May 2011 Radiation

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  • LisaMomOfFour
    LisaMomOfFour Member Posts: 465
    edited May 2011

    Hi Gabby -- Yes!  It's a G Rated Rocky Horror... costumes, props, shouting at the screen, dancing in the aisles....   quite fun, my ten year old had a blast.  (So did her mom). 

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  • Pinkprincess
    Pinkprincess Member Posts: 280
    edited May 2011

    7 more regs with or without bolus....will find out tomorrow, then 5 boost and then I am DONE!!!! YEAH!!!!!

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  • GmaFoley
    GmaFoley Member Posts: 7,091
    edited May 2011

    Off to see the RO nutritionist today .. Rads start next week.

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  • GabbyCal
    GabbyCal Member Posts: 277
    edited May 2011
    LisaMomOfFour - this Sound of Music thing might involve an overnight - maybe it will be my finishing rads celebration - 
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  • TonLee
    TonLee Member Posts: 2,626
    edited May 2011

    Went for Herceptin this morning, then #6 radiation, (machine broke while on table and had to wait 30 minutes for them to fix it), then I went to the PS for my LAST fill, then to CT Scan..and did I mention my 8 year old son was with me the entire time??  He fell off his scooter and sprained his wrist Sunday and he had a 1pm appt for xrays (to make sure it wasn't broke).

    It's 3:30 and we just got home....

    Long day.

    My foob hurts from expansion...and I found out today my PS is moving to TX, so he will likely not be doing my exchange.

    Also, no wins on scratch offs.

    My luck is suckin.

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  • sagina
    sagina Member Posts: 1,219
    edited May 2011

    Gmafoley~ an RO nutritionist? please share later.

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  • duckyb1
    duckyb1 Member Posts: 13,369
    edited May 2011

    Sagina........I know you and I are right on target with each other........I am so sorry to hear your having some problems...........Got my simulation today for my boosts which will happen in the last 5 treatments........they are all so great where I go.....Honestly, today they drew a diagram of what they were going to do with the boosts,before they did the simulation.........I have just the one sticker, and they asked me not to lose it, or take it off if I can help it........

    My RO said I am doing so well she is going to set me up for her "Model Radiation Patient".........I told her "not so fast there sweetie"..............I am getting a rash......................she said I have patients by now whose breast is "scarlet", and whose "rash" is horrible, and they are complaining each and every visit since 1 week after they began..................Here I thought I wasn't doing that well.

    I'm not saying this will continue..........I have 11 more treatments to go, so anything can happen......I am feeling "washed out".............not horribly, but a little.........

    Will be going down the shore this weekend to open up the house, and to open the pool..........no swimming, unless you like artic temperature water, but its nice to see the cover come off, so it can warm up................just have to watch the "sun"...........

    Right now I am a little tired, and my kids holler becaue I don't take naps.............so I lie and tell them I do...............I'm not a sleeper during the day, or a nap taker.

    Just came back from CVS.................RO told me to use 1% Cortisone cream for the rash..will do.................think I might make another batch of Ricotta cookies for my grandson, and some for the Rad Ladies.....................Oh my busy, busy busy, ..........hugs Sagina, hope yo feel better.

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  • pixelsupply
    pixelsupply Member Posts: 62
    edited May 2011

    Thanks everyone for answering my question about the superclav...I went ahead with it. Hope I am doing the right thing.

    I started rads on April 25th with 2 fields. Continued until May 16th when the superclav area was added so now have 4 fields. I have been using Miaderm 3 times a day everyday I have had radiation and make sure I have at least 8 glasses of water a day.  I also walk briskly to my hospital and walk back (thought I would use this time to start an excercise habit) its about 2 miles each way...

    So far only slight redness under my arm and no fatigue. I have 21 more sessions left (due to the rad onc not planning the superclav upfront -- just another screw up, so carberry I am with you on the WTHeck? doc.)

    That's been my journey so far...hope all of you are fairing well...And thanks for the replies!

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  • GabbyCal
    GabbyCal Member Posts: 277
    edited May 2011
    duckyb1 - I'm starting to crave Ricotta cookies. Any chance we can get the recipe from you?
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  • spartina
    spartina Member Posts: 68
    edited May 2011

    I had my first rad session today at 11am.  I went solo and was feeling good during the 35 minute drive from home to Sloan Kettering in Commack, NY.  I told everyone that I was OK alone.  When I got out of my car, my husband George was waiting.  I was so surprised, I started to cry. It was so wonderful to see him and it made my month! 

    I had 4 fields done and it went without a hitch.  It is a bit isolating in that room all by myself with the huge steely machine harnessing the power of the atom and it pointed at me.  I visualized the rays killing the cancer and tried not to think of what it was doing to the other cells.  This being the way I've accepted to keep my life.

     When I got home I slathered the irradiated area with Aquafor and then went back to work.  

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  • carberry
    carberry Member Posts: 1,153
    edited May 2011

    Tonlee  WOW did you have a day!  I did not see the mushroom cloud, so I am assuming you expanded ok? I do my Herceptin on Thurs. and i am gonna wheezle a good lunch out of my DH between rads and infusion. The bright side to your day was the fact that you must have a wonderful, patient, little boy.  believe it or not, these will be the days he remembers, being with his mom all day.

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  • TonLee
    TonLee Member Posts: 2,626
    edited May 2011

    Carberry,

    He is a good boy.  The Onc Nurses kicked him out of the chemo room...kids aren't allowed in..which makes sense I guess...so he waited in the waiting room for 30 minutes....

    I bought him popcorn and a Coke for his trouble....

    Yes, the expansion went great....I wanted him to do more..but the PS said it's good to go..I don't need any more that it will match the other side once the implant is placed....we'll see.

    19 more!

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  • duckyb1
    duckyb1 Member Posts: 13,369
    edited May 2011

    GabbyCal.............will post it tomorrow for sure..................really easy.  Between Idol and DWTS, I'm getting "surfter finger".........................I'm gonna cry if Scotty doesn't win.................promise I will do it first thing in the morning for you..........your gonna love them.

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited May 2011

    7/30 and still zippo on the scratchers, dang it!

    Seems some of the fatigue might be settling in...I felt the need to lay down and read at 5:30 but had to set that aside and take a nap at 5:45.  Then it took all I had to drag my butt outta bed at 7:00 after I reset the nap alarm a second time! Don't feel like cooking and don't feel like putting clothes on to go get something to eat, either... Undecided

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  • GmaFoley
    GmaFoley Member Posts: 7,091
    edited May 2011

    Gina, Nutritionist discussion was very interesting.. I am always trying to lose weight and she said now is not the right time - when you are healing from rads...if you lose weight during rads,  you loose it in muscle mass not fat... It is very important to stay the same weight.. So.... she weighed me and told me to eat - high protein foods with at least 5 servings of bright looking veggies and fruits a day.  Lots of water... and she gave me a shopping list of all the high protein foods to stock.

    When I'm in there I asked her about the not lifting heavy objects while in radiation...She went and got the nurse... aarghhh..... we got in the nutritionists office and wanted to see how my breast looks - its been turning purple when i stand up.... They all looked and said my circulation isn't back yet but doesn't look like I'm pooling fluid its just swelling...if my breast gets hot or red I'm supposed to call my surgeon (It just swells not having any red hot issues) ....... Anyway I got confirmation that no lifting over 10 lbs and I'm picking up a note for my first day back to work tomorrow... I hope I made sense - I feel sooooooo scattered....

    I

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited May 2011

    I have my simulation tomorrow and first of 33 rads on Thursday. I know what you mean about being marked up by a kindergarten art class. Polamom, they marked me and put on the clear stickers too. I pray this means we don't get the tattoos. I got Naturally Fresh Deodorant Crystal from GNC and they also have Calendula lotion called "Kiss My Face." The Crystal has the breast cancer ribbon on the top.  My instructions said not to shave my underarm. UGH! Also no bleach on my white laundry. It's gonna get stinky around my house. Are you having trouble finding a comfortable bra? My huge incision is on the left side of my breast and I can't find a bra that doesn't rub. I have some sports bras that almost fit but they slide over.  I know we'll all be glad when this is over.

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  • sagina
    sagina Member Posts: 1,219
    edited May 2011

    GraFoley~ perfect sense and I'm sorry you don't have red hot boobs! lol!  This is the one time in life that's perfectly ok!!!!

    So basically the vegan diet I'm on is going to maintain my weight? High protein lots of beans and lots of veggies and fruit! lol.  I did lose a pound this week.  I changed my diet the beginning of March, I've noticed the clothes feeling bigger but the scale won't drop - good thing I guess during radiation. Thank you for the good info.

    Ducky~ I had lost count - guess what - I only have 8 left - I'm in single digits!!!!!! 3 more whole breast and 5 boosts.  The RO saw my skin today and he said the same thing, he's seen a whole lot worse - but he also said mine is going to get a little worse too - to be expected....He gave me a new cream today - Regenecare - it's got lidocaine so I"m saving this one for tonight - besides he gave me two itty bitty samples - you would think since he sees all of me he would have given me a box!!

    Spartina~ awwwww what a nice DH, I would have burst into tears to.  I've been able to drive myself each time so far and have continued to go into the office everyday.  Good luck on #2 tomorrow.

    Tonlee~Whew, you deserve a big glass of whatever will make you say ahhhhh.

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  • hdangelbaby
    hdangelbaby Member Posts: 731
    edited May 2011

    i'm on 12/33 today. my breast is starting to get this weird super opened pores looking, with red . does that make sense to anyone? still having that carpet burn feel too.

    the lotion my RO gave me does help (dermaplex) and when i get home, i just take off the bra (usually sports bras these days) and it feels so much better when i don't wear a bra.

    going back to work in exactly 2 weeks! will still have 2 weeks of rads left by the time i go back, but my work is accomodating me nicely. instead of working in flooring, where i know i would get stuck lifting all the time, they are putting me in the appliance dept. which sounds worse at first i know, but luckily 80% of the appliances we sell are by special order, which means i will be working on a computer! and when someone wants one we have in stock, i have 2 burly guys that will be working with me so they will be doing all the heavy lifting!

    getting excited to go back, see my co workers, and try to get some normalcy back in my life!!

    hope all is well!

    p.s. i have found,,, using baby shampoo in the shower, lather it up in your hand and GENTLY apply it to the breast and arm pit does the trick! it gets you cleaned up without majorly irritating the area!

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  • GmaFoley
    GmaFoley Member Posts: 7,091
    edited May 2011

    Rohanna: I'm having a terrible time finding a bra but got an idea from my RO nurse today - find a cotton nursing bra/camisole.. I'm kinda lucky in that my daughter is nursing right now and is about my size, so when she comes to visit this weekend she is going to bring them for me to try on...  I'm a 42/44DD and even with half my breast gone it still fits LOL.. But my breast has been swelling so much - that the RO wants me to go braless and just find a soft cotton tank top or cami to wear... 

    The nursing camis my daughter wears are from Target and the tank tops with shelf bras are from Kmart and Target..  Good luck with your treatment tomorrow - I pray all goes well. 

    Oh yeah about not using bleach - I saw on another forum, a lady uses palmolive dish soap and soaks the greasy stains out then washes them in the wash.

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited May 2011

    Thanks GmaFoley! I'm going to Target tomorrow after my appt. and see if I can find some of the nursing bras/camisoles and shelf bras. We don't have a Kmart darn it! I'd never thought of that, but I'll bet it works. Anything without a side seam. Oh and can you post some of the high protein foods on your list? They're not sending me to a nutritionist. I'll bet that protein would help with the fatigue.  Hugs and kisses.

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  • slcst12
    slcst12 Member Posts: 161
    edited May 2011

    Spartina:
    what a lovely surprise from DH :) He wins this week's "Awesome DH award!" I would have cried too.

    GMA foley:
    Interestnig on the losing muscle not fat discussion. I just started back up with lifting some weights. (And by weights, I mean something other than my 29 lb 2 year old!)

    Hopefully that will stave off any further body mass loss!

    HDangelbaby:
    I will have to try the baby shampoo trick. I also heard it was good for your baby fine hair growing on your head (well, on everyone's head except mine!) ha ha LOL

    As for me:
    I have 3/33 done today. It's going to be a long summer.  It's such a long drive to the center...
    So far I haven't noticed any rash/burns, etc (and I'm pasty white, like seriously "Casper" was a nickname of mine in high school...)

    Should I be pre-emptively lathering up wtih aquaphor?  I just put on eucerin creme at night as a precaution... And drink lots of water (in the hope that it will keep my skin hydrated and prevent skin breakdown...)

    Thanks ladies!!

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  • duckyb1
    duckyb1 Member Posts: 13,369
    edited May 2011

    Gabby...here it is........................Ricotta Cookies

    3 eggs

    2 cups sugar

    2 sticks butter, softened

    2 tsp vanilla

    1 15oz. container of Ricotta Cheese

    4 cups flour (sift)

    1 TBSP Baking Soda

    1 TSP. Salt

    Preheat oven to 350.............Cream first 5 ingredients.......mix dry ingredients............add dry ingredients to wet, and mix well (if a too dry, add a little milk)..............Drop by spoonsfuls on greased cookie sheet, bake 10-15 minutes till brown on bottom....(top will be slightly wet)...cool

    Icing

    1 cup sifted confectioners sugar

    1/2 TSP. vanilla

    1 TBSP..milk

    Mix powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk.........stir in  milk until drizzling consistency........add a drop at a time,  until its right.

    Dip cookies top down in the icing, and lay on a rack till icing dries............Enjoy

    Sounds like a lot, but very, very easy.

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  • GabbyCal
    GabbyCal Member Posts: 277
    edited May 2011

    Ducky - Thanks for the cookie recipe! We recently enacted a "home-baked-only" policy toward cookies, etc. in our house. (Started before I was diagnosed, but fits in good with the whole healthy approach to foods we all especially want now.) We haven't totally given up sweets and treats, but figure if we only do home-made they will be better for us and we'll have to work for them.

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  • GmaFoley
    GmaFoley Member Posts: 7,091
    edited May 2011

    Rohanna: The list of proteins in the order she suggested were: eggs, salmon, beans, chickpeas, legumes, peanuts, fish, chicken, red meat, milk, peanut butter, yogurt and cottage cheese.  She also gave a list of things to be I the kitchen:

    Nuts: Almonds, Walnuts, Pecans, Pistachios

    Beans: Black, Pinto, Kidney, chickpeas, lentils

    Rice: Brown, Long grain, rice mixes

    Pasta: Whole Wheat, Multigrain enriched spaghetti

    Other grains: couscous, orzo, cornmeal, whole grain crackers

    Onions

    Black Tea -(green tea is in question at the moment because of a study that showed high concentrations made people with leukemia worse)

    Canned low sodium tomatoes, sun-dried, salsa

    Canned low sodium vegetables, green beans, mushrooms

    Sauces: Low sodium pasta, tomato

    Meats: canned tuna in water, salmon, clams, chicken

    Peanut butter: low sodium

    Evaporated milk, low or non fat

    Vinegars: cider, red and white wine, balsamic

    Oils: canola, olive and non fat cooking spriay

    Spices: Tumeric (anti-inflammatory), Dried herbs, all kinds!

    Garlic, potatoes, root vegetables

    In the Refrigerator:

     100% Vegetable and fruit juices

    low fat milk and yogurt

    Reduced fat, low soduim cheeses

    Whole wheat and corn tortillas

    Eggs

    Low fat, non trans fat spread

    In the freezer

    Frozen vegetables, fruits

    Frozen chopped onions and peppers

    Whole wheat breads, wheat waffles, whole grain rolls

    You need to eat at least 5 servings of vegetables (including legumes) and fruits a day, especially those with the most COLOR, a sign of high nutrient content. These foods are packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that work together to lower the risk of several cancers. (American Cancer Society)

    The last thing she left me with is that every meal needs a protein and salads don't cut it unless you add meat, beans or other proteins with it.

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  • duckyb1
    duckyb1 Member Posts: 13,369
    edited May 2011

    Gabby..............forgot something.............while the icing is still wet on the cookies, you can put those little colored "bead" things on top, or yu can also put colored "jimmies"........I don't because my grandson does not like the beads (complains they get caught in his teeth), and my grandaughter says "the jimmies make the cookie too sweet).......go figure.......either way, if you want to be a little more fancy, and colorful it does look nice...............actually they should really be done with the extra decorations.

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  • GmaFoley
    GmaFoley Member Posts: 7,091
    edited May 2011

    Ducky: thanks for sharing the recipe - might try it when the grandsons are down this weekend. :)

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  • duckyb1
    duckyb1 Member Posts: 13,369
    edited May 2011

    GmaFoley................they are going to love them.......they are actually addictive

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  • isee
    isee Member Posts: 105
    edited May 2011

    GmaFoley thanks for the info from your nutritionist...that is very interesting. I will print that off and stick it to the fridge when I get home.

    Today I get treatment #15 of 16. One more sleep and I get to go home and stay home. No more sleeping on someone's couch! Not that I don't appreciate it, but I prefer my own bed lol. I have had no problems with the treatment. My skin is slightly pink...I have been getting more sleep then usual as I am on a medical leave from my job ...so I'm not feeling too exhausted. I do notice if I climb a big flight of stairs or go up a hill, I do get winded.

    My doc has still not told me if he has redone my risk assessment to see if he is going to change his mind on if I should take tamoxifen or not...

    Have a great day everyone!

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  • Simplymarvelous99
    Simplymarvelous99 Member Posts: 2
    edited May 2011
    I'm   not new to this site. I  have been keeping up and taking your advice.  Here I thought I was at the end of my treatment and the oncologists says he'd like for me to see a radiologist.  I felt like a two year old having a bad day. NO NO NO NO NO is all I could say.  A few days  have passed and I am reconcidering it. Here I expected the pills for anti-estrogen but instead get maybe the possibility for more treatment.  What a bummer. 
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  • duckyb1
    duckyb1 Member Posts: 13,369
    edited May 2011

    SimplyMarvelous.......just wanted to say to you.......I am  in my 5th weeks of radiation.....33 treatments with 5 boosts, and I have had no problems..............a couple days ago I felt a little tired, but not horribly fatigued............I am a little red............and have developed a slight rash in the area about 3 inches below my collarbone........that is it so far.......don't be afraid to do Rads if they say you should........I have read some horror stories, and I have no doubt they have all happened, but just wanted to let you know I "right now", am one of the lucky ones..........Can't speak for the next 11 days, but for now, I'm doing pretty good.....good luck no matter what you choose to do.

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