Fall 2015 Rads
Comments
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Has anyone found a miracle cure for itching yet? That is going to be my big issue.
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Hello everyone,
I am new here, just started rads last week, today will be tx #7. I will have 16 whole breast, 5 boost. I would like to be a part of this group if I may? I have found these boards so helpful. I read may of these boards as I was waiting for my bx results. If I had not read some of these I may not have made it through the day waiting for my apt. THANK YOU!!!
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Lctbird: of course you may, and welcome to the group. Glad you've made it this far.
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Welcome to Lctbird and all of the new people.
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Welcome, Lctbird!
You know how they say you probably won’t notice any SEs until your third week of radiation? Well, by last night (after only 3 sessions), the skin on the front and much of the right side of my breast is slightly pinkish-tan (my skin’s pretty fair), and poor “Louise,” who used to be the small gal, is already swollen to the point she dwarfs “Thelma.” I’m starting to make Dolly Parton look like a plank. Seems the swelling happened in only one day. Perhaps it’s a function of them irradiating the front of my breast for the first time yesterday--the first two treatments were aimed only at my lumpectomy scar, halfway down on the outside of my breast (as was the first half of treatment #3). Probably also because I’m getting stronger doses due to the shorter course of treatment. The skin itself isn’t sore, but rather the tissue beneath. I wonder if it’s caused by my breast being largely a seroma at this point? At any rate, I may have to get some bras in a J cup and pad the left breast!
Decided to mix a little CVS aloe gel with coconut oil, and then add a layer of Aquaphor. My sleep bra is pretty gross on the inside--but it smells like a coconut instead of stale drugstore eau de cologne. Off to get treatment #4.
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My rads team had the theme of Enchanted Garden so they all dressed up as insects. My favorite tech (the only male) was in a homemade snail costume. It was adorable and creative. I love my team, mostly for Ethan the male tech. He's very careful and very caring. He got after me about my bra being too tight (it left marks even though it is a light weight elastic bra) and told me I need to get some help at home because the tiredness is going to hit me soon. The two ladies are not as friendly though one is coming around a bit more when I talk to her. They only have one machine so it is very quick in/out. I say a quick hello to the woman who is after me and chat up the receptionist (male) just a bit. Everyone in the whole clinic top to bottom (rads, surgery, oncology) are all super warm, friendly people though.
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Hi Molly,
What are they looking for when they x-ray you? Glad I made you smile.
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ChiSandy I am on the same track as you....started Monday. How many are you doing? (I am 28 regular with 5 boosts...due to finish Dec. 18)
So far I'm just sore under my armpit area. I tend to get a little pink directly after rads but it goes away pretty quick. I've been using the MyGirls cream that someone else on this board recommended and so far so good...no staining or anything. I have been feeling tired already..not sure if it's all in my head because I know that's a side effect or not! And I've had little bouts of dizziness, anyone else? They come and go pretty quickly but still...
I have been wearing cheap Walmart sports bras and my Knitted Knocker and those haven't irritated me so far!
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I’m lucky in that all my underwire bras (even the lacy Prima Donnas) are fine, so long as the cups are big enough (having some trouble squeezing into the Gs & Hs). It’s the cheaper scratchy lace ones (even no-wire) such as Glamourise and Elila that bother me--in fact, they bothered me before radiation started. No way there is ANYTHING in the bra dept. at Wal-Mart that fits me. Ditto Target. The only knitted bras that come close (40F/G/H) are by Leading Lady, which I bought at HerRoom.com. But they are not at all supportive (might as well just wear a T-shirt or make a sling out of a scarf) and have a vertical seam down the front from the nipple. There isn’t a bra on this earth that won’t leave marks on me. I have extremely sensitive skin--I get blisters from most shoes unless I bandage my feet first. I think Hans Christian Andersen knew me in a former life and wrote “The Princess and the Pea” about me.
My armpit feels a bit congested, though the seroma there isn’t any larger and I can’t palpate anything.
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ChiSandy, I have sensitive skin too. I tried to tell the tech that. Right now I am wearing a two size too big cotton bra but they go up so high I can't wear them with all of my clothes. Truthfully, I am uncomfortable today. I don't think it would matter which bra I wear. I am finally getting to the point of my skin being irritated most of the day. I feel burned/dry. I am not certain I am happy with Miaderm because of it. I think I will get more calendula. That stuff was luscious.
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Hi ladies -
I need to join you as well. I started rads on Monday and will be done Dec 18. The same as Magnolia83. Since my rads are on my left side they have me using the snorkel and holding my breath. I am been falling asleep early on the couch at night. Not sure if it is from rads or daylight savings time.
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I'm in the middle on my techs. Some are awesome, some are stinky. The men tend to be nicer which is weird but there it is.
I'm so tired I'm going to bed before my 3yo. I took tomorrow off to rest. 4 more to go!
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I don't really know the radiation techs that well yet. But the nurse, receptionist, and resident I've met all seem to have a sense of humor and aren't afraid to show it, which really took me by surprise. Assume the RO sets a tone. Not complaining....
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The x-rays are to check and fine-tune your positioning.
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Thanks ksusan!
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Melb44...you are making me feel better about being tired after only a few treatments, lol. You are right though, maybe Daylight Savings is to blame! in any event, Dec. 18 can't come soon enough!
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Melb44: got you on the list. Welcome to the group....sigh. Wouldn't we all love to be back to pre-diagnosis normality?
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Amen, Qmc! My skin hurts today. I had another bolus and I burn so I put the CVS aloe Vera with lidocaine and I feel so much better!
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Queen Mom - the name of the store is Blazing Needles - and it is just gorgeous. They have luscious works on display and the most beautiful, soft yarns! I told the saleslady that I want to start up again - after not doing it for a couple years - and what did she recommend?...she gave me a simple pattern for a beanie ( perfect for my almost hairless head). Since I'm headed home this weekend I will pick up the circular needles that I need I also got some gorgeous fine cotton that I will use to crochet edgings on pillowcases. I have worked on these pillowcases while here - but this is just inexpensive crochet thread that I got at Michaels. The new stuff is super soft - and deep burgundy and deep purple to go with some quilts I've made.
If I really decide to splurge - there was a gorgeous, plush scarf - that was a very simple design - but with 7 skeins of yearn @ $26 / skein ----well, let's just say I need to contemplate that one a little before I commit!
Here are my pillowcases so far :
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Georgie: Yeah, I'd have to contemplate that scarf a bit too. But crocheting edges for pillowcases sounds like a grand project to occupy yourself while you're stuck so far from home. Plz post pictures of the beanie as you progress? doesn't have to be the finished project.
Is the yarn shop someplace you might be able to sit a bit and knit? Thinking I'd want to get OUT of Hope House a bit between treatments.
Mollie: my treatment area sends your treatment area sympathy (as does, I hope, the treatment area of pretty much everyone who'se preceded you) I joked with my husband about a ***-sized tub of Aquaphor, though I expect an equivalent one for lidocaine would be appreciated by many of us.
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I have been tired all week, just after tx #4. I just learned I'm getting an accelerated treatment, getting 16 whole breast then 5 of boost. I have been very tired, jet lag feeling, since tx #4. Today was the worst. Felt better after I drank a bunch of water. I had a feeling it was the rads causing it. I'm just surprised it's so soon! I now have a square pinkish area turning tan. We have a skin care program by a derm dr that said do a vinegar/water compress like you would a sunburn. Night and day difference. I then apply aloe then cetaphil. Feels much better.
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Vinegar, what a great idea. I used to take vinegar baths when I got sunburned.
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Are you ladies having mostly pain? Am I the only one with major itching? I think all the topical stuff mostly helps the burn but I have yet to find much that helps the itching.
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Tvlr, have you told your RO about the itchiness? Mine told me that they would give me something once I get itchy.
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Trvler: hydrocortisone cream?
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My lungs hurt this morning. I don't know if I am getting sick or if it's the rads. I guess I will see over the weekend. Thank God for Friday.
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I tried Benedryl and that almost seemed to make it worse. I think that's hydrocortisone, right? This morning, I put the Calendula on that spot instead of the Blue Emu. I want to see how it works.
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Lctbird, I did the accelerated. Make sure you stay hydrated. I was told to drink extra fluids. That might help with some of the fatigue.
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Bruter: not that I'm aware of. Benedryl cream's an antihistamine only, IIRC. Hydrocortisone's more specific to itching.
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I think the Blue Emu has hydrocortisone but I will check.
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