- 25 was too many.  Anyway I think I am now on the upside of healing so looking forward to it.

    I am starting tomorrow to get back on track too -- no more chocolate or chips -- too many bad behaviours for too long -- enough is enough -- I am healing physically and emotionally and time to take control.

    Stay strong everyone -- look after yourselves -- continue to lotion up.

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