Spring 2015 Radiation Sisters

Almost 1 week past done. My only complaint is the itching. OMG the itching!!! Ahhhhhh

My skin has 'tanned' more but not getting worse...just different colors. Still no cracking or peeling.

Good luck to you still going! The last treatment will be there before you know it!

I have done 20 rounds and 14 more to go- Did anyone experience redness under the breast and now it is starting to itch- Can anyone recommend what to use under my breast- it is a red line-

It has been one month to the day of my last rad treatment. I am here to tell you - you will get through it! Buy a comfy bra, sport bra, camisole...and take it easy. Take the time to heal!

My skin is still very dark, the peeling is over...stabbing pain in the boob every once in a while. My nipple and surrounding skin is somewhat enlarged and bubbled. But not painful to touch. I used Glaxol Base cream on the breast after each treatment ( but only for the last 10). My RO recommended it. I use it once every two days now. Just remember to use a spoon to take it out so not to contaminate it with germs. And talk to your Doc. I am experiencing fatigue...serious fatigue...but this shall pass...in time.

Along with that I am also experiencing chemo brain/fog. I feel stupid sometimes. Can't really follow a conversation, forgetful...

Hi Everyone!

I started radiation on May 5th, and will have 33 treatments total. I'm fair skinned already so I am nervous on how bad the skin will eventually burn. I just recently returned to work after being off 6 months but am already feeling the fatigue and assuming it will probably get worse? Any advice/wisdom is welcome. Thank you!

Does anyone have challenges with Saliva? or lack thereof?

I just discovered there was a $5 off coupon for Calendula Cream (made by Boiron) in the Red Plum coupon mailer in the past week or two. Coupon is good through 6//30/15. In case you are not familiar, Red Plum is an insert that comes in the Sunday newspaper or in my town even in the free junk mail mailer midweek if you don't get the full newspaper. So if you have a stack of junk mail piling up, check in there if you want the coupon (although I believe coupons can vary regionally). $5 off it quite a bit! I think I saw the cream for $12 at my local health food co-op.

I have never used the cream but have heard others talk about it on here, and my RO is a big believer in Calendula overall. And it is my birth flower (October).

I'll be 4 weeks out from rads on Fri.. Mostly healed except a few spots on my boost and underarm still peeling and very slightly tender. I finally got off my butt last week and started moving. Isometric crunches lying in bed and stretching has helped to get rid of back pain. I've been walking most days for about 15 min. A little over a mile. Today I did nearly 2 miles counting walking in the supermarket (hey it doesn't matter where just as long as I'm moving) and my stiffness is improving. Slow and steady wins the race. We can do this. Love, Jean

sounds familiar! I just finished boosts, now back to 7 whole radiation then done. Counting down the days. Left work early today (just by an hour) but was just beat

Congrats as well to everyone !

K

I haven't logged on all month and it's great to see some of you have completed your rads, congratulations!  I haven't started so I don't have anything to share but I am so thankful for all the helpful information I find here.  All you ladies rock!  God bless!  Maricar

Corollary: Creams are my friends right now. I have two different kinds - Silver Sulfa and Special Care Cream. I made a decision not to exercise for a little while until some skin and tissue healing happens so as not aggravate irritated areas with movement and to minimize sweat which keeps the area under the breast continually moist.

Like many others I had to switch to breathable, loose bras (or some so flimsy they only resemble underwear) and clothing. I did well without much thought to clothing right up until treatment 25, then hit a wall and had to make lots of adjustments. Tried Mepilex about treatment 27 which is a sticky thin rubber foam that my Dr. had me use to cushion and prevent skin on skin contact under the breast. It was good but definitely keeps moisture against the skin. In the end, and one almost all-day, outdoor event later, I switched to using thinner cotton bath towel strips, which were more absorbent but still required changing frequently.

Now, looking forward to the healing part. Will share tips as they come up.

CONGRATS! Popssee Let the healing being!

I have done 20 out of 26 whole breast -- and 6 boosts: have 6 regular left. I never really dealt with fatigue during chemo. I knew this morning I could not physically do work, so I did some at home. Came home after rads at 8 and slept until 11:30. Feel like a wuss: hate this feeling.

Met with RO as scheduled: we are going to do MTW of next week, and same the following. I just wanted it over. Leaving town 5- 13th to TN: want to be at least 80%by then!

Keep fightin ladies!

K

I had my first radiation today only 28 more to go. It went smoothly. They obviously have this down to a science. Good luck everyone.

Well deserved Nurse!!!!!!!!! So proud and happy

DONE! YAY!!! Congratulations to everyone else who just finished. Let the healing begin. Raising a toast to us all - we are amazing!

A week and a half after being done and it feels like my life is finally getting back to normal. I can wear bras again. The swelling has gone down a lot - it almost feels normal (well, my new normal). My grey-meat nipple is now normal looking again, although the skin around it is Tanning-Mom brown (I was never a tanning person, and am very pale, so this is weird on me), and the area around my scar (high and outside) is mottled, but you can tell it's all just the top layer of skin. It's definitely healing. I think I'll give it a couple more weeks then try exfoliating.

Congrats to those finishing/finished up!