February 2011 Rads

sjames59

Congratulations, Lestwin! I hope you rest and heal up well.

Today I've completed 20 out of 34. Yesterday when I woke up I was red from under my arm down my side, started feeling anxious because I hadn't been red there before and have just been lubing the breast area. Plus there were a lot more shooting pains. When I went in for tx yesterday the techs reminded me that this new red area is part of where they had drawn on me at the beginning. So now I'm expanding the area to lube and to uses the saline compresses. I was supposed to have the simulation today for the boosts, but they were running WAY behind... had to wait an hour for tx and they bumped the simulation to tomorrow. 

On another note, I've always had cold hands - well, they are proving useful for the sore or itchy areas... the cold in my hands comes through the tank top and provides temporary relief... just have to be careful not to do so in public, esp. in traffic!

I find I am tons more exhausted this week, and have started working from home instead of going in to the office. That saves some energy, plus I can stop and lube and use the saline compresses so much more easily than at work.

Take care everyone,

Sharon

Elisimo

23 of 30 done and today I am starting to see the burn on both breast.  After the treatment today I was pretty red.  The Calendula gel and the emu oil have helped a lot to get rid of the redness and ease the tenderness.  I had a bone scan this afternoon and I can hardly move since then.  It hurts so bad to sit, stand, bend over, lay down, walk, or be still.  I have taken all the ibuprophen that I can and it still hurts.  I think I am going to try to go to bed as I keep falling asleep.  I did not get my naps today because of the bone scan.  Hope everyone has a restful evening. Amy Jo

Maureen813

HI Ladies, quick question:  When you started rads, did you have a CAT scan then a CAT with dye before starting radiation? 

Thanks
Maureen

Elisimo

Maureen - Yes, I had both CAT scans before I started my radiation treatments.  They were needed to help determine where best to position the beams and how deep the beams needed to go.

duckyb1

Hi Ladies............Getting a little anxious after reading some of the comments about Rads.........I will be starting mine in about 4/6 weeks depending on the healing after my lumpectomy on March 14th........Not whining cause I got very good news about my pathology, but was wondering about the next step.........Many on here, and on the outside have said Rads are not that bad.  I'm not a spring chicken, so I 'm hoping this 76 year old body can handle whatever they have to throw my way..........The RO didn't make it sound too bad, but then again.........no one told me that before surgery I was going to be manhandled by "tech Rachet", to get my dye for the sentinel node biopsy to where the BS needed it to go............nor  about the "lobe wire", that was going to be jammed into my boob, by a little twit, who looked like a reject from "the wizard of oz"........That was pure hell.............The surgery was a walk in the park..............so that being said, I  honestly believe  they tell you just enough to make you want to continue..............but not enough to make you "run as fast as your freakin feet can carry you", so to you ladies I turn for "honestly", and I love you all...................No chemo for me "so far",.......................Never thought "old age" could be a blessing, but in this case it is..............no oncotype test back yet, so even that could change, but the BS says he doubts it will come back 'high"...................Well ladies here I am on another thread..................seeking more info................but thus far you gals are my hero's....your honest, brave, and ladies I am proud to be grouped with...........No one wants "cancer", but I can't think of a better place to be then right here with you gals, if I had to be somewhere dealing with this "beast"................Hugs to you all.

Adey

23 / 28, took a break Thursday and Friday.  Almost there.

You can do it Duckyb, although everyone is different, only slight discomfort for me so far.

I had a CT without contrast before rads.  Good thing cuz I'm allergic!

duckyb1

thanks Adey, hoping for the best......Its only 1 week since surgery, so I'm probably worrying way ahead of time, but then again that is me.................I'm sure its going to be good, and it can't be worse then the lobe wire, and the massage for dye nodes........, which was the worst.........thanks for the info.

Elisimo

duckyb1 - you can do this.  The most important thing is to be sure and keep the skin moisturized with the creams that the RO will suggest and have samples to give you.  Specifically ask if they have sample of Miadrem cream for you to use.  It is specifically made for radiation treatment patients and works really well.  It is kind of expensive, $28 for a 4 oz tube, but worth the expense if you can swing it.  If you need a less expensive alternative there is Calendula that comes in lotion, cream and gel forms and can be found at some drug stores and or grocery stores with pharmacy sections.  I found it at Harris Teeter a local grocery chain.  You might try a Whole Foods store.  Also Aloe works well to releive any burning or irritation that may develope during treatment.  I have an aloe plant that has been a skin saver.  Radiaiton treatments will eventually burn the skin so there will be some peeling and tender skin toward the end of treatments.  Just keep using the creams and you will do great.  Just so you know I am no spring chicken either at 61 yrs. If you have time to read back through some of this thread you will find a common expression "lube the boob"  just keep doing that and you will do great.  Let us know if you need any other information, support or encouragement.

Blindsided

30 and done!  wahoo!  yipee! Went out for lobster tonight to celebrate!  Now we wait and see if all of this aggravation/angst accomplished anything....

Elisimo

Blindsided - Hooray, your done!  Congratulations on finishing.  I have 5 left then I will join the "well done" party. 

Eloise

Congratulations, blindsided!

I had to go back to the rads clinic today, three weeks after I finished, to drop off some paperwork for my doctor. It felt like going back to high school long after graduation...both nostalgic, seeing the receptionists and techs who were so kind, and "boy, am I glad to be out of this place".  

duckyb1 -- the time will pass more quickly than you think.  And I agree with amyjo, Miaderm is good stuff; I didn't start using it until I was halfway through treatment and already having a fair amount of problems.  I was bright red and blistery three weeks ago, but now, if it weren't for my lumpectomy scar I don't think you could tell which breast was treated. 

duckyb1

Eloise, thanks for the info.......I will do whatever you gals say to make this an easier "ride".   I go to the BS today, so I'm sure there will be much more information from him too......This is my first visit since surgery....The drain is running slowly now, so I'm sure I will lose my "siamese twin" , as I called it......sometime today..............I have been having a slight burning around the wound area, and in my upper right arm, but it is just that "slight".......They gave me a visiting nurse, and also my daughter-in-law is a nurse, and they say everything looks good, and it is probably nerve burning...............I think the biggest pest was the drain, as I said it was an annoyance more then anything else................having to always be careful, and finding a place to hang it so it was under something, and didn't gross anyone out should it slip out from its hiding place........Mine had this horrible "blood clot" in it that hung from the tube opening into the drain bottle, and that little sucker never let go...........the first time my daughter emptied the drain, and it came out the opening I thought she was going to pass out.............she said "what the hell is that thing"....I think she thought a body part was coming through the drain.  She closed off the plug, and it fell into the little measuring jar.............I laughed so hard I had to sit down........all I kept saying was "pull the damn thing", and the more I said it, the further away from it she ran...........Well today when they take off the drain, my "little friend" will lose its connection, and I will be glad to see it go...................I am feeling rather good, and I'm looking forward to the next step........I will stay connected to the women here........I found much comfort knowing I was not in this alone..........The said thing...........my son came over to see me last night.........A woman who works in his office, who always is so caring and sweet when you call there, and has been very concerned about me, and my cancer, found out yesterday that after a mammogram, she was told to see a BS for the lump they found..................I'm sure she is living my story over and over in her head each and every minute........I feel so bad for her........well Eloise, you have a wonderful day, and again thanks for the info. ............hugs to you

Elisimo

duckyb - so sorry to hear about the lady that works in your son's office.  At least you know where to send her to get encouragement, support and all the information she needs to deal with what lies ahead.  Hopefully, hers will be B9 and she will be fine after the lump is taken care of.  Here are lots of prayers for her and for you too.   Keep in touch and let us know how things are going for both of you.  Amy Jo

Elisimo

I just finished rad #27 and have 3 left to go.  Saw RO today and got information from the bone scan that I had last week and I am a little concerned about the mixed news.  The area in my spine that had some radiation treatments last Nov and Dec. is still showing some cancer.  Some areas are the same and a few appear to be a little better, but there are some areas where there is significant progression.  I will be able to discuss this more with the MO on April 8th when I see him.  I am so tired from the current radiation treatments that I am having trouble processing all of this so I have been either crying or sleeping all afternoon.  As for the peeling and tender skin under my arms the RO said he would block out those areas on the last 3 treatments and he told me to use the warm saline solution 2-3 times a day and be sure to thoroughly dry then use my creams and then let as much air a possible reach the area.  So I am sitting in my big chair with my arms up on the sides.  I keep telling myself "I'm almost done, I'm almost done, I'm almost done."  

What do they do for bone mets?  More radiation? 

Sherryc

Amyjo so sorry about your news.  I do not have any personal knowledge of bone mets as I am stage 1 but my SIL had BC bone mets (spine) and she was treated with rads and chemo off and on.  My Dad currently has lung bone mets (ribs close to spine) and they are treating him with rads and will start chemo in a couple of weeks. Hang in there as this cycle is almost done for you and I am sure your MO will have a good treatment plan for you.  Let that cute little dog of yours keep you entertained.  

GirlFriday

amyjo49:  I'm so sorry to hear you're having so much trouble.  Let the tears flow!  They are healing you as much as the radiation and everything else you're doing!  You are almost done with the radiation, and through out the process you have been positive and given strength to others through your words and actions.  Settle back now and just breathe through the last couple sessions.  Take what others will give you and heal yourself.  You can do this and you can make it through whatever the MO prescribes on the 8th! 

Elisimo

Sherryc and GirlFriday - thanks for the encouragement and and support.  I think I will call the MO tomorrow and see if I can get into see him before the 8th.

duckyb1

Amyjo, good news............the woman in my sons office found out what she had was nothing, and they are just going to aspirate the lump to take down the size..............great news considering her mother and sister both have bs..........................

Elisimo

duckyb1 - so glad for her good news.  I know she is really releived. Thanks for the update.

I have 2 more rads then I am done.  Almost home! 

duckyb1

At the hospital I where they did my surgery, is where i will have my Rads done.  33 with 5 boosts........When you are done all your treatment there is a large chiming bell  hanging from the ceiling.......As you pass through the special doorway for the final time, you get to ring the chimes as a sign that one more cancer patient has finished her radiation...............All I want to do is get to ring the bell in good health...............Here's to the Chimes

cmbear

Amyjo, sending you positive thoughts. Don't feel bad about crying, it helps let the stress out. And you can always come on here and we will send you big hugs!!  

Congrats Blindsided for moving on to the next stage of healing!! You must feel wonderful.

Duckyb1, I pass by the bell at my center everyday, and everyday I think "one more day closer to ringing the darn bell." I cried like a baby when I rang my chemo bell, all the nurses came out from the treatment rooms and cheer and hug you. It is a great feeling. Can't wait to ring this bell, for me it'll be almost a year of treatments and surgeries I will be glad to have BEHIND me!! 

Jwatrlily

I've not been here in a while but people just don't generally worry about me but, I'm worried about Tori.  Has anyone heard from her?  She's not posted here since the 13th and I sent her a private email which she usually answers right away and I've not heard from her.  I'm worried is all.

I had another planning CT Scan yesterday and today will be radiation tx number 20 of 33 total.  I'm getting there.  I have to use a steroid cream in the crease under the breast as it is red and itching.  So far the skin is not broken there but just red.  Amyjo, hugs girl.  You are almost done.  I'm praying for good news on that bone scan.  My Dad had colon cancer in 2004, had surgery and has been fine since.  At that time they found a node on his lungs.  He has an xray every year and it never changes.  His Oncologist said in August if there is no change in that node and because it has been 7 years since the colon cancer and the node on the lung, that he will release him and diagnose him cancer free.  I've heard the same stories with something showing up on the bone that it turns out to be nothing.  Praying it is this way for you Amyjo!

Fatigue is kicking my butt big time.  I went to sleep in my recliner last night at 7 p.m., slept until my husband got me up at 10 p.m. and went to bed and slept until 5:30 this morning.  I need to rest more during the day but with that daily radiation schedule it's hard to.  Hubby's taking me out to eat tonight after my rads tx.  Think we will do a BBQ place. 

My only other problem right now is a "friend" who is stressing me out big time.  She is self centered and always about herself and she is badgering me because I don't feel up to letting her come for a visit (she always expects to be catered to, waited on hand and foot and taken out and wined and dined).  She knows I have breast cancer, have been through chemo and am now in radiation but that isn't a priority for her.  Her priority is what she wants when she wants it.  My husband is livid about her and wants me to ignore her.

Have a great weekend everyone.  Thinking of all of you still in treatment and those finished, wishing for a good recovery and a renewed life for you.  It's snowing this a.m. in Illinois but melting as soon as it hits the ground.

Juanita     

duckyb1

Hey Jwatrlily..........First time seeing one of your posts............I've only been diagnosed since Feb 15, great news,and waiting for info. about Rads............Just wanted to say............With a friend like that you don't need an enemy...................Ditch her like a bad habit..........Hubby is right................Get caller ID, and do what i do............when I see a number I don't like, I pick up the phone and drop it right down...........when they ask I say "hhhhhhhmmmm, something must be wrong with my phone"...................hugs to you, and you too have a good weekend........We had a tad of snow here in Pa. yesterday, after 74 degrees last Friday..............Mother Nature must have an odd sense of humor............

Adey

jwatrlily-  tori posted on the catholics thread today...

26 down, 2 more to go, whew.  Another break today and hope to finish Tuesday.  Red but no peeling or blisters.

Elisimo

Juanita - drop that "friend" she is not a  true friend and is what some would classify and a toxic relationship.  You do not need the stress that realtionship causes.  So ingore her, tell her off, or do whatever you can to end her calling you.  I had a "friend" like that and my DH interviened and ended it for me as I could not bring myself to be mean to her.  DH is a good protector and takes such good care of me.  Maybe yours could intervien for you too.  Don't know exactly what he did or said, but she no longer calls or upsets me.

Glad to know tori is posting somewhere.  She may be like me and have so many favorite threads that when the fatigue hits it is just too much to try to keep up with the posts on all of them.

Tori - know we miss you and are sending you lots of gentle {{{{{{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}}}}}

I got a call from my onco office and they have moved my April 8th appointment up to March 29th so I will be able to talk to him sooner.  I have 1 more rad tx on Monday then I am done!  Then I will be back to trying to regain my strength and energy so that I won't be sleeping all day and all night too. 

kallimom

Geez, haven't checked in here in a couple of days...for some reason I am not getting the updates on my e-mail...will have to check my settings. I have finished 23/33...other than the nasty itchy rash at the top of my breast up to the shoulder my skin is holding up...couldn't live without my Calendula gel and Emu Oil. Saw the oncol. this week and she was encouraging, said she thought I would be just fine. After I finish rads she wants me to start taking Armidex...asked her lots of questions since all I have heard are horror stories, so hoping I am one who will do ok with it.

You are right...they only tell you the minumus...the further along I get the more questions I ask. They even took away the Bolus....so I don't know it that will make things better or worse. They changed my AM appt. til 5 PM on Monday...so it will feel like a three day weekend.

Prayers for you AmyJo....hoping they will be able to deal with everything and that you will be fine. They are learning so much everyday. My Dr. said there are a bunch of new drugs for BC that are almost ready to hit the market...so hoping they will help all of us be survivors. Speaking of survivors...when do you all think you begin saying you are a survivor? Have a great weekend....ring the bell as you leave your house on monday for your treatment...one more down.

Jwatrlily

ACK!!!!  I don't have permanent tattoos but little circular kind of like clear band aid disks to mark the bulls-eye for the radiation beam then they make marks like sun rays out from this bulls-eye with a permanent marker only the marks wear off and they tell me to re-mark them at home from one day to the next.  Well, since Thursday, CT Scan day, the side of my breast has been more irritated and uncomfortable.  This morning I found out why!!!  I have a blister and when I went in to the bathroom to put on the lotion after getting up, it drained a little.  It is right at the edge or maybe slightly under the circular disk.  Rats!!!!!!  I was hoping for no blisters.  This freaks me out!!!!  I will bring it to their attention Monday.  I can't even tell how big it is because that circular disk has it kind of smashed I think.  This and my uglier then ugly toenails from the Taxol is bumming me out.  They are so ugly that I won't be comfortable wearing sandals this summer in the public!  Whine, whine, whine!!!  I'm alive at least right?

Juanita

Adey

jwatrlily- I had those disks at first too but requested tattoos.  I have two more and started to peel today, poo.  Hang in there.

Elisimo

Jaunita - so sorry about the blister, put a little noesporin on it and then use your other creams to keep the area lubricated.  I have the tatoos so I don't know anything about the disks. Can you ask for the tatoos?  My daughters think it is funny that I now have 13 tatoos.  One thing I found out a little late was that when you use the cream be sure to cover the whole area plus about 2" outside the box of the disks or tatoos.  (Make believe there is a box that goes from one side marking to the other side marking and then from the top mark to the bottom mark.)  This will make sure you get all the edges of the treated area covered.  About the sandals this summer - did you know they make temporary false nails for toenails?  They will cover the uglier than ugly toenails. I would not walk on the  beach with them, but are great for shopping and just going out on the town.  They stick on with those double sided tape things so they are easy to remove and then re apply when you want to use them again.

Adey - horay you are almost done.  We will celebrate with you on Tuesday.  Hope the peeling is not too bad.  I know it will be ichy for several days. 

ToriGirl

Sisters,

I had number 27 yesterday...one more regular on Monday and then 9 boosts.  Skin was doing pretty good until the end of this week...I have burning and peeling on my clavicle, burning and peeling at the SNB site and some burning and peeling under my breast...ugh....I'm hoping after the last regular treatment on Monday those areas will calm down because the boosts shouldn't affect them, right?  At least, that is way I understood it....

Took my first nap on Monday...but other than that, just pretty tired by the end of the day....

Starting to sound like  many of you are getting to the end of your rad treatments....that is wonderful...I'm sure you are feeling happy about that too...

Take care of you!

Tori

DE COLORES!