Summer Rads 2014

Mommom, I actually wore my old stretched out bras during rads. I got some new ones in a larger size but they still didn't feel as comfy as my old ones. I also put in pieces of an old flannel sheet (cut into squares and folded to the right size) in my bra where it rubbed and would then throw it out if it got dirty (all that marker!) or sweaty and cut a new piece.  An old pillow case will last a long time! It was softer than a handkerchief I think. Fleece would also work well. 

Everyone's getting close, or done already. Soo great!

3 wks post rads and skin is pretty much back to "normal". Of course there are still some dark freckles. I keep stretching my arm for full ROM and stretching and lengthening the scars. Keep using the moisturizer everyone and massaging the scars, especially when rads are done as the scars can continue to shorten and contract. I love laying on my back with my arms out to the side like a T. Also I'm loving yoga now, the slow stretch and breathing and meditation are perfect

I'm heading into treatment #10 tomorrow morning, and I don't see or feel any changes to my skin due to the radiation yet.  About how many treatments in did you notice changes or irritation?  I'm using Aquaphor once a day, and I'm wearing soft sports bras, although not cotton.  I just want to be prepared or prevent problems if I can.  Thanks!

Swissmiss, not everyone has skin problems and when they do it varies greatly. I started burning after about 13 or 14 and I used pure aloe from the plant at first and then 1% hydrocortizone for the itch. The fatigue hit about then too, but much worse the last week or so, I have two more to go. 13 years ago when I went through it, the first time, I had no skin problems at all and just a little fatigue, went to work every day. Best of luck for smooth sailing for you. Stephanie

Nice ride Rosie!  Congrats to everyone who has finished. Got my stitches out yesterday still dont know when I will be starting. BS said they would call with re-excision date and MO appointment and then would do Radiation after that..

getting ready to celebrate last Rads...just 3 boosts to go!

Yay Debster! Enjoy your family time.

Swissmiss, my vertical scar was not affected by rads, but my horizontal one (under the breast) has gotten red. Hoping it (and the rest of me) goes back to its regular color soon.  I got some Silvadene for the peeling parts, and Calendula cream for the red.

Yesterday was my first non-rad day, and I felt like I was playing hooky and really should go see the wonderful techs/nurses. My husband said I have Stockholm Syndrome. Today I just feel happy. Question for those who have finished: My red spots seem to be getting redder even though I am done. I noticed that last weekend also: I got redder even though I had 2 days off.  Anyone else experience this? When did your skin go back to looking "normal"?

For those of you still undergoing rads, once you get into the routine it goes by quickly. Hang in there!

Debster---Congratulations! It's time to heal!

Rosie. Now thats a car!!! I am so happy for you. Summer was a bummer (oops poetry) so ENJOY the fall!!

Trina, Not everybody has a lot of issues with skin so hopefully you may be just fine. Mine never reacted that bad and it is fair. It just got pinker and pinker after the first couple of weeks and looked worse than it felt towards the end.  12 days out and the skin is almost back to normal, just lightly tanned, and puckered around the scar where the boosts were. 

Amelia, The boost area got redder for a couple of days after finishing and the main breast,mostly the nipple got worse for a couple of days into boosts and then started improving.

JB, What can I say, I loved the radiation toes but these are even better!!

Saw my MO today. Don't have to see him for four months unless I have problems!! He put me on Tamoxifen which I was not expecting, 2 years, then 3 years on AI. He is concerned about joint pain and me losing my hair as its so thin already. He seems to think tamox will not cause as much hair loss and he thinks I will not be a happy camper if he makes me bald. He also said to expect hot flashes and leg cramps. I have just taken the first one and am kind of sitting here waiting for something weird to happen LOL.

It was odd today. I was having an appointment with my oncologist yet it was such a fun day. I had to go to Boston but the train times meant I would be hanging around for 3 hours so I made it a day out. I went up 50 floors to a skywalk that I have wanted to do for years and took photos of Boston. Then I walked the 2 miles to Dana Farber. It was a beautiful day. When I got there I had lunch and a lady showed me the Healing Garden which is an indoor garden full of the most beautiful orchids. Here is just one for everybody.

lyzzysmom...pretty flower...thanks...I also saw my onc and he put me on tamoxifen...at 54 I still had not gone into menopause, until chemo, so gyno took bloodwork and said I am post menopausal...I will be on tamoxifen for 6 months and will see MO in 2 months.  I am still having muscle pain and he was not sure why so late after chemo.   It could be part of the neuropathy...I went to P T as I have a big muscle bump on my outer calf...like a spasm so she massaged it and put heat on it...still hurts and may take 2 weeks to get better with stretching etc...anyone else have problems with lower legs and forearms?? Mine have been super achy...now this muscle spasm...really need it to go the hell away!!  Well so happy for all those finishing up!  We are so strong...Rosie

Oh happy day, done done done!!!!!!

Stephanie, Happy day indeed!! congratulations!!!

speaking of not drinking anymore ....

Congrats Stephanie!

Sunshine - I can't believe you are 6 weeks out already. Time sure flies.

Iyzzy - your day sounded great, and I enjoyed the flower pic!

My red areas are redder and larger now than during rads. Not what I was expecting. I take hope in that those of you farther out from rads have returned to normal. It's ironic that finally I can wear a v-neck because my sticker is gone, but now I'm red and splotchy. But that's ok, I know it's temporary. Bring on the calendula cream!

Yey Stephanie!  

Boo for no drinking! Lol...

Debster....yeah this muscle pain and overall achinessm is a drag!  And I haven't even started tamoxifen yet! Tomorrow...ugggg.  Praying for minimal SE's!! Rosie

Thanks everyone, glad to be done, starting Arimedex tomorrow. Good night ladies. Stephanie