Starting Radiation November 2017

Georgia1 - That's interesting about them taking a pic. Were you standing when they took it or while lying down? They didn't say anything about pics to me. I meet with my RO Monday and will see, maybe then. 

I wasn't sure if we were staying here or moving over to the new december thread. 

I have already moved over to the new December thread but I will keep checking this one as well.

Georgia1 - my technicians have taken pictures of me twice. Once at the initial mapping session and once at the mapping session for the boost. They took mine while I was still lying on the table - and although this experience has made me loose most of my modesty, it was a little awkward feeling both times.

TLFrank and AngelaJL--you're almost there! Whoop! Whoop! I had a long treatment plan-- 28 whole breast treatments and 6 boosts. I whined about it for awhile, but it all goes by (rather) quickly. I will be finished Friday... there will be a lot of bell ringing this week!

I didn't blister or have any sores but my RO (at my request) prescribed a cortisone cream to help with the itching. I have heard good things about Silvadene.

AngelsGal57--after 28 whole breast treatments and 3 boosts my skin has not broken down. I am a tadpink and my areola is discolored & I itched a bit but no blistering or peeling. My RO expects me not to worsen.--I have 3 more boosts to go. I think you have done amazingly well and are in the home stretch woo hoo!

AngelaJL, the December thread I was referring to was the one DodgersGirl started - 2017 Diagnosed. I am so happy for those who are close to finishing or have. I had my 12th treatment of 16 today and now my skin is pink, but patchy rather than solid in colour. No skin issues and I hope I can get through the last four without any. But yes, the fatigue is hard. I have done some of the driving up until yesterday, but now my husband feels he should do the rest. Poor guy; I know he is tired, too, but at least he manages a good sleep at night.

Lifechoices2017, I think the lotions make a huge difference; I am doing four times a day now. They may be overdoing it, but better safe than sorry.

Linwentz, how are the boosts going? Three more and you are done! Yaay

Linwentz, AngelsGal57 and AngelaJL; thanks for the info on the SEs.

Today I go in for my #6 (of 20); I feel like Im counting up to the 12 days of Christmas. But Im a 1/4 of the way in and no real SEs to report. Swelling and random twinges but not sure if thats the rads or still healing from the surgery. But still no pain. Last night (on a personal note) I had hot flashes (49yrs old) and i literally had to come out of my tshirt; slept like a baby til this morning. Im still lotioning througout the day. Im african american so I think I see a bit of skin darkening just under my breast but nothing itchy, cracking or patchy. The joy of my afternoon rads is I get to leave my sessions with OR WITHOUT a bra (the little things)!

In my mind Im like; 2 more days and Im 8 down and really 9 to go (whole breast) w/4 boost. So Im prayerful that my SE's are few and as lessened as possible (thanking your Lord in advance for your cover and protection).

For all those w/SEs I'll keep you in prayer for comfort and a quickened healing!

Every Wednesday at 6am my church does a conference call; Wednesday Morning Inspiration. This morning it was 2 Corinthians; 9-10 (And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.)...

With that being said; we are the STRONGEST at our weakest point! We got this ladies. Truth be told we were strong before all of this; THIS has only made us stronger! My continued prayers for all for strength, peace and healing!

53Nancy; you are so right! When I was first diagnosed I think I thought of 100+ things to say yes or no to. I prayed to God to 'remove this cup' from me and if not that whatever my path that Id be blessed w/less is more...lessened pain, SEs, treatments, time from work etc...BUT more than enough to heal and restore me; physically, mentally and emotionally! And He's doing (He's done) just that. I can't be anything more than thankful and blessed for His grace and favor shown. I told my mom yesterday that God saw all of this before I did so I have to believe that if he can allow birds to fly, me to rise each morning with peace of mind, then surely HE can handle this!

Hi Ladies,

I have finally begun to get some skin changes on my 14th treatment. My areola is darkening now. and compared to my left breast is starting to get pink. Going to start slathering Aloe Vera gen 3 times a day and Calendula cream also.

The hardest thing I am dealing with now is the fatigue. I am dog tired after sleeping all night and have to work an 8 hour day every day. We are slow and there isn't a whole lot of work to do during the month of December at the label printing company I work for. Trying to not focus on the clock cuz it feels like time is standing still. in 10 minutes I go to lunch with a friend and that will take a huge chunk out of the day.

Praying that it gets better this afternoon.

Angelsgal

I'm a third of the way through my treatment and I definitely notice fatigue. I guess my RO is the only one who is trying to damage my skin!... because I wasn't having enough reaction they've increased my dosage... instead of 3 boluses per week I now get them every day.

EmmyEdward - I'm not doing a breath hold either, although I'm finding that I do it anyway out of sheer nerves.

Brightness,

Don't be discouraged. Our bodies are going through a tramatic stress with this RAD treatment and it can affect our emotions and make us feel like we are being manipulated by this disease and that is just not true. We must allow ourselves to have some bad days where we feel like its all dark clouds and dreary fatigue, but that should not define us or control us and make us think that is all that there is for us from here on out.

We are going through one moment in our life and we will see it come to an end. It has been tough yet we are growing stronger because of it. I just want to be a light and an encouragement to others and give them hope.

If you are a praying person, pray for courage and strength and hope through what ever you have to face. And you are not alone in any of it. We are here for you.

Angelsgal57