October Rads. 2009

Ok...I guess I'm in this group.  I was started on my boosts first and have had 3.  Suzanne...I was nauseous most of the day yesterday...only had broth for dinner last night.  hmmmmmmm... makes you wonder doesn't it?  (BTW. I had 4 A/C 4 Taxotere) 

Hello, Pauldingmom -

I hadn't seen this thread - I lost my job in July so didn't keep track for awhile.  Glad to hear you like your doc.  Going to the radiologist I went to Wellstar Cobb? 

Desdemona - Hi, I'm Linda, and am from Marietta.  Had all my chemo done at NGOC (behind Kennestone Hospital) and now my rads as well.  Just starting my 2nd week.

Linda

Hi, Linda - I'm Becky.  I live in Dallas.  At the time I was undergoing treatment I lived in Powder Springs.  So did you have one of the docs at the Marietta Breast Center do your surgery too, like Pauldingmom and I did?

Today was 8/35 and then an appt with my onc.  I told him I was feeling run down, and that I thought it seemed kind of early for that.  He said that it is common....but then he said that the most common reason for tiredness is dehydration!  He said that we need even more water than usual because, not only do the rads dry our cells like crazy, but also because our bodies are dealing with so many more dead cells than is normal (or natural, for that matter) and we need lots of water to help flush that waste so it doesn't build up and make our organs work too hard.  That makes a lot of sense!  So every time I hear myself thinking I feel run down, I am going to chug another 8 oz!

Also interesting is the whole thyroid thing.  For a few days, I have been noticing a subtle sensation in the area of my adam's apple (where the thyroid gland lives)...it's kind of like I have a bit of a lump in my throat.  I was thinking of mentioning it to my onc, but I figured it was probably just an emotional response to the craziness that has become my life!  Now I think maybe I just need a supplement to support my thyroid.  I can't wait to try it out!  I have always had incredibly low BP ~ I have had nurses say to me "Geez, I'm surprised you can stand up!".  I never knew my thyroid may have been suffering!

Thanks for all of the brilliant information!  Blessings to all.

Liz ~ I am sorry that you had an animal run out in front of your car.  That has happened to me, too, and it is the worst feeling.  I'm sorry...that is mental anguish you didn't need today.  Try to keep breathing and try to keep some perspective.

Suzanne3131 - I had been warned about dehydration as well, but when I started I found that an 8 ouce glass went pretty quickly and I was too lazy to run back and forth to the kitched as often as I should have. So, I  bought a 12 pack of bottled water with the sports top. (Pretty cheap at Target. And, to be honest, I'll often simply refill them.) Anyway since they're so portable and since they hold about 24 ouces, I found it really easy to increase  my water intake. .

Hi everyone-today was #20 of 33.  I'm so excited - with my hot pink/red, glow-in-the-dark left boob I can see light at the end of the tunnel.  Saw Rad doc today.  He was encouraging about my skin being fairly OK, but then he brought up the silvadene if things get sliding downhill-wish he would have just kept quiet!

who's doing Arimidex, Femara, or Aromisin (spelling's probably wrong-don't have my papers in front of me) when done with rads?

Joni2   

I just had 12/33.  I am already uncomfortable.  The rads tech keeps telling me that my pain has nothing to do with the treatments.  A new divot has appeared above my incision.  They claim that is unrelated to rads.  My boob is sore, my ribs hurt, and I absolutely HATE going for daily treatment.  I feel like I am being tortured each day.  Strip to the waist in front of strangers yet be happy!   Everyone tells me to be positive.  Personally I think they want us to positive is so we are less difficult to deal with.  I refused tats so they marked me with giant black and purple hash marks.  Today I insisted they change the waterproof tape and simply use dots.  At least reading these posts I realize that my imaginary pain is something other women experience.  I appreciate getting a gut check here.  I am learning to hold my tongue and just endure.  21 days of misery and on to the next phase of this joy ride...

Paulding Mom -

Pretty sure that udderly smooth is a no-no.  The wrong stuff can hold the heat in and worsen the burn.  They gave me a tube of Lidocaine gel there at the clinic - helped a lot.  I thought they were great there.

Sopris - I too had Sharpie marks (now GONE since I'm into my boosts); from my 30 days worth of experience, here are my 2 FYIs: (1) standard of care is that the clear bandages MUST be changed every 5-7 days, otherwise skin starts sticking to them. I think I can find my research if you need it. (2) whether you have the clear bandages or just the Sharpie marks becareful with the creams you use, many will wipe away the markers and Aquaphor dissolves the adhheasive from the clear bandages and so they'll slip right off.  

For those looking into what lotionsto use. I compiled a list "Skin Cream, Gel, Lotion during Radiation - A List"  http://community.breastcancer.org/forum/70/topic/739663 of  things used by the women on this site. No suggestions as to which is best but it is pretty comprehesive. (Sorry if I've already posted this here. I know I just noted it someplace but rushing off to my 3rd to last boost and no time to check.) Hang in there, this WILL end !

I have less than 18 hours and I will be DONE with my last radiation!  Woohoo!

brookside - WOOOOHOOO !!! Tick tock, tick tock. I'm right behind you !

Good for you Brookside!  What a great day!  I am only on 9/35...I had a little meltdown on the table today.  I was embarrassed.  It started with a positive thought "I am almost done with my 2nd week".  Then my brain did the math, and my next thought was "Oh my God...I have 5 more weeks of this".  And then, "What has happened to my life???"  And then I began to sob.

 And the poor techs were so sweet to me.  Bless their hearts.  It must be hard for them too.  

I am feeling much more positive now, but it was scary how fast it came over me.  I recognized that feeling of being ambushed.  That's what grief does ~ It sneaks up on you.  

Thanks for letting me get that off my chest.  I know that you all are out there, feeling it too. 

Hi Rhonda!  We seem to have a similar diagnosis.  You were diagnosed 2 weeks before me.  Your comment means a lot to me, because sometimes I feel a little like so many women have big jobs and families to care for and many with much heavier diagnoses than mine...I get feeling like I have no right to feel down about all this.   But it IS hard to have something like this tear through your life.  And I appreciate knowing that you are out there.  Thanks.

Hi MTG, Welcome to the boat!  I already feel better knowing your on it.  Yes, that does include boosts, but honestly, I can't remember what the doctor said.  Maybe 3 or 4?  I will see him tomorrow and find out.  Do you know what to expect from boosts?  They seem so far away, I haven't even wondered about them.  Congrats to you on being so almost done with your rads!!  Cheers!