January 2011 Rads

Victoria67

Thanks for the advice re massage Jo, what you say makes sense about not irritating the skin.  I had finally been able to touch the scar and massage it (took me quite a while to be able to do it without a couple of layers of clothes in between!) but I don't want to aggravate the skin through rads so I'll leave it alone.

Rachel my time is 12.20 this week, then 11 am from next week onwards until I finish. I hope you are able to get a time that suits.

SherryC sorry to hear about the fatigue knocking you over and the raw, irritated skin, I hope the powder and aquaphor works for you.

localgirl

Hi everyone-

Just figured out that I should migrate here since we're in January.  Jumping over from the December board.  I just had #11 of 30 today so I'm about 1/3 of the way through.  Starting to get pink although my RO said it was nothing that made him worried just yet and that next week will be the time to see how big my SEs may be.  

Have been yawning all day, guess that's the fatigue starting.

Also, my acupuncture guy said my skin was changing in texture (while looking at my legs mind you) so he gave me some herbs to help with the free radicals.  I should check though since you all were talking about antioxidents not being good during treatment - hopefully these are ok to take at the same time, I'm glad I saw that post!

Have a great day!

raincitygirl

localgirl - my understanding is we dont want any extra antioxidants right now because we don't want the protection that is offered while trying to kill any potentially bad cells.....

I did #10 today, still just fatigue and slightly tender nipple.  I have a total of 35 though, 9 of them are boosts, so not quite 1/3 through.

Off to a nap

Victoria67

Hi localgirl, I'd probably check with your RO about the herbs as my RO was pretty adamant about not taking any antioxidants. She said that IF antioxidant supplements work then they may help protect the cancer cells from the radiation.  My thinking was that if there was any chance I may be protecting the cancer cells, then I didn't want to risk it. However, I'm learning from these boards that our ROs can have quite different opinions on many things and that they don't know all the answers.

I'm keen to start acupuncture too as I've had good results with it in the past.

Good luck with the fatigure and pinkness, I hope it stays manageable.

suzieq60

Well, my planning sesion is finally here. Don't want to go, but I guess I've just got to do it. I'll let you know how it goes. My biggest concern is getting parking as it's at a big hospital and the parking is expensive. Last time I managed to get a spot in the street. Luckily that's not where I go for treatments so it will be the last time I have to pay for the parking.

Hope the other planning sessions went well.

Sue

jw523

Rachel - I go at 8:30 am and have since starting in Nov. Hope you get a time that works for you. I think it helps sticking to a routine. But they have been flexible if I had to change or get a scan, etc. I go to a small local hospital which may not be as busy.

Hope everyone who is starting this week is doing well.  It's an adjustment at the beginning trying to find what works and what doesn't.  Give yourself lots of compassion this week.

Omaz

Setup - I had my tattoos and setup today. I really like my rad onc, she made me feel good about things. I told her I was worried about the machines messing up and she said they check them all the time and that they use little dosimeter stickers to make sure you get the right dose, I was happy about that. Scheduled for 6 weeks, 25+5. Have my simulation Friday and start Monday. I am glad to get started with the rads finally! Everyone in the office was very nice.

jo1955

mjbmiller - My med onc is with Texas Oncology in the Rio Grande Valley. Such a wonderful place and wonderful people.  Can't say enough good things about them.

Well wishes to all you ladies in rads and just getting started. 

GuyGirl

I had #24 today and am really pink and tender, tomorrow will be the last one before they start the 8 boosts.  I can't wait for this to all be over with.  This is the first day that I have been sore I guess the area can only take so much. 

lrr4993

Hi all. Did my first treatment today.  No problem, as expected.  I am set for 8:15 every morning now . . . just pop in on my way to work.  The appt took about a half hour but they assured me it will be much shorter from now on.

Despite instructions otherwise from my doc, I ordered miaderm.  Not here yet but has been shipped.  Just aloe for now.  

Omaz

lrr - My rad onc said to use miaderm as number 1 and only if that failed to talk to them about something else.  She also said to pat it on, don't rub it on.  I didn't think of that.

lrr4993

Patting it on makes sense.  I will be sure to do so.  thanks

suzieq60

Well, the planning is done. I only needed one new tatoo as they have the ones from last time. The stupid rad onc was drawing on the wrong scar for the boosts so I had to correct him. Then he mentioned DCIS and I had to point out it was IDC as well - good grief. Lucky I won't have him for treatment - my rad onc is on holiday at the moment.

I got a parking space in the street and was early for the appt but they took me in straight away which was good. The only bad thing is I don't have the first tx until the 17th!!!! Crap - I just want to get it over with.

Sue

susantm

As for times, I was given my entire schedule at the appointment between the sim and the start of treatments. I had asked for something between 9 and 10, but said I could do earlier. My first weeks I varied between 8 and 9, but for the last 2-3 weeks, it is 8:48. It does help to have the whole schedule ahead of time.

I finished the regular whole breast rads today, and now have 7 boosts to do. So far I feel very fortunate. My breast is pink all over, reddish in places, and starting to turn to tan in the red areas. However, I have had no fatigue so far and only occasional minor discomfort. I did switch this week to wearing the camisole I got before surgery in case of drains. (I didn't have any.) It is more comfortable, being looser than the bra. Also it offers another layer to keep my midsection warm in cold weather--a little side benefit.

I am getting where I can see the light at the end of the tunnel, and it's NOT a freight train--might be the tammy train, however. (Tamoxifen; from another thread, for the uninitiated...)

Omaz

suepen - Bummer about starting the 17th!  And, geez where did that rad onc get his training, that behavior wouldn't make me feel very safe, glad he isn't your real onc!

suzieq60

I guess most people wouldn't have 2 scars on the breast. One is from the 2 suspicious spots they cut out which were ADH. It was a more obvious scar than the cancer scar. Sill, my rad onc said she would give him explicit instructions. It's only a week and a bit to wait, but I'm bored. Maybe I should go back to work for a while. I'm on an income protection claim, so it is easier to stay off work. I'll just have to not feel guilty about not being there. I did want to stay off work for the duration because of the applying of creams all day. You'd be running to the bathroom and getting undressed all the time and it's difficult to get set appt times as this place is really busy and the opposite direction from the CBD where I work.

oakley

Suepen - that is so scary that YOU had to point out the correct scar!  Well, at least it's all settled now.  Happy for you that the simulation is over, and although you have to wait until the 17th it will be here before you know it.  It's summer in Australia now isn't it?  Great time to not be working!  Take a nice rest and don't feel guilty.  

Anyone feel extra thirsty?  I can't seem to quench my thirst and it's only been 2 treatments.  I know it's probably unrelated. 

redninrah

Hi- I had my 2nd radiation today. I was scared in the 1st one. but second one was better. boy was it cold in that room!!!! has anyone had any side effects so far

toomuch

I had to catch up on a lot of posts today!

Sherryc - I met with my RO and she told me that I should expect some chafing on the side of my trunk from the axilla down because she added a treatment strip there. She told me that at the first sign of pain or chafing I should start to wear a tight underarmour short or long sleeve shirt, not a camisole, under my clothing. She said that this prevents rubbing and helps with skin breakdown between the arm and the chest. You may want to give it a try.

 Barbcard2 - I will PM you about meeting for coffee/tea or lunch one day next week.

 I have the same appointment time each day but this week the center has been short staffed and they've been running late every day. They've promised that next week will be better!

I have to do MLD for my lymphedema and I asked my RO if I could continue it across my breast during radiation and she said that I can continue it unless I have skin breakdown. I've only had 9 treatments and I can already feel the tissue in my breast becoming more firm. I'm surprised that it's happening so early.

I hope that everyone continues to have a good week!

walker2222

Well 3 down and 27 more to go.  Is anyone else getting what is called a Bolus treatment? I will try to explain.  Every other treatment my RO wants this done, they put a heavy shield over my affected area.  The machine treats it as it would your top layer of skin so it would just radiate the area just under your skin.  The reasoning is to get a localized area at least that is how I understand it.  I have been pleased so far the treatments and staff.  I did ask about taking multivitamins and the nurse said those were fine.

I asked the tech about my fatigue yesterday and she said it was to early for radiation fatigue so I guess it was coming off the holiday season rush and other issues that caught up with me.  She said most of the time if you are already an active person, you don't get tired.  I am not overly active.  She said it would show up after around two weeks, skin changes around three weeks.  Using my aloe everyday after treatments.  I have a prostheses for my right side that I have stopped wearing as it rubs the skin going to look uneven for a while.

Just hope the weather doesn't turn bad next week here in TX because nobody knows how to drive in bad weather down here.

Eloise

I had my setup, CT, and tats today -- all went well, I was blessed with rather cute young men as CT techs! -- and met with the nurse who advises on skin care and such. She recommends Cetaphil cream 4x a day and not within 2 hours of treatment, plus Zeasorb powder for any rashes as needed.  

She also sent me off to the fabric store to buy two yards of "ultra-cuddly" white fleece, which she recommends cutting into large strips and wearing next to the skin on the radiated side to prevent the bra, camisole, or other clothing from irritating.  Since the fabric store is one of my weaknesses, it amused me to be sent there under medical orders!

I have a tentative start time of next Wednesday, but it may be pushed back a week because I've opted to have my tissue tested for HER2 status (usually not done for DCIS) so that I can participate in a clinical trial if I'm HER2+.  I'm not sure I'm going to go ahead with it if I get chosen for the Herceptin cohort, but I'd like to advance the science if I can.

suzieq60

oakley - yes it's Summer, but you wouldn't know it - rain, rain and more rain. Big floods here in Queensland. We had a couple of hot humid days and now it's raining again - I love it!!!

I worked out I should finish rads on the 28th Feb, allowing for one public holiday. Last time, there were holidays all over the place so it took longer. I had a month rest before I started back at work part time. We'll see how it goes this time. I didn't find the rads affected me much as I'd just done chemo, but this time the tiredness might kick in and I might really need the rest.

Omaz

suepen - We live in the desert and love every cloudy and rainy day!

suzieq60

I like it because then I don't have to water the garden, just have to keep draining excess out of the pool

FireKracker

did tx #12 today.still feelin good.

someone wrote how cold it is in the room.wear gloves.it works.

i also wear a tee shirt then a soft bra on top of the shirt.feels soooo good.

good luck everyone...

Gingerbrew

I had planning session today, easy time. Cat scan, then tattoos. The tats didn't hurt, just two little sticks.

I have 26 rads and 9 boosts. 7 weeks worth.  I begin on January 17th.

I was so surprised to discover I have a breast infection. I am on Keflex now. 

Victoria67

So far so good.  Had a different tech today, who talked to me the whole time and made me feel at ease, which made a change from the two techs the previous day where it felt as if we had all taken a vow of silence. Eloise, lucky you being blessed with cute techs.

Suepen, thank goodness you were on the ball and were able to correct the rad onc, I hope you tell your usual rad onc about it. Sorry to hear you have to wait until the 17^th.  Now I've started I just want this over as soon as possible too!

Redninrah, no side effects yet for me. I've had a little bit of extra stiffness/soreness on my trunk up near the armpit but possibly it would have happened without rads as I've stopped massaging the whole area.

Mjbmiller, I haven't been overly active either so I'm worried about fatigue but I'm trying to make myself go for a walk each day. I'm not having the bolus treatment as far as I know.

Grannydukes, glad you've got to treatment #12 and you're feeling good.

Hope the rest of the week goes well for everyone.

suzieq60

Ginger : We start on the same day!!!! Seems like a long time to wait but it really isn't. It's interesting you have so many treatments, most of us have 30, but I know I'll  be having a few less this time.

Victoria: Don't worry, I'll tell her. I wasn't at all pleased. I just washed off all of the felt pen markings - god they make a mess.

Sue

raincitygirl

I have the same number of treatmens as Ginger.....

redninrah

quick question everyone, I was told not to wear any tight bra's during treatment. All my bra's are snug around the chest because, they need to be to hold the prosthesis - its heavy. I am working through out so i cant be bra-less, any suggestions any one? I just dont want to be irritating my skin.