APRIL Rads Anyone?

My simulation is on April Fools Day, so count me in for April. I am 9 weeks post-op, having had all sorts of complications from surgery. So relieved to finally be starting phase three of my treatment.

Tattoos and scans next week, the day after I return from my honeymoon. I am getting married on 3/28!

Bette 

I had a CT Scan yesterday and will get my tattoos this week - maybe will begin radiation next Monday but want to join the April group.  I was really concerned about the blue markings they labeled me with yesterday because we have Relay for Life on Saturday and I was told 'DO NOT SWEAT' until I get my tattoos.  I am my Team Captain and cannot see myself sitting on the sidelines but I have been reassured that they will get me in this week.  I had my lumpectomy on February 11 and no chemo.  Looking forward to sharing with all of you as we go through this! 

Good luck to all of you April RAD ladies.  I started my RAD last year, April 2008.  You'll get through this phase of treatment also.  Just take care of yourselves, eat right, get rest and keep the faith!!! 

Hi Lainey64 and Everybody.

I know Lainey from December 2008 Divas so we are right on the same schedule. I just finished chemo yesterday and have an appointment with the radman on April 1. I think I should start 3 weeks later 5x/wk for 6/wks so we can do this together and some of you will lead the way! These boards have been remarkable during the chemo ordeal so lets keep the support and information flowing.

Murphmort: Thanks for checking in. Nothing is better than hearing good advice from a survivor.



Bette: have a fabulous wedding and honeymoon! We will be here when you get back.



maja/carolyn

Hi there!  

Finished 6 rounds of T/C today!!!    Yay!  I have a PET scan tomorrow for rads.  My sim and tatoos are on 3/30 with rads starting officially on 4/6.. Back to work on 4/13.  I am so excited to have this crappy chemo behind me!  I believe that it was/is the worst part of the entire thing.  Yeah, I'm going to feel like sh** for a few days, but I can get through this know it's the last time.  I am also excited to go back to work and have a normal life again!  I've been told that rads isn't the most pleasant thing in the world, but it's a walk in the park compared to chemo!

Hugs to all,   Carol 

Hi, Lainey -

Looks like we are on the same schedule! I had my simulation with the scan and tattoos yesterday, and will start being "zapped" on March 30 also!  Since I did not require chemo due to a low risk Oncotype score, this is my next "protocol of treatment" -  33 sessions five days per week - which means ending in the second week of May, I believe (must consult the calendar!)

Happy to have found this thread - good luck to all!

Maria

Ok, Patoo and everyone -

Let the games begin!  Wonderful to be among such a great group of gals!

We must compare notes about our Zapping Premieres next Monday - that goes for everyone starting on 3/30 - and yes, the tiny tattoos rather look like tiny blackheads or dark freckles! 

Hey all!!

Just completed my third round of rads out of 33!!

I also think that this is a phenomenal group!

Robin 

Hey Lainey! The actual radiation is exactly like the simulation...the machine moves to the same places, the lights were on, boob exposed...lol...and two and a half minutes later, I'm done for another day! I can wear the Thai crystal deodorant and RadiaGel (if I feel I need it), but anything else has to be throughly washed off. 

It's a piece of cake, really....You can do it! 

Robin 

I'll be joining you guys for more fun and games.  I had my appt. w/rad onc today, will have simulation on Tues.  He said rads will begin in two to three weeks, so it should fall somewhere in April.  He only wants me to have the radiation on the side w/larger tumor and lymph node involvement.  He also mentioned that it could affect outcome of reconstruction as far as symmetry, possible skin thickening on left side.  Lovely, I say.  The poor buggers are already lumpy (hopefully goes away with permanent implants) and scarred all to hell, now one is gonna look like a shriveled prune.  Daggone, I'd at least like a matching pair of prunes..........ha!

kjbell - yeah, I have the expanders in already.  I put off most of my fills through my chemo and am now having double fills to get caught up before my rads start.  My scars are not uniform because they had to take more skin on the left side due to the size of the tumor.  So far the left side is not quite as round or symmetrical as the right after fills, all I need is for the radiation to make this matter worse.  I was actually opting for a B cup (I've been a large C my whole life), but the nurse doing the fills thought C cups would match my frame better (my shoulders ARE a bit broad from lugging a 10 month old around).  I'm more than willing to go smaller if it means I'll have a better matching pair......oh, well, I'll talk to my PS today, I'm scheduled for another fill (fun, fun).  I hope you get your perky C's!  One way to look at it (BC), it's one opportunity to get some perky foobies on your insurance's dime..........ha!  Gotta look at the bright side!

I'd like to join you lovely ladies.  I just had my simulation today.  It was not bad at all.  My tech (a woman) was very laid back and personable (even if she had very cold hands!!! ) I start treatment on Monday-33 sessions.  Should I start the Tamoxifen during the radiation treatment or do I start after completed?  My radiation oncologist said they do it both ways but it's up to the medical oncologist.  Your thoughts??  Unlike most of you , I did not have chemo, so I feel like I am just starting my treatment now.

Hi,Jules -

I also did not have chemo, and had my simulation last Tuesday, and start my session of 33 rads on Monday.  My med onco is starting me on Tamoxifen after the radiation treatments are completed, so I would suggest asking your med onco about it.  Good luck - so many of us are starting on Monday!

Maria

bettelou-how exciting, you are getting married! Congrats and I hope everything is lovely! Enjoy your honeymoon and try to live for the moment with happy thoughts.

julesd-I will be starting Tamoxifen while doing rads. My doc said they are made to "compliment" each other. (whatever that means).

hotandcold-I saw something posted in the March rad group about the doc wanting someone there to get red too. I have no idea what it means, but maybe you'll want to check out the March group.

I have had three days of rad treatment and all is well!  I am getting a bit pink around the treatment area.  I asked the nurse what I could use and she said nothing over the counter.  I will talk about lotions/oil with my rad doc on Monday.  It's been a piece of cake so far.  For some reason people don't understand the concept of going through this every day.  Every morning I walk into my office and people look at me as if 'why are you late?'  It is totally driving me nuts. 

I have a question for you guys.  It seems like I go on day to day and I'm fine and feel like I'm at the top of the world and then I have a total meltdown!  I assume (?) that this is normal.  I just don't understand why I can go days and weeks and then something will tip me off.  Does anyone else go through this?

Thanks!

Donna