October 2010 rads

JFV

Hi  Just back from my first rads.  I started asking questions about the machinery and here is some info I got.  I get blasted from 7 different angles.  Four of those angles use IMRT.  Don't know what that stands for.  But they slide on custom made brass "forms" over the machine.  These forms looked like a section of my boob at various angles.  The tech told me everyone's is different depending on what they are going for.  If the machine was newer the "forms" would be in the machine and I would not see them.  They also laid a "bolus" over me which basically looked like heavy Saran Wrap with air in it.  She called it a compensator.   I didn't quite get the purpose.  The last three blasts had a "blocker" whick looked like a rectangle of silver metal.  That was used in my superlcavular area.  The entire event took an hour door to door for me.  Tomorrow may be longer as today is a no school day and I travel past a few schools on my short drive.  Hope this helps.

BetsyP

Hey chickie's

  I went on Thursday for my dry run and it went fine. I start my rads on the 19th and go for 33 treatments. My tech was great, he kinda reminded me of Clay Aiken. The worst part was holding my arm up that long. The whole appointment only lasted an hour and that was including meeting with the rad onco. I am still having lot's of bone pain and actually having trouble getting out of bed, getting in and out of the car and walking in general. I have had brohncitus(sic) for two weeks now and am finishing up my second antibiotic and still not better so i am going to call my onco tommorow

hmh23

JFV;  We are on the exact same schedule with the exact same stage 111A of the exact same cancer, ILC.  I had my first blast today as well.  I however am only getting the radiation from 4 angles.  It was relatively easy for me except that my head hurts on the side where I have to turn my neck to avoid radiating my thyroid area.  That's about it.  Going to start lathering on the Aloe Vera gel. 

Wishing fellow Canadians a Happy Thanksgiving (turkey in oven as I type) although I must confess that we've lived in the States for 26 years so I pretty much only celebrate the US Thanksgiving. 

 Have a great day!

Heather

AICa

JFV, thanks for the information. It's like pulling teeth to get info from my techs, although they are always pleasant.

I did get some new information from my Rad Onc. He informed me on my last visit that I have fair skin and blue eyes. I said, "I don't have blue eyes; I have green eyes!" He said, "Let me see." I looked into his eyes, and he said, "You're right!" LOL

chiefswife

Hi everybody!!! I went this morning for my first rads treatments, I was somewhat nervous because I didn't know what to expect. It went okay and as usual I worked myself up over nothing. I was there for about 20 minutes all together, they hade to take some xrays from different positions while I laid there on the table then I got zapped. I was reliefed when they said I was "all finished". I never felt anything. They told me to not wear deodorant and to not use any creams until the doctor looks me over and sees if I even need them. I was told I'll see him only once a week. I do alot of praying and I pray for each one of us to get through this and never see cancer again. Okay until tomorrow...............hmh23, I love your sig line, it is so reassurring that YES I am healthy!!!

QCA

Had rad #5 today, so 25 to go!  It's not too early to start counting down, is it?  LOL.  I've already had some skin issues and have been using the aquaphor samples I got.  That stuff is a greasy mess and I already hate it,  so just use it at night and use lubriderm during the day, and aloe.  Did buy an  underwire-less bra over the weekend but I just wore one of the surgical bras from my lumpectomy today and it's a lot better comfort-wise. This too, I keep telling myself, shall pass!!  It will, won't it?

Kathy

DesignerMom

mamaof3bugs-Wow!  I don't like the sound of your breast being infected and twice its normal size.  I have read a lot of rads posts and I DON'T think it is common, no matter what your techs say.  Perhaps you should consult with your breast surgeon? 

Okay, I hope I am not bringing up yet another thing that freaks us out.  On Dr. Oz last week he brought up the fact that thyroid cancer is the fastest growing cancer in women.  Women who have radiation therapy, numerous dental x-rays and other x-rays (BOY have I had them since DX) are at much higher risk.  He suggested always wearing a thyroid guard (like a lead collar thing), even during mammos.  I am going to ask if I can wear a thyroid guard during rads. They need to radiate my breast, not my thyroid.   Apparently there is "scatter" radiation which can cause thyroid cancer.

Rose6

6 down and 6 more weeks to go , I have some really nice rad techs and its pretty much in and out.....they are doing left breast and taught me how to breathe so it doesnt hit heart or lungs. I read that you dont get tired till 3 weeks in or so, but I already am! Hmmmm. and I have pinkness and a lot of soreness....I guerss its to be expected. I am really glad to get a time of day so I can go back to subbing but just dont feel ready to. I came from the just diagnosed board, hope some of yall are on here...have a good week

CELinVA

Please add CELinVA

fayebu

Hi Everyone

I am on day 6 . I am doing it first thing in the morning before work. I am not so sure how smart that is  but so far so good.  I am using exclair cream   and have not noticed any redness. However my breast is definitely sore, especially by the nipple and the incision.  I  get my blood checked for anemia  once a week. 

pomegranate

Hi Ladies,

My baby sister did have the pellet catheter type radiation. And only for 1 week (I was incorrect in saying 2 weeks). She did great, and is a little tired. The radiation pellet is put in the catheter in her breast (at the removal site of the cancer) for 10 minutes and then removed. Evidently El Camino Hospital has been using this procedure for 10 years (and also the standard type), depending on the path report. The catheter/pellet type is used a week after surgery--no waiting for the breast to heal.



The radiation therapists recommended Miaderm (over the counter purchase) for any skin problems. A bit pricey--$36. for one tube. However, the Cancer Center was having a sale--so she received 2 for the price of 1.



My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

Take care,

pomegranate

bubbalu

mamaof3bugs:  That's scary as heck about the thyroid cancer from rads.  Good luck with getting a lead collar for rads.  They wouldn't put anything on my neck for the 'out of the area' burn so that I could continue radiation. Let us know.

workmother

Hi all. Add me to the Oct rads list please. Finished chemo 2 weeks ago tomorrow (DD - 4 rounds AC then 4 rounds Taxol). Can't believe I made it!

First off, I ddin't realize they radiate the whole breast. Now I know. My rad onc gave me a choice between 21 tx with 5 boosts OR 16 tx at a higher dose with 5 boosts. Said studies in Canada and UK over last 8 years found both had same outcomes with no difference in SEs. So I picked the shorter amount of time. Also was told there is a 1% chance of lung scarring and a 5% chance of heart damage (which would result in possibly needing a stent in 10 yrs). Don't like either of those stats!

Had my simulation yesterday. They tried me on my stomach first with breast hanging down but that ddin't work due to location of where tumor had been. Too high. My arm was killing me that way anyway. Was much more comfy on my back. Got three tattoos. I can actually see them. Go next week for set up appt and then start on Wed. Thought I'd have a little more time between chemo and rads, Hoping for minimal SEs! Best of luck to all!! -Donna

AICa

I have noticed that the itchy rash on my upper breast calms down overnight then becomes more inflamed as the morning progresses. I've had experience with skin allergies that reacted this way; so I wonder whether this is an allergic reaction and, if so, whether it would respond to allergy pills? Does anyone know?

I told them on my first appointment that I take Claritin for seasonal allergies, and they said it was okay; I'm going to try taking it every morning for a while and see if it helps. 

DiamondGirl

Good evening everyone,

I had my 1st rad today and 32 more to go.  I was also very nervous and I just kept praying.  All I could see is the big round donut to my left side and I heard about 15 ticks, then it went to my right and another 15 ticks.  Both my arms were sooo numb, and even when I got home, my arms felt shaky and weak.  Did you ladies have a similar situation?  I was laying there for 30 mins and hopefully tomorrow will be shorter duration.

I was told not to put any lotion on, can someone verify that with me?  Thanks for exchanging notes.

God Bless!

1marmalade1

I had the same sore, numb experience as you the first time - but from the 2nd one on (I just completed #11) it was better.  The time you are in that position is a lot shorter.  It definitely isn't as scary once you get past the 1st tx.   I find that the past 2 1/2 weeks have FLOWN by - hopefully, you will have the same feeling.

DiamondGirl

Thanks Marm and Recovery.  I am really surprised when the tech said that (not the rad onc). 

I will definitely put some on right now.  Better to be safe than sorry.

gwerfil

I am troubled that Recovery Cream contains methylparabens and propylparabens. I would not use it. I try to avoid anything containing parabens as they are known endocrine disruptors and some studies have linked them to breast cancer. Parabens are absorbed through the skin. Why risk it?

http://thegreenbeautyguide.com/?p=264

http://bcaction.org/index.php?page=paraben-free-cosmetics

http://www.health-report.co.uk/parabens.htm

mamaof3bugs

My rad onc told me not to use any lotion unless I began to peel.  I use Radia Gel 2-3 times a day as prescribed by my doctor.  I was told to drink plenty of water to keep my skin hydrated and if I had to I could use cetaphil (sp?).  They don't want me using any over the counter products unless I clear it with them first.  Before using anything ladies make sure to talk with your doctors so that you don't mess with your rads   I have made it through 11 of 33 treatments...like my optimistic daughter pointed out, I am 1/3 of the way done!!

xoxo, Angi

1marmalade1

BTW - I was told by rad onc's nurse and rad techs to use Glaxal Base lotion or cream, starting with the first treatment, 3 to 4 times a day.  So far, no skin issues at all.   I get Glaxal Base here in Canada at Costco - big jar - I understand that it's also available in the U.S.  Try to get  ahead of any potential skin problems.

quiche

RECOVERY: Your motives are suspicious. If you are in the forum to peddle your goods than this is not the purpose nor the place. And, as gwerfil pointed out, it could even jeopardize treatment. At this time, I will politely ask you to leave before I feel the need to file a report to the system administrator.

mamaof3bugs

Recovery I agree with quiche, every post on this site has been about your "recovery" cream...I will be reporting you.

mamaof3bugs

Reported, all three posts. 

LtotheK

Gwerfil, so very true.  The Biafine cream I'm using is full of parabens.  The problem is, just about every beauty product is, too, and it turns out there are a whole host of new preservatives they thought were okay, and aren't!! 

I was advised to use Aloe.  I know from experience that aloe is incredibly drying, even in its pure state.  I think this weekend, I'll get some aloe, and use it primarily, with Biafine in the evening.  I also feel like six weeks isn't 40 years of using products with parabens.

As for Recovery, I hope most gals flagged this immediately as an ad, thank you so much to folks who reported.  We are very vulnerable now, it is wicked to prey on us in this manner!  Hope you are reading this, Recovery.

JFV

Hi  I was told to use plain old eucerin I can apply it right after treatment and up to four hours before treatment.  I was told to use Tom's of Maine deoderant for the duration.  I have my rads first thing.  So I shower before and bring the lotion and the deo to put on after.  Only problem was today I unknowingly shared a changing room with the next rads patient after me and since I was running late he was knocking on my "door" to get in.  He was very nice.  But that was a little weird!

Also had a male tech today along with a female.  He was very professional and it didn't bother me.  One tech is out for surgery so I have had a different second tech everytime. I even have a young rads student watching me on Tuesday and Thursday.  Maybe I should charge admision for the "show" LOL

chiefswife

I'm home from my 3rd treatment today, so far so good, no problems with skin other than I was depressed yesterday. I'm feeling better today. I was told not to use any creams at all until I am seen by the doctor, I see him once a week. I'll be getting something from him if I need it. JFV Eucerin is something we can buy at Walmart right? Thanks, have a great day ladies.

Kellyelizabethgeorge

Kellyelizabethgeorge(Kelly)

JFV

Chiefswife-  Yes Eucerin is readily available.  I actually don't have a Walmart near me but Walgreens and CVS both carry it.  I use the one version of it that doesn't have vaseline (petroleum) in it.  That is what I think makes the stuff greasy and I don't want to wear something greasy during the day.  It is interesting you mentione depression on your day 2.  I came home on day two in tears also.

Someone else is on the exact same schedule as me an Cheifswife.  I forget your rname.  But, Hello!

chiefswife

Thank you JFV I'll be able to find the Eucerin with no problem. BTW my husband is from Hicksville, and then later moved to Franklin Square, he took me for a visit, I loved it up there..

DiamondGirl

Hi chiefswife and JFV,

I'm just one tx slower than you gals.  I'll be getting my 2nd tx today.  After checking out with other gals, I did apply some Aquafor last night.  The site is giving me some phantom pain, not a lot, just a little jolt now and then, the area is a tiny bit warmer than the un-treated side.  

I read in a thread earlier about how many angles it aims at you.  I think I'm just getting in 2 angles (not sure of the correct terminology).  Left side and then it rotated to my right side, I'm getting tx on my L breast.