Summer Rads 2014

Brwneyedgirl

I had Herceptin in the morning (I usually do rads at 5:00 pm) and rads at 12:30, just after finished in the chemo chair.  I am so glad I did not have to go back this evening.  Chemo and radiation are on the same floor of the medical building so it made really easy.  Only 2 more whole breast and 4 boosts to go!  My husband is sending me count down text messages.  LOL

Crazywabbit

Ddgm - how sweet of your DH. 

Nice when they can change your apt for the connivence of not coming back.  My center has Rads on the ground floor and oncology on the first floor.  Special parking in the back and separate enterence from the rest of the main hospital. 

Amelia123

Lisa, so glad you were able to get your appointment straightened out.  I know exactly how you felt.  The same thing happened to me, but it was for day 4.  So my last appointment moved to a Monday from a Friday.  That means I'll have rads every single week of summer.  I was in a funk when they called to cancel that day.  I thought maybe I was overreacting to just having one more day, but I'm glad I'm not alone.  Cool gown btw.

PeterandWendy, we are almost on the same schedule! I am on 8/28.  I would be on #9 too except for that darned machine breaking.  My stools are getting a bit softer but it's not really an issue. Congrats on getting closer to your PhD.  My hot flashes are pretty minor.  I can't tell if they are effects from chemo, tamoxifen or rads!  What do you think causes them?

CoastalXPat

Ddgm, we're almost on the same schedule, I have 3 whole and 4 boosts to go. I so can't wait to be done! 

Lisaj, love the gown.

At my center they have a full system - in the waiting room you get a restaurant beeper. It goes off when they're close to ready for you so you walk back to the dressing room where they have the gowns. There's a phone in the dressing room so they call you when the machine is open and you head over there. So there's a little bit of walking around in the gown, but I often wear a fleece jacket. They have a chair in the rad room where you can set your stuff if you don't want to use the lockers. 

Just got my boost dry run so I was in the table with the arm locks for a while. Does anyone else start to loose circulation in their arms after lying there like that for more than 10-15 minutes?

Lisaj514

coastal, yes my L hand goes numb when held overhead for longer than a few minutes. I had some numbness in L hand prior to BC but it is worse now. I told them when doing my sim for boosts and they tried to go as quick as possible. It could be neuropathy, some pinched nerve in neck or shoulder. If it continues you should get a pt eval especially if yiu get numbness frequently, or even just sometimes. Your facility sounds very high tech with beepers and phones etc. you are in Denver so probably big facility. I know I've heard others have beepers etc.

It was awful that a change of end date was possibly going to happen at the end of my treatment. Better to happen in the beginning I guess if at all. But a change of last day from a Friday to a Monday sucks. Friday is such celebration day.

Congrats barb. You look amazing and happy. You know what, who cares about the size of the girls at this point as long as we stay cancer free.

paloverde

Sunshine, I'm in Louisville, I go to James Graham Brown.  I think they don't have the NCI certification overall like Markey does, but the rads operation was the first in the state to earn some fancy accreditation.  

They have really advanced equipment and a lot of it, at least 6 different treatment rooms from what I can see.  It's in the basement about 30 steps below street level.  I'm told that my treatments are on the newest piece of equipment, from Varian, it cost something like $4 million.  

Can't wait to see the EOB from Anthem on the sticker price of this phase of treatment!  It was about $300K for the AC-T chemo.    

Sunshineinky

Palo my rads treatments were ridiculous.  I have Humans through the state retirement system and it was so good to me in paying!!!! I hope when we switch to Anthem this year that it pays just as good!! 

My original radiology came from the Louisville breast center.  That very alert radiologist was the one that caught my bc on my mammo.  My type is not normally caught till its much larger so I feel very blessed!

count_it_all_joy

Barbara - congrats, so happy for you to be done.  Feels good, doesn't it?

I haven't been on for a week, and it reminds me of how fast 6 weeks can go as I see you all making progress.  I hope it feels fast for you!

Rosie - ouch on the back, I've never seen that before.  Don't you hate being told you're that 5%??  My MO kept telling me I was in his 10%, meaning the 10% of his patients who had every problem possible. Yippee.  

Another idea for tech gifts… I was feeling pretty wiped out as I finished, and baking was not going to happen.  I went to my favorite bread store here and bought 3 loaves of different kinds of bread.  Tied ribbons on the end, put them together in a gift bag with a card, and told them to take them home and have them with dinner that night.  Easy!  Just got a thank you note from each of them in the mail today, which I thought was really sweet.  

jbokland and debster - I remember having some really tired days very early on like you're having.  someone on the spring board had said to give in and nap and don't let it build up on you.  I didn't take her advice (!), thought it was too early, and ended up really OVERtired - hard to bounce back until I got a good 12-hour night.  So be smarter than me!  Give in to it and rest.  Just b/c it starts this early doesn't mean that it will be every day.  Do get your exercise, too, as other ladies have said.  It does take a lot of your day, to drive to and from rads, and find time to sleep, and time to exercise… but it's just for a few weeks, and you are worth the time.  

Rosiesride

Lisa...I has a super accelerated reaction to rads after 13 treatments so I was put on hold for 7 days!!! Really screwed me up as I wanted to end way before I had to go back to teaching and workdays august 18!!  I am hoping he cuts some boosts off of my plan...I am supposed to see doc on Tuesday and see if my skin looks ok to start up again...I have 12 whole breast left and 8 boosts!! Uggg...weird how my back seems to be the worst and it's from my supra clav beam....wonder if being thin made it worse?  But he said I was one of the 5% who have this type of accelerated reaction...special...NOT!! Rosie

tangandchris

Okay, what are these boosts that you are all speaking of? I remember my RO mentioning it, but I didn't ask what it was.

Sunshineinky

Tang boost are stronger and to the actual surgical site.  I'm not sure since you had a masectomy if you'll have them.  One of the other ladies that had your surgery will chime in soon! 

If you do have to have them, they were the easiest ones of all!

shycat

I'll be having 5 boosts to my mastectomy incision after the 28 regular treatments.  As I understand it, the incision is a common site of recurrence, hence the boosts.

3rdtimenow

9 down 24 to go, so far so good, how are you other ladies doing? We are almost 1/3 through. Yay for us. How many of us are there now, at this point?

jbokland

boosts are provided by putting a gel pad over the site.  The radiation does not penetrate as deep and leaves the treatment in the skin.  

aff

3rdtimenow - I am 25% of the way done...7 down, 21 to go. So far so good. 

I am walking at least 3 miles every day right after rads and so far energy level has been good. I am well enough to keep up with my 12 and 11 year old son and daughter all day. We're off to the water park today. We have season passes. Of course, I am the official bag holder as I cannot do the rides due to my surgery. I stand in the shade with my long sleeve rash guard holding all the junk I'm happy to do it and happy to be there with them.

I won't have boosts. I had skin sparing MX with immediate DIEP reconstruction. Due to the location of the tumor, I get the bolus every day, which keeps the radiation closer to the skin for my whole breast.

lyzzysmom

Oh boy, I am getting so tired this last week, falling asleep a couple of hours after rads. I was a bit run down before Dx then improved a bit with exercise, then stopped after I pulled my back. Its ok now but have not got back to the exercise. I have a bike and exercise machine in the basement but have been avoiding it. As soon as I have posted this I am going down there and getting on that bike! My husband has booked golf for later this afternoon. We will probably only do 9 holes or so and I plan to try and walk as much as possible even thought we will have a cart. The temperature is supposed to stay below 80 so that should help.  

I have been getting pressure in my chest since Sunday. I think its a mixture of  stress and gas as its worse when I lie down. My heart is ok as it has been well tested but its debilitating. Last night I had really bad nightmares and woke up in a sweat and I am not even on the hormones yet! I sailed through menopause 10 years ago with a handful of "warm" flashes and no night sweats so maybe this is payback time LOL.

Also when I retire after treatment I need to find an individual insurance plan as I am 59. I have always worked and am the primary earner. Although we are OK for now it is a huge leap for me and will be a big change. The longest I have not worked since 1980 is 6 weeks. Although I know I really need it, it is a huge adjustment, financially and mentally so it adds to the roller coaster.

Anyway enough whining for now. I know I have been blessed in many ways. No rads today Yeah! Down to the basement I go....

Amelia123

Right there with you, 3rdtime.  I'm at 8 of 28, plus some boosts to follow.

Shycat, what do you mean by the incision of the mastectomy? The horizontal lines below the breasts, or the vertical ones running on the actual breast? I had not heard of this before and am interested in learning more.

tangandchris

I get the bolus every other tx, that's not a boost thought right?

Amelia123

No.  I get the bolus every other time too.  The boosts are done after the "regular" rads are all finished.

paloverde

i have no boosts scheduled, just 28 regular.  13 down, 15 to go.  

I too am a little disappointed to be finishing on a Monday, but it's my own doing b/c of an overnight work trip this week.  I'll miss this Wednesday so they're adding one at the end.  

Oh well.  Beats the heck out of 20 weeks of chemo ...

Debster

I have done 8 of 28 regular and then 5 boost. Starting to get a little pink now and itching like crazy!! Didn't get all my walks in this week but all is good. Have a great weekend everyone!

Amelia123

Debster, we have the same rad plan and are on the same day # also.  My targeted area seems to be fine, but my arm is itchy and feels a bit more "tired" than my other arm.  Doesn't make sense, and probably isn't even related. Or maybe it's because that arm has to stay still and bent.  It feels a bit sore when they say I can move my arm after the session is over, but then feels better once it is back in it's normal position.

ktfelder

Hi all,

I finished my rads on Friday - 28 full (with clavicle) and 5 boosts. While I have had great tiredness, my skin has barely reacted. It is a bit red at the clavicle, and the breast area is a bit brown, but I have had none of the severe reactions many of you have had. If you looked at my skin, you would not realize that I even had radiation! The skin is rough, but absolutely no breakdown. My RO was surprised, but said that some women react that way. They theorize that there is something in our genetic makeup that allows our skin to tolerate the radiation very well. And it has nothing to do with whether you sunburn easily (which I do). He mentioned there is currently a study going on to research that genetic component. He said there is absolutely no way to currently predict who will tolerate radiation well, and who will not. He said I must have good genes, to which I responded; "Let's remember why I'm here in the first place!"

Wishing all of you the best. I thought perhaps sharing this might help ease some fears.

Rosiesride

thank you ktfelder for your input on this AND congrats on finishing!

I am one of the 5% who has the genetic make up that does NOT react well to radiation!  It's good to hear another RO state a reason for my intense early reaction to rads.  I am Italian and hardly ever had a sunburn and tan very easily, as that was one question my physicist asked me.  After checking everything out, he said, " it's just the way your body reacts"... He said there is not test to see who will react...

Hoping to get the ok to finish up 12 more whole breast and maybe only 5 boosts instead of 8 ...to start again on Tuesday!  Really want to just get this done and over!! Rosie

Crazywabbit

ktfelder Happy Dance for you being done. Very nice not to get much skin reaction.  If it were not for the burn on my clavicle I would say the same

rettemich

Hi all I'm back. Was having computer issues, hopefully we got it straightened out. It is going to take me while to get "caught up" with everyone so I apologize if I don't address anything that has been brought up.

 I just wanted to share my visit with my Integrative Oncologist on Thursday. LOVED HIM!!!!

(For those that do not know what a IO is, they are Medical Oncologists that has also been trained in Integrative medicine. Like natural, holistic, and more the complete person. You may have heard of Dr. Weil he has several books and is very well renouned.)  

 He made me feel like I was the only patient he had. Even though he is booked until mid October. He really discussed things with me and we have a game plan. We are going to break it down into sections to deal with rather than trying to everything at once. 

First, he said I need to get better sleep, need to exercise, no brainer, but he gave me more specifics. And reduce stress. (First section LOL)

Start going to yoga and also meditate more. I use to do that but life got in the way. LOL

Thought I would pass on a few things he is having me do. He is having me take Black Cohosh to help with the se of the Tamoxifen. Maybe early to tell, but I didn't feel so overheated last night.

He also started me on Melatonin. He said I needed to get better sleep and this also has properties that help prevent cancer.  I admit with all the research I have done I didn't know that. So I look at it as a 2fur.  LOL He said it was fine with the meds I'm taking. 

Also taking Turmeric with pepper. I was already doing this. But wants me to up it to 3 a day. For those that are unfamiliar with it, it has been shown to reduce inflammation, not just for cancer but for other issues such as Alzheimers,and also has cancer fighting properties. The addition of pepper is to aid absorption. You can get these at any health food store. It gave me heartburn so I take it with food.

He got me an appointment for acupuncture for stress and weight loss, and I will be meeting with a nutritionist again too.

I am really excited to start getting my life back.

If you do have access to an IO, please take advantage, it is really worth it.

If you don't please talk to your MO before starting anything.

Sorry for rambling....off to catch up 

Have a great weekend.

shycat

I've had only 5 of 28 regular treatments, which will be followed by 5 boosts.  I'm already feeling waves of fatigue.  Didn't think that would happen so soon.

Amelia, I didn't have any reconstruction, so I only have long horizontal incisions.

 

Amelia123

ktfelder, we all hope to have your rad results.  congrats on finishing!

rettemich

Barb, Congrats!! Hows your neck doing? Those goodies looked delish!!!!! Have to giggle a little about the numbness. When I had my reduction the lump scar went with it, so I had no scar from that left. The funny part is I am numb on the side that Didn't have bc. The side with healed great. Then it got radiated. Go figure. 

Izzymom your skin looks pretty good just a little rad tan. You got Reiki I'm jealous! And you only have warm flashes when going through MENopause, ok now I hate you LOL Mine were so awful I would have given anything to back to being on my period!!

sunshine, you #2 photo looks like my underarm just after I finished. A little sore and really peeling. No real pain as long as nothing rubbed it. 

Rosie, OMG girl I hope they can work out something that is crazy. Do they have to go all the way through can they use a electron that doesn't go as deep? We are here for you!

peterandwendy. Congrats!! Keep up the good work.

coastal, Love the cartoon They should post that in every waiting room.Ddgm

tangrand, Izzy is adorable. I sure miss that age. Don't be hard on yourself for being tired you have been through a lot.  Gentle Hugs

Ddgm, How sweet of hubby to do that!! 

Mari, I hope you don't have to drive too far from camp. Enjoy the camp!!

A question was asked of steroid cream used for more than itching, my RO told me to use a little on my nipple as it was getting so sensitive. It actually does help. Also my PS told me to use a cotton ball and lightly massage it. It helps to desensitize it. I am still working with that. But it is helping.

Hopefully I'm pretty caught up. 

Have an awesome weekend.

Crazywabbit

the neck area is starting to peel. Really not very bothersome now. Worst thing so the goofy aquaphor. 

Made myself walk about 1.5 miles this evening. Just too exhausted to walk the past few weeks. Now no excuses just gave t get moving again. 

Rettemich -I am surprised about the recommendation for black chosh. I thought it relieves hot flushes through its estrogenic effects.  I would be wary about taking it.