Radiation starts Monday help!

Dear Sisters,

I start my radiation treatment tomorrow and I feel the same as when I had my surgerys. I have reasoned that there is no pain and hope that may be I can get the Dx of no cancer, but the fear is still very real. Any words of strength I would be
greatful for. I hate sounding like such a wimp, but I just am having a very hard time looking to the future. I want to Thank each one of you who have posted on this site, as I don't know how I could have made it this far with out all the information that you provide. Bless each one of you.


Cathyjean13
Cathy

I wanted to let you know you are in my thoughts and prayers!

Stay strong
GA

Dear (((Cathy))),

Just wanted to let you know that you will be in my thoughts & prayers as well. I wish you the best outcome as you begin your
radiation treatments.

No need to apologize or say that you are a wimp! Your fears of uncertainty are very real & you should be able to express them. I am also going to have radiation therapy in a couple of weeks. My rational side knows that this will hopefully eradicate any cancer left in my body, but at the same time I am terrified, too.

Please stay strong and believe that you are taking care of yourself. Your loved ones need you!

Regards,

Asia.

Hi Cathy jean,

I went through the radiation a little while ago and it's not pleasant, but it's very doable. Everyone has different reactions to some with almost no reactions. First couple of weeks are usually the easiest, eat a light bland diet, ask you team any questions at any time you may have and no matter how stupid you may think they are. It will be over before you know it and than may you be cancer free. Good luck and

hope everything goes well during your radiation treatments...

if you have any problems at all, don't hesitate to talk with your dr...they have a remedy for just about anything...

i use to listen to calm music on my way to my treatments...they were at 9:00 monday thru friday and even though they only take a few minutes to do, it's a daily reminder that you are fighting cancer and sometimes it can stress you out...i remember driving up to the moncrief CANCER center everyday and not believing that it was me that was there to get treatments...but i would pray, and think happy thoughts and it got me through...

now i'm almost 4 years out and it seems like yesterday when i start thinking about that time in my life...some days were hard and some days were easy...i hope all goes fine for you...
keep us informed

Dear Sisters,

Thank you for all the wonderful words of encourgement. Knowing that there are others out in the world that have walked the same path that I provides comfort. Many can say that they understand but when it's you who hear those words Cancer ,one can never never know where your mind leads you. I will take each word of faith with me in the morning and think of each of you and know that I can do it because my sister before me have. Thank you from the bottom of mt heart. God Bless.

Cathyjean13

Cathy

Cathy,

I'm new to this site! I want you to know that radiation isn't nearly as bad as you expect! I had breast cancer (2 types of invasive) and finished my treatment about this time last year.
The first three weeks were the easiest for me, the last half was alot more tiring. My best advice is to nap when you need to and know that it will be over soom. Good luck and KNOW that you will be better. Love Missy, from Georgia.

I remember my first day of radiation, back in February. It felt so strange to be doing that. I thought, I'll be driving this road for five weeks. That seemed like a long time. It was over before I knew it.

As you get along through the treatments, you may get more tired. I had to take a nap every day. Some people don't. I also have rheum. arthritis, so I get tired anyway.

I loved the rad. onc. department where I went, and it was really pleasant. They played music while I got the treatment, which was just a matter of a minute or so. I felt nothing. I met lots of the nicest people in the waiting area. It wasn't a bad experience at all. Sure, I got some burning of the skin in the area of my "butt crack" and on my stomach. (By "burning", I mean redness, like sunburn.) It's healed. They have a cure for every little thing that you may run into. Just ask, or call the on-call number they give you.

After the first time or two, you won't even feel "weird" about getting your treatments!

Cathy,
I just fininshed pelvic radiation on Friday & here is a list.
1. Buy Aveeno oatmeals bath for soaking.
2. Your office may provid you with pure aloe to rub on your skin, Apply it before you see or feel any irritaion. If it is not provide, get some from a health food store. Remember pure aloe only!
3. Buy and use right away Huggies baby wipes with aloe.
4. Pat don't rub after using the bathroom.
5. Start the bland diet right away. At the minimum, have the food there and available at the house.
6. Try to go without panties as often as possible. It will help alleviate some of the burning you might get.
7. Watch out for symptoms of yeast infection, This process kills off some of the normal bacteria in the vaginal canal & you may be prone to infection. The irritation form this is one last thing you will need.
8 During the middle to the end of treatment, all of the lotions, potions & soaking may not do the trick. I found that I needed some pain medication to help me get a good nights sleep or to get through some days.
9. Drink lots of water!
10. Only wear loose fitting cotton underwear.
11. Get the Immodium (anti-diarreah medicine) ahead of time and have ot handy,
12. Carry some baby wipes with you in your purse.
Good Luck,
Lane

Cathy, I know you are anxious about radiation - not knowing what really to expect - but according to several neighbors it's bark is worse than its bite. They're major complaint was feeling tired. Be sure to take care of yourself first. You probaly have support for treatments and at home already - if not, get help! Lots of people want to help - you just have to give SPECIFIC directions. Don't feel like you're asking too much because you're not and helping you makes others feel better about themselves. Don't be afraid. God is with you and lots of prayers. Lots of luck and blessings to you! -Jennifer (Fastcars)