January 2011 Rads

suzieq60

cmf: I was having herceptin all through radiation. I started rads a month after finishing chemo but was still on the 3 weekly herceptin at the time - no problems with doing that.

As for creams - I didn't apply any before starting radiation, but straight after each treatment I applied the aloe vera and then later the Vit E. This is what I was told to do by the radiation oncologist and I did not burn at all - no blisters just slight darkening of the skin. I was given a sheet showing the brands of stuff to use - you must avoid anything with alcohol/oils in them and don't apply anything before you go on the day. It seems really strange for them to say wait until you go red.

Sue

Omaz

Sue - I am glad we have your experience!

suzieq60

My pleasure - not that I want to be doing this all again so soon.

cmf

Yes, it was positive Omaz.

cmf

SUEPEN, is the vitamin E a cream?

cmf

Omaz,

  I really think the rad techs know what they are doing, don't worry about them giving you too much.  I think the RAD ONC tells them what to give and how much.  They aren't permitted to administer it unless a doc is in the building.

colleen

cmf

Oakley,

  I wasn't told not to use deodorant.  I'll have to ask about that.

colleen

rachel5738

Just shows how we all get different information--when I went for my simulation last week--the Tech said to start putting the cream on now and it may help for rads. I am following their advice as I am a little worried about my skin as I am pretty fair skinned. They said to make sure that no cream application at least 2 hours before rads. I am to start now on Jan 10th as my RO did not sign off on treatment plan before he left on vacation!

1Christy

Looks like I am a member of this group. I will be starting Rads in January,  Will be having my simulation tomorrow.  I just finished the Chemo thing 6x/TCH so  will continue with herceptin during rads. Thanks for your information, I don't feel so alone.
Christy

Omaz

Hi Christy!  Congratulations on finishing chemo!  Hope the sim goes smoothly tomorrow.

suzieq60

The Vit E was cream "Essentials" by Faulding - not sure if you have the same over there. They also said Aqueous cream, QV Skin Lotion and Aloe Vera gel 97%,

Crystal Stick is the deo you can use - got it at a health food shop.

FireKracker

41 people joined already.that suks.

i guess there is a safety in numbers

good luck everyone.drink a lot of water while doin the rads...and bring gloves the room is freezing. 

suzieq60

Granny - there are not 41 people - just 41 posts

cmf

Omaz, I don't remember what the surgeon said about whether or not is was HER2+.  She did say that the amount of estrogen could be controlled with tamoxifen. Does that make it HER2+

Colleen

Omaz

cmf - I asked about the HER2 because in your first post I think you mentioned herceptin and rads.  Herceptin is usually only given if someone is HER2+.  Yes, tamoxifen goes with the estrogen positivity as far as I know.

michcon

Hi Omaz! We're on the same path, chemo and now rads.

Anyone know about Miaderm? I read about it on these posts and purchased 2 tubes. My doc and nurses telling me not to apply anything until I have a problem just seems wrong. What could it hurt to use cream now? I am aware not to put anything on 4 hours before treatment. 

allalone

Mind if I pop in here to ask some general questions?

suepen : you wrote that it's standard to start rads 4 wks after surgery. That makes sense and I also heard that 6 wks is the maximum timeframe in which rads will offer protection.

My question relates to grannydukes who wrote in another forum that she was dragging her heels on having rads and finally decided to go ahead several months (I think) after surgery.

So, what exactly is the situation in relation to the timeframe for rads?

I've read quite a few posts on BCO where recurrences occur shortly after having rads (even during them!) and I was wondering whether this relates more to the type of cancer one has (aggressive or not) or the timeframe after surgery when you commenced rads.

I'm following this thread closely for future reference, as I am sure many lurkers are and I really appreciate all the tips shared.

Hugs to all.

(Edited to add that my question relates to people who are not coming straight from chemo (who have that protection already) but people who are scheduled for surgery and rads only).

GrandmaBubba

allalone - My RO told me that the optimal time is within 6 weeks of surgery. She didn't say it wouldn't work after that.

suzieq60

My surgeon said 4 weeks after this surgery. Last time I waited 4 weeks after chemo. I never asked them the optimum time frame to do it. My baby onc (registrar) said that they wait 4 weeks after each treatment to start the next eg I started Arimidex 4 weeks after I finished rads. He said it was to give your body time to recover.

Sue

jo1955

Hi Everybody!  Just found this today.  I have been pretty active on both the Nov & Dec Rads threads. Finished rads on Dec 3.  Would like to jump over here and offer my support for those of you that are still in rads or getting ready to start.  I see some names from the other threads. Willing to offer any advice or try and answer any questions.

Hey! cmf, grannydukes & rachael5738

jo1955

Won't be on here tomorrow night - Wishing everyone a Very Happy New Year

 

Eloise

Hello all, is there room for one more?  Looks like I will be starting rads sometime in mid-January, I have my planning session next Wednesday 1/5.  I had a lumpectomy for DCIS on November 17, and when the path report came back my surgeon told me it looked so good he didn't think I'd need any further treatment...but he sent me for a consult with the oncology department as a matter of routine.  I saw the medical oncologist a week later but didn't get to see the radiation oncologist until the day before Christmas Eve, and was somewhat surprised when he recommended 25 sessions of rads. I've decided to go ahead with radiation but declined the offer of tamoxifen.  It may be overtreating for a very small cancer, but I think I'll have more peace of mind with it.  Very glad to have all the shared information and experience here!  I might also be participating in a clinical trial for herceptin for DCIS, if it turns out that my cancer was HER2+. 

jo1955

Eloise - There is always room for one more.  Welcome!  Ask all the questions you want, laugh, cry, vent do whatever you want here.  The entire BCO website is full of support and good information.

suzieq60

Welcome girls - Eloise, I have my planning on the 6th probably start a week or so later.

Sue

allalone

Thank you so much Tonia, Sue and Eloise for clearing up my question. All the very best for the New Year.

jw523

Hi Ladies - I'm in the Nov Rads group but thought I might join you all too as I'm not going to be finished until about Jan 15th.

Just wanted to offer some things that I thought might help.

Get some disposable rubber gloves - in the first aid section at Rite Aid or CVS.  I wish I had gotten them sooner.  The creams and Aquaphor are hard to wash off and the gloves are a life saver.

I also would recommend Men's white undershirt t's in a larger size than you wear.  The creams and Aquaphor are greasy and I didn't want to get them on my cloths or bedding.  I got a couple of the 3 packs.  V-necks worked best for me - I actually ended up cutting them a little further down the front and then could open them if they were irritating and could put them on first and open them to apply the creams, etc.

I also found a bra extender to be the most helpful thing.  I really tried to wear my underwire bra at first but after awhile I found a non-underwire that worked but the extender made a huge difference.

As far as Docs saying no creams at the beginning I really think that they know how to treat things once they occur rather than prevent them from occuring. I asked about a few things I heard of on this board and that's the way it seemed to me.  They can't really prevent SE only treat them once they happen.  I think the creams and aloe, etc. just feel good when you put them on.  It feels good to slather cool creamy things just like when you have a sunburn.  I even try to show some love to my non-rads side.

If I think of anything else I will try to add but these few things would have helped me at the beginning.

Good luck and Happy New Year!

Hi jo1955!

Omaz

jw - Thanks for the tips.  Did you start the creams and things right at the beginning?

jw523

Omaz - yes I started right away with Calendula cream (from whole foods) and 100% aloe and aquaphor at night. I put some on before I got dressed after tx and then used a cornstarch powder which helped with the rubbing. :>)

jo1955

jw523 -

 

jo1955

Just a suggestion for those who are getting ready to start rads, I would use creams, etc from the beginning to get a head start on the skin.  Once you begin to have skin reactions, it is a little harder to stay on top of it.  

I wish I had. My skin burned and had an itchy rash - ended up having to take a break.  Don't want to hear of others going through the same thing.