January 2010 Rads Start

I'm just figuring out what the bolus is for  (I get it daily)  and kind of understanding.  But now I want to know what the wedge is for that they use on the machine for me.  Anyone know?  I guess I'm special that I get both daily.  Gee whiz.  I'm assuming that not everyone gets it because today right after they left the room to start the rads one of the techs came back in and said that they forgot to put the wedge in.  I guess I should be glad they realized they forgot it!  I just don't know what it's for.

I have a big problem relaxing as they are setting me up.  They get me in position and then when they leave the room, I move a little and get out of position.  The techs really worked with me today go get me relaxed before they left, but didn't do much good.  After the tx, they came back and said let's talk about what we can do to keep me from moving.  I don't even realize that I am moving.  I think it is my left arm, I don't have anything to do with it and I stick it in my pants to try and keep it from moving.  Tomorrow they will put a block under my left elbow, so we will see if that works.

I did go see the Med Onc today and everything is good or getting there.  My RBC is still down, but she said she didn't want to give me anything yet.  She thinks it will come up on its own.  She gave me some more Lasix and I am to take it everyday until I get the swelling down.  Then take as needed.  She said it is a SE of chemo and it may take awhile for it to go away.   The gift that keeps on giving. 

She wants to see me in a month and then we will talk about the AI that I will take.  Boy am I excited.

Cookiegal, you are a stitch.  I love the Atomic Dog.  We are members of the Atomic Dog Pound.

I am so jealous of all of you that are finishing up, but I am so happy for all of you. 

Hope all goes well for those that are just about to start, good luck, maybe with the advice of all the veterans, we wont have such a hard journey.

One more day and then we can all rest up over the weekend.

Juannelle

I haven't checked in for a while - sorry - started back at work and finding that at the end of the day I forget to check the boards. 

I have the pad too - it is a bolus treatment.  In my case I was told it was because my breast tissue was removed and it brings the rads closer to the skin.  I finally remembered to ask how many treatments I was having and will have 28 treatments with 5 boost (around the scar). 

Trying to catch up and read, but skimming through I saw that someone asked if having the port removed hurt.  Not at all - and I have to say I've had one SE or reaction after another since all of this started 6 months ago and it was the easiest thing I've done.  There was some discomfort the next day, but nothing that I couldn't handle and today it's fine.

Thanks Debbie, but here is some contradicting information in a study that I just now read on this very site. Here is the link: http://www.breastcancer.org/risk/new_research/20091210b.jsp   The title of the article is Moderate Drinking Boosts Breast Cancer Recurrence. Interesting world we live in!

Talking about studies, I am making an experiment on myself right now. I've read somewhere that eating prunes every day can help prevent osteoporosis. I have been taking Fosamax for several years until my doctor suggested that I take a break, because long term use makes the bones brittle (denser but brittle), so now I'm taking more calcium and vitamin D and also eat stewed prunes every day. Waiting for my nexr bone density test to see if that works! That shows you how we believe in everything we read. Probably a mistake. Elisheva.

Cookiegal:  Love the doggy mascot and the doggy pics!  I have 2 std. poodles and would love to know where you found the pic of the poodles singing.  I have friends w/poodles and could have some fun w/that.

I have 11 to go out of 33.  I was relieved to find out that the underarm burn will be out of the field w/the boost -- they will just concentrate the beams on the tumor -- so then my nipple will get roasted instead!  Oh well.  But, during the last week of the boosts, she said my underarm will start healing.  Thank goodness for Silvedine Cream!  It is wonderfully helpful.

She asked me if I needed some pain meds -- I don't yet.  I have some left over hydrocodone -- she said it would be ok to take it at night if I need it to sleep.  I can see that maybe happening.  Hopefully the weekend break will allow for some recovery!  Have a great weekend everyone.  Karenanne

THanks sophie for the info about the wedge and suggestion to talk them about my treatment plan.  I am scientifically minded, so that's probably what bugs me so much about not knowing what's going on!  I have the wedge the whole time.  It's a metal piece that they put into the machine over the glass window.  Maybe I'll ask more about it today when I go.  I don't think they like people like me (questioners, or as I like to say, INQUISITIVE which sounds a little nicer, don't you think?) because we take up their time.  I know they jsut like to get everyone in and out as quickly as possible.

I have the wedge too!  I asked the nurse about it yesterday, but she used a different name so it didn't click.  From what I understand it does direct the beam in a certain direction. From what I understand in my case it's directing it so that as little as possible hits my heart and lungs.  And.... the area the does hit the heart and lungs only get 50% of the dose prescribed.  I had a lot of questions yesterday for the rad onc and literally sat there and flipped the pages in his binder asking about each one.  So far, the nurses and the rad onc have been great in answering all of my questions and not making me feel rushed when I ask.  It seems I have a new question everytime I get in there.

Daylily - my onc also explained the boost in the same way yours did.

Hi Girls ,

Well rads cancelled today for maitenance....starting to see the outline of radiation ,getting itchy,and reddish..thats all to report ..back in on Monday.

ml C

yea debbie

sanaisa, I for one don't mind you joining our thread at all!   A lot of us are just starting (and some still waiting) so you really won't be that far behind us.  I just had #4 today.

victoriasecret--what number are you on that you just started to notice the side effects?

Well I am down to the final 8 treatments.  The end is coming up so fast that I figured I better get my AI perscription mailed in so I would have it when I finish rads.

 I did talk to my rad techs about the NYT article and they told me that the test the machine every day to ensure that if it says it is emitting X dosage that is what is actually emitted.

I think I am finally ready to get my port out.  I have been treating it as my security blanket.  

unklezwifeonty- my stats:  Jan 14 Yes No Supine 17 4

 kmf- So the zinc may cause a problem?  Maybe I should stop the Tom's and ask the Rad Onc.  Sorry to hear about the under arm sore spot.  I'll keep my eyes open and watch mine. 

Had 12 of 21 today and I'm just now showing some redness.  I'm using Miaderm cream. 

Juli