Fall 2013 Rads

Thanks, all. Keep the faith.

I know everyone's experience and tolerance for pain is different, but I just wanted to report my experience: Just got my tattoos this morning, and I have to say they did not even hurt as much as a flu shot. So if anyone out there is dreading that part of the experience, don't.

I don't exactly know when I can start. It depends on whether I decide to go with the standard 6-week-plus program or the 3-week program -- which depends on whether I can find evidence to convince me and my RO that there are minimal additional risks to doing the 3-week version after chemo. She's reluctant to do it, but I see Gracer is doing it and would like more info.

I am having number 6 rads today and I am already red and irritated around the nipple area. Is that unusual to have this happen so early? It sure has me concerned. It doesn't hurt much, but it is quite read and has itched. Oh dear....

Kiki, congrats! I just finished 4 of 33. It seems so far away. The techs are great at keeping up our spirits. Today they had a painted pumpkin for each patient. Then had a table of hot cider on this cold rainy day and pumpkin pie, cupcakes, candy to celebrate Halloween. Tomorrow everyone is to wear their team colors for the Michigan vs. Michigan State game on Saturday. A local church has donated an overflowing basket of knitted hats and a huge rack of those lacy looking knit scarves for the patients to take. I feel very fortunate that I switched MO's and found this group of very compassionate docs, nurses and techs. The techs wrapped me in a heated blanket today because it was cold in the room today. I so wish Bluebird could have her treatments here.

Girl on fire by Alicia Keys!! Best radiation song out there!!

Today was my 4th of 33 treatments. My breast was pink after my first treatment, which I've read is way too early to be pink. It calmed down by the next morning, but pinked right up again after the 2nd treatment. I mentioned this to the tech at my 3rd treatment (yesterday), and she noticed my back was pink as well. Her only comment was that it's too soon for me to be pink.

I've been using Aloe Vera gel (100% pure with no fragrance, coloring, etc) and emu oil. I've just started using Aquaphor on the area between my breasts because it's just starting to look like lizard skin.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I'm terrified about what shape I'll be in in another week, much less three or four weeks from now.

I finished rads today! 44 total. My skin has fared very well especially with more aggressive treatment. Honestly, I've barely put anything on it. Organic aloe gel or an organic balm (with coconut olive shea and some essential oils). All that dang tape I had to avoid made it a pita to apply anyway. My tech helped me rip off all the tape. Now I can slather. My PA reminded me that i have no oil glands, forever, in the radiated skin. I rang the bell. With all my other treatments I never rang the bell. This time I did! I drive back home to St Louis over the next 2 days. I can.'t wait to be home!!! Next I get the monthly shot Zoladex to shut down my ovaries an I will take arimidex. I already took tamoxifen and it did not work for me (hence the 2nd and 3rd bouts of cancer). I found out I have osteopenia (age 42) so I need to find out how to deal with that one. And I have lymphedema. Boooo! On to the next chapter!

I have PM'd flaviarose for more info on her nutrition.

She raised a lot of interesting ideas that might be very relevant.

cider8 - I am so glad you have finished and are headed home. Good also to know about not having oil glands! RO didn't mention that to me. All the RO told me when I asked about side effects is that if I wanted to climb Mount Kilimanjaro when I am finished rads I can. WTF!

Ladies - I can't scroll up and remember all that was said but thanks for names of creams that have helped. On Monday after my first treatment I meet with a nurse who will recommend some cream. I will see if it resembles any of the lotions and potion mentioned on this thread.

Keep the song titles coming. - Loved the idea of swopping the focus of Another One Bites the Dust and making it super good instead of super bad.

Hugs

Kika,im so happy you are done!!! Also Cinder8 so glad you are heading home. What a great feeling it must be!!!

They took off my one sticker they had on my chest (i have no booby there) and said I had tape allergies. Not pretty skin under it. So I got a new tat. No more tape for me !

Itiiswhatitis,great pic of you and your grandson. Thanks for sharing it. My grandkids are not close by. Boy I wish they were.

Well its almost the weekend so hang in there every one. Two days to heal and rest. Hope everyone has a great weekend.

Kika and Cider congrats on finishing. Go relax and recover. Can't wait just 8 more for me.

Congrats Cider! Safe journey home.

Kika and Cider8....congratulations and all the best for your healing! Cider8, just so very happy that you will be home with your family.

Itiswhatitis....Your grandson is adorable (and so are you, by the way!!!

Keep shining, radiant ladies!!

MsP

Sarigal55 - sorry you have to join us but that being said you will learn so much from these radiant ladies. I live in a rural area and these boards have been a real blessing. After you get the results of your biopsy be sure to post them under your profile and then ladies who have the same diagnosis will really be able to help you. This is a very scary time for you and the waiting is almost unbearable but it does get easier once you know what you are dealing with. (((Hugs)))

Sarigal55, welcome! Nobody wants to join this club.  But if you have to, there are some really wonderful people that everbody else will never meet. After all they have thrown at us, rads is just one more thing to get us closer to getting done with the active treatment. I have done 7 rads so far.  December 13  is my final one. It seems so far away, but we have to concentrate on today. Let us know what your rads schedule will be. Have a great weekend! :-)