Summer Rads 2014

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  • DeeC
    DeeC Member Posts: 102
    edited July 2014

    Congrats to all who have finished.  It is amazing what we can get through when we have to.  I had no idea I had the inner strength to get through a cancer diagnosis.  Never thought I would get it.  Thought it would be heart disease because that is what my parents had.  My heart is fine!

    My RADs start the beginning of August.  Any one else joining me?

    Dee

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  • rettemich
    rettemich Member Posts: 369
    edited July 2014

    WooHoo Ann it is such an emotional feeling when you are finally done. 

    I am getting a few little "tan" spots that I think will end up peeling and hopefully nice pink skin will replace it.

    The nipple areola are still really sensitive and I still have some pain inside. 

    But, I am sure glad the rads didn't cause it because since my treatments have ended, amazingly, the pain has decreased by about 80%. Why can't they just be honest with us.

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  • 3rdtimenow
    3rdtimenow Member Posts: 256
    edited July 2014

    Congrats Anne, and thanks for the encouragement. Dee, I am one week in and there are at least 3 others, so we will be half way when you start, we can do this.

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  • Rosiesride
    Rosiesride Member Posts: 513
    edited July 2014

    congrats Anne!!

    Sunshineinky....I see doc tomorrow...my back is super red as well from exit beam...I have no problem speaking up and will tell them I need to know how I am going to handle 13 more if I look like this now!  Advil helps and today isn't as bad...but thinking of 5 more in a row is scary!

    Izzysmom...I now get rads at 10 am and don't use anything before appt....I shower the night before with dove..my pt /massage therapist is worried about my redness...she seems to think it's because I am small breasted and small framed??? She works with a lot of women who have radiation

    I will ask about silvadene...and if chemo makes me More sensitive...no opened areas yet...radiaplex helps but just scared about 13 more rads whole breast!!! I see doc tomorrow...thanks girls! Rosie

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  • mripp
    mripp Member Posts: 106
    edited July 2014

    Congrats Anne! That support you described is awesome! 

    DeeC and 3rdtime, Anxiously waiting to start my rad on 7/22. we're in this together. I have a quiet week upcoming so concentrating on getting work done before rad schedule begins. Also trying to support my Mom who is in a nursing home recovering from CHF. It's been hot here and her room doesnt have AC so I just ordered her a rush shipment for a portable room evaporative cooling fan. Hope she gets some relief! 

    Enjoy your Sunday. More later!

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  • Crazywabbit
    Crazywabbit Member Posts: 563
    edited July 2014

    Ann wonderful  that you are done.  Not sure if the rad center has a bell, upstairs in the onc infusion center  rather are a couple of them.  Now go out and enjoy life. 

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  • ohiofan
    ohiofan Member Posts: 206
    edited July 2014


    Wonderful, Anne!!!!

     

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  • Lisaj514
    Lisaj514 Member Posts: 719
    edited July 2014

    congrats Anne! Wooo hoooo! 24/34 for me tomorrow and last whole breast, then 9 boosts! I feel powerful and in control this weekend. Look at my day today! Finished a 5k race (the Boilermaker, in Utica ny) it's the biggest 15 k in the country and they run a 5k race as part of it. I've done it for past 8 yrs and wasn't sure if I'd make 9, but I did!:-)

    image

    image

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  • anchored619
    anchored619 Member Posts: 1
    edited July 2014

    I have simulation tomorrow and begin 6 weeks on the 21st.  Sooo nervous but I am ready to get started.  This is my first post, but I have gained so much from each of you darling ladies by reading your stories, tips and encouragement.    I know with each day I am one day closer to ringing that bell!!   Let's do this!!!

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  • Sunshineinky
    Sunshineinky Member Posts: 461
    edited July 2014

    Welcome Anchored!! It'll be over before you know it! 

    These ladies were my saving grace during rads!

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  • mripp
    mripp Member Posts: 106
    edited July 2014

    Anchored619- I'm right there with you. I start rad 7/22 for 6.5 weeks. We're in this together. Talk to you again soon!

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  • 3rdtimenow
    3rdtimenow Member Posts: 256
    edited July 2014

    Way to go Lisa! and welcome Anchored. This is a great board.

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  • itwasapril2014
    itwasapril2014 Member Posts: 1
    edited July 2014

    Hello everyone, I'm new to the group and site. I start my radiation on tuesday, and I gotta say I'm scared, anxious, etc. I am very glad that there is a place where someone understands me. I'm not happy that we all are going through this. With that said, my family is more terrified than I am. My adult sons are being very supportive, but my other members are just so afraid that they won't support me. That's not helping me mentally prepare myself for what's ahead. Just wondering if anyone else has had conflict within their family, as I know family support is important.

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  • Sunshineinky
    Sunshineinky Member Posts: 461
    edited July 2014

    ItwasApril, I'm so sorry about your support issues! I took myself to ever single rads session.  Even the last one, I went alone.  

    Sometimes I think our families are just as scared as we are and that's why it feels like we aren't supported! I know I had a few friends who were just not there.  I know these ladies love me but, me facing my own mortality sort of makes them have to face theirs.  

    My daughter lives 2 hours away but my sister lives next door.  She's been my biggest supporter.  It sounds like your sons will be yours! 

    We never know how strong we are until we have to be strong.  You'll get through rads and we will be right here with you! 

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  • ohiofan
    ohiofan Member Posts: 206
    edited July 2014


    ItwasApril, welcome.  We may not be there with you physically, but our thoughts and prayers will be with you for every treatment.  Just follow instructions (each doc seems to have their own way to do things) and all will be fine in the end.  Tips on how to handle se's will be here for you to read and questions are always answered.  I really relied on these women!

    Best of luck!   You will be fine!!!!

    Ohio (Bonnie)

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  • dfroberts
    dfroberts Member Posts: 12
    edited July 2014

    Hi all you lovely ladies!!!

    I'm joining the group of new starters on rads too - going for my mapping and scheduling this afternoon and will most likely start next week.

    LisaJ - you've inspired me!  I'm also a runner and have been concerned how radiation will impact that.  I had to back out of NYC marathon this year, which I hated to do, but my doctor felt I didn't need the additional stress of training during treatment.  Hoping to stay running though!

    My MO also is waiting until rads are done to begin tamoxifen. 

    Glad to share the journey!

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  • tangandchris
    tangandchris Member Posts: 1,855
    edited July 2014


    Start today at 5pm. My chest has marks all over it, but some of them I've managed to sweat off from Friday. It's so hot here, and of course I'm just hot in general since chemo. What type of soap are ya'll using, Dove?

    I hate that my appt is so late in the day, hoping it can move down a little after awhile.

    Good luck to everyone starting this week! congrats to all who have finished. I'm nervous, but ready to get this thing going.

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  • ohiofan
    ohiofan Member Posts: 206
    edited July 2014


    Tang.

    My RO said to use unscented Dove body wash instead of soap.  He also recommended Aquaphor.  Both worked well for me.  Good Luck!!!

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  • 3rdtimenow
    3rdtimenow Member Posts: 256
    edited July 2014

    Hi, TangandChris and Defroberts and welcome ItwasApril, I think that makes seven of us now, 4 of us started last week. These ladies are so right, this is a great place for support and advice. Itwasapril, even with support at home, no one knows just how it is for us, except our sisters in this thing with us.   My family has been supportive, in the lottery of life, I have been very lucky my husband is very supportive and has gone to every doctor's appointment with me and would be at every radiation appt. if I needed him there,he's retired though so that makes it easier.                                          This is my 3rd. diagnosis and I have really been trying to be strong for everyone, when I am sometimes falling apart on the inside.                                                                    I went to a nutritionist last week and she stressed food safety and I was in food service management for years, so I have lots of knowledge about this. My husband was helping me with dinner for company yesterday, when he was washing the organic tomatoes he put the strainer on top of a dish that had just contained raw chicken, I know that's dangerous, especially now.                                                   I may have over reacted and did raise  my voice and threw them away, that would have been that, but he said " that was stupid" well my shell cracked and I had a full out melt down. I felt so alone in that moment even though he is usually very supportive. We can do this ladies, we'll get by with a little help from our friends. Stephanie

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  • Lisaj514
    Lisaj514 Member Posts: 719
    edited July 2014

    dfroberts, wow, YOU inspire ME. All I can do is 3-4 miles. Nyc marathon, great! Have you done it before? If you have and that's a goal for you, you will get back in running shape and do it! Long distance runners are focused and mentally tough. Use that focus and toughness to get you through treatment and you will do well.

    Tang, yes dove soap. I guess it has a ph closest to our skin. I had tons of marks from my sim. It looked a child was left unsupervised with a sharpie marker but after a few treatments, and me asking, they said many were not all needed anymore and now I only have a circle or a triangle around each of my tattoos and 2 lines vertically across my breast. Now they line me up very easily and quickly and only takes less than 5 min for the whole treatment.  They remark me each day if the marks have faded. In the shower I just let the water run over that side with a little soap. The marks rub off on your bra so wear one that yiu don't care about getting stained. There are lots of different creams, ointments, lotions that you will see written about here. I guess just follow your doctors advice and if it's not working for you, you will get great some suggestions of things to use and try on this forum to discuss with your doctor

    I just finished 25 out of 34 treatments and will start the first of 9 boosts tomorrow. Now I have a large oblong circle around the lump site with a circle and an x that marks the spot. You girls that have done the boosts already, did the boost area get redder and more sensitive, I have 9 so that. Is a lot to one small area

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  • rettemich
    rettemich Member Posts: 369
    edited July 2014

    Way to go Lisa!!!!!! WooHoo!!!! Congrats!!

    Welcome to all that are starting or going to start. This board has been a blessing. It's bad enough we have to deal with the cancer, then have to deal with the barbaric treatments, having a support system is so important. I had a little. My dh went to several of my appointments, and dd who is 20 moaned and groaned when she went to my treatments. Most of the time I felt totally alone. 

    There is a lot of stress on your body, psychically, mentally and emotionally.  We reserve the right to total meltdowns. My dd would back away from me and I would tell him just hold me and tell me everything's going to be ok.

    I didn't use Dove, I used an organic "soap" with no actual soap and it worked great. 

    I also used Aloe, aloe and more aloe. Along with a good cream like calendula, California Baby, or an Emu lotion that has Emu, calendula, and aloe. LOL, my RO said she didn't know what I was doing but to keep doing it. I did use the Aquaphor when in the hardest hit area I started to peel. I don't like using petroleum jelly on the skin. All and all I really had no severe skin breakdown. Just a little peeling. Oh and a little hydrocortisone cream for itching.

    Keep in mind that every ones treatment is different and every ones reaction to it will vary. 

    As people have stated before you are stronger than you think. We will be here for you all. 

    Gentle Hugs being sent.

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  • tangandchris
    tangandchris Member Posts: 1,855
    edited July 2014


    Should I put anything on my skin, the radiaplast or aquaphor before my first treatment today?

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  • count_it_all_joy
    count_it_all_joy Member Posts: 130
    edited July 2014

    Hi Tangandchris - no, don't put on anything at all.  If I'm replying too late and you've already applied something, go ahead and wash it off and dab dry.  it really will increase your burning to have anything on the surface of your skin.  I usually brought my aloe and My Girls lotion with me to my appts, and would put it on and let it dry before I even got dressed after treatment.  I do think it helped, plus it felt good to do it!  :)

    I'm not very knowledgable on natural or organic products, but I do have skin that's really sensitive to soaps.  I kept using my organic body wash, like rettemich did, as well as fresh cut aloe a few times a day, and didn't have anything more than pink skin for a while.  I'm 5 days out now, and my skin is barely even tan.   I mention this just in case anyone else has the same skin issues and is fretting over switching from your usual soap.  

    I do agree with the dr that most of it is just individual reaction, so it's a bit of a lottery, but find what seems to work for you and keep with it!  :)

    Best of luck to all of you just starting.  I was blessed to have tons of support from family and church friends during treatment, but some people did just drop out of my life.  Some people have apologized to me in the last couple weeks, saying they just didn't know how to help, and assumed the people who were closer to me were the ones I would want around me.  I've kind of been in that boat myself, wondering if I'm in the acquaintance or friend category of the person going through a trial.  Now I know there is enough need to spread around to anyone who is willing to stick around!

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  • Deblc
    Deblc Member Posts: 479
    edited July 2014

     For the ladies using aloe, I think I read where we are not to use aloe with alcohol?  I can't find any without alcohol, and am wondering if any ladies used aloe with alcohol and if they had problems with it.

    I am at 20 of 25 treatments and I am getting more itchy (no other problems). My doc says I can try aloe now to relieve the itching (I have been putting nothing at all on my skin before this, per his instructions), but he said nothing about alcohol content, and I forgot to ask at my weekly appointment with him last week. 

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  • rettemich
    rettemich Member Posts: 369
    edited July 2014

    Yes Deblc, you are correct NO Aloe with alcohol. Use Fruit of the Earth. It is alcohol and dye free. You might be able to find it at Target or WalMart. I got a big one from my RO, and found a travel size at Target. Was perfect to use right after treatments as count said, when you are changing. Also put it in the frig...if you are "cooking" it feels soooo good.

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  • lyzzysmom
    lyzzysmom Member Posts: 654
    edited July 2014

    Welcome Anchored, ItwasApril and df, 

    Lisa, You look so fit! Well done!! 

    I am pathetic. I walked 3/4 of a mile yesterday and my legs felt weak and my chest felt tight. I don't think it was rads at all. It was the end of my on-call week, which was quiet but makes me sick to my stomach. The chest still feels a bit off today but I will take a short walk later.

     ItwasApril, I am sorry you are not getting the support you need at home. It really helps to be here on BCO where we can talk and support each other!!! DH supports me physically if I have an appointment where I need a driver , surgery and MOs office which is difficult to get to. I went by myself for ultrasound and core biopsy and go to rads on my own. He did ask if I needed a ride to rads but its doable by me. He never mentions my cancer even if I start to talk about it. He is long time cancer survivor himself.   He does do odd things to show he cares like getting me a big sun hat similar to his or buying a Tom's deodorant but in terms of having somebody at home to talk to and offer emotional support, it is kind of lonely. I have no other close family.

    ANYWAY For all the new ladies starting, the thought of rads is worse than the real thing. I had some pain/discomfort with the shoulder/arm positioning at simulation but its a quick daily process. I actually don't mind it at all. It has become a routine (#14 today)and is not at all scary one you get started.  I just use the products as recommended , the Dove soap (I use unscented for sensitive skin), the Toms of Maine deodorant that doesn't work LOL and Elta Lite cream that my RO gave me.I also us a eucerin wash for redness that I found which is very gentle but I have not mentioned to my RO as it is not on his list! So far little itching.

    I have not been wearing a bra, as my breasts are not large, just cotton Tees which helps with sweating..

    Rosie, I asked the tech why some people have a worse reaction. She said that it could be chemo but  also that melatonin in the skin may affect it regardless of skin tone. I don't think they really know but it kind of makes sense and account for my lack of an early reaction. I have always had a problem with what I think is a lack of melatonin in my skin. I have little white spots that never tan at all. Multiple doctors have commented on my skin looking a bit odd without me saying a thing. One even sent me to a dermatologist who did not seem to care. I have always been more concerned about getting melanoma but got breast cancer instead!

    I do hope the Rx they gave you is starting to help!

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  • Amelia123
    Amelia123 Member Posts: 96
    edited July 2014

    So bummed.  The office called and said the machine was broken and cancelled my appointment for today.  This just drags my total time into the very last week of summer.  Now my poor kids won't even be able to go to the beach at all.

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  • Sunshineinky
    Sunshineinky Member Posts: 461
    edited July 2014

    Ha Izzy you are so right about Toms deodorant!!! I'm pretty sure I smelled bad even using it lol

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  • aff
    aff Member Posts: 279
    edited July 2014

    I can relate to the lack of emotional support at home. My husband is amazing in so many ways and I am so thankful he is in my life but he has never been a source of emotional support. He does not talk about my cancer, ever. He will listen if I have something to say but does not offer much response. It is frustrating at times but I try to remember all the other amazing qualities and that usually helps. I am very fortunate to have a large support system of family and friends. That being said, I still feel so damn lonely sometimes. I am very grateful for all you wonderful ladies. 

    # 3 of 28 today. Counting them down slowly but surely. Also had PT today which is terrific. Today's 3 mile walk included our dog and both my kids on their bikes. It was lots of fun. I think we all forgot it was exercise. 

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  • shycat
    shycat Member Posts: 76
    edited July 2014

    I had my first rad treatment today.  They were running about 45 minutes behind, so I had the opportunity to chat with another patient who was halfway through her rad plan.  I'm painfully shy but couldn't help smiling a greeting when I saw her entering the waiting room sporting the same short chemo hair and flat chest that I do.  She sat down near me and immediately guessed that it was my first time.  (Might have been my deer-in-the-headlights look.)  She was so nice and very encouraging, reassuring me that it's the easiest part, even pulling down her t-shirt collar a bit to show me how her skin was just now started to be affected, a bit pink and rough, she said.  It seems that every step of this journey, I've encountered the friendliest, nicest people ever.  I hope to one day be able to return the favor.


     

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