Winter rads 2014-2015

As much pain as I had with my shoulders at the beginning, it's nothing compared to the pain of raw skin on my chest. To add insult to injury, it stinks to high heaven and seeps through my clothes. Even with telfa pads, I wake up in the morning with wet spots on my nightshirts.

If some one had told me, when I was griping about the shoulder pain at the beginning, that by the time it was over I would be praying to have only that level of pain, I would have just walked away. I don't know of a percentage of "cure" possibility that would make it worth it.

Your results may differ, of course.

Ah, Mags, I hear ya. I really do.

Gentle hugs comin' your way...

JJ

Hi Ladies, I hope everyone is doing well. I have 3 more rads then done. Still dealing with the itchy on the chest, and the armpit is pretty dark brown/red and a little tender. I have a rash on the back of my shoulder, a little tan but not too bad, just itching. So I hope I make it past the next three intact. Uh maybe on the that! Keep going Ladies, you got this!

Could people who have finished or are just finishing please share their care instructions? I am 3 weeks out but don't have my follow-up appointment with the RO for 10 more days. Just wondering if you all are still creaming/geling and if you were instructed to use some other lotion at this stage. I remember way back someone mentioned using a lotion with cocoa butter. To me that says suntan lotion.

I've had 13 of 28 regular treatments so far, and then I'll have 7 boosts. So I'm almost halfway through the main part. I'm getting a little itchy now, and the RO suggested 1% hydrocortisone. They also gave me some Domeboro, with instructions to soak a gauze pad or washcloth in it and then apply for 15-20 minutes, 3-4 times a day. They said it should feel soothing. Has anyone else used this or had it suggested to them? I've used it once before, many years ago.

I am now done 5 of 20 accelerated treatments so 1/4 of the way done. So far not too bad - no redness yet and just slight tiredness but maybe just from the travel to and from treatment? I do have a bit of pain in my left arm (rad side) that hurts when I stretch my arm to reach something but don't know if this is rad related - I see my RO on Wednesday and will ask her about it.

Made it through today's tx. I thought hard on the idea of quitting. I appreciate all the input and support from so many of you. It was hard to make myself walk in to the cancer center but I'm glad I did. I reminded myself that I am doing this to myself to help improve my odds of -0-recurrence and should I loose that battle, I will know that I did what I could, at all costs.

Cancer really screws with our minds, emotions, self, health and every aspect of our life.

Hoping that all of us can find the reserve of strength and courage to face, and defeat this disease.

scubawoman. I am impressed with your math ability :-)

Good for you, quiggy!

Quiggy, I am doing a double happy dance. I have 3 more to go, and you did it for you! Doesn't get any better than that.

Beachbum1023, sooooo happy you're down to 3!!! Freaken awesome!

I'm down to 5 so you and I are rocking these last few together!

thanks ladyb1234! I'm actually Monday because of my meltdown last Friday (grrrrr) but I'm nearly there and ready for the hormone phase!

Quiggy, way to go!

Mags, many hugs.

This Friday will be the last of my regular treatments. Then I have 2 weeks of boosts although my RO doesn't like to call them that. Hopefully my luck will hold out and I won't have any problems.

I never liked the concept of "cancer survivor" but I'm starting to think about being a "cancer treatment survivor".

Oh sweet sisters, thank you so much for your encouragement and gentle hugs. This has indeed been the hardest trial of my life – and at 63 I've had some doozies. The worst thing for me (besides the pain) has been that I feel like I've become a self-centered whiner. One of my dear friends, who lost her mom last fall, is now losing her aunt to stage 4 lung cancer, multiple tumors in both lungs. I try to be faithful in prayer, but it has become harder and harder. It's been bad – but others have it so much worse, including some of you. You have been an oasis of caring in this desert of treatment.

LARock, you are so right about us being cancer treatment survivors.

WndrWoman-the only thing I used during rads was Aquaphor. After rads I was instructed to keep using a lotion for 2 weeks because the skin would be dry. I used Vaseline intensive Care every day and it worked great. I had one spot that got "wheepy", and I used a dab of Bag Balm-healed in 2 days. That regimen was very effective for me. It's hard to tell because we all have such diverse reactions to this TX. I am very fair, burn immediately in the sun and I had very little reaction to rads other that a tightness under my arm and and that one spot. Others who tan easily, and /or have darker skin have had stronger reactions. It's a crap shoot.

Best of luck on your adventure.

Quiggy, Congratulations! Knew you could do this! Had my first boost yesterday and last night that side of my boob burned like hell, literally. I can't imagine it including the nipple. Saw my ro today and he asked if I wanted pain meds. I have too many left over from 2 surgeries. He also gave me a rx for a combination hydrocortisone/ xylocaine cream to try. We shall see.

CassieCat, Dombrero soaks are usually used for open, weepy areas. They help dry them up. My ro actually mentioned them today if I have problems with blistering from the boosts.

Wondrwoman, he also said to just continue with what I'm using now until symptoms subside afterwards. I meantioned the Palmer's pure cocoa butter a while ago. It's great for scars and stretch marks and restoring elasticity to the skin. It is thicker and has to be rubbed in so I've not been able to use for a while. If your skin is less sensitive now it might help.

The breast cancer coordinator told me that the newest recommendation as far as mamms is one year from diagnosis. Depending on circumstances it might be earlier for some people but research has not shown increased benefit from doing it sooner.

3 boosts left! Quiggy and Beachbum I'm right with you. I think Sjacobs is too. Stomp on! Gentle hugs.