AUGUST 2009 RADS

fmakj

Lemon:  No I believe that your eyes are pretty safe.  Ask them to show you the entire field that is being treated to that you feel comfortable.  My advice though is to make sure that your chin is towards the ceiling (if your head is not turned away as some are) and not tucked into your chest as it "could" get into the radiation field.

Good News today I had #13 of what I thought was 33 and Onc told me at my appt with him that I was getting 25 tx with 5 boosters!  Maybe I misheard at the beginning, but that makes this wednesday half way through!  Woo Hoo!

Be Well All! 

caphan

Thanks 03132W!  I'll ask the oncologist tomorrow.  3 weeks would make me much happier!

jancie

I made it through my first rad treatment.  Only 29 more to go.  My breast felt warm tonight around 9 pm even though I had rads 12 hours earlier.  I put some aquaphor on my breast as that seems to be what most of you gals are doing.  I do have some aloe gel - maybe I will use that tomorrow instead to help cool down my skin.

I couldn't believe how fast it went!  I did ask if I should close my eyes during treatment and they said no.  They did tell me not to wear any deodarant and I know from prior posts to not put anything on my skin prior to going in.  Ok....I heard that you could put something on 4 hours before treatment but I am not getting up at 5:30 a.m. to put something on my skin

I have an appt with the radiologist once weekly.  One question I am going to ask this time is why 6 weeks of treatment when my nodes were clear and I went through chemo prior to this.

ccbaby

Jancie...I am surprised that they want you do do radiation with clear nodes if you had a mastectomy, or did you have a lumpectomy? And how close were your margins? I know that they go by all of that and other factors from your pathology report  when deciding whether to do radiation.

SueInOhio

Hi again!

Chris: I didn't do anything special for the swelling.I did do the exercises. My favorite was the spider walk with your fingers up the wall. I have full range of motion now. And the swelling just subsided. Numbness is still there though.

fmakj: Hooray on making it to the halfway point!!!

Oh, I did pick up a couple of those front closing bras at Walmart...$7 apiece was a steal!

Question for you all: I am thinking of flying from Columbus,OH to Houston for the Labor Day weekend because NO tx on Monday. I will be at tx #20. Lymphedema does not seem to be an issue with me. It is a 3hr non-stop flight. It would be a visit to see my 80+ year old parents (who have been wonderful from afar during this ratsy Dx). I just have this NEED to see them. Is this do-able or should I just stay put?

Hugs to all,

Sue

kawee

Jancie, I started by rads on the 17th.  Noone told me about creams at all.  Sounds like everyone is using something on their breast everyday.  Tomorrow I'll ask the rad oncologist about it.  Haven't really felt too much yet but I'm with everyone else, this whole thing is a drag and has gotten really old.  I'm already tired from the whole ordeal.  Don't want to do it, but to quote someone else "afraid not to". 

BetsyBuzz

Hi all,

Add me to the newbies. I had my first rad of 33 today, 26 regulars and 7 boosts. The only thing that surprised me was the size of the area they radiate. It's bigger than I expected. Since I have had an allergic reaction to aloe in the past, they told me to use Aquaphor.

Kawee - I can relate to the "tired" comment. I don't really feel like I've completely rebounded from chemo yet. Started Tamoxifen on Sunday, have a bone density test next Monday, port removed Tuesday. I am so looking forward to October when I will have more than a two week period without a doctor visit.

I'm hoping time will fly.

Betsy

kawee

BetsyBuzz

I didn't even have to have chemo, so I can only imagine what that added must feel like.  Just 2 surgeries, then rad.  My oncologist said they won't start tomoxifen til I'm finished with rad because there is some evidence that rad doesn't work as well.  Who knows.  Seems most people start it at the same time.  My sister was diagnosed 2 months before me.  She finished her rads with absolutely no side effects.  Well, she did say her breast was slightly darker.  Let's all hope for the same (except the darker part, of course).

caphan

03132W: I spoke to rad onc. today and the hospital goes by Univ. of Penn. protocol so the three week radiation is not really an option.  She told me it's the Canadian protocol and not used much ??  Today the machine was down because we had a huge electrical storm last night so I felt like I made a trip for nothing.  I'm hoping I don't get any of the side effects like kawee's sister. At what point does everyone start seeing that they need to buy different bras?  This is all so new to me and so far I don't like it!

ChrisC433

SueinOhio:  I think travel is fine.  I would get the compression sleeve to help out.  I was told to have one for flights because the added pressure in the plane can escalate the LE problems.  Better safe than sorry.  I go to PT tomorrow and I hope she can help me resolve the problems with swelling, hard (very hard)scar tissue at incision, and my brachial nerve cording.  Not looking forward to going (ouch!) but looking forward to some results.

Take care,

Chris

fmakj

Hi All!  Today I have officially hit my halfway mark!  WOO HOO!  15 of 30 done!

Jancie- After my first treatment I also was pink and warm to touch.  It has not gotten any worse since then.  I do use "Glaxal Base" cream 3 times a day to keep the skin moisturized.

Sue- I think it is a wonderful idea to visit your parents if you feel the need to.  You may need to wear a compression sleeve (if this it what it is called?) when you are flying though.  If you do not have an appointment with your onc to ask, you can always ask your rad techs to email him/her and ask the question that way.  It would put your mind at ease.

Yesterday was the first day that I felt tenderness (irritation) at the axilla scar - was told today that this is "normal".  I had already developed red dots (like pimples) in and outside the tx area and was told that that was probably a reaction to something but not the tx.  I was told yesterday to wear the sports bra and get into it by stepping into it instead of pulling over my head (never thought of it!).  What a difference and the softness feels much better on the irritated skin under my arm!  But no visible irritation yet!  I have also been experience small stabbing sensations in my radiated breast which again I was told is "normal".  Oh well, so far so good!

Has anyone noticed a different texture to your hair (sorry to those that do not have any).  My hair seems to be getting very straw-like in texture and do not know if it is from the txs or from washing it sometimes 2 times a day (if I get in my pool I immediately take a shower to remove chlorine.)?

Welcome to the Newbies!

Be Well All!  

flowerpower

Hello Everyone! ~hope you are all doing great with not too many SE's. I did # 16 out of 38 today & I am definately red & very sore.  Rad onc said that it is from using the bolus every other tx. I had skin involvement, so the bolus is necessary.  The good news is that I only have to use it 4 more times. She also gave me some more aquaphor & Friut of the Earth Aloe w/ Lidocaine to use. She said to put the aloe in the refridgerator then apply.  Ladies......this is the way to go!!!! The aloe w/ lidocaine feels soooooo nice & soothing......It is my new best friend! LOL!

Sue~ I think if you're feeling up to it, you should definately go see your mom & dad! One thing this journey has taught me is that life is so unpredictable.  If you NEED to see you parents, then DO IT!!! I would definately check it out with your rad onc & see if he/she gives you the ok first.  Even though LE hasn't been an issue for you, I agree with Chris & fmajk about the compression sleeve. Better safe than sorry!

fmajk~ Congrats on the half way mark!!!! I think your hair might be getting dry from all the washing . I'm pretty sure that hair shouldn't be harmed if it is not getting radiation. Are you using a gentle shampoo and conditioner?  I use Pureology & so far my hair (all 3/4 in. of it LOL!) is soft & not dry. 

Chris~ I hope you get some good results with PT tomorrow. I have had some mild LE issues after my surgeries & now again with rads. It seems to stay under control with exercises, massage, & elevating my arm when I can. What is brachial nerve cording? It sure doesn't sound fun.....

Hugs to all,

Kristen

KRMC

Tomorrow is my last day of total treatments. I had 28 reg and tomorrow is the 8th boost.. I am ready  to break out the fireworks.  When you first start is seems like its going to take forvever.  I made it thru all quite well.  I just hope I never have to go back for anymore ever ever again.   I wish you all well during your treatments but tomorrow I will be celebrating No More Treatments.  My husband has sent me a pink rose each day at the treatment center.  Tomorrow he arranged for my techs to all get one also.  They have admired mine everyday and we just want to say "thank you" to them.  

beatlefanallison

fmajk,

This is one instance where less is definitely more!  Congrats on making it to the halfway mark!

 KRMC,

 Hooray!  Time to celebrate!  Great idea about the roses.

Alyad

as of this afternoon, I too am halfway!!!

 having some redness but nothing too bad.  my shoulder is getting pretty tight- the other night lying in bed I felt something that felt like cording in my armpit but haven't been able to find it again and I am doing more stretching.

fmakj

I figure that today's treatment is just one less to do tomorrow!  Congratulations everyone on having one less to do tomorrow!!

Be Well All!

ChrisC433

Flowerpower:  Cording is when the nerve is tangled up with the tendons and arteries in the armpit.  It makes the nerve feel very tight.  I can see the nerve stick out from my armpit like a tight tendon.  It runs to my wrist and gets tender.  The PT tries to break up the tangle so the nerve moves freely again.  I stretch the crap out of it but it doesn't seem to be getting any better.  One day it is o.k. then the next it is tight again.  I'll let her work her wonders!  Hopefully the pain meds ease the journey...

Take care,

Chris

jancie

I have only had 3 treatments so far but my breast is swelling up and it LOOKS GREAT!  Now if only the other side would match!!!  I am putting on aloe gel about 1 hour after treatment and then again before I go to bed.  I haven't noticed any redness but then again I am at the beginning of this journey.

I have found out that I am more comfortable not wearing bras right now so rarely will I put one on.  Instead I wear dark clothes or printed patterned clothes so people don't notice.

pinkdove10

Hi everyone

i am new to this thread but i see some of the people i have come in contact on other threads...march warrior princess..

my simulation was 27th july and started rads on 6th aug... so have done 11 and 19 more to go.

now my breast have turned a little red, the feel heavier. the place where the nodes were removed feels tight. i have also stopped wearing a bra.  the skin on the underside of the breast has become sensitive and started to peel.  the dr has recommanded to put 'alo-vera cream' . hope it helps.

Hugs to all

Uma

kawee

I woke up yesterday and today just exhausted.  Don't feel like doing anything, and I've only started rad.  I have been running around alot and do have Lupus.  Hoping rest for a day or two will help.  Hope it's not the radiation already.  Maybe just the stress of having to go thru it.  Any of you ladies experience fatigue right away?  Course, fatigue is my middle name with the Lupus.  I usually know my limitations and don't let myself overdue it.  This seems a little different. 

LoriR

hello August rads.  - 

I was wondering if it is ok if I join you.  I am from the May chemo thread and will still continue to post there too but I have been watching your posts as well.   I started rads on the 17th so I am only 4 down with 31 to go.  I don't know how many of the 35 total are boosts but I do know that it is at least two.  That is a question I need to ask when I see the doctor on Tuesday.  I am not even sure what a boost is.  I just assumed it was a longer zap but somehow I think it is more complicated than that.  My tired is weird at least during this first week.  First of all, I can't seem to get a good nights sleep (between the night sweats and the mind racing and then having to get up to go to the bathroom (1 or 2 times).  I have cut my work hours back since diagnosed.  I went from about 50 hours/wk to about 30 but once I get home I am exhausted and need to rest.  Once I get some rest and some dinner then I am good to run 6 miles.  At that point you think I could get a good nights sleep but "no"  and so it continues..  My finish date is October 5th

fmakj

Lori - you need to catch those z's whenever you can get them.  I usually take a nap as soon as I get home from my tx and then am ok again for the rest of the day.  The boost is a tx that is directed on the surgery site and is normally done at the end of the regular txs.  Sorry you had to be here, but welcome!

KRMC

I just want to let you all know I am finished with all 36 treatments today.  I started June 30th. Its taken my whole summer but I want each of you to know you can get thru it.  I had alot of pink skin, a couple blisters etc. but I made it and praise the Lord I did. I am encouraging all of you it will be over soon.   This has been a great place to learn about what I was going thru , because none of my friends or family have ever had BC and Ive had no one to talk to about it.  This is a very good site to make new friends and we all have the same feelings and fears about what has just popped into our lives.  God Bless Each and Every One of You! I hope you make it thru as easy as I did.

kawee

Lori, I also started on the 17th, so it will be interesting to see our similarities or differences.  As I said earlier, just feel tired, no redness, etc.  I'm on for 28 rads and 2 or 5 boosts.  That's what they told me, seemed a little weird.

BetsyBuzz

Lori & Kawee- I started on the 18th and my last day is scheduled for Oct. 5th. fmakj indicated what my onc told me about the boosts, they are directed at the scar area and surgery site. Typically they wrap up the treatment plan with boosts. Lori - I'm from the April chemo thread. I'm also straddling the Aug & Sept Rads boards as most of my tx's will be in Sept. But I like reading the posts from all the wonderful women who walk before us. Thanks ladies..

Congrats! KRMC - you are done!!! Time to celebrate.

This link was posted on the Sept. Rads thread, you all might be interested in reading it:

http://www.ajc.com/health/content/shared-auto/healthnews/alca/630061.html

caphan

KMRC - Congratulations to you!  We seem to have pretty similar stats and it's good to read that you've made it through okay.  I also have no family history of BC and don't really have any one to talk with about it.  Friends call to see how I'm doing but no one really understands all of the emotions and phases you're going through.  Thanks for posting, your encouragement really helps.  Be well!

pinkdove10

12 down and waiting to enjoy the weekend.

LoriR

Everyone - thanks for all the info and welcomes. BetsyBuzz and Kawee - sounds like we will all be done within a day or two of each other - we should be able to compare SE along the way.  Here's to hoping there aren't any! 

I have a question  - My Rad's doc told me that if my skin doesn't burn they may increase radiation so that it does.  He said they need to burn the skin to make sure there are no cancer cells lingering in it - was anyone else told this?

O3132W

LoriR     No, Ive never heard that they need to burn the skin.  I am having 16 treatments at 2.67 grays per treatment equaling a total of 42.72 Grays (or units)    Had #9 this AM and so far my skin is not even pink.  I am however loading on the Biafin Topical Emulsion  prescribed by my rad. onc.   I am beginning to feel just a little tired but so far so good.  I am anxious to read if anyone else has heard of burning the skin intentionally.  Good luck.

ravenruth

I am going in Monday morning to get marked up, and then they will schedule the radiation. My radiologist told me to stop taking the tamoxfin until I get the radiation completely done. I had only taken 4 tablets so I guess that is ok, I am scheduled for 6 1/2 weeks - M-f. I had all clear margins after my lumpectomy. It was close to the chest wall in the right breast but it was only 1/8 inch, and everything around it was clear. I have never heard of the shortened 3 week radiation. Please advise . I hope the radiation starts in August also. A regular mammogram I was told would not have picked this up. Thank God I went digital