October Rads. 2009

liztaylor1

Hi,

crazycat - 45-60 minute wait???  HUH?  That's terrible.  I don't even have a chance to sit down in the treatment waiting room (where they have the BEST magazines ever).  I am in and out of there in no more than 15".  I started on 9/30 - so we are rads' twins!

MTG- I always appreciate your notes and helpful hints. Thank you so much for this.

Slept 11 hours last night (thank you, benedryl...).

Best always,

Liz

Torona

I will be doing Rads in November so was reading this post to see what I could learn and it's been great!  I still have 2 more T/C of chemo yet but wanted to share a product I bought from Lindi. It's called a Skin Cooler.  It comes in a roll that you deep in the fridge and cut to the size you need to apply to radiated area following rads 20-45 minutes.  I don't know if it works or not.  I found mine at a Women's boutique but I'm attaching a link if anyone is interested www.lindiskin.com.  Every little bit of advice is so beneficial.  I too, read the recent study about 1 glass of wine before rad keeps your skin from burning.  Good luck!

dsgirl

Wow, CrazyCatLad, that's awful, did you talk to them to find out why you have to wait so long ?  Are you able to come at a different time where they may not be running so far behind ?  I drive 1 hr. 20 min. to get to my center, and I never even make it into the waiting room, as I come from the dressing room they wave at me to come on down to the treatment room. I would hate to drive a long time to get there and be on time only to find out I have to wait for 45 min to 1/12 hrs. Really, that should not happen.

I too have joint pain, wondering if the frozen position I seem to be in while I lay on the table awaiting my treatment is the cause ? believe me techs are fast and they are friendly and nice, but I seem to get in a funk when I get up there, have trouble breathing, my own fault, I hold my breath like something awful is going to happen to me, then I have to catch up on breathing, and dont want to overdo and really heave, oh, boy, then I am done, and am able to breathe normal again. I need my head examined I guess. Oh, well, fifteen down and 18 to go,

Have a good weekend

dsgirl

PAP

Greetings Oct Rad Girls

I had simulation on Monday, Oct 5, then first rad tx the following day.  Don't know what hit me on Monday, but as soon as I walked into the "room" I felt irritated and angry.  I anticipated that one of the techs would be a male, but it really hit me when I had to lay down and expose my breasts.  I am hardly ever "out of sorts" but it really did a number on me.  My husband could tell something was wrong as soon as I walked out.  Now after reading some of your posts with the emotional feelings some of you experienced, it makes a little more sense.  I didn't have tears, but my reaction makes a little bit more sense.  Since then, the male tech has become a friend and I am now very comfortable with both of them.  I am using aloe vera gel before getting dressed and leaving the center.  Then I use Vitamin E cream morning and night.....hope they both do the trick.  I start receiving acupuncture next week as the radiation does do a number on our immune system and energy in the body.  That saved me during chemo and my acupuncturist said it's really more important with the radiation.  Thought I would share this with you, as a few have experienced aches and pains which I agree are related to the "zapping".  All the more reason to do whatever therapy or integrative help we can get to ease any side effects.  I just returned to my Jazzercise classes and am now wondering what kind of bra I might find once the skin is more tender, since I need something to support the jumping around.  If it's not one thing, it's another....ugh!

dsgirl

Hi Torona, welcome and thanks for the tip on the skin cooler, I think it would be worth a try, but I guess I better run it by the techs or doc first, since my skin so far is doing ok on the only thing I was allowed - it's 100% pure aloe vera gel. I have read here about aquaphor being great too, but have not tried that yet either or asked about it.

dsgirl

tracyanne

Dsgirl, I know what you mean about holding your breath like something awful is going to happen.  Treatment doesn't hurt physically, but we know in our heads that radiation is a bad thing in most situations, and it is awful that we have to expose ourselves to it. 

I find myself kind of holding my breath too, or rather searching for a relaxed, normal breathing and having trouble finding it!  I feel a dread of the buzzing sound that means the beams are hitting...and does anyone else notice the faintest smell?  like a change in the feel/smell of the air? 

Are y'all experiencing change of appetite?

dsgirl

Hi Tracyanne, Yes I notice the smell in the room changing, figured it was body hair/fuzz  frying, lol, and my appetite is like a yoyo, like I cant stand the thought of food or fixing anything to eat, then I am soooooo hungry I could eat a bear, nausea waves come and go, of course it could be emotions about this whole breast cancer journey, not the radiation causing these "symptoms".

dsgirl

elimar86861

The nausea, change of appetite, reflux, are all caused by "nerves" because we are hysterical little females.  Just couldn't be the radiation, oh no.

shadow38

Hi October Girls !!

Well, I started Rads on October 1st.  My final day is November 12th.  On the good side, I'm in and out of the Rads center in 20 minutes.  They're waiting for me when I arrive (at 10:30 AM) and take me right in.  They're incredibly efficient and the 3 techs who do the treatment everyday are super sweet.  I have 2 young women and 1 young man (they can't be older than 26 or 27).  I have to admit, the young guy freaked me out at first, but he did a really great job of making me feel comfortable. 

On the down side, I started feeling very tired after 8 treatments.  Not the usual tired, but more like a lessened version of the fatigue you experience with Chemo (had 3 months of TCH - finished 7/22).  I'm also experiencing nipple tenderness and those pains in the breast so many are describing.  Hate to say this, but reading that others are having these pains actually encouraged me (sorry about that!!). 

My skin is looking fine so far, but I have to admit that the fatigue is upsetting me.  After feeling like crap for months, I was finally starting to feel more like me when I started Rads.  I hadn't counted on the fatigue hitting this quickly.  I also didn't count on the pain in my breast and the nipple discomfort.  No one warned me about that and to be honest, it scared the bejesus out of me. 

For some odd reason, I felt stronger emotionally during Chemo and my surgeries than I do now.  I don't know what it is.  Maybe after 7 months of doing this whole cancer thing, I'm just emotionally drained or maybe the reality and the "new normal" is actually hitting me.  Who knows.  All I know is I'm jumpier than I was and I have less patience for those around me.  I guess frustration would be the best description of how I'm feeling.  Like I just want this to be OVER so I can deal with the future.  Anyone else experiencing that ? 

Also, I'm using Eucerin Calming Cream on the entire area from my collarbone down to about 3 inches below my breast and from between the girls where my tattoo is to around to my back where my other tattoo is located.  I'm using a generous amount twice a day.....right after treatment and before I go to bed.  I'm also using Eucerin Oil bodywash and their itch cream (which I haven't needed yet).  It's working very well !!  I have the softest right boob on the planet and so far, my skin is not breaking down !!  LOL!!  I also have Aquafor in case I need it.  The Eucerin Calming Cream is not as greasy as the Aquafor and doesn't stain my clothing or my bra.  I also try to go without my bra (which is a regular non-underwire) as much as I can.  I think I'll pickup some Pure Aloe Gel as well.  Can't hurt !! 

My best wishes to all the brave October Gals.  Lotsa love and hang in there !!   

MTG

Tracyanne - Yep. Ate everything in sight at the beginning. Now dealing with a low level queasiness. But hey, I'm hoping this just balances out things and I lose the weight I gained in the first 3 weeks.

LittleRed

9 treatments so far.  I'm not getting nausea, but have some breast pain, and anxiety and depression are creeping back up again.  What's that about?  I returned to work (3 days) PT and I'm exhausted by the time I leave for rads in the early afternoon.  I know the return to work - which I wanted - is stressful.  The commute is stressful.  The new treatment process is stressful.  Started the Tamoxafen.  Hot flashes keep me up all night and bug me all day.  The treatment may be "going OK", bit I feel like I'm slipping backwards emotionally and I'm so tired...yikes! 

PauldingMom

Way to go Elimar!  Glad to know you made it. 

They warned me about being tired from the rads. but good gracious, Sat. I slept for 12 hours. Not like me at all. I figured that Sunday I would have been all caught up on my sleep and once again slept 12 hours. I also am having a reaction that I think is from the rads.My skin on my chest, neck and face gets little raised hives and itches like crazy. Now I'm only wondering, why my neck and face. There isn't suppose to be any radiation reaching that area. See my Onc. today and will find out. 

Quick story-don't know what to think. There is a lady that has an appointment right before me. She appears to be going through Chemo. at the same time as Rads. She always puts down a plastic bag when she sits down, wears a mask, and gloves at all time. Has a turban or hat and scarf and is completely covered from head to toe except her eyes. First thing I thought is do people really do Chemo and Rads. at the same time?   Then on Friday, I was walking out of the dressing room when she was walking in. I said something like, "see ya Monday!" and she said,'Not if this rash doesn't get better." then she opened her gown and showed me the reddest rash I have ever seen on her chest. (Masectomy) I almost fell over. First, the rash was scary and second I wasn't prepared to be flashed by a breastless woman! My appointment time has changed so I am hoping I don't have to be around her again as she makes me very uncomfortable.  

concernedsis

Pap ask your doc about Vitamin E - sis hasnt started yet but the doc said absolutely no antioxidants! They recommend aquaphor from eucerin - said 100% aloe vera would be ok. Dove soap. Interestedly doc recommended no Tamoxifen during rads - said it might worsen possible side effects - onco said no way start it  month after surgery as planned.

brookside

Hi

I too have started to get a tiny little rash on the upper medial portion of my radiation area.  It started Saturday and I thought I must have had a little mosquito bit but then i checked it out and it's about a quarter sized area.  i moisturize religiously and that actually burns (miaderm) so I am almost curious if that isn't the cause.  I really appreciate MTG's suggestion regarding vinegar/water to sooth the area...I'll try that, sounds old fashioned and those generally work great.  i cannot find aloe vera...I looked at Walgreens and they have stuff with other ingredients so I will not use that but keep my search. Where did you all find pure aloe vera? I have completed 9/23 visits so far and so i am one third done.  Yippee!  lucky elimar,  done!  Kudos to her.   I also figured out that this thing isn't going to get me down and since it is supposed to help me live, I went out and bought some clothes over the weekend and that made me feel so much better.  I'll pay those people monthly but I will not sacrifice my life to pay them off expeditiously.  I'm going to live and express my life joyously and I'll pay what I can monthly for my bill medical bills.  Nuff said!  Have a GREAT COLUMBUS DAY!  No mail so no bills today!  Double yippee!   

Alaina

I'm going in this afternoon for my verification.  I had simulation last week and got my AquaCradle made and got my tattoos (ouchie!)

Hopefully rads will start tomorrow for me!  5.5 weeks (25 sessions + 3 boosters).

Will be back later this evening!

Alaina

MTG

Brookside - Check your local health food store for Aloe Vera. Mine had only 99% pure not 100% but my rad nurse okayed it.

All -  My skin is still really good even after 18 treatments, a little triangle of slight redness but no noticable itchy bumps yet, knock wood. However, I have noticed that when I apply Aquaphor, Coritizone 10 Ointment or even Olive Oil (an experiment),  itchy red bumps appear almost immediately and even if I wash off the area, take a good 12 hours to settle back down. On the other hand, non oily creams/gels like Miaderm, Calendula and Aloe do not cause this reaction. I was especially shocked at the reaction cortizone since that's supposed to helps get rid of itchy rashes not cause it. Has anyone else noticed this connection ?

debnyc

Had my simulation today and am so disappointed. I don't start until November l0th. Uuuuggghh. I just want to be done already.

dsgirl

debnyc- sorry you have to wait to start your radiation treatment, I always thought the waiting is the worst, to start a treatment, for results of tests, or just plain sitting in a waiting room.

Are you able to go at any given time ?  or do you work and have to schedule accordingly ?

After my simulation.  I took the time they had open, and I mentioned a little earlier would be great when they had an opening (poeple keep graduating from these centers Yeah for them) and 3 days later I had the time I preferred and still keep.

For anyone that asked about 100% pure aloe vera gel. The small bottle I was given at my treatment center was Fruit of the Earth Aloe Vera 100% gel. Later I was at walmart and bought a big bottle of the same stuff, it was under $5.00. So far this is all that I am allowed to use by my doc, and so far so good, no skin issues yet, just had # 16 today.

dsgirl

MTG

DebNyc - That's almost a month away !!! Why in the world are they waiting so long ? Unless it's a really good reason (and I mean -a reason tied to YOUR health not a busy radiation schedule), try calling and telling them you've thought about it and you're uncomfortable waiting so long and really want it moved up so they NEED to squeeze you in, even if the time will change down the road. Perhaps first check with your med onc to see if he/ she will lend support. We're New Yorkers; if we dont express ourselves, they think we dont care !

debnyc

Honestly, I don't know why it's such a long wait. They made me watch a video when I first got there that said that treatments would start 3-4 weeks after the simulation. I just thought it was normal? I'll call tomorrow and see if they can start me sooner. I'm starting to worry about not starting tamoxifen yet. By the time I'm done with treatment, it will be December. My onc gave me the choice to start now or wait till rads was done. I was going to wait, but now I'm rethinking that decision. Is anyone doing them concurrently?

Deb

brookside

debnyc - I had my lumpectomy in July and then i didn't do a sims until August 30 and it took them until September 28 before they started radiation.  I also had to call my other doctor to get them to even start it then.  I was told that my radiation was just for prevention and that there were more pressing radiations there were ahead of me.  I don't mind that but I just wanted it over and done with.  From your dx, perhaps yours is also more of a preventative type and therefore they see no rush.  that said, start pushing them and have another Md involved in your care to also call and push.  good luck.  You just want it done so you can just get this behind you. Take care kiddo.

elimar86861

brookside, I used the Fruit of the Earth 100% Aloe from Walmart too.  As you know, I never blistered.  I did have a couple tiny, itchy bumps so I know of that side effect; but I had so few that I didn't even bother with the hydrocortisone cream.  I am planning to use the aloe for the next two weeks (post rads) then may go tp something like Eucerin, which I just like a lot as a dry skin cream  and it does not feel greasy..

Sunris

Ok, so I now look like a human coloring book...MDAnderson doesn't do tattoos, they use paint markers? .....  

 Tomorrow will be "dry run" , then Wednesday will be first "official" ZAP......

 I don't want to do rads, but am scared NOT TO.......

Does anyone feel that a lesser amt of time could also be as effective ? 

tracyanne

Deb, my oncologist wants me to start Tamoxifen after rads because it is an effective drug...can put any lingering cancer cells in a sort of sleeper mode and we don't want that...want to keep 'em alive and kicking so the radiation can "see" them and kill them.  That's her take on it--I know some other oncologists feel it doesn't make a difference.

PauldingMom, your discomfort at the woman's sudden exposure is understandable.  Maybe she has had to show her chest to so many practitioners and techs she is just completely comfortable with it but that's no reason to assume everyone else is comfortable seeing it, bc survivor or not.  I've been careful not to look up too many photos on the web--just don't want to risk seeing the not-so-good outcomes.  As much as I think she was out of line, stilll my heart goes out to her--to anyone who has to endure such complications in an already difficult situation like cancer.

Brookside, I'm so happy to hear that upbeat tone in your voice about the medical bills!  I've thought about you off and on, and I don't know you, but I felt worried for you and how you would cope with recovery under such financial distress.  Good to hear you sounding better. 

Rozzy

Had Rad #16 today.  Noticed an itchy rash under my arm side of breast this weekend.  Was told by the Rad tech to use 1% hydrocortizone with the creams I'm currently using to moisturize.

vikinyc

Had my last radiation treatment today - 35 total - 25 regular and 10 boosts.

Yay!

 I'm doing the happy dance as I type this.

sakura73

Had number 14 today - so tomorrrow will be half way! Am very faintly pink but you can only tell by comparing with the other boob - on its own it looks fine. I'm using Vitamin  E cream only so far.

dsgirl

vikinyc- congratulations on finishing rads, how is your skin holding up ?

Good I hope - like elimar for example. .

Sakura73, did you start the accupuncture yet ?  That is something I have never tried, looks pianful, although I have been told it's not. Watched as my siter had it done once.

dsgirl

PauldingMom

MTG and all. I to noticed that the Aloe works best. Mine is 99% pure. Couldn't find the 100%. The Rad. doc gave me Aquaphor and another company recommended Udderly Smooth. They are both oily and when I use them I notice that my skin turns red and itchy. Not so with the Aloe. 

liztaylor1

VIKINYC: Ringing the "happy" bell for you!

Congratulations....

Couldn't find the 100% aloe at Walgreen's.  My doctor gave me something called mometasome. 

#10 today - 25 more to go!

Liz