JUNE 2011 RADS

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

    OK, I now have the rads cough. It started over the weekend and I asked people in the waiting room today if this happened to them and all but one said yes. Does anyone know what causes this?

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  • mostlymom
    mostlymom Member Posts: 466
    edited June 2011

    rohanna - the rads may have caught a little bit of your lung - it too shall pass....

    I had a panic attack while driving to #10 rad treatment today....  WT#?  With all I've gone through since Feb, this is the 1st one I've had in over a year!  I swear I wasn't thinking about anything - it just came out of the blue.  Of course, it was where I could not pull over so I'm trying to keep up with traffic, moving over to the right lane, unzipping my purse side pocket, pulling out my pill bottle, popping a nasty tasting trank DRY, then exiting the interstate asap.  I've have the emotional range of a ping-pong ball worse than when I was a teenager & I don't need panic attacks on top of all this.

    Hugs, Martha

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  • LizinKS
    LizinKS Member Posts: 65
    edited June 2011

    Dear Blue Willow Sky, I sympathize with your going through rads during the sticky summer months. I am now nearing three years out from completing my rads in late August 2008 while living in Lawrence,KS - another great university town with icky,sticky summers. I'm not sure whether it was the rads or not, but I found I would often feel weak and nauseous getting out in the heat following a treatment. I found it did help to drink juices that had potassium in them - V-8 was the best - or eating a banana or citrus fruit. Just make sure you're well-hydrated - always, but especially when your body is under stress during radiation. Hope you are blessed with as great a radiation oncologist as I had.

    Know you will be in my thoughts. Just take it one day at a time, and make sure you do something enjoyable for yourself every day - no matter how small - a good book or movie or fun TV show.

    Hugs, Liz

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  • LizinKS
    LizinKS Member Posts: 65
    edited June 2011

    Rohana, What you likely have is radiation pneumonia - which can happen up to six months after treatment. I did not have it, but it's not uncommon. It could also be caused by allergies this time of year or even a respiratory infection. Be sure to mention to your radiation oncologist!!! If the cough gets too bad, the doc could give you prescription with a cough suppressant. But do be sure it isn't an infection other than radiation pneumonia.

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  • suebak
    suebak Member Posts: 199
    edited June 2011

    Had my crazy dream again last night.  I dream I am having rads, and my breast blows up. I really think I am losing it (lol).  Oh Lord, so nice to have people like you, who I know don't think I am really losing it.  Have a great day everyone

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  • mamadog53
    mamadog53 Member Posts: 61
    edited June 2011

    rohanna, how far along are you in rads? Last might I started having to clear my throat and cough. This morning I woke up doing it again. I am 21/33. I've been having problems with dizziness also. My RO assures me it is not due to rads. Yeah, right.

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

    Subak you aren't alone - I think many of us have crazy dreams.. I had one very similar to that and now I wake up and check whether what's left of my breast is still there... in my dreams right now, it catches fire (probably because it gets so warm feeling at night)  - Its anxiety over what is being done to us I'm sure..

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  • NewatThis
    NewatThis Member Posts: 41
    edited June 2011

    Guess what! I'm done! Started radiation June 1 with the "Canadian way" and ended today!! I'm done done done!!

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  • suebak
    suebak Member Posts: 199
    edited June 2011

    NewatThis-HORAAHHH for you.  Must be such a good feeling.  Can't wait to get there.  Today was my half way mark.

    GmaFoley-You post made me laugh, mine blows up and yours is on fire.  Maybe we are both losing it (lol)

    Mostlymom-Back when I was in my early 20's I had panick attacks quite often.  They totally stopped.  After being diagnosed, I have had several again.  They are the worst.  I called my primary and had him prescribe me xanax.  I used to be one of those people that would never take a tylenol, now I am a walking drug store.  My DH told me, that is what meds are for, if you need it, you take it.  I have taken his advice.

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  • Melanie_Ann
    Melanie_Ann Member Posts: 414
    edited June 2011

    Is anyone feeling the fatigue yet? I've had 9/33 treatments and I'm sooo tired and actually quite hungry all of the time. I've been very mindful of getting protien but I still feel this way.

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

    Thanks, Girls. I will definitely ask the RO about the cough. I'm 23/36 and the cough has been around for a couple of days. I live outside of Memphis and the heat and humidity are horrible! We're under a dangerous air alert today. I'm trying to stay inside as much as possible. My RO keeps telling me that none of my symptoms are due to rads. I'm going to ask my onc on the 5th, I get more info from him. I also get dizzy so I now carry protein drinks with me. That seems to help.

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  • BlyDncr
    BlyDncr Member Posts: 21
    edited June 2011
    4 down,29 more to go.  So far, so good. 4 losers on the scratch tickets, but 29 more chances to get lucky. The only SE's I've experienced have been from going off Prempro when I was diagnosed in May and starting Arimidex over a week ago - hot flashes and night sweats galore!  And to top it off, the forecast was for 97 degrees today!  Went out and bought a personal fan to wear around my neck Cool  The only other SE is that all of a sudden I've developed a sweet tooth - (I was the weird person who preferred a cheese tray over a box of chocolates) Maybe it's because of all those free cookies they have sitting around at the Cancer Center. I'm trying to eat lots of veggies, fruits and fish, but for some reason when I leave my treatment, I have to walk past the cookies so I grab one (or 2). This is so unusual for me.
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  • mammalou
    mammalou Member Posts: 823
    edited June 2011

    I did #14 of 33 today.  I'm not too tired, but I am hungry all the time, and I'm trying to be good and not it bad stuff.  I'm ready to say the heck with it and just eat whatever I want!

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  • suebak
    suebak Member Posts: 199
    edited June 2011

    Mammalou-My DH and I just had the "I am hungry all the time" discussion.  I have been eating like crazy and not healthy foods.  DH says just keep eating, who cares (lol). I had 17/34 today, half way there.

    BlyDnr-Grab 3 cookies, and enjoy every bite.

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  • mammalou
    mammalou Member Posts: 823
    edited June 2011

    Thanks guys!  My DH is a health food nut and that stinks.  I think I'll treat myself to ice cream and berries tonight!

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

    I had an egg salad sandwich after rads today - nutritionist suggested eggs and fish..

    Newatthis: Congrats!!!! That is awesome - now you can heal!

     My Rad team FINALLY  admitted I am red! LOL my DH could have told them that last week!  5 days left... can't wait to heal - Girls make sure you keep the lotion under the breast too.... Not fun to get blisters under there...

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  • crog234
    crog234 Member Posts: 801
    edited June 2011

    19/33 done.  I am getting pinker...  I will be done rads 3 weeks from today but who is counting.  Yesterday I went to rads to be told the machine had just broken down.  They asked if I wanted to come back or add it on to the end...  I went back as I only live 5 minutes away and I am trying real hard not to have to add days on.  I have noticed the last couple of days that I am more tired.  Keep up the good fight everyone.....

    Cindy

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  • karebear76
    karebear76 Member Posts: 288
    edited July 2011

    I am on the downward slope now!! I had #17 of 33!! I am starting to stay pink more and it seems kinda itchy sometimes. I just keep putting my creams on. I had to take my falsie off today cuz the pressure was too much and it was just so uncomfortable. I am also so tired. I go through phases where I am "starving" and other times I want nothing to do with food. I get nauseous too. blah. One more day this week ladies and 3 days off!!!

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  • Huskerkkc
    Huskerkkc Member Posts: 536
    edited July 2011

    Had my second opinion rad consult today in Lincoln, 90 miles away. DH went with me. RO was great-such a relief! He knew I was there for a second opinion but I think he thought I didn't want/need rads so his first comments were about how effective rads were. Once I told him I was okay with rads, just not the guy giving them, we were good. I will get 28 treatments, with 5 boosts at the end, unless I am eligible for the Canadian protocol. I guess I'll find out when i start treatments next Wed, which is only one day different from the original plan. He also sees no need to treat the supraclavicle area-I have no node involvement. No dire predictions, no doom and gloom. 

    So I guess I will need to switch over to the July group, but you guys have given me lots of inspiration and courage for what is to come. Such a relief!

    And congrats to all of you half way, 3/4 or done! Whoo hoo! I am getting scratch tickets on Wed.  

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  • mammalou
    mammalou Member Posts: 823
    edited July 2011

    I'm happy for you.  That doc was just unbelievable!

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  • suebak
    suebak Member Posts: 199
    edited July 2011

    Good morning my rad friends.  We are all getting three days off this week. Just had 18/34 and I feel like I need to go back to bed.  If only I didn't have to go to work. Hope everyone has a wonderful day,

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  • AnneWisc
    AnneWisc Member Posts: 476
    edited July 2011

    I'm 4 down, 6 to go (short, two-week accelerated schedule), and definitely feeling some strong fatigue.  Still managing part-days at work, though.  But come home and not good for a darn thing. Can't imagine if I feel this way now, what it will look like when I'm all through.  

    Hang in there, ladies! 

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  • NewatThis
    NewatThis Member Posts: 41
    edited July 2011

    Slept 11 hours last night, since I could finally take a day off.  My chest muscles are so sore, it's hard to roll over! Back and neck pain too.  My RO said it was my pillow! Really?!!  Things I wish I had done differently:  rested more...ate better this last two weeks when I was so tired I could barely make it home from work.  Wishing you all a wonderful holiday weekend.  Take care of yourself and let others take care of you too. 

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  • LovesChristmas-Barb
    LovesChristmas-Barb Member Posts: 706
    edited July 2011

    5/31 finished. I'm looking forward to the long weekend. I hope all of you have a blessed weekend too!

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  • Melanie_Ann
    Melanie_Ann Member Posts: 414
    edited July 2011

    newatthis- I'm also having neck and back pain. I don't think it's my pillow either..

    10/33 done! =) Happy 4th!

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  • crog234
    crog234 Member Posts: 801
    edited July 2011

    20/33 done.  Happy 4th to everyone.....  Yes we get 3 days off from radiation......

    Cindy

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  • mammalou
    mammalou Member Posts: 823
    edited July 2011

    Going for 15/33 today.  I'm red and have developed bumps in my most sensitve spot.  Does anybody have any idea what to do for that?

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  • BlyDncr
    BlyDncr Member Posts: 21
    edited July 2011

    Going for 5/33 this afternoon.  Have to ask about being out in the sun when I'm there.  I know I need to cover up the radiated part, but how about the rest of me?  This is the biggest weekend of the summer.  Every year we have a huge FREE concert called Saturday in the Park which runs from Noon until 11:00 PM with numerous and varied bands, vendor booths, food trucks and beer garden and it's only 4 blocks from my house.  I always look forward to laying out on my blanket, soaking up the rays, listening to great music and enjoying the refreshments. This year there are two headliners - CeLo Green and Ben Harper.  I missed last year's 20th anniversary concert with Santana because I was in MN taking care of my Mom and sister who both had surgery the same week, so I was really looking forward to this year.  If I have to wear long pants and long sleeves, I will die (90 degrees plus hot flasheswon't help).

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  • Beetlebum
    Beetlebum Member Posts: 73
    edited July 2011

    15/33 for me too.  Put hydrocortizone on your itchy bumps.  Have a good long weekend ladies. 

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  • NewatThis
    NewatThis Member Posts: 41
    edited July 2011

    BlyDncr, be careful of too much sun. I'm not sure about others, but when I've had my worst side effects (swollen, achy, unable to fully catch my breath) it seemed to be when I had been outside for a little too long. Not sure if others had the same...

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