MAY 2009 Rads

lisalisa

Ivorymom - congrats on getting the 1st treatment out of the way!

I go for my "practice run" tomorrow and then my first rads treatment on Wednesday.  Like you, I plan to exercise throughout.  I'm going for a long walk and then a bike ride today.  I need to lose my chemo weight and then some. 

I bought a womens' electric razor at Target...it's pink....can't remember the brand.  Will try to post later after I go look at it again LOL!

Texas357

I have no hair yet, so shaving isn't an issue. But I'll probably get an electric one if needed.

I know how important it is to exercise throughout, but my body isn't cooperating! I was in great shape and exercised 20-30 minutes daily until the last chemo treatment. Now I can barely move. Yesterday I worked out in the pool for 15 minutes, and collapsed in the chair where I slept for 4 hours afterward. When I got up, every muscle in my body was sore.

Is anyone else still dealing with chemo SEs more than a month later, or is it just me?

ddlatt

texas357 - have you thought about having your red blood cell count checked? your symptoms sound just like mine when i was borderline anemic during AC treatments. i could barely move. the doc said there was nothing they could give me to increase the red blood cell count, but i started eating meat and more other iron-rich food and i felt so much better. 

none of my underarm or leg or arm hair has grown back, and i'm 9 days from my last chemo (taxol). i can hardly wait for nose hair again! i will start radiation this week, just waiting for the scheduler to tell me which day and time.

i have my energy back and i've started exercising, walking an hour/day and working out a while with my arm weights. i gained 20 pounds during chemo and it feels awful. my ideal weight is 102-105. i know radiation will do a number on my energy level.  i will finish radiation the first week of july and hope to get my energy back as soon as possible so i can start traveling and be able to walk for several hours/day. 

Texas357

My next CBC isn't for a couple of weeks. My medical oncologist says he isn't concerned -- but then he's not the one who feels so helpless. I was anemic a couple years ago from a uterine fibroid. You're right that it feels much the same way except my color is better this time around.

31 days post chemo and still no nose hair or underarm hair. The underarm hair and leg hair for that matter can take their time growing back.

I gained about 10 pounds of water weight 2 weeks after chemo ended. The nurses think it's steroid-related, but I feel like a human water balloon. That may be yet another reason why I can seem to get moving as I normally would.

FACECRAFTER

Interesting on the weight gain.  I actually lost weight while on chemo...

I go for my simulation today, although the rads don't start till 5/26  but it's another step, so here goes.  JUDY 

Bold

Texas: I am having a very hard time with swelling. I am 4 weeks out of chemo and my feet and legs get huge by the end of the day. I was told by a friend who is Dr. that I could wear compression stockings. I am still gaining weight. I have started on a diet and really want to exercise but until I get my wind and water off I tire so easy. I will hopefully be able to start soon.

Anonymous

I hear you - we rode our bikes last weekend, I haven't been able to get on my bike with all of the biopsies and surgeries and stuff, and all we did was a gentle ride, probably about 2 miles, and I was exhausted when I got back.  I think some of it is with all of the surgeries and then the chemo, we are functioning but not at the high energy we used to, and because we felt so terrible or wasn't able to move much due to healing wounds, our stamina levels are lower.  I've been trying to get out and walk with my husband when he takes the dogs out, depending on the heat here in south Florida, it can be really brutal, especially lately.  I am waiting to heal from the port removal and then am starting up with my old workout routine - pilates machine 2x a week, light weights and increased walking, as much as I can handle with the rads.  I did not gain weight, stayed right about the same, but had just started working on the 15 lbs I'd like to lose before I was dx, so I need to work on that again.  I do still get tired very easily at night, and I do think some of it could be residual from the chemo, and some from just not moving much in the last couple of months.  I am usually fairly physical with my job at times, and I've been lucky that I haven't needed to or have had lots of help here.  No way I could get some of the things I normally could just do easily without it!

Cruise4life

Afternoon Ladies...

Ivorymom...congrats on your first one down....I start Thursday for 33...and you know its okay to cry...we are all at an emotional state of mind.  We have been through so much...and we are SURVIVORS....continue good healthy cries....

As for shaving...I was told not to shave on the rad side undearm and to go natural.  The way my hair is growing  don't think it will be enough to worry about in 6 weeks...LOL  But I like lisalisa's pink electric idea...hopefully some of the proceeds went to BC research.

texas...I have noticed my feet are swollen a little.  Like getting off a plane.  So it must be the warm weather and the SEs from chemo...17 days post chemo for me.

You young gals have so much energy....Wow...I commend you all for getting out there.  I played with my three youngest grandkids yesterday and they wore me out.  Meah who is 7 (my deseased sons daughter , my daughter Kellie's son Trey who is 3 and duaghter Madison who is 16 months.  Chasing them and blowing bubbles...but it was all good.  I also have 4 other granddaughters..Kellies older two....Lauren 21, Courtney 17, and two from my husbands daughter Corrine who live in Mississippi...Amanda 16, and Haley 12.    So great to have grandkids to love and 6 girls and 1 boy.  More special reasons to help find a cure for Breast Cancer.....I don't want them to have to deal with this ever....

Texas357

Bold, I stayed the same weight -- even lost weight -- during the 5-1/2 months of chemo. Then to gain the weight 2 weeks after it ended was a shocker. Particularly because I had a very dry mouth and was barely eating.

Cruise4Life: sounds like you have a big, wonderful family. Lots of young girls coming up who should never know the strain of this disease. Woudn't it be wonderful if the stressful side of this treatment ended with our generation?

3 treatments down, ladies, and 30 more to go!

americanpinay

Hi everyone!

Cruise and Chevlev: congrats on the port removal.

Texas: I am six weeks out from last Taxol and still get some arm and leg pains. Not too bad but sure irritate the heck out of me.

To all California girls: What brand of aloe vera gel would you recommend? Thanks.

I had my 4 of 33 rads today and so far so good.

Take care y'all.

kt57

Ivorymom:  I think there are times when this diagnosis just hits you between the eyes.. Laying on that table the first time brought tears to my eyes...wishing I didn't have to do this.   the next two were fine...   Like everything along the way, once you know what to expect, it's better.   3 down 27 to go. 

Almost 4 weeks out of chemo - legs are achy, I'm puffy (I call it my toad phase), neuropathies still there, some nails lossening up, and I still have no hair......    all tolerable and temporary.   So happy that is in the rear view mirror!!!!    Before I know it, rads will be too.  I have drivers for 4 of 5 days - makes the time go by quickly.  

My weight is down a bit since starting chemo - can't wait to get some muscle tone back!  I stay as busy as my energy level lets me...some days better then others.   It will be good to be done with the 3-4 hour daily drive -- then I'lll have time for more structured fitness.  Diet has been good - love that I can taste again --- but oh my, that 4 month hiatus from chocolate sure has me craving it bad........ 

Hope everyone is doing well.

FACECRAFTER

My doc recommended fruit of the earth aloe vera.  JUDY

Debonthelake

Hi everyone,

I received my moldings and markings today.  I'm supposed to start my 33 sessions sometime next week.  Right now I am 14 days past last chemo.  Energy has been slow to return this time and my stomach has also been slow to recover.  I have been able to walk a few times.  I'm hoping next week when my work leave starts that I'll exercise daily.  At least that is my plan and my goal.  My weight stayed stable.  I lost 20 pounds on weight watchers just prior to my diagnosis so I am relieved that I haven't gained much back.  I just now put my fat pants in a pile to give away.  I was worried that the steriods would do a number on me but they did not.  Unsweet tea tasted good today as did water.  That's a real good sign.  

Right now hair is not much of an issue.  But, I hope it is in a month.  Perhaps a pink electric razor is in order.  Hope all of you had a happy Mother's Day.

Cruise4life

Evening Ladies...

Deb...good for you...losing the weight ahead...I was down with Jenny Craig...and gained it all back with chemo.  Glad you got measured and are ready for rads...we will find a way to make this part of our therapy a piece of cake and put it to our past...or rearview mirror...LOL

I plan on walking my yorkie Roxy...and slowly getting back my energy...it is so hard to get motivated. My tastebuds are back and I am eating everything.  I even have vodka tonics with my DH after he comes home and they really taste refreshing and good.  Well...thats where I gain the most weight - beer and alcohol.

Americanpinay...not sure what aloe vera yet...but will let you know when I start using it...

kt57...sure wish you had a closer center...although it will be a great time for you to gather your thoughts and visit with your drivers.  If you have XM you can listen to the talk shows which make the time fly by...

 Time to watch DWS....Dancing with the Stars....

KM47

Well I'm joining the May train, although I'll be getting aboard a little late - May 25 to be exact and I'll be getting off the train after five weeks.

In some ways I wish I was climbing aboard next week so I can get it over with but that would only be two weeks post my final chemo and I guess they want to ensure I'm fully recovered from that trip before I launch into the next journey (okay, I'll stop the travel analogy now). I am feeling rather relaxed about the treatment which alarms me a little! I hope I don't end up regretting my complancency. Having read this board, the Herceptin board (am on Herceptin until March '10) and the Tamoxifen board (will start Tamoxifen after radiotherapy) I think it's actually the Tamoxifen that alarms me most at the moment.

Anyway, nice to have some company aboard the train (although obviously I'd rather you didn't have to be here either).

Now...where is the buffet car?

K.

Bold

Welcome aboard the may train to health!!!! KM47 I am a HER2 gal too.

I am still swelling so bad that I can not exercise yet. I feel like a slug. I get winded easily and my muscles feel like someone else's. But the real bitch is that I do not have my taste buds back. Oh come on I am five weeks out. I am trying to diet but nothing taste good except things I should not eat. grrrrrr.

I had mamm. pre rads and the results were sent to me. In bold was the wonderful word NORMAL.

Looking forward to Tues next week for my SIMS.

My DH and I are going to Pismo beach for a mini vacation this weekend. Its his birthday and our anniversary. We have much to celebrate.

So far everyone seems to be doing ok with there rads? Some of you are trail blazers. Thanks.

Texas357

Treatment #4 today and still no issues with the rads.

The swelling that I developed from chemo has settled into my surgical arm. Radiation oncologist says it's lymphedema. Oh boy, now I've got to add physical therapy appointments to my schedule. I'm still trying to work full time.

I've had a dry cough for a couple of weeks -- since before rads started. I wasn't concerned but my radiation oncologist says to contact my medical oncologist because it could be heart problems from the chemo. Fingers crossed it's just allergies but I never have had this before.

FACECRAFTER

Ivorymom, that is plenty of time for the lotion to absorb. My rad onc said 4 hours.  JUDY

lisalisa

I'm off to my "trial run"....I think its actually called "verification simulation".  What a mouthful!

I agreed to do a study for UCLA....they are taking my blood and urine pre-treatment, during treatment, and post treatment.  After I agreed....they explained that I had to do a 24 hr urine sample....so I have peed into 10 little cups in the last 24 hours.  OMG!  what we do for science!

After my trial run, they will access my port and take blood.  They are studying how cells regnerate during rads.

Tomorrow is the "real" thing for me.

Texas- I'm so sorry that you have so many issues going on.  Hope they are minimal going forward.

Bold - I started daily walks on the strand in my area....let me know if you ever want to join me! 

Anonymous

Hi, ladies.  Starting rads this afternoon at 2:30.  Had my stitches removed from the incision to remove the port - it feels fine, just a little sore.  Still dealing with remainder of breakout on my scalp, but I seem to be winning the battle.  I just hope I can raise my arm high enough to keep into position - I'm a little sore but it should be okay.  Followup with bs as soon as rads are done - once I get my schedule I will know when I can follow up with him.

Question to anyone who had a lumpectomy - has anyone had any pains in the breast that had the surgery?  I've been a little tender off an on near the scar and some pains that come and go - nothing earth shattering, and I forgot to mention to bs this morning, but will mention it at follow up visit.  Fleeting thoughts of "oh no" that I told myself I was being alarmist about. 

I'll let everyone know how the first one goes today!

Cruise4life

Welcome KM47...this is a great group to be in...so very supportive.

ivorymom...I wouldn't put anything on your boob area unless the doc tells you to.

BOLD...no taste buds yet???  Hmmm I wish I could say the same...I am eating well and it tastes so good...No way to lose weight....uurrgghhh...Have a great anniversary celebration...mine is at the end of the month - we will celebrate 20 years...

Texas...it must be allergies...its that time of year for them....good job on the rads...

lisalisa...you are so brave to help with the studies...an added thing for you to do during this treatment.  The best part is that its for your sisters...thanks for doing it!  GOOD ONE!!!!

chelev...my rad onco doc told me that I would experience some sharp pains in the breast that the tumor was removed...its the nerve endings.  They think they need to go somewhere....But still mention it to your doc.  LOL....We seem to notice every little life stride when we are in therapy. Our minds and brains work harder that way....LOL

Have a great RAD day...for those who are in treatment today!!!!

Bold

Lisa: I could walk with you after rads. As I have to travel to rads then try to get some work done. It would be tough. I am in a study for cognitive ramifications from chemo. However I have experienced no real changes. I was dumb before and I am dumb now. lol No seriously I did struggle for works now and then but I think stress can do that to.

Yeah! what up with the taste buds Cruise it isn't right!!! Everyone else is doing better than me. GRRR. I still get that chemo full feeling and I have neropathy in my feet and hands. Very tired and bald!!! I wish we could get better quicker. But we have been through a lot and it will take some time to heal. Patience has never been a strong suit for me. I am learning.

seagan

Greetings, fellow radiators!  I started rads last week; this afternoon will be zap #5.  I swear I feel tired and a bit of stiffness already, but isn't that ridiculously early?  The tiredness is really strange, too -- it's like I hit a wall in the early evening and parts of my brain start shutting off!  Yikes.  If that's what's happening now, where will I be in 5 weeks? 

From past posts I've been reading through, it does sound like the effects come and go for some folks, so I'll try to stay calm and hopeful about it all.  But with two little boys to help care for in the evenings, I do worry that this is happening already.

Glad to join this group -- thank you for being here and sharing!

lisalisa

I'm back from my trial run.  They did xrays and will do them 2-3 other times throughout rads to make sure I don't need any adjustments to my treatment.

I got my schedule and I finish rads on July 2nd.  This will be the BEST 4th of JULY ever!!!!  What a celebration!  We spend every 4th in Coronado (near where I grew up and where I was married).  They have a big parade, fireworks, etc.  It will be some party!!!!

After my trial run, I had blood drawn for the research study I'm doing.  I have to do it again on Friday after my 3rd rads session.  Why did I sign up for that!??!?!?

Off for my walk....I'm trying to walk 3-5 miles a day. 

Genia

Chele....I still have pain in my breast and I had a mastectomy.  They told me I could have them as well.  Some call them phantom pains.....because the breast is gone but there are times I still will feel a twinge through my nipple that isn't there anymore. 

I would still talk to my Dr. about it if I were you....don't take it for granted it's normal....but yes I hurt at times.

hugssss good to see you all get started on your rads!

americanpinay

hello everyone...

hi seagan...had my number 5 of 33 rads this am and I'm not getting any of that fatigue yet...but getting really anxious about it...my legs do feel heavy sometimes but I think (and the rad nurse agrees) that it could be from taxol (I'm six weeks out from last chemo)...

I did notice that the rad area is a tiny bit more red than other areas...not sure if it was from the rad or from a reaction to aloe vera???...found some at Trader Joe's last night...

kudos to lisalisa and bold for joining the studies...

ivorymom...the rad nurse told me OK to use gel/creams before treatment but he also recommended using a solution of half water and half oxygen peroxide to wash the rad area to make sure it is free from gel/creams right before you go to the rad center...

about hair...my eyebrows were the last the go but the first to come back...

take care...

Genia

I was told not to wear anything at all to my treatments.  Just plain, clean skin....then I could put something on it afterwards......it's amazing how different Dr's say different things.   I did find some deodorant I could use....and she said it was ok.....as long as there was no alluminum in it.  Couldn't handle raising my arm and having underarm odor......even with a shower right before I went to my treatment!

lisalisa

I was told the same as Genia.

No lotions, etc.  But, I can wear aluminum free deodorant i.e. Tom's.  I was told NOT to shave...not much if any hair to shave under my arm anyway!

After each session, I'm told to put on 100% aloe and then aquaphor.

np312

Americanpinay:   fruit of the earth is the brand we bought and was recommended by Rad Therapist for my mom (we are in So. Cal too).

Hi Wonderful Ladies:  Hope all of you are doing well. My mom will start her Radiation tomorrow. she will get 25 treatments.

How many times should you apply aloe vera gel???? And is there anything else she needs for relief ??? 

AlohaGirl

Chelev, I had a lumpectomy on 4/10 and have definitely had some pain in that breast ranging from tenderness/soreness (I think because I am still healing) and occasional sharp pains mostly underneath my nipple.  The surgeon said the sharp pains are the nerves growing back and since most of the work was done under my nipple that is where it hurts.  Hope that helps.

I had my simulation today and it went fine.  The tattoos hurt a little bit, esp. the one on my sternum, but overall OK.  I start the real thing next Thursday at 12:45.  I am hoping to switch to a later time so I can work most of the day then go to rads, but for now I'm fine at 12:45 and to some extent am looking forward to getting started (so I'll be closer to finishing) even as I worry about side effects ...