APRIL Rads Anyone?

bethaib

Bette

Sounds like what I experienced last week...though I was there three days in a row getting marked up. But they let me wash off the marker because I had the tatoos. Maybe you can ask them if you can draw something too?  : )

Today was a little better so I can only expect it will get better a little every day. I am sure the techs have experienced a wide range of responses...I was listening to a song, they play music in there, that I really liked, but I didn't feel like I could get up and dance lol  

Jane- Yikes...no wonder lawyers have a bad name...unbelieveable....

Anonymous

9 down; 24 to go.  Only had 2 tx last week.  Monday and Thursday the machine was down and they were closed for Good Friday.  I almost went ballistic on them.  Had no tx from Weds to yesterday - that gave "bad" cells time to regroup (tricked my rad onc into admitting that).  They will now program me to the backup machine just in case - pays to speak up!

Doc still won't let me use any creams but I don't have any se's yet to the breast or arm.  He did say I can use Tom of Maine for deodorant (wonder if my co-workers called him to complain? LOL)

Sorry bethaib - can't help with the bra issue.  I'm going without, just camis; pretty flatchested already that it's not a problem.

Have a great night all.

kjbell

Susan and Linda-Let's hope our nails stay where they are supposed to. On our fingers! It amazes me that 1 month out of chemo this s/e is showing up! We have had enough pain.

Linda-is that your daughter? That picture is priceless!

Karen

Lainey64

Good morning gals.  I don't know if it's rad related or not, but my body seems to be aching all over.  I had a terrible time sleeping last night.  I don't know if it was due to the root canal I had done yesterday or the fact that I didn't take an Ativan before I went to bed.  I decided to try and not take Ativan anymore because I'm afraid I'm getting dependent on it for sleep.  I tossed and turned all night and whenever I did fall asleep it seemed like I woke instantly up again.  It felt like I was on chemo again.  I can't wait to get this port removed on Friday.  I got my rad appt moved to first thing in the morning so I can get that and the port removal done early and I can go home and sleep the rest of the day!

Patoo - I'm using Tom's of Maine too.  It works pretty good. 

Have a great day everyone - Love, Elaine

susan13

Elaine-Sorry you had a rough nite.  I stopped taking anything, Ambien, Ativan, for a while and my sleep got worse, if that's even possible.  So last 2 nites I took ativan and I slept better, and only had a couple of hot flashes, opposed to 5 a nite.  But I feel the same way about not wanting to get dependent on taking something to help me sleep, but I was getting desperate.  Also, I was under the assumption that rads after your 3rd week or so can really exhaust you, therefore making you sleep better?  I was hoping for that. Have you ever tried Camomile tea?

Congrats on getting your port removed! I'm stuck with mine until radiation is all done. yuk.

barbiedahl

Terrilee

 I was having horrible nail issues, my brilliant son said "eat jello" I have been eating jello everyday and all nail soreness went away, and I can't keep up with the nail growth!

susan13

Ladies,

Check this out to possible help minimize rad burns.  I started taking this last week in pill form, 500mg, it sure can't hurt to try, and it's all natural.  I came across it another thread on the boards.

http://www.supplementquality.com/efficacy/curcumin_cancer.html

Common Spice May Protect Skin During Radiation Therapy
Rochester NY, 7 October 2002
Copyright 2002 University of Rochester Medical Center, reprinted with permission.

Cancer researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center have found that curcumin, a substance in curry long believed to have health benefits, seems to protect skin during radiation therapy. Doctors say that while further study is needed, cancer patients could consider eating foods with curry during their radiation treatment.

Curcumin, the substance that gives turmeric its yellow color, is a natural anti-inflammatory compound. Scientists have already shown that it can suppress tumor blood vessel growth. This process, called anti-angiogenesis, can strangle tumors. Now, James P. Wilmot Cancer Center researchers have discovered through a study of mice that curcumin may protect skin from the burns and blisters that often occur during radiation treatment.

"This is significant because skin damage is a real problem for patients undergoing radiation to treat their tumors. If a non-toxic, natural substance can help prevent this damage and enhance the effectiveness of our radiation, that's a winning situation," said Paul Okunieff, MD, chief of radiation oncology at the Wilmot Cancer Center. Scientists presented results of the pilot study at the 44th annual meeting of the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology on Monday, October 7, in New Orleans.

The team of researchers, led by Ivan Ding, MD, assistant professor of radiation oncology, studied the impact of various doses of curcumin on skin protection in mice given radiation therapy. The difference in skin damage was dramatic.

"There were far fewer blisters or burns on the mice who had been given curcumin," Ding said.

In the study, 200 mice were given three different doses of curcumin for five to seven days. On the fifth day, mice were given a single dose of radiation and scientists waited 20 days to assess skin damage. The mice who received curcumin had minimal skin damage caused by radiation. Scientists also found the substance suppresses development of new cells in the area of tumor, thus furthering the effectiveness of radiation.

While doctors are not ready to say that curcumin is the answer to preventing skin damage, researchers believe the results demonstrate the need for more extensive study.

Researchers plan further scrutiny of curcumin and combinations with other anti-inflammatory compounds to determine what could be the best way to prevent skin damage, Ding said.

"Nearly all cancer patients who get radiation treatment experience some form of skin damage -- from mild sunburn all the way to blisters -- that is painful for many," Okunieff said. "If we can find a simple way to help prevent that, it would make treatment a bit easier."

Lainey64

Barbie, thanks for that tip.  I love jello!  Gonna try it.

BrandonMom

I'd advise everyone to talk to their rad onc before trying any supplement. Part of what radiation is supposed to do is cause cell damage.  We are getting our skin radiated because there is a lots of research that shows that breast cancer cells go there.  We want skin damage to some degree.

Anonymous

Had tx #10 this morn.  Jokingly asked the rad tech how we know anything is happening?  I have no se's yet, can't see the rays, can't feel the rays.  For all I know the whirring/buzzing sounds are just the machine acting up and giving them reason to bill my insurance!.  I don't necessarily want skin damage, but as BrandonMon writes, how will I know otherwise that anything is happening.  Any little buggers inside could just be laughing their sicko heads off.  Just wondering. 

susan13

darn...... oh well... i tried!

hey patto... where in NJ r u?

Lainey64

Patoo - Did your rad tech have an answer for you?

Anonymous

My rads onc said that it's fine for me to be taking curcumin, Omega 3's, Vits C, E, & A, as well as a multivitamin.

Anonymous

BTW, I ended chemo on Dec. 17, 2008, and am still having nail issues. My two big toenails both fell off within the last month, and half of my fingernails have big cracks halfway down the nail beds and are threatening to fall off. I never thought of eating jello. Couldn't hurt!

Bette 

caligrlof68

Well I am finally healed from my mastectomy(Feb 25) and ready to start rads. I went today for my CT sim and sharpie markers. I go monday for my first treatment. I am so glad to be starting so that I can soon be finishing.....

busymomof5

Elaine-sorry about your root canal. I can understand why you cried...enough already!

Susan-I am sorry that you have to go through this but I am glad to have someone on the same schedule as I am.  I had my breakdown about radiation when I found out that I needed it an the radiation oncologist explained why...because my cancer is sooo special (he said ugly but I don't like that term)

Caligrlof68- you are starting rads the same day as Susan and I. We will be done soon and then it will be summer!

I will try jello for my nails. I really do not want to lose another one. 

tawdry

Just started my first session today, found out I have more rads than anticipated as they are adding boosters, wasnt aware so the extention of time had me in tears...bah wish they would at least warn you. I feel sorry for the poor student that had to break it to me.

caligrlof68

Susan and Busymom....I was laying in the CT scanner today getting prepped....and i nearly started crying..I had to suck it up and put my big girl panties on to keep from bawling. Do you both feel this way too? I mean, shit, I did the chemo.. did the surgery...WHY now am I all broke up about the rads?

tawdry

Oh my caligrlof68 I was staring at the ceiling fighting back the tears...I too had to suck it up and stop myslef from sobbing...I did the chemo too and two surgeries and today i was falling to pieces..what the heck??

busymomof5

Caligrlof68-I was upset while in the CT scan. I started to hyperventilate. I used imaging, the beach, warm breeze, to get me through it. I actually wish I could cry. I am on low dose antidepressant because I was so down in December. It takes the edge off but I can't cry. I could use a good cry. I have to say the techs, my doctor, everyone is so kind that I do not get nervous. I have the simulation on Friday. I really just want this over with.

caligrlof68

Busy...I am not nervous...just feel like i've had ENOUGH....i need a good strong shoulder to support me for a while...and just need so badly to let it go. All of this cancer shit is starting to eat at me. UGH...just need to vent for a little while i guess

Stacy 

scarp

I'm joining in!  I finished up with CMF chemo on 3/24.  Went for a mammo (nerve racking) on 3/27.  CT simulation like some of you on April Fools Day.  Went to on vacation for a week where I was told not to expose my chest to the sun.  I used a zinc on my chest and them vitamin E oil at night to keep my skin moist.  I did get tan even though I used zinc and sat under an umbrella for a good portion of the time.  They got my all alligned yesterday and I got my 1st zapping today.  Was surprised how quick it was.

Can't believe how they marked me up again yesterday.  I had blue marker everywhere.  The have something on my nipple where they want to put another tattoo.  Not sure about thatone...the other 3 are enough.  I joked asking ifthey could make them decorative.

Any helpful hints would be appreciated.  1 down...32 to go!  Good luck to all of us!

fleecewood

Welcome Caligirl and scarp! Many of us have had the same meltdowns before this new adventure.

We can all relate- and you are among friends and don't have to go it alone.  As I mentioned earlier- I read in a traditional chinese medicine book-  its better to think of it as the moon shining- so not quite as bright and that you are under a protective layer of water. One thing I wish I had known was to really keep your skin well moisturized before treatments begins. Drink lots of water too- you will be getting dehydrated. Garlic and eating an organic egg a day are good (they both have anti-radiation enzymes) I just started drinking Essiac tea which is recommended for both chemo and radiation. Tastes nasty though. made of 8 herbs.

Today was 8 down and 22 to go. I am starting to get a little sleepy now afterwards.  I try to walk 10-15 mins. before getting in the car and driving the hour home. Yesterday when I was about 20 mins from my house I found it hard to keep my eyes open. Thought I might have to pull off the road.  Luckily I had someone else drive today.

Has anyone else experienced drier eyes or mouth sores?  I don't know if its just that I am getting nervous about my son and biting my cheeks at night?  My son is being deployed in 2 weeks for Ft. Bennington (?) in GA and then it will be on to Afghanistan. Hes in the guards and was so depressed to get the news.  He's 21 and things were going good with his girlfriend and his job. He's a big snowboarder and has been having trouble with his knee, so maybe that will be taken into account.

Anonymous

Susan13 - I'm in North Brunswick (tpke #9)

Lainey64 - no, she laughed and admitted she could not answer.  I'm going to ask rad onc dr on Monday.

Look at it this way ladies, rads means finally a light at the end of the tunnel, right?

Anonymous

Another simulation tomorrow. I wonder what color Sharpie they will use this time? Yesterday was blue. They are extending the field of radiation, so I guess there will be even more marks.

I'm so glad I read somewhere on this board to wear old clothes so the marker doesn't rub off and ruin them. Some definitely got on my camisole the first time, but it was a cheap one from Old Navy that I had purchased specifically for rads.

You are right Patoo. Rads is the light at the end of the tunnel. Hoping to start journey on Friday.

Bette 

kjbell

I never had anyone draw on me with a sharpie! I have three green dots and a sticker with a green X on it ( the size of a quarter) and that's it. I go to a brand new office with a spankin' new machine. I can see the laser lines on my chest(in the reflection of the machine) so I assume that is how they line me up.

Patoo-I have thought the same thing, about "how is this working?".  I had #12 today and I feel like I have a sunburn under my arm, but it is not red.  I had a little pink spot last week, but it is gone.  The man that I follow is in pain from rads. I feel sorry for the old guy, I hope I don't get to that point. It is doing "something" to him, hopefully helping to save his life.

Karen

scarp

Bettielou- wish i thought to wear old stuff.  i had on a new white shirt and new bra and now they are ruined.  off for #2

busymomof5

Caligrl-I guess I am not really nervous just tired of this. I had a long break, 4 weeks after chemo, before the mapping. It was nice. Now I am back to treatment. It is a long haul. I am so happy for the nice weather. I think that it will help. 

I am going to ask about skin prep, supplements etc on Friday when I go for the simulation. There is so much conflicting information. I was not allowed anything during chemo, no antioxidants, no vitamins. I haven't asked about what you can take during radiation. 

Going out for a long walk today and lunch with a good friend.  

EllJ

Hello!  What facinating women I'm reading about on these pages.  And there's a wealth of knowledge combined here about this dreaded health issue.  That's what I choose to call it, a "health issue".  I see my Oncologist tomorrow to map out treatment, the lumpectomy was performed April 3.  My diagnosis was invasive ductal carcinoma, high grade,3/3 basal type.  Sentinel node clear.  Surgery was non eventful; so I'll consider myself lucky if I get thru the rads or chemo with no adverse reaction.  

This site is where I've learned almost everything I didn't want to know about b/c, but I go here for answers, because the info on this site is gold! baby, gold!  

Eleanor Roosevelt said it right:  "Women are like tea bags.  We don't know how strong we are until we're thrown into hot water."

God Bless all the brave women here, and I hope that includes me.

ThankYou, Ellen

susan13

Ok ladies... we need to hang in there and put up a good fight!  We'll go to our treatments every day, we'll smile at the techs and say "good morning" or "good afternoon" whichever it may be.  At the end of our treatments we'll say to them with a smile "have a good day, see you tomorrow!"   I heard smiling, even if we have to fake it, makes you feel good... so I'm gonna try it:-)

I'm going for my mapping in a few hours, hopefully it's quicker then the simulation, I had a hard time holding my arms up for an entire hour.  I'm hoping to be ok with this and the rads treatment... but on the other hand I have a hard time getting thru the ct and pet scans which start tomorrow.   I had panic attacks during them when I was first diagnosed and before starting chemo... the techs had to stop the test to come and and calm me down... this time I will try to remain calm.  And I agree... enough is enough already.  All these appointments and now every day EVERY SINGLE DAY driving to radiation treatments, and trying to resume a normal life, take care of the house, take care of the kids, and trying to take care of yourself...

Patoo--I work in Metuchen, live in Ewing. Know North Brunswick very well!  Route 1 is commute, every day.  Where do u go for your tx's?

Good day ladies!

Sue