Fall 2015 Rads
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Thanks, everybody! I'm so glad it's over. My reactions have been extreme and I'm still suffering from various physical and mental issues. The other night I phoned my husband twice within 20 minutes and repeated the exact same words, with no memory of the first phone call! That has NEVER EVER happened to me! It hasn't happened since, thank goodness. I have no "immediate recall" which means if I'm interrupted when starting a topic, it's gone. I was diagnosed with that about 10 years ago. The rest of my memory is excellent, and it's not a precursor of anything. So for that to happen was scary as hell.
And I'm so grateful for this board. As good as my RO was, he tended to dismiss all of my symptoms. Reading about them here has been a huge help!
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52% done, 13 out of 25 treatments, no boosts. My treatment's in 3 parts, all with bolus: right, left, and straight up the center. So far, the left side looks good, the right side is red, and the center is red and itchy with bumps. I'm also developing mild acne on my back: what's that about? Can't use cortisone because of the study, though it's possible I'm using it (it's either that or Eucerin). Also using an OTC itch cream called Sarna that the RO's nurse said was okay. The itching isn't too bad yet, but I'm told it will get worse.
I don't know if I've said that this clinical study is being directed by a nurse. Apparently it's the first time that they've let a nurse rather than an MD at this hospital run a study. It makes complete sense to me; the nurses are the real experts on SEs and have so much practical experience.
I think it's the sword of damocles aspect of radiation that's challenging. With chemo, the SEs can be worse, but at least you know where you stand after the first treatment. With rads, you know it will get worse, but you don't know how bad or when. Anyway, excuse my ruminations. I'm so happy to be sitting on the sofa today and not heading into the city for rads. Happy weekend, everyone!
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molliefish--I have no advice about the rash, but do know that my underarm is irritated and very tan. I asked my RO about this, because like you, I wasn't supposed to receive radiation to the lymph nodes area. He told me they weren't doing direct radiation there since I had negative nodes, but he said that it is receiving indirect radiation from beam toward the breast. In fact, my underarm is the only irritation I have (after 26/33) and he thought it might even peel some. I have been putting aloe vera from the plant on my breast twice a day as preventative (even though some say this is pointless), but wasn't putting on the underarm area since I didn't think it was necessary. That might explain why the breast skin is holding up so well, but underarm is not! I am now dosing it as well. Hoping you find something to help your problem!
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Molliefish, could you be having a relatively mild case of shingles--especially if you’ve never been vaccinated?
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Haha, Rain. I was calculating percentages, too.
My skin is healing up pretty fast. But interestingly, my back is still red which I find interesting because that part has been done the longest. You can hardly see anything on my neck anymore.
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rainnyc, with that large of a field I would put your lotion on the upper back as well. I covered a large area with my lotions and the only bad parts for me has been the areas that got boluses. I have so much disgusting dark tissue coming off but at least I finally feel better
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Hi to all you brave warriors that went through this before me and are willing to share their experiences and wisdom with us. I joined the winter 15/16 group and just wanted to stop in for some extra tips and encouragement. I started Rads Dec 1 and am scheduled for five weeks. Love and blessings to all!!!
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We'll see what we can do. What would you like to know? (other than "you'll come through. no, really!")
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007, we are happy to provide encouragement. Any questions just ask!
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I had a rash above my radiation area the day after rads finished, too. I called the RO, and his office said it wasn't the rads.... Ha! I wahed my chest, dried it, took a benedryl and put 1% cortisone cream on (over the counter type). When it dried, I put on the lotion. The rash was gone in 2 days. I'm days post rads, and my breast is back to the original color except the boost area (which was the last 5 days of rads). So, if I had to give advice on itching, address it as soon as it starts so the rash doesn't get worse! Some people get a doc to write a prescription for cortisone. Good luck!
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re shingles. Nah,I had shingles already, right eye so I think I'm clear of that. I'm sure it is the glaxal. I have switched the aloe Vera and seem to be so far so good. Thanks all.
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Molly: So glad you are doing better!
I agree to address the itch early on. I tried Benedryl and all it did was make me groggy and dry me up. It was funny but I don't remember it drying me up so much when I had it before Taxol.
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Hi, I've finished 24/30 treatments and only have my boosts left. My skin on my breast has held up very well but my underarm, especially where my lymph node incision is is very red and irritated. Also my arm is so tight I feel like I'm going to tear something if I move too fast. I'm doing stretching but it seems to get tight right after I stretch. This all came on at once over the weekend. I guess it was too much to ask to come through unscathed.
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Espanola,
I was the same way in my underam except I wasn't finished yet. I used a lot of aquaphor at bedtime, lotioned up 4 times per day in those areas, stretched as much as I could tolerate and my RO gave me EMLA cream to help with the pain. Eventually I found relief when my skin started peeling.
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Sim done, actual treatment starts Monday. Decision on three vs six week pending review...will know by Monday. Hope those of you who are finished or almost done will pop into the winter group now and then to encourage us!
Octogirl
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At last the rads begin for you! Still planning on/hoping for a swim in the ocean on New Year's Day?
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How nice of you, Octogirl, to invite those of us who finish up to stick around as you go thru yours. I'll try....tho I might like to take a quick break from all this 'thought process', too. I'm in the home stretch.....only three more to go! And I thought I would get out of this un-scathed also. As well as I felt this morning, is as 'tender' as I feel tonight. OUCH! The entire nipple area is peeling......and even the softest fabric touching it is like needles. But......the end is in sight, and this too shall end.....soon, very soon.
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QMC: Yes to the ocean! Hey, the MO only said no pool, he didn't say anything about the ocean...(I haven't asked RO yet and don't intend to until after New Year's)...
I REALLY miss the pool though...
Octogirl
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Octo: you'll be in a wetsuit for the ocean, no? If it starts hurting, get out obviously, but just being IN the water, however briefly, is what you need. I promise not to rat you out. Heck I'll be standing sentry!
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Octogirl....hope you DO get to the ocean...maybe, if only to cheer for the others and to be in it...just not submerged?
Had SIM and first treatment today. SO surreal. Did you gals sleep in bras or something to keep from having "skin to skin"? They didn't mention it today but just wondering. I have 1 down and 29 to go...woo-hoo!
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HappyHammer: hoping others will chime in, but if it's any comfort, I didn't need to do any such thing.
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Yes, I did sleep in a 'comfort' bra.....because of a seroma and because I wanted the area protected from my nightgown.
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Tomorrow I go to the RO for a CAT scan and I'll have 16 radiation treatments. I'm not sure when it'll start exactly, but I'm reading up on creams and stuff.
After the lumpectomy, I can't wear a bra comfortable, so I'm not sure about not irritating the skin. And, I'm pretty busty, so the camisole tanks are too small for me, like 40C or D.
One day at a time,
Linda
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Linda - I had (or will have) 16 treatments, too. Mine began two days after my sim. Good luck to you. Amazingly, in hindsight, the time went by incredibly fast! I stocked up on nearly every good cream mentioned on threads here, only to have my RO hand me what they wanted me to use. It absorbs quickly - had a choice of scented or un-scented - and they only recommended OTC cortizone if needed. I was sure it wouldn't be enough and I'd have to ask for more....but that's not the case. I am not 'endowed' so found soft bra-lets at Walmart, and their cami's also. I wished I had bought a larger band width, but got by. Now, as I near the end, I can't imagine a band coming near my tender skin....but this too shall pass. Some have found comfort in men's 'wife beater' undershirts as a layer between while using the creams and protecting your outer clothing. ~ Good luck to you....take care of yourself...listen to your body.
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FINISHED! !! I hugged my tech team goodbye. I didn't do gifts but plan on sending a card for all of them including my RO. I foundout ttoday that I won't have any follow up with RO. Seems weird but considering she's the only RO there I'm not surprised. Anyway, I'm glad to be done but conflicted as you all know. More tomorrow. I feel lousy. I can't eat lately without feeling si
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Yeah Molly!!
Octogirl, I have been recommended saline soaks - the Ocean sounds like a giant saline soak to me
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Congrats Molly! Yay!
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Good job, Molly!
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HI all,
Haven't been keeping up much with this lovely group. Sorry!
I have finished 22 of 30 (last 5 being boost) and aside from the irritation and the itching, things seem to be going well. We don't get any anti-itch creams here in Australia, at least not at my hospital, but they told me to get a certain one from the pharmacy. It's working more or less, but the collarbone rads is horrible. I wake up scratching it. LOL Oh well, almost done.
Anyway, I do have a concern. Did any of you get any swollen lymph nodes in the chest area above the breast but below the collarbone? As I was lotioning up on Friday night, I noticed a lump just above the radiation line. I didn't have an MX, so it's not scar tissue from surgery, but someone said it might be irritation from rads? I brought it up with the nurses, but they didn't want to say anything concrete, just to talk to the doc about it. I was supposed to have an appointment with my MO today, but that was pushed to next week. Anyone have this happen to them too?
It's a bit concerning, and a bit scary.
Thanks!
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Hi Aus, the itching above the collarbone is very normal but I never had any swelling of lymph nodes there though I did have swelling of the neck nodes on the radiated side. Don't panic just be sure to bring it up with your MO and ask for an ultrasound.
Thanks for the congratulations . I really hope the eating problems are from rads and subside soon .
Octogirl, I would go ahead with your plans. Live your life to the fullest.
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