August 2019 Radiation Starts

GiddyupGirl

That's great Lois I did 30 (25 plus 5) and getting three less will make a difference. Just keep going you're doing awesome.

stayingpositive2019

Happy Friday everyone!

How did everyone make out this week. Any signs of skin changes?

I have now completed 9 treatments and had my skin check up on Thursday. I have one area under my arm that is starting to get a little dark and I think it is because of the friction that happens there when I go to they gym. But overall skin is holding up and is just ever so slightly pink.

Laura

MountainMia

Hi Laura. I had #4 of 20 today. No visible skin changes yet. The RO said usually that doesn't happen until after the second week of it.

MountainMia

Guess I put it into the July group, but yesterday I met with RO after my treatment. I asked her if I could see the CT imaging from my set-up appt, so she pulled it up and showed me. I could see my chest cavity -- lungs, heart, breasts. She showed me where the lumpectomy scar was. I asked how they will know where to target for my boost treatments, and she showed me the clips that had been inserted during the surgery. I hadn't known they added clips. I knew they took out the one that had been inserted during my biopsy, but didn't know they put in more.

From a different angle I could see me from the side, with my whole spinal column and other parts. It was really interesting. She said they didn't see anything surprising (metastases, for example.) So while that isn't definitive or diagnostic, I don't think, it was reassuring.

ALSO I asked her about WHERE to put lotion to take care of my skin. The paperwork I got said NOT to put it under my breast and that was confusing. I'm glad I asked, because she said that's wrong. Put it all over, from collarbone down to below my breast, and from sternum in the middle to the mid-line under my arm. She said she'd have to look at the paperwork, because that wasn't right.

Paloma1211

Hi ladies! I finished 14/30 today. My boob is blushing and a little tender to pressure. Otherwise, I’m feeling ok. Tired, but I’m having trouble sleeping through the night (a combo of: hot flashes, getting up to pee, and a cranky old cat). Booking a trip to Hawaii in October. Can’t wait for this part to be done!!

I’m lotioning myself up within an inch of my life. Glad you checked in with your RO, MountainMia! I had a red streak starting under my arm, but i think I wasn’t going far enough with the lotion. I’ve remedied that, and the red streak has died down.

I told my nurse that I was feeling kind of weak in my legs. It’s been challenging to get out of a low car, or get up from a restaurant booth. She said it was normal and offered me a referral for rehabilitation. I’m going to check it out. I hate feeling like such an old lady!

Happy weekend, friends

MountainMia

Paloma, do you feel like your weakness is from fatigue?

MountainMia

stayingpositive, good on you for getting to the gym. I finally called the gym this week and arranged to come back in October. My rads appts are at the time of day that would be my best time for getting to the gym, so there is that conflict. And I'll be done with rads on 9/17, but figured the next 2 weeks I might be recovering from it. That puts me into October.

In the meantime, I try to get on the floor most days for 15-20 minutes to do abs/core work. I'm walking more/farther/faster lately. And when I remember (which I don't much, because I've lost the habit) I use a couple of light dumbbells.

I really enjoyed weights work at the gym so am excited to have a starting point lined up for it. One of the things about going for rads 5x a week is I can slot in going to the gym again on a similar schedule.

Sewinglady

radiation not to bad, no real bad burn until 3rd week but just lotion up.

MountainMia

Hi Sewinglady. Welcome to bco forums. Sounds like you're already done with radiation.

What kind of sewing do you do? I'm a quilter.

Paloma1211

I’m not sure, Mia. My stamina seems ok (I’m a massage therapist), but I feel stiff all the time. Lifting my arms above my head seems to take a lot of effort. Getting up off the floor is a production.

Exercise will likely help. I’m hoping the rehab will give me some structure and direction

MountainMia

Hi all. Today was my #5/20, so I'm 25% of the way through already. It's an easy process for me, partly because I live near the hospital (about 6 miles away.) I spoke with an older gentleman in the waiting room today who is driving in twice a day for his treatments. He only lives about 25 miles away (maybe 40 minutes to get there) but it's still such a burden on some people to have their treatments. Another patient I talked to last week drives about an hour and a half to get her rads done.

I shower in the morning before leaving and then put a layer of unscented Lubriderm on, which was recommended by the hospital. When I get home I change to a cotton front-hook bra and smear the Aquaphor all over. The bra gets gooey after a few days of that, as does the soft cotton t-shirt I wear over it. ICK. It washed out fine in the laundry.

No noticeable skin damage or fatigue, no headaches or nausea. I do have a weird tightness that comes and goes that seems to be in my esophagus, above my heart. And sometimes I get hiccups or burping after a crampy feeling.

Aside from that, I'm doing pretty well. We were busy over the weekend, including a short hike yesterday. It wasn't much more than a mile but had roots and rocks, ups and downs. I ended up huffing and puffing a little, but not from chemo-anemia anymore. Just from being plain out of shape!

Also (and I may have already said this) I arranged to go back to the gym starting in October, so I'm excited about that.

How are you doing? Wishing you all easy treatments and no SE!

loiswb

I have finished 8/30 now. Changed to time later in the day today and so far I like it better. No skin changes though every now and then it sort of stings/burns but nothing I can really see. They told me I am breathing irregularly/too deeply and their cameras/machines don't like it, so now I have to concentrate on trying to breathe more evenly. when I hear the buzz start I somehow just tense up and breathe faster, even though it doesn't hurt or anything.

glad your doing well Mountain Mia. I actually work on the hospital campus where I get the rads so I just walk across the parking lot. could hardly be more convenient.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Ladies: I'm moving to the September rads thread since I still don't have a starting date. I wish you all a smooth trip and a speedy recovery! HUGS ❤❤❤

MountainMia

Thanks for the good wishes, Yndorian. Same to you!

I had #8 of 20 this morning and also saw my RO. I asked her about how the number of treatments is determined. We didn't get into a long discussion, it was sort of a question over my shoulder as I was leaving. So the answer wasn't very detailed. But she did say, if the lymph nodes are involved, it would be at least 30. And for someone who is more frail without lymph node involvement, it would be 16. So for me, no lymph nodes, and young (HA!) and sturdy, it's 20.

Again, that's certainly not a technical explanation, but it helped me understand.

SparkleGirl2018

Hi all, I have #7/33 today. So far so good. I have not had any symptoms from the radiation. I just use aquaphor once or twice a day right now. It is hard to grease up at work I still have some joint stiffness and lower leg and arm pain from the AC/Taxol that I finished on 8/1 but that seems to be getting better. Now I am just checking my head everyday for more hair growth!

SparkleGirl2018

Yndorian, check back here too once you get started! I think you and I both had a supraclavical lymph node light up on the PET exam. That is why I have to have 33 treatments. They are going to do a couple of "boosts" to that area. Let me know how it goes for you.

MountainMia

As of yesterday I'm done with 9 of 20. So far so good. I am starting to get noticeable sensation in my breast from treatment, overall mild achiness, occasional very minor pain. My left arm is uncomfortable and shoulder is a bit sore, like muscle tightness-soreness. Skin tenderness is beginning and my nipple is starting to be oversensitive. If I took an ibuprofen or two, likely it all would fade away nicely. Hm. Good idea. Also, I'm glad to have 3-day weekend and only 4 days of treatment next week. I think that will help.

My mood is generally good, as it finally feels like the end of treatment is coming near.

stayingpositive2019

On Friday I finished 14 and have seven to go. 2 regular than 5 boosts. I am not sure what to expect with the boosts, more of the same or hit me with something new from an SE perspective? Just seems like this whole process is the gift that keeps on giving.

I am definitely pinkish and have a few darker areas under my armpit and under my breast which the nurse called hyperpigmentation. So a quick google on that comes back as something that may not go away. I will ask about that at my next skin review clinic. But honesty if it doesn’t go away I don’t really care. My breast is already somewhat deformed what’s a little multicoloured skin thrown in. Maybe at the end of all this I should connect the dots of my tattoos and make my own constellation.

I am also feeling some joint stiffness. Really noticeable. Don’t know what to chalk it up to. Maybe lingering SE from chemo? I am also still working pretty hard at the gym. But this weekend I felt really old. We moved my son into college and went a day early to hang out in Ottawa, ON and did a ton of walking. Arriving home last night after 5 hours of sitting in the car I could barely walk getting out. I am only 50 and should not feel like this!

Like Mountain Mia, I am grateful to have these 3 days off this weekend and only 4 treatmentsnext week. Small pleasures.

Hope everyone is enjoying their weekend!

Laura

Paloma1211

18/30 completed for me. I have a pretty rough, red spot near my armpit that feels a little raw. And one around my collar bone. I’m pretty pink all over. Doubling up on the aquaphor on the rough spots. The doc gave me an extra day off, so I’m having a 4 day weekend. Back to rads on Tuesday, and I also have my Herceptin infusion that day, too.

I’m getting sick and tired of feeling gooey all the time. Basically, I’ll be finished with this treatment in 3 weeks, so I should be healed up by the end of September or so. SO and I are going to Hawaii for 10 days in October to celebrate. I can’t wait!!

loiswb

How fun Paloma!! Just keep that beach in mind when things get rough. I have finished 12/30 and so far not much happening to skin. I do get a few sharp pains here and there that don't last and arm/shoulder feels stiff. A few evenings I think I see faint pinkness, but by morning it is gone. I guess it's coming soon! Everyone enjoy the extra day off tomorrow!!

jenni0102

20 out of 33 done as of Friday (Aug 30th). my collarbone is covered in a rash that goes down my cleavage. A bit red in my armpit and back. Pretty much red on the entire left side. Is anyone else getting sharp sudden pains in their chest? I tried mentioning it to my Radiation oncologist, but she cut me off and said that was due to the way my surgeon did my lumpectomy (one incision to remove tumor and lymph nodes instead of two separate incisions). Anyway they go through my breast and sometimes through my sternum. Very weird sensation!

Other than that, my armpit, breast and especially my nipple are really sore and I am just beat! I will be glad to have this part behind me! It has been an exhausting process! I am trying to keep up with my daily exercise because I will start the Lupron and Tamoxifen soon and I am terrified of weight gain!

MountainMia

Hi jenni. Congrats on making it almost 2/3 of the way through! Sorry you're getting skin SE from it. Also the pains -- this morning the techs asked (as always) if I'm having any pain. I said no, but I've definitely moved into mild discomfort. That said, I do occasionally have aching or throbbing in various areas around my irradiated chest. And it's not because I had only 1 incision. I had 2 separate incisions for my tumor and my lymph nodes.

Regardless of the source of your pain, the RO needs to help you fix it, if it is distressing or affects your quality of life.

About the possible weight gain, here is the link from bco on it. ALSO you might ask for a referral to a registered dietician if you have questions about how to eat for health, strength, and stamina during your treatment and recovery. https://www.breastcancer.org/tips/nutrition/after_treat/lose_weight

stayingpositive2019

Finished 16 today so that is it for the "regular" treatments. Tomorrow is the 1st boost treatment. I will have 5 so finished next Wednesday!. Skin is holding up okay, getting even darker in my armpit and underneath my breast, where the bra sits. I think the skin is aggravated by friction in those areas. I try to go braless whenever I can but not willing to do that at work or the gym. lol. New SE today is itchiness. So itchy, and can also see some red dots looking like a bit of a rash. I definitely feel fatigue as well. I seem to hit a wall everyday around 3pm. But overall, doing well and can't wait to get to the end!

Hope everyone's treatments go well this week!

Laura

prehistoricmom

jenni0102 ooh, I hate it that she interrupted you when you were disclosing a symptom! Maybe check back with the surgeon to confirm? I will probably be starting with the rads this month unless chemo first. What's the exercise regimen? Thanks for the link MountainMia…

SparkleGirl2018

Happy Friday! I was not able to have radiation this week due to the hurricane evacuations. Luckily it passed by Savannah uneventfully. But I am a little freaked out at the break from radiation. It was nice to have a break but I don't want to jeopardize treatment.

Has anyone had throat/swallowing problems with radiation? I started having trouble swallowing some food last week. It would get stuck in my throat and be hard to swallow. I had to take very small bites. I was going to ask the radiologist about it this week. It has gotten better this week with no radiation so it makes me think it is caused by the radiation.

Paloma, how wonderful to have a trip like that planned! It's great to have something to look forward to.

Hope everyone has a good weekend.

Paloma1211

22/30 done. My skin is really starting to suffer. 2 spots seem to be getting it the worst - at my collar bone and near my underarm. Hitting them with calendula cream and aquaphor several times a day.

I’m taking a day off on Monday & hoping things won’t get much worse. I’m concerned that things are going to break open over the weekend. Going to ask the nurse what I should do if that happens.

I’ve been itching, too. The doc gave me a prescription cream & it helps a lot when the itchies flare up.

The whole boob is red and very sensitive to pressure. Definitely no sleeping on my right side, which is exactly how I like to sleep. Blurgh.

Just 3 more whole breast and 5 boosts to go! Wishing everyone an SE free weekend! ♥️

GiddyupGirl

Paloma - sorry your skin is giving you a tough time. When mine got really red my RO told me to do saline soaks ( 2 to 3 times a day) before moisturizing and antibiotic cream(for the areas that blistered.) I made it myself with 2 cups of boiling water and 1.5 to 2 teaspoons of salt put in a container to cool (I actually put my in the fridge). Then I got the microfiber clothes (one you use to clean your car) soaked one with the salt water and slapped it on my boob for ten to fifteen minutes. My skin healed really well and the blisters to break just healed up.

Good luck to everyone I graduated three weeks ago and it does get better.

loiswb

Thanks for the salt water soak description. I was thinking it would be something like that--can't really stick your boob into a bucket very easily! I am done with 16/30 total. So far very little skin problem. I see some darkening under arm and a few dots/spots up near clavicle but that's about it. Nice to have a short week this week. Tuesday they came in to find the machine wasn't working right, and they ended up having to shut it down completely and then reboot, which evidently takes about an hour. I am the last patient of the day and so they were running 35 min behind still at that time. It was frustrating but I made it to my daughter's first volleyball game on time at least. The rest of the week they were right on time!

MountainMia

Hi lois. Glad you made it to the vball game! My treatments were a bit off schedule on Tuesday and Wednesday, too, but were back on track for Thursday.

Yesterday was 13 of 20 for me. Glad to have the weekend for a break!

How is your energy? Are you feeling any fatigue? I feel like I'm more tired and more easily short of breath now, and in general my energy is more easily depleted. Otherwise I'm doing fine.

stayingpositive2019

Well, last one is tomorrow morning! I have completed 20 of 21 treatments. Can't say I will miss going to the hospital everyday.

My skin is not too happy. The skin in my armpit is very red, angry looking and tender. It is peeling around my lumpectomy scar. So that is a little uncomfortable. Fortunately I have an office job and sit at a desk, so don't need to move around too much. I am still making it to the gym everyday (most days) and just modify my activity a bit to try to not further aggravate the skin. So my energy is pretty good in the mornings, I do feel fatigue usually in the afternoons but it is manageable. My skin complaints are all manageable as well. just tired of being mangled, poisoned and fried. Ready to move on...(although I am a little anxious about the end of chemo and radiation, I know I still have tamox to take, but still a little anxious)

Also one last complaint, then I'm done...very itchy, comes in waves. Keeps me up a bit at night. Wondering if others are itchy and what they are using for the itchiness? My cream is great but doesn't really help relieve the itch.

Hang in there everyone...

Laura