Tuesday, August 9, 2016

Mountain Climbing Update: A Rest Stop!

When I went in to have my radiation treatment, today, the technician was very concerned about the condition of my skin.  Apparently, it is starting to "open up", as she called it.  She called in the nurse who prescribed an ointment for me; I am to apply it twice a day and blow on it with a hair dryer set on the cool setting to help it get absorbed into the skin.  The nurse said to go ahead and do today's treatment, but I am to have tomorrow and the day after, off.  And I am to check the area on Thursday morning before I leave for treatment.  If my skin has healed, I am to come for treatment, but if it hasn't healed over, I am to call them.  I am trying to stay positive and hopeful through this newest development. 

After treatment was over, I went to the pharmacy to get my prescription filled and pick up the other medications that were already filled and waiting for me.  Then, I did a little grocery shopping, since the grocery store was next to the pharmacy.  Except I forgot the condensed milk I was going to buy.   I will buy the milk tomorrow and post about my grocery shopping afterwards.

When I came home, I applied the new ointment.  Then, I tried to use my blow dryer.  Except, my blow dryer is a fairly old model, and it doesn't have a cool setting; only a low setting, which still generated some heat.  So, tomorrow, I will have to go to the stores and look for a new hair dryer that has a cool setting. 

There were several work emails waiting my attention when I came back, so, I worked on them until early evening.  Then, took the trash cans out and put away the dried laundry from a couple of days ago.  I was putting the laundry away when my aunt and cousin dropped by to check on me (I had texted my cousin about what happened at the radiation treatment, earlier).  They didn't stay long, but cousin washed the few dishes that were in the sink!
 
Daughter said she contacted the bank and spoke with a customer service representative who, according to daughter, was very helpful and provided good customer service (daughter used to work in customer service at the student store when she was at UCLA).  She will be getting a new card to replace the one that was compromised.  So that has been taken care of.
 
My neighbor loved the wreath I made for her.  I used a gift bag and tissue I had in "The Stash", as well as some of the card making supplies to make her a birthday card, so that can be my decluttering for today!    
 
Today, I am grateful for:

- Radiation technician being proactive
- Getting a couple of days off to rest and recover
- Nurse prescribing an ointment to help heal the skin
- Daughter getting a new card to replace the one that was compromised
- Aunt and cousin coming to check on me and cousin doing my dishes for me

I never got around to watering the indoor plants and the garden, today, so that will be put on the To Do list for tomorrow, along with shopping for a new hair dryer with a cool setting and getting some cans of condensed milk.

How was your day?

14 comments:

  1. Hugs. I hope it works. Can you get E45 cream there? You have to follow medical advice, but I found in my completely different situation that E45 was a wonderful back up. Perhaps they may be able to advise if it is useful between the applications of ointment. Sending hugs and good vibes x

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    1. Thanks, Lyssa. I am not familiar with E45 cream, but, apparently, it is available in the stores here. I am supposed to use what I was prescribed for 14 days, so I think I will stick with it, just to be on the safe side. It is something that is used to protect the skin of burn victims; I guess my skin has been burned by the radiation.

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    2. I understand now. My issue was with fairly horrific eczema - dressings changed by nurse type stuff - and so I felt confident abandoning their ineffective cream for something else and E45 made a significant difference in a short time. You are being treated for a burn, that's different and your medical team seem really clued up. If your medical team think a moisturiser is useful later, I really, really recommend E45. Over here it is less expensive than a lot of fancy labels, but it really is the good stuff. Though, to be honest, I guess you will have some good ideas and some sound advice where you are. I'm sending hugs and good vibes anyway, as they definitely won't hurt! x

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    3. I appreciate you sharing what worked for you and thanks for the hugs and good vibes. :)

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  2. I hope the ointment and a couple of days off treatment does the trick Bless. How many more sessions do you have left? I wonder how cool the setting has to be and if a fan would be any use. I'm liking your de-cluttering/gifting way of doing things this month. Glad your daughter managed to get her credit card sorted out. xx

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    1. Suzanne, I believe I have 10 more sessions left. I am grateful I was able to go so long without any problems and even now, I'm not in any real pain or anything. My daughter was also suggesting I use a fan. Personally, I think body heat should be enough to help melt the ointment and cause it to be absorbed by the skin. But, I guess a new hair dryer would be OK to have, too.

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  3. I was also wondering if you could a fan.

    I'm sorry to hear about the side effect. I hope you get better soon!

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    1. Thanks, Nathalie. I've been told by others who've been through similar experiences, that a fan would work. :)

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  4. Thinking of you and sending well wishes that the ointment works quickly. (((hugs)))

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  5. I am so sorry about the skin trouble from radiation.. Hope the med helps it heal very quickly.. Try to not be discouraged.. Your body probably just needed a few days rest..
    Praying for you and your mountain climb. hugs.,hugs.
    sweet of cousin to check on you , and wash dishes.

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    1. Thanks, Judy. I guess one must expect a few side effects. This particular cousin has been very sweet and helpful. A true blessing.

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  6. I was so sorry to hear that you are getting the "burning" from your radiation treatments. I pray that you will heal quickly from it, ((((HUGS))))

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    1. Thank you, Debbie. I am much better now. :)

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