Fall 2013 Rads
Comments
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our care team gets worried about the armpit skin breaking down because it's an area of friction which can cause a delay in healing time and possibly painful. My armpit ended up breaking down and peeling but it's healed now with no special treatment. -
KMurphy - yes! I have neck and back pain between my shoulder blades. That's the part of my back that bothers me anyway but it's so much worse from the rads. Positioning? Stress? Both? I don't go to a chiropractor but I've had a massage (wonderful!) but I need more and I'm going to an osteopath for a spinal manipulation on Friday to see if it helps. I'm really done with pain meds so I hope we can just fix it.
My skin didn't really break down much. I have one spot from some tape they used and yes my nipple peeled and it's now a lighter color. We'll see . . .
I have good days and overdo it then I have bad days and am exhausted. My onc said to give your body as much time to recover as it took to destroy it. I figured that out at being about 22 weeks of treatment, now 22 weeks to recover. But - do we allow that for ourselves? I don't, and then my family thinks it's all good and their expectations go up.
I have lots of doctors appointments coming up. A D.O., a follow up with the R.O., then consulting for a colonoscopy in January. Need to see my M.O. and get started on Tamoxifen and I need to have my port removed (why does this scare me?). I have a mammo scheduled in March and a follow up to schedule with my surgeon directly after. Prior to this . . . NEVER went to doctors.
I have a 5:00 shadow! Ten weeks out from chemo. And tiny little eyelashes. But . . . I'm blonde so there's really no coverage yet. But I'm excited anyway! -
I left rads this morning as happy as happy as can be. After today's zip-zap I have 3 treatments left ladies.
3 more and I am done (well done actually - even getting crispy - what a horrible joke - sorry!)
I was so happy I made the mistake of talking to the taxi driver on my way to work. This is a guy who has driven me before and asked if I work at the hospital. All I said was - No I am doing treatments at the hospital and am on my way to work - but I am happy because I have three treatments left and then I am finished (didn't mention Tamoxifen to him) .
He then proceeded to spend the next 20 minutes telling me how doctors and medicine kill people and how his wife got breast cancer and did everything as the doctors said but got mets and died at 50!
I wish I had walked home.
Now I have read some of the posts on the dumb things people say to people with cancer and I could have told him to just be quite but the poor guy was obviously in pain and needed to vent. I hope he feels better. I doubt it though. He reminded me of all the fears and worries I have to deal with.
Its a bad disease to get and if you guys will allow me to be serious for a minute I just want to say that every day I am healthy I am going to count myself lucky and try be a decent human being.
I hope the ladies finished rads are recuperating and healing.
For those of us who can see the exit door - hang tough ladies - we can see the light at the end of the tunnel (No train jokes please).
And for you guys just starting - breath and relax - drink plenty (water not vodka) and be nice to yourselves when you need it.
Hugs
Bounce -
Hi Lisa, I had reconstruction at the time of my lumpectomy. I had "G" cup breasts, so the end result of taking out the tumor area would have been a lopsided deformed breast - the breast surgeon did the lumpectomy and the plastic surgeon did a reconstruction. The end result is good, except for a big scar and still lingering pain. My own debate is to have the other side done so that I match. I really like my smaller boob. Getting bras to fit my large size has always been an issue. A smaller boob on the other side would enable me to go to a regular store and buy a comfortable (?) bra..... but, it is elective surgery... do I really want to do surgery when I don't have to? But, I hate my lopsidedness. For comfort around the house I don't wear a bra and look ridiculous, and when I go out I wear a prosthesis on the small side so that I match..... -
ON another topic, saw the RO yesterday and asked what the long term side effects of having radiation are - are there things to look out for. This might be interesting to those still making the decision of whether or not to have radiation, and most of you probably already know this... anyway, he said that there is a 1 in 2000 chance that the radiation will cause another cancer, most likely in the breast, and that this would take 15-20 years to happen. -
Good morning Flaviarose, for some achieving assymetry may seem like elective surgery, but for others, it is a necessary medical procedure and can be defined that way. "G" breasts are very large and probably heavy and can give one a lot of shoulder and back pain, not to mention the emotional problems associated with feeling uneven and dealing with clothing. You may want to check with your insurance company and your plastic surgeon to find out if this is truly considered elective surgery. If it isn't, then you will still have to decide if you want to undergo the procedure and if the risks are worth it for you. I am a 36G and my surgeon removed my tumor and rearranged the tissue very nicely. I have a good cosmetic result, but if the lumpectomy had left me noticeably smaller on the cancer side, I would have definitely wanted to achieve symmetry and would have considered all the options. I wish you the best in your decision.
Bounce, good lord...don't you wish that you could have walked to work? You proved today that you are a decent (and a truly radiant) human being by listening to this man's sad story of loss. Just a few more treatments, hon! You got this one.
Love, MsP -
Hi lLisaSp,
I will need some type of reconstruction. My nipple is off to the left and I lost about a quarter of that breast with an ugly orange peel looking scar that has a big tuck in it. Breasts are now uneven too. I like to swim and don't want to show such an ugly thing in the women's shower room and don't want some fake boob coming out and floating to the top of the pool. My SIL waited five years but I don't want to wait that long even though I feel I need a break from doctors, nurses, hospitals and anything related to pain. My SIL is still uneven in size and PS told her it's not an exact science...yikes! Are you planning to do reconstruction? -
I'd like to do reconstruction also. Of course my cancerous breast was already a bit smaller than the other. So after 2 lumpectomy's its really noticeable, at least to me. My right breast is much perkier than the other breast too. I was told to wait 6 months after radiation to consult with a PS. That way your radiated breast has time to go back to "normal".
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Hi everyone. I am looking for some advice. I had my first rad today - 19 total. My RO gave me absolutely no advice regarding possible treatment effects. He basically said he expects me to sail through with no issues. No restrictions on anything. If I want to use a cream, use Aquaphor. Have any of you sailed through? -
Hi MFM48. Yes, there are people that sail through and I did very well with radiation. But I will give you some advice as follows:
1. Drink lots of water. Hydrate well This helps with healing.
2. Exercise every day. This will help ward off fatigue. Fatigue generally occurs late in treatment, but I didn't have any to speak of.
3. Don't use deodorant or creams before your treatment. Use Aquafphor after each treatment and at bedtime. I also used pure aloe vera at night (Fruit of the Earth) toward the end as it is very cooling. You can use any other cream on other parts of your body, just not in the radiation field.
You will do great...there are lots of approved creams but Aquaphor is used by many. Real greasy and messy,
Love, MsP -
mfm48, I haven't started rads yet but had my consult. It was recommended that I switch to Toms of Maine deodorant it is all natural...no aluminum. Dove soap any fragrance. Also, there are several creams my doc mentioned (aquaphor, emu oil, 100% aloe Vera, calendula oil) she will make a recommendation based on my condition as it occurs. When I asked about working out she said no restrictions and to do what my body allows me to. -
Thanks for the insights, MsPharoah -
Jen987, interesting your PS said to wait 6 months after radiation - that makes sense. Mine said to come back and see him after radiation.... I'm still getting hereptin, and I think I'll probably wait until that is done before I undergo more surgery..... fear of heart issues.... -
mfm48 - you'll do great. I did 28 rads and 5 boosts and only had some peeling. And I'm fair skinned. I did use the Aloe cream my RO provided and some emu oil but usually just a scent free lotion (2 or 3 times per day after treatment). I didn't workout as much as I could have but I did continue my daily routine. You'll fly through.
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Hello radiant ladies!
Had a quiet Thanksgiving and stayed home. Luckily an amazing friend brought us an entire Thanksgiving feast! It was wonderful!
I've not been moving or doing much of anything other than sleeping. My skin is finally starting to come back. It's still open and raw, but pink edges are showing. And I finally got my pain under control. Time was the only thing that helped. I saw my RO today and she was happy with my skin progress. Of course now she wants to zap me again to get the last three zaps done next week. I'm not sure why I have to have the last three, especially since it's been two weeks since they stopped. Is there really a benefit to getting 60 Gray instead of 54? I told her yes, but want to take a couple days to think about it.
Missed you all and busy catching up on everyone's news. Congrats to all those finished and those with only a few left! Bounce will be bouncing out soon!
(That was a terrible taxi story by the way!) I could fill a book on the horrible things people have said to me. I always try to keep in mind that their intentions are good and as you did, give them the benefit of the doubt that sometimes they just need to vent. But oy vay! We are suffering enough without having to listen to others! My husband gave me a saying I use. "Only happy." Now when someone starts telling me about their sister's cousin's mother's girlfriend who died a horrible death, up goes the hand and I say ONLY HAPPY and switch topics. I just can't take it anymore! -
Day 2 and have now experienced the "Machine Down" sign. I was early, but had to wait 2 hours because of a backup due to machine issues. There were more than one because the waiting room was jammed today! I was glad to still get in there.
I have thought about some reconstruction. My breasts were lopsided and like Jen the smaller one had the lumpectomy. Now I feel really lopsided! I shift my bras a lot. I would have to see the cost, risk, and recovery time before I really think more about it. -
Thank you MSPharoah and Candi. I did not realize how DONE i was with all the SEs from the chemo. I was surprised that I felt like crying yesterday when I was on the machine - even though there is no poking, prodding or any pain at all! The thought of enduring 4 more weeks of discomfort and pain is exhausting. Doable, but exhausting! I go for #2 today. As of Monday, I will be 25% done. That's the way I'm going to look at it.
Tanya - I had a similar issue - if I chose the lumpectomy I would be way lopsided. I did a skin sparing Diep Flap reconstruction using my belly fat to form the breast tissue. This was in '09 the first time I had the BC. My PS did such a good job, other docs that get to see it always comment on how great it looks and how you would never know I had the mx. Of course, now I have a scar from the lumpectomy I had to do this summer. Deciding whether to see PS again to fix the scar. It looks like a Frankenboob. Regardless, the "fake" boob looks and feels so real I forgot I even had had the cancer - until this summer. I did not do chemo or radiation the first time around - low Onco scores and no risk factors - I am hopeful all this chemo and radiation has eviscerated every last cancer cell!
p.s Bluebird re: things people say - - I like the "only Happy" hand. Think I will borrow it! Hope you are healing well
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Bounce Congrats! I know d feeling when you have 3 left to go as for the story of the taxi driver I do agree that along with d rads chemo and tamox one should also do alternative healing. In d end there is no side effect to it and I personally do plan to go to a naturpath come Jan before I start Tamox. And rather than feel horrible about their stories I just count myself lucky and remain positive that this is it for me. I take it a day at a time because remember ladies STRESS is one of the main causes of C.
So dont stress and take it a day at a time. Lets just do our best and in d end QUE SERA, SERA! Whats meant to happen will happen.
Bluebird so glad to hear your doing better. Where ypuve done so much I think get it over with no?
Msp, you are so calm and humble and and inspiration to all! Hugs to you.
And for the others just starting or in d process well it wasnt so bad for me till the end. Once I finished which is exactly a week today, the pain became a little unbearable for which Arcoxia helped and even cotton bra was like irritation my skin. Fatigue quiet a bit of it. But just till Sunday. From Monday d pains much less and as long as Im exercising d fatigue is manageable. For those that have been thru chemo already radiation doesnt seem as bad. Good luck to all of you.
Bounce wheres the party gonna be:)) hugs to all of you radiant ladies and wishing you all the best in kicking Cancer out of your lives! -
Bluebird, so good to hear from you and some good news about your healing. I was so happy to hear that a kind friend prepared your Thanksgiving feast. Yesterday, I was able to go to the dentist for the first time since chemo started and it made me feel so normal to go somewhere for a "checkup". My dentist and the hygenist did so many kindnesses for me right before starting chemo to make sure my teeth would be safe. I couldn't hug them enough yesterday; so very thankful! And the good news is that my teeth and gums are real good!! We all high fived on that one.
Lav, so glad that you are checking in and encouraging others with information about your healing process. I had my RO follow up this morning (finished rads 10/22) and doctor said he couldn't tell which boob was radiated. His nurse is a hoot and told me all about her Thanksgiving scramble for a Walmart 50 inch TV...I told her that I would never wrestle with her for a sale item....ever. LOL. I am feeling good and that's my story.
mfm48, you are counting down your radiation the same way I did. Each day, I recomputed the number of treatments left and the % complete I was. Seems like a small thing, but it kept me focused. I did 6 cycles of TC before radiation. It was pretty rough, but somehow it doesn't seem so bad in the rear view mirror. I do remember laying in bed one weekend day when I was about 1/2 through and wondering if I could make it, but I did. Then when radiation started, it felt like a new assault on my worn out body....but for some reason radiation was a breeze for me. Lucky I guess, but I'm gonna take that one. I hope you have no side effects and radiate joy, love and good health through your treatment.
TanyaF, just love your picture and your smile. I hope your treatments go more smoothly. I think most of us have had at least one snafu with the machine. It's very disconcerting.
And Kruise.....if you are reading this. I had a "do" this morning. As soon as I am more comfortable and feel like I am rockin the short do, I will have my picture taken and post it. Can't wait.
Radiant ladies, everywhere... and at every point of radiation treatment....make sure to thank your loved ones and those who comfort you today.
Shine on, MsP -
Hi Radiants! I have 4 more boosts out of 7 to go. It's only now that I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. I have a tiny open spot in the scar where they did the SNB. Other than that, just red & itchy. This process was not hard physically but it was difficult emotionally. I talked to my BS yesterday and she really helped me with my feelings. I told her that I felt like a hamster running like mad in a wheel with no direction. She laid out everything for me. I can't tell you how much that helped me. Now I feel more confident, secure and now I know what the plan is and where I am going on this path. Thank you from the bottom of my heart Doc B!
Have a bright, rest of the week ladies! Light 'em up!
Remember the gentleman who signed up for his wife? I wonder if he is still here and how his wife is doing........
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mfm48 - As of today I am 92% done. (23 treatments out of 25).
I would like to reassure you that sometimes for those of us who have a tough time at the beginning it does get easier. The last week seems to be flying by for me. My skin is just now starting to blister a bit and peel off a bit. I am tired beyond anything normal but I am not fighting it. I have taken two days off work and am napping as much as I can. Even though I don't feel great I am happy and relaxed because lets face it 2 more treatments and I am done - so I don't need to fight it or worry too much at this stage.
Talking about how you feel helps at the beginning - and try to get as much physical help as you need so that you can rest and eat nutritiously throughout rads - especially if you are still tired from chemo.
I had a tough time at the beginning because I was trying to absorb every detail of what was going on and exactly where the machine was angled at and how long the radiation burst was and ..... on and on and on. Not being able to see properly through the bottom of my glasses made me feel bad too. Like I was being deprived of something.
As soon as I realized I had no control over anything and just let go and trusted the technicians responsible for my health and safety I felt better.
Hope things get easier and easier for you. -
Bounce - I am one of those radiated ladies who had a pale pink nipple after rads. I finished up Oct 16 and the nipple is pretty much back to it's normal color. There is a darker area on the underside of my nipple but I can't see it so I don't care. LOL!
LisaSP - I have though about reconstruction now that I have found out it should be covered by insurance. My right boob is a DD and my left is what I would consider a C. I would love to have a reduction and have 2 small Cs. Unfortunately for me I have plenty of fat that can be taken from anywhere.
Take care. -
Cakes and the other members of the "Pale Nipple Club".
Because of this thread, I tood a good look at my cancer boob nipple today...and it is definitely paler than the other one. When I showed it to my husband, he said..."That's soooo sexy!" Men..BAH!
Have a wonderful day!
MsP -
MsP - I have tears of laughter running down my legs! LOL! Your husband is a keeper! -
cakes and MsP - Thank you so much. -
Bounce- I see you coming toward the finish line- Awesome for you so glad.
Bluebird- I am very pleased to hear you are starting to see fresh skin and the pain is under control- finally. You have wonderful friends too who brought you just the right thing for a no stress holiday.
I laughed when Bounce said no train jokes- I spent an hour and a half today on a BART train in a tunnel in the SF Bay area- some type of brake problem and the brake dust/smoke was making people really have breathing probs. My car was full of smoke. Then the loudspeaker- are there any nurses or doctors on the train please come forward for a medical emergency--- sheesh that kept me busy til we got out of that tunnel and out into some fresh air NOT what I needed so no train jokes for me either. Its amazing what focusing on somebody else's problem does to take your mind of yours LOL -
MsP - I have just seen your comment - looking forward to seeing your 'do' pic.
Thinking of you all around the world radiant ladies! -
Finished my 28 regular treatments today. Woo Hoo!!! I went in, got changed and sat in the waiting area. A new tech rounded the corner and said they had tried to call me (home number, but I was already on my way) to let me know my table was down. She said they could call me to hopefully reschedule for later today. I told her that I can go on the other table (this happened one other time to me - and with my treatment, I can go on either of their tables) - so she double checked & had me come back. I told my regular techs "I bet you've never had anyone ask to go on another table - but this is my last of 28 treatments and I want to be DONE!". We all laughed - and I'm super happy to be done with that part. 5 boosts to go and I'm completely done. So happy -
rhcp66...Happy dance!!! You and I will finish on the same day. After today, I also have 5 boosts left.
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rhcp66 and Rainyday - I also have just 5 more boosts! Done next Thursday! Yay!
From when I had my biopsy in March to next Thursday is 9 months to the day. I could have had a baby! LOL!
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