June 2012 Radiation Rads

Nancy, I have done tons of reading about fatigue. Here's what I found out:

High protein diet helps. 1 gram of protein per kg (2.2 lbs) of body weight. If you weigh 120 lbs, then 60 g of protein.(www.breastcancer.org)

Omega 3 fishoil  supplements also help. (Alfano CM, Imayama I, Neuhouser ML, et al. Fatigue, Inflammation, and ω-3 and ω-6 Fatty Acid Intake Among Breast Cancer Survivors. Journal of Clinical Oncology. 2012;30(12):1280-1287.)

American Ginseng--2000 mg per day also helps (Mayo Clinic research just released this study last month.)

I have had almost no fatigue and finished my regular treatment last week. In fact, I sometimes forget my ginseng till the afternoon and can't get to sleep.

 No guarantees, but they are working for me.

 Off now to go find cortisone cream!

All my white bras are now yellow on the right from my calendula cream. Oh well. At least my skin is better than it would have been without the calendula, right?

Happy 4th! I actually haven't had any treatments this week. Monday was cancelled because the machine was broken and then they couldn't reschedule me for yesterday because other people took priority for makeup appointments. And they're closed today. I have mixed feelings about this - my skin has appreciated the break - I'd gotten a bumpy itchy red rash on my upper chest - but this means my ending date is pushed further out.

I've put cornstarch on it (it seems to be related to my sweating, especially when our power was out) and taken Motrin for my rash. I know others have used hydrocortisone cream but I didn't get the OK from my RO for that yet. The Motrin seemed to help a lot, working both on the inflammation & decreasing the itching. Using Miaderm, calendula & aloe on the rest - the pinkness is fading with this break in treatment.

And NancyHB, your naming pattern reminded me of that Seinfeld episode where Jerry has to figure out the girl's name which rhymes with a female body part....

Happy 4th of July. So nice to have a mid week break. Only 5 treatments left for me, one regular and 4 boosts.

I was told my treated breast would shrink? Have you heard that? So far , I think it looks ok, just hard. Feel like I am carrying around a brick. My nipple is almost black and my breast is very red. Does anyone know if normal colors and textures return.

I asked my tech if I was cured yet? He said yes! Can't wait to hear that from my MO. I
see her in August.

I hope you are all having a nice day sans any pains. Thanks to Advil, I'm feeling pretty good.

BIG HUGS JENN!! Your post just made me burst into tears...One of those days!!!Can't stop crying but I am right there with ya. That is ONE of my issues today. I feel like a big blubbering BABY! And I should be happy, my last rad was yesterday but I feel the opposite. UGH!!

Healing, comforting Hugs,

Denielle 

PS.  Staging today for me.

I have very mild lymphedema that extends a little ways down the side of my torso towards the breast.  I'm sure praying that doesn't get worse and that they can miss zapping that part.

Jenn:  Your post made me really stop and think - and yes, there's a part of me that wishes perhaps I'd made a different choice, for all the reasons you mentioned (and then some).  I feel blessed that I had the choice (MX or not) that others don't always have...but don't know if either choice was the right choice for me - perhaps the lesser of two evils?  Either way, I'm really over this stupid cancer and want to be "normal" again.  Will we ever be?

Denielle:  Congrats on being done with rads!  I am sending you lots of healing and gentle hugs and hoping you start feeling better soon.

Akinto:  Thanks for the suggestion of protein - I'm going to work on that.  It's been incredibly hot here the last week and I've not been eating as much as I probably should - except popsicles.  :-)  Too hot to cook inside or out (101 yesterday).  But there's always tuna and peanut butter and last night I made a batch of hummus - so I'll keep up with the protein (and I *wish* I weighed 120 pounds!  Hopefully, maybe again one day...)  I'll also ask about the supplements.  Thanks for your help!

Mamabee:  I remember that Seinfeld episode!  "Mulva!"  :-)  I have a friend who's originally from a place in Canada named Regina (rhymes with vagina) so if I get desperate I've got a couple of options.  Oh, and there's always "Delores."  Yes, I name things - I started doing it when I was learning about Narrative Therapy techniques which has us externalize internal issues and give them a name - it's about separating ourselves from our problems, in a nutshell.  It started as a joke, but I quickly found that naming some things allows me to separate myself from what's going on in my body - and gives me a feeling of control, I guess.  Plus, it's kind of silly - and I'm all about trying to lighten the mood lately.

Off to 17/30 - then back to the AC.  We're looking at 102 here today.  Hugs to everyone on this Thursday morning.

Nancy - I still want to know if it's Ethel and Lucy!

I had my staging today.  The gals are not going to win any awards for the 'artwork' on my torso.  At least they didn't use tattoos.   They also are starting my treatments on Monday.  Last week when I saw the doctor he said they would start in about 3 weeks.  I was looking for more of a break but at least I'll get finished sooner.  Everyone was nice and I was not uncomfortable.  If the treatments are similar to the staging I should be fine.

Tomorrow at 1230 I finish my 25/25 rad. Champagne is waithing for me in the fridge. It's like I can't believe it. I'm finished ... ))) skin is fine. No pain, just a little red above the collar bone and under my arm.

Congrats Rava! I can only hope that we all finish up like you :-)



Jenn

Congratulations Rava!!

Sweetpea - I had the same "diagnosis" and luckily the pain/redness went away after a couple of days. The nipple / areola is still all swollen and tender.



Rava - Congrats! It does seem like you just started last week!



Hildy - you're almost there! I'm officially over halfway done. 17/33.

I like that - "angry nipple." Sounds like an anti-hero or something with super powers.  Hmmm...

Yesterday I noticed my nipple is starting to change.  Much darker than normal.  And very sensitive.  It also seems to be getting bigger - but that could just be my imagination.  I swear, before BC I never paid this much attention to my girls, but now I can't seem to keep my eyes and hands off of them.