Radiation recovery

Hi Vickie,

It is a pleasure to meet you. I am so glad you are healing nicely. 7 sons WOW! You must have the patience of a saint. Thank you so very much for your support

Hi everyone. I was put on a break from my last 4 boosts because my skin started breaking down real bad under my left arm. The worst is right in my armpit area. It's just real raw and just plain nasty. They have me doing domeboro soaks and prescribed me silvadene. Is there anything else that I could be doing to help my skin heal? I appreciate any and all advice! Thank you! Deyla

Thank you MostlySew! I'll look into it and yes I do just want it over with!

(((Kate)))
It is so amazing - I was off for part of the past week and to see so much heartfelt concern and sharing....it brought tears to my eyes.  So much suffering; but so much courage.  Wow...what women go through...but we have one another and that is priceless.  I agree that we cannot talk to family about the fears and worries...they really do not want us to be sick.  And I don't blame them.  I hated being the patient...having the focus on me for the wrong reasons....

So, a stone in the pocket as a touchstone reminder...well, I thought maybe a donut in the pocket would be more fun for the pocket sisters...:-P

Seriously, Kate, I have followed your journey and this is just too much to take in.  At times like this, we go through the motions, numb and trying not to feel anything...  There have been a few occasions in my life when I realized that God had His hands on my shoulders as i was forced to walk toward that which terrified me.  And when I got there, I realized that He had already gone before me to give me the strength, the help, and the people I needed.  I can only hope that you will find the resources you need for your trials.

As far as our doctors and their actions...I have seen at times that doctors who are truly human go through their own fears and sometimes cover it by behaving "clinically" and not on a hand-holding or emotional level.  Kate, I think your doctor wanted to get the test results quickly so he could know what to tell you.  Just projecting ahead is like searching the internet....
I've always said there's not much reason to look too far down the road...we can't see what's there anyway.

I am very grateful for the support here...and yes, this is the place to be honest about our fears, disappointments, and joys.  There's no judgment here, just love and support.
Joan

Kate - I hate spell check on my iPad...

Heavy pockets full of your cheer squad )

Hi RMlulu,

I am so glad you got to enjoy your grammy day. How fun is that! Grandchildren are the best.

I feel my heavy pockets, filled with my wonderful cheering squad. Bc sisters make the best cheerleaders.

Hugs, Kate

Hi Joan,

I hate to make you jealous, but it is a gorgeous sunny day here In Santa Monica, Ca. I am finishing chores, and then I will go see the ocean views, after that. To be honest I am jealous of your cold weather and snow. I like cold weather and I miss snow. Hang in there with the bad weather. Hopefully spring will arrive there soon. Hugs, Kate

I lived in California until I was fifteen, then we moved to Reno so it was the first time I was around snow.  I learned to drive in it and I am so used to it I can't imagine winter without it.  Unlike so many I am not a heat worshipper and dread the coming of the hot summers here. We don't get a lot of snow here but at least we have a winter.  I love  the change of seasons!  Kate my first DH grew up in Buena Park.  When we visited his family I really did love the ocean and the feel of the sand in my feet.  We lived in San Francisco when I was a kid and my Grandma's house overlooked the bay.  There is something so magic and soothing about the beautiful waters. 

I baked some brownies today so how about I bring them to the pocket party?  Snacks are mandatory.  Your pockets will really be stuffed Kate.  Much luck in the difficult week ahead, and plenty of healing hugs to you. 

Hi Janis,

I like you am not a heat worshipper. I was born and raised in Chcago, and miss cold weather and snow. I am only in Santa Monica, Ca for 7 years. I hate to be stupid, but I am not familar with Buena Park. I have only been to San Francisco on vacation, and I loved it there. I love snacks Janis, and that is a great offer, but believe it or not I don't like chocolate. I know you bake a lot of other stuff, so how about next time white cake with cream cheese frosting, or banana cake, or cheesecake that doesn't have chocolate on it. lol. This time I will eat brownies, because you made it, so it must be good, and because your support is so nice. Hugs, Kate

Cindy,

Thanks for the kind welcome. I assure you that your rad time will go quicker than you think. SE vary enormously,but for the most part, they do resolve fairly quickly. I am a little more than 8 weeks since my last treatment. My skin is almost back to normal, just some dry patches that love to be slathered with lotion. I am still needing to be very careful about my energy, but as long as I don't overdo, I am fine.

Kate, I am praying for you today. Take a deep breath and let the peace of The Lord bath you and feel His arms of strength and power surround you.

I pray everyone else has a truly blessed day as well.

Vickie

Hi Deyla,

I know of Oak Lawn and Hammond Indiana, but I am not all that familar with it. I was raised on the north side of Chicago, near Northwestern University. My family lives in the Northern suburbs. I am so glad your coworkers are very supportive. My gosh you have been through the mill too. How nice of you to give me support while you are in treatment. I am trying to hang in there. Today I see a urologist and hopefully get the bladder biopsy over with. It is wonderful to have you and my other bc sisters in my pocket. Hugs, Kate

Hi Bunkie,

My ex son in law is from East Lansing Michigan. I have been there several times for showers etc. My daughter and her ex are on good terms. My two oldest grandchildren go to East Lansing for Xmas and Easter etc. The woman who started this thread was from Lansing, Mi. We have so many similarities, but we differ when it comes to the weather. Warm winters depress me, especially being alone. I miss the cold winters of Chicago. When you come back this way I would love to meet you. Hugs, Kate

Oh my,Kate! I don't expect a personal welcome from everyone! I am just hopeful that I may be used to encourage others as well as check out a question every now and then. You just concentrate on getting the answers you need for now. I am praying for you!

OMG my doctor's office has me worked up into a frenzy again. Someone from his office just called me and said I understand you are interested in trials. I said no, a trial for what, and she said maybe she got the information wrong. That makes me worry that even before 2 biopsy results he either thinks I have stage 4 or a malignant lung tumor. I just emailed him and demanded that his office never calls me, to upset me again. I was trying to relax before my 2:30 urology appointment, and now this.

Adagio.....yep....you definitely need to go get some cream. You probably could get the nurse to give you a sample tomorrow which would keep you going for awhile, but you really really need to start with the creams. 3 or better yet 4 times a day. And yes, the experience definitely causes apprehension, but, it truly will get better. I think about the first 3 were the strangest for me, then it sort of becomes "normal" and isn't as scary. Lots of us either watched the light on the ceiling, listened to music or counted clicks and beeps (I was a counter). You'll find something to pass the time, I'm sure. Good luck, but do get cream, drink lots of fluids and eat lots of protein.....