Summer 2013 Rads

That is a long drive SLV, but, personally, I'm finding my energy returning.  Not every day, but a couple of days a week.  I drive 40 minutes each way, but I'm getting used to it, and it does feel like my "job" everyday to go.  Thank goodness I'm leaving on vacation when this is done because I don't think i'd know what to do with myself other wise.

GWTF, do you think you may have the flu? I feel so bad that your having this difficulty. Don't we go through enough? Maybe try ginger ale and dry crackers? Sending stomach soothing thoughts your way

gosh Go With- you are dealing with so much! I sure hope the meds help.



Slv/Shari- your drive is SO long, you poor thing. I understand wanting to be treated by those you trust though. Radiation is a really important thing to get right!!



I hope you have some great music or books on CD for the drive, and can treat yourself to a hotel if you are really exhausted toward the end.



My thoughts are with you both.



Karyn are you okay? Hadnt seen you post since your first few days, just checking!



Happy resting, healing weekend to all!

Hi Ladies,

I've been holding you all in my warmest of healing thoughts and keeping you in my prayers. 

Thanks for asking about me, Sciencegal! This is such a great place to come to for some cyber hugs!

To those of you just starting, let's not forget that this is temporary.... We can get through this. 

And to those of you finishing up, I am glad it's over, or almost over for you! Let the healing continue and may if be speedy and pain free!

I always try to put things in perspective. I know many of you have had to endure Chemo and difficult surgeries, so I feel like I am lucky.

There's a boy in the Bay Area who calls himself the Leukemia Slayer. He's quite inspirational and such a fighter. His outlook on life is amazing. I follow him on Facebook and he always brings a smile to my day. Sometimes tears too, as he has quite the challenge with his illness. But he helps me keep my situation in perspective. So when I start feeling sorry for myself (which isn't often), I think of The Slayer, and I quickly pull up my bootstraps and remember how lucky I am...For me, it's all about perspective.

Big hugs to you all!!!!!! 

Hope your weekend is relaxing and full of love!

Karyn

Finished with #19 on July 3rd with a break until the 8th. I was hoping my skin would improve during this break but it hasn't. I had been using aloe only but the past week I've been using cortisone 1% and calendula ointment with no improvement in radiation dermatitis. The problem area is about the size of a post-it note. I've also been taking aleve for 3 days to help with the inflammation. The RO said to continue with the cortisone cream but I understand it dries and thins the skin. I'm so confused.

So sorry you're having problems, LeeLeeLynn.  Hope you heal quickly.  Like sciencegal says, mixing the hydrocortisone with aquafor seems to help a lot.  I finally developed one small itchy patch near the top of my breast--there are only a couple of tiny red bumps in that spot but I'm sure it would worsen if I scratched it at all.  I started to use the mixed aquafor and cortisone there and it has been really soothing.  I also have found that anything that rubs that spot--like a bra or the top of a shirt or camisole--even a piece of jewelry--irritates it and makes it feel a little itchy again, so have taken to going topless around the house whenever I can and that seems to help.  (I live alone so can get away with it.)  

19/34

I'd guess two weeks after because that's when the effects should be done and you start healing.  As long as there is no broken down skin.  Someone else might have better info.

Melody-I was told no swimming or hot tubs until my skin is all healed. They even told me not to soak in the bathtub. I was also told no going out in the sun without sunblock for the next year, but no sunblock until my skin was totally healed.

WOOHOOO Annie!!!!  Congrats on finishing!!!!!

Hooray, Annie!

Way to go AnnieLane!!!!

Thank you for your congratulations and well wishes Ladies! It's official - I had my last rad treatment today!! WooooHoooo! Let the healing begin! I feel like I have my life back! I got the bad news from my biopsy on Jan. 2 and it seems like the whole first half of this year has revolved around breast cancer treatment. But I'm thankful I've had access to all this treatment, and by God's grace, have been able to tolerate it all pretty well. These discussion boards have been such a wonderful source of good information and encouragement.  Now I'm settling into my 5 years on Arimidex, which I started 2 weeks ago...so far, so good.

I wish you all healthy skin and minimal SEs from rads! Hang in there!

Congrats Annie - enjoy the freedom

Congrats Annie

Freedom and healing thoughts!

Hello ladies....I started my Boosts today...yay!  So glad I am almost done as my under arm is getting very red and raw =(  Was hoping someone could help me understand why I need the Boost if I had BMX?? They are just concentrating on the scar but what are they radiating?? I can see why to do it with a lumpectomy but don't understand my reason.  Any thoughts would be great!!