August 2011 rads

Ceeztheday

Should I stop taking vitamins (I take a multi, C, Fish oil, calcium, lo dose aspirin)? The nurse that I asked said I could take them, but I've heard others say to stop. Is stopping vitamins just for chemo? Any info will be greatly appreciated.

katehudson25

Hi Ceeztheday, I take a multi vitamin, calcium, fish oil, and biotin and my radiation oncologist said that it is ok.

GiGiL

Last boost for me yesterday.  I agree with Merilee, the boosts are a lot easier than the regular treatments.  I dreaded them at first - I had 5.  The cool bolus they put on my chest for my boost treatments was a big relief and seemed to save my skin from further trouble.  Hope the rest of the August group does well, and that the end is in sight for you soon.  I started mid-July and finished Sept. 1, so I have been keeping track of both groups.  Merilee, I have loved your images.  

lrw333

I tried something wild last night that might help some of you ladies. I was skeptical when the Rad Dr. suggested it. I applied Lidocaine and Aquaphor on my breast then covered it with saran wrap. It helped me alot with the discomfort and itching I have been having. Just wanted to share... I actually slept better then I have been.... Hoping everyone enjoys their Labor day weekend!

                                                                                        Hugs and Prayers, lisa

katehudson25

Hi Gigil,

What is cool bolus?

justmejanis

I had number 9 today.  Getting closer.  Holding up fine so far!

Merilee...HUGE congrats to you!  We must celebrate!

marybm

Hi all. I just found this site and have read the last few pages of your posts. I've learned a lot already! Had my 8th rad today - 25 to go. For the last few days my breast has been sensitive and sore. Also having stabbing pains occasionally. Has anyone else experienced this? It's great to be part of this group. Thanks for starting it and keeping it going. 

jackifp

Bb226- it's so encouraging to hear energy may come back more quickly, thanks!



Merilee, you've been the guiding light throughout, pun intended, with a heartfelt thanks.



Simulation today, I start Tuesday for 28 + 7. Deep breath, plunge in.



Good luck to us all.

Cyborg

Congratulations, Merilee!

SAB

Kate is it actually called udder cream?  I know of a salve called bag balm that is used for udders, that we used to use on the kids bottoms (not recently though since they are 18 and 15 .) I wonder if it's similar.

katehudson25

Hi SAB,

It is actually called Udderly smooth body cream, and it is also used for udders.

Merilee

Merilee

http://community.breastcancer.org/forum/70/topic/774143?page=1#idx_1

I started a new thread called Radiation recovery

julianna51

Merilee - I like the name of the new thread.   Thanks to you and others, this has been an incredibly positive thread and it is wonderful to know that will continue on in the Radiation Recovery thread.    I'll be joining you all in a few weeks.  20 down and 13 to go! 

sweetcorn

I have five regular treatments and five boosts to go.  I do not have any side effects on my skin yet.  They are doing the planning for the boosts on Wednesday.  I can see the light! 

And it is supposed to cool off here this evening after such a long heat wave!  Lots to look forward to!

Jane

LovesChristmas-Barb

marybm...what you're experiencing is normal for radiation. I've been finished for 10 days and I'm still experiencing the stabbing pains sometimes. I was definitely sensitive and sore for several weeks during rads too...

Hope you enjoy your long weekend break ladies!

Merilee

One day out and I all ready have more energy.

Merilee

This afternoon I am sporting an ice block, that is giving me a lot of relief from the heat I feel on my chest.

marybm

Thank you for your reply, Barb58. Guess I'll just grin & bear it!

justmejanis

Merilee, I am just so happy for you.  Done is good.  I will look for your new thread.

Hi to everyone else.......hugs to all.

GiGiL

Kate a cool bolus, from what I understand is a cool, thick gel type pad they placed over my incision to channel the electron beams into the tumor bed. It had the result of protecting my skin on that side of my breast. They used a slightly higher dose of radiation too! I found the boost much more tolerable than the regular rad treatment.

lynniea

I have had 2 radiation treatments and have come down with a sore throat is that some of the side effects and so early on.

Merilee

Lynniea, maybe just nerves. You should really not feel anything yet. Salt water gargle might help.

Merilee

I was wondering how many ladies started in August? I am having trouble keeping track of everyone's end dates.

Merilee

Embrase the light it will heal you

justmejanis

Merilee I started in August and will go all the way through September.  I just had treatment #9 yesterday and I have 24 left.  I believe my actual end date is October 7th.  I am so happy you are finally finished!  Big happy dance for you!

katehudson25

Gigil, Thank you for letting me know. Lynniea it is probably the flu. Merilee I started in August and I will be finished September 21.

katfinn

Merilee, Happy Ending for you!  You have been so strong and have gone through much more than me.  I see my end in site now.  I started my rads on Aug. 8th and will finish on Sept. 23 (as long as nothing breaks down at the hospital).  I feel great but started getting red, rashy and itchy this week.  One doc said to use hydrocortizone for the itching.  Another gave me Aquaphor and the tech gave me this stuff that stains your clothes (haven't tried that one yet).  The itching bothers me but I can handle it.  I'm just concerned that I'll start to peel since I'm so fair.  Did you have any trouble with peeling (anyone else)?  ...trying not to itch it. 

ann329

Yay Merilee!!! The day you finished was the half way mark for me. Start date was 8/9....couple down days while machine upgraded, so will be going through September....... 11 regular plus 5 boosts to go. My breast is getting pretty tender, but not much color chg - except immediately following a treatment. Cannot wait to be done, but then that just means starting tamoxifen. *sigh*

But that's another story and another thread.



take care all

Ann

SAB

Well, I had dry run and simulation in August, does that count?  They will try to start regular rads again on Tuesday (fourth try,) but I'm sorry to say today (Sunday) there is still some redness, so who knows?  If they start this week, I should be done third week in November.  I guess I'll be all alone here! Will catch up with all you lucky gals on the tamox thread, or recovering from rads thread.