1 Week Post-Radiation and My First BC Support Group Session
I am happy to say that thanks to the topical medications from Dr. Singh, there has been some progress in healing the radiation burns. While most of my report is a good one, there remain the severely blistered and open wounds under the breast. However, there have been some small improvements as the burned skin has sloughed off and new skin has formed in some areas. It's still pretty painful under there, though.
The armpit area is in much better shape than it was, and has returned to its typical color and has been pain free for a few days now. The steroid cream worked like a charm there. I'm still pretty itchy on the skin above the breast, which is dark red. The nipple area has peeled and is healing, although its topography is still mishapen from being so badly burned. It's insanely sensitive and painful most of the time. Several people who have been through it have told me that it will take a while, but will return to normal eventually.
A new color change has appeared where the "booster" treatment took place. It's a darker oval that covers the breast scar and an inch around it. That made an appearance on Tuesday. It's similar in how the armpit pain and issues appeared 5 days after the main treatment had ended. Clearly, I'm still being cooked from the inside out.
On the whole, I've been keeping up with the Cetaphil eczema/calendula cream ritual on the whole red area (except the underboob) every 1 to 2 hours when awake. It's a lot, to be sure, but it helps lower the pain level.
Along with the moisturization care and feeding, the very tender and angry area under the breast that requires frequent care. After I clean it with the Hurt Free liquid (doesn't matter folks, it still burns there), twice a day I apply the antibiotic ointment. It burns like mad for a good half hour now (sometimes longer). There is much cursing and making of angry faces. I now have a new wrinkle, a vertical line next to my right eyebrow, that can be traced directly to the radiation burn pain.
Several times a day, I also will clean the wounds and treat them with calendula ointment (great call, Sam). That doesn't burn as long as the antibiotic, thankfully. It also stays with me longer. It's like spreading really thick vaseline on the area. When I awake during the overnight (1, 2, or 3 a.m. each night), I'll treat it with the calendula. That has brought some comfort after the burning.
I'm also still spending a few hours a day on my back, holding my breast away from the crease to expose it to air and help the healing. It's a bit of an ordeal, but I'm hoping that by this time next week, I'll have more news of increased healing.
Finally, the lightning pain through the breast happens much less often and doesn't last long. I'm grateful for that. I've been able to sleep on my side sometimes, which also is helpful.
On Tuesday, I attended my first breast cancer support group run by Hope Connections for Cancer Support. A friend receiving treatment at the NIH tipped me off, and because it's all Zoom now, they were fine with me joining from Jersey.
There were 8 of us, including the moderator (not a breast cancer survivor). Some of the women had completed their treatments, two had yet to have surgery, one was in process of receiving chemo, and me. They all spoke about their journeys and struggles. No one had as bad a time with radiation burns as I'm having.
I shared about my previous experience, current situation, and these diary entries. The participants wanted to read these, so I sent a link in the chat. The moderator didn't want me to share it, but then a participant spoke up that she did want to see it. That was a little weird, but otherwise, I'm glad I attended.
I also have been making other kinds of changes to cope with the pain. Importantly, I've increased the number of online recovery meetings I've been attending. So many good things have come out of that, especially a few new friends. I've also increased and deepened my meditation practice. That work includes a daily online international meditation group that has a different leader each time. Expanding my meditation practice has helped in many ways.
As ever, thank you for your kind thoughts, prayers, love, gifts, funny notes, and positive vibes.
Don't forget to schedule your mammogram! Early detection is key.
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