Friday, April 20, 2018

New ... UN-expected ... Symptomts

I started this post about 2 weeks ago, and then my treatment started really kicking my rear. So I decided to finally go ahead and post it. Not sure when I'll be up to posting again. At least I'm almost done with my radiation treatments.
 
{Originally started about 4/7/2018}
The first time it happened, I didn't realize it would be an on-going effect.

WARNING:  TMI Ahead



Several times now, I have gone to gently rub (not scratch) an itchy spot, under my arm. And when I did, I felt a sticky, gooey substance in one of my incision sights (right underarm). See Hospital Experience - Post Op (also a Lot of TMI), more than half-way down, for the full description.

And now there are starting to be more areas, not all of which are from incisions. I've given up entirely on the Aquaphor. If anything, for me, it only made things worse. And unfortunately I've also had to stop the cortisone, to keep from causing myself undue pain, from it getting in the wounds. Well, at least they are not open and bleeding or anything. 

Based on my own experience and limited (though far from inconsequential) medical knowledge, I'm reasonably certain that the afore mentioned "sticky, gooey substance" is blood serum (white blood cells and other small molecules, but no red blood cells).


I started using tissues, under my arms, to keep the damp spots drier. And I'm now using Triple Antibiotic ointment in hopes that it will at least counteract the effects of the petroleum, while it allows me to move easier. Just maybe it can also promote healing. 
To be sure it won't interfere with my treatment I'll speak with my doctor before my next treatment.

Apologies for the short (and incomplete) post. It has been all I can do to manage, day to day, with the effect the treatment has been having on my body. Never mind what those effects are doing to my sense of well being.


Comments and words of encouragement are welcome. And if you'd like to help, or if you appreciate the provided information, please use the following link:

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