Winter rads 2014-2015
Comments
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ladyb - I started rads three weeks to the day after my final chemo, which had really hit me with the side effects. I was exhausted when I started rads and stayed that way (and worse) for the next two weeks. I walked two blocks and was not certain I could get back! Climbing stairs was impossible. I think it was a bit of both, but the rads could certainly have exacerbated the leftovers tiredness from chemo.
Actually, I still don't have 100% of the energy that I would like to have.
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This is our list of Winter Warriors as of February 16, 2015 - We are still growing! The Winter Warrior sign up will be over soon. Our Spring will be a new beginning.
October / November Start
MeneK – Oct 24
.................... MagicalBean - Oct 28
......... Mmtagirl - Nov 3 MarieBernice6234 - Nov 4
... Hope50 - Nov 5 .................. dennyvol - Nov 5 CAS4 - Nov 6
........................ Beachbaby65 - Nov 4 .......... CoyoteNV - Nov 10 Lush61 - Nov 13
.................... Rosa54 - Nov 13 ................. Beachlady28 – Nov 17 Nomatterwhat - Nov 17
......... LMVerma Nov 18 ................ katieC12 – Nov 18 Lorrilynne - Nov 18
.............. Gongshow18 - Nov 20 .........Yikes1 - Nov 20 Birdgirl11 - Nov 23
............. Perfectlyimperfect39 - Nov 23 Singsing1020 -December Start
Pita119 - Dec 1
.................. SandyLovesLucy - Dec 1......... AnasNana - Dec 1 HockeyCat - Dec 3
......... . CanuckMom Dec 4 ................ MeanMomto3 - Dec 4 JustJean - Dec 5
............... runningcello - Dec 9 ............... carynbrit - Dec 10 ForHisGlory - Dec 10
........ Davida58 - Dec 10 ....................SCMom - Dec 11 eileenpg - Dec 16
.............. Linzer – Dec 16 ....................... WndrWoman - Dec 16 sweetbanker - Dec 16
........ labelle - Dec 17 ....................... Slavrich - Dec 27InGodshands - Dec 18
....... Catie57 - Dec 18 ........................ lilactulip - Dec 18 PoppyK - Dec 29
.............. kpmacmill - Dec 29 .................... Jlynn13 - Dec 29gretchy - Dec 29 .........................Bellegirl - Dec 30
January Start
reader425 - Jan 2
................ILCMom - Jan 2................................ Purrrrana99 - Jan 5Cath57 - Jan 5 ......................... Professor50 - Jan 5
...................fossf - Jan 7Lulubelle1 - Jan 8
............. lescover - Jan 8 .............................. Nancy6540 - Jan 12 .Saltygirl - Jan 12 .......................aj103014 - Jan 12
.................... Fionascottie - Jan 13 Magdalene51 - Jan 15 .............. quiggy - Jan 19 ................................. Annie88 - Jan 19
Bippy625 - Jan 20 .......................Dacre - Jan 20 ...............................feelingoverwhelmed - Jan 20
KYBLUEEYES - Jan 20 ..............Beachbum1023 - Jan 22 ............... Cavalier - Jan 22
mqt64 - jan 26 ............................ Sjacobs146 - Jan 26 ..................... Windgirl - Jan 28
Hotdogmommy - Jan 29
February Start
JeniferE - Feb 1 ....................... LARock - Feb 2 ............................ Chrissie29 - Feb 2
gemmafromlondon - Feb 2 ........ ladyb1234 - Feb 9 ........................ CassieCat - Feb 12
Texas94 - Feb 16 .......................farmerma - Feb 23..........................Dotwithkitties Feb 23
Allmodestyisgone - Feb 24
February Start Dates Not Known
intothewoods - Feb ?..................... MaggieCat - Feb ? ....................Leslie58 - Feb ?
March Start
WheelyGirl - March 2
March Start Dates Not Known
Kayfry - Mar ?
Special Sister Warriors and Warriors who stopped for a visit, but for various reasons didn't stick around. No start date determined. We wish them well.
zjrosenthal - Rads delayed by surgery, until ?
Honorary Winter WarriorMinnielee; surrrana99; Coloradocancermom; Shuf; bjeaneg, knittingPT, Shayne36, KGotThis, ckr1956, funthing42
= Reported Complete = Should be Complete by now. -
To JustJean: My heart breaks for your pain and sending prayers for your healing. I can't imagine what your journey has been.
You are an inspiration for all.
Rant as much as you want!!!! I do all the time.
Please know that your are loved and wishes are sent for your healing/pain free recovery.
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This is a path. I guess a fork in the road. We all have started on the same road when we were dx. Then there are soo many choices to make without much information. Because of this group that I found...I realize I am not alone. My emotions and feelings have been validated..I have had many questions answered. I have found so much support that I feel ashamed that I haven't been as supportive.
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Oh dacre, I think the boat we are all in doesn't have much room for shame. We do what we can and just keep moving forward and giving each other breaks knowing that this boat seems to be different for everyone. Your message about feeling "ashamed" brought tears to my eyes because it made me realize that I was feeling ashamed. Last night I was so tired I could barely keep my head up and my 11 year old looked at me with a bit of fear in his eyes and I realized I'd let him see how dog tired I was. He hugged me and it gave me so much comfort and a little bit of energy and I felt terrible for needing comfort from an 11 year old boy who is probably freaking out about his mom having cancer. Let's all put shame away if not forever at least for now. Let's get through this. Powering on. Just 3 treatments left....
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today is #15 and tomorrow will be my last treatment. I am more tired this week with enough soreness that I finally broke down and took some Ibuprofen with relief. Rash under my breast but not itchy. RO said yesterday that SE may continue to build even 2 weeks after my last treatment due to the high dose. Also said fatigue may last several months (MONTHS??????) hope those just starting have few SE. Congratulations to those finishing. Others have difficulty for weeks/ months afterwards?
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Cavalier-I had 33 TXs so the dose was not as intense as yours. My last 5 treatments were boosts and by the time they were done-my skin was well on the way to being healed and the fatigue was gone. I still feel occasional tenderness where the surgery was and the where the boosts were concentrated. I've been done with rads for 2 months.
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Gatomal - I feel relieved, but coincidently I had my first followup appt with MO this morning, so that kinda took the place of going to rads. We'll see how I feel tomorrow when I have to get up at 6:00am to go right to work - boo. MO put me on tamoxifen, so hoping for as few SEs with that as I had with rads. As far as the fatigue everyone is discussing, I was still fatigued from chemo when I started rads, so I wasn't sure if I was tired at all from rads. After about 4 weeks of rads, I starting feeling fine, so I think it was just leftover from chemo.
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Good evening dacre, We all walk this road, with or without a fork to divide us. We all walk together no matter how we get there. We follow those that have gone this road before us, and we join all the others together to do battle, no matter how we choose to do it. Your post for me is a positive thing. You are here learning, you put your very personal feelings out there for us to read. And at the end of the day we are all the same. We are strong women fighting for our lives and I am OK with any way you get there.
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Beachbum1023 well said!
Darce, no shame!! Not for one minute. We're all on similar but very personal journeys. Our experiences and thresholds are individual. We're supportive and "there" for others but need support too. It's awful to see the worry in the faces of our loved ones but this is also part of this unfortunate journey. We didn't choose to be hereand our emotions are beyond control at times.
God willing and the creeks don't rise; we're gonna get through this!
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Quiggy, thanks and love it! I'm just a country girl, and I know the creeks rise! But we all do the best we can to live our lives with purpose and love. Meet you on the bank!
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Well, I'm official now--tattoos and all (I kind of lost track but I think there are 5 or 6--I can hardly find them now that I've washed off all the marker)! Had my CT Simulation today and will start on 2/23. It's hard to look at that schedule and see I'm not finished until 4/7. That seems like FOREVER!!! But, they were great about getting me a schedule that works well for me. Everybody was so nice. I had a male tech and a female "student". Not sure if they will be my regular team or not, but they did a great job of explaining everything that was going to happen and why. They did a mold with my face turned to the left, both hands above my head and a support under my knees. My hands were starting to get numb by the end, but the simulation takes a lot longer than the treatments will, so it'll be okay. The student then gave me a tour of the whole place, where to park, how to check in, where to change, etc. I felt very "at home" by the end. Good thing, it'll be my home away from home for the next 6-1/2 weeks. The nurse and the RO also went over what to get to prepare--soft bras (I already got 2) and aloe gel. I'm ready. Bring it on!
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Hi Farmerma, sounds like you have your butt kicking cancer killing boots on! I pass on the bras for now and wear soft tees to rads. I use the 100% Aloe Gel Clear. I put it on 5 to 6 times a day. I finished #13 today, and so far so good. Just a little tan, and my armpit is tender but just a little fatigue. Good Luck, I know the time goes by fast.
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Quiggy, I haven't heard that phrase since my dad passed away nine years ago. He was right, because we lived on the wrong side of the "crik" and couldn't get out when it would rise.
Dacre, please don't feel shame, there are many other ladies that need your advice, thoughts and support. When I started treatments in August 2014, I thought I was going to go through this journey by myself and then I found these wonderful ladies I call sisters. Now that I am finished with treatments, I still hang around with hopes that I can help make this journey easier for others by sharing my experiences. Welcome to the sisterhood!!!!
Farmerma, It does seem like forever, doesn't it? You will be done before you know it. Wishing you the best!!
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farmerma, it's scary to look at that schedule, I pulled mine out several times and tried to not become overwhelmed. Rest when you need too, cry if you need too and remember that this WILL be over!
Wishing you an uneventful RAD journey.
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I have a question. I have a few moles in the area around my nipple on the radiated breast. They seem to have darkened and one puffed up when I was having treatments. Anyone have any experience with this kind of dermatology issue such as the possibility of skin cancer post radiation. My RO said she would check them when I have my follow-up in March. My annual dermatology appointment is in July.
Farmerma. Sounds like you are off to a great start.
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Thanks all for your support....I can barely type this b/c of my tears. It is amazing that I found this group of women!! I am so grateful to hear everyone's experiences and advice.
Now to a new problem....since the radiation has started I have begun to lose my voice. Let's say that "NO ONE" is upset about that!! LOL
But I have had severe heartburn where I have to take Pepcid after eating. I have only experienced heartburn when I was pregnant...and my youngest is 28 yrs old. Now my voice is going away. First I thought it was a cold....then I thought is was the dry air....it is not improving. I asked yesterday if the radiation could be affecting this part of my body...since it's happening in the same area. I was told...absolutely NOT.
My ? is...has anyone else experienced this?
BTW...I'm just sharing this info. There are services available to help with house cleaning, child care and food prep. Also transportation. I am having help with house cleaning....I just want my kitchen and bathroom clean. Let me know if anyone wants the info. Even if you're "approved" there is no guarantee there will be someone in your area is available...but I filled out the app in December and I have someone coming on February 20th.
Hugs to everyone!!! BTW....my ex-husband's mother passed yesterday....she was 101 yrs old and I loved her forever. Even after we separated and divorced I continued to try and spend time with her. I went very recently with my daughter to see her in the hospital. I am soooo happy that I was able to see her one last time. ps......all she talked about to the "family" was that I came to visit her and spend time with her and how much she loved me.
This has been a pretty long post....I apologize...but my point is....you never know what's around the corner. Make the best of the day you have....be happy that you have something to complain about....and plan for your tomorrow!
xoxoxoSisters!!!
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Dacre, I've been noticing the past few days that there are times my voice sounds very hoarse to me. I know with the swallowing problems I've had the RO told me they do radiate my neck, so the esophagus can be affected, I suppose the same can go with the voice box.
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dacre ~ I read about thyroid issues arising from radiation splash from the areas around the clavicle and neck. I was actually told by my clinic that a sore throat might be an se. So...when you get a sore throat if you are sick, it leads to trying to clear your throat, which leads to hoarseness, aka, losing your voice. Your RO might be thinking there is no absolute direct cause such as damage to the voice box, but that doesn't mean that radiation isn't the reason you are losing your voice. (nice double negative there, but 2 no's make a yes, right?)
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To magdalene51: Not sure how many radiations treatments you've had...but I have just finished my 13th. But unfortunately I'm sorry to learn that you're having the same hoarseness (is that even spelled correctly?) If your throat continues to be a problem please let me know....
To CoyoteNV: You are always such a source of knowledge and inspiration. Thank you so much for your info....I was beginning to think I was being a hypochondriac! But I really have no voice....and as the days of rads continue it's getting less and less....guess the good thing is....I can still type !!!
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I am leaving shortly for rads #14, no throat or voice issues. But I will let you all know. I hope you feel better!
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You know, I completely lost my voice during the first week or so of rads. I blamed it on tamoxifen plus a cold. I seriously had no voice. It was like my voice box was encased in something. But it got better and I had completely forgotten about it until just now. What worked best for me throughout this whole thing was staying active. Do something. Also baking.
Just. One. More. SOoooooOOOooooOOOoooooo Excited for Friday the 13th!
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My head cold finally seems to be abating, thankfully. I'm breathing better and much less congested. Just in time...
Any last tips before I go in today? I'm bringing the one gel that I've already purchased on the rec of a friend (a calendula gel). I'm going to show it to them and see what else they recommend. I have a shirt to wear that can get marker on it, so I'm ready for that. I have my Ativan with me and will take one beforehand. I believe I'll be getting my plan today, assuming all looks good with the model. Anything else I should bring or ask about? Thank you!
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CassieCat, just go for it! I slather on Aloe Gel 100% Clear after rads. I drink a bottle water on the way. I wear an old tee shirt and no bra. Glad it is winter it covers my one boob
I haven't had any problem with the markers, I have very few marks, and 4 tattoos. I am going to #14 and only a little sunburn feel. Today I am half way done. So I am excited to go tomorrow, I am all down hill from here.....Pull up those cancer killing boots and go rock it! You got it!
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Yup! Take with you our thoughts and hopes for an easy time - we are all thinking of you.
I'm half way through and it's not so bad - just time consuming but what's time when we spend it to get healthy again? All the best.
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hi all,
Cassie, lidocaine!!!!!!! Get it, you will want it in about a week. Good luck today.
Only 7 tx left. My underarm is very red and uncomfortable, but lidocaine controls it. I spoke to the doctor today.I explained that I was having major anxiety due to the redness, and just being over the whole process. I told him I didn't want to come back.
he explained to me that it is designed to make us red. It is a good thing. He said it looked good to him, and that quitting radiation now I would only get about a 10th of the benefit because it works best in the last week. Damn. I was ready to quit that bitch. So now I have to finish it because I didn't go through all this for nothing.
He went on to say that it will start to heal right after radiation stops.
I guess I'm buying what he isselling, because I certainly don't want to have done all of it so far for nothing. All in. Anyone else feel like quitting?
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I just got home from #24 of 28. I seriously can't wait until next Wednesday. As for SE I was sailing along until this week (week #5). Nothing major but just really really red like a sunburn and REALLY itchy. So much so that they called in a prescription strength cortisone cream. It itches the most around my collarbone and in between my boobs. Under my arm is equally as red but not itchy but I think that's only because I am numb under there from the mastectomy. On a positive note I feel like this has gone by relatively quickly so for those of you just starting try not to obsess about how long it's going to be. Just go and try and go about your day as normally as possible and it will go by fast😊
And just as a side note from previous conversations I read above...I am laying on my back for treatments with both arms over my head with the mold for my arms and a bolster under my knees.i wear a gown that opens in the front. My techs open the gown and immediatiy lay a small towel over my girls while the line up my tatoosand then remove the towel and close gown during treatments.
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Hang in there Bippy. I told myself that it was good my skin changed because if it did that on the outside, it must be working on the inside. My armpit got bright red and peeled. It was not in the boost and started to heal quickly with the Silvadene. Now a week after finishing, it is pretty much recovered. You will be okay.
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I had my CT appointment today - was given 3 tattoos. looks like I will start rads on Feb. 24th.
I was told not to use any products at all until there is s problem with my skin and they will deal with it then. I was hoping to be told I could use something so I would feel like I was being proactive.
I was also offered an opportunity to join a fitness program at the University here in my city. It is a free 12 week program for anyone currently receiving treatment. I am looking forward to this!
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they put clear stickers over the marks they made with magic marker. They don't stain anything, I just go with my work clothes and put them back on.
never could find a comfortable 100% cotton wireless bra. I've been using a wireless warner one that is not cotton but feels pretty good. I got it wider, am a 34c so got a 36b so it fits a bit looser at the bottom. If you have any recommendations let me know. Nurses said target and walmart but I did not find any there either
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