Jo_Ann_K

Today was the 14th treatment. My skin is very light and from the first day of radiation, my breast skin turned pink. However, the ALRA cream applied immediately after the treatment, after my morning shower, and before bed at night has been a miracle.  My skin is soft and intact. I'm using ALRA deodorant on that side too, which seems to be working and is keeping the tender underarm skin intact as well. I've been using Dove soap, unscented, and it's kept my skin moist as well.  All these things add up. 

I think it's the exhaustion.  It's too much effort to eat.

Just wondering if anyone else is experiencing a loss of appetite with radiation treatments?  It is a positive side effect for me, but I can see it being troublesome for normal weight people.  Not sure if the loss of appetite is related to the exhaustion or something else.  Your thoughts?

I work for the MedStar Health system in Baltimore and Washington DC and this announcement came in our monthly newsletter today:

New Blood Test Studied for Breast Cancer Progression

I'm currently having radiation. After the 7th treatment, I noticed that my affected breast was smaller and more pert than it had been.  It's not very obvious with clothes, but it's obvious to me when I'm not. It's the price of the gift of life!

Kleenex,

Congrats for getting through the "burn".  Now you can move on and soon this will all be a distant memory of your resilience and determination. 

Hugs,

Jo Ann

Blackjack,

I didn't think about keeping copies of my rad records, but it really makes sense. Thanks for the reminder!

Regards,

Jo Ann

Hi!

Finished 7 treatments and my breast has really shrunk!  Didn't think it would bother me, but it does. Anyway, the ALRA cream is doing a great job keeping the pink skin intact and the skin soft and smooth.  I'm using it 3 times a day.  In fact, I bought 3 bottles - 1 for my purse, to put on directly after the treatment, while in the facility and the other 2 for home.  I'm sure I'll have to buy at least one more before treatments are finished since I'm pretty liberal with it.

Gotta tell you, I am not impressed with the group of techs that are treating me.  Most of them just aren't compassionate.  It's really sad to me, because as a health care worker (RN) who is currently working on the admin side of things, I always felt when you got that way, it was time to hang up your hat and find something else to do.  The most important part of dealing with patients is opening your heart and being empathetic.  Most people only need to know that they are being cared for in the best way and with their best interest at heart.  Some want to know all the details, but most are content to know that someone who cares is there.

Anyway, day 7 is done. I'm starting to get some skin freckles. My hubby who has been out of town all week said the skin is definitely pinker than when he left. I'm still functioning at normal energy and managing the schedule with work.

Tomorrow, we're doing something nice...going to the first of our friends' child's wedding.  Looking forward to having fun with old friends - good food, drink, and dancing.  I could use it!

If it meant that funding can be found, I'll be happy to talk to anyone about it.  Until it affects people with deep pockets, no one gives a hoot!  You'd think Elizabeth Edwards Stage IV diagnosis would have had a positive impact on research...guess she isn't important enough.  It stinks!