Winter rads 2014-2015

gemmafromlondon

Interesting Annie88 that your RO said you would be full of radiation for 2 weeks. I finished a week ago and have been much itchier and rashier since - feels a bit like when one has had too much sun. Suppose it takes some time to settle down but at least one has so much more time now without a daily trek to radiology! I had to do a family party two days after finishing which was really hard work so perhaps I am noticing things more now - just tell myself to ignore it all. Blasted bc!

All the best to all you girls.

Dee4C

Hi everyone, I'm new on this board. I came from the winter chemo crew, finished up 4 rounds of TC on 1/26. Started rads last week and today was my 7th treatment. I have a very heavy feeling in my chest on the radiated side (right). Also I could feel an achiness in my esophogas area. They said since I've only had 7 treatments, it can't be from radiation. But it didn't hurt before rads. They did say that a sore throat is common, so I think that could go along with losing your voice which someone was asking about. They want me to see my primary doc for an EKG and CAT scan of chest. Anyone else experience this? I'm so bummed I am having problems already! Best of luck to you all! Hope you get through rads with little or no issues.

CassieCat

This isn't related to rads but more to self-image and what we project. I often go out without make-up or anything on my head. Sometimes, I think it is almost better for people around me to see the real me. When we look "good" it's easy for people to forget that inside, we may not be feeling good. It might be manipulative on my part, but I think the chemo hair, thin brows and lashes, half flat chest, etc. are all outward signs of what I'm dealing with and are OK to share now and then. It's personal, and we each have to do what feels right for us on any given day. And it just isn't easy!

Rads #11 done and so far, so good. 17 to go, and then 7 boosts.

quiggy

brandyrose.... Thanks for reminding me that I'm not alone. Cancer is a pretty lonely place. I'm thankful for all of you that I can talk to and who understand.

Started boosts today. My oh so thoughtful RO came in to ensure positions; her words...."lay very still" and "sorry, your nipple is close to the tumor bed and will receive the boosts, use aquaphor, you're gonna need it!". Then she spoke to the techs and walked out. Yep, in sorry too, thanks. Hey, don't sugar coat it or treat me like a human or anything.

I'm so tired and sore, cried on the way home. Based on her comments I guess the next 6 treatments are going to be painful. Yippee!!!!

I need a drink and a vacation!!!!

kayfry

SunnySyde, good to know! Maybe that's what will happen with me then. I think I'd rather have the tattoos; the marker is a little weird, and the stickers are a little bit itchy.

mqt64, I'm also a lefty, but I'm still going to be on my back. Probably because my boob is small and hard to get aligned in a hole in a table! So I worry about heart, lung & ribs a little. I'm wondering if I'll be able to do the breathing technique, and what other measures might be taken to minimize those risks. I guess I have a lot of questions to ask on Tuesday.

quiggy

kayfry, I'm a lefty too and my treatments are like yours; on my back with breath holding arms over my head, knees bent. They used a little box on my tummy to help monitor alignment. Four tats and occasionally I'm a white board!

Its not awful because it's so fast. Holding my breath sometimes feels like it's too long and I won't make it, but then it's over.

If you get much SEs, stretching arms over your head could be uncomfortable.

Left side is a bit concerning for heart (and lungs). I asked lots of questions and read lots. It helped to know the stats and facts.

Good luck, I wish you a speedy and no SE process.

Annie88

Today was a new start for me, as I didn't have to make the 45 minute trek. It felt good! I am worried as I read about the boosts that everyone has had, as I had 28 treatments total with no boosts. Believe me, I am not asking for more, but want to know that I have done the necessary regimen. Started Tamoxifen last night and had worrisome BC dreams .

For those of you getting started, you will make it to the end before you know it. Mine was a left side treatment. There was a oldster for the legs and a form they made of my back. The RO didn't say I needed to hold my breath, but I did every time I heard the"beep".

My insurance was also trying to get out of paying for the MRI, however the BS got it paid. As for the RT, I paid $25 to $30 daily for the treatments. The worst of it is it doesn't come off my deductible, as it is a co-payment. Oh well! Cancer what can you do? It sucks!

mqt64

Kayfry, you made my day! There is an advantage to big saggy boobs! My tumor was also posterior unlike yours, quiggy. So the belly worked. My heart goes out to you, quiggy. Sometimes people who deal with this stuff every day from the other side can get careless about how they say things. Not an excuse but perhaps a reason. I was ready to cry today no matter what anybody said. Fatigue and pain do that to a person. Hang in there! Boosts are the end of this phase at least. Hugs.

Allmodestyisgone

Quiggy - I am a lefty too - they put a box on my abdomen and I hold my breath - but apparently not the same way each time so now I have to inhale as much as possible each time and then slowly release air until they tell me to stop and then they hit the zapper.

I am also full of blue freckles as they keep adding more each day.

I am doing accelerated treatments - 14 regular and 6 boosts - just finished #3 - everything seems good although I can feel a slight warmth to my left breast. No lotions allowed until symptoms appear.

zjrosenthal

Ladies thanks for all the ideas and questions to ask. I see the RO Tuesday and get SIMS next Thursday. I am due to start rads on March 16th. I had a bout of Anal cancer 5 yrs ago. (cleared) and radiating down below was excruciating but it saved my life. Compared to that, these rads should be pretty easy. I am also a lefty so will ask about prone and other things to protect heart, lungs, thyroid, throat etc. Praying we all get through this journey and come out stronger and wiser for it. Love, Jean

CoyoteNV

brandyrose ~ Welcome to the Winter Warrior support group. I hope that your day went well... and all those that follow also!  I've been to Penticton! I grew up in Washington State and Penticton is on the "loop" weekend drive.  Nice place.

 

ladyb1234

Tomorrow will be the end of week three or 15 treatments. 2 weeks to go or 10 treatments. RO is concerned and watching under arm and clavicle area as they are darkening and becoming tender. Fatigue is really an issue for me and has been through this journey and Rads has been no different. I was not out of shape before dx - worked out and weight trained. So not sure why I am not fairing well with this fatigue. I have become a napper and learned to take advantage of Power naps and rest periods. LoL

Quiggy, I told my RO on WednesdayI am just tired, sore and in Pain. She saw me today in the waiting room and came over too encourage me and asked what she can do to make this any easier. I said stop and her response anything but that. She asked if I had enough pain medicine and said if needed she would refill my Norco and Ativan. I told her yesterday I was almost out of both. Love her.

Forgot who asked, my RO did warn me that I may get a sore throat since I am getting Rads to the neck area. My throat soreness (minor) became noticeable yesterday. With this said I am not horse just a sore throat.

Counting down and can see that light at the end for the tunnel! Next up 10 years of hormonal therapy according to MO and possible ovary removal....

CassieCat

They included breath holding in my initial CT scan, but it isn't in my treatment plan, so I guess it didn't work to my advantage. I try not to worry about it (another leftie here).

ladyb1234

Ditto with me, they included breath holding in sims but RO choose plan/positioning without breath holding as she said it was not the best to move forward with.

Sjacobs146

the redness and soreness under my arm is getting worse, and my nipple is very tender, but all still manageable. My RO offered a "nipple dressing" which she said is very soothing. I might take her up on the offer next week. I am still washing under my arm with the antiseptic soap twice a day and using Eucerin and Jeans Cream.

mqt64

Try again. I had a post all done and my tablet went crazy and started typing random letters and then went to Spanish and wouldn't go back! ??

Sjacobs, I hear you on the nipple thing. Do you get shooting pains too? I think we are on the same schedule. Hang in there! We're almost done.

They gave me my next week's schedule and I finally got the red line! They color code the appointments for ro appointments, sims, etc. Monday is purple for my first boost and Friday is red for my last treatment! I am so excited! For all those just starting it does end.

Have a good relaxing weekend everyone. I'll be spending mine at the hockey rink as the two youngest grandsons (6 and 8) are playing in a tournament. I love to watch them. They have so much fun. And you can't think of anything else right then. Mental vacation!

Beachbum1023

Good morning, I am going to #24 today, still going ok. My armpit is pretty dark but as long as I keep it dry and open to the air it does seem to help. The rash is still itching, but I finish next Thursday! Take Care.

cbooklvr

Hello, I have been reading the post, all very informative. I was not sure if I am a Winter person since my rads start next month, but decided to post anyway

I go Monday for my set-up. Holding my arms over my head for 2 hours does not sound like fun, at least the actual treatment should be quicker.

My RO was great in explaining everything. She actually pointed out the areas that are likely to burn after the first 2 weeks. I will have 28. She said not to buy any creams, they will give as needed. And they will tell me what over the counter stuff to buy if those don't work. She did say to get cornstarch and aloe vera gel.

This group is very supportive, great to have somewhere to go for information and understanding.

Cherice

zjrosenthal

For those lefties finishing or done, I have a question. We're you able to drive to your rads? Love, Jean

Beachbum1023

Welcome cbooklvr, I am going to #24 today, 4 more to finish next week. I am doing well with the Aloe 100% clear gel and the cornstarch. My armpit is a bit burnt, but the itchy rash is just annoying. Good luck, for me this has been doable, but looking forward to next Thursday!

gemmafromlondon

I am not a leftie but pretty aged and I had no problem at all driving 40 minutes each way for rads. It was not a highlight of my life but went uneventfully. You will manage fine. Trust yourself and know we are all there with you.

Professor50

My treatments were on the left and I had no trouble doing basically anything. I did have to take a deep breath and hold it for each of the whole breast treatments (23) but not the boosts. I wanted to say that the level of fatigue can get pretty high towards the end. I don't think I realized until now (2 weeks after) just how unbelievably tired I was. I think my last week of rads I was on the verge of tears a lot of the time, just out of sheer exhaustion. Everyday for the last 10 or so has felt like a bit more fog is lifting.

You women are some of the strongest, most amazing people I have ever encountered. You can power through this.

WndrWoman

Welcome Cherise. Here in RI winter has a long way to go. Try a few shoulder rolls and stretches just before you put your arms up. I did cramp during set-up and they gave me an arm break. Even if the techs are not in the room, they can see and hear you. You got it.

Jean, I had no trouble driving. There was a woman with a port who found the seat belt uncomfortable so the chemo people gave her a little pillow to attach with velcro. You could need a driver if the fatigue is bad. My husband came with me but I drove every day.

LARock

Jean, I'm a lefty and have had no problems driving.

I finished week four today. No skin problems yet. Just a little sore on that side. Last night the fatigue hit me like a brick wall. It felt like chemo fatigue again. I went to the office for a while but came home for the afternoon to rest. Trying to listen to my body.

Cherice,welcome to the group!

CassieCat

Jean, no problems driving for me (another leftie).

Cherice, welcome.

#12 done for me today. 16 more to go, and then 7 boosts...so far, so good.

MagicalBean

Jean-I'm a leftie and I drove myself every day.

WndrWoman

So many women close to finishing and moving right along. I have been 3 weeks since completely rads. Skin color is fading fast. Still some warmth. Peeled and red spots now pink with new skin and mostly healed. Still creaming which I would be happy to skip. Just today noticing that the breast feels lighter and softer - probably a benefit of lymphedema massage yesterday. Slight arm swelling during radiation gone. Still a little swelling in breast. Hacky morning cough went away quickly once treatment ended. I assume from zap hitting top of lung. Did not have much fatigue but more energetic about a week out. Now in 6 week survivors group. Shared Quiggy's posting from mbcteam.com on life post treatment. Social worker loved it. Sessions on exercise and nutrition, even sexuality and intimacy. 5 great women. Happy day for me because biopsy shows I do not need the hysterectomy I had expected. Keep moving ahead everyone!

kayfry

Cherice, I am starting one day after you, with set-up on Tuesday. I will also be both arms overhead. I have a shorter treatment time, with 15 regular followed by 4 boosts. At least, that's what I think it is. Will know for sure after Tuesday. Good luck! Sounds like your RO is very good at communicating, which is a huge deal.

kayfry

I'm a lefty, and I certainly hope to be able to drive to and from my treatments, a 40-45-minute drive each way. I'm planning on it.

Reader425

I'm a lefty and had no trouble driving to and from.