Any February 2012 radiation gals out there?
Comments
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Looks like I'll start radiation next week, so will be joining this group. I finished 4 TC in 2nd week of January. I had the simulation 2 weeks ago and will have films checked Tuesday. If ok by the RO, I'm guessing I'll start 33 rads the next day. I've opted for radiation in the afternoon, so I can burn, then crash after a productive day.
WaveWhisperer - I wanted to rush from chemo to radiation as quickly as possible. It looked like that would happen when the RO's office called 4 days after my 4th and last TC infusion to set up the simulation appointment. Now two weeks past simulation, I'm greatful for the slower pace towards radiation.
Nearly 4 weeks out from my last TC tx, I'm still struggling with fatique caused by anemia. On top of this I've been trying to get caught up at work because a severe allergic reaction to Neulasta after my 3rd tx kept me away for an extra week. Grateful to delay a shortened work schedule due to radiation tx and the accompanying fatigue. I'll be starting in the 5th week, at worse 6th week after chemo.
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Hey ladies
What a strong group of bc troopers we have in feb. I had my sim on 2/2 and will start next week. I am also starting pt to do some preventative lymphodemaa tx. I also had a rough chemo experience so my docs predict i will tolerate rads well. 33 to38 tx is the plan. So far the biggest issue is scheduling. They kept saying how rthey work with your schedule and not to sweat it. The reality is that i start tues at 9 and rhen wait around til 10 for my pt appointment. I was plamnning on being able to work so i am frustrated. I was boping to come in 7am or 5 pm but thy r only open 8 - 4. -
Welcome to all the new rad ladies! I started on Tuesday, my twice a day regimen is grueling and very tiring (surprisingly) but I am glad I will be done in 3 weeks (now 2 weeks) as opposed to the nornmal 6. So far I have 8/30 DONE! Frankenboobie is a little swollen and pink and a tiny bit sore but other than that so far so good.
SHRON - it is perfectly normal to feel emotional and weepy during all of this. It can be an overwhelming experience, and for me, there is something more vulnerable about radiation than any of the other treatments. Lying half naked on a table while strangers poke at your boob, draw dots on you while staring at your chest - not something that's easy to get used to. But you do, you fall into a routine and just get through it. Whatever it takes to beat the beast, that's been my motto. But who said it was going to be easy, right? It sucks! Speaking from experience (this is my second go round) it goes faster than you think it will and it helps to find the humor in anything and everything. You'll have some bad days (when is this crap going to be over????) but you will get through it. Hugs
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Hey, Gals, how is radiation going for you? I had my tattooing & CT scan on Jan. 26. I had my xray simulation on Feb. 1. I have the usualy 6 1/2 weeks of radiation before me. I started radiation on Feb. 2 & it will go through March 19. I'm determined to remain positive because it is what it is & I am going to walk the walk - no choice, right? I got a grueling schedule of appts. the first 2 weeks, but then get the time I requested. All is going well except for the extremely negative & scary comments from radiation patients in the waiting room that are further along than I am. Complaints of burned skin, broken down skin, & elephant skin. My RO told me some people just like to embellish, because all I have heard from friends that have gone through it is that it is no big thing. What are you finding out about side effects for yourself? I need some positive feedback - ha! I already have a little "tan" after 2 treatments. I can deal with that!!!!!!
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I start my rads on Tuesday- for some reason the prospect of radiation is causing all sorts of anxiety. I dont recall being this anxious when I was starting Chemo- Maybe I have just forgotten?
I am hoping that I wont get too much irritation and/or burning. I have heard that large breasts have more of a chance of that.
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I started Rads on Feb 2 and will have 25 treatments and be done on March 7. I had a double masectomy on Aug. 23 as there was a suspicious spot on the other breast and I just didn't want to deal with going thru this a second time. Chemo was DDAC x4 and Taxol x4 treatments being every other week. The two rads I have had so far were "nothing" compared to chemo. I had virtually no side effects with the chemo ( besides being sick and fatigued) and only had my nails get a little discolored. My eyebrows and lashes fell out 5 weeks after the chemo was done!! I am 63 so think I am doing quite well. The Al's which I started New Years Day are making me menopausal again and I had lots of problems with that the first time around. This too shall pass. Besides all of my own problems, my husband died recently and also my Dad. Count yourselves lucky and enjoy each day.
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Started rads this past Monday. Five treatments so far. I would like to be part of this group and follow everyone's experiences. I was diagnosed on December 8th, lumpectomy on January 5th. To be honest, I am still freaked out, and it is almost like a violation to me when I get a treatment. I have noticed that people kind of brush off the radiation like it is no big deal since they can't see any dramatic side effects (hair not falling out, etc.). I feel like a baby because I want someone to go with me. It is a big deal to ME!
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Stemanita - Of course it's a big deal to you. It should be. You are new to this need time to process what is happening to you. Those of us who have had multiple surgeries and have gone through chemo have been processing longer. My diagnosis was in August and I have yet to start radiation. I'm worn down by drs visits, blood draws, tx, SE, bills, driving, etc. Don't have the emotional energy to spend on radiation. Just want to get through it.
Feel what you feel and don't judge yourself, don't worry whether or not others are judging you. You too have bc. Good luck.
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Jean - I am sorry you are having a hard time. Life has dealt you some crummy cards. Be strong, you will get thru it.
I agree with Doxie - I have been on this ride for almost a year, and radiation represents the light at the end of the tunnel ... I feel I spent my emotional capital July-December 2011 (surgery thru chemo with all accompanying SE, doc visits, hospital stays, trying to work thru all of that) - now that I am to rads I see an end in sight. Or at least I choose to.
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Stemanita, Please be gentle with yourself. Radiation is a big deal and it is all right to feel miserable about it. I had surgery, chemo, and rads and rads was definitely the most difficult part of my treatment. I did not even burn badly during rads, but it very painful emotionally. All I can say is that you have a lot of suppport here and each treatment day gets you closer to the end.
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I just wanted to wish everyone that started already, best of luck. I have my dry run on Friday, healing up from the salp/ooph right now....
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Hi all! I had my 4th rad session today. They are using a bolis on me for a couple of the fields. They are using it everyday. The tech said it will make any redding, etc...worse. Yippee.
Anyone else getting the bolis? -
geegster-I have heard of bolis but do not know what it is.
I am freaking out tonight! I had my ct simulation and tattoos today. I have horrible range of motion and it was not pleasant with my arms over my head! Also, about 5 pm I missed a phone call from my cancer center, of course caller id showed a general number and I have no idea which doc called me, there was no message. Are they calling to tell me they found something bad on the ct? I am over 3 months out from chemo and past 2 months from bmx, I had infections so I had to heal first before rads so alot of time has passed and I am worried that cancer is back. I had normal tumor markers and my last mri, ct and bone scan was in November. I did have complete response to chemo, but still very worried.
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I had the SAVI implant put in on Feb 1 (lumpetcomy was Jan 20) and the started my first 2 treatments on Fri 2/3. Had the weekend off and then I completed day 2 today Mon 2/6. I do three more days of twice a day and then the implant will be removed after the second Thurs radiation dose. The SAVI is a wonderful alternative, but being a small breasted and thin woman, it seems it's a little harder to deal with than bigger sized women. I hurt a lot from where part of it sticks up through my skin by my ribs, but with the alternative being cancer, hell, I'll take it - my perspective on a lot of things sure has changed with this completely unexpected diagnosis.
Seems like nearly everyone on these boards is external radiation. Is that by choice, by necessity, or not available in your area? I was just curious as to why not more bracytherapy patients.
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Geegster - I am getting bolus every other treatment. They keep them in a warmer, and last time the bolus was way too hot, made me jump up so the tech removed it and was waving it around to cool it, tried to put it on me again and it was still too hot, so she waved it some more. They should know better.
Google radiation bolus to see what it is. Mine looks like a large gel pack. I wonder if they sanitize those things between patients!
I'm half way through the full treatments (#14 of 28) then 5 boosts. I have some mild redness and itching now so RO prescribed Triamcinolone lotion. I had already been using Miaderm and Moisturel since the first treatment.
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They use a bolus on me every treatment, but only on half the shots. It seems to be when my BC side is getting the more direct treatment.
I read that the bolus is used so the radiation hits the skin. My RO explained to me before we started that when they treat some cancers they aim beyond the skin, but for breast cancer they want to treat it as well as the chest wall, axillary area, etc. because we can have recurrences in the skin.
So far no side effects beyond the tx area feeling a bit tender for a couple of hours after I get done, but I am only on #3
Sherry
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Hi everybody,
I have been newly diagnosed with IDC. This site has been so full of information, personal experiences and loving encouragement that I haven't done anything else for days but read, learning so much and having the greatest respect for those of you who are going through this hell so bravely. I love the gritty discussion on practical problems, the experienced posts of those of you who have been there and the raw hope and firm beliefs in God that I have been reading. These forums have helped me immensely during my first days of shock and fright.
In Dec 2011 I had both a normal yearly physical exam by my gp, who did a breast exam, and a yearly physical exam with my gyn who did another breast exam. I showed both of them the place on my left breast where I felt a painful spot that I was concerned about. Neither of the doctors felt anything suspicious. I had a mammogram the following week. It came back normal. My wonderful husband felt the lump three weeks later. Right away, I went back to my gyn, who then sent me for another mammo which turned into an ultra sound the same day, which turned ito a cone biopsy in just two days, which was positive, then i had the MRI a few days later which reported a IDC 2cm cancer of only the left breast. I turned 61 the day after I had my biopsy. It looks like the roller coaster has left the station. I hope I can survive the ride! My appt with the surgeon is Thursday.
Keera, I have been following your blog. I live north of Clearwater, FL. Does your oncologist Dr Rooney practice in this area? Would you let me know? She sounds so nice.
Thank all of you for your forum replies. I am praying for all of you brave ladies and reading what you have to say. The one thing that has surprised me was that it seems to me that there are so many options, different treatments and rules that are sometimes overruled in the treatment of breast cancer. My mind is boggled by the wealth of differences in each case. i dont know how I am going to make any decisions.
XOXO's
Mimi
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Hi Mimi, yes it is hard to make the decisions but always get a second opinion when you are not sure what you want to do. Yes there are so many options!
Cheri, no choice for that with me, had bmx and need nodes and chest wall radiated.
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BAK
I couldn't believe what you said about the phone call-- I also got a phone message last night from my RO--he wants a consult before my scheduled dry run today--he says it is to go over my treatment plan but this has me worried. Let me know how yours goes today--best wishes...
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Welcome to all the new gals! I am mid-week through my 3 weeks of 2x a day tx's - to put it simply I started a week ago yesterday and today I will get #'s 13&14 out of 30. I have to say I did not expect to be this tired but my RO says its because of the 2x a day schedule. So I choose to believe him
I have gone to bed as early as 8:30 on occasion but all in all its been fine and its going faster that I had imagined it would. It's also been more emotional for me this time, not sure why but not unexpected either. I was asked to participate in a study called The Maya Project, it studies the emotional impact a BC diagnosis and tx has on women. So far I've had one 3 hour interview, I have 3 more 1 hour phone interviews and another in person one, all spread out over the course of a year. Lots and lots of psychological questions, some writing/journaling is involved, all in all I thought it would be interesting to participate. In lieu of therapy (which I am thinking of going back to) its been very cathartic to talk about it all. My oncologist is working with them - I love that he is interested in the emotional/psychological side of this disease as well. He is the best!Hope all is going well for everyone - we can do this!
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I had my 5th radiation treatment this morning, but before they did the radiation they took x-rays. Technician said they took x-rays every 5-6 times. Does anyone know WHY? I'll ask the RO in the morning when I see her, but was just very curious until then!
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Sharon - they take exrays weekly to make sure they are on track, and no adjustments are required.
Mimi - Kudos to you for being diligent, knowing your body and pushing for answers. You will survive this. I agree with you about the bco site - I learn so much from digging into the threads. I go back to my doctor armed with the research information. You just get more detail here, it seems, from women who are walking the walk. Best of luck in your treatments, we will be here for you!
Debbie
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Can I join you, too? I'll be starting rads Monday, Feb. 13.
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Had my second rad treatment today - i too have a bolus every treatment. At the cancer clinic the bolus is labeled with my name and kept with the form for my head and arms. It will remain mine for the remainder of my treatment.
Worst part so far has been getting my son out the door earlier than normal so I can make it to the cancer clinic on time! Then treatment and off to work. The logisitics have been the most challenging. I think my husband is making arrangements with his office to start later so he can take the kid to school for me. I really must thank that man for all he has done for me during the last 6 months!!
Grandma V - How are you doing? Welcome to the rad group.
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Hi LJ, I've been a lot better for about a week now. I'm nervous about rads, but anxious to get it over with. How are you?
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GrandmaV - Glad to hear that you are feeling better!
I am doing ok - so glad to be done with Chemo and all those side effects. I was very anxious about starting radiation. Not sure why, but had a few really bad day, stressing about it all. But now that I have started I am taking it one day at a time and holding up better than I thought I would.
My last treatment will be March 19 and I have circled that day on my calendar and am looking forward to it!
Here's to minimal side effects!
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hi all, i am 3 wks out from my last chemo. i had my 1st radiation treatment yesterday, had nausea for 3 hrs afterwards and these weird pains inside breast. i think from reading on this site the pains, which i still have, are from inflamed nerves.
2nd treatment,nausea lasted about an hour,thank you ,lord!
when i told the tech about nausea and the pains, she was like oh,no you can't be having that it's too soon regarding the pains. and said the nausea can't be related to radiation. i'm thinking ok tell my body that!! lol
anyway,hi to everyone and here's hoping se are minimal for everyone!
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Hello! I'm a little late to the party, but I had my second (of 33 total) radiation treatments today. I had a lumpectomy in December. I was able to avoid chemo because of a low probability of recurrence according to oncotype testing -- I feel such sympathy for those of you who have had to do so much more.
So far, the radiation has been easy but a lot of that is due to the especially kind OR group I have. I did go to my usual Pilates class today and felt really tired afterwards, but sometimes that happened even before radiation!
It may sound strange, but my big worry is the medication coming up. I'm reluctant to take the aromatase inhibitors because of the side effect of losing bone mineral mass (my mother has horrific osteoporosis, with serious quality of life issues) and my oncologist is not interested in discussing it. I should post that concern as a separate question, not here in the radiation thread, I guess.
Anyway, best wishes to all of you and I'm glad to have somewhere to check in as the radiation continues!
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Also -- thanks, Geegster, for the Coobie recommendation, just what I've been looking for. And Belleeast, it would be very frustrating to be dismissed like that. As you say, you know your body better than anyone else possibly could.
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Hello, I get to start rads on Feb 14th. they promised to have chocolate for me. lol. I managed to throw my shoulder out of joint during the CT scan so not looking forward to the first xray appt, but will keep walking thru with the help of a chiropractor. My schedule goes thru April 3rd. Travel time is my biggest hurtle, since I live on an island I have to take a ferry ride twice every time, so i will have forced inactivity, or more time to be on BCO. I finally am getting more accepting of this whole process and am feeling more at ease.
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