May 2011 Radiation

Pinkprincess

Hello all ! Just wanted to start the thread for all of us entering radiation in the month of May. I finished chemo on February 28th and had delayed reconstruction with tissue expansion placement on March 16. I have been filling FAST since then to be fully expanded before rads. I have one more fill, if I can stand it, on Tuesday and my rads simulation on Wednesday. Then they follow up again on Friday to make sure everything is perfect and then BOOM....we start rads on the 25th of April. 28 regs and 5 boosts for a grand total of 33. So, that is my story...what's yours?

sundermom

I just found out this morning that I, too, will be doing rads.  I had a BMX in December with immediate TE placement.  I'm finishing up chemo next week, will have my exchange surgery on May 10th, rads simulation on May 12th and start the following week,  I will be having 28 regs and 5 boosts. 

Tammy

Ker

This is my first post here- but this seem appropriate. I have one Taxol left, and start rads May 16 for 6 1/2 weeks, includes booster. Trying to decide whether to use Calendula alone or Miaderm which I saw on the discussion boards Miaderm has Calendula in it. A bit nervous, but glad chemo is winding down. Looking forward to summer....

bambi380

I start May 1!

 The journey continues.......

cantgarden

I have my simluation this afternoon and I will likely start next week sometime, so "mostly" in May!  I have also signed up for the Herceptin clinical trial for DCIS and I will find out where I stand with the randomization today. 

mogirl

My first post. I have  Rads consultation 4/21/11 and will be starting soon after. My story: Lumpectomy 12/13/11. Finshed chemo T&C x4 on 3/24/11. Hope this is not as draining on the body as chemo..

Pinkprincess

I am going for my simulation in the morning. I will keep you posted as to how it goes.

pbgirl

I will be starting May 16th for 28 treatments although my RO said I would be getting rads for only 3 weeks.  Not sure what that is all about, by my calculations that is more than 3 weeks.  Left a message with my nurse so we will see.

Good luck and blessing to all

P.S.  I ordered some emu oil and have calendula cream 

Pinkprincess

I had my simulation today and go back friday for a quick check to see if monday is a go. I got markings today with markers but will be getting tattoos, UGH! I didnt want any!

sundermom

I have to admit I'm getting a little nervous about rads.  I've been lurking on the March board and so many of them reference skin problems.  My mom had radiation for lung cancer 2 years ago (Yes- still she here with us- yippee) and she didn't have the first problem with her skin.  We are quickly approaching summer and I LOVE being in the sun.  My two boys will play in a combined 100 baseball games, so staying out of the sun isn't really possible for me.  I will just listen to my body as I've done through chemo, knowing that each person's experience with each treatment is different.  I hate needles so the thought of tatoos is terrifying to me!!!

Tammy

Pinkprincess

Me too and I also LOVE the sun. Are we never to tan again? Can we wear a suit this summer at all? I have new boobs and want to showcase them...LOL! Joking:)

JulieH

I, too, will be starting rads in May, on the 19th.  I have my last taxol tx this coming Tuesday (have done 4 months of DD A/C then T.  I really like my rad. onc, she's got a great personality and really takes the time to talk and answer questions.  She said that while the radiation usually is fatiguing, it's nothing compared to the fatigue that comes with chemo.  My RO's office uses/recommends  for a lotion.  I'm not wild about heavy, greasy creams, but I guess if it cuts down the skin effects, I can deal with it.  They did tell me no anti-perspirant for the duration of treatment -- not something I'm looking forward to living in SC's hot, humid summers.  Does anyone know off-hand if baby powder is also off limits?  I won't have tattoos, just the markings that they'll reapply over the course of tx.  Glad to join the group.

gingersnap

    Hello,this is my first post.I had two surgeries in Jan,lumpectomy on the 10th and then another, two weeks later to get clear margins.Didn't need chemo due to Oncotype test of 14. I started rads on the 13th of April and will be done June 1st after completing 30 treatments plus 5 boosts. So far my breast feels warmer and firmer than before,I really hope this is all worth it.I'm an radiologic technologist and have my misgivings about the large doses of rads I'm recieving.I have read other posts complaining of horrible side effects at 6 months to a year down the road.I pray that all turns out well.

Eloise

Julie, baby and body powders are generally fine to use during rads, and you can use deodorant that doesn't contain aluminum such as Tom's of Maine.  Check the label carefully -- some organic-y health food store brands still have aluminum. 

ProudMom_Wife

Hello, I am joining the group.  I really fought hard to not have Rads, but I was sold on the need for my supraclavical and axilla lymph nodes, but declined to let them radiate my left chest wall.  I am stubborn.  Just didn't think my pathology supported it and have to go with my gut on this. 

I start Rads on May 16th for 5 weeks.  But first I have my exchange surgery next week (I know it usually happens after Rads, but I had a problem with the TE and they to be removed sooner rather than later) and my port removed too.  I hate my port.  Am greatful for it, but really glad to get rid of it.  Then all the fun stuff to prepare for Rads.  

pbgirl - I have read and heard from others that emu oil works great, BUT some folks can have an allergic type reaction to it, so just be aware of that.  I was thinking of trying it too but with my luck I will be one of those people who have a reaction, so I was thinking of trying non-alcoholic 100% AloeVera and Miaderm first, and if they don't work, I will try the emu oil.

JulieH - Hi again.  I read that a baking powder / cornstarch combo is suppose be safe and works well.  Others have mentioned  you can use a rollon called "Crystal" which you can by at Trader Joes during Rads.  I have been using Crystal since my dx but forgot to ask my RO if I could use it during treatment or not, oops.

pbgirl

Hi Ladies

tsundermann...I'm a baseball mom too, and actually cannot wait until it starts.  I start Rads May 16th.  Have you seen those chairs with the umbrellas on them?  I think I will try to find one.

Blessings to all 

cmesker

Hello fine ladies!  I'm also joining the May rads group.  I have my radiation therapy consult on May 3 and expect to start the treatment shortly thereafter.  Looking forward to having a group to talk with during that time.  I've been lurking around since my diagnosis two months ago and just had surgery last week, but this is the first day I've made any posts here.  Figured I may as well jump in and join in when I can!  

brenilea

I will start my radiation therapy in May as well...I don't know what to expect. I go next Thurs., to get my "tattoos" and set up my rad schedule. Also still trying to work...I don't know what's more stressful. That and looking at my body right now, because I have gained some weight with all of this. Everything has happened so fast and now it's like...hurry and wait!

ForMyBoys

Hello ladies. I had neo-adjuvant chemo with a complete response by the time of my bi-lateral MX on March 29. Size of tumor and nearness to chest wall still recommends radiation. I have had my rads consult, but they have put me off until I can raise my arm above my head freely. The cancer side had many more issues after surgery and was told not to move my shoulders until my seromas subsided. I was cleared on Wed to start my exercises, so hopefully I will quickly be loose enough to start rads. I am to have 25 doses.

 They do not want me using any cream at all unless I develop a problem and then they want me to only use what they prescribe...but I am not sure if I will comply with this. I am just now able to massage cream into my scars and it is helping my wounds heal and range of motion. I don't think I will stop.. 

polamom

Hello, I had a mastectomy with immediate DIEP reconstruction.  My SNB was positive so I had A/C and Taxol starting in November and now I will be starting my radiation next week (first week of May). I went this morning and got my mark ups and CT scan.    I didn't get tattoos.   They marked me and put clear stickers over the dots to protect them until I come in next week.   On Monday I go in for my run through and Tuesday the real thing.

 I asked my RO about preparation or instructions.  He said he had none.  I asked about deodorants and creams during treatment.  He said don't worry about it, that in the past doctors e use to be really hung up on that stuff and they've learned it isn't enough to be concerned about or affect the treatment.  He said wear whatever deodorant you want.  I said 'non-aluminum?" he said it doesn't matter, the amount in it is so small it is insignificant.  He said if I had a thick area of lotion on my breast it would create a bolus, but again he wasn't concerned.  I guess his theory is we have enough to worry about already.    He said they'd give me some sample creams/lotions before I start.  

If my radiation will be given in the same machine I was in today it won't be bad at all.  The CT tube is so much smaller (as in you pass in and out fast) than an MRI machine, so it didn't make me claustrophobic at all. 

Kaseymomto2boys

Hey ladies! I finished TAC chemo almost 4 weeks ago and had my Rads simulation today. I look like I let a kid use my chest as their art studio. I will go 5/4 for a walk through treatment with x-rays then 5/5 will begin my 6 weeks of treatment. Did anyone have a problem with your arm hurting having to hold it above your head for so long during the simulation? I did! I don't think of myself as a baby but holy crap, I was crying my right shoulder was hurting so bad from having to be still for soo long. I have been given NO instructions about skin care during treatment so I'm curious to see what others are told. I am participating in a clinical trial my RO is doing. I will be taking a pretty big dose of turmeric starting at treatment through 1 week after. This trial is seeing if the turmeric helps reduce redness and skin irritation during treatment. Hopefully, I won't pull the placebo...I'm fair skinned and really concerned about burning. Good Luck Ladies : )

JulieH

Wow!  I wish my RO had said it was OK to wear deodorant . . .   

sundermom

My RO said no deodorant for the entire 7 weeks and no lotions/creams for 4 hours before therapy each day. I'm telling you all right now that I'm wearing deodorant!!!  I did find some that was organic and made for radiation patients, so I figure that's a good compromise.  My treatment will be going well into the summer and lack of deodorant just isn't an option.  

I find myself getting nervous about starting rads so soon after my exchange surgery.  I have surgery May 10th and the rads simulation on the 12th.  I'm a pretty tough cookie, but if the exchange surgery is anything like the BMX lifting my arm over my head won't be physically possible in 48 hours.   Supposedly, my docs have all consulted and come up with the timeline.  I hope they are right!

Tammy

Tammy

mogirl

I have my markings and my 2 tiny dot tattoo's( Ouch!)First treatment is Wednesday then only 32 to go. RO said deoderant is ok to use but no lotion right before treatments. I will start out with Aloe Vera gel  first and  that dont work something prescription. I have to drive 1 &1/2 hours there and back each day for treatments. Sure will be glad win this is done, I am so tired from chemo. I need to lose some of the weight I have gained since my dx. but I am still to tired to exercise. 

Romansma

I had 4 rounds of TAC starting last November, BMX on Valentines Day, then more chemo...4 rounds of Abraxane and Cytoxin. I finished the chemo 2 weeks ago today and should be starting rads sometime next week. Really want to run away from it all........but, I won't. As they like to say....I'm a trooper (trooper? wth?)!

baf4292

I start rads on April 27th...not sure for how many weeks yet. I am assuming the fatigue associated with radiation will not be as bad as chemo, but I am tired of feeling tired!  Will be following you ladies on this thread to see how you are doing.

cantgarden

Had my simulation last Tues and I start this Thurs.  33 treatments, 28 full-breast and then 5 localized.  Feeling pretty comfortable with it at this point.  I'm more worried about the tamoxifen than anything else, but one step at a time.  I signed on to do the Herceptin clinical study (DCIS) but was randomized into the group that won't get the 2 doses.  Will stay in touch.

Julie

brenilea

Hey? I get my "tattoos" on Thurs. I'm getting alittle nervous about the radiation and having the tattoos done. Does it hurt? Not trying to be wimpy, but

Romansma

I had my tattoos done last week. It stings a little, but its really fast and not that big of a deal.....considering what we've been through. During my last 2 chemo infusions I was stuck with a needle in the same arm 14 times within a 7 day period....my arm was black and blue from the elbow down. Tattoos? No big deal!

brenilea

Yea, I guess after the dye injections...I can handle about anything...I think of all the things I've had to do, that was the most painful!

Pinkprincess

Hey girls....sorry I have been MIA these last few weeks.....I had simulation last week, tattoos on Friday and started on Monday. Today was day two in the 33 day journey. I am on an antibiotic and already seem a little pink on day two...I am using Aquaphor 3 times a day after morning treatment and then showering in the am before rads. Has anyone else started?