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  • jcruz
    jcruz Member Posts: 379 Member
    #22
    judyv3 said:

    Thank you so much everyone!

    I will reread these posts Monday morning as I get hooked up to my pump and face my second to last Monday of radiation (yes, I need 33 so my last one is Monday, January 13th - not happy about that).  I can do this!

    You can do this!

    I had 33 days of radiation too.  That last day, Oct. 18th, I was so weak but so happy not to have to face that machine again.  The technician gave me a hug and asked me to come back and say hi when I felt better.  I hope your last week of treatment and the following weeks will be uneventful.  Rest up.  Almost done.

  • judyv3
    judyv3 Member Posts: 143 Member
    #23
    caholz33 said:

    Judyv3

    Hang in there Judy!!  Make every day next week a major count down - Monday will be the LAST Monday you have to do this,  Tuesday will be your LAST Tuesday, etc.  By the end of treatment my outer skin really flared up, to the point that even urinating was an issue, if this happens drink LOTS of water - you won't want to, because you won't want to pee, but it's much better if it is very diluted.  Try to stay mentally strong and keep in mind how important the treatment is for your life! You're almost there!

    Curious

    I've just found my first blister on my vagina (sorry for TMI - but if not here, where?).  Is there anything I should do?  It only hurts when I wipe, so I'm being very careful not to.  Anything else?  I've just dabbed a little aquaphor and lidocaine on it for now.  I've used aloe on my red butt and airing it out has helped.  

    You all are fantastic.  I'm feeling much stronger right now mentally and physically (except for that darn blister).

  • mp327
    mp327 Member Posts: 4,440 Member
    #24
    judyv3 said:

    Curious

    I've just found my first blister on my vagina (sorry for TMI - but if not here, where?).  Is there anything I should do?  It only hurts when I wipe, so I'm being very careful not to.  Anything else?  I've just dabbed a little aquaphor and lidocaine on it for now.  I've used aloe on my red butt and airing it out has helped.  

    You all are fantastic.  I'm feeling much stronger right now mentally and physically (except for that darn blister).

    Judy

    I did not experience this, but I'd say you are on the right track with the aquaphor and/or lidocaine.  However, my best advice is to make sure your radiology onc knows about this.  I hope that you are doing well otherwise!

  • judyv3
    judyv3 Member Posts: 143 Member
    #25
    mp327 said:

    Judy

    I did not experience this, but I'd say you are on the right track with the aquaphor and/or lidocaine.  However, my best advice is to make sure your radiology onc knows about this.  I hope that you are doing well otherwise!

    Thanks

    I'm doing ok otherwise.  But I am going to insist that I see the doctor before radiation tomorrow.  

  • caholz33
    caholz33 Member Posts: 45 Member
    #26
    judyv3 said:

    Curious

    I've just found my first blister on my vagina (sorry for TMI - but if not here, where?).  Is there anything I should do?  It only hurts when I wipe, so I'm being very careful not to.  Anything else?  I've just dabbed a little aquaphor and lidocaine on it for now.  I've used aloe on my red butt and airing it out has helped.  

    You all are fantastic.  I'm feeling much stronger right now mentally and physically (except for that darn blister).

    Curious

    At the end of radiation I got blistered all the way up just north of the labia, also in the thigh creases where the lymph nodes are.  I have really sensitive skin and bruise/burn easily.  Do not "wipe" anything, just dab. It takes forever but much less irritating to your skin.  Aloe baby wipes are softer than toilet paper.  For several days I had to pour a big cup of room temp water over everything when I peed.  I wanted to stop drinking anything, but that makes it worse - lots of water will dilute your pee so it burns less.  Yep, it was kind of miserable, but the silver lining is that you're almost finished!!!

  • eihtak
    eihtak Member Posts: 1,473 Member
    #27
    judyv3 said:

    Thanks

    I'm doing ok otherwise.  But I am going to insist that I see the doctor before radiation tomorrow.  

    Hi.....

    I just wanted to add that as others have suggested I used a squirt bottle of warm water to sort of hose myself down each time I peed, sometimes I'd just dump the bottle on myself while going for relief. I did not use any ointments until done with radiation for fear of not getting them cleaned off enough before each treatment. When done though, I used both aquaphor and a spray that worked great. Dermoplast. It is sold OTC and often recommended for relief after childbirth. It was nice because it was a spray and easy to apply.

    Hang on, your almost there!

    I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers for quick healing both inside and out!

  • danker
    danker Member Posts: 1,276 Member
    #28
    diarrhea

    Have your dr. prescibe LOMOTIL for the diarrhea. It realy works !  I found RADIAGEL, avialable at wallmart, provided relief for itching.  Perhaps each will work for you. Good Luck!!

  • caholz33
    caholz33 Member Posts: 45 Member
    #29
    judyv3 said:

    Thank you so much everyone!

    I will reread these posts Monday morning as I get hooked up to my pump and face my second to last Monday of radiation (yes, I need 33 so my last one is Monday, January 13th - not happy about that).  I can do this!

    Judy - Wednesday

    It's hump day of your last week (okay you also have Monday but we can't call that a "week," so this is your last week!!!)  So many people here are rooting for you and know how tough and brave you are!!!  You will get through this!

  • judyv3
    judyv3 Member Posts: 143 Member
    #30
    caholz33 said:

    Judy - Wednesday

    It's hump day of your last week (okay you also have Monday but we can't call that a "week," so this is your last week!!!)  So many people here are rooting for you and know how tough and brave you are!!!  You will get through this!

    So glad to hear from you

    I made it through today (barely).  I saw the radiation doc yesterday and he said if I needed a break I could take one.  I told him I wanted to get it done.  He must have had a premonition about how I would feel today because it is definitely the worst day yet.  I don't know if the concurrent chemo is making it worse, but I am extremely nauseous.  I'm giving consideration to taking the next four days off of radiation and finishing next week.  Am I kidding myself?  I want to be done, but I feel so sick.  I'm taking Zofran, trying to eat but It's bad.  I feel like I'm being such a baby, today I cried after radiation and both techs cried with me.  

    Maybe when I wake up tomorrow I will feel strong enough to get through another day (and it's my final radiation boost). 

    Thank you for checking on me, it means so much.

  • mp327
    mp327 Member Posts: 4,440 Member
    #31
    judyv3 said:

    So glad to hear from you

    I made it through today (barely).  I saw the radiation doc yesterday and he said if I needed a break I could take one.  I told him I wanted to get it done.  He must have had a premonition about how I would feel today because it is definitely the worst day yet.  I don't know if the concurrent chemo is making it worse, but I am extremely nauseous.  I'm giving consideration to taking the next four days off of radiation and finishing next week.  Am I kidding myself?  I want to be done, but I feel so sick.  I'm taking Zofran, trying to eat but It's bad.  I feel like I'm being such a baby, today I cried after radiation and both techs cried with me.  

    Maybe when I wake up tomorrow I will feel strong enough to get through another day (and it's my final radiation boost). 

    Thank you for checking on me, it means so much.

    Judy

    I'm so sorry you are miserable.  I was too towards the end, but like you, I just wanted to get it done and over with.  My rad onc offered me a break and I refused.  I made it to the end and you can too, but if you feel you need a few days off, then take them.  You are NOT being a baby--this treatment is brutal.  I hope you feel better in the morning and can make it to treatment.  I will be thinking of you and sending up prayers for you.  Hang in there!

  • OMG 1012
    OMG 1012 Member Posts: 61
    #32
    judyv3 said:

    So glad to hear from you

    I made it through today (barely).  I saw the radiation doc yesterday and he said if I needed a break I could take one.  I told him I wanted to get it done.  He must have had a premonition about how I would feel today because it is definitely the worst day yet.  I don't know if the concurrent chemo is making it worse, but I am extremely nauseous.  I'm giving consideration to taking the next four days off of radiation and finishing next week.  Am I kidding myself?  I want to be done, but I feel so sick.  I'm taking Zofran, trying to eat but It's bad.  I feel like I'm being such a baby, today I cried after radiation and both techs cried with me.  

    Maybe when I wake up tomorrow I will feel strong enough to get through another day (and it's my final radiation boost). 

    Thank you for checking on me, it means so much.

    You can do it!

    The week after the last Chemo round was the worse.  Hang in there, you have come so far.  The nauseau and side effects will soon be a thing of the past.  YOU can do it :)  My thoughts and prayers are with you.

  • Marynb
    Marynb Member Posts: 1,118
    #33
    judyv3 said:

    So glad to hear from you

    I made it through today (barely).  I saw the radiation doc yesterday and he said if I needed a break I could take one.  I told him I wanted to get it done.  He must have had a premonition about how I would feel today because it is definitely the worst day yet.  I don't know if the concurrent chemo is making it worse, but I am extremely nauseous.  I'm giving consideration to taking the next four days off of radiation and finishing next week.  Am I kidding myself?  I want to be done, but I feel so sick.  I'm taking Zofran, trying to eat but It's bad.  I feel like I'm being such a baby, today I cried after radiation and both techs cried with me.  

    Maybe when I wake up tomorrow I will feel strong enough to get through another day (and it's my final radiation boost). 

    Thank you for checking on me, it means so much.

    Keep going!
    Judy, Hang in there and kill those darned cancer cells! Don't give them a chance to regroup! You can do this! The protocol calls for consecutive and concurrent treatment. It is tough, but you are tougher! If you can get there, just get it done! It won't get any easier by waiting. I am so sorry you have to go through this. In a few weeks, you are going to feel so much better! Hang in there, Judy.
  • qv62
    qv62 Member Posts: 434 Member
    #34
    judyv3 said:

    So glad to hear from you

    I made it through today (barely).  I saw the radiation doc yesterday and he said if I needed a break I could take one.  I told him I wanted to get it done.  He must have had a premonition about how I would feel today because it is definitely the worst day yet.  I don't know if the concurrent chemo is making it worse, but I am extremely nauseous.  I'm giving consideration to taking the next four days off of radiation and finishing next week.  Am I kidding myself?  I want to be done, but I feel so sick.  I'm taking Zofran, trying to eat but It's bad.  I feel like I'm being such a baby, today I cried after radiation and both techs cried with me.  

    Maybe when I wake up tomorrow I will feel strong enough to get through another day (and it's my final radiation boost). 

    Thank you for checking on me, it means so much.

    judyv3

    rooting for you ! prayers sent your way for healing and strength, I am hoping you find comfort both physically and mentally very soon

  • judyv3
    judyv3 Member Posts: 143 Member
    #35
    judyv3 said:

    So glad to hear from you

    I made it through today (barely).  I saw the radiation doc yesterday and he said if I needed a break I could take one.  I told him I wanted to get it done.  He must have had a premonition about how I would feel today because it is definitely the worst day yet.  I don't know if the concurrent chemo is making it worse, but I am extremely nauseous.  I'm giving consideration to taking the next four days off of radiation and finishing next week.  Am I kidding myself?  I want to be done, but I feel so sick.  I'm taking Zofran, trying to eat but It's bad.  I feel like I'm being such a baby, today I cried after radiation and both techs cried with me.  

    Maybe when I wake up tomorrow I will feel strong enough to get through another day (and it's my final radiation boost). 

    Thank you for checking on me, it means so much.

    Stronger

    I am stronger than my fears.  I am going today.  Last Thursday of treatment.

  • mp327
    mp327 Member Posts: 4,440 Member
    #36
    judyv3 said:

    Stronger

    I am stronger than my fears.  I am going today.  Last Thursday of treatment.

    judy

    That a girl!  You can do this, I know you can!

  • caholz33
    caholz33 Member Posts: 45 Member
    #37
    judyv3 said:

    Thank you so much everyone!

    I will reread these posts Monday morning as I get hooked up to my pump and face my second to last Monday of radiation (yes, I need 33 so my last one is Monday, January 13th - not happy about that).  I can do this!

    JUDY, YOU = AMAZING!

    My chemo onc told me repeatedly all throughout treatment how important it was to finish curative treatment plans no matter how awful, HOWEVER I only had 25 days of radiation (also ending on a Monday due to holiday).  My rad onc admitted that sometimes they have to give a little break for longer treatment plans, but she also preferred to see highly curable patients finish it out.  And then adding that second round of chemo, it's like they're trying to break you, but remember it's really the cancer cells that are being DESTROYED!  

    So I hope you can make it, especially since you will be getting a 2 day weekend break if you can endure tomorrow.  No matter what happens, WE WILL SUPPORT you - you are an absolute WARRIOR doing 33 treatments!!   - A.H.

  • judyv3
    judyv3 Member Posts: 143 Member
    #38
    2 days to go....

    I feel awful, but I know that the road to healing is just around the corner.  Chemo pump removed this morning followed by the dreaded radiation.  Unfortunately, I have to go back on Monday for the final treatment.  Trying desperately to eat.

    Baby steps.

  • mp327
    mp327 Member Posts: 4,440 Member
    #39
    judyv3 said:

    2 days to go....

    I feel awful, but I know that the road to healing is just around the corner.  Chemo pump removed this morning followed by the dreaded radiation.  Unfortunately, I have to go back on Monday for the final treatment.  Trying desperately to eat.

    Baby steps.

    Judy

    You can do this, even if it's by taking one minute at a time.  Get some good rest over the weekend and pamper yourself any way you can to bring you some comfort.  I know it's hard to eat right now, it was for me at the end of treatment also.  If you can't, then try some protein shakes or drinks.  I hope you have a restful weekend and that Monday will go well--then it's on to the healing!

  • caholz33
    caholz33 Member Posts: 45 Member
    #40
    Judy - TGIF

    Yay!  You got through the week!  And the chemo is off, that have to feel good to be done with that!!  I hope you have a good caretaker who can figure out something you'd like to eat, but even if not, you managed to get enough nutrition to get through the chemo and that is the most important thing.  Now just survival mode until Monday is over with.  Congrats! 

     

  • qv62
    qv62 Member Posts: 434 Member
    #41
    judyv3

    glad to hear your chemo is complete, wishing you all the best for next week, hope the weekend brings you some relaxation

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