Community Chat

[debfla53_1]

On 5/18/2014 AnikaBrodie said:

I had radiation therapy in 1998, first for endometrial cancer and then for breast cancer. I recall being very tired and having some burning from the treatments. But the treatments themselves were quick and painless after the tattoo markings. I had daily M-F treatments for over six weeks each time. My radiation technicians were the best. I've been in remission for 16 years.

I wish you well in your treatments. I'm sorry you have to go through this journey with cancer and wish you well in your recovery and subsequent remission from this horrible disease. Take care and stay positive. (((((Hugs))))) Come back and let us know your progress, and if you have further questions or just need to talk we are here for you.

Thanks you all your kind words mean the world to me. Deb

[Suziepeach]

He said he'll ask one of the guys that lives in Jupiter and I'll let you know. He's emailing him right now..

[debfla53_1]

On 5/18/2014 Peachysue said: He said he'll ask one of the guys that lives in Jupiter and I'll let you know. He's emailing him right now..

Thanks Peach..

[lizzief]

Deb, I encourage you to join the Cancer Survivors thread in Health & Fitness. People there have been through everything, have gone through all of the emotions and can answer many of your questions. There are many who started out in the initial stages of treatment and are now giving advice, information and support to others! I am a 10 yr breast cancer survivor and had 36 radiation treatments. The actual treatment takes just a few minutes and is not painful at all. The technicians and nurses are awesome, feel free to ask them anything! To quote my surgeon, "you'll go through some sh&t and then you'll be fine." That's become my mantra, and I've shared it with many. It's absolutely true! I also encourage you to join your local cancer support group. Most hospitals/treatment centers have them. You don't have to talk, you can just listen or ask whatever questions you have. There's nothing like being around people who have walked in your shoes. I'm right down the road from you in Delray. It will be over before you know it! And btw, let the tears flow when they come - and they will. This is something that you never expected and scares you silly, I know. I used to call it having a "melt down." In fact, several years after treatment, I still couldn't talk about it without tears. It's scary and an intrusion into your body you have no control over - why me, right? It's all part of the journey. Don't feel you have to be strong all the time, it's ok to give yourself permission to feel what you feel. And accept help when it's offered, you are not alone!

[debfla53_1]

On 5/18/2014 lizzief said: Deb, I encourage you to join the Cancer Survivors thread in Health & Fitness. People there have been through everything, have gone through all of the emotions and can answer many of your questions. There are many who started out in the initial stages of treatment and are now giving advice, information and support to others! I am a 10 yr breast cancer survivor and had 36 radiation treatments. The actual treatment takes just a few minutes and is not painful at all. The technicians and nurses are awesome, feel free to ask them anything! To quote my surgeon, "you'll go through some sh&t and then you'll be fine." That's become my mantra, and I've shared it with many. It's absolutely true! I also encourage you to join your local cancer support group. Most hospitals/treatment centers have them. You don't have to talk, you can just listen or ask whatever questions you have. There's nothing like being around people who have walked in your shoes. I'm right down the road from you in Delray. It will be over before you know it! And btw, let the tears flow when they come - and they will. This is something that you never expected and scares you silly, I know. I used to call it having a "melt down." In fact, several years after treatment, I still couldn't talk about it without tears. It's scary and an intrusion into your body you have no control over - why me, right? It's all part of the journey. Don't feel you have to be strong all the time, it's ok to give yourself permission to feel what you feel. And accept help when it's offered, you are not alone!

Lizz, Thanks so .much I will check it out I can tell you know I am not strong but talking to all of you I feel so much better. I will keep everyone posted. I am going to try and get some rest,Have not slept a lot in the last 6 weeks. Deb

[Suziepeach]

You're very welcome, Deb.. Sleep tight!!! Hugs..

Will let you know when Mark gets back to my husband..

[cody2]

deb, I don't have anything to add to all of the caring advice you have gotten here except one thing. You will be surprised how strong you will become as you deal with this and you will just do what you have to do to come out the other side. My very best wishes and prayers go out to you and your family. You can do this!

[spot555]

I totally understand that you're scared!

My mom had radiation therapy in her 80's, & she did great (her doctor was amazed). This therapy is targeted very specifically to the area, so I think its much easier on the body than it used to be.

The one thing that helped my mom immensley was "Miaderm" cream. The targeted areas may feel hot, & this cream gave her tremendous relief. She got through all her treatments as scheduled, & felt good.

God Bless...we're here for you, & I'll ask God to take good care of you.

[lizzief]

On 5/18/2014 debfla53 said:

On 5/18/2014 lizzief said: Deb, I encourage you to join the Cancer Survivors thread in Health & Fitness. People there have been through everything, have gone through all of the emotions and can answer many of your questions. There are many who started out in the initial stages of treatment and are now giving advice, information and support to others! I am a 10 yr breast cancer survivor and had 36 radiation treatments. The actual treatment takes just a few minutes and is not painful at all. The technicians and nurses are awesome, feel free to ask them anything! To quote my surgeon, "you'll go through some sh&t and then you'll be fine." That's become my mantra, and I've shared it with many. It's absolutely true! I also encourage you to join your local cancer support group. Most hospitals/treatment centers have them. You don't have to talk, you can just listen or ask whatever questions you have. There's nothing like being around people who have walked in your shoes. I'm right down the road from you in Delray. It will be over before you know it! And btw, let the tears flow when they come - and they will. This is something that you never expected and scares you silly, I know. I used to call it having a "melt down." In fact, several years after treatment, I still couldn't talk about it without tears. It's scary and an intrusion into your body you have no control over - why me, right? It's all part of the journey. Don't feel you have to be strong all the time, it's ok to give yourself permission to feel what you feel. And accept help when it's offered, you are not alone!

Lizz, Thanks so .much I will check it out I can tell you know I am not strong but talking to all of you I feel so much better. I will keep everyone posted. I am going to try and get some rest,Have not slept a lot in the last 6 weeks. Deb

You are so welcome! And you are stronger than you think - truly! The waiting is the worst part - the test results, the diagnosis, the treatment plan. My doctor gave me a small dosage of Xanax which really helped a lot. Don't be afraid or embarrassed to ask for something if you think you need it, it's perfectly understandable, you're dealing with a lot. Again, you don't have to go through this alone, if you feel you need help, just ask and I promise you, it will be there!

[dooBdoo]

Hi, Deb, and welcome. There's little I can add to this loving, encouraging thread. It goes to show what a caring group of people we have here, with a wealth of experience, generosity and compassion. You'll be in my thoughts and prayers, and I hope you'll continue to reach out for support.

One thing I've learned: no matter what path we find ourselves walking, we're never truly alone. “…There is something you must always remember. You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. But the most important thing is, even if we're apart... I’ll always be with you.” (A.A. Milne)