radiation - skin mets
 

Dear All

After a couple of weeks of difficulties about the port - infection /hospital for 1 week - iv antibiotics- tube break off, etc.I have decided to have a break from chemo - it has been continual since October 2002 and have 3 weeks radiation to the area.I know it will come back just want a break.What does anyone think.Any advice on radiation and skin soothing etc would be great.

love
Linda

Hi Linda,
It is only my opinion, but I think breaks are good to help your immune system regain its power. I know that others have posted about a cream from Germany, I believe that has helped with skin mets. Hopefully they will post, or you can search for it on this forum.
Good luck,
Barbara H.

Hi Linda, I think we have been in touch in the past. You know about the Miltex from Germany. I did not realize you have been on continual chem since Oct. 2002! I have had breaks to let my body rest and immune system build back up. My oncologist and I agree with this. One time I had a 9 month break and it was wonderful. I don't think I could do continual chemo but then one does what they have to do. We know skin mets will come back so why not take breaks and enjoy some quality. I have never used radiation for my skin mets. I am panornoid of radiation and don't intend to have it. I am about finished with chemo for the summer. Wishing luck with an enjoyable break from chemo. Sounds like you deserve a big one. Weren't you doing avastin and herceptin??? If so how did that go? hugs, Sandy

Dear Barbara and sandy

Thanks for replying. I am doing 3 weeks only of radiation and then thought when it pops up again may try the miltex.
I have not had avastin Sandy - not sure if it is approved in Aus yet. My next one is Gemzar which I had one treatment of but htn got the infection in my port and had to stay in hospital for 1 week on iv antibiotics. It was then I decide to try the radiation. I did have it on the right side after mastectomy and I only ever get littl bits of skin mets. had none on left and it seems worse. Probably nothing to do with it but who knows.
I just want to try and am worried about the skin getting sore but another lady on another list has had radiation 2ce for skin mets and they have cleared up.
Have to have the 3rd go to put a port in on the 11th and then organize radiation then Until then its just Herceptin. I feel freeish.

love
linda