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?

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

SherrySt

Hi Ladies,

 Is it ok if I join you? I had my mapping CT done today and will begin rads sometime next week.  My RO gave me the same advice - Toms or Crystal Deodorant and vitamin E or aloe cream.

Tammy - I'm glad to hear that your mom is still here.    I am a lung cancer survivor as well. My dad is Stage IV (diagnosed 16 months ago and doing VERY well).

slcst12

I'd like to join as well!

Hello to my Jan 2011 chemo friends!!

I'm due to have simulation on 06-May, and then probably won't start rads until May 23rd.

My last chemo was *today*!! Hooray!

Wondering if anyone has dealt with a port?  My RO said they won't start rads till I get it removed (it's on the same side as my bc was). So I can't get in to do that till May 20th.

Also, my RO said baking soda/cornstarch combo for deodorant needs. And no bulking up on enzymatic supplements (like CoQ10, etc)

thank you ladies!!

rdn

Laura53:

I'm early in my treatments (8/36) but so far so good--no real side effects and my skin looks great despite being fair skinned and red headed.  My treatments are scheduled during my lunch period (driving 30 mins to and from the center) so no problems driving or working so far.  I've lost 5 pounds since I've started treatment (which the center is not thrilled about) but I think it's just pre-menstrual water weight loss. 

I'm using the creams the radiation center gave me--Radioplex, Biofine, Skin Remedy and Aloe Vera.  I'm trying each one to see which I like best; so far, I can't tell a difference so I rotate them.  I tried using cornstarch for deoderant but it wasn't cutting the odor and wetness so now I'm using Tom's deoderant which was OK'd by the radiation oncology nurse--seems to be working.  For bras, I'm wearing 'barely there' bras.  They are really light and airy but zero support so I don't recommend them if you need a supportive bra.  I'm trying to keep as much air circulating around that area as possible.     

carberry

brenilea.. the anticipation and waiting is the hardest part, thats why these boards are so helpful so we can vent and gather info of whats to come.  There is so much time in between each process.  When I was originally diagnosed  in Sept.2010 my surgeon said to expect a year of treatment and he was pretty dead on. Did chemo then surgery and now rads through may-june, healing, then nipple added and we will be right back to Sept.  I guess in retrospect I can say it went pretty fast.

carberry

slcst12  my port is on oposite side and I still need it for the herceptin till Oct.  I hope they dont disturb it in the rad process.

JulieH

carberry:  My port is on the opposite side, too, and I need it for the herceptin as well.  My RO nurse said there was no problem with still having it.

Sherryc

Just popping in to say Good Luck to all you ladies with your rads.  I am three months post rads and even though I had a really difficult time during rads I healed quickly once it was over and am doing great now.  Had my follow up with my RO yesterday and I do not have to go back and see him unless I feel the need to. Best advice I can give you is use the creams that they approve for you.  Oh and not everyone has a hard time with rads, I think more have an OK time with it. If any of you have any questions feel free to PM anytime.  GOOD LUCK

victoryismine2

Hi Ladies,

I have been lurking for a few days so, may I  join the May 2011 Rads group? I thought about what Romansmom said happened when she was leaving her treatment. Well, as I was leaving, I think my nipple was smoking and my  body told me that it could either walk me to the car or it could breathe, but it couldn't do both. I was so wasted, just too tired to place one foot in front of the other. By the time I got home I was nauseated and tired, after resting the remainder of the day I was doing better. The next day  I ate a little something before going and I wasn't nauseated just extremely tired. Today, Friday, the machine is down AGAIN, so, I get to rest over a long weekend. I did not expect to get SE's after the first treatment. I am praying that it will get better maybe, I won't burn, it seems that I always do things backwards.

bambi380

Kasey I get the arm and shoulder pain you had while holding your arm up over your head for so long. When I walked out of that office my shoulder was numb. I have my simulation Monday and will discover what I have gotten in to.