It's the big day

LiseA
LiseA Member Posts: 266
in Head and Neck Cancer #1

we arrived in Houston on Sunday, and spent yesterday at Trader Joe's and SAMs club, a museum and using the small gym at the apartment complex.  Why sit around getting anxious?  Pointless.

The info packet from radiologist's nurse mentioned nothing about face care or what to

avoid as far as moisturisers and makeup. I'm assuming I go with nothing on my face?  My skin is quite dry so it's going to feel weird.  I'm not too nervous at the moment, but might get a bit when I reach the radiation area.  

Comments

  • swopoe
    swopoe Member Posts: 492
    #2
    I cant comment on makeup, but

    I cant comment on makeup, but my husband was told no creams or anything on the radiated areas. Put moisturizers on right after radiation.

    Welcome to Houston. If you need any Houston tips, just reach out. I live in Houston and am more than willing to help out.

    Best of luck today. 

  • stevenpepe
    stevenpepe Member Posts: 234
    #3
    My nursing staff recommended

    My nursing staff recommended Aquaphor for your skin, two times a day. Immediately after radiation, then before bed. No creams at treatment time as they can make the radiation more harsh on you. Good luck.

  • Drivingdaisy
    Drivingdaisy Member Posts: 263
    #4
    Hi LiseA

    So you start tomorrow?  Good luck, chin up, we are all pulling for you.  I was told bare faced. NO moisturizer, make-up, nothing.  If you are not going right home afterwards, carry some 100% aloe gel.  Very soothing afterwards.  I only used that and Gold Bond lotion on my skin since I got extremely dry.  Nothing with anti-wrinkle, anti-aging, acne, acid ingredients....ouch.  I used a sunscreen by Neutrogena, Oil-fee Sunblock Stick SPF 30.  Pay extra attention to your neck.  Constantly keep moist to prevent cracking, peeling of skin.  Again, good luck, you are in my thoughts....Hugs, Other Lisa 

  • SusanUES
    SusanUES Member Posts: 125
    #5
    This surprises me...

    I had all of my rads sessions after work, anywhere from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM.  I came straight from the office and always wore moisturizer, blush and deep red lippie (in fact, my team would joke about the lipstick on my mouth block and my mask...made it easy to spot them!).  Nothing was said about coming without.  Once I got home, I would do the Aquaphor treatment.  Lips got very dry and both Aquaphor and Carmex lip balm were extremely helpful.

    GOOD LUCK, LISA...you will prevail...we are pulling for you!!!

  • LiseA
    LiseA Member Posts: 266
    edited May 2016 #6
    I'm glad that it stsrted.

    I'm glad that it stsrted. Waiting, and reading online made me anxious. Now I am much calmer.  Oh gosh, that first time they put the mask on all hard and stiff for treatment, is quite an experience.  My first five minutes I had to work on the panicked feeling, but then I tried to listen to the music I requested and even pray a bit to sooth my mind, and then it was okay. They told me the whole thing would take about 20 minutes, but tomorrow would be more even longer because the radiologist will be there.  Might consider taking half Ativan just to be more relaxed.

    I think eventually I wont need help.  Thanks fir the support. Means a lot to me. 

  • LiseA
    LiseA Member Posts: 266
    edited June 2016 #7

    Rep for MuGuard told me via email that MDA would not let him give out samples for patients. I'm going to mention to my doc tomorrow about trying this product. 

  • MrsBD
    MrsBD Member Posts: 615 Member
    #8
    We'll all be here to help

    We'll all be here to help with advice, empathy and prayers. You'll get used to the mask and routine. I listened to the music, prayed and counted the clicks of the machine. My radiation technicians suggested using gauze dipped in MuGard to cover the fillings in my lower jaw and helpwith the radiation scatter. It's good that you are finally started and on your way to kicking cancer to the curb.

  • LiseA
    LiseA Member Posts: 266
    #9
    Did they make you a mouth

    Did they make you a mouth piece to wear during radiation? Which hospital were you treated at?

    I appreciate the support. Glad this started because waiting and wondering is too stressful.  I met several people who were not having a rough time, but they had different body parts being irradiated.  

  • LiseA
    LiseA Member Posts: 266
    #10
    Day 3 is over and except for

    Day 3 is over and except for a cold that's

    figthing to hold on, I'm doing fine.  I'm feeling tired, but all the rushing to appts are wearing me down, so I don't think it's related. Cant wait for weekend!

  • SusanUES
    SusanUES Member Posts: 125
    #11
    Yay...you got through your first week, Lisa!

    If you can do this week, you can do it all.  I found the initial days to be the scariest, after that it settled into routine and rhythm.  Pretty soon you learn the sequence of the radiation and it will be even less intimidating.  Good on you...you're on your way!! 

  • Drivingdaisy
    Drivingdaisy Member Posts: 263
    #12
    Mark that Calender

    Start X-ing those days off Lisa.  Yes, running to appointments can be tiresome.  But as Susan said, you will get into the rhythm and routine.  Your on your way to beating this demon.  Remember, support is just a computer click away.  Hugs

  • MrsBD
    MrsBD Member Posts: 615 Member
    #13
    LiseA said:

    Did they make you a mouth

    Did they make you a mouth piece to wear during radiation? Which hospital were you treated at?

    I appreciate the support. Glad this started because waiting and wondering is too stressful.  I met several people who were not having a rough time, but they had different body parts being irradiated.  

    Mouth Guard

    For each treatment, the tech would give me two pieces of gauze dipped in MuGard which I'd tuck around my lower teeth. I was treated with IMRT and Erbitux at a smaller hospital near Milwaukee. Today is my 20 months out of treatment anniversary and I am doing great! It's a tough road, but you've found a wonderful place for support. We'll be waiting for you to hear the words "NED"!

  • Hondo
    Hondo Member Posts: 6,636 Member
    #14
    Checking in

     

    Hope and pray that everything is going well, remember keep positive & focus

     

    Tim

     

  • LiseA
    LiseA Member Posts: 266
    edited June 2016 #15
    Finished 4 days.  My first

    Finished 4 days.  My first thought was "four days less!"  Enjoying my good days in Houston, and not wasting a moment worrying.  

    Hoor you're doing better, Lisa. 

  • swopoe
    swopoe Member Posts: 492
    edited June 2016 #16
    LiseA said:

    Finished 4 days.  My first

    Finished 4 days.  My first thought was "four days less!"  Enjoying my good days in Houston, and not wasting a moment worrying.  

    Hoor you're doing better, Lisa. 

    4 days is 4 days and that is

    4 days is 4 days and that is great! keep Checking the days off on the calendar! And the sun is trying to come out today in Houston too. enjoy your day!

  • kdot2003
    kdot2003 Member Posts: 143
    #17
    Hi Lisa, 

    Hi Lisa, 

    Nice to meet/see you.  I had the same situation with the mask.  Well, actually I took Ativan for about two weeks and then I was fine.  I was a little upset when I lost weight and they made me a new tighter one though.  I just used Aquaphor and Aloe after and throughout the day after rads.  I kept asking about my teeth and neither my dentist or my rad doc ever recommended something for my teeth.  I hope they arent going to fall out now!!  Best Wishes, time is passing!!

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