Has anyone done MammoSite Radiation Therapy?

jackieinbama

Karen, sorry they had to do another incision. That sucks. My catheter was inserted in the same incision as my dummy catheter was.  I didn't have much drainage so I'm sorry that you are having to deal with that.  Take it easy this weekend and make good use of the pain pills.  It will all be worth it once it is all over. 

As far as the music goes, I didn't even think about taking something to listen to, but that would have been nice.  I'm sure a c.d. player will do just as well as an ipod.  The first treatment took them about an hour to get CT's and set up computer and so forth but after that one the rest went by pretty quickly. 

Good luck on Monday.  Glad you have a friend's house to hang out at.  Let us know how it goes for you.

Jackie

kdeit

Jackie,  I did not have a dummy catheter inserted at time of surgery.  Seems as if that would be a better way to do it, eliminating having to have an incision under a local in her office.  I'm going to ask her about it at my next visit.

I'm still fairly sore this morning, but better than yesterday.  Thanks for reminding me that it'll be worth it when it's over!!

Karen

kdeit

I am back with another question.  When we dressed my incision this morning, there was a great deal of seepage.  I have continued to have quite a bit of seepage during the day today.  It's gone through several layers of gauze and is now starting to go through my bra.  I was wondering if this is normal?

Thanks.

Karen

jackieinbama

Karen, I have heard that some people have had quite a bit of seepage although I was fortunate enough not to have much.  The nurse at the radiation clinic did tell me to keep a check on the drainage and as long as it was clear or light pink, it was okay.  If the fluid changed to cloudy or yellow, then let them know because that could be a sign of infection.  They, the rad onc and nurse, seemed surprised that I had as little drainage as I had.  Sorry you're having such a hard time with it. 

Hopefully someone else will be along soon that can offer another perspective on this as I'm not sure how much is too much.

Jackie

kdeit

Hi Jackie,

Thanks for your reply.  I ended up calling my sister-in-law today (she's an RN) since I'm still seeping through many layers of gauze.  She suggested that I put period pads over the first couple of layers of gauze, and said they also might help hold the catheter in place better, in case it's moving a little bit, causing some of the seepage.  She did say if it's red or pink or clear, then it's not infected.  It's bright red.

I'll be glad to see the onc/rad nurse tomorrow to see whether she thinks this is about right for the Mammosite patients she's worked with.

Hope you are having a good weekend.

Karen

gg44

Hi I start my mammosite radiation in the morning also.I have had some drainage but not too bad. I will be glad when this is over. I have the best rad doctor and nurses. They explain everything. Good luck with your treatments. I will have to drive myself back and forth because I live alone. I plan on staying in town because I live 25 miles from my treatment center.

kdeit

Good luck, gg44!!  I am on my way out the door - it's over an hour's drive, so I'm not coming home between treatments, either.

Karen

jackieinbama

Karen, glad you talked to someone "in the know".  I'm sure your rad onc or nurse will give you some more info this morning.  I think the period pads was a good idea.  I keep some of those in my 72 hour emegency kit for first aid purposes.  Learned that from my scout master husband. Ha,ha.  Hope your treatments go well today with no hitches.

gg44, good luck for you today as well.  Just keep telling yourself, it will be over soon.

Jackie

gg44

thanks Jackie and Karen, Mine went great today. I was amazed at how fast and painless it is.

Karen hope you did good today. The dr said I have a little inflammation around the incision so they are going to watch that. Also I have some bruising but it isn't from the treatment. It is probably because I keep trying to sleep on that side.

Jackie you have been a great inspiration to me.

kdeit

Hi,

I got home just a little bit ago - I was surprised, too, at how easy it was.  The tech said that they are getting a new source tomorrow, and it will be ready for my afternoon treatment, which will be much faster than today's.  The seed was in me for about 14 or 15 minutes.  How about you, gg44?

The nurse changed my dressing after the morning treatment and again after this afternoon's treatment, although they normally change it only once a day.  The doctor took a look and said that I was seeping more than usual, but not enough to worry him.

He also gave me a script for a Valium to take Friday afternoon, and told me to take 2 pain pills, too, since removing the catheter can be painful.  Did your doctor mention that to you, gg44?  If not, you might want to ask.  Jackie, do you remember if it was painful for you? 

Karen

ICanDoThis

I felt nothing when they took out the cath.

The doctor made sure that the balloon was totally deflated, however.

Sue

gg44

Karen, they didn't say anything about any pain friday. they may do it later.If I take any pain pills I won't be able to drive. My treatment was for 6 1/2 minutes and they have a tv for you to watch. I am a little red right now tho but it isn't hurting yet. I am still having some seepage but not much at all. Have a good night and good luck tomorrow.

jackieinbama

gg44 and Karen, so glad both of you had easy times at your treatments today.  Just 4 more days, eight more treatments. 

When they took my catheter out it did hurt a little.  It felt like a bandaid being ripped off but not enough to need a pain med.  The rad onc said that it hurt me because I didn't have much drainage so it was kind of dry around the balloon, so maybe you guys won't hurt 'cuz you've got more drainage than I had.  Maybe there is something to be said for seepage! Ha, ha.

MAA123, how are you doing now.  It's been a couple of weeks hasn't it?

Hope you all have good treatments tommorow and not much fatigue.

Jackie

kdeit

Thanks for the reassurance on the pain, Sue and Jackie (or should I say lack of pain?). 

gg44, I hope you had a good night, and that your treatments go well again today.  Sure wish my center had a TV.  They said I could bring a CD player, so I'm taking one with me today. 

You said you were staying in town between treatments.  I am, too, since it's so far from where I live.  I met a friend and we had lunch and then went to the Mall for while.  I think today we'll just hang out at her house.

Karen

gg44

Treatment went great today. I am a little tired but that is probably because I am used to sleeping until 11 or 12 and now I have to get up by 6:30. I slept good tho. The redness was gone this morning but it will probably show back up tonight.

Karen, hope you have a good day too.

Jackie, thanks for the encouragement and support.

Tomorrow is hump day, it is the top of the hill and starting down hill in the afternoon, Yoohoo!!!!

kdeit

You're right, gg44, after tomorrow's treatment we're half-way there!!  WOO HOO!!

I've been getting up by 5:30 - can't wait until the weekend when I can sleep in.  I leave here around 7:00, but it takes me that long to get awake, drink coffee, and then get dressed.  And then I don't get home again till close to 5:00.

My other incisions are feeling uncomfortable tonight, and my skin is getting red under the dressing tape, but other than that I'm not too uncomfortable.

They had a new source for this afternoon's session.  This morning took 20 minutes and this afternoon was only 6.  Much better.

Hope all goes well for you tomorrow.

Karen

gg44

Karen I bet you like the shorter treatment. Just two more days. There is three of us taking mammosite this week, We all have the same doctors. Do you have a simulation done every morning? We do , just to make sure everything is ok. We also have our temp taken before every treatment.  Friday afternoon is really looking better all the time, I am ready to get this catheter out!!!!!!!!

Good luck tomorrow, Gilda

kdeit

Hi Gilda,

There are 2 of us having Mammosite at my center this week - we also have the same surgeon.  It makes it nice to have someone to talk with who is going through the same procedure at the same time. 

We get a scan before each treatment, but they have never taken temps. 

I'm more tired this evening.  How are you holding up?

Good luck tomorrow!!

Karen

gg44

I have been tired also. I have been going to bed way early for me. I am up now because I had a phone call. I have to get back in bed soon. I think my tiredness comes from these early mornings when I am used to sleeping. It is nice when you have someone else to talk to. Talk at you tomorrow, Gilda

kdeit

Gilda - we are almost done!! I'm a little nervous about having the catheter removed tomorrow, but will be glad to have it out.  It's beginning to be more and more uncomfortable.

I'm really dragging this afternoon, but I know part of it is getting up so early and part is because I'm not resting any during the day. 

Best of luck to you tomorrow

Karen

gg44

Karen, I am nervous also but the doctor did say take something for pain. Only thing is I have to take some motrim because I am driving myself and the darvocet will make me sleepy. I am going to miss all the nice people I have met this week. But that is ok. I will see them when I go back for my checkup.Get some rest and have a good day tomorrow. I am more then ready to get this thing out!!!!

gg44

woo hoo it is over!!!! Karen how did it go for you? I didn't feel a thing when he took it out. The lady that had quit draining two days ago said it stung just a little bit, but the other lady said it didn't hurt her either. We both still had some drainage. Hope you have a good weekend. I am going to catch up on my sleep.

jackieinbama

Gilda, congratulations on being done!  Doesn't it feel good?  Rest up and have a great Memorial Day weekend.

Karen, same for you.  Hope all went well for you as well today. 

Jackie

gg44

Jackie, thank you, it feels great to be done. I plan on resting all weekend. You have a good weekend. Gilda

kdeit

Gilda,

I'm glad your catheter came out easily yesterday - I was a little concerned about you since all you could take was Motrin.  I still had seepage (through several layers of gauze) and even with the Valium and 2 Tylenol 3's, I felt a sting, but nothing like what I had been afraid of!!

I slept from 7 PM last night till 10 AM this morning and am getting ready to lie back down again.  I feel as if I'll never get rested up, but I'm sure I will in a couple more days.

Have a great weekend!!

Karen

gg44

Karen, I have slept most of today also. I am still sleepy and tired. I wonder if it is a se of radiation or us just having to lose so much sleep? You have a good weekend also. Gilda

MAA123

Jackie, Sorry I haven't been around. How are you? Hope your blood test turned out OK.  I'm  baffled today. My surgeon says I'm ER/PR Neg. There goes the Tamoxifin idea- Thank God, but I'm researching it all and from the medical journals, etc. I'm learning that there's a large percent of lab error when it comes to ER/PR - diag.  I've decided to have the test redone somewhere else. I have an appt. Tues. to discuss a course of action, but he wants me to consult an oncologist. Tumor was too small for Chemo.

We shall see. Feeling good and back to work. Can't sleep;  hot flashes since I quit taking Estrog. I've spent a guzillion dollars on bras..trying to find one that's comfortable...forget about it!

Karen - Gilda - Congratulations on finishing rad.  It feels good! FREEDOM!  Take care all. 

gg44

MAA123, Thanks, I am glad they are over but these hot flashes have got me bummed out. I don't feel like doing anything but sleep and sit on my behind!!!!!

I started Arimidex last friday. Hopefully they will get better. Good luck on the retesting.

kdeit

MAA123, I didn't know that about the lab tests - I'm going to email the woman who went through rads with me, as she is ER/PR-.  She may want to get another test, too.  Thanks for mentioning it.  I'm sorry that you are having to deal with hot flashes, they can be pretty rough.    Have you tried any sports bras, or sleep bras?  I found a sports bra at Penneys that zips up the front.  I bought it a couple of sizes too big, and it's been pretty comfortable so far. 

Gilda - If the Arimidex is causing your hot flashes, I hope they will ease up as your body gets used to it.  I'm sorry you are having to deal with them, too.

I go to my med/onc on the 9th - I don't know yet what I'll be put on, but I'm concerned about the bone loss side effect. My osteoporosis was so bad (and Fosamax, Actonel, Boniva, etc. didn't work) that I have had to give myself an injection of FORTEO (which actually builds bone, not just strengthens it), every day for almost two years. The max you can be on it is 24 months out of an entire lifetime, and my last scan showed I have improved quite a bit, so I'd sure hate to start losing bone again.  Oh well, at least I now have some to lose

Hope everyone is having a restful weekend.

Hugs,

Karen

ICanDoThis

Karen -

Like you, I already have osteoporosis, although mine is not as bad as yours. 

When I talked with my med oncologist, even though I'm comfortably past menopause,  I told her that I would prefer to be on tamoxifen rather than an AI.

Because, tamoxifen is at least a bone stabilizer.

We also talked about Vitamin D.

She agreed, for at least two years. She also said that if an AI is in my future, there is also Reclast, which is showing promise.

She agreed to this, because like you my tumor was between 1 and 2 c., I was grade 1, and I had a large clean margin, and no DCIS scattered through the tissue.

I also have high-ish cholesterol, which AIs affect badly. 

Just wanted to toss this out if you to think about. I don't want to be cancer-free in a wheelchair!

So I'm going to PT to strengthen muscle, so that I can do more weight bearing exercise.

Sue