Winter RADS 2012 Club...Please come join the fun!

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  • Waitingforthenextstep
    Waitingforthenextstep Member Posts: 251
    edited December 2012

    Jazzygirl

                I am considering the brachytherapy option.  This is the radioactive seed implant for 5-7 days?  It sure seems easier than the other rad protocols.  I hope it goes well for you, and interested to hear how it goes.

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  • Loving
    Loving Member Posts: 37
    edited December 2012

    I started peeling under my arm tonight. It is sore! Glad I had today and tomorrow off. Back at it on Wednesday.



    Merry Christmas!

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  • Lifeonitsside
    Lifeonitsside Member Posts: 250
    edited December 2012

    Merry Christmas and blessings to you all as we move into the new year.

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  • cypher
    cypher Member Posts: 508
    edited December 2012

    Cancersucks, I'm so glad you caught it before it spread.  Did they do an oncotype test on you?  Also presumably they will put you on tamoxifen when you're done with rads?  It is a terrifying diagnosis.  My two cents -- it is perfectly ok for you to feel terrified, angry, depressed, whatever mix of emotions you are feeling.  I allowed myself a screaming, crying tizzy fit akin to what a cranky, ill-behaved 3 year old might do when there was no one around to hear it.  I'm sure it must be tough to go through this as a single mom in particular because -- I think this is a time for you to be a bit selfish, and it's hard to do that with 3 young kids.  I don't know where you are located but there are also lots of support groups around, and you can also try immerman's angels -- they can set you up with a phone mentor.  Be grateful that you dodged the chemo bullet -- you will definitely be able to work through rads, though you might not be up to your full range of activities.  (I know you're probably not feeling super grateful right now....)  They say eat lots of protein. 

    Ok a question for you ladies -- I'm 11 days in and am starting to get pink.  Am I on schedule with this, ahead of schedule, behind schedule ...?  Just trying to get an idea what to expect for the next month. 

    Thanks all and happy holidays!

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  • aliyahgirl
    aliyahgirl Member Posts: 23
    edited December 2012

    Hi Cypher, hope you had a great holiday.  I also started getting pink around day 11 or 12 - just mildly and light brown around the edges.  Over time, the brown became a little browner and the pink kind of spread all over the breast - but no pain or burning.  Now (4th boost tomorrow) it's pretty much all turned to colorful shades of brown and occaisionally I feel itching in one spot.  Loobing helps most of the time and otherwise, it eventually passes,  Also i occaisionally get these "ziggars" - fast shooting pain through my breast.  It's weird - sometimes I hear myself saying oh! out loud - it comes out of nowhere and lasts for just a few seconds - but hang on to your hat!  But the RO said it's normal during tissue and nerve repair.

    Lifeon - it's so nice to see your post.  How are you feeling?  Did the scare you had work out OK?

    Have a great day tomorrow, everyone.  Hope you all enjoyed your days off. 

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  • Loving
    Loving Member Posts: 37
    edited December 2012

    Dreading treatment tomorrow. Raw under my arm and under my breast. Where do you find emu oil? #16 tomorrow. Attached a maxi pad to my Cami today. It helped some. Never thought that I would ever these in this way. Using the radigel and aquaphor.

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  • jennsmc
    jennsmc Member Posts: 15
    edited December 2012

    You can get the emu oil at www.4Dacresemuoil.com.  I do think it is helping the dryness.

    Is anyone else finding their scars itching?  I don't know if it is from the rads or just natural scar healing.  It's so intense that it's keeping me up at night.  I'm trying hydrocortizone cream and cold compresses, but neither seems to be helping.

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  • cowpower
    cowpower Member Posts: 293
    edited December 2012

    Hope you all had a wonderful holiday. Well, toaday is "it" for me, my last treatment! A happy day, but a bit intimidating. I have needed pain meds for a few days now, so I hope I dont get sloppy emotional. Four teenage friends of my son - my friends too now- are coming to drive me to tx. These are the same little devils that came to my house to "take care of me" after my mx in Feb. They are all home from college for break. It is very touching that they are going with me- a very cute but ragtag support team.



    Cancersucks, Welcome to this wonderful place, but sorry you have to be here. I hope you find as much comfort and support here as I have. Hang on tight Once your treatment routine starts, you will be better able to cope- feeling like you are finally doing something will help give you a routine, perspectie, etc. We will be here for you. :)

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  • allurbaddayswillend
    allurbaddayswillend Member Posts: 355
    edited December 2012

    Cancersucks, good luck to you through all this! The american cancer society has a fair amount of support services in my area. You might check with them as they offer so many different things in some places. These forums and support groups are good places to let out the rants. I got something to help me with sleep immediately after my diagnosis. I still wake up if I hear something major going on in the house but I fall back to sleep easier instead of then lying awake. I take klonazepam. I am tapering off of it. Maybe you could discuss something like that with your GP or RO. Again, good luck. So sorry you are joining us here...

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  • allurbaddayswillend
    allurbaddayswillend Member Posts: 355
    edited December 2012

    cowpower, i REJOICE! with you! woohoo!

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  • Lifeonitsside
    Lifeonitsside Member Posts: 250
    edited December 2012

    Aliyahgirl - The scan didn't show anything so my RO is optimistic that it might be nothing. However, he's expanded the area of radiation to include my clavicle, just in case. He said it's a "medium" concern and to not lose any sleep over it. So it's still swollen but not changing. I guess I just wait now and see if anything happens. He's going to do another scan after we're done to see if anything's developed.

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  • Shachar
    Shachar Member Posts: 229
    edited December 2012

    Day 5 done! I finally got to remove that tape over my marks. To me, that has been the worst part. I was getting a rash that burned and itched under each of my seven stickers to where last night I almost clawed them all off. Today I got seven black tattoos in their place, like mini freckles. Much better!!! They are still going to mark me with markers over the tats, but no tape. Who invented that stuff anyway? Lol

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  • schoolmom
    schoolmom Member Posts: 458
    edited December 2012

    So the tatoos, I know some places give you an option.  I just do not want permant "freckles" to remind me of all this when I am done.  Is it a hassle to forgo the tatoos?????  Am I being silly?  I should be starting the end of Jan after my last chemo on the 7th.

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  • Lifeonitsside
    Lifeonitsside Member Posts: 250
    edited December 2012

    The tattoos are barely noticeable and I have a feeling they won't stay permanent. I'm on 14/33 with no real pink yet. However, I have developed a hard, dry cough I'm gonna talk to my RO about. Not supposed to happen until after rads but apparently, I'm ahead of the curve.



    Hope you all had a great holiday.

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  • Shachar
    Shachar Member Posts: 229
    edited December 2012

    Schoolmom, I think my facility was not planning in doing tats until I couldn't stand the tape so maybe it isn't required. They used a lancet, like what they prick your finger. It is an itty bitty micro freckle the size of the period on my android screen. But I don't think it is silly to not want them. It is a personal choice. One of the techs has one on his hand he showed me and it was so small I had to strain my eyes to see it. I got 7 and only one hurt at all, right in the middle of my implant! I was more worried about them puncturing the silicone, haha. I also doubt they will be permanent. The rads will probably fade them quite a bit, too.

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  • elimar86861
    elimar86861 Member Posts: 7,416
    edited December 2012

    Congrats, cowpower!

    I had a four day break from rads.  I stayed home on (optional) Monday because my S/Es flared up over the weekend, plus I have a small area of skin (crease) that is coming off.   Kind of weird because the rest of my skin is not even pink.  RO gave me some hydrocortisone creme and some Radiagel to put on it.  I have not used those before but I'll let you know if that combo helps with healing.  Luckily, it does not hurt very much.

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  • Andrea623
    Andrea623 Member Posts: 959
    edited December 2012

    Yay cowpower! You're done! Congratulations!

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  • cowpower
    cowpower Member Posts: 293
    edited December 2012

    Elimar and allurbaddays, Thank You! It really hasnt sunk in yet, although I did get a diploma! I think tomorrow I will be a little more aware when I dont have to show up at the hospital, if I am awake for more than ten minutes. I am told the hole under my arm will take about a month to heal- hope I develop a little more patience. Funny, I feel more tired now than all through treatment. Maybe its from letting my guard down after all these months. Now on to figure out managing life again and not let the cloud overhead take over.



    Sachar and lifeonitsside, I think you are right that the tatoos will fade- I am pretty sure one burned off my skin during rads and two others look like they wil be in a "peel" zone. The rest already dont look as dark.

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  • Shachar
    Shachar Member Posts: 229
    edited December 2012

    So happy you are done Cowpower! I hope your underarm heals quickly and you can get used to life without treatments! I hope you stay around to help the rest of us with awesome tips, and thank you for sharing about the tats. :)

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  • aliyahgirl
    aliyahgirl Member Posts: 23
    edited December 2012

    Saw my RO today - she gave me her official sign-off.  Another RO will see me on monday when I'm all done just for formality.  I feel like I'm being turned loose - somehow there was a certain security in coming every day, knowing the techs were keeping an eye on things and seeing the doc every week.  I know I have to move on, I surely don't want to keep going to rads...  Now I'll just be on my own with medication and will see an onc every 3-4 months, aside for surveillance.  We'll be moving out of the country in March and am a bit antsy about leaving this tight network of docs who took me through this.

    Loving and Jen - I don't know if this will help but I remember that Tazzy in the fall rads suggested boiling a quart of water, adding 1-2 tsp. salt and letting it cool to room temp.  Then dip a cloth in the solution and lay it across where it is sore for 10-15 minutes twice a day.  Does anyone else remember this solution?  Am I missing something in it?  Don't know if it works for itching too but alot of women have written in that it helped for soreness and raw skin. 

    Lifeon - so glad things settled down and that your RO is keeping an eye on it.  I hope rads go easily for you and quickly.

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  • Jazzygirl
    Jazzygirl Member Posts: 12,533
    edited December 2012

    Dear Cancer Sucks. I am sorry about your diagnosis, especially being so young and a single mom. Life is not fair, that is for sure.

    I would like to share something with you that may or may not help. In the past year, I have gone through one unbelievable year with family deaths, multiple people in my family being diagnosed with cancer around the same time, and a ruptured appendix. It is not a story I like to tell, as it is too much for most people to hear and for me to think about. Yet, I am still plodding along, doing what I need to. Like you, my cancer was limited to the breast, no need for chemo, and radiation to start next week out of state. Some days feel overwhelming for me, and as I can hear in your message, other days less so. It is a process all it's own, as I am learning.

    Despite all the things going on in your life, people will show up to help you as you go through the rest of your treatment, to help you with your kids when they can, etc. Let your friends, family, church, etc. or whom ever you are comfortable sharing this with that you need help you. I am someone who likes to be very independent and hate to ask people for anything. But this year has forced me to let other people help me get through some times I could not do something on my own.

    Create a plan for yourself to get through the rad treatment, but also just try to take it one day at a time. We are here for you to talk to, to listen and share our experiences, as we are all going through much of the same thing. Everyone's cancer is different, as is most of our treatment plans. But the feelings and emotions run much the same. Blessings to you and wishing you better days.

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  • melmcbee
    melmcbee Member Posts: 1,119
    edited December 2012

    Hi ladies, I just wanted to join in the winter rads group. I finished my chemo Dec. 18th and will see my Roncologist tomorrow to set up my radiation treatments. I know that I am suppose to get 37 but that is about all I know. The chemo has about killed me so I hope I can get well before they knock me back down again. Im still having bad bone pain especially my legs, nausea, fatigue, and chemical taste from the chemo. Everybody says radiation will be a piece of cake with just some fatigue. I dont know if I can be more tired and weak than I am now. lol. Hope everyone is doing well. Has everybody on here already finished their treatments? Should I be putting on lotion now before rads?

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  • cowpower
    cowpower Member Posts: 293
    edited December 2012

    Hi Melmcbee, I just replied to you on the other thread, lol. Rest up from that darn chemo and dont worry too much about rads, it really is much easier than chemo. You will be tired, but more sleepy, I found, than that chemo fatigue. I hope you have some time to get over that last chemo before you start. I actually felt better and better through the first half of rads as I recovered from chemo and didnt start feeling tired until about two weeks ago.

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  • cowpower
    cowpower Member Posts: 293
    edited December 2012

    Andrea, thanks and hoping you ar You are healing well, feels great to be done, huh?



    Jazzygirl, I am so sorry you had such a horrible year- I have had times like that when the crap just keeps on coming, and it is not very nice! You are right in your advice to Cancersucks- accepting those who can help is hard when you are stubborn and independent (who, me?) I have found that I have forged some new close friendships by accepting help from others, especially here.

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  • Jazzygirl
    Jazzygirl Member Posts: 12,533
    edited December 2012

    Cowpower-thanks for your note above. Things are actually getting better now after the wicked year. I went back to work recently on a new contract, feel mostly recovered from 2 surgeries this fall, have all the love and support to see me through the rest of my treatment plan. I live by the mottos "I get by with a little help from my friends (Beatles)" and "I'm still standing (Elton John)."

    I always have thought I am one tough chic with things I have gone through in this lifetime, but this year has taught me just just how strong I am. Difficult times will transform you, I have learned this from the past. And the things I am learning through my experiences on all fronts are going to help me have a better life going forward. That is what I will take from this challenging year. I am so much clearer about what is important to me in life, and to never take anything for granted. I also find I just don't waste time on all the small talk, drama, and BS in the world these days. 

    Love ya all! Have a good day!

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  • fgm
    fgm Member Posts: 831
    edited December 2012

    melmcbee-compared to chemo radiation is easy.  You may get a little fatigued and a tender breast but as my RO said SE are more local when you are going through it.  After rads you may have more SE depending on your treatment.  They will go over everything with you at your first meeting.  I met with a nurse and my RO for 3 hours. So take notes and take someone with you, if possible.  I would wait to "lube my boob".  Your RO may want you to use a specific product.

    Good luck.  This is a great site.

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  • fgm
    fgm Member Posts: 831
    edited December 2012

    Has anyone used Mepilex Lite dressing?  I have some redness and the nurse gave me some of these pads.

    Thank you

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  • Tedebarre
    Tedebarre Member Posts: 10
    edited December 2012

    Thank you, Everyone! for the positive reinforcement!  I was hoping I wasn't losing my mind!  I'm trying to stay focused and positive and have just completed 7/38!!!  Woo-Hoo only 31 more to go!  I hope everyone has a Wonderfully Blessed New Year and hope everyone has no skin side-effects or any other kinds either! 

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  • JenniferW
    JenniferW Member Posts: 29
    edited December 2012

    Hi all!  Had my first rad treatment yesterday.  Pretty easy really, but I already see my boob is pink.  It seems odd that after one treatment I have color.  Is that normal?  They gave me some cream to use.  They really didn't tell me when I should use it, but I figure after each treatment and maybe before bed?  What's the best regimen?  Any suggestions on other creams or remedies to use?  It's hard for me to read all the many posts on the board, so I skim and hope you all don't mind that I might ask questions that have already been asked and answered.  Thanks for any help!

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  • cowpower
    cowpower Member Posts: 293
    edited December 2012

    Jenniferw, welcome to rads and hope you skate through easily. My center had us start out with once a day aloe gel, then move to twice a day in week two. At the halway point, we switched to aquaphor one time daily, then twice daily as we got "toastier" It seems like all centers have their own plans.



    Has anyone heard from Sonson? I hope she is ok and maybe just holiday busy.

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