MARCH 2010 Rads Group

June2268, looks like you and I are going for simulation on the same day.  Unfortunately, I won't be able to start until Wednesday because of my final medical onc visit.  I'm also scheduled for 30 total with 5 boosts on the last five. 

Haven't been told about wearing a specific deodorant during rad's but I was told about emu oil.  Have any of you heard of this?  Are any of you using it?  I'm fair complected so not sure if that will be a factor in how my skin will react.....just hoping for the best.  Also, what is the deal with the deodorant.....just curious! 

Sugar,

Yes, I will be getting boosts, most likely 8.  The oncologist is reviewing my case again to determine how many.  I think he may want to be more aggressive since I am grade 3.  I am 55, so I don't know how much age factors into the decision.

Hi Girls,

Sherri, like June2268 I am also shocked that you are only 45 - you look much younger in your pic!

Had first of 33 sessions today, it went well.  I was in and out of the hospital in the space of 15 mins - 10 mins of this was explaining what they would do and setting me up in the correct position. 

I was also told NO deodorant or shaving under the arms for the duration of treatment.  I finished chemo 30th Dec and unfortunately the hair under my arms is growing like crazy again so this may be an issue!  Found a 'Jason' natural organic aloe vera deodorant that does not contain any alluminium so may use this.......  Started dolloping on the E45 cream tonight too! 

Mare, Glad to hear it going well so far.....your collar bone is red, they radiate that much of the breast area?  I was hoping that it would not be noticeable with clothing on, so I am a little surprised to hear that the collar bone is affected!  My breast surgeon out here tells me that they cannot reconstruct the radiated breast and I am hearing from people all over the world how they can.....I am saddened by this as I thought about my choice and now I am considerably smaller and sooooo  noticeable and I assumed it time we could work on it, not work on the other side to make it smaller.......

Thanks for the updates and please keep them coming!  I go in Friday for simulation!

Treatment #3 today.  I had an Xray yesterday, but no other days.  No major SEs so far, just a little itching.  I will also have bloodwork tomorrow.  They explained that I would have bloodwork in the first and last week of treatment.

Hi mommaof2....OMG I feel so much better hearing you say that as I felt like that too and even said to my husband "did I understand them right?" and he said YES as my husband was with me on all my appointments and only after the 1st lumpectomy did I find out that you could not work on a radiated breast....I was also made to believe through the many conversations about reconstructive surgery that they were talking about my cancer breast not the FINE breast.....I wish they were more clear, so I am sure you heard them right and they misled you as that is EXACTLY how I feel MISLED.......That is also the 1st I have heard about a mastectomy after radiation and not being able to do reconstructive surgery.....ARGH!!!!!  I am pretty bitter about it, because I too have even blogged about this as I probably would have done something more like a mastectomy because looking at me now is not so pretty as they took out 18 cm's of tissue........and now I am stuck like this for some time......

June - My radiation ONC also told me that if I ever did have to have a mastectomy that they would have to use fat from my back or stomach (ick) - did your surgeon mention that option to you?  I had a much, much smaller amount taken during my lumpectomy, so it's not noticeable except to me (and my husband) I guess I'm just dwelling on the "what if" aspect too much and I just need to try not to worry about a recurrence. BUT, if I knew then what I know now my decision would have been a lot different. 

Good luck with your simulation Friday - I hope all goes well.

Sherri - You are so right about keeping a positive attitude about recurrence - I have been in such a funk this week that it is hard to keep a positive attitude.  I definetly need to work on that!

Liz

Hello Ladies!

I'm Nicole and I just graduated from the DCIS forum. I will meet with the rad onc on Thursday, and hope to start rads at the end of march..

I'm sooo over this butcher,and robber called cancer, and ready to move on. Looking forward to sharing stories and connecting with some new "Breast Friends"

I started my rads this Monday and so far so good. I drive myself to the appointments. I get to keep my tissue expanders since the radiation oncologist wants to protect my heart and removing them would delay the treatment.

I bought this pure Aloe gel from GNC which I put on my skin after my sessions. I hope everyone will do well with their treatments.

#3 done and 25 more to go!

I see my plastic surgeon on Friday and both my radiation oncologist and surgeon tell me that I can have implants after radiation.

The plastic surgeon I'm seeing does NOT do micro surgery (flap surgery) and he knows that I am having radiation.

I will let you know what he says about implants after radiation. 

I have also read that there is better success with implants after radiation if you wait for the skin and tissue to heal (my radiation oncologist said no surgery until 6 weeks after radiation - I'll be finished April 9th) but I was going to wait until at least the fall!

The cream/lotion recommendations seem to vary from one onc to the next. Mine said Aloe Vera Gel and cornstarch in the fold under the breast. I think the idea is to keep that area as dry as possible to reduce the risk of burning or blistering. I'm glad to be having radiation in the colder months, as during the summer the area in the "underhang" gets so sweaty. Onc also said no underwire bras and preferably not to wear any bra as the band at the bottom tends to trap sweat. I've been wearing camisoles.

Had Tx #7 today of 33.

I was told to use emu oil....has anyone else been told this?  I do simulation tomorrow and start rads next week....

Hi Everyone, I recognize some of you from other threads. I started my rads today. I had the simulation yesterday. Took about three hours. Also had a CT scan. They did do x rays today and will do them tomorrow also. Something to do with making sure of alligment. Then once a week after that. I am using x Clair lotion. New stuff. Don't know how it will work yet?  I will see the doctor once a week until I am done. I was nervous about doing the rads but I forged ahead. I just don't want this to come back ever again, so I decided to go ahead with it. They are not radiating any lymph nodes at all. None under my arm or in the collar bone area or chest area. This is because I did not have any lymph node involvement. After my first treatment today I felt a little head ache and stomach ache, but it may be my nerves and anxiety. I am not nervous about having the rads I guess I am more worried about the long term side effects. I am sure that it will pass. I will probably quit worring about it further down the road after this is all over. I am so sorry that any of us have to go through this awful experience. It certainly is life changing. I hope the best for all of you and I look forward to reading your posts and I will chime in from time to time.

I will be 67 this year and I hope to live to be at least 90! I have to see all my grandkids grow up and have children. You know, I want to be a great grandma. I wish a long life and a good outcome for all of you. We will make it through this I just know it!!!! A little quote for you all. "The Secret of Happiness is love" J. Donald Walters.