Summer Rads 2014

Aff--I had cording with mild le--I saw a pt that specializes in le and after 4 sessions I was much MUCH improved--hope you get some relief as quickly.

Vette please enjoy your vacation and don't be nervous! I have two days left and that's it.  We are all here for you! 

To my itchy friends (lol) Jodi! I haven't had any itching.  Does the itching mean it's healing or is that a SE that not everyone gets? 

You all would be amazed at how healed I am.  I have no redness. My arm has full movement and I have just a little bit of pain inside the breast.  

I'm so thankful this is almost over! 

Anybody having really bad fatigue? I've completed 16/25 and for the past few treatments my fatigue has increased dramatically. I wake up around 9am tired, have my treatment at 12 noon, falling asleep by 3pm, still tired when I wake up early evening!  Back to bed by midnight and starts all over again next day. 

Curiously-do they do blood draws at rad appointments?  I have read that rads knock your blood counts down-so that makes us fatigued.  Mine has not come back up that much since chemo...hope it does not get too bad....already tired and trying to work full time.  Was just wondering if they monitor that....?

Vette I had blood draws every two weeks. Mine dropped a bit during rads but nothing to be alarmed about.  Hopefully yours will be ok but it's certainly a question to ask your center.  

Rett..... One more day and we are DONE! Hallelujah!! I got such a good skin report today that I do not have to see the RO again till then end of November.  So after tomorrow no doctors appointments for me till August with my MO! 

Glad you are doing so well, Sunshineink, gives the rest of us hope for good outcomes. Stephanie

My husband and I took a vacation to Sea World in Orlando during my four week break between chemo and radiation. It was awful, I would get completely worn out just walking around the park for a few hours. One day, I just could not get out of bed, as a result, I became depressed and anxious. I felt so bad for my DH, he was beside himself with worry. Finally, we got smart and rented a wheelchair and the trip improved from that point on. 

I complete 28 rad. treatments on 8/14 and we leave for Disney World on 8/16. I need advice, will I need a wheelchair or a scooter after rads? How tired do you get? I have had 2 treatments as of today and I am quite depressed and have no desire for food. I am sure my depression is because I have been feeling so good. My energy level for the last couple of weeks has returned to normal and I hate not feeling good again.

Peterwendy I'm finishing rads tomorrow.  I had about a two week period that I was extremely tired.  Over the weekend though I've felt my energy returning.  Just keep in mind, Disney World can tire even the healthiest of people!! So don't be tough on yourself if you see you need a scooter.  Like Barbara (crazywabbit) I managed to walk atleast 2 miles a night even during the worst of the fatigue.  Exercise helps to fight the fatigue so do as much as you can snd drink as much water as you can! It'll be ok! 

Rett and Sunshine, Its meant to be a happy face for the end of your rads tomorrow but I think whoever designed them had an odd sense of humor! They all look a little strained which is understandable I suppose. Anyway congratulations on reaching the last day!

They did the simulation for my boosts today after rads and it was very quick. I guess they make a mold. There will be 5 but still a ways to go, tomorrow will be #11 and 1/3 way through!

I do feel fatigued but I don't think its directly rads related. I usually feel a bit sleepy when I come out but not in a bad way so far. I am having a real problem concentrating on work though, and getting really miserable and teary at being on call this week. I never know if the phone will ring in the middle of the night. 

I do feel bad for my boss though. He said "we still love you" and  my colleagues are so nice but the hours and bureaucracy we are stuck with are killer and we are all getting older. If (when) I leave I will miss them. MY DH does not converse much so he gets along very well with the dog as she only understands words like frisbee and dinner but I would get cabin fever!

Well apparently today is my venting day. I thought it was see the doctor day but that was switched to tomorrow. 

Hoping for a peaceful night everyone, quiet, and for those that need it, ITCH FREE!

sunshine, count_it_al, A day to celebrate indeed. We must virtual party tonight. WOOHOO!! Anyone going with you all today? My DH and DD are going with me.

For those just starting only advise is if you are allowed to use Aloe, start ahead of time. Just make sure you don't use it within 4 hours before treatment. 

Fatigue is just unpredictable. Thought I was in the clear and yesterday it hit me like a hammer. Go figure.

For those in treatment or finishing...i finished three weeks ago. It's amazing the amount of healing, I didn't have any moist areas this time and fatigue set in earlier with this round but I think I'm healing faster. My first round three years ago had some moist areas but I didn't feel fatigue until towards the end. Not only do the side effects vary from person to person, they vary some if you have more than one round! 

Hang in there! Although side effects vary, you do heal....I have made it a priority to eat a lot of protein and more fruit and veggies; also to get a nap if I can. I know not everyone can do the nap...I couldn't with my first round. My thought for the day is simply....it does get better!

We're there, Sunshineink. Yay for being done today.

Thanks everyone, Disney is my happy place and I would hate to have anything but happy thoughts when I am there. Well off for 3/28.

I decided to commemorate the start of Rads today:    (can't remember who to thank for this idea!)

Congratulations Sunshine! I am so happy for you!  I'll be done this Friday and I start to cry just thinking about ringing the bell. I've been very emotional lately.