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?

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?

lesleye

Brenilea:

Had my tattoos last week.  It was a pinch and a little sting.  Take a deep breath and it will be over.  I start my Rads on Thursday, so I guess I should officially join this discussion. 

mogirl

KCMOMx3 I start my first treatment tomorrow. So ready to get it over with. I am using aloe vera

gel 3-5 times daily but to wash it off prior to treatment.

rdn

Hello ladies.  I guess I can join your thread.  This is my first post; I've been lurking since Feb and I have learned so much from all of you.  I've had two lumpectomies; 1 in Feb and 1 in Mar to get clear margins. I had my simulation on the 14th of Apr and started rads on the 19th of April and should be done around the 9th of June after 28 treatments plus 8 boosts.  I've completed #6/36 treatments; so far so good.  I look forward to getting to know all of you and taking this journey together.

Ker

Hi all- I go in for simulation on May 9th and start rads on the 16th, Will try to post a recap of simulation for those who havn't gone there yet.  Tomorrow is my last Taxol. Expected to be ecstatic, but I'm feeling sick and weepy today. Wish I'd gotten a few days respite before the last hurrah. My tum has been sensitive through out. Glad you are all out there-- nice to know there are people who really get what you are going through.

MaggieMc2

I have an appointment with my radiology oncologist on Monday. Hopefully I will start rads the next day. I had BMX 13 days ago, and finished chemo on 3/15. I am hoping that radiation will be the easiest of the three paths of this journey. I have very fair skin, so that will probably be my biggest concern. I have read that rads cause fatigue, but it can't be as bad as chemo. I guess I will find out soon enough. These boards have been very helpful in gaining insight as to what to expect as well as emotional support in dealing with SE's from ladies who know what we are going through. Looking forward to your advice and support!

slg2130

I was suppose to start mid-April, but my simulation had to be redone (long story), so I'm officially starting 4/28 for 28 sessions.  I guess 28 was my docs compromise between 25 and 30.  I told him at one point that I wasn't convinced I even wanted to do radiation, and I sure as hell didn't want to do 30 treatments.  I'm not sure if he's humoring me or mocking me!! 

lesleye

sig2130:  We are starting the same day.  April 28th, tomorrow.  I am done on June 14.    Funny story, when I did my simulation, I was leaving the radiation center and a prisoner walks in, in chains with 2 guards.  The nurses knew him, since he probably comes in every day.  Guess the prisons don't have radiation centers.

Romansma

That's funny Lesleye.  When I was leaving the radiation center, the lady walking in front of me turned around and said, "I just wanted to say hi......you're glowing!"  Normally a compliment.....but, maybe not when you are leaving a radiation center

cantgarden

I'm starting today too.  What I thought was pretty wild is the tech I'm dealing with is my age and just finished her own treatment 3 weeks ago.  She just started on Tamox, so I assume we will have a lot to talk about over the next couple months.  I'll be thinking about all of you today!

Julie

pixelsupply

I have my simulation on May 3 and then start the daily rads the next day. I am hoping for the 3 week cycle (an increased dose per day) which in a 12 year study has been said to be as effective...but my Radioligist is fighting me on it...not sure why.

My nurse told me some great advice. Don't know if it works yet but thought I would pass on for those that didn't get any info:

1. The radiation slows down the maturation of new skin, so to protect that don't rub off the old skin even if it looks a bit gross. The old skin is actually protecting the new skin growing underneath

2. No deodorant with metal of any kind. Tom's of Maine and Le Crystall Roll-on along with body powder made of cornstarch and baking soda are the suggested alternatives.

3. Do not shave the underarm on the treatment side during radiation 

4. Chlorine in swimming pools may irritate your skin. If you have to swim for excercise, be sure to gently wash chlorine off after swimming

5. Miaderm - 3x daily,  or Remedy Skin Repair - 2-3 times daily. Do not apply cream less than 2 hours before treatment. AND PLEASE CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR ABOUT THESE, your doctor may have other suggestions.

6. Don't take supplements of vitamins A, C and E. If you take a multivitamin just make sure you are only getting 100% and no more. These vitamins interfere with effectiveness of radiation.

Obviously I am not a doctor and these were suggestions only, but if your doctor or nurse hasn't talked about this to you, be sure to have your doctor walk through the process with you.

So onward and upward! Only 6 more weeks (or 3 -- maybe?)  YEAH!

carberry

guess I now belong on this forum.  Had neoadj chemo then unimx with diep and now on to rads.

Maggiemc2, I have followed you over here. Ha ha.  My doc also said tom's deodorant and baby poder with cornstarch.  Also gave me samples of aquaphor.

I also was not thrilled about the tatoos, but will cross that bridge when i get there, maybe a little ativan for that day.

Romansma

Just found out I won't start my rads till 5/11.  I guess they want me to be a month out from chemo and I'm just fine with that.  Another week off.....feeling good!

brenilea

Hi all! I recieved my tattoos today. My chest looks like a landing strip for an airplane... I was hoping I  could set up my radiation therapy schedule today...but no...I have to wait another week or two... I have 38 radiation treatments to start and I still don't know what kind of chemo I will need...I am so frustrated right now I could cry

brenilea

Hi all! I recieved my tattoos today...my chest looks like a landing strip for an airplane...I was hoping to set up the schedule for the 38 radiation treatments I am getting...but I have to wait another week or two...I am so frustrated right now, I could cry!

Laura53

 Brenilea:  This is my first post on this thread.  I am also starting my rads this month.  I have had my simul. and my tatoos.  Don't worry...the tats are not that bad.  Just a quick pinch from the needle.  I have been fighting this battle since last Aug. when I was diagnosed with a cancereous Sentinal lymph node.  It was estrogen fed (from my breast (no cancer has actually been found in my breast ) so it is considered breast cancer. I also had level one and two lymph  nodes removed ( 18) .  Only one of these nodes was cancerous.  I have had 16 chemo treatments.   I am continuing Herceptin treatments every 3 wks. until next Jan. 

 I am curious to see how the rads do effect us.  I am a teacher and am going for my rads every day after school (28 x's).  I will probably go home and nap after that.  Does anyone know if it is o.k. to drive after rads?  Or doesn't it make you that tired.  We will soon find out.

Take care ((Hugs))

Laura