Spring 2013 Rads

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  • BrooksideVT
    BrooksideVT Member Posts: 2,211
    edited June 2013

    Regbeach, as you are already probably very tired of hearing, everybody is different.  Your mom may experience absolutely no fatigue, or she might.  What you need to do is have a very open, and probably, lengthy, discussion with each and every one of her docs, about both her health and your concerns about caring for her.  Is there any chance you can gather them all together, either in person or through a telephone conference? 

    I will tell you one thing my RO said, and very pointedly: The absolutely worst thing you can do is quit rads part way through.  If that happens, neither is the area treated, nor can you have rads in that area in the future, should there be local recurrence, .   I know this is a ridiculaously difficult situation--making decisions for ourselves is hard enough, but for a parent, it must be truly difficult.

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  • RMlulu
    RMlulu Member Posts: 1,989
    edited June 2013

    Regbeach - Welcome! How fortunate your mother is to have you care for her on this difficult journey. (((Hugs))) to you.

    Ditto what Brookside posted. Joint BC team meeting to discuss and confirm best plan for your mom. It is very important to understand rads can ONLY be done ONCE to an area. It is all or nothing...to get the job done.

    Ask lots of questions to RO!

    Make sure you understand how many tx- full and boosts, how many times will machine cross over mom, how long she must be still, how fast they can turn off if problem. She needs to know what to expect so she will not be fearful all alone on the table when the machine moves into places and light comes on and slowly crosses over her body.

    Rads is very mental...no pain ...it does not hurt....just the daily time on that table and not knowing how your skin will react.

    Hydration and good nourishment and rest are vital to success and fighting fatigue. It comes in waves not everyday not all the time, but it does come. Hydrate hydrate hydrate!

    Moisturizing skin is important rad team will recommend products use! Don't get any lotion, oil under stickers and if possible have mom shower before rads so no remains of lotions is NOT on her skin; skin does better when zaps on clean (no cooking oil on skin, like baby oil cooks skin on beach)



    I've met a few BC warriors at support that have declined rads due to their age 70+ yrs and health issues...so ASK! Rads may or may not be right for mom. ASK. That is why a team approach is so great...to have all the info there and meeting of minds.



    Good Luck to you and your mom!

    You are both brave warriors :)

    Cindy

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  • RMlulu
    RMlulu Member Posts: 1,989
    edited June 2013

    Jayjayc - Happy Dancing with you! Hang in there you are so close laser tag warrior:) yippee!

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  • corky60
    corky60 Member Posts: 726
    edited June 2013

    Hello, I also am spring rads having started at the end of May.  So technically I will go into summer too.  I have a question.

    Is there any supplement that you are taking to support skin health during this time?  I was thinking of fish oil, hyaluronic acid, etc.  Thanks in advance.

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  • TMM60
    TMM60 Member Posts: 190
    edited June 2013

    I had not heard that RADs could only be done once to an area. Curious mind that I have, I wanted to find out the reason why. Here's an explanation from the Chief Medical Officer of the American Cancer Society: http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/expert.q.a/11/11/repeat.radiation.brawley/index.html

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  • RMlulu
    RMlulu Member Posts: 1,989
    edited June 2013

    Corky60 - ask your RO! You're there everyday- they know best.



    TTMM60 - thanks most insightful!



    Almost Friday and then R&R from laser tag:)))

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  • CLYDAY
    CLYDAY Member Posts: 81
    edited June 2013

    Hi Ladies...tomorrow will be 10/33 and time to go home and pick my little man up from daycare!  I can see my skin is getting slightly red and today I was very tired...napped and that was ok since I have nothing to do!!  Think my hardest challenge is watching my skin get worse and not knowing how bad it will get!  So glad I have all of you to lean on....Cherri

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  • RMlulu
    RMlulu Member Posts: 1,989
    edited June 2013

    Yippee CLYDAY - TGIF !



    You're 1/3 done:)). Little man will be so happy!

    Hydration helps with fatigue...may need to up the liquids.

    Ask your rad nurse to check out skin...are using 1% hydrocortisone with emu oil? That combo helped the red and itch.

    Our bodies are amazing...your skin may not get worse...just tiny rad rash that hydrocortisone soothes. You have the luxury of babying your skin and free boobing...make sure no cream/ oil gets under stickers and shower before rads so skin is fresh and free.

    I know the feeling every morning getting up approaching the mirror wondering how the girl did overnight and was always thankful she looked good!

    Sending happy calm skin thoughts and safe travel! Enjoy the (((hugs)))

    Cindy

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  • CLYDAY
    CLYDAY Member Posts: 81
    edited June 2013

    Cindy...where do you get the1% hydrocortisone with emu oil?  Is it a combination or separate?  I know you can get the hydrocortisone at the drug store but not sure about the emu oil? Thanks for the tips =)

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  • RMlulu
    RMlulu Member Posts: 1,989
    edited June 2013

    CLYDAY - the 1% hydrocortisone may be purchased over the counter...around day 14 RO gave me RX for 2.5% and it made a big difference...happy skin.

    The emu oil may be purchased at the pharmacy at your medical center. I ordered mine from amazon...2 bottles pic of emu bird on label. Applied hydrocortisone first then emu oil used a q-tip...3-4x a day until bed time. Did not put anything on skin in mornings rads at 11am so shower rads then lube.

    Have a great weekend!,

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  • braids3
    braids3 Member Posts: 173
    edited June 2013

    wow what a ride.using silvadene and caledula oil emu oil and hydro or benadrly gel switching it up seems to help.about the only thing i can wear is silk i had a shirt on for about 7 hour and boy am i sore  also been dealing with trouble swallowing either from the rads,or the steroids but have been trying to drink at least3 qts of liquid  what have you all been doing to increase your protien food just isn't interesting. there giving me a 3 day week and i think i I'll be done friday. boy i can't wait.

    love and light chris

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  • RMlulu
    RMlulu Member Posts: 1,989
    edited June 2013

    Yippee Braids3! Happy Dancing! Friday DONE!



    It is a ride! And what a mix to keep that girl happy! Free boobing is best...just hydrocortisone & emu oil and air:). Takes awhile to feel comfortable clothe.

    Sorry you're had problems swallowing:(. Frustrating.

    I drink 2-3 protein smoothies about 4-5 cups each, plain Greek organic yogurt, organic gltten free protein bars,humus...have been a drinking eating machine...think the body just needs all this fuel to combat rads...lost weight and all I do is eat crazy! But glad not gaining:)

    Have a great weekend! Freedom is here! You get to drive...road trip:)

    (((Hugs)))

    Cindy

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  • RMlulu
    RMlulu Member Posts: 1,989
    edited June 2013

    Hi y'all



    Happy Monday laser tag warriors! Time to zip zap:)



    CLYDAY - hope you had a great weekend with your sweeties! Counting down your days:)

    Braids3 - final round...you so have this :)

    Corky60 - we are in your pocket as you start laser tag! You will do great:)

    Regbeach - how's mom doing? And how are you holding up? Great that you are there to support her:)

    Zip Zap...hydrate hydrate hydrate and free boobing with let's of mosituring soothing cream/oil:). Mondays were show and tell days with RO...ask if you think you need RX for 2.5% hydrocortisone for itch or any other questions. Rad team wants this to go well for you.

    Pamper yourselves brave warriors!

    (((Hugs)))

    Cindy



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  • CLYDAY
    CLYDAY Member Posts: 81
    edited June 2013

    Thanks Cindy!!  Think I got a little excited with my countdown...lol Today is actually 10/33!!  All cozy back in my room again...is it Friday yet!!  Hope everyone had a great weekend...Cherri

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  • RMlulu
    RMlulu Member Posts: 1,989
    edited June 2013

    Hey CLYDAY!



    It's TGIF :))) 14/33 more than half full breast are done! Keep up on lubing girl and now your back...hydrocortisone will help if rad rash starts. Hydrate!.

    Way to rock rads...

    Zip zap hit the road laser tag warrior and hug that cutie pie at daycare:)?

    Drive safely...

    (((Hugs)))

    Cindy

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  • braids3
    braids3 Member Posts: 173
    edited June 2013

    hey ladies i got 2 more boosts to go and today they were talking about postponing cause of the under arm one i just wanna get done this the worst so far. i promise i'll free boob and lube all weeknd! please send me your good vibes and  thoughts

    thanks i feel better already ! love ya

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  • RMlulu
    RMlulu Member Posts: 1,989
    edited June 2013

    Hang in there Braids3!



    Did your RO give you anything else to help the girl and arm area? Hope so! 2.5% hydrocortisone & emu oil or something stronger to repair skin ...

    Sending cool calm soothing skin thoughts and prayers!

    It's TGIF so R&R over the weekend...hydrate, hydrate, eat extra protein, rest, and free girl with arm up not rubbing or touching skin ...all day all night yeah looks funny, but no friction on the skin...

    Soon...you are rocking rads brave warrior!

    (((Hugs)))

    Cindy

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  • braids3
    braids3 Member Posts: 173
    edited June 2013

    yep been doing all that thank to ya'll i also mixed magic mouthawash with calendula oil  and rubed that on the  nipple its first ingred is lidocane for the mouth which is a mucos membrane like the nipple it works great i am using eumu caledula mix for the lubing then silvsdene and dronboro for the under arm sitting in front of fan useing ice packs too yep  more to go i. countin the minutes my manta this week has been It looks bad it will get worse Than IT WILL GET BETTER LOVE YA ALL AND THANKS FOR THE CHEERLEADING!

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  • RMlulu
    RMlulu Member Posts: 1,989
    edited June 2013

    Good Morning Laser Tap Warriors!



    Happy Fathers Day to all the men of influence in our lives :)



    Zip Zap ... R&R ... onward on counting down...summertime lazy fun filled days with happy calm peaches and cream girls:)



    CYLDAY - over the hump yippee!

    Corky60 - zapping on:)

    TTM60 - getting closer:)

    Braids3 - calm smoothing healing weekend...only 2 more:) ...gotta get together:)



    Blow some bubbles, do the chicken dance, play miniature golf or bumper cars...just get out and have some fun...blink almost done warriors!

    (((Hugs)

    Cindy

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  • braids3
    braids3 Member Posts: 173
    edited June 2013

    Yeah one more to go  tommrow. i've had a shirt for a total of15 min under ar, is looking bette but i gota crack on the nipple so my fingers are crossed  i'll have all of u in my pocket oh and yes i had fun did yoga in the pool. sendin u all love and light

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  • braids3
    braids3 Member Posts: 173
    edited June 2013

    I'M DONE I'M DONE  I'M DONE YEA!!! WARRIOR GODESS WE ARE LOVE YA ALL SO MUCH!

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  • corky60
    corky60 Member Posts: 726
    edited June 2013

    Congratulations, braids3 !

    Today is #16/33, almost halfway there.  The incision scars are getting red and angry-looking so will bring it up with the RO tomorrow.

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  • RunFree16
    RunFree16 Member Posts: 856
    edited June 2013

    Way to go Braids3!!!!  Congratulations on finishing rads and I hope you have a great celebration now!

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  • Bets4bama
    Bets4bama Member Posts: 20
    edited June 2013

    Congrats braids!!!! I know the feeling of finishing and I promise you will begin healing up very quickly!

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  • Jennie93
    Jennie93 Member Posts: 1,018
    edited June 2013

    Congrats braids! Woo hoo, I remember that feeling well! :-)



    Now will someone please tell me how long before I quit falling asleep any time I sit down? This is ridiculous! LOL

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  • RMlulu
    RMlulu Member Posts: 1,989
    edited June 2013

    Yippee Braids3! Happy Dancing! Ooo whoo...waltzing across TX with a twist and shout:)

    Baby the girl over the next 2 weeks...she will keeping changing and then she will be peace and cream!

    You rocked rads warrior!

    (((Hugs)))

    Cindy

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  • RMlulu
    RMlulu Member Posts: 1,989
    edited June 2013

    Corky60 - yeah, 17/33! More days behind then ahead :))) feels so good. Have RO look at your skin tomorrow ...may ask for RX of hydrocortisone or? Always ask!



    Rad techs said I glowed on day 17...I could see the end in sight and the girl was doing good.

    Hydrate, lube, rest, free boob, and know that soon you will be in final countdown and boosts!

    Your rocking rads asker warrior!

    (((Hugs)))

    Cindy

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  • CLYDAY
    CLYDAY Member Posts: 81
    edited June 2013

    Hey ladies! Been a busy week as I have my little man with me this week! Definitely wearing my butt out! Skin is starting to get pink/red...not Sure if I'm really itching or it is in my head! Got hydrocortisone in case! I am noticing some red freckle like spots I was told were normal...hope everyone it doing well!!

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  • RMlulu
    RMlulu Member Posts: 1,989
    edited June 2013

    CLYDAY - oh what a special treat! Your little man to giggle, cuddle, and hugged you through hump week! Yippee what a special week...great memories:) great way to zap rads:)

    Red freckles are rad rash...2.5% hydrocortisone helps soothes.

    Watch the sunset and blow some bubbles with your special guy!

    (((Hugs)))

    Cindy

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  • RMlulu
    RMlulu Member Posts: 1,989
    edited June 2013

    Corky60 - counting down...20/33! Ooo who! Lube up the girl...a zap at a time you're almost there:)



    CLYDAY - special week with your little man:). Hang in there...soak in all the memories made and bring them to mind and heart. What's your countdown score?



    Zip zap laser tag warriors! Think of the big full moon over the cool midnight ocean...

    You're rockin rads warriors:)

    (((Hugs)))

    Cindy

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