October Rads. 2009

Sunris - me too!  I go the 6th for the ct and the markings, then a simulation which she hasn't given me an appt. yet for, and then she said I would be starting around the 13th.  I'm following your footsteps.

Linda

Oh Linda,

I just noticed you are also Triple Negative like me!! 

Dawn

Hi, I'm between Sept and Oct,  Wanted to join this group if you ladies don't mind.  I had my markings and simulation the week of Sept 14th.  Started Rads on Sept 21st.  After first week of rads breast and nipple were really sore. Anyone had SE's like this so early?

Hi all - I'm jumping over from the September Rads group. 8 down out of a total of 33 (including boosts). Not bad at all so far but it's still early. I've been moisturizing since before rads started so I hope that will help.

Rozzy - I'm sorry you're having such severe SE already. I'm sort of a middle ground - my nipple and breast are swollen and tender but only slightly more so than when I'm about to get my period so I basically can ignore them unless something brushes up against me. Have you tried switching to t shirts so that the bra doesn't rub against you so closely ? (At the very least, no underwires.) Are you moisturizing ?

I know someone had asked about deodorants. If you really feel smelly, almost all docs will ok both Toms of Maine and Thai Crystal Deodorant since neither have Aluminum (FYI, Aluminum in deordant gets into the blood stream via the lymph nodes under the arm and then goes to the liver. I learned this after getting bc and have now switched permanently.) However, since they will still dry skin out and since we're moisturizing to avoid that, if you can, skip deodorant on the side being radiated.

DSGirl- Thanks for the reply.  I haven't noticed any redness or burning yet either, just the soreness and some swelling. But my pain is pretty much all over the breast, nipple included.  It isn't excruciating, but enough to take advil two to three times a day.  and when my 7 year old hugged me a bit hard last night I almost came unglued. 

MTG, I'm moisturizing, but have no idea how much to use and how often.  I usually moisturize after rads and then again before bed, and in the morning before work.  Maybe I'm not using enough.  My Rad Onc suggested Udder Cream and Pure Aloe Vera Gel so I alternate those two.  I have large breast 42DD so I thought maybe that may be part of my problem, so much to radiate you know.  The Rad tech initally told me that I may have to be radiated in a bra due to the size, but it worked out that I don't have to wear one during rads.  But what a compliment.  Huh?

Is anyone doing any of the 5 day twice a day partial breast radiation programs?

Rossy - from what I've read here, large breasts do bring with them their own special set of issues. For example, I recall reading something about "airing out" the breast, esp the area underneath to prevent yeast infections and that women have used a soft cloth just under the breast to prevent skin on skin irritation which could aggravate soreness. You might want to look through the Septmember rads postings since there was at least one women there dealing with radiation and large breasts. Also, try searching variations of "radiation large breast" and see what guidance other women who have been through this previously have given.

Hello, dear ladies,

My first treatment is tomorrow afternoon.  Wish me luck!

Now, here's a question - where do I put the aloe vera???  Do I use it before or after treatment or both?  The staff either wasn't that helpful or (probably best) I had to absorb way too much information.

Thanks for sharing all of your experiences.

I'm a bit scared...

Liz

Liz - You've found a great resource for information. And, I promise, although it is scary, the first time is a breeze. (The only caveat is if you're still too sore to comfortably lift your arm over your head while lying down; then it can be a bit awkward.) After it's over - and it will be over in a flash - you'll be wondering "Is this all there is to it?" Absolutely no pain whatsoever during the radiation treatment, just hold still for a bit while the machine buzzes. Ok, with that said, here are my recommendations:

FREQUENCY - 3 times a day seems to be the average. Many of us apply our lotions more frequently so that everything stays pretty well moisturized.

WHEN - 1) Most do apply it just after rads but as dsgirl pointed out, it will make your top sticky so wear a washable tee between you and your blouse or sweater or under a blazer, 2) then apply it again before bed, 3) the third time depends on when you have your rads, if it's not till late afternoon, apply it first thing in the Am. Basically you're just spacing things out. NOTE - Again as dsgirl pointed out, DO NOT APPLY IT 3 or EVEN 4 HOURS BEFORE TREATMENT. The exact timing varies from place to place; for me it is 4 hours. Ask your techs. And no worries if you miss applying it before tomorrow's treatment, not a big deal.

WHERE - Again ask your techs to ID the specific area being radiated, it varies somewhat from person to person. The affected area is actually bigger than you would think. Generally, the area that should be moisturized is: (a) to the center of your chest (the tattoo there is the outer perimeter); (b) to just below your collar bone; (c) slightly under your breast and (d) your underarm, down your side and sometimes a bit of your back. Pay special attention to your underarm and beneath the breast since these seem to be problem areas.

Also, ask your techs about using moisturizers in addition to aloe- which is great but somewhat drying. 

We're all here to ask and answer questions. Feel free to post or IM, as you prefer.

Thank you so much for your help with all of this.  I appreciate this very much.  The irony is that I am a nurse educator - actually had nursing students assigned to this unit years ago.  One of our grads will be my nurse this afternoon.  But when it comes to my own health I feel like a "civilian"....hahaha.

I feel so blessed to have found this site and to have you..  I don't feel like a total idiot asking my questions - and sometimes re-asking them.

Liz

 Hi Ladies,

 I would love to join your group, I had my plan done last week and I go tommorrow for the "dry run"

no rads but x-rays to ensure correct area. I am also triple neg, post bilat mx ( had initial rt lumpectomy but BRCA1 )  and I have bilat expanders about 930cc with alloderm.I am to have 22 treatments to axilla , 6 to chest wall. I had quite a few pos nodes. Crossing my fingers the rad expander side holds up.  My rad onc said I can take supplements but none with extra antioxidents  is anyone else taking supplements? I would love to do the one glass of wine a day as the that study suggested but I am conflicted as I thought we were supposed to stay away from alcohol, I'll check with my doc.

  Good Luck to us all for smooth sailing treatments

I will start rads in Mid-October.  I have my simulation this coming Monday on the 5th and will hopefully be able to start on 10/12.  I'll do 5.5 weeks.

Be back later!

Hello ladies, I will join you because I think  I should start my rads sometime in October. 

I think it is interesting about the comments about glowing in the dark.  I just happen to work  at a nuclear power plant and always say my DH doesn't need a night light, because I glow in the dark.  Also, if I could have a baby, it would be a glow baby.  I could go on and on.

Anyway, when ever I have treatments that could  affect my radiation level, because I am constantly going through radiation monitors, I have to go to the Radiation Protection department and have a special body count, so I don't set off the monitors, I guess I get a get out of jail card and they wont haul me off and scrub me down. LOL

I am not  looking forward to radiation, but I am ready to get them started, so I can have an end date to all this.  I know it wont be over, but you know what I mean.

Juannelle

Good Luck, Joni - I am about two weeks behind you.  Going for ct and markings on the 6th.

Linda

Got my tattoos & 1st tx today.  Not bad.  Tattoo on my side pinched a little, but not as bad as I expected. Doing Taxol & radiation together.  I wouldn't have known not to use deodorant on my radiation side if I hadn't been reading these posts.  I had to ask the tech and then asked what to use cream-wise.  Why not have a print out to give to us with all this info?  I feel I've had to do so much internet research.  Having lots of sore mouth from Taxol.  Onc started me on magic mouthwash and Valtrex yesterday.  I probably should've asked for something sooner than I did.  Magic mouthwash really helps, though.

Feel like I'm finally seeing an end now.  Should finish Taxol and radiation both right before Thanksgiving.  Hope radiation fatigue isn't as bad as I've heard.  I got through AC great.  I crash with the Taxol the day or two before next treatment.  Anxious to see how adding radiation to the mix works.

Kim