Radiation September 2018

duffyzmom

#3/20 done and my first Dr visit Monday. Other than taking longer all went well. I was also thrilled because RO looked at my left arm that has been swollen for about 3 weeks now and is going to refer me to a PT for some lymphedema treatment. I don't see my MO until next week and we decided best to get it started and we can ask him for forgiveness later. This edema was originally caused by a blood clot from may port. This isn't the side I had my breast surgery or sentinel node removal. So it has been a process to get anyone to call it lymphedema.

viewfinder - I drive myself. And as to lotions I've read any moisturizer that is fragrance free is good. Specifically I've heard Aquafor, Eucerin and even A&D. After redness develops or if you have itching I've heard aloe vera. I have all these on hand along with cornstarch for the spots where rubbing can occur.

out_and_about

I had my first treatment this afternoon and it went smoothly. Regarding the planning/simulation that I had Friday, I also wonder why they didn't just zap me once they had it set up. The actual zapping took less than 5 minutes, so it is almost like maybe they should have just gotten one of my treatments out of the way. I saw the nurse and a different RO after the treatment (mine was tied up), and they gave me some packets of aquaphor. I am supposed to use them at night. I should expect fatigue by the end of this week. I have already been feeling extra fatigue this week anyway. My husband and I took a last minute 2 day trip to Vermont before I am tied up every single day for the next month (he works weekends so a weekend getaway would not be an option), so I think between that and having a few beers for the first time in months, I think I reached the limit of my energy levels after chemo. Hopefully I will recover from that before my next reason to be fatigued kicks in.

Ingerp

I drive myself to treatments and skin issues and fatigue are typically the only SEs. I finished 15 of 33 today and am only starting to get some itchy skin. No fatigue yet. Last time I only had 2-3 days where I felt fatigued.

flag6818

number 5 today and boob looks pink like a light sunburn. 😞 I’m a little fatigued about and hour and a half after treatment so I come home and lie on the couch until time to pick the kids up from school. After I rest, my energy level is pretty normal for the rest of the evening.

5 down, 16 to go!!!!!

odat4me

It is funny how radiation causes tiredness. I guess it is just one of those things that just happen. Flag6818 glad you feel better after resting. I have had some other stressful things going on which make me tired by mid afternoon ( my mom isn't doing well and I am trying to figure out how to leave my marriage). I wonder how this radiation tiredness will affect me lol. I can't much more tired then I already am!

Anonymous

flag6818, I'm a bit confused. You said your treatment lasted and hour and a half. Is that the normal amount of time? I thought it was about 15 minutes.

Anonymous

For what it's worth regarding a Radiation Planning Session, wear an old bra. They used Sharpie markers for some of the markings and the color came off on my bra. Fortunately, I have a stain remover that go rid of the stain without discoloring the bra.

flag6818

viewfinder- I think my post may have sounded confusing. (I know there’s something called “chemo brain”, wonder if there’s “radiation brain”? If so, I’d say I have it!) My treatment only lasts about 15 minutes, but an hour and a half after the treatment is when I start to feel tired. Today I’m especially pooped out. I saw the ro today too which makes for a long treatment day. I’m also starting to pink up a bit. Anyone else starting to have skin issues?

6 down, 15 to go!!!!

duffyzmom

4 down, 16 to go!!!

Flag6818- no skin issues noticed yet. Last night I used the really thick aquafor it's almost like a salve. I wouldn't use it during the day though because it is really greasy.

Today was long appointment I guess computers were causing an issue because they were running far behind schedule but I still was only at center for about an hour so not bad.

Janemaria

Hi.. excuse me for budding in but I’m new and not sure how to start a post!! Initially I was told that the nodes were clear, but today hearing that the pathology report said that I have micrometastatic ... has anyone been diagnosed with this, if so I would like to know more... DR Google is scaring me!!!

Whome08

#7 today. Tomorrow ill be halfway done

No skin issues but tired. Didn’t sleep well last night

Yoo many things going on

flag6818

whome08- half way there! Good for you!!! Glad to hear you're not having any skin issues. I have had 8 treatments so far. My breast is a little pink for the rest of the day, but seems to be almost normal by morning (just in time to go to treatment and do it all again 🙄). I'm fatigued as well. Trying to rest and go to bed earlier than usual. Hope the rest of your treatments go well

8 down, 13 to go!!!!

odat4me

Had my first treatment today. 21 more to go. I am actually on my stomach for the radiation. The cancer is in my right breast and after the first catscan they felt my left side was getting too much exposure. I am glad they considered thay

duffyzmom

Janemarie - sorry to hear a change. I've never heard of micrometastatic definitely beware of Dr. Google. When I was first diagnosed, I told my husband if I'm quiet and on my laptop make sure I'm not self destructing with Dr Google.

WHome - Congrats on Halfway!

odat4me - My RO prefers prone (on your belly) radiation. One of his first questions to me was are you able to lay on your stomach. I'm glad that in prone I'm not required to hold my breath. I usually just try to ignore the machine and relax while on the table.

flag6818 - I really haven't noticed any skin changes yet. Today was my #7 and I thought maybe with 5 days straight I might. Fingers crossed the Miaderm and Aquaphor continue to help.

NJMom - No noticeable issues with implants yet. How about you?

Happy Weekend to All!

Anonymous

I had my second radiation treatment today. Took less than 10 minutes.

I've been back home about three hours and I'm exhausted. I didn't think I'd feel so fatigued after only the second treatment, but that it would begin the second week. Has anyone else experienced fatigue so soon?

NJmom2boys

Hi Everyone!

Day 8 and I'm doing good. So far no SE's. Knocking on wood! As a matter of fact my hubby is napping and I am wide awake...lol

I am using the Calendula cream 4 to 5 times a day. I am convinced it is helping with the slight pink I see. By the next morning no more pink.

Flagg, Thanks for the bra tip. So far so good with running

Duffy...no noticeable effects as far as implant, my hubby asked me the same thing today...but I told him ask me in a year...unfortunately you don't see the CC until at least 6 months out. I am in the prone position like you. I am also going to continue the cream for a year. I know that sounds wacky, and no one told me to do this. I'm just hoping it helps the skin not get too tight? It can't hurt anyway.

For those looking, the cheapest I found the Calendula Cream is on target.com. It was 8 dollars and change. Plus if you spend 25, free shipping. I had no problem finding something else to buy

Wishing everyone a restful weekend. So happy not to get up at 4:30 to travel 2 hours for 5 minutes of radiation!

NJ

odat4me

duffyzmom and NJMom2boys nice to know I am not the only one prone. I thought maybe they were doing that because I had cancer before and I’ve had enough radiation because of all the X-rays I had (this is actually why I think I got breast cancer).

NJMom I am also from NJ. Way up north in Vernon. Getting treatment in Sparta. Wow that is some ride. My mom took me to Columbia Presbyterian in NY for my childhood cancer. Glad to be local this time.

I

NJmom2boys

Hi Odat4me,

Yes, the travel is the worst part. 2 hours each way. But so worth it to be where I am.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions of your docs. I ask so many I think I make their heads spin, but they make me know I can ask anything I need. My RO is doing prone with me because it is the left breast. By doing it this way, my heart doesn’t get any radiation. They showed me my scan so I know exactly what is getting hit.

I think you are a warrior! And I LOVE your tag line. Best of luck!

NJ

odat4me

Thank you! We are all in this fight together! I wish that no kids had to go through cancer treatment! As an adult I feel a lot different so much more want to get back to my kids! Yes NJ my One Day at a Time mantra! Getting my first full week tomorrow. Wonder if it’s okay to wear deodorant. LOL! Can’t stand getting sweaty

NJmom2boys

Hi Odat

Ask if you can wear deodorant. I can, but I think it depends on where your radiation hits. Did they give you an instruction sheet?

I ran today in the heat, and the sweat left a rash on my rad side only. So wondering what I can put in my sports bra to kind of buffer from the sweat. Any ideas anyone?

Day 9 for me tomorrow

NJ

Whome08

Day 8 today. No issues. I only feel tired during the week. It's manageable. I work at home so I have flexibility to rest. I haven't notice any skin irritations or itching. Doing prone position also. Door to door takes me an hour. I use a crystal salt rock as my deodorant.

odat4me

Hi!

Went to cancer center twice today. AM radiation and PM to meet my oncologist for the first time. I didn’t realize they can start you on hormone treatments while go through radiation. They already called in the prescription although I can’t pick it up till I hear back about insurance. That is a whole other can of worms I am confused about. Going to check out hormone section!

Did wear deodorant today. Going to ask tomorrow. I am going to check through my paperwork too. Nice to hear how all of you are doing. 4th treatment tomorrow. I have been lazy with cream didn’t do it over the weekend. So far so good! I am always thinking about you guys on my drive over!

flag6818

10th treatment today- Still doing well, I think. Slightly pink. I was a little itchy in the middle of the night, so I got out of bed at 1:30am to lube the boob again. I’m moisturizing 4 times a day and I do think it’s helping.

Sounds like everyone is hanging in there with their treatments so far! 🤗 We can do this ladies!!!

10 down, 11 to go!!!!!

odat4me

FLAG6818 I wish I could moisturize as much as you! I did feel a little itchy so I did it as soon as I got home from my second appointment.

NJmom2boys

Odat...bring the cream with you to your appointments. I leave an extra in my bag. As soon as you are done put it on. I have been following flag’s lead and moisturizing as much as I can.

Showed RO my rash and was given a script for a cream. Starts with an m but can’t remember what it is...will go pick it up from pharmacy. I haveto put it on 2 times a day on rash.

Good luck to all.

NJ

flag6818

Njmom2boys- I’m starting to get a little rash as well. 😞 Ro said to use otc hydrocortisone and if that didn’t work then she would prescribe a topical steroid cream. I asked her if my skin should’ve started breaking down by now (hoping that it won’t!) and she said no, sometimes the peeling, etc doesn’t show up until after rads are finished. I’m really hope that doesn’t happen! She also said that she will recommend moisturizing for a couple of months after rads are complete.

11 down, 10 to go!!!! I’m on the downward slide now

Topazgirl7

So I was just dc, DCIS, to ntraopertive radiation. Test results were positive for estrogen receptors. I am 64, still working, and feel like I just stopped having menopause symptoms. Can't contemplate going through that again so will be interested to hear how you cope with the side effects. Thanks.

NJmom2boys

Flag, I think I kind of helped myself get a rash because I ran in the heat/humidity without regard for the radiation. I didn't realize that I should treat it differently. In hindsight I should have buffered the left breast with a cotton pad. My RO prescribed Mometasone 0.1% cream. I will let you know how it works. It is a steroid cream of some sort. I am also not wearing a bra around the house and left it open to air at night while sleeping. Today I ran in the house on the treadmill

NJ

odat4me

I am sorry about your diagnosis Topazgirl7. I am not looking forward to hormone therapy this Friday and I am in the beginning days of radiation with no side effects yet. I am almost 48 (in November) and didn’t expect to be thrust into menopause with drugs! I was enjoying my estrogen thank you very much! But I guess it isn’t good mix with cancer and it is located in our fat cells and food. I have been doing yoga and Zumba and it really helps I think. I have a woman in my class 4 years into this journey and I see her all the time at the gym. She was stage 3. Keep coming back her too. The support helps

Anonymous

I had my fifth radiation treatment today. Every Wednesday, I see the doctor after treatment. Today I also met with two social workers and a nutritionist.

Two new things I learned about what, and what not, to do during treatment:

- Don't lose weight so the alignment of the equipment for the radiation treatment is always the same.

- Eat 62-75 grams of protein each day.

Related article