December 2017 Radiation Group

Amy, I had just assumed I would have to wait until finishing Xeloda (because it would have chemo-like side effects) before the exchange surgery, but when I saw my PS today, he said he didn't see a problem with doing the surgery while I was on Xeloda...yay!!! But, he did say I have to discuss it with my MO, so I'll see her in a few weeks and ask her. I was concerned that Xeloda would lower my white blood cell count, meaning I wouldn't need to have surgery, but maybe not. I'll find out more at the end of the month. Good news is that my PS was not concerned about my expander - thought it still looked good. But, because of my RO's concern, he did prescribe me a preventative antibiotic. I do appreciate them being overly cautious! Tomorrow I have zap #15 and then I'll have 15 more to go, hope to finish up on January 26.

These expanders are the worst aren't they? They feel like rocks and look like hamburgers! I have not been wearing a bra - just a tank like cotton camisole under my shirts. They do look really wonky in certain shirts so I'm glad it's winter and I can wear sweaters, jackets, and scarves! Hoping we will both be more comfortable when we get the permanent implants.

Lifechoices, I have the same track of mind, then my RO told me I have small breaks in my nipple that caused the little pains. Now I put telfa pad on top of my nipple so make sure nothing rubs on it. Question how many Miaderm tube did you used ? I got four now, just make sure I have enough,

Lifechoices, thanks for the info. I make sure I have enough miaderm since he only wants me to use miaderm on the radiation area. I load my lotion up also, usually I put on 4 times a day. Weekend will be 3 times. So I used up lotion fast.

It is time to do my #20 treatment soon, now I just wonder since I have a small little break on my nipple would this treatment be painful??

Hi ladies i am done rads for the week & super happy to have 2 days to relax my skin. Paulette like you i am having problems with my nipple its getting a bit sore. No cracks or anything just a tad tender. My skin around my nipple is getting a bit pink too. The rest of my skin is holding up okay except for under my arm its now darker not red just darker & yay the one positive thing no more hair or it has not been coming for a bit so one good thing. I have 2 regular rads left & then i have 5 boosts.

Paulette, Amy, Sonia, Gerogia, Tilfran, Neenie & Cindy hope all goes good with you ladies & rads. Hope that your skin is holding up & not getting any worse & minimal SE. Sending a big hug your way & wishing you all a great weekend, not sure if you ladies are experiencing the same weather we are but its frigid cold here so stay warm.

Oh Amy I'm so sorry. I've heard keeping pure aloe vera in the frig to apply when you feel hot is helpful, and my RO also recommended using a hair dryer set on cool, especially to dry the area after a shower if it feels tender. Let us know how we can help but sending virtual, gentle, one-sided "Kardashian hugs" your way.

Gigibee, I don’t know my breast can handle 5 days zapping, four days was tough enough. 😭😭 but that will be my last week of whole breast, will take a deep breath......

20/30 ..... soon will be end!

Hi Aine and you have come to the right place! I am three weeks post-RADS and my nipple is still a bit sore. My RO says it's perfectly normal and in general I should keep using a moisturizing lotion and doing gentle stretches. If you have a scar at your nipple that would possibly affect the color change you are seeing too. Congrats on being done!

Hi kiwi, good to see you.

How’s everyone doing, enjoying the no zapping day? I’m sure am and slept well last night. Loaded up my lotion and get ready for 5 days zapping.

Georgia thank you so much, your supports help so much!

Thanks for all the ladies’ supports, I still remember how scare I was at thebeginning of this treatment.

I learned a new term today: moist desquamation. I think that is what was happening around my nipple toward the worst of the burning reaction. It happened within a week or two after I was done mid-December. Things are SO much better now. I am back to some good calendula lotion and Aquaphor, and I can rub my skin all over and it doesn't feel so tender or hurt. The peelies are gone -- the after-sunburn type of skin peeling. The area under my arm which was most tender first was also the first to heal up. My back shoulder has been the last to resolve, even though I had boosts in front even after I had zaps from the back. So the worst part of it in any one skin area was only 5 or 6 days.

I can actually imagine, and visualize, getting my body back.

Hang in there, sisters. I was pretty fair skinned, so I am so pleased that most of you are likely just to be pink and peely! And there is a light at the end of a fairly short tunnel!

Happy Weekend Ladies and hope you are enjoy. Completed first 2 treatments of 33, with 9 being boost, so I am counting down with a long way to go. Thank you all for being my Shero's. :-)

Paulette K ,Lifechoices and Georgia1 - I have started using the Miaderm that my RO's nurse gave me on Thursday. Already had lots of swelling in left breast, so I am really trying to be hopeful that as I go into a week of 5 zaps it will not get worse immediately. I asked about using the Aquaphor and other products, but was told not to use because of the petroleum base. The nurse said that my RO was very particular about what products I used. She will meet with me once a week and look at my skin to determine if she needs to prescribe additional meds. I still think I am going to get the Aquaphor to use at least on the weekends. I don't want to be paranoid, but at the same time, do want to suffer worse consequences by not being proactive. OCDAmy - glad you are feeling better and will get the tefla pads just in case. Congrats to you PauletteK for being almost done!! I Thank you ladies so much for all the tips, support and advice- I'd be lost without it.

OCDAmy - yes, it is very interesting, that is why I am more inclined to take the tips form you ladies that are in it with me. :-)