July 2012 Radiation

Isabelle2:  I hope this week is much easier for you.  When I lie on the table, I close my eyes and do a mental image of something I really like--like a massage.  That's how I got through that MRI on my stomach.  I just kept visualizing a wonderful massage.  Kept my mind from wandering to what was really happening and I had less anxiety as a result.  My armpit is hurting--kind of like a razor burn.  Other than that, no pinkness thus far...

Julz - what a nice surprise visit from your friend!  Hope your bronch clears up soon!

#26/30 complete today.  First boost.  It took about 10-15 minutes to set up like they said it would.  It was the same body position as the WBR so they marked my breast and took an xray and then did that a few more times.  Then they took a few pics with the digital camera and then the treatment began.  I can't believe this is my last week.  It went by quickly.  People around me say it's time to celebrate, but I don't feel much like celebrating.  Radiation treatments will be done but I don't know that we're every completely done once we start down this crazy path.

Got through #5 in 22 minutes this time & I guess this is 20% done...that sounds so much better.    Visit with my onc & cried the whole time...what a boohoo I am but he is very understanding and kind.

graced: I understand that "none celebration" feeling...I think all I feel is sadness right now.  Will be good just to get over that.

Graced - I went for my first boost today and they said the doc wanted to make some changes with my alignment so I didn't get anything done so now I get stuck going back Monday. It has gone by faster than I thought and my skin is a little burnt but that's it. I am starting to feel a little lost as to what to do after this. Being triple negative there is no hormone therapy for me, I feel like I'm just waiting for it to come back some day.

Jag - I can relate to not knowing what to do. I purposely scheduled mine early in the day to make mysef get up and put make-up on and get dressed, so going early every day felt like I was still going to work (I resigned in March). When it was done I was like, so what do I do now??? I'll be looking for work next month, but for now I'm just trying to get my bearings.

Kijibery - almost halfway through. Congrats!

Hi, gals,

I did my rads in late summer of 2004, so I'm just back to visit! I wanted to recommend that you plan something for yourself for the end of treatment... Something to celebrate the milestone. A lot of women feel a letdown at the end of treatment - you've been fighting, fighting, and then it's over. You start to put your feet back down and realize that you've been through a life-changing experience, and "normal" isn't there to go back to. You have to find your "new normal."

So I think it helps to do something to mark the new start - buy a candle, or go out to dinner, or something. I threw myself an end of radiation party at my house.

((hugs)) Donna

29/34 done = 85% done (only 5 boosts left to do)

I, too, had my first boost today.  graced you are going to beat me by one day since I have to do six boosts.  My boost was totally uneventful.  I feel like that the little engine from that childhood book--I think I can, I think I can, . . .

Jag1110 - I am having the same feelings as you.  I am only weakly ER+ so hormonal therapy may or may not be beneficial to me.  Thus, I am faced with whether to do it or not.  My MO wants me to do it but still needs to convince me of its effectiveness.  Are the side effects worth the very low possibility that it will help me?  We are just going to have to find the new normal and get on with our lives--easier said than done.  Did you have your first boost or was it delayed because of set up issues?

SillyMama (Donna) - Thanks for showing up and posting such a positive comment.  I was happy to see that you are a survivor since 2004.  It gives us all hope.  I'm thinking of throwing myself a combination end of rads and birthday party.  Birthdays will be much more special from now on.  I will be happy to be 58 years old.

Babette - mine was 90-100% positive and I'm still thinking of trying w/o it. I was on HRT prior to the cancer and I had practically no hormones before the HRT. I'm hoping blood tests will show I've retunred to that without the HRT. I'm hoping they ar low again. I want to at least try with diet and supplements. I wish yuwe on yur decisions. It's a toughie. I'm on one side of the fence one weak and on the other the next.

SillyMama - I'm fairly new here but I will be swimming with the dolphins soon. How's that for a off rads treat? I can't wait!

Good luck all on the rads and boosts. This too shal pass!

HAPPY TUESDAY!

Kara,

My collarbone and armpit looked just like that. Still do a little and I am 11 days out. My RO gave me an Rx for Silvadene (SSD). Its a burn cream. Works wonders. Maybe they can call some in for you. Unless you are allergic to Sulfar drugs. Good luck. I know it hurts like a "you know what". Grrrrrrrrr

Kara, I have been using this ointment multiple times a day and it has been great.  The RO and the techs have said my skin looks great for 5 weeks in.  I am red and itchy but not nearly as much as most people they say.  The RO said the ointment was good because it didn't have alcohol and because calendula is very good for skin issues.  Black tea bags that have been steeped and then cooled have also been soothing for me.  I have also used essential oils which I know are less conventional but have also been very helpful.  A few drops of lavender oil diluted into a tablespoon of any type of carrier oil (olive, almond, sesame, etc.) and applied to the skin.

http://www.cherylchapman.com/herbal_touch.html

I hope you find relief soon!

kjiberty: The Chicago Ritz Carleton is awesome.  Actually Chicago is awesome!  Have a great time celebrating the wedding and the end of radiation.  I have a business trip scheduled to Austin, and my husband is joining me there for the weekend.  We're staying at the Driskill, and will enjoy good food and some local sights.  It will be nice to be able to travel again.  I live in Snellville, GA (it's as bad as it sounds) and I get out of town as often as I can. 

Kara:  Ouch!  I feel for you.  My RO nurse recommended vitamin E oil.  You can also try eating more protein, since that helps the cells heal.

Mini1: I'm wondering why the MO doesn't measure our estrogen before deciding to put us on an AI.  From the hot flashes I'm having, I can't imagine I have much estrogen in my system...  I'm going to ask about it at our next appointment.

Isabelle2: I'm o sorry that you're feeling such sadness!  I keep focusing on how the radiation is killing the last few cancer cells, and I'm happy to get them out of me.  I've found Brenda Stockdale's book, "You Can Beat the Odds" very helpful.  She's teaching a class at my radiation center and it's very good.  It might work for you too.

#6 done....I guess that is 20%  & 25 min. on the table this time .Now if we could shave some time off the drive...still hour each way....Went to my ladie's club to play Bid Euchre this afternoon...I love the game and it is such a good distraction...came home and made Bananarama cookies for tomorrow's Marathon Bid Euchre luncheon.  Tomorrow I start driving with the Canadian Cancer Society & that will give my man a little break.

Tab 55 thanks for the info & I will check it out.   If I could shake this sadness & tearing all the time I could cope so much better.

That "burning" information is scary but at least I am forwarned ...getting lots of good healing info.  You women are all so brave.

BTW what is a boost?  Hugs to all of you.

Kara:  I hope the Silvadene works for you.  I have had scripts for it for burns in the past.  

Isabelle:  Congrats on being 20% done.

Tab55:  I love Austin too!  My niece starts school there next week at UT.  Great city.  I have stayed at the Four Seasons, so this will probably be very similar, since it's right across the street.  Maybe I will get a little retail therapy under my belt as well at Water Tower or 900N.  

I am NOT looking forward to the S/E's (cooking, pinkess, rashes, etc).  I am just hoping they will be minimal so I don't look too awful in the wedding photos--don't want to break the camera!   

Tab:  Thanks!  You too!