Summer Rads 2014

Sunshineinky

I'll be three weeks out Wednesday KT and I'm about 85% back to normal.  I still find myself tired in the late afternoon but I think it's lack of sleep from the tamoxifen as opposed to rads.  

Try to nap as you can! Our bodies and minds have been through lots of trauma!

ohiofan

Congrats, jhodro! 

Sunshine, Two days a week would be wonderful.....time to talk with co-workers and time for "home" things!  (DH would LOVE a farm in KY!!!)

kt,  I'm almost a month out and this is the first week I feel like myself.  Lazy, not fatigued!  I'm getting a new kitchen floor installed on Monday and I don't have time for fatigue.  What was I thinking......

Ohio (Bonnie)

CoastalXPat

Congrats Sunshine and Jhodro!

My RO said that after a month people feel about 90-95% there energy-wise.

I am so happy, I just finished my "last whole-boob blast!"  I get 4 boosts starting tomorrow. It's a good thing because it's starting to get achy. Definitely getting muscle issues on that arm, going to PT tomorrow. 

So does anyone know, once the treatments are done do the skin problems get worse before they get better?

Rosiesride

PT helps that arm when it tightens up!  After my session yesterday, the chording was gone and my upper back which was achy was also better...I was going to stop pt, but I will wait to do that! Rosie

aff

jhodro - congrats on the end of chemo! It was a joyous day for me

Sunshine - congrats on the job. I'm very happy for you. 

Amelia - I get pictures every day before rads. When I asked about the additional daily exposure to radiation I was told it was calculated into my total radiation. I am happy that they are so thorough and it reassures me that the radiation is going exactly where it needs to. 

10 of 28 today. Saw my PS today and he said my skin looks great and the flap is holding up very well. It was a terrific follow up. He was incredibly happy overall. 

mripp

Hi All! Started7/22 had PT consult. Very good info and thorough discussion on lympadema, eating, exercise followed by 1st rad session. First day with all that was 10am-12pm. Today was much quicker! Like in and out in 45 min (dressing & rad 15-20 min then met w RO). Got to see the 3D body pics and zoomed where RO showed me the rad field and details. I like to know the details. Very interesting and technology is amazing. Rad was w me doing breath hold (but only 10-12 seconds each)  and I have no issues w it. I think the tables are soooo hard to lie on and asked why they aren't padded. Guess they can't be per the tech.

A dear family friend (74 yrs) was recently diagnosed w colon cancer and spots on lung & liver. She had surgery and I stopped to visit her this afternoon. She starts chemo in about a week, then rad. We talked about our new journey and can be support to each other. Please pray for her.

I also found out I can get free (ins covers 100%) cab rides to and from my appointments if I want to. I drive about 37 miles one way about 45 minutes if traffic is good. But yesterday it took 90 minutes due to fresh rain and freeway was bad! I will drive or have supporters accompany me for now but nice to have the option. So ask if yours covers it cuz I didnt know until I saw cabs outside the clinic and was visiting w the rad receptioist. I'll see how my 2:24pm time slot pans out since HOV lane starts at 3:00 and I'll be leaving right about then.

Sunshine-congrats on the new job!

7/22 and after starters (Vettegirl, Victorialee, dfrobrts, dee and more) wishing you all a good 1st week and beyond!

Amelia123

aff - I'm also at 10/28.  But then I have 5 boosts.  I asked how much radiation the additional films were adding, and he said instead of the dose being 180 (can't remember the term) it would be 181. So it really is negligible.

victorialee

mripp - that is great that they let you see all your scans and showed you the rad fields. I would love to see mine. I'm an engineer at heart and find that the more I know the calmer it makes me feel. I also have a friend that has colon cancer and same spots in lungs and liver. It's terrible that we share this together but also good as no one really understands what one goes through. My prayers will go out for your friend as well as all of us.

Sunshine congrats on the job! I can celebrate with you because today I got a promotion! What a mood booster!

Cheers!

 

3rdtimenow

What a stressful day, after rads, I took my 99 year old mom to the dentist. He said she needs a tooth pulled but because of heart issues, I had to take her to an oral surgeon. They were good enough to squeeze us in right away, but warned us we would have to wait. I got lost on the way and then she complained the whole time, because she has 0 patience. I was so tired, but could not reach my husband for back up. To top it all off I started with this itch and wanted to get home to put my aloe on. When I finally got home I found some little bumps, like bug bites. Has anyone else had something like this? Thought I was doing so well, today was only my 12th. treatment, so it seems soon. Thanks for listening ladies, and I wish you all the best, having real issues with all of the names right now, as I am beyond stressed, sorry. Stephanie

aff

victorialee - congrats on your promotion!

Stephanie - I'm sorry you are so stressed. I hope tomorrow is a better day.

Today was #10. My breast and axilla are fine. I have a slight rash on the supraclavicular area and it is definitely darker. 

Hope everyone is doing well!

3rdtimenow

Thanks Aff, I'm sure tomorrow will be better. Glad all is well with you. Congrats Victorialee, Stephanie

Lisaj514

#32 of 34 today!!! You know what that means...I'm done on Friday! Such a long haul... But amazing that's it's finally here. Boost area is pretty red but no skin breakdown just redness. Just hold up for 2 more days, please!

Sunshineinky

Stephanie that sounds like radiation dermatitis.  Talk to your RO tomorrow and let them know it's itching.  They should call or give you some cream for it! 

3rdtimenow

Good luck, Lisa, yay for Friday. Thanks Sunshineink, I will have them check it out. Stephanie
 

Deblc

Well today was really my final day yippee. The techs held a nice "graduation" ceremony, gave me a certificate, and threw confetti on me:) When it was over, three ladies, who were just starting out, cornered me and peppered me with questions. I remember being in their position, just beginning and so nervous about the whole thing. They were so grateful that I took the time to give them my experience and I was so glad to be able to give them some reassurance. God, what a hard road this is for so many of us...I'm so glad too to have bco and all you ladies do for me what I was able to do for them today. 

lyzzysmom

Sunshine, Congratulations on your new job!! I hope its enjoyable and 2 days sounds perfect.

Barbara, Those chocolates sound an excellent idea. I will get some for the techs. They have been so nice, changing appointments to accommodate the Reiki etc.

Amelia, Mine does pictures that just adds a few minutes once a week. Could the extra simulation just be for your boosts? My boost sim. was a while back to get it out the way.

JB, thats awesome that she could come in the control room and it actually made rads fun!! 

JHodro, congrats on finishing chemo. As  Sunshine said its nice to have a little break or vacation before rads starts. Its a tedious routine day in day out once you start, although it does pass quickly. 

Rosie, I am glad that they are getting started again. Hope they pay extra special attention this time and that the skin holds up. I am afraid I was bad when the nurse took my initial photos. I think I embarrassed her by saying that the last time I had had photos like that taken was on a boat in the Med 30 years ago. Thank goodness there was no internet or digital photos then.

The nurse gave me a new heavier, greasier cream to put on before bedtime yesterday but I woke up looking redder than usual so reverted to the Elta Lite and it feels better this evening.

Yesterday was so stressful and today my work computer took me nearly 2 hours to get it to boot so I got stressed again and never got my morning exercise .I took an Ativan to calm me and ended up napping  on and off all day. Another day another nap. LOL.  

Kt, Somewhere I saw a couple of weeks after finishing but I think it affects everybody differently. They also say the tiredness starts after a while but for some it starts early. I think we just have to listen to our bodies and try to get the rest we need to heal.

lyzzysmom

Deb, Congrats on your "graduation" and Victorialee congrats on your promotion!!

Stephanie, I too am sorry you are so stressed and really hope that tomorrow will be better.

rettemich

sunshine, Congrats on the job. Two days a week would be perfect. Especially to get back into the swing. I'm so excited for you Yeah!!

victorialee, tell your RO you want to see your plan. You have every right to see it and question what they are doing. I drove my RO nuts sometimes, but I figure that is what they get paid the big bucks for. They wanted to start the boosts before I saw the plan, no wasn't going to happen. MY body want to know what they are planning. And they did. Pushed back the start of boosts (just a few hours) so I could meet with the RO first. I also reviewed my whole breast and had asked questions through the whole treatment.

Rosie, glad you are able to start again I hope they use a little more awareness this time.

JB, that is really cool. My dh and dd were able to check it out but never thought of filming it.

Izzymom, I hope your days go better. Will be sending positive healing energy your way.

Kt. like most have said everyone is different. I am 3 weeks out and I still have days that kick my a**. But it is getting better and further apart. Your body is healing let it.

jbokland

on my way for 10 today. Noted my breast is a wee bit pink this am.  My left upper arm us slightly larger to the elbow. Time for the Lymphedema sleeve? 

Rosiesride

hey ladies!  Congrats on those finishing up ....I told my techs yesterday that I am tired of all this!   They are so attentive and try so hard to get it done fast....they were so excited that I set up so fast yesterday!  I asked why was it faster? My little guy said you just laid down on the table just right!!  

When I had my early burn issues I think I saw every doctor in the practice and the physicist...I am really blessed with an attentive team...my doc even came to me before I asked to see him...he knew I had a problem from the other doc that saw me when he was out...so I really trust them all and they are so aware of my situation...

Going for my 16th rad...9 more whole breast and 5 boosts after today...now it's going faster...hope I hold up ok!! Should end August 13 just in time to start workdays at school...so ready to get back to my life before BC!! Rosie

Sam2U

jbokland--if you have swelling--it's really important to see a LE trained physical therapist before ordering a sleeve.  They will size the sleeve and teach you manual drainage techniques that will really help limit the swelling.  If you haven't seen one--ask your ro for a referral.

I finished my whole "chest"(since I don't have a breast anymore ) on Tuesday, yesterday was the first boost of 5 then done on Tuesday--yippee!!!!

3rdtimenow

Congratulations Deb!

Cannoli1

Sunshineinky,

Congrats on the job offer! I am sooooo happy for you. Getting back to work has really helped my frame of mind. Congrats again!.

 

 

Louanne

That sounds perfect Sunshine! I'm so happy for you!!

victorialee congrats on your promotion!

3rdtimenow I had itching like you are explaining. RO said to use 1% hydrocortisone cream. That did the trick. 

Deblc congrats on your graduation!

Lisaj514 I'll be sending good thoughts your way tomorrow!

DeeC

Did anyone's RO tell you not to take antioxidants while having radiation?  Mine said they interfere with the way radiation acts on the skin.  I have been taking  Co Q-10 for years and didn't know it was an antioxidant.

She said to keep the area dry and clean and don't put anything on it unless they tell me to.  I can use Tom's or Crystal deodorant if needed but wash off before treatment. And wash with soap like white Dove which I use anyway. Most of you have mentioned these instructions.

 Dee

Deblc

Dee my RO told me not to take any supplements at all

Rosiesride

I had started biotin after chemo...when I had accelerated burn after 13 rads I remembered I was on biotin and told him when we were trying to figure out if I was doing anything different...he didn't think that was it but I am going to research that...it is for skin and nails...I wouldn't take any vitamins or supplements unless it was ok by RO...I asked my techs if physicist changed anything and she said the "energy"...it's now 6 but was at 23 for the first 13 rads ...seems like a significant drop??  Maybe I won't burn for the last 14 treatments...Rosie 

Amelia123

My RO also said not to take any supplements during rads.  I just asked him this on Monday, it's funny to see it popping up all of a sudden here. 

My sim today took less than 10 mins, much better than the hour or so it took the first time.  Was relieved that it was fast and harmless!

Stephanie, sorry to hear about your trying day.  Hope things get better soon.

Deblc - congrats on finishing!

Slightly O/T: I read an interview about Amy Robach from GMA, who also had BC.  She had chemo and said she only was lucky to only lose a quarter of her hair.  I'd never heard of this happening before.  It seems like women with BC lose all their hair when undergoing chemo.  That happened to me - but believe me, I would have loved to stop at losing only 1/4!  I've often thought it was cruel that one of the chemo drugs for BC causes hair loss, when so many other chemo drugs don't.  Haven't we lost enough already? 

aff

Dee - my RO did tell me to stay away from antioxidants as they interfere with rads, I asked if I should reduce my intake of fruits and vegetables high in antioxidants and she said no, just no supplements. She did say I could and should take Caltrate D or calcium and D.

Amelia - glad your SIM was better today

Also, Amy Robach used a cold cap.

So glad tomorrow is Friday... It will be nice to get a break from the daily routine

Hope everyone is doing well.

Crazywabbit

Debic- congratulations, job well done, as well as your breast. LOL

3rdtimenow i had intense itching on the burned collar bone area, needed prescription strength steroid cream and use it with complete relief. 

Dee- My RO said Co Q 10 was OK to take, but they all have their preferences. I laid off my multivitamins (hair, skin and nail)  while getting RT but started them up again today. 

amazed at how fast the burned collar bone is healing.2 weeks since last RT there, all the blackish skin peeled and now it is very pink.  Now the area under my arm just extending to the lateral breast area is getting redder, prob from the boosts ( 1 week since finishing them) . Also getting some sharp pains in the central breast at times that I never got before.  I guess things have to simmer and settle down for a bit yet.  

beast to all you who are in  radiation now. The time does go by quickly.