After Radiation
Comments
-
SusanHG: nooooooo on surgery. My co-worker had it and they severed a nerve that has caused partial paralysis over her eye. She now has a droopy eyelid that can not be fixed. I did some research on this and it would not be an option I would try. Some people are fitted with mouth guards to wear at night but most insurances will not cover it. There are ones you can buy in pharamcies but I tried it and it's like wearing one of those mouth guards football players use or boxers. So uncomfortable. Also, where in NY is Kenmore? I'm up in the Albany area.
0 -
I WAS wondering if you can go to a tanning bed after you had Radiation it has been 7 months
0 -
KingJr - If you have a church, the usually have a benevolence fund... They paid for my mouthpiece and It really helped...
To add to my list of things.... I now have a severe eye infection that has also gone in my sinuses... Not sure how much more I can take... I asked my onc if I needed to do antibiotics before a dental cleaning and he said in my case... no.... do you think that is where the sinus and eye infection came from? if it is, next time i'm asking for a z-pack (I'm allergic to antibiotics - that is the only one I can use) before i have my cleaning .
Edit for tanning bed - I wouldn't suggest it....
0 -
I would not suggest tanning bed just for the fact prolong use could cause skin cancer- period!!!
0 -
Well, I HAVE TMJ too. I am astounded at how many bc have this. Mine I think is from braces and at times is very hard to live with. Valium and flexeril work for me but no one will ever prescribe it. I think the tension of grinding gets worse with bc - and also the drugs they have you on for long times. Then once the jaw is off balance, it gets aggravated and worsens.
I've had a bad virus or something that's been going round -achy muscles, sore throat, stomach off thing. I am knocked over at how much harder this is - to deal with being sick after rads.
We are having summer weather in Michigan though so I am starting to get my 20 minutes of Vit D time in outside and watching the buds sprout on everything.
Also: I take magnesium to aid my digestion and that helps eliminate body odor for some reason too. I almost don't have any anymore. I also swipe the pits with white vinegar after a shower and then use my favorite body lotion. I read that apple cider vinegar is better, but it's too sticky for me and the white vinegar seems to work fine. When I first started this I also rewashed and repeated the vinegar and cream a couple of times during the day, but shortly after starting taking the magnesium (I think about a month or so) , my daily shower and one clean up is the most I need - and that's mostly just to stay feeling fresh and not because of odor.
(I always find my typos or think of something more to add after I hit "save.")
0 -
Count me in on the TMJ also - another reason I just about live at the chiropractor's office. All six of our kids have it, my youngest, the one with Ehlers-Danlos has TMJ really bad. So far the chiropractor has helped all of us at some time or another.
0 -
Well girls nothing and i mean nothing helps like the valium.This big dentist who wanted to do surgery(that doesnt work) told me never to yawn with my mouth wide open.can cause lock jaw!!!!!I went to 5 different drs.and the had a meeting baout the valium and it took a while but i got it.I could not even chew without it cracking.talk about scary.Yeah valium is addictive.I knew it but I take only a few pills and this is one i will never give up.takin it for over 6-7 yrs.now.AND its the only thing that works.
Toms of Maine 24 hr.protection is kinda new...i haad the 12 hr one first...that was bad but the 24 hr one works for me.
Gotta check Whole Foods for the natural nail polish.If I dont find it i will break one of my cardinal rules.Its almost toe nail polish time!!!!!!
0 -
Granny-they told me that at physical therapy--always keep the tongue against the roof of the mouth while yawning. Also, no big sandwiches, gum, hard candy, laying on the side of the jaw, bad posture (hanging head over computer), propping head in bed, and looking towards one side or the other for long periods, like watching TV. All these tips pretty much solved my problem. I sleep on a water pillow that is working great since I move so much at night. I am going to have to check out that Tom's 24 hour. Also, I know there are healthy nailpolishes out there. I think you could probably just do an internet search to find them. I like all the nice colors they have now, so not inspired by the ones in the natural section of the grocery store.
Elizabeth-My RO said no sun exposure for 6 months, so I would say a definite "no" to tanning bed. I am actually going to ask him when I go in next week if I can go in the sun now. Last summer was tough (I am almost 10 months out).
GMA-looks like we are both still having fun-sorry to hear about your eye infection. I wrote last week about all my pproblems--fungal rash, acid reflux, gallbladder trouble etc. Well, looks like now I have shingles, which would explain most of my problems--pain on the breastbone right side, red stripe under breast, and now little blisters have started to form and the pain has gotten much worse, can't even wear a bra anymore. I am having deja vu from last year! Headed to the doc this morning. What next, I tell ya? I was on 5 days of steroids about a month ago, so probably what turned the virus on and of course, radiation has to be to blame in some way, right?
They always say that shingles are painful, and I can attest that they are. Can't have any type of pressure on the skin. Sob..when will it end... Susan
0 -
Oh Susan - So sorry to hear what you are going through..My eyes are nothing compared to that, but I haven't been able to wear a bra yet since radiation..
Ok Lets start a positive note now... My eyes are better, not totally better, but better.. Still hard to do my computer work but will survive...
Someone else want to give us sickies some positive input LOL... Something like my signature I suppose but: WE CAN DO THIS!!! I want to see my grandkids grow up!
0 -
Susan I am soooooooooooooo sorry. Wish I could reach out and hug you, ever so gently. I changed bra styles this weekend. I have never worn a plunging bra before. The structure is pretty much the same except in front, where there is just a piece of material holding the two cups together. Somehow, the side isn't stabbing me so much, thank goodness. I think with the much larger side was pulling the bra over too much from the smaller side, causing all kinds of problems. The plunging front allows them to kind of figure themselves out.....lol.
GMA - my eye doctor told me a hot towel on the eyes 5 times a day will help with eye infections too. I had that problem while in treatment.
Elizabeth, I can't stand heat, I have an almost allergic reaction...it's so weird. So sun is out for me completely. I reached for the new Jergens "tanning" lotion, but had second thoughts. I'm nicknamed snow white, and that's from what people can see, oh if they could only see my legs....lol.
0 -
Elizabeth I would say no to the tanning bed. My RO told me to not expose my radiaited skin to the sun for two years. I walk alot outside and he told me to wear shirts that are higher up on my neck if possible and sunscreen. I personally would do the spray on tan if I felt the need to look tanned.
0 -
Thank you for the cyber hug Gina...Actually, I am just relieved that I know what is wrong with me, and I can go back to drinking coffee. Made a nice pot of Starbucks this morning
Just need to get something for the burning pain. Not fun.The two bras that I bought a few months ago were great. One of them was a nice plunging one, and both were wireless. I totally get how having two sides different can be an issue. Funny, but for me, it is the good breast that causes trouble. It is so saggy compared to the other. The cup caves in when I press it, whereas the other fills it nicely. Can't wait to get back to wearing my bras again. Going braless and a D-cup is just not attractive. I am hiding in the house!
0 -
Susan hate to hear you have the shingles. I have never had them but understand they are very painful. But at least you know what is wrong now and can deal with it.
0 -
Sagina,
I too have recently been diagnosed with Trigeminal Neuralgia!
Neurologist has me on anti-seizure prescription Tegretol / Carbamazapine and it is doing a good job controlling the pain. However, it makes me sleepy and drowsy feeling. I had a long chemo regimine due to aggressive diagnosis.
I ended up at the neurologist after seeing 2 dentists, and endodontist who was ready to do a root canal. Then I was refered to an ear nose and throat doctor who treated me with antibiotics for sinus a infection, which I did not have. Finally I was taken to emergency at the direction of my oncologist's nurse due to uncontrolled pain that was unbearable. After a CT scan that showed no infection, and an MRI that ruled out brain metastises I was diagnosed by a neurologist in the ER.
Neurologist said he doesn't think it has anything to do with chemo, but my husband and I think it probably does as I have other nerve problems since chemo. But of course we are not doctors.
Periphrial neuropathy in hands and feet is really painful too but a different type of pain. Neuropathy showed up during Taxol treatment.
Interesting to have another BCO person with the same diagnosis! What chemo did you have, if I may ask?
Charlotte
0 -
Glad to know I'm not the only one who cannot wear a bra. I finished rads January 4th but every time I try a bra it leaves marks, ridges and is very uncomfortable. The Ahh bra was mentioned as one to try. I am leaving in three days for a cruise so will have to wait to order anything. I'm wearing camis that I used for rads but they offer no support. The ones with a shelf bra built in leaves marks and indents as well. Wonder if I have some LE going on? Have a great day everyone.
0 -
Charlotte,
I had Adriamycin and Taxol! 6 cycles, then surgery, then full on rads! I noticed during chemo treatment I couldn't stand changing temps suddenly with my hands. I found out by trying to hand wash dishes....OUCH!
I had two horrific attacks of the Trigeminal nerve....after the first one the acute pain stopped but I had a dull ache for a while...saw my dentist who luckily had seen me during chemo and took x rays - everything was the same. Saw the ENT as the MO thought massive sinus infection. After that the MO ordered a CAT scan, then sent me on to my primary doctor. My primary doctor, after reviewing all the reports, lab work etc. didn't hesitate to say that chemo can cause nerve damage, and sometimes as the nerves try to repair themselves that is the worst pain.
She stated me on Gabapentin, 300 mg, 3 times a day. I was a loony bird....We are trying and it seems to be working, taking only one pill at night, or we will switched to 100 mg 3 times a day.
by the way the second attack was worse than the first, lasted two solid hours, no relief as you well know - not pain killers - which I don't ever take but wanted as many as I could get - not a hot towel, not a cold towel...i tried putting cotton in my mouth, my ears, lay down sit up....my DH asked if I wanted to go the ER - I was making him very nervous and his a paramedic! Since this was my second attack, I bit the bullet, which I literally could have done.
I"m also extremely sensitive to the sun, or high heat, like coming out of an oven...I itch all over.
0 -
Susan - can you take acyclovir for the shingles? I had a very mild case of them about 2 months ago and the dermatologist gave me cream and a prescription.0
-
Susan-thanks for all that info on the TMJ.I never heard of that but i never went for PT for it either.SHINGLES....OMG....I had them yrs ago.before bc...Painful is putting it mildly.I was hospitalized for 7 days.Now they have a shot for it.AND you can get it over and over again...you get the shingles when your immune system is down.you poor thing.This is very common after rads.You would think those damn white coats would tell you about the shot.I wish you pain free days.Ya need a lot of rest with that.....lots and lots of rest...
Huggggggggs everyone K
0 -
Ptdreamers - I wear the shelf bra camis inside out - sounds strange but it is more comfortable. I just wear a shirt over them..
0 -
Hi Everyone! well, back from doc. My pain is supposedly classic shingles symptoms to a T, but the doctor questioned the rash. I told her it had gotten much better since last week. She thinks it looks fungal. She gave me Valtrex and told me to continue fungal cream just in case. Funny, it has only been a couple hours since i took my first pill, but feel a little better?? May be psychological.
Granny-you're welcome! I did ask whether it could have been caused by radiation, and the doc said possibly. I will be going to see my RO in a week, so will be checking with him.
Omaz-not sure about Acyclovvir. Maybe I need my dermatologist...we'll see how it goes...RO probably knows more than any of them since he sees it all the time
ptdreamers-had the same problem with bras about 3-4 months post rads, but if you have LE you'll know it. Your breast will increase in size and the marks will be very pronounced. I actually bought the AHH bra. I could not wear it then when I had LE, but am now able to wear it (well, before the shingles).
0 -
Susan--there is a thread on shingles...im gonna bump it up for you.....please take this very serious cause it really is.
0 -
Anyone know where to find the Genie bra without having to order online? the pictures look like it's a comfortable bra with no underwire. My breasts are so lopsided, one C cup the other DD. Went through all my bras last night and could only keep a few and some sports bras. Will be seeing my BS next week and going for consult with PS. Hope I can get them looking the same soon.
my sympathy to all you ladies with TMJ. and now that someone has mentioned it, my jaw joint is so worn down that I can't explain why it never gave me any problems for years. and now with the bc diagnosis maybe there is some truth in the TMJ symptoms being so much worse because of the bc. But then again, bc can make one very tense and stressed.
0 -
King - Amazon.com search for genie bra (edited - sorry didn't see that you didn't want to get it online!). I saw it at Joanne's Craft Store one time of all places! I also like the Barelythere microfiber crop top. I would wear one or two of those. Good luck0
-
Granny-thank you, i will look for it! maybe there is pictures...
0 -
King.. I bought my Genie bra at Walmart and also at bath bed and beyond.. ( As seen on tv section)
0 -
King If my memory serves me correctly i think Torigirl bought the genie bra in bed bath and beyond.2 for 20 bucks.
Sweetie you will buy many bras during this transformation.....I lost count on how many i bought and threw away....
I am still buying bras and im a yr.out of tx.one day the bra is just great and another day i put the same damn one on and it hurts...
have i told you lately how much i hate bc?well it suks.
0 -
If you are looking for a good bra, without underwire, I'd like to suggest one. It is a bit pricey, but it has been my friend through surgery and rads. It is from Lady Grace and the product number is 5527. It gives support but is quite comfortable. It stretches to accommodate different sized breasts. I hope that this will be helpful to some of you.
0 -
Susan Valtrex and Aciclovir are very similar drugs and used for the same things. I guess it is just Dr's preference. Valtrex is the new of the two drugs. I get fever blister very badley and have to take the drugs daily for prevention so I switch back and forth after I have been on one while seems to stop working for me.
0 -
thanks ladies for ideas on bras. I need one to accomodate 2 different size breasts....I'm sure most of you can relate. Will start hunting down the right one this weekend. Will need to see these bras and try it on before I purchase. I can spend hours trying on bras. I can't stand underwire. I have permanant marks under my breasts and up the sides from it. And I'm no Platex torpedo wearer either. God, those bras are like from the 50's/60's.
0
