Topic: May gals
Log in to post a replyPosts: 46
- Posted on: Apr 27, 2008 03:26 pm
Looks like we need to start a May rads team. I will have my simulation this Thursday on May 1st and probably starting a week or so later. It looks like 33 treatments for me. After having read all the other posts from previous months, I have stocked up on aloe vera, calendula, aquaphor and Tom's of Maine deodorant. Just need those throw-away tee-shirts now for sleeping with the greasy aquaphor. And I now have lots of questions to ask that I didn't know to ask before, so thanks ladies!
Good luck to all other May ladies. Keep in touch!
Sandy
Dx 2/6/2008, IDC, <1cm, Stage I, Grade 1, 0/1 nodes, ER+/PR-, HER2-
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amberyba Joined: Mar 2008 Posts: 378 |
Apr 27, 2008 11:18 pm
amberyba wrote:
I'm in there with you Sandy, (my sisters name is Sandy too, she had breast cancer at age 32, about 9 years ago) good luck to you and God bless too! I've been researching the topicals to use, my rad oncologist nurse hasn't been to helpful...(a week ago) says you can't use anything...but when I first met with the rad oncologist (a month ago) she told me about aquaphor and that the nurse would give me samples and let me know what I could use...this doctor just started working in this area...apparently the nurse followed another onc. orders. I'll find out tomorrow because I go for my similation, tatoos and first radiation treatment. Sandy, which brand of calendula did you find...at my health food store they only carried "Nelson's" I read that turmeric/curcumin heals rad skin and is use by breast cancer patients during radiation. I got some turmeric at Walmart today...and I will talk with my dr. tomorrow and let you know what she says. I am a nurse and I would rather be proactive and prevent a problem before it occurs. From what I've read there is a product called miaderm that is a mixture of aloe and calendula that is guaranteed to prevent skin damage if you use it at the initial onset of radiation treatment. I won't be able to get it in time...but hopefully my dr. will let me use the aloe and calendula I have already purchased now. Thanks for starting the May Rad Team...! Amber Almond
Dx 2/2008, IDC, 1cm, Stage I, Grade 2, 0/3 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2- |
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ssyoung Joined: Feb 2008 Posts: 46 |
Apr 28, 2008 09:02 am
ssyoung wrote:
Amber, The brand name of the calendula lotion is "Bioron" and I found it at a "whole foods" type place. I have read about the turmeric/curcumin and so will be interested to hear what your doc says. I will ask at my simulation on Thursday. And I did research on the Miaderm online and found it. It's kind of expensive but if that's what it takes. One thing my medical oncologist did is write me a script for physical therapy as she said the radiation will "tighten" things so you could ask about that as well. However, I'm trying to figure out where to squeeze those appointments in as well. I did have shoulder surgery just this past December too so the physical therapy will be good for that. Best of luck and let's keep in touch! Sandy Dx 2/6/2008, IDC, <1cm, Stage I, Grade 1, 0/1 nodes, ER+ |
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amberyba Joined: Mar 2008 Posts: 378 |
Apr 28, 2008 09:34 am
amberyba wrote:
Sandy, I've read about "Bioron", let me know how it works...I agree that the miaderm is pricey, I am going to ask this morning if I can use the calendula and the aloe together, and mention the miaderm ingredients of aloe/calendula. Thanks for reminding me about the arm physical therapy, I'll have to make a mental note to stretch and exersize the left arm. Which side is your breast cancer on? mine is the left...and I am concerned about the effect of radiation to my heart...I wish I could take the "CoQ10" supplement...it is suppose to protect the heart...but it is speculated that it may interfere with radiation...no one knows for sure... Amber Almond
Dx 2/2008, IDC, 1cm, Stage I, Grade 2, 0/3 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2- |
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amberyba Joined: Mar 2008 Posts: 378 |
Apr 28, 2008 12:15 pm
amberyba wrote:
Sandy, My rad nurse told me the rad. onco. doctor o.k'd all the supplements I am taking. So Turmeric/curcumin is O.k. My simulation/tattoo/first treatment went well. the techs were great and it only took an hour and a half... I found out I'm to get 27 rad treatments and 6 boost treatments...33 as I supposed from reading most post. doctor looked at all the lotions/creams I wrote down and didn't cross one off...but recommended the purest, without fragrance or alcohol etc,...she said "much is individual preference" I have magic marking everywhere...tech said It was my most photogenic day...I replied I feel like a coloring book or an easel. Good luck on you simulation Amber Almond
Dx 2/2008, IDC, 1cm, Stage I, Grade 2, 0/3 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2- |
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ssyoung Joined: Feb 2008 Posts: 46 |
Apr 28, 2008 05:55 pm
ssyoung wrote:
Amber, Mine is on the left as well. I am also worried about the lungs and now the heart too. Well, I guess there's the alternative, which a good friend keeps reminding me about. When did they tell you you would start the actual radiation? I am trying to guesstimate the timing so I can plan things around it. Glad everyone is nice at your place. I think that makes the world of difference. Take care! I'll post on Thursday after my simulation. Dx 2/6/2008, IDC, <1cm, Stage I, Grade 1, 0/1 nodes, ER+ |
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amberyba Joined: Mar 2008 Posts: 378 |
Apr 28, 2008 08:32 pm
amberyba wrote:
Sandy, they gave me my first treatment right after the simulation. The treatment was alright..I was so apprehensive at first...one of the techs had a lumpectomy several years ago and came and told me she knew what I was going through... I asked about the supplements and the doctor said the ones I listed were OK... one is "CoQ10", which I've researched...It helps the heart, has influenced breast cancer studies. I'm glad my doc will let me take it through radiation...I hope it will protect my heart. My sister had breast cancer 9 years ago when she was 32...She has been taking CoQ10 everyday since...she is still in remission...thank the Lord! So when I was diagnosed, I asked her about her supplements and started taking the Coq10...then found out when I go ogled "breast cancer and CoQ10" that there was a study in the 90's of 32 breast cancer patients in Denmark who were given traditional treatment and then supplemented with CoQ10 and other natural supplements...they had wonderful results....so I decided it couldn't hurt to up my dose to what some of them took.... The funny thing was that I noticed some month later that I hadn't taken any motrin or excedrin for headaches or migraines..I really didn't have any headaches...but normally I have quite alot...then I read that the CoQ10 has been studied in migraine patients and with great results...so irregardless of other effects I am enjoying not taking pain meds for headaches...even with my 2 breast surgeries I didn't take the prescribed narcotics longer than 3-5 days. God bless your simulation! Amber Amber Almond
Dx 2/2008, IDC, 1cm, Stage I, Grade 2, 0/3 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2- |
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Birki Joined: Jan 2008 Posts: 38 |
Apr 29, 2008 11:58 pm
Birki wrote:
Hi ladies. I started out as an April rad gal, but since my treatments (33 total) will run through May I figured I'd join your group. So far I've had only 5 treatments. The first appt was the simulation, but then they took the next day to do a "dry run" and then finally officially started rads the next day. I've also been researching lotions and potions to see what may help (I have very fair skin) and haven't found anything additional to what you've already mentioned. It's funny that my nurse is not very helpful or interested in anything other than aloe vera and aquaphor. What's concerning is that I had my first "check up" with the rad oncologist today (a fill-in since mine was on vacation), and she mentioned that I was a little more pink than she expected for only having 5 treatments. Of course there was no advice as to what to do other than spread some aquaphor on the area. I hate that thick goopy stuff! Oh well, lots of gentle hugs to all and looking forward to reading everyone's updates. Together we can get through this!!! |
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suz45 Joined: Nov 2007 Posts: 274 |
Apr 30, 2008 01:11 am
suz45 wrote:
Hi Sandy, Amber & Birki, Guess I'll be joining you gals on the table in May. I had my simulation & tattoo's on the April 23rd and I believe my rads will begin on May 7. I'm off to a bit of a slow start as there was a waiting list for radiation I was hoping for some good cream recommendations from my techs, but basically they recommend an unscented, moisturizing, water-based cream..glaxal base, lubriderm or keri lotion twice daily. For soap they recommended dove, ivory or neutrogena. Not sure yet how long my treatment will be, hopefully I'll have a little more info on Monday when I'm supposed to meet with my Oncologist. I went through chemo with an amazing group of gals starting Dec 07 and am glad to have a May team to start this new journey with. Gentle hugs to all! Suz Begin each day as if it were on purpose
Dx 10/19/2007, IDC, 2cm, Stage IIb, Grade 2, 1/21 nodes, ER-/PR-, HER2- |
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carey50 Joined: Apr 2008 Posts: 10 |
Apr 30, 2008 11:50 am
carey50 wrote:
been waiting for the may rads team to form! recovering from surgery, partial masectomy and 2 reexcisions. have my simulation appt tomorrow. also happen to be oncology certified nurse Dx 3/20/2008, DCIS, 2cm, Stage 0, Grade 2, /0 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2- |
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amberyba Joined: Mar 2008 Posts: 378 |
Apr 30, 2008 12:30 pm
amberyba wrote:
glad to see you ladies! had my 3rd rad treatment at 11am. glad to see an expert nurse, Carey! I'm an er nurse. though I just work relief and am taking a leave til I'm through treatment. even though I've only had 3 treatments, the snb injection area has been tight and tender, and seems to have gotten harder post 2nd rad treatment...my rad tech is wonderful and took a look, noting the same and instructed me to keep her posted. I don't know if this is a normal occurrence or not. I am fery fair skinned. I'm applying the aloe at least once post treatment and have asked the local health food store to order calendula oint. they sold me the cream and it has fragrance and alcohol..I aske what the ingredients were and they pointed to one side of the box with main ingredients of which calendula was listed...on the other side the inactive ingredients were listed...oh well, maybe I'll find a use for it later on. wishing Sandy and Carey an easy simulation. God Bless! Amber Amber Almond
Dx 2/2008, IDC, 1cm, Stage I, Grade 2, 0/3 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2- |
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ssyoung Joined: Feb 2008 Posts: 46 |
Apr 30, 2008 01:19 pm
ssyoung wrote:
Hello to all the new May gals. I send you all my love. Carey, you and I will have our simulations tomorrow. Hope yours goes well. Amber, sorry to hear about your snb site. Glad the tech is aware. As soon as you mentioned the calendula, I went running to my room to find mine and see what it says but I think it's okay. I am also partaking in a clinical hormone trial which will probably start around the same time as radiation. I will be randomized into either tamoxifen alone, tamoxifen with ovary suppression or an aromatase inhibitor with ovary suppression. I had asked my medical oncologist what she would have started me on if I didn't do the trial and she said tamoxifen anyway. So if I get randomized into the others, I don't have a problem with losing the ovaries. I certainly don't need them now. My only concern will be trying to figure out what's causing what side effect. LOL. Take care all. And gentle hugs all around. We'll be in this journey together. Sandy Dx 2/6/2008, IDC, <1cm, Stage I, Grade 1, 0/1 nodes, ER+ |
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juliajo Joined: Jan 2008 Posts: 102 |
Apr 30, 2008 07:35 pm
juliajo wrote:
I am an April rad joining the May group, since it's May! I am 10 into 30 treatments. stages so far: 1. I don't think this will be so bad. 2. Oh my god, this is much scarier than I thought 3. Why am I doing this? 4. Acceptance. I'm going to put my head down and keep going no matter what. A little burning so far, the nipple is very tender. I am using calendula oil and aloe vera. No other real tips. This site really helps me know that my emotions are normal, my physical symptoms are normal, and my questions are normal. thanks all. |
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amberyba Joined: Mar 2008 Posts: 378 |
Apr 30, 2008 08:36 pm
amberyba wrote:
juliajo, i had to smile when i read your comment....I had my third treatment today....I said the same thing 1. after 1st treatment "this isn't as bad as I thought" 2. when going to bed after second treatment; "my nipple is tender and is tough below nipple" 3. tonight after 3rd treatment; "my breast is swelling and is getting tender", don't touch, aloe made nipple burn. I even paged the breast nurse navigator at the hospital just now...but she must be in a meeting, and hasn't returned my call. I thought, maybe I should have a mastectomy....because if it progresses this fast, my breast will be 3-4 times bigger and painful in 30 more treatments. So your comment has helped me alot...your are 7 treatments ahead of me...are you red yet? Luckily I'm not red, the doctors and tech said I wouldn't be red until the last 3 weeks, I hope it isn't sooner. I am thankful for what you said about the nipple being tender...I never thought that would occur so soon...I'll try to post how I'm doing, because like you did juliajo it helped me...I'm less worried now, and I can wait to talk to the tech in the morning. what brand of calendula oil are you using and what brand of aloe vera? I'm using "Fruit of the Earth" aloe vera, am waiting on some calendula ointment I ordered, that Sandy recommended, "Boiron", it has only petrolatum and Calendula as ingredients. God Bless all! and let us Pray Amber Almond
Dx 2/2008, IDC, 1cm, Stage I, Grade 2, 0/3 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2- |
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guitarGrl Joined: Jan 2008 Posts: 338 |
Apr 30, 2008 09:23 pm
guitarGrl wrote:
I'm going to join this group too. I have an appointment with the radiation onc this Friday, but I have no idea of what will happen then. Do they do the simulation right away? Tattoo you right away?
Dx 11/29/2007, IDC, <1cm, Stage I, Grade 3, 0/2 nodes, ER-/PR-, HER2- |
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amberyba Joined: Mar 2008 Posts: 378 |
Apr 30, 2008 10:12 pm
amberyba wrote:
Wal Mart sells Spring Valley Brand, most pharmacies sell it as well. Here is what I went thru: Rad onc. 1.if it is your first appointment with the rad onc, then you will probably be examined and asked questions and you can ask questions. 2.They will set you up for a ct scan so they can plan for your simulation. 3. then my rad group did the simulation a week after the CT scan. I had to lay on a table for about an hour while they marked me like a colooring book...more xrays....then permanent tattoos (look like small black freckles). then I had the actual treatment in another room. the same day. on the whole it lasted 1.5hours...but I was instructed it could have taken 2 hours good luck! Amber Almond
Dx 2/2008, IDC, 1cm, Stage I, Grade 2, 0/3 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2- |
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Birki Joined: Jan 2008 Posts: 38 |
Apr 30, 2008 11:28 pm
Birki wrote:
Hi everyone! I had my 6th treatment yesterday and the doctor mentioned that I was pinker than she expected for being only my 6th treatment. I mentioned that I heard that Biafine was good, but she didn't seemed impressed and told me to continue to use the Aquaphor and aloe vera for now. Apparently my doctor doesn't believe in true prevention because if the Aquaphor was working for me it seems like I wouldn't be pink already. I'm all about being prepared and not waiting to respond only after I'm blistering and too sore & tired to get to the pharmacy. Oh well, I just keep fighting. I also want to ask if I can start taking CoQ10, Tumeric and Flaxseed Oil again. Good luck to all - only two more days to go before the weekend! P.S. For those of you that haven't started rads yet, it really isn't so bad. In fact, the actual radiation itself only lasts a few minutes (about 3). It normally takes longer to get situated on the metal table then to get the zaps! I will admit that I don't open my eyes though because the machine creeps me out. |
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juliajo Joined: Jan 2008 Posts: 102 |
May 1, 2008 12:38 am
juliajo wrote:
amber: You made me feel good knowing I helped you a bit. I don't know the brand names of the aloe and calendula but I'll look and write later. I use them, don't know if they're helping or not. Do not have aquaphor or any of the other creams one reads about here. This is definitely one day at a time stuff. There is something really difficult about facing it each day. But, look at me, i'm 1/3 done today. Each of us, brave and wonderful, will get through this. Love to all. |
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Jisman Joined: Feb 2008 Posts: 87 |
May 1, 2008 04:23 am
Jisman wrote:
Hi All - Joining the group as I will start rads later in May. Just had my last chemo infusion today and taking a vacation between chemo and rads as I need a treat so won't have the rads simulation till May 21st. Will be seeing the rad onc before then to get the plan, address questions, etc. They had me do a post surgical mammogram but have not mentioned a CT scan or anything else in advance of the simulation. Have not yet read many of the other "conversations". Must admit, I really am not thrilled about being a coloring book - I can't believe there is not a better way! I know the actual time being zapped is low but the hassle factor of getting to and from treatment is much greater than chemo. How does treatment impact working? I'm trying to decide when to go back to work. Have been fortunate to have been eligible for short-term disability that has allowed me to focus on my health (which means sleeping a ton, getting more exercise although still not enough, participating in support groups, etc). My treatment center, unfortunately is the opposite direction from my office. May have other options but I do like having the full team of the surgeon, med onc, and rad onc I am currently hooked in with. Take care all. Dx 1/2/2008, IDC, 1cm, Stage I, 0/3 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2- |
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climbergirl… Joined: Apr 2007 Posts: 74 |
May 1, 2008 08:10 am
climbergirl wrote:
Birki et al, Am almost done with my rads and have to mention that not all peoples zaps are as short as three minutes! I am on the table for about 15 as I have 5 fields to do...EVERYONE is going to be different! If there is any lymph node invovlement they will be doing extra fields for sure. Also Aquaphor is pure petroleum and I have not used it once....bleeech. Aloe Vera Gel and vitamin E oil are my methods for this along with some over the counter hydrocortizone cream for the inevitable itching. Also people may want to look into keeping up with stretching and do PT as this makes your arm/shoulder/pecs/intersoastals super tight. ~climbergirl |
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flfish Joined: Mar 2008 Posts: 72 |
May 1, 2008 08:10 am
flfish wrote:
Hello everyone. I go for my initial appointment on Monday. I am scared to death of this radiation thing, so hopefully that will answer some of my questions. Thank you Amber for spelling out what will happen in the first treatment. Thank you everyone else for the lotion suggestions. HERE WE GO! (hurray hurray first of May!!.......) Ellie Dx 3/24/2008, DCIS, 2cm, Grade 3, 0/2 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2- |
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JaniceWA Joined: Jan 2008 Posts: 7 |
May 1, 2008 12:26 pm, edited May 1, 2008 12:36 PM
by JaniceWA
JaniceWA wrote:
I think I will begin radiation sometime in May. I have my final chemo on May 8th then it was my understanding that radiation would begin approx. 2 weeks after that. I think if I remember correctly I will be doing 6 weeks of radiation. I feel alot better after reading everyones comments and I'll try to remember to come back here often as I go through this journey. My biggest issue that I'm having right now is as much as I am looking forward to being done with chemo I'm also petrified to be done with it too! Does that make any sense to anyone? |
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amberyba Joined: Mar 2008 Posts: 378 |
May 1, 2008 03:01 pm
amberyba wrote:
I love this group....and enjoy everyone's input. Welcome all! Birki, are you hurting with your skin slightly pink? I noticed last night that I was swelling and the doctor agreed today. She said some people react this way even this early (i've had 4 treatments as of today), the tenderness I am having is probably due to the swelling. They handed me samples of aquaphor...which I told them to keep, that I had a jar at home...I used some of the aquaphor on my legs to try before rad treatment and it is pure petrolatum thanks climbergirl for the info on Vit E, I had thought it would be OK to use...but hadn't heard or thought to ask the doctor. The most wonderful thing I found out today is that the soft camisole the breast care navigator nurse gave me at my second surgery is replacing the dreaded "bra"...I don't notice the tender painful areas and I am walking and talking happily! Jisman on deciding about work...i work in the ER and my manager gave me a medical leave until i finish any treatment..and my husband doesn't want me to work until treatment is completed...but from what I have heard you can work through radiation...fatigue may be an issue toward the end as well as pain and itching. I wish you the best in this decision.... girls something no one told me is that everyday they will highlight any faded marks for the treatment area...my group uses permanent sharpies of many colors...they "X" over the tattoos and connect the dots on me... I have already 2 bras that are stained....and one shirt...so don't wear anything you mind getting stained. God Bless all! Amber Amber Almond
Dx 2/2008, IDC, 1cm, Stage I, Grade 2, 0/3 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2- |
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guitarGrl Joined: Jan 2008 Posts: 338 |
May 1, 2008 04:22 pm
guitarGrl wrote:
Amber - you are like our big sister having gone through everything just a bit before we did. Thanks for telling me what to expect - now I'm not so worried about tomorrow.
Dx 11/29/2007, IDC, <1cm, Stage I, Grade 3, 0/2 nodes, ER-/PR-, HER2- |
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Birki Joined: Jan 2008 Posts: 38 |
May 1, 2008 06:06 pm
Birki wrote:
Hi Amber - Although my skin is pink, as of right now it only really hurts where my underarm meets my back which seems strange, but it normally feels better once I put aloe vera on it. (I had lymph nodes removed so I'm being zapped under my arm). I have started to itch a bit though so I'm off to the store to pick up some sort of anti-itch cream. I can only imagine that I'm in for a lot more itching as time goes on. It is also uncomfortable for me to wear any sort of bra including the ones I purchased at the breast center. Even sports bras hurt me under my arm. I had a mastectomy on the left side, but still have my right (DD) boob which requires some support otherwise it drags on the ground and no one needs to see that even if I try to hide it under a tank top and jean jacket! |
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ssyoung Joined: Feb 2008 Posts: 46 |
May 1, 2008 06:46 pm
ssyoung wrote:
Hey all, just got back from my mapping session. It really wasn't that bad, just lying down on a table while the doctor and tech were in another room "mapping" things out. And then they would come in every so often and mark my foob with a marker. I got two tattoos which were just like pinpricks. The worst part was just lying still with both arms up. I had shoulder surgery in December so that position takes some doing on my part. I also met with my physical therapist yesterday and she gave me some exercises to do at home to keep things limber. I would try to explain them to you but I don't think I can do it successfully enough for you to understand. But I think that stretching every day will be so important. And I started back to work today as well. It's been a busy week. It really was great to get back to work. Many people had left "welcome back" goodies in my office with an emphasis on creams and lotions. I hope to continue to work through the radiation. We'll take it day by day. I officially start radiation on Tuesday with an end date of 6/18, a total of 30 sessions. Let's hope that's enough. For those who are having trouble finding calendula cream, the gals on another board mentioned a cream called Arbordoun's Calendula Cream, which I found on Amazon.com. Glad to see so many new faces on this board. I think it's so wonderful that we have such a support system. Birki, thanks for the heads up on the Spanx camisoles. I tried some from Macy's but I really didn't like them. I will check out the ones at Target. Amber, take care of that pink skin. You are so wonderful in passing on such great information to everyone. Love to all,
Dx 2/6/2008, IDC, <1cm, Stage I, Grade 1, 0/1 nodes, ER+ |
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maggiemae Joined: Apr 2008 Posts: 41 |
May 1, 2008 09:03 pm
maggiemae wrote:
Hi everyone, I'm not sure yet, but will probably be starting rads in the next two weeks (pending MRI and genetics). I met a nurse that told me she used to work as a radiation oncology nurse, she told me I should go to walmart and buy several cheap cotton bras to wear since sharpie marks will ruin my clothing. She also told me the radiation oncologist would write a script for a cream to use during radiation, but she did not mention the name of the cream. I'll let everyone know when I find out. I was also just wondering about using lansinoh on sore nipples (usually used for breastfeeding moms with sore nipples) does anyone have any info on this? Thanks to all who are posting, your words are really helping! Dx 4/23/2008, DCIS, <1cm, Stage 0, Grade 2, 0/0 nodes |
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joteach Joined: Nov 2007 Posts: 100 |
May 1, 2008 10:00 pm, edited May 3, 2008 04:37 PM
by joteach
joteach wrote:
Hi May gals, I was waiting for a May group and glad I found this group. I finished chemo on April 2, had my CT simulation and tatoos on April 24 and will start on Monday, May 5. The rads techs said they would give me creams but I don't know which ones yet. I also had trouble with my arms on the table for my simulation. The right arm fell completely asleep. It was so uncomfortable! But they assured me it wouldn't be as long once the regular treatments started. Thanks Sandy for starting this group. Joan Dx 11/9/2007, IDC, 2cm, Stage II, Grade 3, 0/3 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2- |
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heymom Joined: Apr 2008 Posts: 2 |
May 2, 2008 07:20 pm
heymom wrote:
Thanks for the Spanx suggestion, really need something besides the dreaded bra, girl from the 60's! I think we should burn them now didn't do it then. Just finished my 1st week of 5 treatments, 32 more treatments to go, guess we'll be in the June rad group too. Last night started burning under the arm, rad there more than on the breast during treatment a tad confused but I really trust my Doc and techs. Been using aquaphor at night but aloe after treatments seemed to help more with the burning. Corn starch works well for the skin rubbing under the arm after treatment too, I use this all day. We are all under pressure and I feel like I am in another world at times, a little scary when traveling I-95 for 35 miles each way for treatments. This morning I did the crazy lady thing as my daughter said, I ran my shower, took off my gown and got in, felt a little funny, forgot to take my socks off Dx 1/8/2008, IDC, 3cm, Stage IIb, Grade 2, 0/2 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2- |
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Birki Joined: Jan 2008 Posts: 38 |
May 2, 2008 09:37 pm
Birki wrote:
Thanks for the laugh Heymom! I can't tell you how many times I almost got into the shower with my socks on. Just a note about the Spanx, they are not made of cotton so they aren't as cool as cotton or as comfortable as a loose t-shirt. In fact, they can be rather warm at least in the California weather this time of year. Either way, they still work really well for me when I'm going out in public and need some support. Besides, Spanx help hold in my recently expanded (due to chemo) waist and stomach. For those of you looking at Target, I believe they are sold as a "Sara Blakely" product verses the original name of Spanx. Sara Blakely is the inventor of Spanx. Here's to a happy, healthy and hopefully a little less pink by Monday weekend to all of us! |
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amberyba Joined: Mar 2008 Posts: 378 |
May 2, 2008 09:44 pm
amberyba wrote:
heymom, I like the crazy lady thing. but I really think I've just got a lot on my mind...not sleeping well and like you having uncomfortable side effects from rads. What helped me most was talking to rad oncologist about side effects and being reassured...then talking to others about what is normal. I had slight swelling/pain just after 3 treatments and some under arm discomfort and nipple discomfort...doctor said this is not usual, but can happen...I had some residual swelling and thickness from surgery a couple of months ago...and I think the rad treatment just added to the swelling and discomfort... For sure the bra goes...and anything soft...my choice soft camisole...take its' place. as you say let us all enjoy the weekend off. Amber Almond
Dx 2/2008, IDC, 1cm, Stage I, Grade 2, 0/3 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2- |
. I had a quick read through March & Aprils posts so I think I have the basics on hand to start this.
.(just as climbergirl said)..I've only used the aloe on the breast...I'm mustering up the courage on the aquaphor to the breast...today the rad nurse said it would help the nipple.
..I just finished 5th treatment as well and was doing laundry yesterday...I opened the dryer door, picked up the dirty clothes and tossed them in, smiled