Radiation January 2019

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  • KerLyn
    KerLyn Member Posts: 35
    edited January 2019

    WOO DEEDEE!!! Celebration weekend!!!

    Joytx- I would LOVE to meet up with you when I move back home!!! We got an offer today! My husband is on a plane back up to PA now, so hoping we can agree and finialize tomorrow and get this show on the road right after my radiation is over!

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  • Salamandra
    Salamandra Member Posts: 1,444
    edited January 2019

    Yay DeeDee!!

    I got the blistering a couple of days after my last treatment. My doc said to use bacitracin and I had bacitracin zinc so I just used that. But I used it up and bought regular bacitracin and it seems to help so much better. So... guess I shoulda clarified! DeeDee might that be a possibility for you? I hope you won't need it though.

    I made it through the first work week!!!!!!!!! Thank goodness it was the final week of the term - today was barely a real day at all. But still. HUGE RELIEF.

    Last night, I had a 'cold flash', I think from the tamoxifen. I was taking a super hot shower. I swear I could not for the life of me remember whether I had already soaped or not. In such a tired blur!

    Sending and support to all!

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  • Prissy
    Prissy Member Posts: 23
    edited January 2019

    Yay DeeDeeT!! So happy for you!!!

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  • TC73
    TC73 Member Posts: 25
    edited January 2019

    Congratulations DeeDee

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  • carebearzzz
    carebearzzz Member Posts: 14
    edited January 2019

    Hello all! I skimmed through all the posts and just wanted to wish everyone well. Hang in there to those who are hurting or scared, it does get better! I’m one week past my last day and I feel BETTER! Yes!! My skin is better and less painful thank goodness, and I went to work for two days and did pretty good, feel my energy is coming back some.

    Hang in there ladies, some days will be better than others butwe got this!

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  • HPFULL
    HPFULL Member Posts: 247
    edited January 2019

    Whoohoooo DeeDee!!!! Congrats! So happy for you. Hope you are going to celebrate :)

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  • Mymomsgirl
    Mymomsgirl Member Posts: 174
    edited January 2019

    Deedee thanks for the advice, I was going to ask about that because on the way home from the simulation I thought how is this going to be for 20-30 minutes without a break. During the simulation the tech kept taking the mouth piece out which allowed me to close my mouth and get my saliva going again.


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  • CHB87
    CHB87 Member Posts: 31
    edited January 2019

    DeeDee-congrats girl!!!!

    I'm officially at my halfway point. 3 and a half more weeks to go. little pink, little sore but chugging right along. starting to get some upper back tightness. I'm sure it's from being smooshed and squished around on that table...they manhandle and maneuver you and then are like "ok great dont move". definitely feeling it in my shoulders. giving me tension headaches. hitting up a yoga class tomorrow hoping for some relief

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  • determinedat54
    determinedat54 Member Posts: 11
    edited January 2019

    Good morning everyone. I thought I would jump on this thread as I have officially completed my first week of radiation. 1 week down, 6 to go. So far so good. My skin is a little pink and I have some stiffness in my shoulder. But I have a feeling this will get worse before it gets better. I've enjoyed reading everyone's stories. It certainly helps to hear from women that have been where I am.

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  • LPLlibrarygirl
    LPLlibrarygirl Member Posts: 88
    edited January 2019

    Hello to everyone,

    I finished RADS on 12/31 but when I have time I like to check in on this thread to find out how everyone is doing. I was very lucky to escape skin issues during my 20 sessions, but I couldn't evade the dreaded shoulder problem. I thought I would share my experience since reading that several of you are having some shoulder trouble as well. After surgery (and even now) I would find that I was holding my left shoulder tensely, without even realizing it. When I noticed the tension I would relax. Over time it must have gotten worse because by the time I went in for my simulation it hurt a lot to raise my arm. The techs made a mold that cradled my shoulder, but didn't really provide any comfort. It got worse throughout the radiation treatment. I took ibuprofen and acetaminophen everyday just to make it through radiation. I saw the breast cancer PT who helped with lymphatic massage and guided my exercise, but the shoulder got worse. My RO referred me to an orthopedic doc and after waiting several weeks I saw him on Friday. The dx is that I now have a frozen shoulder and should have some PT (another 2 week wait, unless there is a cancellation). Geesh! I read that frozen shoulder occurs at times of unusual stress. Emotional stress increases physical tension which can lead to myofascial trigger points (frozen shoulder, migraines, back pain, knee pain, jaw pain and maybe more). Stress keeps muscles tight! And makes it very hard to get a good night's sleep. The doc prescribed Naproxen 500mg so I am taking that for pain and inflammation. I am also taking acetaminophen and eating more anti-inflammatory foods. I wake up in the night a lot with shoulder pain so I am hoping this will all help. My hospital offers a gentle (mostly chair) yoga class that I am taking once a week, as well as a gentle exercise class for bc patients.

    I am not sure what my advice is for those who are experiencing shoulder issues, but I hope you can avoid a frozen shoulder!

    Congratulations to all who have finished RADS and good luck to those who are making their way through it. I am thinking of you and sending gentle hugs.

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  • Joytxs
    Joytxs Member Posts: 21
    edited January 2019

    Back to the RAD grind tomorrow. I've had a tough weekend with pain from the damaged skin. It stings, burns, aches. GRRRRRRRR!

    KerLyn, congrats on the house sale! I hope everything goes without a hitch and you are done with RADs and back in Texas soon.

    Sending good thoughts to all of you this week for continuing on this fight.

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  • Jen2Mom
    Jen2Mom Member Posts: 47
    edited January 2019

    First session of 30 tomorrow. A bit nervous but at least I'm off from school tomorrow and it's a short week this week (I'm a teacher). Ready to get this part behind me!

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  • egregious
    egregious Member Posts: 240
    edited January 2019

    Jen2Mom, good luck on your first rad tomorrow. That's by far the longest, then the others will seem so quick. If you need something ask them for help. Let us know how it goes.

    Joytxs, ouch! You've had a rough time of it. What does your nursing staff say about taking care of your skin? Might they let you have a couple of days off to heal? Hope you have a good week.

    I'm a month out and life is ... dare I say it ... pretty normal. Except for being eight different colors on my left side, but nothing hurts and my energy level is back to normal.

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  • Dani444
    Dani444 Member Posts: 522
    edited January 2019

    Jen2mom- Good thoughts coming your was as you start your treatments. Your first session might be just a little longer as they explain stuff and get you set up. I was surprised how quickly each appointment went.

    Joytx - Grrrrrr is right! Sorry you had a tough weekend. When do you finish up treatments? It does get tiresome to be sore and irritated!!! When people ask me how it is going I sometimes reply that I am tired of being tired 😴!

    LPLibrarygirl- I hope they get a cancellation so you can get into PT sooner. Also hope you are getting relief from the pain meds so you can get some good sleep. Gentle hugs as you heal the shoulder!

    CHB87- Half way!!!!! I keep saying I am going to go to yoga to help with the tightness. Haven’t actually made it there:) I am sure it will help with the tightness.

    Healing thoughts to all as we head into next week

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  • DeeDeeT
    DeeDeeT Member Posts: 76
    edited January 2019

    Thanks everyone for celebrating with me!! It is so wonderful to done!

    I am starting to blister. I was warned that would happen, so no huge surprise, but it still hurts. I'm really looking forward to that "rapid healing" part that I was also told about. . .For now, it's just really wonderful to know that I'm not continuing to burn myself everyday and that my body is finally able to heal.

    Best wishes to those who are in treatment. Each day brings you closer to the finish line. Be gentle with yourself. Lots of love to you all!!

    ~DeeDee


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  • FaceForward
    FaceForward Member Posts: 44
    edited January 2019

    About to head out to session #4. I haven't appreciated weekends this much since I was in my 20's! 😉 Its so encouraging to watch those of you who are completing or near completing your rads. Thank you for letting us share your journey.

    Was it KerLyn who mentioned walking around her house like Tarzan? I took up the Tarzan loincloth approach this weekend and it helped a lot. Not only did I dry quicker but I think the air circulation really helped my skin. The only issue I have now is that I can't seem to do it without hearing the classic Tarzan call echoing in my head. 😆😆

    Hoping you all have a smooth week.

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  • Elizabeth9
    Elizabeth9 Member Posts: 49
    edited January 2019

    Face Forward...we are on the same schedule. I just had number 4 today. So far so good.

    DeeDee, someone at my rad unit rang the bell today..it must be so nice to be done!

    4 down, 11 to go for me.

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  • pamelav77
    pamelav77 Member Posts: 1
    edited January 2019

    Thanks for this post, very helpful to know there other people like me out there who have implants and will be going through radiation .

    I am also at the beginning. Jan 3, 2019 I learned I have Invasive BC and I am E+/P+,HER-2 Negative. The mass is 1 cm. Surgery in February. I have met with a few Drs in NYC and have to decide who to go with.

    Consults are all consistent so far - All have suggested a) lumpectomy, b) radiation and c) AIs or Tamoxifen. The direction of treatment may change if lymph nodes are involved and depending on oncotype. But radiation is in the plan.

    I saw a oncology radiologist who said there may be some retraction of the implant which may alter the size of the radiated breast and implant. He suggested it would likely be after a few months post radiation when fully healed of all surgery then I would see the difference if there will be one. He said there would likely be some change to the implant but minimized it. So I am seeing a few plastic/reconstructive surgeons next week to learn more about my options.

    Anyone else out there with implants pre diagnosis? - would love to hear your experience and suggestions regarding radiation and how you managed the implant decisions. Thanks.

    pamelav77

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  • DeeDeeT
    DeeDeeT Member Posts: 76
    edited January 2019

    Elizabeth, I hope those 11 treatments will go quickly for you! We'll be cheering you on!

    Faceforward- I hope things are continuing to improve for you! Glad you enjoyed your weekend! It is nice having a break from treatment!

    LPLibrarygirl- I'm so sorry about your shoulder. I have had frozen shoulder in both shoulders and it is so, so painful. I'm sorry.

    Egregious- so nice to hear things are getting better!

    Purplecat - Yes! I remember getting my diagnosis with you. Our world really changed that day. Such a sad time. But now we can get on the other side of this together too.


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  • DeeDeeT
    DeeDeeT Member Posts: 76
    edited January 2019

    Welcome, Pamelav77!

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  • Dani444
    Dani444 Member Posts: 522
    edited January 2019

    Welcome Pamelav77, I am sorry you need to be here, but I know you will find great support here. It sounds like you are assembling a good team. I didn’t have implants pre dx but I had a UMX with direct to implant. I am just Finishing up radiation. So far so good on the implant, but I was told it could be a bit before i see the final result. My PS is following me closely during rads. I wish you the best as you begin your treatment plan.

    I really can’t believe I only have 2 more treatments left! I am more pink now than angry red and peeling in areas. But no new blisters! My armpit is still pretty irritated and will be glad when that heals. I am still using the “ my girls” cream and aquaphor. I have some new lumps along my scar but I am assuming it’s due to the boosts.


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  • Misha13
    Misha13 Member Posts: 240
    edited January 2019

    Well hello ladies!!

    HPFULL and Mymomsgirl, we get to be on another board together!

    This looks like an awesome group so I am all set for sharing!

    I saw my PS today and was cleared for rads. I have my simulation tomorrow. Not looking forward to it based on what I’ve read here!

    Anyone else have cording from surgery that you now deal with during rads? Mine is getting better but I’m aftaid it will never go away once I start rads!

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  • HPFULL
    HPFULL Member Posts: 247
    edited January 2019

    Hi everyone- I start RADS tomorrow. I had my run through today and didn't think I would start the next day, but here I go. 33 sessions with 5 boosts I think at the end.



    Hi Misha :) so good to see you here :) No cording for me, but my recon didn't take so all the flap tissue fat is dead...not to happy as I think radiation makes it worse?! I don't really know because my PS is not the kindest, or more informative. I made an appointment with a new PS today. Life is too short, why am I wasting my time with him. I want to be able to ask questions and have thorough and not condescending answers.  I feel more empowered after I made that appointment today. Normaly I would just stick it out, but screw it I don't need to settle.

    Jen2Mom How did it go today with your 1st session?

    Welcome Pam77. Sorry about your diagnosis, but glad you found this site. It has been a life saver to me.

    Dani I am so excited for you that you are almost done :)  I am cheering you on and hoping the rest of the session breeze by. What is the rapid healing you mentioned? I haven't heard of that before

    Egregious so glad you are feeling so great a month out! That makes me feel hopeful :)

    LPLibrarygirl thanks for the input about your shoulder and sorry that you have frozen shoulder (ouch). I started youga today. I couldn't do much with my right arm, but your post inspired me to try and stretch that area


    Joytx I was thinking of you today and hoping your pain has subsided a bit.

    Elizabeth How are you feeling after your 4th rads? Do you feel anything yet

    Facefoward-Your post cracked me up. Image result for female tarzan gif


    Hope you all have a great night

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  • Jen2Mom
    Jen2Mom Member Posts: 47
    edited January 2019

    My session went well although I was nervous I wouldn't get to start today. I was called in early for a 2nd CT to confirm everything bc I had my expanders expanded one more time before RADs. I swear the RO said it wouldn't change my measurements he was just more concerned with the skin and my PS said that one more a week before would be fine. After the CT, results showed no changes so I was good to go. I can already tell my armpit will probably be a problem area, I'm paying special attention to it!

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  • MissCommunication
    MissCommunication Member Posts: 4
    edited January 2019

    Hey there, Everybody. Sorry we're all here, but glad we have a place to connect! Surgery was 11/29/18 - lumpectomy and 7 lymph nodes removed. Radiation began on 1/8. I've now completed 10 out of 15 radiation treatments. I'm experiencing skin problems since treatment #7. I've been using Calendula cream from the start. All seemed to be going well. After session #7, I developed an extensive rash that turned into blisters. I'm not allergic to Calendula cream. I don't like the idea of using Aquafor or other petroleum based ointments. Does anyone have experience with this? I'm concerned how the final treatments may go...Apparently, the worst skin reactions occur 2 weeks after treatment ends. Thanks in advance for any advice you have.

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  • Salamandra
    Salamandra Member Posts: 1,444
    edited January 2019

    Welcome/hi to all!

    MissCommunication (love the name) - I got blisters after the end of treatment and my RO told me to use bacitracin. I started with bacitracin zinc, but actually plain bacitracin worked much better. He said if the skin broke then he would recommend something else.

    My hospital recommended against creams that have lanolin, which Aquaphor does, though I know a lot of medical teams recommend it. I got Cerave ointment, though that's petroleum based. It's rich and creamy and I love it. I also got the Dove Dermaseries Body Lotion. You might like that. It's fragrance free and lanolin free and not petroleum based. It's not quite as creamy as the petroleum based creams but maybe that's better for you. I love how it feels and will probably keep buying it after.

    Reporting that my first week back to work after radiation was HARD but I MADE IT, and was able to DO THREE things on a Saturday when I didn't even have to do a single one, so I think the fatigue is starting to lift. It's still there, but so much better. My breast is still off a bit in color and sensitive (still wearing the bra over a camisole) but much better too, and the blistering is all healing up now.

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  • FaceForward
    FaceForward Member Posts: 44
    edited January 2019

    Elizabeth9; It will be interesting to follow along with you since we're on the same schedule. You'll be finished before me though. I have 16 regular sessions and 5 boosts so I don't finish until Feb. 12th. I've had a lot of redness and puffiness immediatelyafter every session but it seems to settle down thru the day. So far, I've been pretty good by the next morning. (Just in time for the next session😆). I'm starting to be able to tell which areas are reacting more and I think that's where I'll probably have the most issues. I'm slathering up with my creams, & oils and hoping for the best. 👍

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  • FaceForward
    FaceForward Member Posts: 44
    edited January 2019

    Salamandra - It's always great to hear from someone who's made it across the radiation finish line. Happy that you're doing so well. Blister free and increasing energy sounds wonderful!

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  • KerLyn
    KerLyn Member Posts: 35
    edited January 2019

    FaceForward- Yes it was me that mentioned the Tarzan approach to lotion..ha!! I even do it right after radiation, I am SURE people wonder why I'm in the changing room so long. I just finished #12 of 30, and yes I'm pink, and I've had a few reminders throughout the day that I'm in radiation, but nothing that slows me down at all.

    pamelav77-I had implants pre-radiation. my surgeon told me I would be a bit wonky after radiation, but my plan was to remove these anyway after treatment and get a lift. My first post on this board I wondered all the same things as you. My RO didn't hesitate, she said they just figure out how to hit the spots around the implant, but it will cause capsule constriction.

    Misha13- I had cording! My hospital has a lymphadema specialist and she was incredible! She said my cording was "wicked"...ha! I felt like new after 3 sessions with her! I even popped one cord on my own doing one of her stretches at home....felt like breaking a glow stick, except my arm was the glow stick! I hope you have a lymphadema specialist near you!!!! You will not be sorry!

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  • Prissy
    Prissy Member Posts: 23
    edited January 2019

    Carebearzzz - I'm glad you are beginning to feel like yourself again just one week past rads! That is awesome to hear as so many people have a harder time right after rads, or that's my impression anyway.

    Welcome Determinedat54, pamelav77, MissCommunication, and Misha13 - Sorry for the reason you are here but this group is awesome. So much info and support.

    LPLlibrarygirl - A frozen shoulder is NO fun! I've gone through that and received PT as well. Hope a cancellation comes through so you can get in quickly.

    Joytxs - thinking of you today and praying for relief for you.

    Jen2Mom - so glad your first session went well yesterday! I have heard the first one is the hardest. I will find out next Monday when I start. :0)

    egregious - Wow! A month out and feeling really good! I for one am looking forward to saying that!

    Faceforward and Elizabeth9 - It's kind of cool you guys are on the exact same schedule. Cheering you on!

    Dani444 - You are so close to the finish line! What are you going to do to celebrate??

    Salamandra - Congrats on making it through your first week back at work! And having enough energy to do what you wanted on Saturday must have been really encouraging. Yay for progress!

    I go for my simulation on Thursday and then I start next Monday. So ready to get this show on the road!

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