AUGUST 2009 RADS
Hi Everyone, I just had my radiation simulation and while I don't have a specific date yet- it looks like it will be august for sure. So who else is having radiation treatment in August?
Comments
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Alyad,
Was due to start 5-day rad. next week, but had to have balloon removed today due to not enough clearance to my surface skin. So, will get the 6 wk. radiation later in August. Hope I don't get a bad skin-burn.
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Hi. I'll have my simulation next Thursday and start Radiation on Aug 3.
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Hi elimar and anxiousmama! - I had my simulation on wednesday , they will call with an appt to start- at least week after next. I am having IMRT aka the tomotherapy machine. I am having my left side zapped- the IMRT is more precise supposedly.
Elimar- I am at St. John's - I'm guessing you are at Cox? I'm not familiar with the piano lounge!
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Hi Girls,
I'm starting rads on Aug. 6. I'll be at Sunnybrook in Toronto Canada. I'm scheduled for 25 sessions and 6-8 boosts.
Sherry
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I'll check back to follow your radiation experience, hopefully it will make me feel better about deciding to go ahead with the whole breast radiation. Kind of wish I could skip it, and hormone therapy too, but too scared to take the chance of not doing the follow-up. I don't feel good about making a "fear choice," but there you have it.
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Count me in on this thread. My Simulation is scheduled for Aug. 4 and I assume rad. treatments start soon after. I am fair and I am hoping that my skin can handle rads. Had lump. surgery on June 30 with SLB. Removed very small DCIS with clear margins and nodes negative for cancer. So far, healing well with help from my two grown children. I have only had three panic crys and I feel that I am doing well, both physically and emotionally. I had a terrible time with the decision to have radiation but after a lot of research and many sleepless nights, I finally decided to have radiation. As a diabetic, I choose not to have mammosite due to the exposure to various posible infections. Of the remaining options I choose the shortened three week radiation. I hope all of us have safe and successful radiation treatments without problems. Cathey from Indiana
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I'm new to this thread, too, and I decided to join after seeing that my dx is similar to some of your's. I had a biopsy/lumpectomy on July 9 to see what else was lurking within my 5cm of LCIS. The dx came back on July 21 with PLIS and DCIS mixed throughout and extending to all edges (no clear margins) as well as IDC 4mm. I go see my surgeon tomorrow to talk it all out.
I expect there will be radiation. So I've been reading these threads to learn more about it. But I also expect he's going to need to go back in and get lymph nodes to biopsy and maybe want to get more tissue (clear margins).
I don't think my path report had any staging. When will that come?
Lee
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Hello everyone!
I had my simulation today & I was supposed to start on Aug. 3. They had a cancellation & want me to start on July 29 instead, so I would like to jump in with ya'll since it's so close to Aug. I am a little nervous, but I was told once you go the first time it's a breeze & I won't be nervous anymore! Let's hope so! I figure since I went through chemo Feb.4th '09-July1st '09 every wed., I should be able to handle 6 weeks of being zapped!!! I know one thing, I would much rather be getting my skin burned at the beach than at the hospital! LOL! -
flowerpower: You are a week ahead of me My simulation is Aug. 4. Can you describe your simulation. Is it done different for the right breast? How long did it take where you had to hold still? Thanks Cathey from Indiana
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Hi 03132W, my simulation lasted about 1 1/2 hrs. I had to lay still on my back w/ my arms above my head (they have holders for your arms) & head to the left (my bc was on the right) for the entire time. They took x-rays & made marks all over me w/ a purple ink pen. They don't use tattoos where I go. It really wasn't that bad except my arm fell asleep & I couldn't lift it up & shake it out! It usually takes about an hour, but we had to wait for the Dr. to check the marks. I had a bilateral mastectomy, & I'm not sure what you mean about "it being done different for the right breast". Maybe someone can help you out with that question.
Anyway, it wasn't that bad. I know once they get the marks just right, the rad sessions only take a few minutes. They told me I should be in & out in 10-15 min. every day, & that made me happy! Hope that helped you out some.
Kristen
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Hi Everyone!
This is my first post. I will be having my first tx tomorrow in London, Ontario, and I'm a little nervous. Scheduled for 25 txs and then a week of booster. I am on a clinical trial so will need to have blood drawn and pics taken prior to tx. Had lumpectomy on June 16th and my simulation on July 7th at my first appointment with oncologist due to living an hour away from cancer clinic. Simulation did not take more that 30 minutes but I know now that the medical field alone is keeping the makers of the "Sharpie" markers in business!! When all was done, they made 3 of the marks (dots) permanent. It really wasn't a big deal! Wish me well...
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Hi Everyone!
I will be starting rads tomorrow and a little nervous. I am scheduled for 25 txs and then a week of booster. Had a lumpectomy on June 16th and had my simulation on July 7th on the same day as my first appointment with Oncologist (I live an hour away). Simulation did not take much time about 30 minutes. I was covered with all sorts of marks (medical field is keeping the "Sharpie" makers in business!! lol) When all was done, 3 dots were made permanent. Not a big deal. I have agreed to go on a clinical trial so must have bloodwork and pics done before tx tomorrow. Wish me luck.... ML
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Hello to everyone that has joined the thread! We have people at all stages in this journey- so for those who are are fairly new to the board and just coming off surgery - all I can say , is it really does get easier. Some of us are having radiation after having chemo-like myself. I was diagnosed back in December and just finished chemo about a month ago.
I don't have a start date yet, but I had my simulation last week and it sounds a lot like flowerpower's . I had to lay there with my arms up, half bent laying in arm rests, my head was in a little doughnut shaped rest thingy that my head kept sticking to since I don't have much hair! my left side is being radiated- so I had to turn my head to the right.
I am having IMRT aka tomotherapy- is anyone else having this? From what I understand it is a more precise (and more exp) form of radiation. The techs told me regular 3d rads is precise within 3mm, whereas the IMRT is 1mm. But they also have to be sure to get you even more precisely in the same spot everytime, so they made a mold that goes over my chest and latches down on either side- they will use that mold each time I come in.
They made a bunch of marks on me, scanned me several times, then I got three permanant marks- I expected a tattoo gun like what they use commerically- but they dabbed some ink and poked me with a pin or something- pretty simple. They are blue dots- very tiny.
I'm getting the IMRT bc of left side and having intramammary node chain done- (inner quadrant/nipple area tumors like I had are more likely to spread to that chain). So irradiating that area on the left side, they have to be very careful not to get the heart and using the IMRT will allow them to do that.
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Fmajk~ thanks for making me lol about the sharpie remark! I was told to just let all the marks fade away on their own & the important ones are covered with a transparent sticker. I wish they would've just left me with three dots! I look like one of my boys drew a road map w/ RR tracks all over my chest! At least they are purple.......which is my favorite color! Hope your first time goes well for you. Please let us know how it was..........as I am starting tomorrow & am a little nervous too!
Alyad~ I am not having IMRT, but it sounds like the best tx for your situation. I am having 33 txs & then a week of boosts to my scar. IBC diagnosis is reason for extra txs. I hope you get your start date soon.......it seems like all we ever do is wait for this & wait for that.....I just want to get it over with & get on w/ my life. How about you? I'm going to do reconstruction also, but I have to wait for six months after radiation. I'm going to do DIEP. How was your healing time for your TRAM flap?
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Was anyone else told not to use ANYTHING on skin after txs? The nurse just called to tell me not to put anything on the treated area before & after tx. She said if it looks like I will need something, they will give it to me,& I'm to only use what they give me. I asked her about using pure aloe & she told me that using anything on area will sometimes hold the heat in & make it much worse on your skin. Just wondering what everyone else has been told & what ya'll plan on using. From everyting I've read on this site, people use a variety of products. Any feedback?
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I am starting on August 6th. I will have my tattoos done and first radiation treatment at that time. They told me I should plan on being there 2 - 3 hours the first session. I don't know how many treatments yet, I will find out when I talk to the radiologist.
I was told not to put any lotions on my skin before radiation but using 100% pure Aloe afterwards would help. You have to be careful with Aloe gel as the stuff they sell at Target, etc. does have some drying agents in there per the pharmacist so I plan to go to a health nutrition store to get my aloe gel.
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I will be starting rads in August too but not until late August. I will be peeking in on this thread to see how everyone is doing...Good Luck!
What brand of aloe vera gel is good...I got some Mother of the Earth at a "store"...I hope it doesn't have any drying agents...it wasn't very expensive..maybe $4.00. I'm putting in on my bald head right now to help my hair grow.
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Newbie here! I'm starting radiation next week. I have my CT scan tomorrow. I'm hoping my arm is in good enough shape for all this!
I was also told to get the 100% Aloe. Hope it works. Can't wait to be done with all this!
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IF I do decide to get get the rads, I have got to insist on Sharpies only! After years of telling teens "no piercings, no tattoos,:" how would it be if mom came home sporting some tats?
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OK, Went in yesterday for my 1st rads and was told that they needed to re-do the simulation as there was too much lung going to be hit ... Relief that they double check! This session did take 1 1/2 hours - but this is due to recalculating with the tatoos already in place.... a little uncomfortable to be in position for that long, but my advice is RELAX. My first simulation was unexpected (they squeezed me in the day I met oncologist) and they believe that I was much more relaxed yesterday. I was told to take a cleansing breath each time I get on the table to help me relax. SO I'm going in again this morning. 33 in all with booster.
Titan - I notice you also are TN - no chemo for you either? My Oncologist recommended no chemo for me - and so far no other tx except rads. ML
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Titan - just re-read your post, sorry I guess you did have chemo.... I'm a little worried as most TN's seem to be having chemo. I was told that the aloe will not prevent the skin irritation, but will feel good when irritated (usually about 2 weeks in). You just need an aloe without alcohol. They have recommended a cream also, but forgot the name.... will try to remember to ask today. Also, they said one of their patients uses some type of "chrystal" spray as a type of anti perspirant and will be looking into that also as I am sure we will get some type of summer yet this year (raining most of the time)
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Hi all,
I would like to join this thread eventhough I started rads yesterday. I will be getting 16 sessions plus 5 boosts. The simulation only took about 30 min and I left with 4 tattoos...........very tiny blue/black dots that I call "the world from space". The first session yesterday went quicker than expected....I thought they were still taking pictures when they came into the room to tell me the radiation was done! I was told not to put anything on my skin before tx but could use Lubriderm (unscented) or a Glaxal-based cream after each tx. Lubriderm was suggested because it is a water-based cream. Suggested that aloe vera is okay unless dryness/redness occurs, and if so, stop using it because it will dry the area out more.
fmakj--I noticed you are from Ontario and you mentioned you are on a study. Where are you being treated? I'm being treated at Princess Margaret and I, too, am on a study that involved taking my blood.
All the best to everybody going through or about to start rads......
Sandy
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fmakj---Yes,,I had to have 4 sessions of AC and 4 sessions of Taxol..finish up next Wed...then radiation...hopefully will have my simulation very soon and get started with this...thanks for the information everyone...sounds like we just have to lay still and let them do the work...this has got to be easier than chemo! Curious as why your onc. didn't think you needed chemo? Your stats and mine are about the same...that is why I'm curious..and nosy!
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Hi Alyad,
I am also jumping over from the March Chemo board. I went for consultation yesterday. I get simulation on 8/10 and then start rads on 8/17. I wanted to get marked this week so I could start on 8/10 but the rad doc is out on thurs and fri. this week and I go on vacation for a week on Sunday. Pushes everything back a week, but this will be my only opportunity to leave town this summer before starting rads.
I had 4AC and 4T chemo treatments starting in March and ending June 15. I had lumpectomy on 7/14. Clear margins. 2/8 nodes with micromets. Now onto 28 total breast rads and 7 boosts.
Anyone else just finished with surgery? I lost a lot of range of motion. I couldn't lift my arm over my head right now if I wanted to! Very sore from armpit to elbow...incision isn't so bad!!
Take care all...let's hope we don't glow when this is all over!
Chris
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Beach and Fmakj-i start rads at Sunnybrook on Aug. 6 and I too was told unscented lubriderm or a Glaxal base cream. I researched "Jean's Cream" as many people on rads thread mentioned it. It is a radiation cream. I'm not sure if I'll get it or not. Also wanted to let you know to check ot the Ontario Get Together thread. A few of us are meeting Aug. 9 at Canyon Creek restaurant behind Vaughn Mills. Check out the thread and join us if you want.
Cheers,
Sherry
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Sherry--Just back from my 2nd radiation and everything is good so far. I'm starting with the Lubriderm and if any issues arise I'll figure it out from there. I have been following the Ontario Get Together thread but I'm not available that day.......thanks though
Good luck next week....it's a walk in the park compared to chemo!!Chris--I remember that feeling after surgery.....couldn't drive for 2 wks because of the limited arm movement and felt like I had a serated knife in my armpit! All I can say is that the exercises do help and it does get better but takes some time......probably good that you're not starting until 8/10. Wishing you all the best!!
Sandy
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Hello Ladies!
I just got back from my first rad tx & it was sooooo much easier than the simulation. Even though It took about 1 hr. b/c they had to take some more x-rays to double check things. When it came time for the rads, it was so quick (less than 5 min.) & nurse said this is how quick it will be from now on. This made me very happy!
I feel kind of silly that I was so nervous before I went & there was really nothing to it. This is definitely going to be way easier than chemo! The tx room I go to has a huge mural on the wall complete with white sandy beach, lots of palm trees, & deep blue ocean. There is even relaxing music playing! Kudos to whomever came up with this idea! It definitely helped me relax. I usually head to the "real beach" a few times a week for a walk or bike ride. I guess if I have to go get zapped every day for six weeks, the decor & music will help! -
Hi all back from # 1 of 33. After being re-checked today, finally received the treatment and it was very quick. Was told to expect 10 - 15 minutes tops each time!
Beach - I live in Norwich which is close to Woodstock. I go for treatment at the London Health Sciences Centre (Regional Cancer Program) - but just call it the Cancer Clinic! The Study I am on is comparing WBI to PBI (I am on the "standard" treatment) and the bloodwork is for the National Surgical Adjuvant Breast & Bowel Project. They use the blood and tissue for future research.
Sherry35 - Thank you for the cream info. I forgot to ask again today but I do have 100% aloe which they said is great once you have irritation (like sunburn) but will not prevent it. They did recommend a cream but didn't catch the name yesterday! Thanks for the get together invite... will check out that thread!
Titan - Not sure why no chemo for me but will be asking next time I see my oncologist! I know that there were 2 tumors that together measured < 1 cm with calcification surrounding them and that I had wide margins and no node involvement.... but will ask for further clarification. I really am not complaining cause I hear from many that chemo is not fun (lol) but need to know that I am looking into everything!
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HI girls. I am from the March Warriors chemo board too. I am going in for consultation with the Radiologist on Aug 7, so my rads should start sometime soon after that.
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ccbaby~ I am also HER2+ & was wondering if you are still on Herceptin? I will be getting infusions every 3 wks. until April 2010. I just started going to onc every 3 wks, instead of going weekly since Feb. It's kind of a nice break in the weekly routine, especially since starting daily rads.
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