January 2011 Rads

Omaz

Red - I was worried about a similar thing, my bra needs to be snug to hold up my breasts which sag quite a bit.  I was wondering how to handle that.

suzieq60

I got some cheap wireless bras and was surprised that they did hold up my DD's very well. They are Playtex brand Style Y126P. I got them in one of our chain stores like Wallmart. It took a while after the last lot of rads to be able to wear bras with wires in them again.

Sue

Omaz

Thanks Sue, I'll go look for those.

jo1955

I had no internet connection last night and I had a lot of catching up to do.  Everyone has been busy. 

mjbmiller - What you are describing as your bolus treatment sounds like the boosts I had at the end of my tX.  I only had 5 of them. I know about the crazy drivers and bad weather in Texas.  We have them down in the Rio Grande Valley as well.

Good luck to anyone starting rads and hope you sail right through.

lrr4993

2 down, 28 to go.  So far, so good.  I would like say that all doctor's offices should be run as efficiently as this.  Yesterday was a bit long because it was the 1st.  Today:  arrived at 8:15; walked out at 8:25.  Amazing.  Plus free valet (which is a big deal in midtown Atlanta).

For those worrying about bras, target has some really comfortable camisoles.  The heavy cotton/lycra kind that are meant to fit tightly - kind of like spanx tops, but not nearly as expensive.  I bought a couple to use for radiation thinking that thay may not be as irritating as an underwire bra.  I love them!  I may never again wear a bra.  I am a small D cup (C now in left boob since lumpectomy) and they have good support, although slightly less than a bra.  Plus they smooth your gut and have no bra lines, for those of us who could lose a few pounds.

susantm

oakley, I have also noticed being thirstier than usual. Which helps, since we're supposed to drink lots of water.

oakley

It's funny - I asked the technicians today (#3) about my excessive thirst, stomach weirdness (grumbling, etc.) and very dry sinus and they said it has NOTHING to do with the rads.  I don't believe them actually.  I just think this must affect everyone differently, don't you?  27 more to go!.  

You're right Susan - drinking water is great, which I normally don't do alot because then I am always having to go to the bathroom!  However, I'm finding that even though I'm drinking a lot I'm holding it well!

Here's to everyone doing well please...

suzieq60

Omaz - you may not have that style over there but I thought it would help to have the code, you never know. They are really soft and great to wear.

Barbcard2

A new wrinkle today, as if I don't already have enough: : rad onc said I should use Domeboro solution on rash below breast, using  a soaked washcloth 2 or 3 times a day for 15 minutes each soak.  Stuff is very expensive, but I've diligently begun this new rad chore.  Anybody heard of it? It's commonly used for poison ivy. Obviously I've not been rolling my poor sick boob in any such leaves--especially since it's the dead of winter here. 

Teklya

Just back from treatment #4.  Feeling okay and no real difference to my fatigue or reactions to my skin as yet.  I am applying aloe vera gel (lightly) when I get home after each treatment.  Then I bathe every evening and apply Glaxal Based cream and re-apply it when I head for bed.  I go for treatments early to mid morning and have nothing on my skin when I go.  I am using Dove body wash for sensitive skin (unscented) and so far, this feels great! 

take good care and just breathe. . .

Teklya

redninrah

I am going to look for a camisole that has an insert in it.............I went to sears today and no luck.

Teklya

They are fabulous!  I wore mine all thru chemo as it was very easy to access my port.  I threw a shirt/blouse/light jacket over top.  I now wear them for rads as the light shelf bra is not tight and I can move the elastic under my breast so it does not irritate or hurt me. 

I found mine at Victoria's Secret, but have also seen them at Mark's Work Warehouse and La Senza as well.

Teklya  

oakley

Victoria's Secret is having a sale - those camis are 3 for $30.  $10 each - not sure if they are less expensive in Target or Walmart.  www.victoriassecret.com.

redninrah

does the one at victoria secret and marks have inserts though for a prosthesis?

dolphin123

I am so glad to have found this thread.  Thank you for starting it.  I have my onco consult on Jan 17 and should start rads shortly thereafter.  My surgery was 12/21.  Is it normal to wait so long to start the rad process? 

Regarding creams and such, I have heard from 2 great sources that lots and lots of aloe vera, the real plant stuff, not the bottle, works wonders 

jo1955

dolphin123 - Welcome to the group.  Sorry you have to be here with us - but it is a wonderful group with lots of information and support.

raincitygirl

dolphin, yes it is typical to wait for full and complete surgical healing so as not to burn the scars. I was told 6 weeks.  As for aloe, Trader Joe's has a 98% pure aloe that is quite soothing.

I did #11 today, so far, so good, just fatigue.

Welcome - we are all here to support each other...

Polyana

Hi all,

Joined in, will start rads Jan too. My planning session is tomorrow. I don't know what to expect and what to ask about..any tips.

Regarding rad sessions I will have 26 sessions. I met the rad onc who said I will need it to make sure no re-occurance happens. Hope it will help, and stop the beast from coming back.....

I am afraid of the rad sessions what do I expect, how is the room I am afraid coz I am clusterphobic.....

please give me all the do and don't and tips that will help me with my fears

walker2222

Redninrah

I have a prosthesis and work too.  I have been wearing sports bras ever since my last reconstruction attempt failed on my tumor side (right) prior to radiation.  I had a bi with reconstruction and the left side has no problems so right now I am lopsided.  I have taken out my prosthesis and put soft padding there to even out the shape and no rubbing.  My prosthesis was only suppose to be temporary but since the last failed attempt permanent as I will also have the left TE removed as we have not finished total recon.  I am done with reconstruction and as you can tell this is a sore subject for me.  Any how onward and upward.  4 down 26 more to go filling AOK.  Love all.

raincitygirl

polyana - don't be afraid, it is really so much easier than I thought.  You will not be claustrophobic, the room is large, the machinery rotates around you in a manner that still feels very open.  Some people get cold, I don't, but for those who do, most places offer warmed blankets.  It is a very very fast appt., usually less than 10 min daily.  My biggest problem is my nose always seems to get itchy when I am not supposed to move.  I have never met such kind people as I have at rads....Grease up, plan to rest but otherwise, it is a piece of cake so far.  I go for #12 of 35 tomorrow.

walker2222

Polyana, sorry forgot to welcome you earler.  I started this week after the first day it will almost seem routine, at least it seemed that way today.

Dear all, The American Cancer Socity has a catalog and web site for mastectomy products, bras, cammi's and such.  It is www.tlcdirect.org. I get a monthly email and catalog.  I have ordered from them before.  They maybe pricey but just tossing a bone.  I have a Target almost around the corner (who doesn't these days) and look for som soft cammis.

Raincitygirl - amen to the great kind people I have at my rads, my chemo office was awsome too.

jo1955

Polyana - Welcome to the group - sorry you have to be here with us.

Tomorrow will be a hectic day but try to relax.  Lots of things will be going on.  There will be CT scans, markings and your tattoos. The process could take anywhere from 1 - 2 hours.  Once that is done, they will let you know when you will come in for your second session - usually this is more x-rays and markings.  Then you will start your regular rads.

I would ask about creams to use and if you can use them from the beginning.  Skin care is going to be priority.  Also, you will have to buy some unscented soap, no perfumes or deodorants with minerals.

Your rad onc or nurse should cover all this with you - just a heads up for you.

Let us know how it goes. 

Polyana

thanks,

I read as well in the net about the stimulation session, I have phobia issues, will they allow my brother to be with me..at least for the planning session.

raincitygirl

Polyana - this just goes to show you that the experience can be a bit different everywhere.  My set up/simulation took only 45 minutes and included a tech and the radiation oncologist.  My second appt was the start and did not incude any more markings, just a baseline xray which occurred during treatment.

My experience with soaps, lotions, deodorants etc. is the same as jo's and that convo took place before the simulation with the rads nurse and also some input from the rad onc.

I have benefited so much from the tips and convo provided by jo  and oakley and barbcard and so many others -  i am sure you will as well....

Amy_Nashville

I'm having lumpectomy for DCIS next Thursday. I'm considering asking for partial (balloon) radiation instead of full breast, though I don't really fall into the preferred category for that treatment. Has anyone here has experience with this?

jo1955

Polyana - That is something you need to call in advance and ask. Like raincitygirl said each place is different and the policies are not the same.

saturn

Just had my simulation and I will be starting rads next week.  28 treatments plus about 8 boosts.  They will start the boosts somewhere around 4 weeks to give my breast a break, then finish with the remaining treatments.  They also prescribed a gel that the RO concocted (has aloe vera and a steroid cream), and calendula ointment.  They think this is all I will need.  I guess we'll see.  The simulation went fine, and was a piece of cake, just had to lay there and be still.  The tattoos were just a slight pinch.  I think the rads will go fast and not be an issue, once I get into the swing of things.  I'm ready to rock and roll!

dolphin123

Amy_Nashville - won't it give you more comfort knowing they hit the whole breast to get any lingering critters?

suzieq60

Polyana and Dolphin - Welcome to the thread. The worst part of the planning session is lying there with your arms above your head for quite a while. Although, they did let me put them by my sides at one stage.

Sue

oakley

Where is grannydukes today????

Welcome to the newbies today - there seem to be so many...why why why!

Polyana - I completely understand your worries, but please read back on this thread (and others) and it will help to calm you.  We are all going through this together - I can tell you from my experience (and sounds like mostly others) you will be in a large room and the machine rotates around you.  I am on the table for about 5 - 7 minutes, which only about 2 of minutes are the actual radiation.  They will spend A LOT of time making sure all of your measurements are correct and everything is in line so the radiation will be going exactly where it should be (that was one of my initial fears in the beginning that I never mentioned - making sure the radiation wasn't hitting my heart).  The tatoo markings are like little pinches.

I don't know about other people being in the room with you - for sure no one (including the technicians) can be in the room with you while the radiation is on - but they are right there outside the room watching you and hearing every word you might have to say.

Rain - I know about the itching of the nose!!!  It is such a mental thing I know!  Sometimes it's my leg.

Again, where are you granny?  How was today??