Sister starts her radiation Monday

16 years ago

She so does not want to go....she has been through chemo, and surgery, and now faces 6 weeks of radiation. 5 days a week, for a little over six weeks.

For those of you that may not know, whe was diagnosed with breast cancer this past summer. She was being tested for something else and they detected it. And she is a nurse.

It is so hard for us with her in Washington State, and me in Texas, to see each other often, but we talk on the phone alot!

She has kept a journal since this began, and is toying with writing a book about her journey. I think it is a great idea.

I have worn a sterling cancer ribbon bracelet on my left wrist ever since losing my father to cancer in 1989. It has not left my wrist since then. Almost 20 years now. Hard to believe. I vowed never to take it off until there was a cure for cancer. I have kept that vow.

I told her that when she was over her treatments I would fly her to Texas and take the bracelet off of my wrist and put it on her. For her, the cure is here and now. She had no idea I had worn this since our dad died.

She plans on coming here in May, and told me tonite she would like to title her book "When I see you in May"

trin

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Comments (19)

lydia1959
16 years ago
Awww Trinity...sounds like you and your sister share a wonderful bond. I hope she sails through treatment with flying colors and I hope that book gets written and published!

((((((Trin and Sis))))))))
vannie
16 years ago
If she's been through chemo and surgery the radiation will be a piece of cake. Believe me, I've been there and done that. It's just a pain going every day. You have to plan your day around it. It takes longer to take your clothes off than to actually receive the treatment. The first time you go takes several hours b/c you get your tattoo--actually, you get two, and they measure and mark all over you. After that, it's just a matter of going and doing it. It's just no big deal.
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AHHH!! What a Great News for Carmen.. Still have my fingers crossed and sending Prayers her way!.. As for YOU!! YIKES!!! Get some rest and I will have you in my thoughts and Prayers for a safe surgery and a speedy recovery.. Thanks for taking the time to check in.. I know you must be exhausted... HUGS!!! Kylie
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My sister is on her way home from the hospital
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Comments (20)
Trin, Sending good thoughts and prayers for her. I went through the lumpectomy and radiation 6 1/2 years ago, so I hope that she will be as fortunate. The one thing that helped me was following the diet they gave me after the surgery. It said to have lots of good quality protein - eggs, chicken, turkey. I can't remember what else. The diet helped me heal quickly. I'm sure that they will give her good advice. Another thing that helped me is that I started swimming when the surgeon said I could. Swimming slowly helped to stretch the chest and arm muscles.
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Ideas for helping by sister through her chemo
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Comments (10)
A friend gave me a little book called "No More Bad Hair Days" - basically little cartoons. Heather showed it around to those starting chemo and had the whole group in stitches (not good on bladders when everyone was given IV fluid overload.) One of the most useful hints, is to have your sister drink lots of very cold fluids such as iced water, popsicles etc. We froze water bottles. This will decrease the circulation to the mouth during the administration of chemo and lessen the mouth sores that can develop from the chemo by constricting blood flow to the mouth. Bring your own in case the fridge is empty at the clinic. There are drugs that can be given just prior to chemo that help with the nausea. Unfortunately, they cost about $20/dose here in Canada but well worth it. If hair loss is going to be an issue, your sister may find it easier to deal with it if she cuts or shaves her hair very short ahead of time. She will need to do this to get the best fit for a wig but it is less traumatic than watching it come out 4-5 days later by the handfuls. If she goes for a wig fitting ahead of time, make it into a little party with one or two of her closest friends. The first time I saw my sister without hair after chemo - just hit me like a brick. It made it "all real". I could no longer deny what was happening. I'll never forget that moment. Journal the experience and look for the humour in the situations. For instance - the anaethetist who told Heather that a mastectomy was "a simple procedure" - yeah.... for who? or the radiation oncologist who told her that it was "no-brainer radiation". We hope someone put their brain into it! These situations provided the humour, although warped, that carried us through. Bring a blanket in case they run short. You can get very chilly with large amounts of IV fluid being flushed with the chemo. Everyone's experience is different. Heather claims she sailed through the experience and in fact she was on a ladder painting the deck a week after. I was amazed at her spunk. I was no help with a broken foot. It hits some people with full force. I don't know how many courses your sister will need but the affects are accumulative. It doesn't get easier as you go along - so it just isn't a matter of "being used to it". Heather found small amounts of food frequently rather than a huge meal cut down on diarrhea. One thing I hated hearing was people telling me "if anyone can make it Heather can". I didn't want to blame her if it didn't work. Strange - our father fought cancer for ten years but I remember the "irrational anger at him" I felt when he lost the battle. Fortunately, Heather is now nine years past the most aggressive type of breast cancer. Remember not to get discouraged by "statistics". The only one that really applies is how you do. She had a 16% chance of making five years. Knowing that in itself caused major stress. She found that teaching as many people as she could about IBC helped. She did nursing inservices and spoke at a lactation conference etc. There are support groups both Internet and in the community that may be helpful for your family. Do the research for your sister to find them. One of the ways I was able to offer help was in dealing with disability insurance hassles. She will be tired and sometimes insurance companies use this to minimize their costs. Some insurance employees are given "paid by performance incentives" to encourage them to pressure you back to work before you are physically and emotionally ready. Chemo fatigue and chemo brain are very real. Concentration may be a real factor depending on your sister's career. A person without energy just gives up instead of mounting an appeal. Become your sister's advocate. Sending along wishes for success.
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A great breast cancer gift for sister
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Comments (6)
Trinity, That's a fantastic present for your sister. I'm sure that she will treasure it always. I had breast cancer (I'm fine now, but of course, there's always a little worry about reoccurrence). My all time favorite present was a music box from my sister where part of the proceeds went to fight breast cancer. The music box is in the "Promise of Hope" series, and my particular music box is called "Wings of Courage." If anyone ever wants more details about it, please email me through my page. What makes my gift even more precious that my sister picked this out shortly before she died of ALS. She was paralyzed, but used voice recognition software on the computer to order this. It truly is a testament to her kindness, ingenuity, and bravery. For their birthdays, I also created a DVD of family pictures for my sister and her twin. I used Picasa and it was very easy to use. What software are you planning to use? Also, for music, I used the song "Sisters" by Rosemary Clooney. I'd love to hear how your project turns out. I'll keep your sister in my thoughts and prayers. Having a great sister like you will definitely help her. Also, if anyone ever needs information on the tips and tricks I used to combat the cancer or the treatment side effects, I'd be happy to share them. Just contact me via the email listed on "My Page". Take care, Lynne
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glenda_al
16 years ago
My best thoughts for your sister!
ntt_hou
16 years ago
My prayers are with you both. You're fine example of how strong you both are. Thanks for sharing it with us.

May will be coming around quite fast. Before you know it, your sis will be standing right next to you.

((((BIG HUGS))))
country_bumpkin_al
16 years ago
You sis is (and has been) in my Prayers! I Pray she can sail through the radiation treatments with little (or NO) problems! I wanna copy of her book when she finishes it!*S*
donna_oh
16 years ago
Continued prayers for your DS--

Donna (^_^)
grittymitts
16 years ago
Ill be praying for you and your Sister too.

Get a long line up of jokes to e-mail or tell her when she needs a lift. (BTW, I signed up with MCI for flat fee 24/7 long distance (about $40. a month with taxes) and was so glad I did when my only Sis was sick with that dastardly disease. It was great to be able to call every day/call back if she nurses/visitors were there. I wouldn't take anything for our long, long conversations. (No- no affiliation MCI, just a heads up on a cheap way to talk ALL you want.)

God Bless!
Suzi
petaloid
16 years ago
My mom went through the same thing seven years ago and she is fine now. It's not fun, but it's worth it to get well.

Like Vannie said, your sister has finished the worst of it. The radiation won't be bad, but I know it's hard anyway because she just wants it to be over with.

I think my radiation treatments were about 10 weeks for Hodgkin's Lymphoma (20 years ago -- they worked quite well!)

If she can listen to nice music on the way to and from treatments, or audio books, that can make the trips more pleasant. Maybe go for an ice cream afterward. That used to cheer me up.
lynne_melb
16 years ago
Keeping her in our prayers.
Linda Wayman
16 years ago
My best thoughts and continued prayers for your sister.

Linda
Linda Giorgi
16 years ago
Trin - I know how you feel. My baby sister is 50 and they treated her for eight weeks with strong antibiotics for a fever. She was so sick. It turns out it is liver cancer. I live in NY and she in Florida. We talk a few times a week. It breaks my heart.She is still receiving chemo and is quite sick. I went down for a week and we both felt better after that. Our mom died when we were young so we are all we have. We just sat and talked by the hour about everything. I felt better myself when I got home. But it is not about me, it's all about her. She is one strong woman. I admire her. I am sending my prayers your way.
Lynn
Lynn
okwriter
16 years ago
Trin,

I share a close bond with both of my sisters, and I can "feel" the heartbreak in your posts. I will pray for both of you.

Ditto for Lynn.

Hugs to both of you ~
bestlawn
16 years ago
Trin, I look forward to "When I See You In May" to read of her great triumphant journey. Boy! You are a wonderful sister. I know you feel helpless in a lot of ways, but look how helpful and hopeful you are being for her. I pray your sister's strength through the next six weeks and pray her complete recovery. Tell us of your visit and show us pictures so can share in the victory with both of you.
Cherryfizz
16 years ago
Sending special thoughts to your sister and hugs to you Trin.

Both my sisters and my Aunt went through this. Marjorie had radiation treatments for a couple of years with her breast cancer and after she finished her rounds each year I would take her to Paris. Lizzie had her treatments in Saudia Arabia where she was working as a nurse.

(((Trin)))

Anne
luckygardnr
16 years ago
You and your DSis need to get webcams! Trust me, it will make the physical distance disappear! My DSis lives in British Columbia and I live in Ontario. But we see each other everyday on the webcam. She sets her laptop in her kitchen and we chat while she cooks. It's like she lives next door instead of across the country.

Having said all that, I want you to know that I will pray for her recovery. God bless!

Laurel
jannie
16 years ago
Sending good wishes and prayers. My sister had a breast cancer scare years ago, thank God it was only an infected cyst!
summer_tx
16 years ago
Continued prayers for your dear sister Trin. I'm so sorry she has to go through this. But, the main thing is that she stay the course and whip that ugly disease. I love the title of her book. ((((((Trinity & Sis)))))

Very sorry to hear about your dear Sis too Lynn. She is in my prayers also.
ivamae
16 years ago
I'm so sorry. I wish her all the best. I send Hugs to you too ,as I know you are greatly concerned.

Yes, I'd like to buy a copy of her book, too.
ivamae
kathi_mdgd
16 years ago
((((((((((((((((((((((Trin & sis))))))))))))))))))))))

((((((((((((((Lynn & sis))))))))))))))))))))))))))

Lifting you all up in prayer.There is hope!! I have 2 sister that are BC survivors,9& 10 years.They both are doing well,one some problems with her immune system,whereby she gets colds,flu's and bronchitis almost every year,but those are all cureable.The other sister just has trouble with her arm sometimes as they had to remove some lymph nodes.They still both lead a very busy life,and are now in their 70's and the older one is almost 81.
Kathi

Sister starts her radiation Monday

Comments (19)

lydia1959

vannie

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