June 2017 Starting Rads

Rwrighty

I had my CT scan and mapping yesterday and radiation starts June 12th . 20 txs Anyone else out there starting in June? Feeling a little anxious.

Labtech47

I am starting the same day as you. 37 treatments, but can't wait to be done and take a vaycay! 🎉🍾🍺🍹🎉

Goincrzy8

I started in May, 8 down 28 to go. The procedure is quick once you are done with CT and mapping. They have me using Aloe Vera after treatment and I use Aquaphor at nite. Aquaphor is like vaseline and greasy but so far no SE and skin still looks good. Hardest part is keeping the hands over the head during tx.

Good luck you ladies, you got this

SCM12

i'm due to start RT in june. My appointment with radiography doctor is next week (8/6). I'm making a list of questions: what to wear, can I go to the beach or swimming-pool, sun blocker creams (50? 100?), advantages of special clothes (with sun blocker?), use of mepitel film during treatment... Anything else you suggest asking my doctor?

Goincrzy8

Ask what they suggest to put on your skin, all RO are different.

Rwrighty

Each doctor seems to have a different protocol on creams. My surgeon highly recommends a green tea spray 4 times a day and calendula cream 2 times a day. I do know that you do want to keep protected from the sun. I love to be outdoors but plan to keep area covered with sun block clothing. I heard about the film but feel ok with the current plan. Good Luck and keep us posted on how you are doing.

This too shall pass!

Rwrighty

Goingcrzy8 thanks for the input. During the CT scan and mapping I had mini panic attacks thinking I could not hold my breath long enough. It is on my L side so I have to do a holding breath tech during radiation. I know I can do it but I did get nervous. I will be so glad when this is over. I hate seeing all these marks on my chest. Trying to stay positive but it still sucks.

Chloe2

Hi SCM12

This is my second time having radiation; first time was 4 years ago. I would check with your doctor but both times I was told shade only, and after treatment is complete a sunblock there after. Also no pools, chlorine is really tough on the skin during treatment.

llamalady

I'm new here so "hi" to everyone. I've been reading lots on the boards and am so grateful for all the wonderful information everyone has posted. It has helped me so much since my diagnosis in April.

Lumpectomy done May 8 and now I'm scheduled for radiation mapping and CT scan on June 12. 16 radiation treatments scheduled. The only possible delay I could have is waiting for results to come in Mon/Tues of next week on Oncotype DX. If number is low will proceed w/ radiation schedule. If not will have to decide about chemo and if I end up taking chemo then radiation will wait until after that. Am praying for low Onco number so I can start this radiation and move on! Looking forward to gathering info and tips from everyone.

Best of luck to all of you!

Connie1230

I will be finished June 13. They told me the benefits of swimming outweighs any possible side effects. Now once you have an issue, that might change but until you do, they said no problem with swimmimg

Goincrzy8

Rwrighty, I am having rads on the left side also. Again RO's are different, I do not have to hold my breath during any part of radiation. I usually try to do yoga breathing to get in a zone, but I need to just breath normal. The marks will go away, but you are right, after mapping and sharpie all over my skin I was WTH! But I have stickers with x's on my body. So attractive lol

dcdrogers

I'll be starting rads in June as well. BMX May 4th with immediate direct-to-implants. Had my initial consultation with the radiologist on June 1st. Simulation with CT Scan is scheduled for June 8th. My cancer was on my left side and I'll be getting zapped to my Axilla (lymph nodes), supraclavicular and chest wall areas. I'll bet getting 25 treatments and I think 5 of those will be boosts--will need to consult my notes.

So looking forward to getting started so that I can put this phase in my rear view mirror. I'll still be on Herceptin until Nov/Dec so I'm definitely worried about what effects if any radiation may have on my heart and lungs.

~Dee

Luwusu

hi ladies,

I had a lumpectomy April 18 and went in last week for a consultation with my RO, CT, tattoos, mapping. I'll begin radiation sometime the week of June 12th. I'll have 33 sessions. I have had skin issues every step of the way with my treatment so far - during the 12 weeks of THP, through the A/C after that and even after surgery. Major skin problems . Can't wait to see what radiation brings.

I can't figure out how to get back to my profile to add my surgery info. Can anyone help? Good luck to everyone and I am glad you're all here.

Nanci

Rwrighty

Luwusu- click on my profile at the top of the page and then click on the tab for diagnosis or treatment. We will be starting at the same time. I too have sensitive skin and am hoping to not have any major issues. Will be in the shade this summer!

Hanging_in_there

I have my radiation simulation and tattoos on June 12. I'm supposed to start rads on June 13, but everything is waiting for a consult with a doctor on clinical trials at JHU. My doctor is going to give me chemo with radiation and it may change depending on if I participate in a clinical trial that has chemo. I've got between June 7 and June 9 to decide on a clinical trial.

BG46TN

HI everyone! I didn't get to read the other posts yet, but I am Becky, I am starting radiation next week, probably Wed. I go today for my Catscan and mapping.....I'm glad this is bringing me one step closer to the end of all this...what a year! huh?

I am getting 28 sessions.....

I have expanders in, so i'm a little worried about something getting messed up that could affect my future implants, surgery etc...I hope my skin holds up ok....

I really hope we are allowed to swim, this would be a sucky summer if i can't! LOL we live near the beach, but I'm more of a pool person. I already bought a swim long sleeved rash guard so i can keep my skin covered when in the sun, and I always use an umbrella when at the beach anyway...

I look forward to getting to know everyone here....and I pray we all have minimal side effects!

Rwrighty

Hello BG46TN, Hope all goes well for you. I heard that the chlorine is hard on the skin. This will be just one small blip on the summer for us and then we can move on! Take care and share how things are going.

Rosemary

Tappermom383

I started my rads in May but will be going all through June so thought I'd chime in here. I've had 10/33 so far. The toughest part has been holding my arms above my head during the CT scan. My treatments are so quick that it doesn't really bother me. Just be sure to take a deep breath and relax your shoulders.

My skin is fine so far - a little pink and hot to the touch. I'm using aloe vera gel, which I keep in the fridge so it's nice and cooling on my hot skin.

What I have noticed is that I am much more tired than usual. My RO encouraged me to take a 15-minute nap in the afternoon - easier said than done!

I'll be having five boosts at the end - apparently that involves another CT scan and mapping.

Best of luck to all of you. These sessions go by quickly. Then on to the next stage of treatment!

MJ

SummerRain

Rwrighty - I start on June 12, as well. Expecting 25 sessions.

Here's wishing all of us positive outcomes!

SummerRain

Labtech47 - also same day start.

Hangin-in-there - are you anywhere close to Frederick, MD?

Tpralph

i am not sure when I start rads but have my first appt with the ro June 13. What is CT mapping for? I had a BMX with immediate Diep reconstruction may 18. 1/2 nodes positive. Will they give chemo at same time? I also have a mi appt. Same day.

T

BG46TN

The CT mapping is so they can make a radiation plan for your body specifically...they take measurements etc to set the machine up correctly for each person.

You don't usually do chemo at the same time, usually its chemo first and radiation second..but check with your dr about that.

dcdrogers

Had my simulation today and will start my first of 25 rad treatment next Wednesday, June 14th. Although my arm is still a little tender from the BMX it wasn't too bad. I also thought it woudl take 60 to 90 minutes, but I once I put on my dressing gown the process took about 30 minutes.

I'm looking forward to getting this phase of the process over and done with.

~Dee

Hanging_in_there

Hello all, I'm now getting ready for radiation.

I heard from a friend who went through radiation exactly 2 years ago that it is best to wear old t-shirts. Every shirt is going to get oily. I couldn't find any of my old t-shirts that I put away but they were either too small, too big, too ugly or too full of holes. So I didn't feel bad about getting some new t-shirts for radiation, which starts on Tuesday.

I'm posting my summer t-shirt wardrobe, which I got tonight at Michaels. They are on sale for $3.99 each, but if you are a member (or whatever they call it), you get more off so they were each $3.50. My entire summer wardrobe of 8 t-shirts was less than $30. For $30, I'm not going to worry about them getting all oily. Sale is on now, if you don't have any clothes that you want to throw away to oil and radiation. Cashier warned that you should hang dry the t-shirts so they do not shrink too much. I think I can do that, but my memory is bad, I hope I remember.

natsera

Yup, I just started on June 6, so today was my 4th treatment. So far, so good, except that the RO told me that if I'm going to have side effects, they are likely to start after at least two weeks. So I don't yet know, but I figure I can deal with side effects a whole lot easier than the prospect of death! 

Wishing you the best!

Luwusu

thanks, Rwrighty, for the help in adding to my profile. I'm just enjoying the few days until I start Rads. Im anxious to start, so I can be done with this. I figure I should end by August 1 if all goes as hoped.

How long does everyone have to drive for treatment each day? Mine will only be 30 minutes each way- a big difference from where I have gotten all my treatment up until now.

I'm really hoping that you all continue to post your experiences as we all go through this.

Nanci

Rwrighty

Nanci, I am lucky that my treatment center is about less then 10 min from my home. I am working full time and will have my radiation at the end of the day and just go home after that. I start Monday and will be glad when it is over. Trying to have a positive attitude. I found out when they did the myrisk gene testing that I have a rare melanoma - pancreatic cancer gene mutation .And at high risk for melanoma. Of course having radiation makes me nervous but gotta do what we gotta do. it just bugs me when family members tell me to stay positive. My sister told me to visualize having little soldiers come during radiation to kills all the bad cells. I wanted to tell her I did not want soldiers in my breast but I just smiled and said UH huh. I know she loves me and is trying to help but jeez.

SummerRain let me know how you do and if anyone else is starting next week.

Natsera- glad to hear it is going well for you!

Hanging in there- love the t shirts- I bought some nice soft cotton t shirts to sear under my bra. bra is coming off as soon as I get home!

Dcdrogers- looks like we will be starting about the same time. hope it goes well for you. Keep us posted.

MJ- glad things are going well for you. I plan on napping if I get fatigued ( maybe even if I don't get fatigued ! ) :0

Take care everyone,

Rosemary

Bluebird1013

hi all. Starting 33 rads on Monday, June 12. They prepared me for having to hold my breath as they are doing left side. Found out no need. I guess my heart falls out of the way. Feel lucky about that. Looks like a few er/pr negative and hers2+. I start Herceptin alone on june 16 till March. Time seems to go fast on this merry go round so we'll all be done soon! Good luck to all of you.

Rwrighty

Good Luck to you Bluebird 1013 (love bluebirds!) I have been practicing my holding breath tech. I can do this. Take care

dcdrogers

I had my rads simulation last week and although I'm having my rads done on the left side the technician didn't ask me to hold my breath. I'm definitely making a note to ask them about it on my first day of rads. I'm so so so glad to be coming up on this almost final stage of treatment. I'm looking forward to having Herceptin only treatment left.

~Dee

Hanging_in_there

Does anyone else not know the total number of rad treatments they are going to get? My RO said 28 + 5 or 10 boosts. I'm not sure what boosts are but I guess I'll find out. I get films and practice 6/12, start the real thing on 6/13. I can't figure out why my radiation treatments don't show in my signature.

Good luck all, it sounds like some of you are doing really well on rads. I'm worried about staying calm. I know it is not long, but I'm pretty sure I need to stay calm.