Any April/May 2012 rad girls out there?

I was good for 29, but 30-33 are taking their toll. I'm peeling like crazy, under the breast, under arm, nipple... I lost most of the pigment around my nip.  It's basically white.  Two more.  Just two more. 

ang ~ I am going to ask my MO about using Biotin.  I am getting impatient about just having fuzz on my head!

Cindyl ~ I am glad you at least lasted til the very end to get the bad stuff.  I am at 22 and my breast is so sore underneath and so is my armpit.  Wow...don't know why I never thought about the white nip being a possibility.  That has to be weird.  I won't be surprised if it happens to me with the burn I already have.  

Joanne ~ I am going to ask about the saline soaks tomorrow when I see my RO.  I know some of the women here did use Domeboro (sp?).  Did you use it as well?

So I found out today that the giant radiation machine I am using is going to be down for repair from Wednesday to next Monday.  I am so bummed that there will be another break in my treatment.  I asked the tech if the interruption can cause issues since they are always stressing how important it is to have continuous treatments.  He said I should discuss it with my doctor tomorrow when I see her.  You can bet I will have that talk since it worries me.  I just want it over, but maybe the break in treatment will give my skin a break as well?  Wishful thinking, huh? 

Linnyhopp - I'm the one that used Domeboro.  Says for weeping sores or something like that.  I quit after about 2 days but notice nip is REALLY sore tonight so might have to go back to it.  Peeling and very pink.  I tan well so don't have white nip.  I think something happening underneath but have though that all weekend.  Very sore and also underarm.  Bought to fall asleep typing this.  No need for hydrocodone.

2 bolus tx left and I'm done.  Tech said today some - most women bring mothers, sisters, husbands, in with them to last tx.  Have DH but he will be 30 miles away and actually on his day off.  Don't see him driving in.  Mom has passed and no sisters.  Good friend at work but we are so stressed right now and she's trying to get off on vaca Thursday.  So guess it will just be me.  Ring the big bell and go to work.  No time to shop for anything for techs.  Maybe just bring in donuts Wed.  I wish I could pull off the whistle blowing.  That sounds like fun.

TTYL

Joanne_53,

Sorry for the discomfort you have been having all weekend long - hope things improve quickly for you.  I have been using a barrier cream called Proshield which does seem to help with the friction of clothes (bra) specifically the nipple.  I am using this under the breast as well.  

Today was my last day at the wound care clinic that I was going to for my radiation burns.  I have been healing well and most of my wounds are closed and no longer angry and weeping.  My right side is sore and is tender in the armpit.  

Wishing you all the best.

Joanne & luvmy goats ~ Thanks for your info on the soaks.  I am going to ask about what you have told me about.  There has to be some slight relief...I hope!  I actually forgot about the Memorial Day holiday on Monday so no rads for me until at least Tuesday.  Joanne, thanks for the encouragement about the delay.  I have to admit it will be good to see if the break in radiation helps the skin and i don't really have a choice so I will enjoy the little vacation from the fryer!

I have gone to all of my treatments on my own.  My husband did go with me to the initial meeting with the RO and from then on I have gone for treatment and then right to work.  I guess I could ask him to go with me on the last one if he can arrange his work schedule, but I think I will probably be fine on my own if it works out that way.  My niece makes specialty cupcakes...decorated and yummy.  She is going to make some with a "thank you" motif for me to take to the staff on the final day...whenever that is!

Mamglam ~ I am also VERY interesting in info on the Proshield.  I am so happy you are healing well.  I had to go to a wound clinic for a skin issue that became a large open wound on my lower leg a couple of years ago.  I know how painful the treatment is so I am hoping not to have to go there again with breast issues!  I also hate the scarring it left me.

Linnyhop,

Sorry to hear that you have been left with some scars from your previous wounds.  Proshield is a moisture barrier cream and hopefully, available in most drugstores (pharmacies).  Do speak with the pharmacist for help and I am sure he/she will be able to guide you.  

I completed my treatments 3 weeks ago and have started feeling less tired.  The dietitian I saw, had recommended to eat foods with protein, zinc and vitamin C.  I have been trying to follow this recommendation and feel it has been helping.   

Lory -- good luck -- I find that the cool compresses helped at the worse times --- things are settling a bit now --

my armpit looks disgusting -- someone that did not know me would think that I do NOT bathe -- the actual armpit has peeled and it is back to almost normal looking but the part right below and into the lymph node incision is BLACK and looks like I need to scrub ....

slathering lotion on it ....

I just cannot believe what this has done to me -- I was really quite shocked -- I got through 22 without any effects.  

Baby steps ....

Help from anyone I am only 11 days in and my under breast is already red and getting sore what can I put on it. My ro only gives us radia gel . And do I wash it off before rad appointments?  Also what to get if and or should I say when it comes to itchiness?

I am also at number 20 today.  I am really feeling sore, I don't have a breast there, but I have a blister at one end of my scar that hurts, redness and a rash all over including my back (shoulder).  I am very worried that this week is going to get really difficult.

Ang7894 - I was told to not apply anything 2 hours before rads as my only guideline.  Shower at night so not a problem.  Didn't rub/wash anything off before rads.  Don't know about Radiagel.  A quick Google search did not turn up contents of it.  I used prescription Xclair and Aquaphor.  Swore I hated the Aquaphor but have come to love it even with it's greasiness.  I will be trashing several sports bras from Wally World and 3 nightgowns from Goodwill that are greased up.  I tan pretty easily but my nip got very red/peeled.  RO said today probably all the peeling I was going to do.  I did use Domeboro soaks (OTC at Walgreens).  Said for weeping which never had, was kinda soothing on nip but then I didn't use it much.  What part hurts the worst?  Try to minimize rubbing.  Mine felt better confined in a bra and definitely did not want to bend over and let it hang free.  OWEEEE.  See lots of gals on here use Miaderm.  Also heard of Jeans cream and My Girls.  I would check with RO if you can't use something in addition.  Aquaphor is OTC, used on superficial burns like for skin cancers.  Tube about $5.00 or so. They may be hitting you hard because of your DX being HER+.  Just a thought.

Tomorrow is LAST bolus.  Have sweet thank you card and will stop to get donuts.  I will love sleeping in to, of let's say, 6:45 Thursday morning.   Followup with RO late June, then I think BS about that time also.  Have to find appt. card.  See MO next week or more likely the week after to start Arimidex.  Not looking forward to that.  Hot flashes in Texas in the summer.  Never had them in menopause so maybe won't have them with AI.

Hope something I suggested helps.  It is doable.

Lory & Joanne - Sorry you all are peeling so much.  I too have dark areas underneath.  Have to trust the RO that dark is just dark and not peeling dark.  SNB site looks faintly dark more like dark freckle like.  

MOT - I should be done about 8 am Central Time.  Yeah.  Thanks for thinking about me.

Thank you Joanne 53 and Llory48  for the info I will go to the drug store to pick this stuff up and have on hand.