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

ODSpot,  I'd call your docs 24-hr. number about the drainage, just because you will be out of the country, and it may indicate infection.  The itching is fairly normal with new skin & nerve growth and healing.

I'm 2/3rds done, actually only have 9 left! out of 30. I'm sunburned, itchy, and even getting a little sore in the breast and pec but I'm not peeling or such. I'm just using lotion a few times a day still. Also, I remembered last weekend about "oil cleansing" and I put a good layer of almond oil all over that area before I showered just to keep it from drying out more in a wamr shower. I hope this holds.

cider8, I'm so sorry for you and your family's loss.

Congrats aliyahgirl!

jennsmc, my lumpectomy was over 8 months ago and I still sometimes get those. I also had chemo though so that probably slowed down some healing. I've had abdominal surgery twice and it always takes a while for all the nerves to get settled back down again. I'm sure it varies some from person to person but I fully expect to get weird twinges in my breast for at least another year. maybe I shouldn't expect that but I do. Not doubling-me-over kind of pain but sharp twinges nonetheless.

Sylndan - I have days where my whole shoulder hurts but I take some Aleve and it goes away. Or I do some stretching and that helps.

I am just wondering if I am the only one experience this during my cancer journey.

Here is my story.... In Oct I found out that I have IDC Stage 2, grade 2. The doctors then sent me right away for surgery. After recovering from surgery, the doctors sent my cancer tumor for testing to see if chemo would be effective. I only rate a 17 so chemo would do more damanage than good. Thus the doctors on Dec 21 sent me directly to radiation ( did not even leave hospital... Got test results at 11 am from chemo and then got set for radiation simulation and tatoos at 2pm the same day. Then started actual treatments on Jan. 2) Anyways the people around me are now acting differently toward me because I do not have to go for chemo now. They are acting like I do not have cancer anymore. It is weird.. When they thought I was going for chemo.. They were like oh how can we help you... Now that I am JUST having radiation and taking meds for next 5 years... I seems like no one cares anymore. People have been actually getting mad at me if I ask for help.(husband, extend family and close friend) Yes, it is good do not have to go though the Hell of chemo.. and I may not need as much help now... But I am not cancer free yet... I still have daily trips to hospital, side affects of radiation, etc.  I am still on this journey to full recovery. It is going to be a while before I am back on my feet like normal again. Why are people being so rude when I tell them.. I am not feeling well, I need some rest or just to slow my life down a bit so I can recover. I just do not understand. I feel so alone in this journey of mine. All I want is a friend to talk to, a shoulder to cry on if needed and maybe a bit of help if I happen to have a really hard day. I just do not understand the people around me.. It seems like once the doctors said no chemo..that they though that means I have no cancer and they have all turned their backs on me. Has anyone had this happen to them. How did you deal with the loneliness, feeling of hopelessness and sadness of you having no support from anyones. I feel like I could curl up in a ball right now and no one would care if I died of this cancer. I just feel so lonely and depressed. I am usually the one looking after everyone else and their needs. ( to the point my health was effect my Bell Palsey and cancer in 2012) Now I must rest and look after myself. Just because I do not need chemo does not mean my journey is over and things are back to normal. I need to pace myself in what I do as I know I do not have the energy I did before I had cancer. I just do not under the people around me turnong their backs on me now that I am not having chemo. It is just so weird...

Thanks cowpower! I never considered that I would also have the bolus during boosts. Uhg! I thought maybe they would boost more than one area and then zap two a day or something. Unfortunately, I get the daily bolus pad but it is better than the alternative. Thanks for all of your help and encouragement!

Mother4life, I too had a similiar experience.  Diagnosed in October, surgery in November, and was told no chemo just radiation.  At first I didn't tell anyone until I was sure what I was up against.  After surgery is about when people started to find out.  I still don't think a whole lot of people know.  My teenage boys didn't tell anybody.  They just don't know how to talk about it and I didn't know how to tell people.  Post in facebook or what? However, not a lot of concern expressed here, except the family and close friends.  I made the mistake of one day saying I wished I had a mysectomy instead.  My husband got mad and said he couldn't believe I would say that because I would be still experiencing and going through it.  My response, "you think I am done now?"  I am glad that I did not have to have chemo, even though this is no party, I have to remind myself that it could be worse.  When I go for my daily treatment, I try remember to pray for strength and for those there with me as well that there for chemo.  I have felt those feelings you wrote about, but you are tired and we will get through this. tell your husband and or family you are tired and need help.  Sometimes you just have to ask.  It's hard for me as well, you think they would know to help.  But they dont. but if you ask, I am sure they will be happy to make dinner, etc.  Hang in there!  Right there with you!

Hi Mother4life,

It sounds like our cancers are very similar, but I'm a little behind you.  Diagnosed 11/4, IDC stage l, grade 3.  My oncotype Dx was 18 and I found out the day after Christmas no Chemo.  I meet with my Radoco tomorrow a.m. and following that my mapping CT scan. I'm assuming I'll start radiation within a week.  (Do they only start on Mondays?)  Will I get tattooed tomorrow? who knows? I guess I'll find out tomorrow?

Everything has been such a blur up to now.  My husband has been a trooper (and he has MS!) My 18 year old daughter is home on break from college, but she is working quite a bit.  My 16 year old daughter is such a typical teenager, so self absorbed. I've been prettty calm about the whole thing, but i feel like it's really just now hitting me.  I have Breast Cancer.  I'm kind of scared about radiation because it's my left side.  I feel alone even though i know I'm not.  Are there phases cancer patients go through? (Denial, acceptance, etc?)  I know I don't ask for help for myself very well, and I tend to minimize things.  But yeah, I guess think it is so easy for people to move on with their own lives.  (Your husband needs a wake up call, though!)   I can relate to the loneliness and I guess I feel more helpless than hopeless.  I'm so sad for you that people are brushing it all off.  (((HUGS)))

If your feelings persist though,  don't be afraid to ask your Dr. for an anti-depressant, or sleep aid, or anti-anxiety, or whatever it is you think you may need to help you get through this!!! This board has been something I can really relate to and I'm so glad I found a place where I can voice how I feel with women who can relate to what I'm going through and how I'm feeling.  Except for the health care professionals who live this everyday in their jobs, I think only someone who has bc or has had it can truly know what it's like.  Please take care of yourself, mentally and physically.  If you need a nap, take it.  Treat yourself to a pedicure.  Hire someone to clean your house once a week for a month or two.  Take a walk in nature.  I'm trying to stay positive because I know it will help me heal better and faster.  You definitely don't need MORE stress right now!!!  Take it easy sista! Sending good vibes and prayers your way!

I actually did ask for something to relax me as everything was happening so fast.. Did not have time to process it and was not sleeping. Dr at hospital refused to give me anything. He told me I needed to talk to family doctor... Only problem is my family doctor is getting old (she has been my doctor for 35 years) and is close to retirement. She takes alot of vacation time off now. Anyways she is on vacation from mid Dec to the end of Jan. So I am S.O.L on getting any help. I talked to a social worker at hospital and she was the one the recomended I ask the my chemo or radiation for something. 

As fair as friends/family... I have been left to feel like I am alone. Not much I can do about it. Just take one day at a time. I just worry as I get in more treatments that the side effects will get worse.. Start week 2 and I am already red, sore and run down. I still have another 4 weeks to go. Need to keep up with my 4 young kids. Cross my fingers and pray that someone hears my prayers. I have asked for help.. But people have gotten mad at me for asking. Hopefully that will change. Thanks for listening. Just having someone to chat with has helped. Thanks everyone!

Hey all!  I am officially in remission.  But, I still have 12 radiation treatments to go.  HUGS to those who need it (ie ALL of us).  For those who are worried if the radiation is in the "right" place.  They do have quality control programs in place.  I bet they are taking XRays every week for you just like they do for me.  They just aren't telling you.  Once a week they position me and then take XRays and then give me my treatment to make sure it is being done RIGHT!!  So, rest assured.  They are taking care of you.  Feel free to ask.  I talk to my techs regularly to get that additional piece of info and so they are VERY supportive of me.  They check my skin every day.  I just didn't notice at first because of my anxiety and fear.  They will have me talk to Dr or PA if they see anything.  Tell them they are looking out for us.  For those of you doing it on your lunch break.  Make sure they know that you could lose your job if you're late.  Be upfront.  My center calls me if they're having trouble and we reschedule the time if we need to.  I'm just a stay at home mom and they know I have to arrange for child care (my youngest is 2).  Praying for healing and no recurrences for all.

Becky

I had my appt. today with my Radonc and then my CT scan and mapping.  I talked with the study coordinator for the phase lll randomized study comparing the 3 week radiation treatment course with the standard 5 1/2 week treatment course.  I joined the study, had my CBC done, only to find out this afternoon that the computer assigned me to the control group and not the three week group.  Bummer!!  I just want to get this over with!!  All of this "hurry up and wait" is wearing on me. I have to wait for my radiation plan to be prepared (probably another 7+ days).  Then I will be called to set up a time for treatment. Boy, I'd really hate to be an impatient person with BC!!!!!

My latest blog where I go from zombies to cancer to "Eat Pray Love". I think I sprained something doing it.



http://diaryofamidlifecrisis.blogspot.com/2013/01/walking-wounded.html?m=1

Thanks cowpower!! I am halfway through normal treatments after my first zap today, 13/25 with two zaps a day. Woohoo! Unfortunately, I dont think they will switch me to anything since I am in their aloe trial unless I drop out. I am using it 5-6 times a day, though. If it starts to look/feel bad I will because I am not planning to fry for science. I am the only bolus pad in the trial so not sure how scientific that is anyway?

Jazzygirl, I would choose that treatment hands down! Sounds like all is going well and will be over very soon.

Well wishes to all of us in groundhog day together! I felt sorry for myself one morning until I met a man in the waiting room getting rads on his rump. Ouch!

Hi    Listening to James Taylor - Fire and Rain - how perfect is that? First of all thank you all for posting here.  Sometimes I feel like I am the only one dealing with this - and then there is you. I too have shoulder pain and my under boob is getting itchy. I have 11 more to go - 19 done. It has gone fast. But now I'm getting pink - and I'm hoping that my skin stays OK. I've been using Miaderm.

Take good care buddies

Shachar,  I think I would have been just as happy to stay on the aloe- Aquaphor is a horrific mess- I have many clothes I dont think will recover.  I am interested to see how  you make out. I agree you shouldn't fry for science, unless you are Benjamin Franklin:)

Sonson, I have been so worried!  Thought maybe you got one of those bandages stuck through a hook or something and were hanging from a ceiling somewhere, just out of the reach of your computer.  Really, the bandages suck big time, don't they? The best thing about them is that they make your wrist look downright dainty when they come off, not worth the trouble:)  I cant get fitted for a sleeve until I am totally healed from rads.  Its coming along, but I think another week before we can proceed.  We are assuming the lymphedema attack was caused by rads irritation, so I guess it is wise to wait until all healed, but as you may imagine, I am SICK  of the bandages after 6 weeks.

Marilyn, nice to see you entering the home stretch!