January 2010 Rads Start

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  • DaylilyFan
    DaylilyFan Member Posts: 80
    edited January 2010

    Sanaisa:  I don't think you're paranoid!  I live in a city with four major hospitals, all teaching hospitals, but one is a major cancer center as well.  That's where I am treated.  I started getting my screening mammos there 15-20 years ago just in case!  How's that for paranoid, even though I was sure I'd never get it!  A good friend was treated at one of the other hospitals (surgery and rads) with excellent results.  I don't know about the 3rd hospital, but my mother was in and out of the 4th one the last 2 years of her life (COPD and atrial fib) and I still get waves of nausea thinking about it.  

    I mentioned the NYT articles to my rad onc yesterday.  He said I was the first patient to bring it up but that it was the talk of the radiologist community.  He didn't sugar coat it; he said some major mistakes have happened and are taught during training and taken very seriously.  This hospital has a full-time physicist who is considered top-notch.   I have a lot of confidence in my team's judgement and diligence, which helps with the nerves.  Also the reduction in risk of recurrence is major, so I feel better about radiation treatment in general.  (My boss's husband got radioactive seeds implanted in his groin for prostate cancer; at least we don't have to worry about that!  LOL) Wink

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  • victoriasecret
    victoriasecret Member Posts: 333
    edited January 2010

    I have 11 more treatments so just past half way...noticed skin is redder this weekend nd itchy...they have given me 2 different creams glaxol/base lotion  &Baza lotion/coloplast makes it ?....

    Question ? I am still wearing my bra ( I have had a dbl mx)has anyone been told not to wear a bra...it took me a long time to wear it and I am very comfortable with it ...did not realize how I missed my boobs ..feel better in it.

    Cheryl

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  • precioustime
    precioustime Member Posts: 233
    edited January 2010

    I originally was going to start my 1st Treatment last week- HOWEVER I received calls all last week that the TOMO machine was down and kept getting postponed. 

    I will officially start RADS tomorrow 2/1/10.  Do the one's starting RADS in February stay on this thread or should we move to the February thread?

    Thanks and Congrats to the one's that have completed their treatment!!!

    Loretta

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  • jeanl151
    jeanl151 Member Posts: 146
    edited January 2010

    Hi girls,  I am from the oct chemo group. I am almost finished with that and will move on to radiation. I have my rad onc meeting tomorrow. I have been reading your thread to learn about rads.  Are there any questions you wished you had asked before you started?  Did you all get tatooed? did it hurt? 

      thanks for your help, Jean

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  • jenn3
    jenn3 Member Posts: 3,316
    edited January 2010

    Cheryl - I had a bi-lat masectomy and was told not to wear the bra w/prothesis because it will rub against the treated area, which may cause more irritation.  I stopped wearing mine day one because I had the port removed on the same day and the bra strap rubbed against the incision.  I didn' realize how much I would miss wearing the boobs - I understand how you feel.

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  • unklezwifeonty
    unklezwifeonty Member Posts: 1,710
    edited February 2010

    You can stay here. I'm also starting in Feb and staying here ;-)



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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited February 2010

    Jean -I ama big baby when it comes to needles and procedures. The tattoos didn't hurt. Picking your finger sewing is much worse. I don't even think I bleed at all.

    I started rads back at the end of September. Had 4 of them and developed a seroma. Rads were then put on hold and it looks like I'll start some time  in February and I have to make those four treatments up.

    I've learned a lot from this group and took notes. I have more questions to ask when I see my radiologist Friday. I'll be staying here too.

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  • unklezwifeonty
    unklezwifeonty Member Posts: 1,710
    edited February 2010

    Jean,

    The tats did not hurt except a small pinch. Just take a deep breath and look somewhere else.

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  • chinablue
    chinablue Member Posts: 545
    edited February 2010

    Look at the ceiling and think of England - Queen Victoria when describing sex

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  • cookiegal
    cookiegal Member Posts: 3,296
    edited February 2010

    uno mas perros!

    (one more dawgs!)

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  • Melinda-Tma3
    Melinda-Tma3 Member Posts: 168
    edited February 2010

    Hey new rad girls...I found that those formed bras (without underwire at Victoria Secret and mine is a Warners are very comfy to wear during the day.  They seem cool and don't rub.  Also tight sports bras without underwire have been great for me with not allowing rubbing under the breast or on the underarm.  I wear snug short/long sleeve t-shirts under my sweaters too, so my under arm doesn't rub. I know we're all different, but for me and IMRT Rads this is working really well.  Don't let the underwire rub to long or it could take a while to heal back up.   Just a tip!  Oh and not sure if the wine is really working ....but I love wine and it makes me happy to have a glass once in a while.  Have a great night! 

    Melinda 

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  • jenn3
    jenn3 Member Posts: 3,316
    edited February 2010

    Today was #5 of 28 (+5 boost).  So far, everything as expected.  The rad tech did tell me that they will be using another piece of equipment (can't remember the name) starting tomorrow that will bring the radiation up closer to the skin.  She said I may start to see the burn when they start using it.  Ugh!  She also said they suggest using Aloe from the plants, which I have - big ones.  She said to scrap out the leaves and store it in the fridge - it feels really good on the skin.  Guess I'll be cutting some Aloe soon.

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  • one-L
    one-L Member Posts: 1,110
    edited February 2010

    cookiegal, good for you, you have reached the light at the end of the tunnel.

    jean151, I have two tats and it wasn't any more than a pin prick.  Good luck on your simulation.

    veggy, too bad that you have to start over.  I hope nothing happens to delay me.

    Today was #9 for me and it all went well.  We are just about to get  the routine down, so it doesn't take  very long to set me up.  Propping my left arm has really helped me stay in position.  Nothing unusual going on.  I haven't started having any SEs yet.

    Good luck to all.

    Juannelle

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  • AsiaYM
    AsiaYM Member Posts: 2,216
    edited February 2010

    Hi, Ladies,

    I am new here.

    Just started Rad today 1st of 25, then 8 boots.

     May God watch over us as we go through the whole journey together.

    Hug, Karen

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  • weety
    weety Member Posts: 1,163
    edited February 2010

    Jenn, I just had #5 today, too!  Your techs might be referring to a bolus.  I have one every treatment. 

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  • unklezwifeonty
    unklezwifeonty Member Posts: 1,710
    edited February 2010

    Karen1959,

    Welcome....

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  • joanneasiata
    joanneasiata Member Posts: 719
    edited February 2010

    HI ONTY AND JUANNELLE

    How are you guys going with the rads, I'm getting lined up on thurs and don't know when ill be starting ,so how long do you wait before start after chemo, and i suspect chemo is much worse ?how is the fatigue with rads,  and do many women go back to work while doing rads ,i just dont know what to expect finishing chemo this thursday yehhhh

    PRINCESS JOJO

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  • unklezwifeonty
    unklezwifeonty Member Posts: 1,710
    edited February 2010

    JoJo

    I'm guessing you will need to wait about 3 weeks before starting rads.



    Love







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  • sophie305
    sophie305 Member Posts: 37
    edited February 2010

    Welcome to all the new members to this discussion!

    Today was #14 of 16...CT scan on Friday in preparation for the boosts which start on Thursday.  The end is in sight.  Met with the rad onc today and told him I really felt like this was an "easy journey" since my SEs have been mild so far...no more pink than I was last week.  Just sensitive around the scar site.  And while I downplay the fatigue thing, I have spent the last 2 Sundays at home all day which I've never done before so I know I'm in need of more rest than normal.  Doctor did say though that I can expect SEs to increase for another week or so...somewhat preparing me that more may be coming and to be sure to call if I felt I needed more than the prescription gel they've given me.  We shall see as I progress through this week.

    Appt with med onc on Friday....I think I'm more concerned about taking tamoxifen than anything else at this stage.  5 years?  Oy and bow-wow.  Good night all.

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  • precioustime
    precioustime Member Posts: 233
    edited February 2010

    Hello Ladies, 

    Well today was my 1st of 33!  I forgot to ask if there will be any boosts and how many?  I could not believe how nervous I was-- more nervous than having surgery and TAC Chemo!!!  I am on the TOMO machine and they used a bollus the whole time-- I guess to get closer to the skin, right?  The worse part was having to lay still for about 25 minutes.  They do a CT scan everytime before they start RADS to make sure I am lined up exactly the same everytime.  The actual treatment is 6 minutes. 

    I tried to drink a glass of wine tonight-- BUT felt sick to my stomach!  I believe it's because I was so worked up over the whole thing- my appointment was at 6pm and didn't get in until 7pm....

    32 more to go!  We WILL get through this togetherSmile

    Have a Great Night Ladies!

    Loretta

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  • one-L
    one-L Member Posts: 1,110
    edited February 2010

    Loretta, you are right we will get through this.  I did #9 today and am still not suffering from any SEs that are noticeable.   Good luck to you.

    sophie, it will be over before you know it.  I can't believe that you only have 8 more to go. 

    jojo, my Rad Onc wanted me to wait about 4 weeks after chemo,  Last chemo on 12/24 and first rad on 1/20.  Good luck with your last chemo this week, you are almost there girl, I know you are ready.  I have not had any problems working through rads.  I may toward the end, will just have to wait and see.

    karen, welcome, we are all working hard to get through all this stuff, you are in good hands here with us.

    Good evening Onty, how are things with you?  Good I hope.

    Hugs being sent to everyone.  Have a good evening.

    Juannelle

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  • Kim09
    Kim09 Member Posts: 100
    edited February 2010

    Cheryl - I haven't been wearing a bra.  I have been wearing my surgical camisole with its stuffed boobs.  I started rads only 4 weeks after surgery so I haven't been fitted yet for my fake boobs, so I can't answer about bras However, the camisole is nice and loose so nothing is rubbing.  I have finished 21 treatments and have not yet had a major problem yet.

     PreciousTime - You are correct as to why they use the bolus.  According to my rad techs they use it on all there mastectomy patients.  They use the bolus on me every other time.

    Jenn3 - Sounds like we are having the same number of treatments 28 but I an not getting any boosts.

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  • Sido
    Sido Member Posts: 234
    edited February 2010

    Arooo! Atomic Dogs!

    Sorry to have been gone so long, but work stuff has been keeping me busy.  We're hiring a new photography prof and I got roped into the hiring committee.  Thanks to the economy we got over 150 application packets.

    I had my stress test on Thursday, but I haven't heard anything yet.  That's good, right?  Funny, they injected me two different times with a radioactive isotope and kept re-assuring me that I wasn't getting any radiation!  Right after I went downstairs and had my rad tx and saw the onco who prescribed some Naproxen for the inflamation and a compression bra for the swelling.  So, just in time for valentine's day....a giant medical granny bra and a lymphedema sleeve and glove combination in a color tan that defies human pigmentation!  How sexy am I?!!  

    Today was #20 out of 34 and I'm a lovely shade of red.  The only part that really smarts is the burn under my arm, but sleeved t-shirts help.  I wish I could go without a bra, but my DD's just won't let me do it.

    Welcome to all the new pups! (Hi Princess JOJO!)

    Sido

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  • cookiegal
    cookiegal Member Posts: 3,296
    edited February 2010
    karen that's a cute little puppy you got there!
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  • unklezwifeonty
    unklezwifeonty Member Posts: 1,710
    edited February 2010

    Nice pup Sido. 

    I go today for simulation.....

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  • kmf
    kmf Member Posts: 79
    edited February 2010

    Yesterday the tech saw my peeling areas ( several now) and got the dr. before he would zap me.  I've had the bolus every day ( yesterday was #24- I have 9 more to go) and she said to use the bolus for that treatment, but no more!  Yeah!! --as it really does apparently enhance the skin burn affect.  I'm not clear on how my boosts will be delivered -- started to discuss it w/the tech, but then the dr. came in.  She assured me my breast was not going to fall off -Laughing- I said no, but w/the nipple area peeling already, I figured w/the boosts to my incision which is just above the nipple, that the nipple will fry and fall off!  The only area that is really uncomfortable is the burned spot under the arm.  The burned and peeled areas around the nipple are a little crepe feeling, but not bad.  She said to start using my Silvedine over the entire breast, but then to also use the petroleum infused gauze over the entire breast too as the Silvedine can be drying.  I can only do this at night -- too messy during the day.

    I really haven't noticed fatigue -- I attribute any tiredness to not sleeping well because of the discomfort of it all.  Not really pain, just discomfort.  I started exercising again about the time of my diagnosis and I have built up my stamina throughout the process.  I really attribute the exercising for my lack of fatigue, so far.

    My dr. did not recommend Aloe because it is drying. I get the idea they want to keep the skin moisturized.  I'd combine the Aloe w/the Aquaphor maybe.  Good luck all.  Karenanne

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  • sophie305
    sophie305 Member Posts: 37
    edited February 2010

    Gracious good morning,

    Busy here at work but thought I'd drop a line to say the doctor was right....SEs are kicking in and feeling a bit sting-y...particularly red between my boobs and it looks like a burn.  I even brought my RadiaPlex to work today so I could use mid-day which I've never had to do.  I also put some Mepilex pad on the skin to keep it dry...I keep remembering how my mom got infection from too much moisture where the rads SEs were...it was awful.  Looks like next couple of weeks are going to be interesting. 

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  • mom2acat
    mom2acat Member Posts: 556
    edited February 2010

    I still have 7 more to go on my spine.

    Having some severe heartburn and acid reflux attacks too; made an appointment to see my internist on Thursday; he is the one who I see with my stomach problems. I have had reflux problems long before I ever had cancer.

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  • jenn3
    jenn3 Member Posts: 3,316
    edited February 2010

    Weety - I have the bolus each time.  It's something like the wedge thing they slide onto the piece equipment, it's like an extension piece to bring it even closer.  I'll have to ask again today to get the name of it - my memory is terrible these days.

    Sophie - ouch - hope the stuff your brought with you to work helps.

    kmf - ouch - your burn sounds uncomfortable too!  My rad likes Aloe, but said if it's store bought to make sure it doesn't have alcohol - I think that's what causes it to dry out.  Funny how different rads like different products.......... 

    jojo - I just started back at work the first of the year and have just started rads.  So far all is well.  However, my office has been and is being very flexible and if I start to feel tired in the next few weeks they'll work with me.

    Hope everyone has a good day - need to get back to work.

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  • DebbieSawyer
    DebbieSawyer Member Posts: 133
    edited February 2010

    Good morning to the Awesome Atomic Dogs! 

    Onty--how did your second sim go? What did they do differently than at the first one?

    Cookiegal--A huge HIGH FIVE for your last rad today! How are your SE's? What will you do with all the free time now???!

    Sido--Glad to hear after #20, you're not having much pain, except the underarm.

    Mom2acat--Hang in there, "only" seven more. Let us know what the internist says about the acid reflux. I'm sure they'll tell you rads have nothing to do with making it worse....!

    Sophie--Although it doesn't seem like it now, those 16+3 will go fast, and hopefully you'll have minimal SE's: keep applying the Radiaplex.

    kmf--How's the silvadene cream working for you? Ouchie, your peeling and burned area sound painful. I stopped using aloe vera because it was too drying. For me, calendula lotion worked great: soothing, cooling, moisturizing, and stopped the burn. 

    To all who should be done or are near the end, gogo, catwrangler, veggy, etc: good job hanging in there! Rads are a pain in the a$$, but once it's over, we can finally move on. What did the techs do for you on the last day of your rads? Mine rang bells, gave me a personalized certificate of "graduation", lots of hugs and best wishes. Although they do that for everyone, that make me feel good, and like an individual to them instead of just another patient.

    So what's the next step for you who are nearing end of rads---hormone therapy?  Or....?

    For those just starting or starting in Feb: you CAN do this. It's scary at first, but once you've got a couple tx's under your belt, (or over your belt, so to speak!) you'll be less stressed, and focus on keeping the SE's at bay.

    As for me, my skin is still light red, not better, not worse. Slight nipple pain. No peeling. Still applying lotion couple times a day, and no bra wearing yet. As for the fatigue, although I keep busy and am on my feet most of the day, I find if I stop and sit, then I do get very tired. I hope that stops soon, because I don't like it!!

    Keeping all of you in my thoughts as you go through the rest of your treatment!

    HUGS,

    Deb

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