Summer Rads 2014

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  • trying2staypositive7
    trying2staypositive7 Member Posts: 96
    edited July 2014

    Jbokland-you're right! And soon we can say we both finished rads with flying colors! :-) 

    Aff-I'm glad that you're halfway there! Hopefully it moves faster now. Your husband is a teacher? Me too. I'm glad to be doing rads over the summer break.

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  • rettemich
    rettemich Member Posts: 369
    edited July 2014

    Lisa, Awesome!!! You look Fabulous!!! Congratulations!!

    ktjay, even though our DX are different, I too Really struggled with doing rads. So I totally understand. Long term se was my biggest fear also. And I have to admit I did them with a lot of reservation. But I came through it just fine. Have your RO run the risk numbers. There will be a risk with or without. Only you can decide which risk you are willing to take.

    Good Luck to you. We are here for you. Your not alone.

    jbok, The team you have can make a Huge difference. I'm so happy for you that you have a great team.

    For those that have finished, what changes, if any, have you noticed? I have noticed that my skin is feeling a little shrively, new word. LOL. Maybe it is still the "old" skin that hasn't peeled off yet.

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  • lyzzysmom
    lyzzysmom Member Posts: 654
    edited July 2014

    JB, Yes, definitely handsome!! I am jealous LOL but  my team of ladies are very nice.

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  • Deblc
    Deblc Member Posts: 479
    edited July 2014

    Rettemiche the skin under my underarm is VERY wrinkled. Other than that, skin on my chest is just very dry as I have not been lotioning at all.

    For the ladies who are finished: how do you get off the the Sharpie markings? I was very careful not to touch them during rads, now trying to get them off with soap and water which does not work. I have been cautioned to STILL not scrub the skin until two weeks after rads but I want those marks gone and I have a lot ! How do you (gently) get them off?

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  • Flatinfl
    Flatinfl Member Posts: 4
    edited July 2014

    I have only posted a couple of times and just lurked on this thread. I finished up my 33 treatments on Friday. For some reason radiation was much more emotional for me than chemo. The doctor and technicians were great and aside from being itchy and a little uncomfortable it was not as bad as I thought it would be.  Anyway, I had a pretty funny mold for my boosts and I had to get a picture.

    Kim

    image

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  • DeeC
    DeeC Member Posts: 102
    edited July 2014

    Kim,

    Too funny!  And it's pink

    Dee

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  • paloverde
    paloverde Member Posts: 179
    edited July 2014

    There must be different kinds of markers they use.  Any of mine that are exposed come right off in my next shower.  

    I refused tattoos because I didn't want to be looking at visual reminders of this for the rest of my life.  My field is pretty large, including chest wall plus axillary nodes plus supra and infra clavicular nodes.  I have 8 to 10 markings at any given time, and the bulls-eye is only 1" left of center and just below the collarbone.  So NFW on the tattoos.  

    They place clear Tegaderm pieces about the size of a quarter over each marking, and re-do individual ones as needed.  I've had them last two weeks or more.  The bulls-eye was applied July 1 and hasn't needed to be touched since.  

    The marker lines outside the Tegaderm come right off in the shower, but if I can't wait I use an alcohol wipe.  If the ink is really stubborn, you could try nail polish remover if your skin can take it.  Not sure what else to tell you there.  

    My torso is such a complete freak show this summer between the BMX scars, 2 pairs of drain hole scars, mismatch between the left and right side in size, shape, and height (inflated TE's in place), the rad markings, the infusion port and the ugly scar from when it was placed, that I'm staying covered up anyway.  Next year may be different, unless my implant exchange goes horribly wrong ...   

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  • Deblc
    Deblc Member Posts: 479
    edited July 2014

    Don't know if ppl already know about this free service to remove radiation tattoos but thought it might be helpful

    http://www.aslms.org/newbeginnings/

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  • Deblc
    Deblc Member Posts: 479
    edited July 2014

    thanks paloverde, they must have used some really good permanent maker on me because soap and water don't budge them (I don't want to scrub the area yet). I will try the alcohol. I know what you mean about the torso. I had a mastectomy with no reconstruction, and I still am not used to seeing only one breast, with the huge scar on the other side and chest sunken in places, all marked up as well as having tattoos. I don't even know the point of getting so many tattoos since they still used so much marker on me sigh.

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  • rettemich
    rettemich Member Posts: 369
    edited July 2014

    Oh Kim that's hysterical!!! Did you "tan" that on too? LOL

    debic, I read somewhere to try hand sanitizer. Personally I think that might be a little harsh. I also heard that sun tan lotion works too. Something in the lotion that helps to breakdown the ink. Just keep rubbing it in until it is dissolved, within reason of course, then rinse. 

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  • lyzzysmom
    lyzzysmom Member Posts: 654
    edited July 2014

    Kim, Congratulations on finishing rads!! Hmm, that mold is certainly a conversation piece

    I can't help on the subject of removing markers but they mentioned at the RO's office that the  tattoos could be used for referencing the area that was previously treated,  -  should radiation ever be needed again - hopefully NOT!!    

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  • Carpe-Diem
    Carpe-Diem Member Posts: 49
    edited July 2014

    Lisa -- Congratulations on putting up a GREAT fight against this illness, and making it to the finish line. Thank you for your thoughtful post which made us all think about our journey as well, and all the little things that we usually had not appreciated until we didn't have any left -- thanks to chemo.  May every day going forward be full of love and happiness for you.

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  • Carpe-Diem
    Carpe-Diem Member Posts: 49
    edited July 2014

    ktjay -- the conservative approach taken by most radiation oncologists is that if you have node involvement -- that is the cancer is in at least one node - to have radiation. Yes, there are side effects to radiation, but after speaking to my medical oncologist because, I, also, had reservations about radiation, it appears that the side effects are negligible as compared to the benefits of radiation.  If you are still on the fence, the best thing you can do is get a second opinion from another radiation oncologist, and then make your decision.

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  • paloverde
    paloverde Member Posts: 179
    edited July 2014

    My RO said the heart damage risk from my Adriamycin chemo was many times higher than the heart damage risk would be from my radiation treatment. 

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  • CoastalXPat
    CoastalXPat Member Posts: 83
    edited July 2014

    Lisa and Kim - Big congratulations!!

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  • Sunshineinky
    Sunshineinky Member Posts: 461
    edited July 2014

    Gosh I love you ladies and I'm so thankful to have found you! 

    Lisa your post made me cry! 

    I spent the weekend with my daughter and grandson while her other half was in New York at the Arsenal game.  My grandson who is three refers to it as "granny's bad booby"! I cried when he said that.  It IS my bad booby but a three year old shouldn't have to know that! Maybe I'm just emotional.  I always miss them so much when I leave! 

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  • lyzzysmom
    lyzzysmom Member Posts: 654
    edited July 2014

    Sunshine, I am so glad that you got to spend the weekend with your daughter and grandson. That is so poignant, coming from such a little one and it must be so tough having to leave them. This is all such a roller coaster and we all need a cry. 

    Are you starting your new job soon? We need to socialize and apparently the "experts" say those water coolers are supposed to be very good for people. Really!! 

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  • Jodi040812
    Jodi040812 Member Posts: 383
    edited July 2014

    congrats Kim and Lisa:)

    I can not wait to ring the bell Monday and finally head home after 7 weeks in Houston!!!  My 3 DD's were champs living in the small 2 bd apartment.  My DH or my mom was with me to help out.  Mostly my mom since DH had to work back in Louisiana.  Back on our Dec chemo board, someone mentioned te emotions you have at the end.  I have been having those a lot this weekend.  This might be long but hang with me if you can:)

    The Matrix- have you seen it?  If so, you will understand my reference.  I feel like I am living in the Matrix.  I was offered the two pills: red- fake reality where people live their lives for own gain etc. And the blue- the true reality bluntly the truth.  I feel like the characters in the movie when they walk back to the "fake" world.  Everyone running about busy and unaware.  I just don't think there is any going back just like the movie.  The truth awakens you- I am awake.  Their world or problems hold little meaning to me.  It seems insignificant. 

    I know this will fade, but as I stand now crew cut, red skinned and scarred this is how I feel. I guess it is the inner warrior winning the battle finally.  No the war.  Makes sense since I look like GI Jane now;). Sorry so long!  Thanks for reading:)

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  • peterandwendy
    peterandwendy Member Posts: 10
    edited July 2014

    I am 15/28 and my skin looks great. My scar is pink, but that's it.

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  • peterandwendy
    peterandwendy Member Posts: 10
    edited July 2014

    Lisaj514, congratulations and I agree with your entire post. I have been filled with such joy, life is really good.

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  • Louanne
    Louanne Member Posts: 101
    edited July 2014

    Sunshine, your grandson sounds adorable! Little ones really sense when something is going on. My grandchild is 2 years old. When "gama" can't pick up the little one, that is the first clue, then the boo boo part comes up, then let me kiss it. Ohhh I could have melted right then and there! Glad you had a chance to spend time with him. 

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  • Debster
    Debster Member Posts: 82
    edited July 2014

    Jodi040812, I had a discussion with my daughter this week about how I feel things don't matter any more and very little gets me shaken. I have no patience for nonsense any more. It has been amazing to me what this journey has changed in me and where I have went so far.

    I am so happy for you to be finishing up Monday. I can't wait until I can say that. Celebrate and enjoy!!! :-) 

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  • Ktjay
    Ktjay Member Posts: 64
    edited July 2014

    I am so thankful I have this post, you ladies are helping me to make this decision.  I spoke with my oncologist as to whether or not I should do radiation and he said no, but after listening to all of you and seeing your diagnosis and talking with the radiation/oncologist I think that I should go ahead.  I am nervous, but gosh that seems to be my middle name.  The fact that it hit my node, even though it was just 1, has bothered me through all of this.  I am still worried about the side effects, but I guess getting cancer back is not good either.  Have any of you had to deal with lymphedema?  I had 16 nodes removed and this is a concern of mine.  Thank you for all of your support.

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  • ohiofan
    ohiofan Member Posts: 206
    edited July 2014


    Jodie, Our world has changed literally and figuratively. 

    Sunshine, my emotions seem close to the surface now.  Don't know if it is because treatments are over and there is a letdown, or if it is the pills.  Sometimes over strangest things..  GS time is always great!!  Mine is 15 months and will be coming next weekend with DD and SIL. (Football Hall of Fame festivities)  Can't wait for those sloppy kisses!! He is sooo much fun!

    Take care, all of you!

    Ohio

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  • Rosiesride
    Rosiesride Member Posts: 513
    edited July 2014

    ohiofan...I am not on any pill yet and my emotions are also at the surface...

    And debster....yes...the journey changes us...for me, I also feel the little things don't matter....and that sometimes people are just stupid.  I laugh more and don't waste my time worrying about little things.

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  • lyzzysmom
    lyzzysmom Member Posts: 654
    edited July 2014

    Jodi, I am so happy for you ringing that bell tomorrow. You are the champ!! A tough journey and being away from home too. 

    I have never seen the matrix but I know exactly what you mean. Cancer certainly clarifies what is important and real, what your priorities are, and what is trivial and really doesn't matter.  

    I have seen too many people that hold grudges for years, often for little or no reason and just don't let things go. Such a waste.

    On a different note, righty is looking just a little swollen today but not painful and only 5 full breast to go. The upside is that between surgery and rads it is looking perkier than it has since my early 40s! Lefty not so much! 

    I have been getting some mild tenderness on lower right side ribs. I think I had had it slightly even before surgery but I had forgotten about it as it was nothing. After surgery it came back and I thought it was with stretching after surgery but it seemed to go away again. Now it is back and I am hoping it is just rads, age, or the way I carry my big purse!  It is very mild and only when I touch it but we all know the thoughts that this darn disease brings so I will mention to MO just to get it checked out. 

    I mentioned it to DH and he was like " Oh its nothing bla bla".....Finding this typical lack of reaction a little tiresome  I said "probably not, but it it is I am @!$&ed!" while drawing my finger across my throat for theatrical effect. MY BAD! Still no reaction LOL.

     Anyway thats enough rambling and ranting for today. I hope you have all had a good weekend and onward we go tomorrow!!

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  • victorialee
    victorialee Member Posts: 20
    edited July 2014

    Debic - thanks for that link...I really want my tats removed, the one that is most visable on my chest is blue and as a red head really sticks out. I'll try rettemich's suggestions first to try and remove them (after asking my RO for the ok) but I want them off.

    Congrats to everyone finishing up! The whole "warrior" thing was lost on me until actually going through breast cancer. It is a battle! I am a warrior as we all are. I was always a strong person but now I am totally awake as Jodie says. You won't catch me sleeping again. :)

    I hope everyone had a great weekend!

    I'm ready for week two.

    Vicki

    PS How is eveyone dealing with not shaving their armpit(s) during the summer?

     


     

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  • DeeC
    DeeC Member Posts: 102
    edited July 2014

    Vicki,

    Except for a little on my legs my hair hasn't grown back from chemo so no shaving for me yet.

    I don't start radiation until Aug.4th.  Will the radiation cause no hair to grow there? I know it does on your head.

    Taking a few days off to go to Maine with some friends for some R&R between chemo and RADs.  So looking forward to it.  DH will be home alone with his own R&R without me to worry about.

    Dee

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  • Crazywabbit
    Crazywabbit Member Posts: 563
    edited July 2014

    Vicky, my RO said I could shave and use any deodorant I wanted. The BS was the one who said no regular razors just electric ones since I am numb under the armpit from the ALND and risk cutting myself without knowing it. 

    I shaved once during the early part of RT but the hair growth has almost stopped with the RT. 

    Just don't wear sleeveless shirts. 

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  • Longislandl8y
    Longislandl8y Member Posts: 145
    edited July 2014

    Hello sisters.  Jumping over from the April 2014 Chemo board as I have just finished my chemo last week and am now on the road to rads. Chemo sure did suck and I am so glad it's behind me.  But I am wondering if those of you who have already began rads might share with me.  Is the fatigue as bad as some people describe it? I mean I'm sure it is for some, but are there ladies here who haven't experienced that? I am really hoping to get back to an active lifestyle and lose these 15 lbs I've gained now that chemo is done.  And because my daughter is getting married in October! If anyone has any insight or tips on how they're best managing an active lifestyle while doing rads, I'd love to hear about it.  I have a bone density scan as well as a followup MRI on Wed., then a meeting with the radiation oncologist next week... 

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