Starting radiation in a week

kgl55

Starting radiation in a week

kgl55

I am a 55 year old mother of three, diagnosed on Nov. 9 with DCIS stage 0.  Had lumpectomy Jan. 2, got clear margins, non-invasive, calcifications.  Starting radiaion on Feb. 20, 33 treatments.  I am a stay at home grandma, caring for my almost 5 year old grandson and my 16 month old grandson, (both 2 days a week and just the 16 month old 2 other days).  They are at my house from roughly 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.  They are my lifeline through all this and I want to be able to continue to watch them through the radiation but have read comments here and I am worried I will be too tired.  Can anyone shed light on this.  I know everyone is different so I don't know how it will affect me.  I do not sleep well, with hot flashes, etc. so I am used to functioning on minimal sleep as a rule.  I have a 26 year old daughter at home who is a substitute teacher and is home by 4 when she works, my 19 year old daughter is also at home and in college, but has Tuesdays and Thursdays off.  My husband comes home for lunch most days.  I do have a lot of support at home and sisters as well who would help.  Thanks for any feedback.  kgl55

numbersinger

I can relate. I start radiation on Feb 25 for five weeks. I own my own business, no employees and I am not sure how I will manage. I am worried about being so fatigued that I can't cope. My job is somewhat physical.



My husband is supportive but he thinks I will be fine with no side effects. That is what he keeps telling me.

Annette47

Of course everyone is different, but my experience so far (through 4.5 out of 6 weeks) is that yes, I am tired, but not to the point of being unable to do stuff.   More like needing to sit down for 5 minutes every so often, and maybe going to bed a little earlier than usual.    It could get worse (friends who have been through it tell me the last 2 weeks are the worst) but honestly last week was the worst so far for me because I was sick with bronchitis, so if it stays at this level it is definitely manageable.

I'm 45, work part-time and spend the rest of the time driving around 2 kids (ages 12 and 9) here there and everywhere, as well as managing 3 large dogs, LOL as well as being responsible for pretty much everything around the house.

Cindi74

Hi, I'm on the September Chemo Thread.  Finished A/C end of November and will have my 12 Taxol next Wed.  Then a month off, and then 33 rads.  Met with radiation Oncologist.  Have been measured, tatooed,  (one hour on cold slab in very cold room with warm blankets over legs and shoulders, but VERY COLD boobs while they whirled the machine which sent out lazer lights and they marked and drew (You can breathe but don't move), and fit me in a form.  I don't know how they can possibly know which of the red and black and brown spots from moles and other skin defects are the ones which they will use to place the radiation, but I guess I have to trust them.

Good news,  ina clinical trial, patients who had lumpectomy and radiation did better than those who had mastectomy. The Oncologist said they are also aiming at the lymph nodes near the collar bone as well as under the arm where I had two positive--and it was through one.

You sisters are ahead of me so tell me about radiationb burn, peeling, fatigue and other side effects and how you cope,  I have learned so much from these boards.  Hugs to all.

Starynights

You have given me hope, start rads in the next couple of days and am scared spitless ! I lead a very active life and care for my grands age 28 months and 5 months everyday. Im scared to death Ill feel too bad and they will have to go to daycare ! Thanks so much for posting ! Will post again as I get going as to how im fairing !

Eggertdarlene58

I have stage4 B/C mastectomy lymph note removed 33 rounds of radiation tues get fitted for brain cap I thing 3 tumors with sprackabe little ones,I went in remission in 3 1/2 months in the beginning, I have had 8 treatments of Taxotere @ and over1 1/2 years on Hereception so now I start brain radiation I'm scare but a'm a fighter so I hope this works,How are side effects? I guess that I will loose my hair again ,loosing my hair was the worse,my hair was very long! hope I didn't rattle to much! GOD BLESS BROWNEYES

Cindi74

Eggertdarlene58, You didn,t post when diagnosed.  so sorry for the brain meds.  Hugs. keep us posted. 

doxie

kgi55,  Though you may experience something different, I worked full time through radiation.  I fully expected to have to take a day or two a week off work, but didn't.  I did rads late in the afternoon, ate supper, then fell asleep for an hour.  I was up another hour, then slept for a good 7-8 hours through the night.  This happened almost every day.  On the weekend I needed naps also.  My rads followed chemo, so some fatigue came from recovering from that.  

I was able to function relatively well at work considering rads following chemo.  I usually have difficultly sleeping through the night and other insomnia issues.  Slept like a baby through rads.  It was a blessing.  Hope this happens for you also.  

You might check out the Radiation forum for women going through treatment at the same time that you are.  Hang in there, it will be fine.