MARCH 2010 Rads Group

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  • xiaomei
    xiaomei Member Posts: 43
    edited March 2010

    My simulation is March 23 and radiation starts on March 24. I just posted a tread about breath holding because my doctor said it's too close to my heart (left breast). I am not scared but I just don't want the radiation touch my heart and cause problems in the future. The doctors told me that everyone is built differently, apparently my heart's position is closer than others. :(

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  • TreadSoftly
    TreadSoftly Member Posts: 192
    edited March 2010

    Sherri - It sounds to me like you had your simulation this week, i.e the CT scan and the tatoos etc.... now the physicist and the Rad-Onc plan your treatment over the next 10-ish days and when you go back in, you start the actual treatment...

    Re soy - I thought the jury was still out on that..... just copying and pasting a piece from an article I read written about risk factors for breast cancer.... 

    `.......In summary, the data linking soy intake and breast cancer are inconsistent, and there is no strong evidence to promote soy-rich diets in Western women to prevent breast cancer. However, given the fact that no study has shown harm, it is probably safe for patients to consume soy in amounts common to Asian diets......

    So, I think its ok to eat it in moderation, just not huge amounts...

    Today will be treatment 9 out of 33 (25 whole, 8 boosts), so far so good!! No problems to report yet at all!!  Hair under arms growing like crazy! (finished chemo dec 30th) Was told at the beginning of rads not to shave under my R arm or use deoderant - but Im so hairy now that I cant stand it!! Told the girls at the Rads centre that I will have to shave tonight (I.e. Friday) because Im going out and want to wear a sleeveless top and I dont have Rads again til Monday!! I think they think Im awkward and stubborn but I dont care! 

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  • schipmom
    schipmom Member Posts: 119
    edited March 2010

    Thanks for the welcome, Sherri.  I actually thought the tattoo/CT scan thing WAS the simulation, so I was kind of suprised when they told me I'd have to come back one more time before the treatments begin.  I guess the simulation is kind of a "dry-run" as they explained it.  They have to make sure I'm positioned exactly the way I should be on the table and that position has to match up exactly with the position I was in yesterday when they took all those films, etc.  At least I think that's how they explained it!  This is a learning experience to say the least :-)

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  • etk02038
    etk02038 Member Posts: 150
    edited March 2010

    Hi Ladies,

    I am joining the group as I start rads on the 23rd. I had my CT and tattoos Wed. All went well. I have what I think is the simulation on the 22nd. 

    Nipi..I don't think you are being negative just realistic. Some times I am fine and then other times it hits me like a panic attack..OMG I have cancer. I had a bad day last week and broke down and cried  and my husband didn't get it. He thinks I should be fine now that the surgeries are done and the cancer is "not too bad" . He tries but can't understand. I can handle all the surgeries and treatment fine it's the anxiety about the future that gets me. Each day is work to think positive thoughts and to try and relax. 

    RE: Soy...It is in everything.  I thought I was being healthy the past few years and eating a lot of soy meat replacements. Then I get cancer. So I stay away from it as much as possible, although you can't avoid it completely.

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  • Sugar77
    Sugar77 Member Posts: 2,138
    edited March 2010

    Hi, I just called the hospital and, yes, I did in fact have the simulation on Wed. So, now all I need to do is show up on the 22nd for my first treatment.

    About soy, I don't really like it and was always thinking I should eat more of it.  Other than a few drops of soy sauce here and there, that's about all I get. My cancer was hormone negative so I'm not sure how soy plays into things when a tumor is not fueled by estrogen.

    We're off to Sarnia (Ontario city on Michigan border) tomorrow to celebrate my mom's birthday. I haven't seen her since before chemo so I'm really looking forward to the trip.  Have a great day ladies.

    Sherri 

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  • BrendaSharon
    BrendaSharon Member Posts: 506
    edited March 2010

    Hi Sugar Sherri

    My sim was March 1st and I started rads on March 2nd. So far so good. A little blurning sensation after only 3 so I'm a little concerned. Before I said I was a chicken, no I feel like fried chicken. Yesterday was my 7th rad tx and I forgot to ask about creams, etc. to help, but I won't forget today. Some how these rads have me tired at the end of a day. I'm in bed between 7-8pm.

    I do go into work at 7am, but that's no excuse. I don't work physicaly hard. I work 7am-till-2pm go to my rad session takes an hour and a half to get there, my appt is 3:45pm. It only takes 15 min from start to finish for the actual rad session and then I go back home for another hour and a half drive. I'm always home by 6pm and into bed by 8pm. What a life. THIS CRAP has been getting me quite down (to say the least)

    So many familiar faces here. Hi everyone. I'm not always depressed, I'm just getting tired of this so called journey. Within the past year I have lost my mother-in-law due to a stroke and my home in Tallahassee has flooded twice, then I was diagnosed with this crap. I'm ready for a smoothe ride for just a wee bit.

    BUT, as I look at my roadmap to recovery (markings all over my boobs) I raalize I am beating this crap, I am a strong WARRIOR and I will continue to fight. I will NOT let it beat me. I will be positively negative from now on. SOMEDAY,SOMEWAY,A-C-CURE~~~~

    Speaking of maps they where suppose to tat me and I'm still waiting. If they take much longer I'll be done with rads. Also, I'm afraid I may hurt more with the redness already starting on my boob.Today is #9 of 30 and I'm already burning. They techs said I should have reminded them to do it. So much thughout this, the techs and Drs. somehow always tell me I'm suppose to remind them, Well SHIT,  I have CRS. I have had bad CRS since chemo #2.

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  • txstardust
    txstardust Member Posts: 599
    edited March 2010

    I can't believe they expect YOu to remind THEM.  Isn't that their job?  That would frustrate me.

    I have simulation today.  I went for the CT scan last week, and all the markings they made have washed off.  Am I going to have to get all marked up again?

    Hope everyone has a great day~

    Peace,

    Shelby 

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  • Sugar77
    Sugar77 Member Posts: 2,138
    edited March 2010

    Good luck today Shelby!

    BrendaSharon - nice to meet you...I don't think our paths have crossed on any other threads yet. The onus should not be on you to remind them. It didn't hurt when they did the permanent dots so you might still be okay even with sore skin.

    Well I'm off for a little retail therapy. Cool

    Sherri 

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  • June2268
    June2268 Member Posts: 1,202
    edited March 2010

    Sherri have fun with retail therapy....I won't even think about retail as I have put on so much weight since diagnosis.......

    Shelby let us know how today goes for you and you will be 4 treatments ahead of me.....I am hoping it flies by for us.....no permanent tats, just marker?

    BrendaSharon welcome!!! I feel so bad that you have to travel that far each way!  Are you at all dizzy or nauseous after-wards and is someone going with you.......I am getting more nervous after reading all these post and I feel I am pretty strong but lately I cry everytime I go in for something like the tattoos and CAT scan......my radiologist tech told me to get the cheapest aloe vera gel with no alcohol and it is just as good as any expensive cream......

    Good luck everyone and hope you all have a wonderful Friday evening! 

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  • c2will
    c2will Member Posts: 91
    edited March 2010

    June - the time will fly, I can't believe that I've completed 10 of 21 - almost half-way there!  I'm looking forward to the weekend - all I want to do is read and relax.  That hardly ever happens, but, I can dream. 

    I have a little more skin sensitivity today, but nothing major so far.  Keeping fingers crossed.

    Hope everyone has a great weekend!

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  • MarieK
    MarieK Member Posts: 911
    edited March 2010

    Hi All!

    I'm having #10 of 28 today. 

    So far only an itching sensation around my collar bone which the onc tells me is normal.  He prescribed cortisone cream and told me to take it if I need it. 

    I haven't used it yet but I do carry around a tube of Lubriderm and when I'm feeling itchy I just rub some of it on the itchy spot.  That seems to do the trick.

    I'm also using Lubriderm everyday twice a day (right after my shower and then before I go to bed at night) and I have been using it since the first day of rads.  They all tell me my skin looks good so it must be working.

    As for the markings don't worry about them coming off.  The techs mark me up every time I go and they told me it's ok if they come off with the cream or in the shower but don't SCRUB them off - the rubbing will irritate your skin.

    I'm washing with Dove bodywash, using my hands (not a bath scrub) and then patting dry with a fluffy towel.  Then I cream myself up with the Lubriderm.

    So far so good and I haven't really been bothered by side effects!

    Although, I did feel a bit of chest pain the other day (for just a couple of hours) and the onc gave me a RX for Zantac for it - tells me it's heartburn and that's a side effect of radiation.   I haven't taken any yet because the heartburn went away but he didn't want me to be uncomfortable over the weekend so he said I should get it filled - just in case.

    Speaking of the weekend - how sweet are these weekends without radiation?  I just LOVE having the break in treatment and I can't wait until this is over!

    Happy Zapping today and HAPPY WEEKEND to everyone!

    Marie

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  • Sugar77
    Sugar77 Member Posts: 2,138
    edited March 2010

    Hi, did anybody get a list of what you can and cannot take during radiation in terms of vitamins?  I know I'm not to take a Vitamin A, C and E but I'm not sure about Biotin (it's a water soluble B vitamin I'm taking for hair growth after chemo).  I'm also not sure if I can drink green tea. For sure I know that I can take a multi vitamin. Please let me know if you got a list or anything from your rad onc.

    Thanks, Sherri 

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  • Mommaof2
    Mommaof2 Member Posts: 112
    edited March 2010

    Well, My big day is coming up on Monday.  I'll go in for my CT at 9:30 and then from what I understand, the simulation will be scheduled after that and then I'll start my rads the last week of March.   I'm already getting SO anxious about rads.  I worry so much about the potential damage to my lungs or heart. I am also so worried about how my appts will be scheduled, I'm a stay at home mom and my little boy only goes to preschool in the morning...I'm just hoping that my rads office will be able to get me in during the time he's at school.

    Ellen - I know what you mean about your husband not getting it - sometimes I think the same thing about my husband.  I try to tell him about my worries, but he acts like it's not a big deal and everything will be fine.  I wonder how long it takes for the constant worry about having a recurrence goes away or if it ever does.

    BrendaSharon - I can't believe you have to drive 1 1/2 hours to your appt!  I have a 30 minute drive and I thought that was bad!  I hope you start feeling better soon and the techs remember your tattoos at your next appt!

    Sherri - I hope you had a good time shopping today!  I'm going out shopping tomorrow for a little "momma" time. Can't wait!

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  • txstardust
    txstardust Member Posts: 599
    edited March 2010

    June, it was relatively easy today, only took about 15 minutes.  The tech took a couple of xrays for positioning puposes, and did a "dry run" of the rads.  It was cold in there!  She was very nice and kept me covered up as much as she could, which I thought was nice.  She drew new lines on me (I do have four small tattoos as well).  One line is right in the middle of my chest!  I'll be wearing high-necked shirts for a little while I guess.  

    Guess what gals, I'm going skydiving next week!  I'm excited and nervous at the same time.  It's a b'day gift from my DH.  If you hear screaming at about 1:45 next Saturday, it's likely me screaming on the way down.

    Peace,

    Shelby 

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  • 3monstmama
    3monstmama Member Posts: 1,447
    edited March 2010

    Sugar77, no one has told me anything about not taking any vitamins or anything else---it was all about lotions, deodorant and the like.  If you don't mind my asking, why were you told to avoid A, C & E?

     Was anyone else told not to take vitamins or eat anything in particular?

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  • June2268
    June2268 Member Posts: 1,202
    edited March 2010

    I feel like there is so much lack of communication and everything is sprung on us last minute........I was told after simulation which was on last Wednesday I would start rads immediately and now I am scheduled for a dry run on Wed and rads on Thursday.....which would have been fine if they told me this up front.....GEEZ so much worry and so much waiting....do they do this purposely???  If it wasn't for you women and this forum I would have no idea what to expect so thank you ladies ( Sherri for starting this forum ) for all the chats......I love checking in everyday and to see how everyone is doing..........

    Hey ladies I googled rads and odor the other day and I was horrified to see this site pop up and all our information was out there for the world to read along with our pic's.....WTF!!!!!!!  Is anyone else aware of this?

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  • c2will
    c2will Member Posts: 91
    edited March 2010
    3monstmama - Vitamins A, C, and E are antioxidants.  The nurse explained that the radiation needs oxygen to be effective, and that I should avoid taking those vitamin supplements.
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  • SW7
    SW7 Member Posts: 12
    edited March 2010

    Thoughts on the nutrition issue - wine is an antioxidant and frowned upon to have more than a glass a day.  But what are weekends for ?? My primary physician suggested multi vitamins since RT drains you..  My original oncologist said  as far as healthy nutrition goes don't eat processed foods - my friend said cooking is  processing  food in your own kitchen - needless to say I'm getting a different oncologist  This all reminds me of good coffee bad coffee - who really knows for sure?? Studies have to be done for generations and we are all so individual - what works for some doesn't work for others.

    The thing going for miso soup is that it seems to "prevent"  breast cancer among the Asian population and the secret is the fermented soy paste  and wakame seaweed added into it and maybe in combination with a vegetable and fish diet.The salt content is a trade off. Theoretically based on all the foods that are good anti cancer fighters, vegetarians should never get cancer. But then there is the genetic factor.

    I drove  4 hours total today ( 2 round trips)  because there was an equipment failure and we were all sent home and then by the time I got home they called to ask if I wanted to come back so I didn't  have to tack on today in April.  Where I get my treatments all of us know our last day of RADS down to the hour and we give a cheer to the ladies who are finished and won't be coming back to grace the waiting room again. At least not for breast cancer. Have a good weekend everyone!

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  • irish47
    irish47 Member Posts: 109
    edited March 2010

    Hi all,

    Am joining the group also, my CT planning is next Friday, simulation the following Monday and the first radiotherapy session Wednesday 24th. I will be having 25 sessions, not sure about boosts. Good to read the experiences of others going through the same thing.

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  • 3monstmama
    3monstmama Member Posts: 1,447
    edited March 2010

    June2268

    Some on-line communities are totally private, some are partially private, some are open.  This is an open forum--you don't have to log in to read, only to post so yes, anyone can google phrases and find your information and your posts.  One should always be cautious as to what one posts anywhere on the internet.

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  • cabmom
    cabmom Member Posts: 388
    edited March 2010

    Hey ladies.....I've had three radiations so far and I'm already finding my breast to tender......does anyone else find this to be the case?

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  • joanneasiata
    joanneasiata Member Posts: 719
    edited March 2010

    HI ALL

    Just popping in to say hi ,and ive got 8 more sleeps to go untill all the zapping will start ,  I to get very emotional from time to time all of a sudden after Ive been getting along on the road of life i remember all of this shit that has been going on for me and i could just break down crying doesn't matter where i am at it happens a lot in the supermarket, i dont know why i guess its a confined place and i find people look twice at me, i Carnot blame them i  usually go around top less and i know i would look twice at a Bald women myself and as for family well at the moment my husband is in the dog house he makes such dumb decisions sometimes and we all have to suffer sorry to bitch but I'm really mad at him ,but i have found that everyone seems to think that after the chemo has finished that all should go back to normal what dumb asses they are , gee what about rads and the effects on us, and emotionally sometimes i think im doing great then hello i hit the big sad sorry cancer wall  haa thanks for letting me rant a little

    MARIE

    thanks for the laugh the  unexpected farts are always such a shock, then the trying not to laugh afterward it has happened to me heaps of times lol

    WELL HAPPY ZAPPY LADIES TAKE CARE

    JOJO

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  • MaryNY
    MaryNY Member Posts: 1,584
    edited March 2010

    Hi Irish47: it's nice to see an Irish face on here. You are the first I noticed since I became a regular on here in October. I'm originally from Co. Mayo but now live in the NY area. Do you have to travel far for radiotherapy? I feel so lucky that for me it's just a 15 minute drive each morning.

    JoJo: I was like that with the crying but once the chemo was over such a sense of relief. I think once you start radiation and have established a routine you will feel so much better. I haven't been brave enough to go topless. It's either the wig or a hat for me. I've only worn a scarf once and without hair, it looks so flat that it shouts chemo head.

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  • June2268
    June2268 Member Posts: 1,202
    edited March 2010

    JOJO so sorry to hear you are having a bad time with all of this and people really do suck! So I think all us women here know how you feel.....you should cry and not feel bad at all for it you just went through chemo and now rads and rads is for such a long time it sucks......

    I too was up till 4:30 crying and freaking out about my upcoming week which I will start the rads on Wed (dry run) and actual treatment Thursday......I cannot stand this emotional roller coaster I am on these days and NO-ONE gets it.......I am tired all the time and most of the time is because I don't know what to expect from upcoming appointments and the ongoing side effect going further as mine is the left breast and I worry about heart and lung complications........so I am up all night with the worried brain and I hate that my mind is doing this to me........

    Shelby I know you start on Monday please let us know how it goes and if you are worried and freaking out as well......

    Welcome Cabmom I hope you ar feeling better!

    Welcome Irish47 and Schipmom!

    MarieK I hope you enjoyed your weekend as you really deserver it.....I never heard of the heartburn before......YUCK!

    C2will you seem so strong I hope I can be as strong as you are!

    All you other women who have stay strong and keep posting and maybe I will take my own advice to "stay strong" lol.......

    I know I am missing some of you ladies and I apologize.......I love that we have each other for this hell that we have to go through!  I am off as I have a 1 year old b-day party to attend and visit my mom in a nursing home as my dad called and he has the flu and he does not want her to spend 1 day alone......she has only been there for less than 2 months......

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  • Irishmom
    Irishmom Member Posts: 52
    edited March 2010

    Hi girls - so happy that I have found this topic.  I had my sims done on 3/8 and started radiation 3/9, I am scheduled to have 35 treatments and then 7 boosts.  Not quite sure how "they" come up with the figures.  I too feel that this has been the worse part of my diagnosis, but I feel so out of control.  I have laid on the table and cried too - which is so not me. I'm finding that I am very emotional now.  I am also withdrawing from a 5 year affair with Paxil which is really kicking my butt.  But I will get through this and be bigger than this.  I have no effecs yet that I know of - I ended up with a really bad gastro bug Friday morning and was not able to keep my appt Friday afternoon - when my husband called they said that it was fine if I missed that I would make it up in the end - I couldn't get out of bed and normally I would feel better in a day but this is taking a bit longer.  Its now Sunday early afternoon and I still have no appetite at all.  Haven't had coffee since Thursday - so you know I'm sick.  I hope everyone has a great week - good luck with all your treatments - I will be sure to check back in often, I feel very comfortable here.  All the best.

    Kathy

    P.S. - MaryNY- My Mother is from County Mayo - Corroy, Ballina - have visited many times and loved it.  We plan on a family reunion in August 2010.  Where in Mayo are you from.

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  • MaryNY
    MaryNY Member Posts: 1,584
    edited March 2010

    Kathy: sorry to hear about the bug. You say you are scheduled to have 35 treatments and then 7 boosts. That seems like a lot! Are you sure it's not 35 treatments, including boosts? i.e., 28 treatments to the whole breast and seven boosts.

    June: I was concerned about damage to heart and lungs too. I'm having treatment in the prone position (face down) which I think is quite common when the left breast is being treated. This makes it unlikely that the heart or lungs will be in the radiation field. My breast hangs through a hole in the table and is radiated from both sides. 

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  • MarieK
    MarieK Member Posts: 911
    edited March 2010

    June - I understand your worry.  I too am receiving radiation on my left side and initially freaked out when the doctor said my chest pain was heart burn - I thought at first it was literally HEART BURN!

    Even though it is my left side I am receiving radiation laying on my back (I had a total mast so there is no breast to get in the way).

    I have been assured that the radiation is planned in such a careful way that it affects the most minimal amount of heart and lung.

    My rad onc told me that the rist of heart attack 15-20 years after rads is 1%.  But I can minimize this risk by lowering my blood pressure, maintaining a healthy weight, lower my cholestrol and close monitoring by my doctor. 

    There is a 5 % risk of lung inflammation which  might occur up to 5 months after radiation.  So if I start to develop a bad cough I am to call my rad onc ASAP and he will prescribe the right anit-inflamatory drug for radiation neumonitis.  If treated properly it will settle down - I'm not to go to the clinic for simple anti-biotics.

    So make a note to yourself about this and speak to your rad onc as well.

    It was a hard decision for me to do radiation but the pros outweighed the cons in my case so I'm doing it.

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  • irish47
    irish47 Member Posts: 109
    edited March 2010

    Hi from Ireland and thanks for the welcome..

    Mary, I am from Dublin originally and living in Co. Meath for the past 20 years.  Ballina is a great spot!  I am having my radiotherapy in the Mater Hospital which is about a 30 minute drive, not so bad. The country is going mad here preparing for St Patrick's day, guess we are trying to party ourselves out of the recession!

    Will be 8 weeks out of surgery next Tuesday and looking forward to starting the radiotherapy in a weird way,  I suppose I  mean I just want to get it over with..

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  • Frankie_
    Frankie_ Member Posts: 422
    edited March 2010

    Hi ladies,

    Just finish chemo on March 9/10. I have an appointment with the RAD Oncologist on March 30/10 *Care of Plan. I was hoping before that, but I did have my first consultation a couple of months ago. At that time, I was told that I would be having 35 rads (3 places) chest, under arm and above collar bone. I am eager to get this all over with.

    Frankie

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  • Sugar77
    Sugar77 Member Posts: 2,138
    edited March 2010

    Hi Frankie - congrats on finishing chemo. Excuse me if I'm being repetitive as I think I also congratulated you on the Dec. chemo thread a few days ago (chemo brain here!). Anyway, welcome to the rads thread. 

    Sherri 

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