External Beam Partial-Breast Radiation

Rachelannette

I would like to connect with other women that have had this type of radiation as I have. 

MadHatter

Hi there. Another Tally resident here. I had external-beam, partial-breast radiation at the TMH Cancer Center. Finished on August 13th. Where were you treated and how are you doing?

Rachelannette

Hello MadHatter- I was treated at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa. Lumpectomy, July 10, and finished  one week of radiation August 30. I was given two treatments a day, 6 hours apart.

You ask how am I doing? Well since I got diagnosed on May 30, I have gained about 15 lbs. And since the radiation, I have bursts of fatigue, can't hold out to do things that I want to do. I sure hope the fatigue goes away soon. 

I am getting a dexa scan and chest exray next week for my oncologist, and soon I will be starting on the hormone therapy Arimidex. 

What was your reaction to the radiation? did it drain your energy too?

MadHatter

I was already struggling with fatigue due to chemo. Rads only compounded the problem. My day goes something like this .. up for 4-5 hrs, nap for a few hrs, repeat. Was discussing this issue with oncol last week and she said some of the meds that I'm on for pain and neuropathy are contributing to the fatigue. Have appt with pain management clinic Oct 4th to see if they can switch me to something less draining.



What do your Drs say?

Rachelannette

to MadHatter-I have not started the anti-hormone treatment yet. I have a prescription for Arimedex, but due to cost, will be getting the generic. All of my doctors, including my MO are at Moffit in Tampa. I have only seen the MO once, on August 30, the day I finished the radiation. She said I could wait a couple weeks or so to start the arimidex generic until I felt better from the radiation. Her name is Dr Hyo Han. 

Right now, I am suffering from the flu. Sore throat, severe aches and pains, runny nose. I took care of my granddaughter Saturday and she was sick. I suppose I caught something from her. Got my dexa scan and chest exray MO ordered this past Monday at Radiology and Assoc. 

I am overweight by about 50 lbs, which I know I need to try to lose. I am not exercising, but plan to start walking very soon when I feel better.

ej01

Hi Rachel,  I also had External Beam Partial breast radiation, in 2011.   I never experienced much fatigue...maybe I was tired 1 or 2 days during the treatment, but not after.  I guess I was lucky. 

Rachelannette

Madhatter, I assume your MO is in Tallahassee? Who do you go to and do you like the Dr, if I may ask.

Ej-Thanks for weighing in. I wish I could say the same about not noticing extra fatigue. I am being careful not to do too much at a time and pace myself.

MadHatter

Rachelannette - My MO is Jeannine Silberman and I'm extremely pleased with her. PM if you would like to discuss further.