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SingleDad
Senior User
Joined: 12 Feb 2009
Posts: 280
Location: Canada
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 Posted: Thu Oct 01, 2009 9:39 am Post subject: Radiation tips |
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My last radiation today and damn I've been uncomfortable for the past week and the techs say it may get worse for another week or two... 
17 cycles - seemed a piece of cake at the beginning but really feeling it now.
Think it's complicated by a bladder infection for which I'm taking anti-biotics but it might just be internal irritation.
Think an internal and external sunburn between your legs as a less graphic analogy. 
So obviously radiation irritates no matter where it is given. I did not realize each dose is stronger than the last - I guess to penetrate deeper. So currently I feel mildly microwaved in my nether regions...... 
Anyone have some tips for skin care and perhaps internal care ( things to avoid etc )
_________________
Age 62
Diffuse Large B cell Lymphoma Stage 2/3
CHOP+R started Feb 26th 2009
Completed 6 cycles June 2009
Diary here http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=12003
Officially in remission July 9th 2009
Three rounds of Intrathecal completed July 29th
Radiation as a prophylactic measure.
1st Radiation Sept 9 completed Oct 1.
Cancer free scan Jan 2010 - remission confirmed
In South Africa for three months |
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aisha1
Senior User
Joined: 30 Jul 2009
Posts: 236
Location: London
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| Posted: Thu Oct 01, 2009 2:04 pm Post subject: Re: Radiation tips |
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Hiya,
For all burns, I use 100% aloe vera gel. It is the best thing that you could use at this point. It cools, and helps you to heal.
My kids get sunburnt and I used to use after sun, it worked, but used to take a few days to take away the heat and the redness. With the aloe vera it now takes a day to completely fade and turn brown. The heat is almost immediately dissapears, and they feel much more at ease.
Try it. Get a decent one. Hope you feel more comfortable.
_________________
Diagnosed Hodgkins lymphoma, nodular sclerosis, grade 2.
Stage II/IIIa.
Chemotherapy ABVD started August 2009.
Still looking young |
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aisha1
Senior User
Joined: 30 Jul 2009
Posts: 236
Location: London
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| Posted: Thu Oct 01, 2009 2:06 pm Post subject: Re: Radiation tips |
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I like the way the chemo brain is making me sound like a foreigner when I write! I have spelling mistakes to thank my chemo for as well.
_________________
Diagnosed Hodgkins lymphoma, nodular sclerosis, grade 2.
Stage II/IIIa.
Chemotherapy ABVD started August 2009.
Still looking young |
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ChemoMan
Moderator
Joined: 04 Jun 2008
Posts: 1546
Location: South Australia
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| Posted: Thu Oct 01, 2009 11:41 pm Post subject: Re: Radiation tips |
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Hi SD
I think your options are either to increase the times between your treatments or to stop having them. Unfortunately it is the nature of the beast and this may well get worse with subsequent treatments. I would go back to the doctor and ask for his opinion. If as you stated earlier this is "just in case" then I would think stopping now would not be out of the question. In the meantime Aisha's suggestion of Aloe Vera is worth a try.
Good luck Bro let us know how it pans out
_________________
Age 53
Diffuse Large B cell Lymphoma
Stage 2a
Finished six cycles of R chop 21 26th May 2008
Officially in remission 9th July 2008
Remission confirmed 1st October 2008
Remission confirmed 17 June 2009
http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=9620
RULE NUMBER 1.....Don't Panic
RULE NUMBER 2..... NEVER GIVE UP
RULE NUMBER 3..... Don't forget the first 2 rules |
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SingleDad
Senior User
Joined: 12 Feb 2009
Posts: 280
Location: Canada
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| Posted: Fri Oct 02, 2009 5:28 am Post subject: Re: Radiation tips |
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That was the last treatment and as I understand each one is stronger so the burning was perhaps understandable.
Actually the anti-biotics have finally kicked in tonight so it's not complicated by the bladder infection as much ( still a bit of lingering impact ).
Feeling much better and more mobile - good sleep.
It felt very much like the chemo effect on mucus tissues - high sensitivity to irritation.
I'm a big fan of aloe vera and restocked today. It's a tad astringent but works well.
The key is keeping the skin not too moist - not too dry .....kinda tricky given the location.,,,,
Tech said play nudist around the house as much as possible for air circulation.
So I'm done completely with any treatment - it was getting a tad chilly on bare knees riding the motorcycle to the hospital...wore long pants yesterday tho left them off on the way home. Lucky it's close.
Did not expect the radiation effects to be so strong..and here I was worried about intrathecal which was no problem at all..
It was kinda cool seeing my spinal fluid....crystal clear fluid - remarkable.
Laze around weekend coming up ...too cold and wet to head off fishing and want a full recovery on the bladder infection rather than sit in a cold boat.
Take care all.....stay positive.
_________________
Age 62
Diffuse Large B cell Lymphoma Stage 2/3
CHOP+R started Feb 26th 2009
Completed 6 cycles June 2009
Diary here http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=12003
Officially in remission July 9th 2009
Three rounds of Intrathecal completed July 29th
Radiation as a prophylactic measure.
1st Radiation Sept 9 completed Oct 1.
Cancer free scan Jan 2010 - remission confirmed
In South Africa for three months |
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aisha1
Senior User
Joined: 30 Jul 2009
Posts: 236
Location: London
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| Posted: Sat Oct 03, 2009 4:29 am Post subject: Re: Radiation tips |
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WHHHHHHHHHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAATTTTTTTT? You ride your Motorbike without leathers? You're a nut case! 
You have to cover up! You don't want to get over cancer and then be in hospital (god forgive me) from an accident! My gosh, I don't know how you do it! You have to cover up with protective leathers when you are riding! Please!
You know, in London - even if the police see you riding a moped with shorts or jeans on, they will stop you and ask you why you are riding like that. It's not against the law, but they know that usually it's kids without a licence that do that sort of thing, as adults usually have leathers, and at least have proper boots.
I love motoe bikes, what do you have? Hang on let me guess......... uuurm, I think you're a Harley kind of guy? I'm guessing a touring type? Let me see if I can get it spot on............road glide or electra glide?
I have the biggest Harley Davidson shop in Europe right at the end of my road. It's nice to look in the window sometimes.
Take care on the bike ok? I'm sure you know plenty of people that have had accidents (as do I!).
Aisha.
_________________
Diagnosed Hodgkins lymphoma, nodular sclerosis, grade 2.
Stage II/IIIa.
Chemotherapy ABVD started August 2009.
Still looking young |
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SingleDad
Senior User
Joined: 12 Feb 2009
Posts: 280
Location: Canada
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| Posted: Sat Oct 03, 2009 4:51 am Post subject: Re: Radiation tips |
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You are about as incorrect as could be.
a) I only wear armour when appropriate
b) I've been riding safely for 42 years
c) I drive a "mom's soccer van bike now.....lots of storage, 4 grocery bags under the seat, fully automatic with ABS brakes. My sportbike days were long ago. I can go out for hours and enjoy as I'm not out of touch with clients as I have Bluetooth phone communication in bound and outbound. Fun riding and chatting.
http://www.onewheeldrive.net/2006/10/04/scoot-touring-the-honda-silverwing-and-suzuki-burgman/
I ride the Honda Silverwing but am considering the Burgman for longer touring purposes. The Honda meets all my needs and the van sits in the driveway only used for business and when there is slush on the street. I used to ride all winter in university.
The Honda gets about 60 miles per gallon - about 4 x better than the van and I use it for all errands and shopping.
Harley's are a waste of money and unreliable as well as loud and expensive to insure. 
••
Feeling a bit better as the antibiotics work but still some skin irritation that keeps occurring.....sigh 2 more weeks of discomfort.
Sitting around bare assed by order of radiation staff.....air circulation...
_________________
Age 62
Diffuse Large B cell Lymphoma Stage 2/3
CHOP+R started Feb 26th 2009
Completed 6 cycles June 2009
Diary here http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=12003
Officially in remission July 9th 2009
Three rounds of Intrathecal completed July 29th
Radiation as a prophylactic measure.
1st Radiation Sept 9 completed Oct 1.
Cancer free scan Jan 2010 - remission confirmed
In South Africa for three months |
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aisha1
Senior User
Joined: 30 Jul 2009
Posts: 236
Location: London
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| Posted: Sat Oct 03, 2009 4:59 am Post subject: Re: Radiation tips |
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Wow! MO-DERN!
I was so wrong! Nice bike though! Looks like it has lots of passenger space which is always handy! I'm glad you are a safe driver too.
You're right Harley's are very expensive to insure as well. I'm not too into them myself, I prefer the look of sports bikes, but I just had you down for a Harley guy, maybe I just don't know you that well yet.
Your bike image goes well with walking around the house starkers doesn't it?
_________________
Diagnosed Hodgkins lymphoma, nodular sclerosis, grade 2.
Stage II/IIIa.
Chemotherapy ABVD started August 2009.
Still looking young |
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SingleDad
Senior User
Joined: 12 Feb 2009
Posts: 280
Location: Canada
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| Posted: Sat Oct 03, 2009 5:11 am Post subject: Re: Radiation tips |
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Only starkers from the bottom down - it's 9 out and no heat on in the house.
The Honda shelters my legs so well that it's only uncomfortable in shorts below 6 or so.
Kid loves his sport bike - antsing for a bigger one....
_________________
Age 62
Diffuse Large B cell Lymphoma Stage 2/3
CHOP+R started Feb 26th 2009
Completed 6 cycles June 2009
Diary here http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=12003
Officially in remission July 9th 2009
Three rounds of Intrathecal completed July 29th
Radiation as a prophylactic measure.
1st Radiation Sept 9 completed Oct 1.
Cancer free scan Jan 2010 - remission confirmed
In South Africa for three months |
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ChemoMan
Moderator
Joined: 04 Jun 2008
Posts: 1546
Location: South Australia
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| Posted: Sat Oct 03, 2009 6:45 pm Post subject: Re: Radiation tips |
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Hi SD
Hmmmmm....only wear armour when appropriate....In my mind that is everytime you get on a bike. I wouldn't even go to the shops without the proper gear. Understood about the pants and the burn but really SD maybe you shoulda taken the van, but then I suppose you werent expecting it to be so bad.
I'm Glad its all over now SD...now you can get it all behind you and enjoy the extra trips around the Sun
Hi Aisha.... a few of us have bikes here. SD has his silver wing, Don has a Harley and I have a Vulcan. The bike is part of my bucket list On that list is a trip around OZ on it 
_________________
Age 53
Diffuse Large B cell Lymphoma
Stage 2a
Finished six cycles of R chop 21 26th May 2008
Officially in remission 9th July 2008
Remission confirmed 1st October 2008
Remission confirmed 17 June 2009
http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=9620
RULE NUMBER 1.....Don't Panic
RULE NUMBER 2..... NEVER GIVE UP
RULE NUMBER 3..... Don't forget the first 2 rules |
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SingleDad
Senior User
Joined: 12 Feb 2009
Posts: 280
Location: Canada
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| Posted: Sat Oct 03, 2009 7:36 pm Post subject: Re: Radiation tips |
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Not in my mind -
- if I'm in traffic at speed I wear armor
- if I'm exploring new twisties I sometimes wear armor if I think there is a dirt road in the near future.
If I'm with light or no traffic, on roads I know, I wear shirt and shorts and helmet. My preferred speed is 40-50 mph ( 80k or so ) with NO cars anywhere - one reason I ride a lot very late at night on windy roads I've ridden for decades.
We're getting way over protective in this society.
No point in a bike if you are bundled up like a baby in a snowsuit all the time.
Takes my riding buddy, a relative newbie, 10 minutes to suit up and get rolling.... gee how exciting
Going to the hospital is 1 minute on side streets, 2 minutes on the freeway without a lane change and 1 more minute on side streets.
I spend more time at the two stop lights than riding.
Jacket and helmet under the seat and stroll into radiation.
Least that's done....now it's just picking the dwindling days for cruising and the hops for groceries after midnight.
_________________
Age 62
Diffuse Large B cell Lymphoma Stage 2/3
CHOP+R started Feb 26th 2009
Completed 6 cycles June 2009
Diary here http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=12003
Officially in remission July 9th 2009
Three rounds of Intrathecal completed July 29th
Radiation as a prophylactic measure.
1st Radiation Sept 9 completed Oct 1.
Cancer free scan Jan 2010 - remission confirmed
In South Africa for three months |
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havefaith
Experienced user
Joined: 05 Sep 2009
Posts: 84
Location: montreal, canada
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| Posted: Sat Oct 03, 2009 7:54 pm Post subject: Re: Radiation tips |
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hi everyone
i hate the sound the harley make, it frightening specialy in the night, but outside look is amazing.
you are lucky single dad to have the hospital not far from where you stay for me is a trip of 45 minutes to 1 houre in each way.
_________________
28 y f
thyroid cancer (28-09-09)
thyrodoctomy total+ sternotomy median 2009
what is worth the price always worth the fight.
stay strong and live strong.
january 2010 treatement radio iodine
february 2010 total remission |
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SingleDad
Senior User
Joined: 12 Feb 2009
Posts: 280
Location: Canada
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| Posted: Sat Oct 03, 2009 8:02 pm Post subject: Re: Radiation tips |
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Yes very fortunate - not just a hospital but a brand new ( 2 years old ) regional cancer centre.
and it's gorgeous
http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottnorsworthy/2498595570/
lifts your spirits just visiting - 1 major block away for me - indeed fortunate - I take the bike as I can park for free and it's usually about 15 minutes for treatment.
http://www.cvh.on.ca/
_________________
Age 62
Diffuse Large B cell Lymphoma Stage 2/3
CHOP+R started Feb 26th 2009
Completed 6 cycles June 2009
Diary here http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=12003
Officially in remission July 9th 2009
Three rounds of Intrathecal completed July 29th
Radiation as a prophylactic measure.
1st Radiation Sept 9 completed Oct 1.
Cancer free scan Jan 2010 - remission confirmed
In South Africa for three months |
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| Back to top |
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havefaith
Experienced user
Joined: 05 Sep 2009
Posts: 84
Location: montreal, canada
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| Posted: Sat Oct 03, 2009 8:16 pm Post subject: Re: Radiation tips |
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it is really gorgous, it is look like a shoping center or a resort.
I always said that ontario is better than quebec. i am happy for you and your center but i wish that it is gonna be the last time you gonna visit it, wish you to be clean of your cancer.
single dad when you told your daugter that you have cancer, how she react to the news  and your family and friend, i am curious because nobody know yet like you know..
_________________
28 y f
thyroid cancer (28-09-09)
thyrodoctomy total+ sternotomy median 2009
what is worth the price always worth the fight.
stay strong and live strong.
january 2010 treatement radio iodine
february 2010 total remission |
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SingleDad
Senior User
Joined: 12 Feb 2009
Posts: 280
Location: Canada
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| Posted: Sat Oct 03, 2009 8:43 pm Post subject: Re: Radiation tips |
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........single dad when you told your daugter that you have cancer, how she react to the news and your family and friend, i am curious because nobody know yet like you know.........
I waited until I could
a) give them a decent prognosis of likely outcomes ( good of course with my situation ) and what I would be treated with and for how long
b) face to face not over the phone...
Both kids were casual with it - love ya - get better stuff then life went on. Daughter is away at university so no issue there and we are close.
Son sometimes annoying as didn't quite adapt to my needing sleep and quiet ( tho that was a friction point even before I got diagnosed ).
Told no friends except one who was a doctor to pick his brain and only staff and a couple of professionals - all kept it a secret.
I'd do it the same way again.
Unless a person can play an active role then it's a personal battle with emotional resources at a premium - don't need others anxious.
Normal feels wonderful...anyone that asked about bald I just slid by it - easier for a guy to do at 60.
That's just me tho.....my dad was like that too...he lived to 95 and walked to the ambulance - dead 2 days later...still with a valid drivers licence and was living in the house he built in the 30s with his wife of 74 years..
He wasn't much of a worrier either and kept good spirits.
_________________
Age 62
Diffuse Large B cell Lymphoma Stage 2/3
CHOP+R started Feb 26th 2009
Completed 6 cycles June 2009
Diary here http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=12003
Officially in remission July 9th 2009
Three rounds of Intrathecal completed July 29th
Radiation as a prophylactic measure.
1st Radiation Sept 9 completed Oct 1.
Cancer free scan Jan 2010 - remission confirmed
In South Africa for three months |
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