Starting Radiation August 2017

illimae

Yay goofycat!

VLH

Super, GoofyCat!

I'm sorry that some of you are feeling queasy. How quickly after the procedure do you feel icky? I ask because I drove myself to most of my chemo treatments and construction delays can be problematic driving home from my rads facility.

MamaOz, it's great that you're half way through, but the chest discomfort and foggy fatigue don't sound fun. I'm sorry that your Shih Tzu is ill. :-( My dog is a senior, too, so the stress and $5,000 to $10,000 for chemo didn't make sense for her. It's never easy to face our companions' parting, but this girl and I share a special bond.

The remapping is required because I was mapped, then decided to do breast reduction surgery. If I recall correctly, I'll have a "rehearsal" before my first treatment.

Lyn

Mandycat

I just finished my first 5 treatments. I'm getting 16 total and no boost. I'm doing the prone position. I don't think I have any side effects yet. My RO prescribed Kenalog cream 3 times a day and doesn't want me to use anything else. I'm sure the time will go fast

Brightness456

Hello ladies. I haven't started radiation yet (still waiting my surgery pathology report to determine if chemo is needed first), but have been following along in anticipation. I have a question for clarification. If I remember correctly, at my RO consult, I was told I'd most likely be a candidate for the kind of radiation that's done over 25 sessions rather than 30 (those numbers may be a bit off). I think they typically do 5 days a week, so does that mean 5 weeks from start to finish then I can start getting back to normal life? I so want to start putting this ordeal behind me. Also, my lumpectomy was August 10. Is there a standard time after surgery when you have to start the next treatment? Thank you

Goofycat

Radiation treatments left me fatigued most days. I took short naps during the day to help. I have also had tingling over radiated area the whole time. The worst for me were 3 mosquito bites and I used Benadryl cream. I also have been very emotional. I have been taking Motrin for pain and headache. In the middle of all of this, one morning after radiation, I started seeing lightning bolts in my vision. Ended up at the eye doctor. Diagnosed with a new aura - I had showers of sparkles before. I also prayed for radiation not to damage heart and lungs. I was finally told to look out for a cough that antibiotics won't take away and to make appointment with RO for steroids.

Brightness 456 - I was told that I needed to heal up for 4-6 weeks after surgery to start radiation. I started 7 weeks after surgery because of waiting on Oncotype DX test results to come back. Radiation for 5 weeks will be 5 times a week and then you can start getting your life back together. I was told 5 weeks to start and then they shortened it to 3 weeks of accelerated treatment.

I am going to dermatologist for checkup on Monday. It will be interesting to hear what she has to say about skin treatment after radiation. I will let you all know what she says.

Boy, we all been through it all. I pray for strength and healing for all of you daily.

Mandycat

I'm not an expert but I believe the wait between radiation and surgery is 4-6 weeks tongove you time to heal. The side effects of radiation can last a few weeks to as much as year depending on which ones you get. There are late side effects that can occur years later.

I'm also anxious to put everything behind me and look forward to move on but I believe it is likely to effect me the rest of my life as I have a big fan history of breast cancer. But things will normalize after I finish tr

Castigame

20 out of 30 done.  just fatigued. 

I only do cool aloe gel dabbing about 5 times these days.   it feels like cool air does the most  to heal skin till next zapping.  I have not done anything else for a few days now.   just hot torso at times. 

delighted I can drink regular coffee now. 

mimi

Mimie

I was told to wait 4 weeks after surgery to start radiation, but my RO assessed me before clearing the start date. I think they check for range of motion, and healing of incisions. My RO recommended 100% aloe gel, 4x per day. It works fine, BUT need to put on at work 4 hours prior to my appt, and although it eventually dries it takes longer than I'd like at work. Any suggestions for an alternative at work that dries immediately

Castigame

only thing I can think of is to try 2" by 2" cotton squares w Aloe gel. I use pricey aloe gel and often times I leave those squares on the radiated area not to wate any leftover gel.

Mimi

Legomaster225

Illimae, are you doing ok? I just remembered you are from Texas. Looks scary on the weather channel.

illimae

Yes, I'm just fine, my neighborhood is near a large reservoir built to prevent flooding and I'm not directly on any of the creeks or bayous, however, I do have to cross them daily and many other areas of the city are looking pretty bad. I am beginning to wonder how I'm going to get to radiation tomorrow or the rest of the week and if they'll even be open. I work for the state and will be involved in the clean up, which won't be fun but it does provide for a lot of understanding and support.

Legomaster225

Glad you're ok. It is going to be rough for a lot of people for a while. Very sad. I would thnk there will be some delay in your treatment. Even if the hospital is OK I'm sure staffing will be an issue. Hopefully just a slight delay though. Prayers for everyone impacted

Castigame

illimae, please take care of yourself.

Mimi

Myrtle2612

Glad you're okay illimae! 

I had queasiness from radiation as well. I  think a lot of it has to do with laying on my stomach completely still for that amount of time. I have it in the morning so now I don't eat until after & it seems to be better.

I too had to wait on the Oncotype testing to come back before I started radiation. I think I was 7 weeks out after surgery. My RO said it was okay because radiation could be started any where from 6 weeks to 12 weeks out.

I really wish I could just focus on healing & getting well. I feel so stressed all the time. I don't show or say this to my friends or family. Difficult time right now. Our business is going under, loosing our house & eventually my health insurance. When it rains it really pours🙄 Thanks for listening. 

illimae

Tomorrow's radiation is cancelled, hopefully I don't miss too many days. Otherwise, ok.

MamaOz

take care illimae,

Lanne2389

Hi All - first time poster to this board. I started radiation first week of August, scheduled for 28 treatments. I'm half way through and I'm just starting to see a little pink. FWIW - My radiologist recommends calendula cream 3x day (Boiron calendula first aid cream - not the gel or oil) because they think it penetrates to deeper skin layers than other creams or oils. I asked about Emu oil, and the nurse said they've found it is terrific for the top layers of skin but calendula goes deeper. But she said different centers recommend different things - they've just seen better results with calendula, especially during the two weeks after treatments end. I'm supposed to keep using the cream for at least 3 wks after rads are done. I'm going to try the green tea treatments tho - will slather on my cream afterwards. Re fatigue - Dr says the rads trigger your body to secrete something or other (didn't catch what) that triggers fatigue and they haven't yet figured out how to block it. She said I'd feel the effects until about Thanksgiving (my treatment ends second full wk of Sept.). I notice I'm more sleepy but it isn't like the chemo type of whole body fatigue. And just for comparison, I'm on my back for treatments (no mold) and the machine arcs around me including rads from beneath the table. The techs apply the bolus every other treatment. I'm being treated for one breast (after double m) and nodes. Each session lasts about 80 breaths! Wait 9 months afters rads to swap TEs (which i hate with a passion) for implants. Best to All.

LeesaD

Lanne2389- I feel exact same way about the tissue expanders. Hate would actually be an understatement. My PS said 4-6 months after radiation for exchange and he said he always airs on the side of caution so he told me to be prepared for six months. I wish I never had them put in.

MamaOz

leanne and leesa, interesting on the expander feelings

I had a friend going thru same just before me which helped me decide against any recon knowing how long my expanders would be in. After radiation One opted for diep. But she had no chemo or radiation Now thats wow invasive and more recovery but shes doing ok now. Looks good but Still has one more surgery ..

I had implants that were leaking ( very old!!!) prior to tumor discovery and my lymph nodes were loaded with silicone so I knew I didnt want implants and the option of several tissue surgeries didnt appeal either Although as i said my implants were old!! 29 years old! They have come a long way now so I am sure the new ones are better! Although the PS said they still need to be swapped out after 10 years to be safe ..

But Im 63 and petite , and a new grandma and the thought of more surgeries was too much

i just use some fluff in my coobie bras .. lol

leesa you look like a beautiful young woman so I can understand the wish for looking normal again! Trust me if I could have some normalcy with out all the todo I would but Im a wuss!

I have friends who braved it though as you are and are doing ok and look GREAT!. hang in there..!

You both have similar diagnosis as me and I started my rads 8/8 , today will be 15/28 so far just a bit tired and feel some inner chest like a chest cold feeling , doc says its rads inflamation. I have mostly been using aloe gel so far

Lanne had to laugh on the 80 breaths! I tried counting the revolutions on my machine but lose track! Its 7 min

I hate that my head is in machine! My bolus on everytime

Well girls looking forward to hearing from you again as we go, will you be taking tamoxifen or arimidex? Im supposed to start arimidex ( aromatase) after rads

Hang in there with expanders !

Mamaoz

Goofycat

illimae - stay safe

Castigame

well, chemo brain made me forget how to count. today was 20 out of 30.  

nothing changed for the better or worse. enjoying 1 apt day today.  tomorrow is 3 appointments day though. 

Bolus  I only need to get it two more times!!!

no sudden fatigue since this past Wednesday. 

mimi

illimae

rads cancelled today and tomorrow but I'm safe and dry

inccmd

Wishing you the best illmae. So glad you're safe. I have another friend down there somewhere, and hopefully he and his family are dry too.

Mandycat

glad you are dry and safe. 6/16. It's going fast. My RO has me use Kenalog cream and nothing else. I get achy and tired around 3 pm.

Goofycat

I went to dermatologist yesterday and she prescribed Triamcinolone cream for my after radiation skin treatment and recommended another one called "Mr. Fix It" cream. Pharmacy closed by the time I returned home so will pick up today and try. Nipple starting to peel and is painful so I hope this helps.

I hope everyone is doing well!

vixxyn

Goofycat, my RO said she has had some ladies put a wet green teabag inside their bra against the nipple for relief. However, please check with your RO before trying this.

Goofycat

vixxyn, Thank you for the suggestion. I have tried the green tea 3-4 times a day during radiation and until Sunday. The Triamcinolone cream has already started soothing the stinging I was feeling.

inccmd

Ouch Goofycat. Nipples peeling just sounds painful. Glad the cream is already working.

Castigame

21 out of 30 done!!!!

Can't wait to have flexitouch pump massage again. Tired but still running around for PT and more drs appointments.

Mimi

elootz

Long time lurker, first time poster. I started rads 8/23. Have had 5 out of 30. Was supposed to start a few weeks ago, but they have done so much mapping, CT's and X-rays due to my heart pressing on my chest wall. I have to hold my breath during treatment and have x-rays at every session so my sessions usually last 30-40 minutes. My docs did not recommend any creams or ointments or anything. When I asked if I should be putting something on the area, they said not until I start seeing any reactions. This seems weird since most of you talk about being given or prescribed creams or told to apply things before and during treatment regardless of showing SE's. I meet with my RO every Wednesday, so I'll ask again tomorrow. I also think it's interesting that some of you have been told to wait on starting Tamoxifen until after rads. I started the same time for both and no one seems concerned about SE's. Maybe it's because I'm at a cancer center at a large university or something. Anyway, it's been really helpful reading all your posts and knowing I'm not alone on some of this stuff.