APRIL Rads Anyone?

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  • PrincessKauai59
    PrincessKauai59 Member Posts: 288
    edited April 2009

    Brandonmom - - Thank you for the info (I don't want tatoos either) - C

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  • KristenJoy
    KristenJoy Member Posts: 5
    edited April 2009

    Hi fleecewood --

    I too, was having meltdown about beginning rads all last week. Trying to decide on a doctor, treatment plan, getting simulation, tattoos etc. It all sunk in that the lumpectomy was only the beginning/middle? of this journey. I start my first treatment tomorrow, and I'm feeling much better -- at least right now.

    We'll see how tomorrow goes, and then we'll just take one day at a time -- together.

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  • Britt
    Britt Member Posts: 731
    edited April 2009

    Hi - had third rads session yesterday - and yes, as some others on this  thread who have also not  been though chemo, experienced the Rads Fatigue - can barely move.  Want to sleep all of the time.  Plus, and despite the techs' insistance that it will take two weeks to develop tenderness and soreness in the radiated area, I already feel like I have a slight sunburn and major aches.  Anyone else suffering from this after only two or three "sessions?"

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  • dkerler
    dkerler Member Posts: 75
    edited April 2009

    Hi everyone. I too am starting rads on Tuesday April 7th. They will do the simulation and if all goes well I'm going to have my first treatment. I had a CT and some tattoos on the 31st. Yes they do look like blackheads but mine blend in well with all the freckles I have.

    I did T/C x4 finishing up on March 11th. I was one of the lucky ones who didn't have very many se's. I'm hoping the rads will not be any worse. I'm having 33 treatments.

    I'm going to take Femara but not until after radiation is over.

    I was told no deodorant except for Tom's of Maine and that later there would be 2 topical lotions that would be prescribed for use. Also to use Dove or Camay soap because of their gentleness and to wear a large wireless bra if any.

    I pushed to have rads done asap since my son is going to get married on June 13th and I needed to be done by then. That is what has kept me going since I was diagnosed in October.

    One point of interest is that the founder of this site, Breastcancer.org., is my radiologist, Dr. Marissa Weiss. She is so sweet and I believe really cares for all women who have been touched by this nasty disease. 

    We can get through this together.

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  • susan13
    susan13 Member Posts: 732
    edited April 2009

    My tattoo's are straight down my chest, and very visible!  I have to just try and forget they are there. I guess.

    Elaine-I see my Onc. next week so I'm gonig to ask him about the hot flashes and my horrible moodiness!  I need something to help this, that's for sure!

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  • Lainey64
    Lainey64 Member Posts: 740
    edited April 2009

    Good morning April Gals!  I had my 3rd session yesterday and mentioned to my rads tech that I was sooo tired.  She said that the tiredness isn't from the rads.  She said it's probably due to my change in routine, stress, etc.  She explained to me that the rads break down any cancer cells that may still remain in my breast tissue but also hurts the healthy cells.  The cancer cells cannot replicate themselves but the healthy ones do.  She said this is why by the 3rd or 4th week we'll start to feel fatigued because our body is working hard to heal itself.  Made sense to me!  I'm actually not as tired today as I have been.  Yesterday after work we went for a long walk at the park and I think the exercise helped.

    I didn't think I had a choice about the tattoos.  They just told me I was getting them and that was that.  But they are very small and blend in with my other "beauty marks" on my chest. They did hurt like the dickens though when they were done.  But I was probably being a wimp!

    Good luck to those starting today!  It's not that bad but the machine makes it a little scary.  I'm feeling like I have more soreness though around my axillary and lumpectomy scar.  Darn, just remembered I forgot to apply my aloe vera gel this morning!

    Have a great day all! Love, Elaine

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  • EleanorJ
    EleanorJ Member Posts: 752
    edited April 2009

    Yeah, I'm mad about the tattoos, wish I would have checked this board before my appt on Monday! Wish I would have put my foot down, but now it's too late, my onc didn't really want to hear it about me not having tattoos and he promised me they would be really tiny. Well, the one you see least is really tiny, the one you see most is the biggest one :( But they're all below my breast going across my chest and I don't wear bikinis so no one should ever see them beside hubby & I. Already thinking about having them zapped after rads are done!! My simulation on on 04/13 then first rad the next day. Wish I could just start now, the next 2 weeks aren't going fast enough, chemo is over and I want to move to the next step NOW! I understand the need to wait 3 weeks in between, but I'm feeling pretty good right now. oh well... patience...

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  • julesd
    julesd Member Posts: 17
    edited April 2009

    I also mentioned to my radiation onc about how tired I was the second day of treatment.  He said it's not unusual for some women to have their energy levels go up and down throughout the treatment.  I'm getting used to that since I feel like I've been on a roller coaster ride since diagnosis!  Fortunately, it's been better the last 2 days.  4 down and 29 to go... but who's counting!?!

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  • susan13
    susan13 Member Posts: 732
    edited April 2009

    Elaine, sounds like you are feeling much better today!

    I wish I could start my rads earlier, but then again I am still so tired and still not feeling back to normal yet after my last chemo which was 3 weeks ago... I would have thought I'd be feeling better by now.

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited April 2009

    Just how big ARE your tattoos? I have three, and mine are little tiny pindots: one on my sternum, and one on each side of each breast. 

    Finished rad #9 this morning: not tired, never cried or felt weepy...the techs chatter with me while the machine does its thing!  

    I'm a little pink, but nothing to write home about!

    Robin 

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  • Lainey64
    Lainey64 Member Posts: 740
    edited April 2009

    Susan, what chemo regimen were you on?  I was on dose dense AC/T.  Today marks the 3rd week since my last TX and I'm still feeling a touch of it.  My fingers are still tingly at night and one toe on my right foot is still numb.  Other than that, I think I'm almost over it.  I am feeling better today - thank goodness!  Not only was I tired yesterday but so irritable and moody.  I got in my car at lunch time and just cried.  Darn hormones! 

    Hi Caroline!  Sorry about your tattoos!  If you can't get them zapped off when you're through maybe you can have them turned into tiny hearts. :)

    Jules, I'm glad you're feeling better today.  I was dragging the first couple of days too.  I was just telling my BF last night about how beat down I'm feeling since I started this rollercoaster ride. 

    Hi Robin, I love your attitude! 

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  • Debbi5108
    Debbi5108 Member Posts: 182
    edited April 2009

    Hey All,

    I'm supposed to have my simulation on the 17th and then start my rads, so I guess I qualify for this group.  Lainey am I understanding that rads make you hormonal just like Chemo??? My poor husband LOL. As far as the Tattoos go my Rad doc said we could do permnent ones in either black or blue or just temps, I am opting for the temps I think or at least the black tattoos  so that they will look more like freckles or moles.  I have to do 6wks of rads 5x a week.

    I am concerned about how fast the fatigue hits as my daughter has prom on the 2nd of May and signed me and her dad up to be chaperones because she thought that if her Daddy took me to prom I would feel better and she and I could have our pictures taken together. and if I start rads on say the 20th will I feel up to it or will I have to let my daughter down once again???

    Thanks,

    Deb

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  • EleanorJ
    EleanorJ Member Posts: 752
    edited April 2009

    The biggest tattoo is about 2mmx1mm. Believe it or not, that 1mm makes a HUGE difference in the look!

    Deb, what my onc says is that if we're coming out of chemo, fatigue isn't that bad, but everyone is different. I sure hope you feel up to it.

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  • susan13
    susan13 Member Posts: 732
    edited April 2009

    Elaine-I was on DD Taxotere (and AC before my surgery), and according to my Onc. "a hefty dose".   Weird thing is that last w/e I felt almost normal, great energy, I was able to taste food again, I was in a great mood... then bamm the last few days I've been feeling torn down again and back to not tasting my food!  One big problem is that I just can't sleep at night.  I'll fall asleep for a few hours then that is it, even with taking a sleep aid!

    My tattoos are as small as a pin dot, but even with my bad eyesight... thanks to chemo, I can see them clearly, and I have 7 of them!  And oh yeah did they hurt!

    Anyone else get pictures taken of them during simulation??  I had one taken of my face, not sure why, I should have asked.  Then they took pictures of where the tattoo's were... strange crap!

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  • Debbi5108
    Debbi5108 Member Posts: 182
    edited April 2009

    Did they hurt worse than say a regular tattoo??? And Cebula thank you I hope I get to go as well, I really want ot go plus I don't want to let her down

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  • Lainey64
    Lainey64 Member Posts: 740
    edited April 2009

    Debbie, I think you're going to be fine for your daughter's graduation.  Everyone seems to say that the fatigue doesn't hit until the 3rd or 4th week.  As far as the hormones go, mine got all screwed up during chemo and I haven't had a period since December.  It definitely threw me into chemopause with hot flashes and all.  I don't think it's gotten worse with rads, but hasn't gone away either!  The tattoos hurt me so much I think because of the location.  That is very tender skin! 

    I'm going to have to go home and take a good look at my tattoos tonight.  I haven't paid much mind to them but now I'm curious.

    Susan, my taste buds are still whacky too.  I have to use a lot of salt to taste anything and then that leaves a weird taste in my mouth.  Unfortunately, cookies and ice cream are still very good! lol

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  • kjbell
    kjbell Member Posts: 974
    edited April 2009

    My last TCH was March 13 and my taste is still off. The good news is I can see stubble on my head.  I haven't had a period since Sept when I stopped the bc pills. Personally, I hope it never comes back. I went on Effexor for the flashes, but it really helped my mood. However, I feel so edgy lately, maybe I am just tired of this whole thing. I try to stay positive, but it has been hard lately!

    I was given radiagel to use 3x a day. No redness or anything, doc said it will help the skin. I have had 4 zaps so far. Anyone else get the little "blanket" that puts the beam closer to the skin?

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  • susan13
    susan13 Member Posts: 732
    edited April 2009

    Elaine-I was just reading that yoga might help breast cancer patients with the hot flashes, so I'm going to pick up a DVD and try it, it sure can't hurt. Might help with relaxing too.

    kjbell- I think the "blanket" you are refering to is called a "bolus", and I'll be getting that too.

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  • kjbell
    kjbell Member Posts: 974
    edited April 2009

    Thanks Susan. I saw the term bolus in the radiation book they gave me, but the tech called it a blanket, so what the heck, that is what I thought it was (even thought it is small and made of some kind of plastic type material).

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  • BrandonMom
    BrandonMom Member Posts: 412
    edited April 2009

    OK, whose the big baby in the room?  Me!  You have all said how easy it was.  I was almost in tears holding that position so long. I lost feeling in my fingers.  They did do simulation and the first treatment at the same appt. The good thing about the temp marks is that they want to shorten the time you keep them on (no one wants to go through the process of redoing! 

    I don't feel tired, but I can see why you would hurt.  Holding your arm up that long has got to stretch something!

    Pictures - yes, a million.  They took one of my face when I first went. I did sign a consent for that one. I think they do that just so they can recognize you.  All the naked pictures do not include a face.  The did take multiple pictures of the marks from all different angles.  My chest looks like it has graffiti on it!  I also had the blanket/bolus.  They called it a bolus for me.  They said it is to make the concentration more in the skin. 

    One question I had, but didn't ask, is that they didn't use a lead apron at all.  I'd think we want to protect the parts that aren't getting rads??

     So yeah for me!  One treatment down!

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  • tcus425
    tcus425 Member Posts: 1
    edited April 2009

    Hello,  I will be starting rad  treatment on April 13.  Im very nervous about it.   I  just finished chemo on March 10.  Ive heard that if you had chemo before rad, rad will be easy, i really hope so cause chemo for me was really difficult.  Im really trying to remain positive during this whole experience.  This is my first time posting something, but i feel it is a good thing to be able to talk to women who are going thru the same things. 

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  • bookgirl
    bookgirl Member Posts: 128
    edited April 2009

    I'm joining too. Finished 4x TC march 10, had tattoos, photos and three men drawing on me with magic markers today. Start the actual rads April 13. I tell people I turned 50, shaved my head and got tattooed.

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  • Jane_M
    Jane_M Member Posts: 1,549
    edited April 2009

    BrandonMom - One thing to think about re: tatoos.  I started rads in Feb.  I just did #29 today.  My skin is peeling where my tatoos are.  If I only had marker on the spot, the marks would have peeled off. 

    The reason they want your skin to get red is because that is what the radiation does and the areas being treated are what get red.  They also get itchy and tight.  They peel, ooze and sometimes hurt, too.  I had 3 regions radiated as well.  They do all 3 separate.  It takes about 2 minutes.  The longest time is getting you into position.  Also - when they radiate the supraclavicluar area - it goes all the way through, so you will get red on your back.  That kind of freaked me out.  

    In the beginning, I found corn starch to be the most comfortable.  After that, I transitioned to Eucerin cream.  They also gave me aquaphor which I didn't need to use until about day 25.  Now I am using silvadene bliss - a combination of silvadine and lidocaine.  She also put me on an antibiotic today because the open area under my arm is oozing.  I'm not allowed to use deodorant on the radiated side and I use a natural deodorant on the other side.  

    Hope this helps

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited April 2009

    The wedding was joyous, and the honeymoon was grand!

    The day after we got back, I had my CT scan and tattoos. Simulation is 4/14 and the 28 treatments begin on 4/15.

    I am also emotionally up and down, Donna. Right now is a down time. Tom is at work, and I am thinking about rads and all the ominous side effects on the paper I had to sign. When I signed the papers for chemo, I thought "None of this will happen to me", but I was wrong. I got a lot of really bad side effects and was hospitalized repeatedly. So now I am scared of what could happen with rads.

    Lord, please keep me safe through rads.

    Bette 

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  • BrandonMom
    BrandonMom Member Posts: 412
    edited April 2009

    Welcome all new folks.

    Bette - the thing about rads is that it is targeted treatment, so you should have less problems.  The forms the radiologist gives you to sign, in many cases, include side-effects for radiation in general.  Since we are not having an organ radiated, the side effects are usually not so much. 

    I had to smile because I was the opposite of you.  It seems like everyone has their issue with something in treatment.  I did well with surgery, minor issues with chemo, so I was woriried rads would be my issue. I had one treatment today.  Only 27 more to go :)

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  • PrincessKauai59
    PrincessKauai59 Member Posts: 288
    edited April 2009

    Bookgirl - - Thank you for the good spirit and laugh - - needed that tonight! 

    My oncologist is giving me four weeks post chemo off,  which I'm grateful for, but it's very strange to see many of you here starting Rads so much sooner after chemo.  I took a month off after mastectomy before starting chemo too.  Has anyone taken a long airplane ride after their mastectomy?  Did you wear a compression sleve?  I'm set to travel across country before Rads start.

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  • berrypatch
    berrypatch Member Posts: 90
    edited April 2009

    Hi Ladies,

    It's taking some extra time to recover from the last chemo on 3/24.  I think my poor body is telling me that it's hopes we're done with that now!  Yes, body, we are done with the chemo, so please start feeling better!!!!  Still moody and weepy.  When will I ever stop with the tears and crying?!  They took pictures of me too, and that is what set me off on a meltdown during my SIM.  There were no pictures that exist of me since the day I was dx'd with this monster.  To top it off, I only had a scarf on, no makeup, I looked liked hell...felt like it too!  Even during the holidays with wig and make-up, I ran for the hills every time I saw a camera. 

    30 lbs!  Geez, is there anything else that this disease can throw at you that's DISGUSTING?!  But I know that I have gained about 15 lbs.  Nothing fits, so I have to buy some new clothes in the next few weeks, not looking forward to that. 

    I bought a new book  "Anti-Cancer Life".  It is a good read, makes sense, and I plan to follow most of the ideas.  I have completely cut soda from my life....hey now, one step at a time!!!!  Coffee will be next, but I have to get used to not having my Diet Coke first.  I cannot do this cancer thing again!  I need to make my body "hostile" to cancer cells.  Spring is almost here, No. IL, so I will have to start walking.  Has anyone noticed a weakness in their legs?  Sometimes I cannot even climb the stairs.  No shortness of breath, just "rubbery" legs.

    Well, I should go to bed.  You ladies all have good tx's tomorrow, and a good night's sleep!

    Hugs, Carol

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  • BrandonMom
    BrandonMom Member Posts: 412
    edited April 2009

    Carol,

    Just a thought, but our legs could be rubbery because we haven't used them as much as before.  Speaking for myself, I know that is true.

    My onc also said the reason for weight gain could be not doing as much as before.  Again, I know that to be true in my case (I'm so tired).  I lost a pound this week, so yeah me!  I also think that if I push myself when I feel tired, I feel less tired.  It is just hard to do when every fiber of my being wants to be in that bed!

    Take care!  I'm off for treatment #2!

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  • EleanorJ
    EleanorJ Member Posts: 752
    edited April 2009

    Bette Congrats on the wedding. Glad to hear you had a good time despite all this. Where did you go for your honeymoon?

    Carol I also have the rubbery legs & shortness of breath. I'm completely out of shape from not moving through this ordeal. I gained 15 lbs from chemo, problem is that I was trying to lose 15 lb before dx, so I still have 30 lbs to drop!

    Still waiting to start rads and very anxious. Not looking forward to the SEs, just want to get it over with. 10 more days and I'm joining y'all!

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  • susan13
    susan13 Member Posts: 732
    edited April 2009

    Hey tcus425... I live in Ewing, NJ!  Where are you having your treatments??

    Brandonmom-You are  NOT a baby!  I was getting to the point of tears myself during the SIM, and you had to wait for the actual treatment in that position also after?!?!?  OIE!

    Ok Ladies I feel a little better today.  3 weeks post chemo exactly today!  But this is the way it's been the last 2 weeks , 1 day I feel good the next I feel like sh*t and so on and so on.  So I am hoping that this brings the end to the chemo fog.

    One crappy side effect from the ever-so lovely chemo for me has been my eyesight!  b4 chemo I had great vision, had an eye exam about 6 months prior to being dx'd and it was almost perfect.  Now I can't see what's in front of me!!  Last nite me and my daughter tried stringing Easter eggs to put outside on one of our trees and I couldn't see the little hole to put the string in!  I got so darn aggravated!!!!! 

    Here's to a good day for everyone!

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