June 2012 Radiation Rads

What a mess Lagata.  Hang in there.

Had my 5th rad today.  Machine was broken so I had to wait 1 hr. 45 min.  Last week I had to wait an hour one day because of a broken machine.  I hope this doesn't become a pattern.

akinto:  Don't know where you're located but I'm in Michigan and hoo-boy, are we struggling with the heat and dryness.  My front lawn is *gone* - don't even care anymore.  I hate A/C because it's expensive but we've been turning it on from time to time just to stay sane.  And my hot flashes seem to be in full swing.  I thought I drank alot of water during chemo, but it feels like I'm pouring gallons of water and tea into myself these days...

I've been running as early in the morning as possible, but this last week was the worst with being tired.  Running has become difficult (I have a race next Sunday, all I want to do is *finish*).  My final whole breast rad was Friday (yea!) and I start my final seven boosts tomorrow (double yea!)  My RO said the fatigue will start lifting during the boosts - I hope she's right.

Akinto - I had the same 16 treatments and just finished my 4 boosts last week.  My boosts were because my margins from surgery were .5 - is that why you had the boosts added also? The boosts don't hurt and mine were much quicker - only one zap on each side.

I am glad you are doing so well.  My skin held up pretty good too.  Now that it is over, you can still see the outline of where my radiation hit, I describe it as looking like an iron was placed on my chest.  My Nipple turned black and is now peeling.  You can also see the pattern of the boost.  I think this may be another one of those gifts that keeps on giving.  I am still getting more red, even though I haven't been treated since last Wed.  Some spots are really red and sore, especially under my arm. I am still very tired although I have been able to work every day.  My RO said I was so red because I am also taking Arimitex.

Can anyone tell us how long it will take for the redness to fade?  I am ready now but I know that is only a wish.  I see my MO on August 7th.  I hope to be given a good diagnosis at that time.

Legata - I hope you are resting comfortably.  It sounds like we all praying for you!  You just can't have enough Angels! 

Hats off to all of you that have been able to walk and exercise.  I never tried Yoga in the past but have been gradually adding the stretches to my daily routine - thats to the links that were added on this site.  I haven't really gained weight - or lost any for that matter.  When I feel up to it, I'm joining Curves.  I know I need to do something!

Denise, my RO said to wait until the raw patches healed.  Took about 3 weeks for me.

Akinto are you in Canada?  I here you about the Grade 3 comedo necrosis!  One of my margins was 3.5 mm and another was 5mm.  Not fun at all it makes me nervous.  I'm in the US.  I get 33 rounds I am not sure if I'm having 5 or 7 boosts.  I think 5.  I will have to ask tomorrow. 

Nancy I remember those muggy Michigan summers.  Don't worry about the lawn it will recover once the fall rains start.  It is really hot here too but not as muggy.  When it gets near 100F we still sweat though. My walk to the bus for treatments is during the hottest part of the day but it is not a long walk and there is a little tree to shade me at the bus stop.   I'm in the Judean hills and almost every night after sundown it cools off enough to turn off the AC.  Of course when the temp goes down the humidity goes up. Can't have everything.

Peggy 

Hi All,

So glad to see many of us nearing thee nd.

lagata, Hope you are home soon, well and comfortable.   I was told I couldn't swim (pond,pool or ocean) all summer and I finish this week.  My vacation is at the end of August so I hope my skin has begun to heal.  Currently red, sore and brown stuff is peeling and ITCHY!!

Good news I am doing boosts this week. 1 down today and 4 to go.  I am getting ready for the Happy Dance. I have invited friends over Saturday night and there will be alochol involved.  I still have 10 more hercpetin, but the worst is over.  Like many of us, I have been at this for waht feels like forever and I am not a marathon runner!

Also today is my birthday, I feel good and the end is in sight. I am working from home today and getting alot accomplished, so it feels like a good day all around.  And both my teenagers remembered and wished me a Happy Birthday.   When I was DX in Septmeber I was pretty sure I would still be here, but didn't know what the year would hold in terms of SE's etc.   Hopefully a better year to come.

Gentle day to all

Nel

Lagata - I'm praying for you.

Nel - Happy Birthday!

I swam right through radiation this time - but in a saltwater pool! Last time I didn't though, as my swimsuit kept irritating the one red spot I had (collarbone.)

My skin got a little pinker the last two days after I finished (on the 12th) but has stabilized. I still have some darker skin patches under my left breast from radiation there in Sept/October last year.

Nel happy B day.  I'm jealous that your almost finished.

I finished Rads on Tuesday and am soooo excited!  So exhausted and sleeping a lot but that is ok.  My poor body needs to heal after 4 sugeries....5 months of chemo...28 radiation treatments and a staph infection, shingles, broken ankle and a slightly collapsed lung after TRAM surgery.  I have definitely had enough. Time to figure out what is normal after I get my energy back.  After hours of napping...time to make some dinner.....back to the real world   I am so happy to be me again!  Hang in there everyone--it is a rough road but you can do it!

WOW, what an ordeal you have been thru Bonseye. You are the poster child for "what does not kill you makes you stronger"!! You made it. We are all happy for you.

Woo hoo! Congrats Bonseye! You rest as much as you can.

Congratulations Bonseye! Take care of yourself.

Mimikitty - That's great news for you!  And thanks for sharing the information; I'm sure there are many women here who will be able to use that information to guide them in their treatment.  It's nice to know it's possible to get disability in some circumstances.  So glad for you.