April 2011 Rads
Comments
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AimeeMac~I'm sorry your having such a difficult time. What about sucking on popsicles or ice chips or eating jello inbetween gatorade? At least working from home you can make yourself comfortable. Try to take a deep breath when your boss is bugging you and tell yourself that you are doing the best you can under the circumstances. Kudos to you for even doing it! Its tough being on disability. I have 3 kids, 2 of which are teenage boys with big appetities and the check barely covers the grocery bill but we're managing. Fortunately I had paid my car off the month before my diagnosis. Aside from the paycheck I really miss the interaction with other people. Working from home wasn't an option for me. This board has been a true blessing to me. I wish I had used it more through my chemo, guess I was in a funk of sorts. My scheduled time is 11:30. That gives me alittle time in the morning to get some things done and where I go for tx is 35mins from my house. It'll take me longer to drive there and back than for the actual treatment. Oh well, ANOTHER lesson in patience! I hope your feeling better soon.
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HollyinMich~glad to hear your skin is holding up. Which Eucerin are you using? The one I have is still quite greasy. I too am concerned about using something too heavy prior to tx. They told me the same thing about nothing 4 hours prior and that I could use the aquaphor but I am doubtful that it will absorb in 4 hours. That stuff is pure thick glop! I was thinking of just using the aloe but if the Eucerin works that would probably moisturize better. I know what you mean about the late SEs. I wasn't expecting that. Some days I feel just like after a chemo tx then the next day I can feel fine. I was getting alittle discouraged. I'm glad to hear that I'm not the only one. I find it so much more helpful here. Its all the things your doctor doesn't tell you or maybe doesn't even know. Who better to ask than the ones who have gone before you. No hot showers, yikes!
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sagina~I know what you mean about all the info it is alot to take in all at once. Thats what we're all here for. I know I forgot some stuff and then I read posts on here and say oh yea they did say something about that.
BlueLily~Nice to have you with us! Any effects yet from the tamoxifen? I'll be starting that after rads. Enjoy the sunshine, I"m jealous. They predicted 5-10 inches for us last night into today here in NY but it didn't arrive thank goodness! I guess April fools.
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Doreyme - I found the Fruit of the Earth 100% Aloe Vera Gel in Rite Aid, if you have those near you? But it was in the sunscreen section, not the regular lotion section.
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Also, I will have my dry run on Tues the 5th and start Wed. I haven't really found anything to wear yet, so I'm nervous about that part of it. I have some sports bras so will wear those for now, but it confuses me. wouldn't it hurt more because they are tighter? I'll have to ask about my back, didn't even think about lubing in the back!
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Hi Debbie! I get fitted on the 7th and should start rads on the 11th. Hope today is a good day for you and that the sun shines on you everyday!
Gina
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ReadingMama~ I am going to buy the bra/cami's from Contour Solutions, and bonus they are covered by my insurance without a limit. I'm getting five. The strap unclips so I can just take that side down. They have velcro pouches to if you have a drainage tube etc.
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Hello, glad to have found this thread! Today is my 4th treatment and would love to share the journey. Will post again later since am on the bus.
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Readingmama~I bought sports bras at walmart that have hook and eye closure in the front and I bought them 2 sizes bigger than my usual size. I'll let you know how that works out. Also, when I went for my dry run they had me wear a gown which I'm assuming I will also be wearing for my treatments. I start on Monday. This part creeps me out as much as chemo did. It really bothers me that I'm abusing my body so much.
Letlet~welcome....the more the merrier! How is your skin doing? Any other side effects so far? My 4th day of rads will be my birthday so I'm hoping I'll be feelling okay.
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Welcome to all just joining in!!!!
I have had food poisoning the last few days so haven't had the energy to get on here til today. Hope everyone is doing well today
I agree Blue - it is absolutely beautiful here in Nashville today - supposed to be near 80 tomorrow -( a little early in the year I'm thinking) -- Where are you getting your rads done? I am going to Summit. I like the staff there so far.
The center I am going to won't tattoo me until around week 2. She explained why - which kinda made sense at the time, sorta. lol. I am trying not to think about this tape all the time- it is making sleep difficult because everytime I move I think it is coming off. I will be much better when it's not there.
Sagina - so understand the no bra thing - I did the same thing you did- partial mastectomy because I had size Z's. LOL. The hard part for me is the PS postponed the right side until after rads are done, and healing has been completed. So I am lopsided badly. Sports bras work ok - cami's can be a challenge tho if the elastic is not good in the bra part. I had my surgery last October so by the time healing is done from the rads (doc said 3- 6 months) my right side can finally be done to match the left. So somewhere around September or October this year. A whole year later!!!!?!!?!?!?!?!? The RO said I can expect 20% shrinkage in the left breast from the rads and healing. So I am starting to understand why my PS wanted to wait.
Well, enough complaining on my part...
Lisa.
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4th tx, no side effects that i notice. I am still fairly weak from chemo so im tired all the time anyway. I slather a huge portion of my front and back right side with aquaphor and so far so good. I was told that i would feel fatigued at around the 3 week mark. More fatigued than now?? I think ive stained a couple of clothing items beyond salvaging now, will hold off going to the Gap for now
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Sammolisa - Thank you for the HUGE laughing at loud at size Z! I went to the stores yesterday and tried on a cotton bra, looked in the mirror, laughed and thought, what the heck for? It was like not wearing one at all, and I think I got a glimpse into the future....Right after surgery I noticed a huge indentation, but now I guess I have some swelling. Will be interesting to see how much radiation shrinks me. Guess the special bras will be on the shopping list too!
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Hi Ladies.............New thread, with people in my boat...............I had my 2nd follow-up visit with the BS on Tuesday........He said "now you can go see the RO, so you can begin the next step in your journey............Of course I suggested a "trip around the world", but he said "not exactly what I was referring to".........So I will call the RO on Monday and set up the appt. with her to get my boob made bacon.......................I am so not looking forward to this..........I'm gonna ask about other forms of Rads to see what she says, but when I met with her the 1st time she said external radiation....33 treatments.....5days a week.............with 5 boosts..........All I want to do is to get this sh-t overwith..........
My daugher (1 of 6 children) will be going with me to see her.......that is unless the other 5 decide to follow me like puppies too.........they have been to every Dr. visit so far...........I told them it wasn't necessary, and they said "Mom not only are you not able to hear, but even when you do, you forget what the Dr. says before you leave the office"..........and their right..........They go with pens, notebooks, and ask more questions then "Alex Trebeck asks on Jeopardy".........
Today I made a big dinner for 2 of my daughters, and their families............I have to say it sure felt good to be usefull.............Spaghetti, and Crabs, Cheesy bread, and a huge salad...........and for desert Kahula coffee, and Strawberry Shortcake...............My son-in-law said "we just ate like we're going to the electric chair tomorrow............what a great night.........now that's what I want to do,................not go for radiation 5 days a week for 6 weeks..............
To me my arm is beginning to look swollen, although the BS says there is nothing wrong with it......My daugther walks the 3-day Susan B. Korman in Philly and knows a lot of women.......She said to me "oh Mom you will know if you get lymphedema..........your arm starts to look like a "flipper".........I said "well thanks for that little bit of news", and tell me "whenever it rains, and I go outside and try to swim upstream in the puddles, will that be another clue"..............oh yea "and should I ask for another lumpectomy on the left side, so I don't swim in circles"............Just what I need "a flipper"
Well regardless of good or bad, flipper or no flipper, I will do whatever it takes to beat the crap out of the Beast...............With my family cheering me on, and you ladies with your wealth of information, and love........I know I will get past this too, and in 6 weeks get to "ring the bell", at the Radiation Dept. on my final visit...............hugs to all of you who will be doing this with me for the next couple months........
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Hello everyone,
This is my first post. I have completed partial mastectomy and re-excision. Simulation is done and scheduled to begin 33 rads sessions this week. I still feel a little stunned by the whole thing. My emotions have been all over the place. Right now I feel positive but worried about side effects of rads and tamoxifen, which I will begin after rads.
Looking at the comments about aloe Vera v Aquafor, etc. Not sure what to think. My ro just said use aloe Vera and didn't suggest anything else. Are you supposed to start 'lubing' before rads begins?
I am glad this group is here. I have a wonderful support system, but still feel alone sometimes. -
Lawleigh, great to see here, I have thought about you, and missed seeing you on the chemo thread.
I have completed 17/35 tx, 7 of those will be boosts. I am doing well, use aquafor and aloe, lube up usually 4 times a day. No issues as of yet with my skin. once in awhile I get a tingling in my shoulder, upper arm, and feel the SNB scar and the lumpectomy scar doing its healing! I started rads on month after chemo, had some upper and lower digestive issues acouple of weeks ago, who knows if that was from chemo or rads, docs all guess different things. I will finsih rads the last week of april, missed a few due to weather, illness. Right now I am able to work full time, no real fatique issues yet. I ask many questions of rad techs, nurses, docs and it does make you feel better to have the answers,
Lisa, thanks for starting this thread too. It's what keeps us sane during these treatments!
Wishing everyone well as you start/finsh this phase of our journey!
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Tomorrow is the big day! I wish I had more time in between chemo and rads (it has only been 2 weeks since my last round), but another part of me wants to be done. I have aloe, calendula, and aquaphor all set. For now, I am going to stick with a cotton sports bra or cami. I wear scrubs to work so I don't have to worry about looking floppy. I recently agreed to work an additional 9-10 hours per week in the evenings. Hopefully, I have not taken on too much.
Good luck to everyone starting this week!
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Sammolisa - Sorry I've been away from the computer for a few days. I use just the regular Eucerin lotion not the paste. It's called "Eucerin Original Moisturizing Lotion". The lotion seems to be a bit thinner than other body lotions and absorbs very quickly and doesn't leave you with the greasy feeling. I've had no problems using it in the mornings (at least 4 hours prior to rads of course) and it's always absorbed in nicely before rads. I throw it on after my shower in the morning and then lube up with the Aquaphor after rads and in the evening. My rads are at 2 pm every day.
ReadingMama - Thanks for the heads up on the thread on where to look for the Aloe gel. I haven't picked any up yet but was wondering what was a good brand, etc. that didn't contain alcohol and where to buy. Lol, you did the homework for me. Thanks!!
Good luck to all the ladies starting this week and welcome to all the newcomers!!
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MSJAG - Thanks for the welcome back. I know I did not participate much in our last thread but I was always there reading in the background but didnt feel I had much to add. Things went fairly smoothly and I felt bad that some others were struggling so badly. Its such a mystery why each individual reacts so totally differently I have 3 Taxol left and will be meeting with my RO in about 2 weeks. Am hoping to talk him into just moving forward with no break. Quite honestly Im in the mode of feeling sorta cruddy and would rather just move through the 6 weeks of radiation and then be feeling great for summer then prolonging the inevitable. We shall see how that discussion goes.
My best to all of you and I will try hard to be a better forum buddy this go round then just popping in from time to time.
Leigh
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Welcome newcomers! Good luck to everyone starting rads this week!
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First rads went ok - i don't really like one of my techs (she is very condesending) "now see? you just moved a little - now we gotta start allllllllll over again". "If you keep moving like that this is gonna be a very long day for you"............ Really?!?!?!?!? Does she have to be like that?!?!?!? Some people just don't get it. YOU try to stay still for 45 minutes and not move a muscle.
So yeah - the rads went well. My shoulder kinda hurt from being in position for so long because they had to go thru the verification and fine tuning of the angles - and then I was afraid to move when they said I was all done. All in all a fun day, one I am sure to repeat another 30 times or so.
Didn't feel anything weird, so that is good. 'Cept my heart kept fluttering a few times. Not sure what is up with that.
They removed all the old tape and gave me a dozen more spots. yay !
Here's to hoping tomorrow is better and easier......
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Sammolisa - That's awful! Nothing worse than a tech preaching to you especialy when I'm sure they've never been in that position. If she happens to do that to you again I'd look at her and say let me see you stretched out on a table in an awkward position for this long and see how still you are! Gah, some people. On the bright side, your treatments should be faster now. The first was definitely the longest. Now I'm in and out in about 15 minutes except for Mondays (takes an additional 5 min for weekly films) and Thursdays when I see the RO.
Picked up some Fruit of the Earth aloe gel this afternoon. Can't wait to try it. I was noticing some redness yesterday but it seems to have gone away today. Number 6 down 27 more to go!
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Guess I will be joining y'all. Went for marking/simulation today & waiting to hear back later this week as to when I will be starting. It hurt like a mofo to keep my right arm up above my head for so long. I'm 4 weeks out from my BMX, but I slightly injured something in my right arm/shoulder at work last week. Need to work on stretching it out before they call me back in.
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sammolisa~ we have one down and only 32 to go! I'm sorry your tech was insensitive! I think sometimes these techs, dr,nurses,etc forget that while this is nothing new for them it is for us. My experience today was very good and fast. I was shocked how quickly they got me in position and the whole thing from getting the tx to getting dressed was about 15 min. It sounds like you had your dry run right before your actual tx. Is that right? I had mine done on separate days. I remember my simulation was long and tedious and my shoulders were killing me when I was able to put them down. Also when they did my simulation they made a mold of my arms in position and they use it everytime. I think thats why it made it easy for them to get me in position today. I hope its that way every time. I didn't feel my heart fluttering but I did feel something strange in my chest/stomach. I thought mayde I was refluxing or it was anxiety. Now that you said you felt something too maybe it was from the treatment. We'll see what happens tomorrow. It still freaks me out that its killing part of my lung even if its only a small piece! I hope it goes better for you tomorrow. And let's not forget lube,lube ,lube!
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I am also 1 down, 32 to go! I guess I am pretty lucky that my treatment center is less than 2 miles away, sorry to hear some of you have such a long drive. For some reason, this is hitting me harder than chemo, maybe because it is so impersonal, clinical and solitary. I didn't feel anything during the radiation, and hope it stays this easy. Counting the couple hours until I can put the aloe vera gel on - I am definitely going to try to stay on top of that!
Best wishes to all of you starting soon,
Aimee
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Headed to my first date Thursday with the radiation table - my fitting? i guess? What do I need to wear, I hate exposing any part of my that doesn't need to be....I know that seems a little silly this far into treatment, but any humility I can keep, I'd like to! lol. I have an old right shoulder injury, so this could be fun! Maybe I should take an Aleve before. Has anyone been told that radiation will knock your white blood count down? I read that, but my RO didn't mention.
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Hi Everyone,
Please include me too. Today was my first day of Rads. I started tamoxifen a week ago and I was very lucky not to have chemo first. I bought two aloe vera plants today and the tech said I should start using aloe now. My breast seemed to ache a little a few hours later but then went away (could have been in my head). Otherwise you don't feel anything during the zap. Dealing with a headache today and I'm not sure if it is stress or adjusting to tamoxifen. I'm sure it well all balance out soon.
Christine
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Crap.....was just getting ready to head to bed and went to throw a load of clothes in the washer/dryer. I've been trying to make up for the lack of really taking care of the laundry these past several months through chemo and surgery recovery. Anyhow, it's a bit on the warm side in the house. Get upstairs with a clean load of laundry in the basket, turn off most of the lights and lock up. Sit down and I'm feeling a bit warm and kinda sweaty, look down and now my right hand is a bit swollen and the skin in my forearm feels tight. Gah, I hope a good night's sleep with my arm elevated will do the trick otherwise I'll be off to fill that prescription I've been hanging on to for my LE sleeve. I see my med onco tomorrow before rads, guess I have something to talk about besides my achey joints.
Sagina - Good luck on Thursday! As far as what to wear, it really doesn't matter much from the waist up. You change into a gown before tx and just leave everything from the waist down on. My techs are pretty good about trying to keep everything covered that doesn't need to be exposed for the zaps.
AimeeMac - Same here. 15 min drive to the treatment center. So thankful I don't have a long drive too!
Christine - Welcome to the thread! I noticed the ache too right away. For me, though, I start feeling it right after my tx, but it's usually gone by the time I head to bed.
Goodnight ladies, hoping I have good news about my arm in the morning.
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Hi all,
I hope it's okay to post here b/c I didn't have to go through what some of you did. Was only diagnosed w/ DCIS so stage 0 no infiltration. Had initial excisional biopsy then re-excision and am sort of in week 2 of rads now. This would have been week 3 but there was a complication and we had to do the planning part again & re-position things a bit, but that was due to the fact that I'd had reconstructive surgery on my opposite shoulder a few months before bc diagnosis so the position (on back, arms over head) impinged rotator cuff & caused spasms-addition fun b/c i was afraid i was going to need shoulder surgery again.
The good thing is that's all taken care of & now I have rads w/ Right arm down by my side.
I haven't really had any side effects but breast is tender (not painful) and I'm noticing I'm more tired....though that could be stress, too of course. I did have a little pinkness but that subsided quickly. I've been using an aloe from Trade Joe's, if anyone has one near them, which also has a little calendula in it. FWIW, and this may or may not be helpful to some (i.e. who have not had mastectomy and may be small breasted like me), they tell me small-breasted women tend to have an easier time w/ rads. But also we all know each case is different.
I'm so sorry everyone has to be here b/c of what we all share. One thing I will say is that may rad therapists are really nice & sensitive & there is always music playing & they all have a sense of humor too-all of which I find helpful & comforting.
Good luckon the journey, all. Take care.
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AimeeMac - Did they tell you to wait a certain amount of time after treatment before lubing? I'm wondering if I should ask that. My center said no lubing 1 hour prior, although I see a lot of you ladies were told 3-4 hours prior. I have my dry run in a few hours and start tomorrow.
Holly - how is your arm? My fingers have been swelling every night for about 3 weeks now (even when elevated), but I haven't seen anyone about LE yet. I will, it's just been too much right now.
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My fingers are still swollen, but it seems to be slightly better in the meaty part of my hand where the thumb joins the rest. I see my med onco at 1:30 before rads to discuss some joint aches I've been having that are either late Taxol SEs or from Herceptin. The aches come and go but seem to be the worst when the weather shifts like arthritis. Unfortunately nothing has helped to relieve the pain when they do come and I've tried everything from Vicodin to all the over the counter pain relievers. But anyway, I will bring up the finger swelling when I see him.
ReadingMama - I would ask your rad onco about the LE. He should be able to refer you to a PT and write you a script for the sleeve and glove or gauntlet. I was going to go ahead and just take my script in and get fitted today but I figured I'd hold off until after my appointment this afternoon.
Gymnut - Of course it's ok if you post here! Welcome to the thread! Sorry to hear your rads got off to a rough start but glad to see that things are looking better for you!
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