Theresa M's Cancer Blog
February 7, 2010
Hi everyone,
I haven’t posted lately because I couldn’t sit long enough to type for even a few minutes. I just finished week 6.
The last 7 rad treatments were cancelled to allow my skin to heal. As well as I was doing the last time I posted, the tables turned and things went downhill rapidly.
The skin started peeling, pain increased so every time I went to the BR I thought I was trying to poop razor blades. It wasn’t any better trying to pee, either.
Here are a few things I’ve found helpful:
I take senna capsules for the constipation (1-2 in the evening). Also, I’ve found that placing an ice pack on the genital area (put a paper or cloth towel over the ice pack) for a few seconds will help numb the area before you pee or poop. I don’t even head off the BR without my ice pack. Then I just place the ice pack on the area again for a few minutes after the deed is done to help ease the pain of evacuation.
The more you can leave your bottom clothing off, the better and faster it will heal (my experience). I had my husband buy disposable underpads to put on the sofa (where I spend most of my time)so that I can lay there bare bottomed without staining the sofa. The air is good for healing and keeping the area dry. I also had him buy me a few pair of men’s boxer shorts because they don’t have the elastic around the legs.
I have a couple of friends who visit us on the weekends. We live out in the country, so it’s a ways to travel to see us.
Both friends do healing touch work and I get a session with each of them when they come to see me. This really is very relaxing and I’d recommend that if you know someone who does Reiki or some kind of energy work, it will help relax you.
All for now. Sending you all a big hug,
Theresa
End of Week 6 - I've missed you all, 
10 comments)
Thanks for your support - 
Hi Theresa-
I am just beginning my 6th week and can relate to everything you posted. I have not tried the ice pack but will give it a try. I will try anything!
I am not sure how my skin can take any more. Did you use any kind of cream while you were “airing out”?
I know you are glad to be through with the radiation and can begin to heal for good. I hope I can be as brave as you and make it through this week.
Hug,
Linda
Hi Theresa,
I’m glad you are through and now can let the real healing begin. I borrowed my dear husband’s boxer briefs at the end for the same reason you listed. The elastic on my own undies hurt my bikini line area too much. And I also walked around in baggy pants w/out undies as much as possible to let the area air out. Its too cold here for going completely bottomless (how does a wind chill of 10 degrees sound? brr!).
I am so glad you’ve made it to the other side. I continued to use Aquaphor for skin conditioning and in fact, now 6 weeks post treatment, I am still using it on my anal area, as recommended by my doctor. The rest of my skin healed up in a matter of about 2 weeks. But I still had swelling upon my last exam about 4 weeks post treatment.
I hope you continue to heal and find peace and inner strength. It sounds like you already have a great support system.
Warmly,
Ruth
Sorry to hear about your skin but, very good info on the ice. I always use ice for headaches and did’t think of it there. Hang in there! :) Linda
Hi Theresa,
I am happy to hear from you. I wish you weren’t in so much pain. Did they actually cancel your last 7 treatments or postpone them? I had to take a weeks break but I had to finish my 33 treatments. I agree with you that airing out helps a lot. I am happy you found something (ice pack) to help ease your bathroom problems. I continue to keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Keep us updated on your recovery.
Take care
Nancy
Let the healing begin. Stay strong. Things will definitely start getting better from here on. You are in my prayers!
Hugs,
Eva
Theresa—
Thank you for the update and congratulations on completing your radiation! I am so glad to hear you are done, as now your skin will begin healing. It will take a little while, so continue to baby your skin as you have been. Soon, you will begin to notice little improvements every day and will feel so much better. My heart goes out to you, as I know this has been rough. But you made it! Stay strong and keep looking forward—the worst is behind you now. Please keep us posted on how the healing is going. Also, thank you for sharing your tips with everyone on how to survive the side effects. I send my best wishes and will certainly be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
Hugs—
Martha
Thanks for your comments everyone.
The treatments are just postponed. I still have 13 rad treatments to go. It’ll be spaced out to allow for healing, I’m sure.
Hugs,
Theresa
Yes, I also use Aquaphor.
Glad your docs are giving you a break Teresa…. I agree going barebottom is the way to go. Keep us up dates … we’re all waiting for graduation day! love, Nova
Hi Theresa…reading you blog and heavy hearted….tomorrow is the start of week 5 for me and begin chemo again…the radiation is reeking havoc with my front half…I have also been walkign around this weekend bottomless and lying on disposal pads…with 2 weeks still left I’m not sure I can go through with it quite honestly…sometimes a little part of me just says “fuck it…I don’t care, I wanna quit” but then a slightly louder voice says “you can do this”..
I see my rad doc tomorrow so perhaps they will give me a week off which would be great..will see!
In the meantime Theresa it sounds like your doing the right things…I will try the ice thing…
big hugs honey..
your keeping me strong!
d xoxo