Fall 2015 Rads

Allison, the brand cooling towel I have is Mission. I got it at a sporting goods store in town. I think they sell them at a lot of big stores. It is around $15. Maybe a little less

My cooling hoodie brand is Mission, too. So far, I like it. I put my breast in the hood and one side can wrap around my neck so it doesn't fall off, and the other side can cool off my armpit. The hood part is very big--it's meant to cool the head-- but it fits around the breast and allows the rest of the hood to go under the breast and up on the chest. I posted a picture of it on this tread a few days back. It was about $15 or so, but it really cools my chest down--today is day 2 for me! I got the idea of a cooling towel from Kbee, and decided to get the hoodie to see if it covers more territory on my chest. (Great idea Kbee!)

I have Boiron brand calendula in my first aid kit, but it’s an ointment. Maybe the odor comes from a petrolatum (mineral oil jelly) base? I have a WF around the block from me. I bought a jar of aloe cream there in anticipation of radiation, I was told creams & ointments are okay but to watch out for gels because they are alcohol-based (even glycerin is an alcohol) and can irritate already sensitive skin.

I don’t know exactly what causes microcalcifications except that they are left behind as a result of tumor activity--the tissue damaged by the cancer cells calcifies. Another remnant that is evidence of tumor activity is “fat necrosis,” when fat cells are damaged by the tumor. (Most women’s breasts are primarily made of fat). It has NO relation to intake of dietary calcium, nor does taking calcium cause coronary-artery calcifications (which when they show up on a heart CT scan usually indicate the location of atherosclerotic plaques).

Thank you littleblueflowers, good news, one less thing to worry about. I have osteoporosis so worried about the ribs. Radiation on the right so RO says no heart damage. Will just have to take it one day at a time. Surgery first.

Thanks Chisandy, very interesting on the calcification and how it gets there. I have asked several doctors about that and the only thing they say is inflammation, damage tissue. I definitely have sensitive skin and that is why I'm looking into the best creams and ointments. Chisandy are you also a medical professional. This is just such a great spot for information and advice and it will only get better. How is your wound doing today?

Don't go in the water?

Elisheba, they can remark you; they will just have to take new x Rays. I was allergic to the adhesives, so I was remarked often. This breast cancer crap leaves little time for fun. When you have the opportunity, take it. That's my humble opinion. 😁

Queenmomcat- yes, the marks have survived showering and rubbing against clothing. RO pretty much said they should be fine with showering, therefore I figured swimming should be okay also. The only limitation he mentioned was not to immerse in a hot tub during rad treatments (I may call him tomorrow just to double check.) I was born in Michigan, but moved to Tennessee when I was 7. Some of my best summer vacations are still spent with all my relatives up there! Thanks for input, and I plan to have lots of fun!!

Kbee-about remarking: that's kinda what I thought too. And sometimes a girl just has to have fun, regardless!

1 of 33 down! Set up took a while, had x-ray and treatment was quick. Met with nurse to go over lotions and caring for my skin. They use miaderm, uddderly smooth cream and Aquafor. I was also told I could use any aloe Vera including the plant as long as it doesn't have alcohol. Miaderm is ridiculously expensive so I bought the underlying smooth. I plan to ask if I can continue my calendula as well.

I just looked and aquaphor has alcohol.

Aquafor doesn't have alcohol but yuck I couldn't even get it off my hands. I am going to need to use gloves. I did buy the CVS aloe Vera with lidocaine as you all suggested. I wish I had known about this in years past. I sunburn easily even when using plenty of sunscreen.

also lanolin. Not withstanding my personal issue with lanolin my RO group hand out specifically states a non-lanolin based cream

For those of you further along, do you think it's just psychological that my throat feels weird, not hurting just weird , after just one radiation session? My treatment goes all the way up my neck with my head turned to the right to protect my esophagus.

Possibly, Queen. Just found it confusing.

Goopy mess is right!

Ladies - how does one get billed for rads? Is it like an office visit where you pay a copay for each visit?