Creams

Dr R prescribed a different cream when I saw him July 18.  In just the past week, I've seen a dramatic improvement from the radiation burns and torn skin.  Wow, why didn't he give this to me in the first place?!

Silver Sulfadiazine 1% cream

Others I've tried:

Xclair - no improvement, left stains on everything it touched

Aquaphor - no improvement

Cortizone - helped with the itching

Have a GREAT day!



The Boost

Yesterday, treatment was not-so-great. They had to take photos and set up a simulation for the "boost" ... then do the last of the "standard" treatment.  I had some tears leak from my eyes as I tried to deal with the pain of the position.  The placement for my forehead and chin still really hurts. The bottom edge of the rounded out hole presses against my lower rib.  (imagine all four fingers under your rib and pulling up).  The tech told me to take pain meds before coming, which I replied "I drive myself here and home. I can't take my pain meds."  She then said to take Tylenol, Advil or some type of OTC.

The day was full of all kinds of drama.  As a result, my youngest daughter has yet again walked out of our lives.  As much as she said she has changed, her true colors showed loud and clear who she really is.  It breaks a mother's heart.  I would rather be punched in the gut, shot in the heart or stabbed in the back than to witness her holy bible dumped in the trash can.  A very numbing day.

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Today's treatment was just as long as yesterday's.  This time, I took a pain med right before I left work.  By the time I was clamped in, it helped somewhat.  The tech recommended that I take one for the next few treatments.  Today was more photos, films, whatever they were doing

PLUS my first BOOST

6 left!!!

After treatment, the doctor examined me.  I showed her the worst part, which is torn, raw skin in my cleavage. She gave me samples of the Aquaphor and actually apologized for what was happening to me from the treatments.  That was nice of her to say because it isn't her fault at all.  I'm doing well considering I didn't get major red until now and I only have a handful left.

For other news, I went to see my family doctor this morning regarding the MRI ordered because of the frequent headaches.  He wants a neurologist to take a look at the films and assess to rule out things .... oh, when they say that, do I really want to know what "things"?  Guess there are some questions regarding my white matter and my gray matter.  The radiologist that ordered the test mentioned these "matters" to me, but I really wasn't following what he was talking about.

Then Doc W threw me a curve ball. MS.  Really? What is multiple-sclerosis?

The other possibility is migraine headaches.  That's believable, considering I use to get them all the time.

Then, of course, it could be stress headaches.  I mean, the past 8 months have been quite a lot to take in. (but I thought I have been handling it pretty well, considering)

I can't really put into words what I'm feeling right now because I'm still processing it all.  It would be great to get answers to troubling aches and pains .... but then sometimes I feel "do I really want to know?"

Doc W said it is good to find things early. 

That is true.

Neurologist is July 26



Radiation - Week 5

End of Week 5 = 24 days (minus July 4)

Did you know that any day missed is tacked on to the end of treatment?  It was great getting a day off treatment in the middle of the week, but instead of ending July 18, it is now July 19.  That's okay, it could be worse.

The two nurses were checking out the rash-like appearance a little below my neckline, down my cleavage and on my treated breast.  It feels like a sunburn, looks like sun poisoning.  They were analyzing if it was a reaction from the XClair ointment. 

"Are you allergic to nuts or nut oil?" the nurse asked.

"Not that I'm aware of .... nothing happens when I eat them." I answered. "A friend of mine mentioned Olive Oil as a soothing agent.  What do you think about that?"

"Well, Olive Oil is pure, we will have to ask the doctor."

One of the nurses suggested that I stop using the ointment to see if the symptoms disappear (process of elimination).

Note to self: Remember to ask the doctor when she comes in

I was given a coupon of Aquaphor and then I waited for the doc.

My doc is out of town for the next 2 weeks, so I saw the lady doc who said "yeah, I remember you" as she came in the room. 

I opened my ball gown and asked, "Is this a reaction to the ointment or to the treatment?"

"Definitely the treatment," she said. "I've seen it many times."

I'm sure she has.

"Really? All the way up on my chest?"

"Where do your breasts stop?" she asked.

"At my knees?" I gave a little smirk.

 Loved the smile and the Doc's body language relaxed.

"No, no .... where do you think they start?"  I pointed to the top of my breast, "Here?"

"No, actually, here." (Ladies, take your thumb and put it at the top of your cleavage, then span your hand open with your first 2 fingers touching your armpit.) "That is the whole area we are treating with radiation," she informed me.  That's pretty high up on the chest wall.  Interesting.

I asked her about the Aquaphor ... she shook her head "No."  I asked her about the Olive Oil, she said that I could try it if I wanted to, but make sure that it is completely off before treatment.  Coming from work, I don't think it would work out very well.  I will try it over the weekend perhaps.

Another tip, no bra or 'restraining' my sistas.  Okay, but not at work! Jeez!

Again, I just finished week 5!!!!!!!!!

The tech told me during today's treatment that on Tuesday, I will have my last "standard" glow and then will go thru simulation to prepare for the "boost" (7 of those).  Tuesday, prepare to be here for a little longer.

As I left radiation to claim my keys from valet, Millie came out of ER to give me a hug.  What a very nice surprise to see a friend that I haven't seen for quite some time.  I went into ER with her to see who she brought .... Nancy.  We caught up with each other and gave plenty of hugs.  It sure was wonderful to see them both again.  Any day, ladies, we can get together for a glass of lemonade or a steaming cup of coffee!!!

Nancy, get well soon and YES, we will get together

Prayers to Lois for her surgery Monday and for Sandy's surgery as well ~

Prayers to Tina for the beginning of her father's journey ~

Prayers to Jane for keeping strong during her journey ~

Prayers to Marily as she awaits her next steps with radiation ~

Prayers to a fellow patient who's radiation treatment ends Tuesday ~

Chipmunk on the bank of the river in Colorado