The Do's And Don'ts of Radiation Treatment

My mind goes in weird circles when I'm trying to sleep at night, and I just thought I would put into writing what worked and didn't work for me:

Don't

• Don't buy expensive radiation creams and salves...they don't work any better than what you can get at your home pharmacy. My favorites are Udderly Smooth, Neosporin with Lidocaine, A & D Ointment, and Aloe Vera with no alcohol and no coloring.
• Don't scrub the area that is being treated. Treat the skin as if it was paper.
• Don't be afraid to ask for help...you will get tired.
• Don't go out in the sun without full sunscreen, even on the areas that aren't being treated.
• Don't be stupid like me and put deodorant on!
• Don't use anything scented...it will irritate your skin.

Do

• Take naps when you can.
• Drink LOTS of water.
• Apply one of the above named creams at least four times a day.
• Ask questions when you are with the doctor and getting treated. I asked questions about everything from what the walls were made of to why the machine sounded like the old dial-up modems.
• Whatever it takes to feel comfortable. I also asked if they could play music when I was in the room alone.

I will try to come back and add to this as I think of things. I just wanted to get this out there...

Ewwwww!

First, I am counting down the days until I'm done with radiation. SIX MORE DAYS! It hurts, it is ugly, and it stinks! I have not been wearing any kind of deodorant under my left arm because everything I have tried irritates the skin, even the stuff made for people going through radiation therapy. Today during my treatment I apologised for stinking so bad, and I was told that it was the burnt skin and not sweat that stunk. EEEWWWWW! I don't know why I'm so grossed out because I have been looking at it every day when applying creams and getting out of the shower...but the ugly happened gradually. Did I mention I only have SIX MORE TREATMENTS?!?!?!

Friends Rule!

Last weekend with a little help from friends and family I got to go to Chicago to see if I qualifed for a drug trial for my particular type of cancer. I also got to see a group of friends that I have become very close to since my recurrance in May. I was already friends with two of them because one is in my treatment group (Ruth) and the other was a host when I needed a place to stay in Dallas during the Young Survival Coalition Conference last year (Becca). Jen, one of the gals from Chicago had a recurrance almost in the exact place and is doing the chemotherapy I will start next month and she will start radiation that I'm taking now...add on the friends everybody else had and we had a little group that got together at one time in Chicago almost by accident at one time. I didn't know as many of the people on the boards since I mostly "stalked" instead of typed, but I am so glad I got to meet the rest: Pam, Lesley, Tracey, Chex, and Cassie. There are so many women I haven't got to meet but every time I connect with a lady who has overcome this crap and made it on a better side I can't help but stand in awe.

Ouch!

I messed up taking care of my radiation area. I haven't been taking care of the whole area and I put anti-persperant on every day after my rads because I hate the sensation of sweating. I don't know why I didn't but I never applied the radiation lotion under my arm pit...I guess I never thought it would be "cooked" like the rest of my area. If I paid attention I would have known... dang. The color of the toasty area is a mixture of red and black...like a too dark tan that is only getting darker. It hurts like crap and I haven't been able to sleep well. I finally complained today and have a patch thing over the area today and a cream with lidocaine. I wish I took better care of that area because I am not a fan of pain. The good news it I only have twelve more treatments.

Pictures From Chris' Weekend

SURPRISE....almost...

I have been very busy in the last week. Even though Chris' 40th birthday isn't until August 31st, I helped orchestrate a birthday celebration to include his family last weekend, and the surprise held until the day before. It was okay because everybody involved had a great weekend and Chris was still surprised with the extent of the surprise. Most of his family got to come Friday, but the real celebration was after everybody who could show up was here. I reserved an area at Chris' favorite restaurant and ordered lots of ribs and other bar-b-que. They set up a buffet for us and hid a beautiful and tasty cake made by Lexie's sister Morgan. The wonderful evening was topped off with a wonderfully decorated lawn and a wonderful visit. We got to keep Jeff and his family to ourselves when everybody else retired to the hotel and went home Sunday.

I started back at school this week and will get kiddos on Thursday. I am super-excited...really!!!