Judy-OK

Bettyboop ..... if this radiation burn is the biggest worry I come out of this with then I will consider myself blessed. I have a close friend that is also battling lung cancer and while it has not burned her skin she is experiencing problems in her esophagus (sp) which I gratefully have not had to face. Her burn is interior and mine is exterior. I think like everything else the amount it burns will depend on each individual. Best of luck to you and just keep the salve handy. Thanks to all for responses and shall attempt them all!!!! JUDY

Do any of you wonderful people have any secrets for treating the radiation burns. I only have 4 more to endure but WOW these things are totally aggravating. They have given me Aquaphor, Carrasyn and some nu-gel pads all of which provide very temporary relief. Just wondered if anyone had some hidden magic they had discovered. Thanks. Judy

I only have 6 or 7 radiation tretments and 1 or 2 more chemo treatments which will complete my first round. They will then to anoter cat or pet scan to see what we have been able to accomplish. And then if necessary I guess we will formulate a new attack plan. My question is ... I had a neighbor tell me that once they have done 6 or 7 weeks of radiation to a particular location that they will not be able to do additional radiation to the same spot. My tumor is upper right lobe which probably does not make a difference. Thank you for any help or insight. Judy In WAY TO HOT TO BREATH Oklahoma

Everyone tried to get me to fold up and move to town and live with my son and be transported back and forth for my daily radiation and chemo treatments. So far I have had 28 radiation treatments and 4 rounds of chemo and have been able to take myself and get myself back home on my own. I would say definitely have someone take her for her first chemo because we can never be sure how a person will react to that treatment. I actually think that the fact I have been able to stay at my own place and care for my horses and animals on a daily basis is one of the things that has kept me going and kept me upbeat throughout this whole mess. Please let your mom do for herself what she feels she can do. If I had been forced to give up my independence I think I would be fighting a different fight right now. Good luck and take care. Judy

Well they decided I should have a port for easy access to the chemo and in the process of performing that minor surgery they managed to collapse my lung and landed me in the hospital for 5 days. Today I went for radiation and met with that doctor and then on to meet with my oncologist and she said it looks like blood levels are fine to get everything back on track. I have learned one thing for sure .... the process of dealing with this beast will definitely teach one to have patience. A good sense of humor is a must.

Hi Tom. Thanks to an e-mail response from you last week, I bravely did my first chemo with taxol/carbo this morning. The possible tingling and numb feeling in my hands and feet were mentioned as one of the possible side affects to be looking for. I do not think she mentioned swelling. Hope all turns out well for you.

Amy I can understand what you and your husband are going through. My mother passed away a couple of years ago but she had kept us all in the dark for years about her health and her ailments. She would always tell us everything was okay and had forbidden her doctor to give us any information. It was very very frustrating. I just started my battle against this beast and did include my son and his wife in the diagnosis and few trips to the various doctors. I also signed papers that allows them access to my medical records. I do not want them having to second guess what is going on. I know this has to be hard on you and your husband but since the cancer was brought up in front of you in the hospital at least there is an opening to hopefully be able to discuss this with her. Could you perhaps get her to come to this board and read some of the survivor stories?? It may give her some relief and release. You are in my thoughts. Judy

Welcome and I have already figured out in a week that there are wonderful people here. They will respond on the board or to a p.m. and that is fantastic. By reading some of these latest posts I have been given the hope that since I just started radiation today that some of the pain I have been having may start to go away soon. I take enough hydrocodone to keep it at bay but would love for it to start to fade and had no idea that the radiation could help with that. Hang in there and never give up hope my cancer was deemed inoperable but I am convinced the radiation and chemo will fix me right up. Judy

At least I have heard of Fort Smith. I also am not sure how far away it is I will be receiving my treatments in Tulsa, Oklahoma and actually live about 30 miles west of there. I suppose when I start treatments next week I may be able to meet some folks that are in treatment with me but it is always good to have others around that are at least familar with what one is going through. Thanks for the response and I may e-mail you with fears or questions are this process gets going if you don't mind. Judy

Hi Lilly .... I was diagnosed and actually do not start my radiation and chemotherapy until next week. When they performed a lung biopsy they managed to collapse my lung and as soon as I was released from the hospital I had my daughter-in-law lined up to cut my hair. I was down the middle of my back and yest "Lock of Love" can use it if you decide to cut it. As soon as I was able I got hold of my best friend, who is a hairdresser, and had her turn it into a very very very short cut and believe it or not I absolutely love it. Now I wonder why I was always fighting my hair with blow dryers and curlers etc. This is so simple. Best wishes. Judy

Checking to see if there is possibly someone that can be my buddy in the Northeast Oklahoma area. When I am done fighting the beast I will gladly repay the favor ten fold and become a best buddy to others. Thanks.

I may have just answered my own question. Do I post it under "My Profile" in the "Signature" block??? Thanks folks.

Where do I go and how do I get my diagnosis and treatment history to post after my messages. Thanks in advance for any assistance. I am not completely computer illiterate but KISS would apply to any answers submitted. LOL

Hi folks. Was diagnosed with non small cell lung cancer about 5 or 6 weeks ago. I start radiation next Monday and chemo next Friday. Looking for a place to learn and share and make buddies and seek support and information. Thanks. Judy