Illinois ladies facing bc
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An old time favorite quote of mine.
Cloudy and a bit windy...a lot cooler too is on the menu for today. At least there should be no more rain. My....we had such pour-downs going on yesterday and through the night. I'm sure our water table is pretty satisfied. Hoping all of you northern gals are doing ok.
Blessings
Jackie
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When you come to the edge of all the light you know,
and are
about to step off into the darkness of the unknown, faith
is
knowing one of two things will happen: There will be something
solid
to stand on, or you will be taught how to fly. Barbara
J. Winter0 -
One of my favorite quotes -- takes a lot of iffiness out of some of my un-known ventures. We are going to get to near 60 today and get our sun back.....ah, my kind of day. There was a commercial about if you didn't have something, it was like a day without sunshine. So sunshine makes things so very much better. Warms my soul and my life. Sure glad it will be back --- 3 gray days for me is two and a half too many.
Blessings
Jackie
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Wonderful quote Jackie! Gave me goosebumps!
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Hi everyone---excited to find this thread--- I am a Bloomington, IL gal too!
Will be starting my radiation soon-had my "simulation" experience on Wednesday. Don't know why seeing those Black markers all over my chest got me so tearful, but it did. As a redhead who burns blisters and peels from sun exposure, I am worried about this rad stuff. Wondering if any of you could clue me in on the BEST skin cream to use during my treatments---Hang the cost---just keep me comfortable.
Maybe some of you will be at Community Cancer center Normal, IL when I am there. Hope so. I have Dr. Migas and Dr. Woodhouse. So far I am very impressed wilth everyone I have met there.
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So long ago since I had my rads I don't know that I can give a great answer, but I was given the plain liquid aloe vera gel in a bottle....it was clear. No coloring agents in it. There are some who feel emu oil is fantastic, then there is Aquafor which is a bit greasy but I'm told works well. There is Radiajel. A huge number of things. You may be 'given' something at the rads facility too.
I think one of the things that is a key to it all is to use plenty of whatever you have and probably more often then they say to use it. Also make sure to note whether it must be removed before you have the rads or can be left on while they are happening. When you wash your skin in the radiated area I would be very gentle and use a nice soap -- I think I used Dove, but do
Redheaded 1 and before I forget. Welcome to the Illinois Ladies thread and I hope you come often. These women are terrific here and a huge font of information. Also, everyone is excellent at general hand-holding and keeping you going when and if the going gets rough or boring or anything else.
Glad you found this spot.
Blessings,
Jackie
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Readhead1 I didn't have rads but one of the gals that I virtually met on these boards did what's listed below this post. Many others have had luck with this.
I'm not a redhead either but my mom is. I actually have olive skin but as I got older got much much lighter. I guess my maternal grandmother did the same thing. My maternal grandfather (and his entire family) are/were redheads. Ironically I do have Rosacea. My onc's NP couldn't believe it. She said that was only for redheads and pale people. Ha ha.
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My appt was first thing in the morning:
-Aloe Vera 100% Gel 6 oz Gel by Fruit of the Earth (applied directly after treatment) from amazon
-Miaderm (applied 2-4 hours later)
-Faulding Essentials Vitamin E Cream 75g (from Australia) (applied 4-6 hours later)
-100% Pure Emu Oil (4oz) by Progressive Emu (applied 6-10pm) from amazon
Aquaphor Healing Ointment by Eucerin (Walgreens or CVS) (applied before bed)
(Rub the Aquaphor ointment vigorously between your palms to soften it up before applying)
-Basis
Sensitive Skin Bar (Walgreens or CVS) (used for washing before
treatment, rinse well, protecting breast from direct shower spray)I
wore a very soft lightweight cotton tank top from Target each day under
my bra. If you have 'saggy' breasts wrap the tank top all the way over
and under the breasts so there is no skin on skin contact where the
breast ‘hangs down'. the tank should also came all the way up to the
base of the armpit area. I also bought a bra that was larger and looser
than normal.I used a VERY generous amount of lotion/oil/cream,
smeared and gooped it all over the breast, underneath and under the
armpit all the way to the back. Especially made sure the nipple area
was well coated. The cotton tank top absorbed the extra so it didn't
get on my bra.
I would also suggest taking a picture of your fields
when they draw on you so you know where to goop and make sure you cover
all the areas.It's a bit over the top but it kept me busy and I
felt like I was doing something to help myself and my skin did alright.
Hope that is helpful!
source linky0 -
Once you accept and rejoice in your authenticity, you begin
to see things as YOU are. You begin to see the authentic self
is the Soul made visible. Godspeed on your journey to wholeness.
Sarah Ban Breathnach0 -
Redhead-although I have dark hair (it was a lot redder as a child) I have very pale skin. Your radiologist might want you to use a specific ointment. My doctor had me use Miaderm and Aquaphor. I put the Miaderm on right after rads and I used the Aquaphor at night. I bought men's sleeveless undershirts (my daughter calls them wife beaters although I hate that term) and wore them under my bra. I had 33 sessions but did have to stop for a week around my 30th session because my skin was "sunburned." Good luck to you.
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Redhead.....I'm in Bloomington also and I sent you a PM. :-)
Rita
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Rita, so glad you saw that. Was just about to send you a heads-up. I have to confess......whenever I'm working inside, any time I have a minute or two with nothing going on I do come in here and check things out. No discipline you might say......I think now and then, I should have a standard time I come....but it is so much fun to keep up with all my favorite posters early on.
I always say I'm flexible which is for me a euphemism for not much discipline.
Life is fun anyway.....I'm old enough to do it just about how I'd like to. There is some benefit to a couple of extra years, that and being partially retired. So....I'll just hang loose and be FLEXIBLE.
Blessings,
Jackie
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I love that! Flexible! I will definitely use that in the future!
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Ladies, thanks for the input---- FGM----would never have thought to put a cotton t on under my bra---that's a tip worth sharing for sure...... Tried to chat up a pharmacist today, but she wasn't much help. The Aquaphor is basically petroleum jelly..... And pharmacist said the first ingredient in Xclair is shea butter. I am spending way too much time on the internet and not enough time outside enjoying this gorgeous day. Yesterday I did a little lawn work and my surgical arm and under bust area was tight later---hadn't had that tingle for a couple weeks but the arm use brought it back. And LAGO thanks so much for finding your virtual friends regimen for me. a lot of what she used isn't on my list from MO. But it sounds like the more you lubricate the better. Just not 4 hours before Rads., or so they told me. I may be calling myself Redtit instead of Redhead before this over....or maybe that one has been taken by someone else LOL.
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redtit... love it
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A spiritually optimistic point of view holds that the universe is woven out of a fabric of love. Everything that is happening is ultimately for the good if we're willing to face it head-on and use our adversities for soul growth. Joan Borysenko
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"Don't let life discourage you; everyone who got where he is had to begin
where he was."-- Richard L. Evans
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Hi Illinois Ladies.
I live just east of the Bloomington/normal, but, we lived in the Chicago metro area for 10 years.
I was diagnosed just before Christmas. My 1st surgery was in January, lumpectomy. However, the margins weren't good enough. After discussing with gen surgeon, plastic surgeon, and MO, we all agreed BMX was going to give us the best final outcome from BC perspective and cosmetic. 2nd surgery was March 4. Other than the usual issues I have with gen anesthesia and narco pain meds, all seemed to be going well. Well, that was short lived. I was admitted March 19 due to a staph infection around rt tissue expander. Back to surgery on March 21 to "power wash", replace TE and drain. I also came home with a nice new accessory, a PICC line. I have been on IV antibiotic since March 19. My last one is tentatively scheduled for April 15. However, the last few days, I gave been running a low grade fever, approx 99.5. SERIOUSLY?!?! Hopefully, we can figure this out!!! I was given the option of chemo. My onco score was very low, but the tumor was more extensive than originally thought. I am only 43 send we have 6 & 8 year old girls. Chemo is the part I am most apprehensive about.
I too have Dr Migas at the Community Cancer Center, LOVE HIM!!! I have never felt as if he had one hand on the door asking if you had any other questions. My surgeons throughout this journey gave been great as well!! Even though this journey has not take the path we expected, all the MD's have been great.
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Welcome Lakegirl! Dr. Migas is my oncologist, too and he's been fantastic! If you are in the "grey zone" for chemo, why don't you ask Dr. Migas about CMF chemo. It is an older type of chemo but has fewer side effects and you don't usually lose your hair. It has been "tried and true" for many years and that is the type he gave me. I know the chemo fear but this was much easier than I had anticipated.
I am so sorry that you developed staph infection along with everything else that you have to deal with on this journey but is sounds like they are hitting it hard with the antibiotics,etc.
You have a hard decision to make about the chemo but you are so young and have young girls. I'm sure that you will make the right decision for you and only you can make that decision. Hugs to you. If you feel you would like to "chat"...PM me and I'll send you my phone number. In the meantime, hang in there!
Rita
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Lakegirl so glad you found the "Illinois" gals. You are so fortunate to live close to Rita and to be able pretty much first hand to find out what you can about some of the chemo questions. I do hope you are able to resolve all of your 'staph' issues soon. This is not something anyone wants to do so having to deal with some of the un-expected things can be a drag. I am wishing you well and hoping that your path becomes easier to traverse soon. Hope you come see us often
Blessings
Jackie
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Welcome Lakegirl1....I'm glad you feel so great about your doctor; that's important! I also have had a PICC line in for my treatments since 3/12....I was also interested to read about the CMF treatment from you, ritajean. That's what the Mayo Clinic wanted to give me because of some of my other issues, but in Chicago they went for the Cytoxan/Taxetere. I haven't had a horrible time with it, but it I've been hospitalized twice between 1st and 2nd infusion. I had a really really high oncotype score (40) so maybe that's why they went with the stronger stuff. It is natural to be afraid, Lakegirl1, and I certainly was terrified because I have other major issues, but even though I was in hospital twice, it was nothing life-threatening and overall, chemo is NOT as bad as I feared.
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Thank you so much for the kind words... I will talk with re: the CMF Treatment. Honestly, will need to do some homework before appointment so I at least appear to be somewhat educated re: the regimen:).
Oh, I forgot to add...on top all the fun I been having...I have hives across the boob area!!! I don't have them in any other place on my body.!!! Initially, they thought it was from the IV antibiotic! Turns out Hibiclens is not my friend!!! I was advised to use it every day to wash from neck to just below my waist by someone in the hospital and they sent me home with it. However, none of the MD's ordered it. Then, to ad insult to injury, when PS put me in surgical bra from the ace wrap, they fired up worse than ever!!! I am taking Benadryl like Pez candy!!!
I broke down and bought those Amoena bras at Von Maur!!! They were totally worth the $$!!! They are keeping the hives to a dull roar!!!
FYI...THE Von Maur shoe room is the happiest place on earth, 2nd only to WDW!!!
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Your vision will become clear only when you can look into your own heart. Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakens. Carl Jung
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Interesting that Mayo prescribed CMF. It is a milder form of chemo. I got several opinions in Chicago and they all said with an onco of 14 I should not do chemo. Only Sloan said chemo and i went with that as she promised it was "chemo light" CMF.
The weird part is that no one in Chicago seems to use it. The head of the breast center at U of Chicago said she'd never seen it used since she'd been there. Northwestern said the last time it had been used was 5 years ago. But at Sloan they do 15 a day!
Odd, no?
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Hi Lakegirl. Hives! yuck. They rate up there with shingles (I've had bad cases of both). If the Benadryl doesn't do the trick I know Claritin did it for me when I had them back around 2004 and then again 2006. Just be sure to check with your MDs if that's OK with your current treatment. I know when I was on chemo my MO had me on Zyrtec the entire time.
Here's directions on how to make you pez dispenser look like a nurse or MD. linky
Just don't fill with Viagra0 -
lago...That is Hillarious!!! Love it!!! I don't want to jinx myself, but they seem to be gone!!! I will def ask about one of the other allergy meds. With Spring upon us, I will likely need them anyway!!!
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Redhead, I am starting my 4th week of Rads - all good advice - i am actually starting to wear nothing from the waist up when i'm home alone
I figure if it works for a baby's bottom! right?I am doing my Radiation At the Sage Cancer Center in McHenry, IL & my Onc is @ Kellogg in Highland Park - anyone else from Northern Ill??
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Our
true home is in the present moment.
To live in the present moment is a miracle.
The miracle is not to walk on water.
The miracle is to walk on the green earth in the present moment, to
appreciate the peace and beauty that are available now.
Peace is all around us—in the world and in nature—and within us—in our
bodies and spirits.
Once we learn to touch this peace, we will be healed and
transformed.
It is not a matter of faith; it is a matter of practice Thich Nhat
Hanh0 -
I really like that quote. I needed that today! Thanks, Illinois lady!
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You're very, very welcome jmg.
Blessings
Jackie
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Prayer
helps us to put into words exactly what is troubling us. It is almost
impossible to deal with a problem while it remains vague and nebulous. Praying,
in a way, is very much like writing our problems down on paper. If we ask help
for a problem--even from God--we must put it into words. Dale
Carnegie0
