Any April/May 2012 rad girls out there?

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

    I everyone -- I am 2 weeks out and I am pretty good -- underarm is still tight and not nice to look at but overall healing.  The area under the breast is so much better - am able to wear a bra now --- but when I am home alone I do not .... any effort to keep that area dry seems to be working ...

    This certainly took me by surprise -- take care of your skin .... and healthy healing.

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  • Sandyland
    Sandyland Member Posts: 262
    edited May 2012

    Back from Austin...Wow, that was a looooong trip.  I drove out (2 - 12 hour days in the car) with my 19 year old daughter, who is going to be attending University of Texas Law School.  Since I have a client in nearby New Braunfels, TX, I worked in two days of meetings, then I flew home on Saturday.  I was brutally exhausted the entire time and shockingly uncomfortable traveling by myself. 

    I have been traveling the world (literally) by myself since I was a teenager...now, I get all freaked out taking a 3 hour flight from Austin to Long Beach??  What is WRONG with me??  I used to be super independent and capable and now I feel like a child, wanting to hold my DH's hand all the time.

    On a good note ~ my skin is finally healing from rads, although the boost site (incision) is still very red and blistered.  Now on to the next stage.  I think I'll start a thread about Tamoxifen...anyone else heading there next?

    Yay! for all of you finishing rads...it actually gets better pretty quickly ~ hang in there!

    SAN

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  • ashla
    ashla Member Posts: 1,581
    edited May 2012

    Hi everyone...

    Sorry I didn't find this forum sooner since I started my 27/7 rads the end of April and could have joined you along the way. I've got 3 more rds and 7 boosts to go but who's counting? I got some what so far appears to be great advice from my BC friends in the triple positive forum.



    I've been thru sentinel node surgery and port insertion, 6 neo adjuvant tch chemo and 4 and counting Herceptin infusions alone followed by a lumpectomy and all the SE's but I have found RADS to be the most psychologically straining treatment thus far. The length of it is the first obstacle. Also have had tomographic rads which is done face down and I am only slightly claustrophic but every minute has been a strain. Being still for about 15 minutes in total is sooo hard too.



    The machine broke when I was in it so technically I've had an extra treatment.

    The great advice I got from Omaz.. was to wear a plain cotton tank under my sports bra when possible. I wrap it under my breast so that the nylon , elastic of the bra doesn't touch your sensitive underboob area. Only the cotton of the tank does. So far s o good and I've got big boobs! Also Miaderm 4 times day has served me very well so far. I've been taking my shower @ night so I strt the night sweat free.

    I've recently started itching and the RO said I could use cortisone cream. Have not done so yet.



    At least we're not doing it in the middle of August! Good luck to you all

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

    sandyland -- I have started Tamoxifen already - started right after Easter - start of my rads -- so far so good -- no s/e that I can see.

    there are many threads on here already --- let me know where you post.

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  • bchygrl
    bchygrl Member Posts: 9
    edited May 2012

    Sandyland: I would also like to know where you post with the Tamoxifen thread. Think I'll be starting that regimen in a couple of weeks and am very apprehensive! My Dr. prescribed Effexor to help with Tamoxifen SE's, but I'm also concerned about it's SE's.

    I've had few problems with the rads until the last few days. Getting very tender, red and itchy. Seemed to all start with my second boost.

    Congrats to all that finished treatments! Time to begin a new chapter in your lives - a very positive one!

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

    bchygrl - I am on Effexor too -- started that about 3 weeks before Easter -- was on a different anti depressant and had to switch because of Tamoxifen.  I really do not see any s/e from that either. 

    I was on the other anti depressant because I was going through a break-up and was not sleeping - dr. put me on a mild dose -- instead of sleep meds -- take the edge off --

    like you said ... a new chapter .... we are all moving forward ... I think mine are baby steps sometimes.

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  • Califgirl12
    Califgirl12 Member Posts: 92
    edited May 2012

    Hi Mamglam, Cindy, and Gayle

    Good news to report. After giving my body 2 full days of rest, my wounds are dry and closing up. I didn't put anything on them today, like neosporene, just a clean bandage. They look much better. I am still going to ask for a break. The one area that gave me trouble is in the boost zone. I don't want to have to deal with a lingering wound that could turn into an infection or cellulitis.



    thanks for all the comments and advice. I was really worried. It stinks that stuff like this always happens on the weekends.



    Have a good week everyone.

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

    Glad you are doing better!

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  • Andimom03
    Andimom03 Member Posts: 162
    edited May 2012

    Got a question...seeing that many of you have had skin issues and mine are just simple and beginning, at what point did you see them get worse? I have 10 treatments left. Getting a little red and itchy, and wondering if I will probably have the worst ahead of me still. I'm not trying to anticipate the worst, but like to have some idea. When did those of you with serious issues have them start? My fatigue is so-so, and it was great having the 3 day break. 

    Just curious...thanks for answering when you have a chance. Hoping that you all continue to heal and find answers to all your questions.

    Andi 

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

    I had my 28 regular treatments.  Had just a little flaking skin. Had the 1st of 5 boosts on Thursday.  Friday morning I had a small blister.  By the time I had my treatment at 4:45 I had an open wound.  Then things just went to heck in a hand basket and by Thursday of the following week I'm getting scripts for antibiotics and pain pills. Spent this weekend putting the new improved goop on the sore spots 3 times a day..

    I really thought I was going to make it.

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

    I had 25 treatments -- my skin started to "peel" at 22 ... I used polysporin and glaxol base -- and avoided clothes :) ....

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  • MOT
    MOT Member Posts: 130
    edited May 2012

    So happy for the 3 day break -- my skin was beginning to get red and sore but it is fine and tanned now. Just hope the remaining boosts stickers stay on until tomorrow morning.....LOL of course the tan line is very strange and not normal.

    I feel lucky too that this is a "short week" as I will start boosts on Thursday, then will get a 2 day break then finish ALL on Wednesday.

    Using LOTS of miaderm, sometimes alternating with aloe.

    As I said, this has been a wonderful 3 day break from rads..... :) Hope everyone had a nice holiday!

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  • Sandyland
    Sandyland Member Posts: 262
    edited May 2012

    Andi ~ My skin started to get very red and slightly painful around tx 17 or 18.  By 22 or so I was beginning to blister, but you have to remember that my RO used a bolus for me for my first 18 tx's.  My blisters opened up and things got very painful around tx 24 or 25.  I had 36 total.

    Tamoxifen ~ Joanne already found me, but for anyone else who wants to join the discussion...I started a new topic under "Hormone Therapy Before During and After" called "Staring at my Tamoxifen Rx"

    Hope you are all managing your SE's well and blazing through rads with ease :)

    SAN

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  • MOT
    MOT Member Posts: 130
    edited May 2012

    Anyone doing aromatase/arimidex after rads?

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  • Andimom03
    Andimom03 Member Posts: 162
    edited May 2012

    Thanks, ladies. I don't want to expect the worst, but am glad to know. I get a bolus every other day. If this wasn't my body they were treating, the science of it would be fascinating! Bolus 5 more times out of ten, but no boosts. 

    Sandyland, I may join you or check in on the Tamoxifen thread. I start when rads are done. Hoped for the summer off of everything just to heal, but I don't expect this will be near anything I have had so far!

    We are hot and sunny here. had a great weekend, loved the 3 days off, and our son/girlfriend visited. It was wonderful - our youngest is in China til next weekend so the house is empty! We thoroughly enjoyed getting to know her better but I am exhausted today!  Definitely worth it though. Quiet week ahead. Hope to have the energy to get some projects done. One thing at a time, interspersed with lots of rest!

    Andi 

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

    Andi - I have joined Sandyland so come on over too .....

    I laughed when I read your comment ".... so the house is empty! We thoroughly enjoyed getting to know .....".  I thought you were going to say each other and then it said HER ...

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  • Andimom03
    Andimom03 Member Posts: 162
    edited May 2012

    HAHA!  Joanne, that's great!  We actually do enjoy some time alone, but are beginning to face the reality that football and field hockey seasons will be over far too soon. I don't mind time alone at all...my hubby will be lost when all the kids are gone. WE will be fine, but he won't know what to do. We plan to go away together when all this crap in my life is done and I am feeling better, for our 30th...and we will enjoy getting to know each other better then!  :)

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

    Andi -- good for you -- make it someplace special ....

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  • luvmygoats
    luvmygoats Member Posts: 2,942
    edited May 2012

    Finished rads on Wednesday.  Beginning to peel underneath now too and not sure axilla won't peel some.  Ouchee!!  On to MO next week for Arimidex.  FUN FUN!

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  • linnyhopp
    linnyhopp Member Posts: 567
    edited May 2012

    I finished my last whole breast radiation treatment today, at least that's what my RO said.  The tech (who isn't my usual guy as he's on vacation, said they were going to check to make sure I wouldn't have to have any more before my 5 boosts.  WTH?  I am very red and the skin under the breast is starting to peel.  Under breast and under arm are pretty sore.  I am praying that I just have the boosts left.  I should know tomorrow. 

    Wishing I could join you all on the Tamoxifen thread San has started.  However, I am "old" and post-menopausal so will be doing Arimidex instead.  Anyone here moving on to that drug?  I hope we will all touch base here one in awhile, or I guess you guys won't mind if I see how you are doing and post on your Tamoxifen board? 

    Andi ~ I am so with you on getting away.  My DH and I are going to go on a cruise in October.  Not going far...the Mexican Riviera...and we don't even have to fly to get there.  Just looking forward to spending some relaxing time and enjoying being away from all of the medical stuff for a whole week!  I think my DH and I need some alone time after the past year.  We would love to take a Mediterranean cruise next year if health and finances allow. 

    Hoping all of you who are finihsed are healing well emotionally and physically.  For the rest of us...hope it goes fast and we are on the road to healing soon.

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  • luvmygoats
    luvmygoats Member Posts: 2,942
    edited May 2012

    Heck I would settle for a quiet week at home.  I am not a great traveler, tend to be a worrier about Everything! and DH is a homebody for sure.  Not that we haven't gone/done in the past.  My goat herd keeps me kind of tethered here.  HOPING I can retire (only going on 60 so retire is not quite the word) last part of the year.  DH thinks we can do it financially.  Might be only beans/rice for us but house will be paid off.  Hope it works.  Still will have nursing license if I just have to use it again.

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

    Linnyhopp you can join us on that thread or we can stay here -- we are always going to be April/May rad girls ....

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

    Congrats to those finishing up...

    I knew I wouldn't be able to work until 5 Smile  Finished on Wen, Had a pt appt. on Thursday, Ended up going in to see RO for skin problems Friday... (altho I did go back to work after, even tho he thought I ought to go home) So today would have been my first day till 5.  Didn't make it. Embarassed At 4 I just couldn't stand it anymore.  Came home.  Had a crying fit. (first one in all of this)  Took a small nap and am now ready to face another hour or so "up" before bedtime.  Gah.  This stuff messes with your mind as well as with your body.

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

    well meltdown time here for me ...... I am going to my nephew's son's 1st birthday on the weekend --- I am driving up 2 hours for this ... and intend to stay for 2 hours -- bbq and cake and then home -- the grandma to this lovely fellow is my eldest sister ... who cried when I told her I had breast cancer in December and who has not YET managed to drive the 2 hours to visit me ....

    I cannot explain this feeling to my younger sister why I am so hurt and angry .... how do I get past this feeling ....

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  • mamglam
    mamglam Member Posts: 178
    edited May 2012

    Joanne_53,

    So sorry to hear about family your issues - hope they improve when you visit them this weekend.  

    Congrats to all who have now finished!!  My emotions have been up and down upon completion of treatment.  Every little irk is enough to make me tick - not sure if this is Tamoxifen SE.  I wish everyone happy healing!  

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  • LovesDogs
    LovesDogs Member Posts: 95
    edited May 2012

    Andimom03:

    I had 28 treatments with the bolus every other day.  I only had mild discoloration until about the 20th treatment, then progressively more redness of the skin; some itching.  No blisters or breakdown.  Had a little peeling under my armpit but that's about it.  I also have TE's.

     I hope all goes well for you.

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  • LovesDogs
    LovesDogs Member Posts: 95
    edited May 2012

    Ashla:

    Welcome!  Nice to hear you  are getting close to being finished. 

    I also found the rads to be difficult emotionally.  I finished 5/15 and am glad to have it behind me.

    I hope all goes well for you

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  • Sandyland
    Sandyland Member Posts: 262
    edited May 2012

    Joanne ~ I feel for ya.  I've been blogging since this whole nightmare started back in August and one of my blog posts is entitled, "Friends Who Show Up."  There's a lot to be said for those who said little, but were actually "there" for me.  I can understand your feelings about your sister.  If you have the kind of relationship that allows for honesty...you could tell her how you feel.  Otherwise, just do your best to forgive and move on.  Give yourself room to be emotional...totally normal.

    Linda ~ Yaaaaayyyyyy!  You are getting so close!  Tell the new tech to shove it...you're done with regular zaps! =]  Joanne is right...come on over to our new Tamox thread.  We discuss lots of stuff ~ love to have you!

    SAN

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  • ashla
    ashla Member Posts: 1,581
    edited May 2012

    Lovedogs,

    Thx for the welcome!

    Two more rads and 7 boosts to go and now I'm very, very red. Last week I had Herceptin so I seem to have perspired more. That may have done it.

    So far no breaks . I hope the boosts will be less trouble thn the whole breast rads. The red areas are not near the scar!

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

    Dear all,

    Hi, I finished rads yesterday so I will probably be moving on. I got away with redness and two very small places that have already peeled.  No pain, a bit of itchiness but I can ignore that.  I guess it pays to have AA boobs--less skin involved. 

    Anyway, I am reading your posts and have picked up on evidence of PTSD in some of them. I suffer from it myself. Here's some info on it from a .gov site, and remember we all have the potential to have it. It helps me to know that what I'm feeling (confusion, sadness, morbid thoughts, irritation, etc.) is part of this journey. Knowing it's PTSD helps me to work through those feelings much faster and move on.

    "Diagnosis and Symptoms

    Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is defined as the development of certain symptoms following a mentally stressful event that involved actual death or the threat of death, serious injury, or a threat to oneself or others. For the person who has experienced a diagnosis of cancer, the specific trauma that triggers PTSD is unclear. It may be the actual diagnosis of a life-threatening illness, aspects of the treatment process, test results, information given about recurrence, or some other aspect of the cancer experience. Learning that one's child has cancer is traumatic for many parents. Because the cancer experience involves so many upsetting events, it is much more difficult to single out one event as a cause of stress than it is for other traumas, such as natural disasters or rape. The traumatic event may cause responses of extreme fear, helplessness, or horror and may trigger PTSD symptoms.

    PTSD in cancer survivors may be expressed in these specific behaviors:

    Reliving the cancer experience in nightmares or flashbacks and by continuously thinking about it.
    Avoiding places, events, and people connected to the cancer experience.
    Being continuously overexcited, fearful, irritable, and unable to sleep.

    To be diagnosed as PTSD, these symptoms must last for at least one month and cause significant problems in the patient's personal relationships, employment, or other important areas of daily life. Patients who have these symptoms for less than one month often develop PTSD later..."

    So I've been taking tamoxifen since before I started rads (around the first of Apr) and have had NO SE other than mild hot flashes--maybe 3 a day on average.  I took it in the evening once and had wicked night sweats, so only take it in the morning.   I am taking a low dose of effexor which is probably helping the hot flashes. But no weight gain, no joint pain, nothing.

    Anyway, thanks for joining this thread I started and to those of you who are still in rads--you'll be where I am very soon! I'll see all of you on other discussion threads...

    XO

    Claire

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