February RADS

tnhelen

I know some of you ladies are going over into the February forum and I hope this is the correct way to start it.  Please join me to discuss the ups and downs of radiation therapy.  It's so much easier when you do it together.

Thanks.

Helen

capinva

Getting marked Feb 9 and then beginning 25-30 rads. Finished my last chemo today. Whoo Hoo!

regenschirm

I have my simulation on the 10th and begin the following week.  Had a BMX on Jan. 3.   I've spent most of January working on getting my arm up over my head.  Left side had cancer (heart side) so I'm told it's a little trickier.   I am feeling stronger and better the farther out from surgery and chemo (last of 6 TACs on Nov. 2)  that I go but I'm a little apprehensive about the radiation portion of the journey.  Haven't read much.  don't want to!

sunny2

Hello Ladies,

I am on the radiation journey for Feb.  My first treatment was Jan 31.  I now have 4 down and 32 to go.  I have been more apprehensive over this than the chemo.  I had 4 rounds of AC over an 8 week period.  My tumor did not shrink.  I had a masectomy, left breast, in Oct. and began Herceptin, Carboplatin, and Taxotere 3 weeks later (4 rounds over 12 weeks with the Herceptin to continue).  Three weeks after the chemo was finished I am now doing radiation.  I am having radiation done to the left chest area and the nodes,left side, at my collarbone area.  They plan to zap the backside of these nodes during the last 8 treatments along with a boost to the scar area.  Yes, apprehensive is putting it mildly.  There were times I felt like jumping off that table and running for my life, never to return.  By today, the 4th day, it was a tiny bit easier. 

Kupuna52

Just began my rad treatments on Feb 2nd. I was concerned as the area where my power port was extracted last October is still sensitive to the touch. Oncology prescribed Hydrocodone for pain and my surgeon prescribed an analgesic topical cream.  Neither worked but I went to rad treatment anyway. I was fine until the end of the first treatment when they tattoo pricked four spots on my body as reference points for future treatments and one of the pricks was on the already irritated area. What I am surprised at is how the energy zapper creeps in slowly but powerfully. The first day I thought it was because I did not sleep well the night before.  However, yesterday I was feeling great prior to rads then 2 hours later I could barely move and was nauseated. Ended up in bed resting all day and could not eat much of anything until later in the evening. No rads during the weekend so I am feeling energized today but still achy in the radiated area. Will seek creams to combat skin irritation from radiation as recommended in another discussion forum.

cj81842

In 2006 I had a left mastectomy for IDC Stage II. Only five years later In Aug of 2011, I was diagnosed with ILC Stage III in the right breast. I had 6 chemo treatments of Taxatere and Cytoxan - last treatment on Dec. 7th to try to shrink the tumor.  Right mastectomy on January 12.  My tumor was over 5 cm & was located against the muscle at the chest cavity with 2 positive nodes.  The chemo killed all but 2% of the cancer cells.  I am 69 and very thankful I made it through the chemo but now I will be starting 33 radiation treatments in February...I will see the RO Mon. Feb 6th for the tattoos and will know then exactly what date I will start.  After radiation, I have a rx for Armidex to take for 5 years.  So sorry all of you ladies are going through similar journeys but glad we are able to support each other.  God bless each and everyone of you!

regenschirm

As the day gets closer nerves getting more jumpy. So ready start, get the ball rolling and start counting down to put it behind me. I will be spending weeks away for treatment with plans to come home weekends. Still having a tough time conceiving of being away from family.



As with all aspects of treatment anticipation is not my friend.



Sunny2 a tiny bit easier is the right direction. Hang in there. You will soon be urging the rest of us along!

Druanne

Had my first rad today! My last radiation appointment just happens to fall on my birthday!! What a great gift! To be done with everything!!!

cj81842

Had to reschedule my appointment with my RO due to a stomach/intestinal virus.  My appt. now is tomorrow but still have trouble with my stomach and hope symptoms will be gone by tomorrow.  While I don't choose to have radiation, I am very anxious to get the treatments behind me and go forward with my life. I'm sure you all feel the same way.  I noticed a lot have radiation treatments who have had a lumpectomy and I was wondering if the dosage is the same.  I had a mastectomy, already have thinning skin and can't help but be concerned as to whether my skin can handle the radiation at all - especially 33 treatments.  I also had some flud buildup in the incision area that had to be removed and the area is red.  Did anyone have trouble with the tattoos?  I don't seem to heal as fast as I should.  Thanks for your help and hope each of you have a great day!

regenschirm

Carole, I wonder the same.   I too had a mastectomy.

sunny2

Hey Druanne,

I too took note of when my last treatment is...the first day of Spring!  I see this as God's way of reassuring me of a New Beginning.  6 down and 30 to go!

I know you will have a super great birthday.

Blessings 

Druanne

Sunny!

What a wonderful way to look at it!!! A New Beginning!

Love and hugs

dancetrancer

Hi all.  I had my first treatment yesterday.  Only 27 more to go.

I had no idea they were going to magic marker me up like a page out of a child's coloring book!  If I had known, I would never have worn my nicest, new soft white t-shirt.  Hoping the blue and black magic marker stains come out of it.  Just a warning to those going in for the first time - wear old clothes!

I had a BMX with close margins on the L side, so now getting rads.  I'm doing the respiratory-gated type of rads to help minimize radiation to my heart.  I'm not very good at it yet, and I think I over did it.  I woke up this morning with sharp pains under my R ribs...I think it's a pulled muscle from trying so hard to hold my lungs full of air.  Hope it doesn't hurt when I go back today.

Wishing you all the best as we make our way along this next part of our treatment.  

Druanne

dancetrancer: Hi!!! I am going to have to look that up!! I have never heard of respiratory-gated rads......I had my 3rd treatment today.......only 30 more to go for me .........they are radiating a little part of my lung and heart being on the left side........but was assured by my rad-onc not to worry too much about it..............um..........yeah..............

dancetrancer

Hi Druanne!  The amount of rads to the heart/lung is MUCH less than it was back in the 80's.  The respiratory-gated technology is relatively new and not all facilities have it.  I am fortunate that I live only 10 minutes away from my rad facility and that it has this equipment.  Yay for something good in this whole crappy cancer ride! 

Druanne

Hi! I did hear that from the Doc........he drew everything out on a white board for me........showed me where the radiation was going to be directed......he is great

1 week down!! Woohoo!!!

bak94

Hi! There are 2 Feb rads threads! I start next week. I had bmx also.

Judy2013

FYI-- there is another February discussion board for more information.  I started rads on Jan 31 and have 2 weeks down, 4 more to go.  So far, no problems.  My skin is a little tan now and when it gets pink, I just apply cream twice and the next morning it is gone.  The only part that really bothered me was the simulation and being all marked up which made me feel like a cow being led to slaughter with the marks.  I have gotten over it now and the tape and marks are all gone since they can just go by my tatoos for lining up.  I am so looking forward to Spring and a new beginning also.

vacationbound

I'm not even sure I need Radiation but my Onco said to do it anyway. My surgery was in Aug 2011 (Mastectomy) now I have Adhesive Capsulitis in my shoulder from the scar tissue of the surgery. I did 1 chemo back in Sept, 1 month after surgery and had severe reaction so I never went back. Went to get a 2nd opinion as my Tamoxifen stopped working so they did all tumor marker tests and bloodwork and looks like NED. Onco said after we do Radiation then he will send me to Gyno/Onco for Ooperectomy as the Tamoxifen messed me up in as little as 3 1/2 months. I guess I will do the Rad's so I can do as the Doc say's so I can get my Ovaries removed but I don't understand why they make you take a protocol that may not be necessary as their is NED.

cj81842

I saw the RO this past Wednesday to get mapping/tattoos but I still have to go back on Tuesday for another appointment for more simulation type visit and then first rad treatment the next day (Wednesday).  I don't understand the visit for Tuesday since I've already had the tattoos and simulation done.  Has anyone else had two appointments before their first treatment?  Very confused...

Druanne

Yes I had to........did my simulation a few weeks ago while waiting for my oncotype score....my radiation schedule started last Monday...........however Monday was not a radiation day! I had to lay down and be put into position.....they lined me up using my tatoos.......then they took some digital photos.......I asked what they were doing and they said they were just making sure the simulation and everything else matched up and was good to go! Then I started first rad the very next day.

Patriotic

Yes, I had 2 visit before treatment. One to see the rad Onc and got marked up and then, CT scans. Then, simulation and three treatments this week. 3 down, 22 to go. Arg! So skeptical of radiation. Especially after UMX. But, I had a large tumor, nodal involvement and am young so, it was strongly recommended. Just hoping my skin can hold up to this beating. And, really worried about my heart and lung and other longer term SE's. Scary stuff.

regenschirm

Dancetrancer-I am also doing the procedure with the respiratory-gated technology.   I had my simulation this past friday.   The tape they put over my markings is bothering me (tape usually does).    No idea what to expect with all of this.  I spasmed by back the first time I tried to line the line up within the box.  It reminds me of Wii fit!     I do the "dry run" this coming friday and start the real deal on Monday the 27th.

dancetrancer

Regenschirm - I am doing surprisingly well tolerating my stickers.  They put some kind of special ones on me that are less allergic-reaction prone; perhaps you could ask if they have something like that?  I understand the back spasm, LOL!!!!  I was woken up with pain under my ribs the first night after trying this.  I've since learned - breath in nice and slowly and evenly, don't push down/bear down to hold the breath.  Think of expanding from your belly (like babies breath) instead of your upper chest.  Hope this helps!  It is much easier once you figure out the little tricks! 

Jean0078

I started radiation on Feb 2, following BMX and chemo of 4 DD AC and 4 DD Taxol. I will get 25 rad treatments. I am 63. After 4 treatments I have developed  what seems to be soreness under my rib cage and stomach upset. Anybody hear of this from rads? Maybe is someting else. I see the RO and nurse on Wed. I told thme last week and they kind of blew it off. But, it has continued all week.

regenschirm

I'm getting used to the tape. Anyone have stiffness with treatments? I'm worried in advance about this. I lost 27 nodes on the affected side (only 1 was positive). It's taken so much effort to get range of motion back. A few days out from PT and I haven't even started rad yet. Stiffness already returning. Clearly I need to keep moving. Tough to focus right now with a house full of strep throat kids...

dancetrancer

No increased stiffness yet, regenschirm, but it can happen with rads.  I am trying to keep up with my stretching on a daily basis, but it is tough sometimes, I admit! 

cupcakies

how much range of motion do you need to begin rads? I'm starting next week but can barely get my hand up and behind my head, will i need to push my start date out?  

 Also has anyone heard anything about being about to eat foods high in antioxidants? i was told to avoid all antioxs, but in the january thread, they seem to be taking more antioxs to prevent radiation side effects, i'm so confused! 

regenschirm

Hellow cupcakies!   I get mixed messages about the antioxidant thing as well.   

You will have a cradle to help you hold your position but it is definitely helpful to get that arm up.  I found physical therapy to be invaluable.  I had cording in my armpit and though the massage was painful the result was amazing (and a huge reduction in overall pain.).   Did you lose nodes? 

cj81842

I had second and final simulation (more marks) and tomorrow will be the first of 33 treatments. After having the x-rays of the chest, the RO said he was having to change to shallow treatment since the x-ray showed the radiation would penetrate my lung.  Now, the radiation will only go in the upper part of my lung.  Wish it wasn't going to radiate any part of my lung! So now, one of the possible side effects is pneumonia, Rib fracture and lymphedema. The machine they are using is called the Novalis Machine.  Also, they told me the radiation will be very close to the throat/neck area so inflammation of my throat and esophagus is a possible side effect.  I'm praying I won't have any SE with my lung or my throat/esophagus. The RO said I could use moisturizer four hours before the next treatment...no earlier and to have my husband put the cream on my back since the radiation will go through. For now they suggest using Palmers Cocoa Butter w/ Vit. E. & use in AM, after treatment, after bath and at night.  All this has made me more nervous about the treatments but after going through 6 chemo treatments, I will get through this...one day at a time. In my External Beam Planning, it says Total Dose of Primary is 5040.0. Does anyone know what that means? 

dancetrancer

cj, from what I was told, it is impossible to avoid the lung 100%.  This is because the lungs are shaped in an arc, yet the radiation beams come in as a straight line.  I was told it is impossible to hit all breast/chest wall tissue without a tiny sliver of the lung being radiated as well.  

That is so scary about the throat/esophagus potentially being radiated.  Uggghhhh.  I hate what we have to do to our bodies to reduce our risk of cancer recurrence.  I have to keep telling myself that they wouldn't recommend we take on these other risks if those risks weren't smaller than the risk of the cancer recurrence.  It's hard for me to trust the docs and especially the technicians who line me up each time.  We literally put our lives in their hands.  I have to keep telling myself that I need to do this and just have faith that everyone knows what they are doing and are trained well.  We have to have this treatment, so we have to have to believe in our doctors and their staff.  Otherwise, we make ourselves sick with worry over things which we have no control.  I hope that helps you somehow!  

I have no idea what that total dose thing means.