April 2010 Rads Group

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  • wyldblumusic
    wyldblumusic Member Posts: 59
    edited April 2010

    I finished my first week and saw the rad onc today.  So far, I'm not experiencing many SE's.  I've been using a prescription cream 2x a day and aloe 1x a day.  My skin is okay (*crosses fingers*).  I am a bit swollen and uncomfortable, so I've been experimenting with different tanks and sports bras.    Any other recommendations for that issue?

    P.S. My current choice on the wine train is a viognier.

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  • MNLinda
    MNLinda Member Posts: 204
    edited April 2010

    Although I'm a wine fan, I don't think it's at all effective as a sleep aid.  Quite the opposite, actually.  I usually have my glass at least four hours before going to bed, or I don't sleep well - I doze without going into a really deep sleep.

    #3 today for me.  No skin issues, but my right wrist is getting visibly swollen.  I wish I could be sure I actually need this treatment.  The compression sleeve I ordered last week hasn't arrived yet, so I'm trying to bandage, but I'm not very good at it, being left-handed.

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  • Tarry1
    Tarry1 Member Posts: 85
    edited April 2010

    Hi all,  today will be my 14th radiation treatment and it is also the day that  I am scheduled for a review with the rad onc.  I have had two reviews already and I have yet to see the rad onc (I always see a nurse and not the same one twice)  I am concerned  because my breast is really sore and even Tylenol 3 is not  helping/   I am going to insist on seeing the doctor today because next week I start my boosts and I have  questions.  So far other  people have seen their  rad onc  so it really concerns me that I haven't 

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  • CinCan
    CinCan Member Posts: 86
    edited April 2010
    wyldblumusic - I too finished my first week and am a bit swollen.  I bought men's Hanes A T-Shirts also known as "wife beaters".  They are 100% cotton, soft, formfitting (so they sorta hold your breast down) and they fit low at your underarms (so there is no rubbing where my AND incision is) unlike ladies tank tops.  I wear these majority of the days... if I need to wear a bra (when I am on my treadmill) I wear the bra over the t-shirt and it keeps from rubbing where my skin is sensitive.The worst of my SE's is the tiredness.  I have no energy.  Just as I was starting to feel stronger after chemo and more like my old self, I started radiation and...BOOM.... it zapped all my energy.  It may also be due to the Herceptin Txs as my joint pain has also gotten worse.suepen - I know you are also on Herceptin.... are you feeling any of these symptoms?  
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  • Hopbird
    Hopbird Member Posts: 387
    edited April 2010

    Cincan, I'm on Herceptin too, just finished #6, but don't have any joint pain.  I will say that almost immediately my energy level seems to be worse, but not enough so that I don't sometimes wonder if I'm not just paying attention better.  I don't know if I feel swollen or just a little full.  I thought that happened after the first visit.  My doctor didn't seem to think the radiation caused it, but I don't know...

    I really can't go without some support, so I wear shelf bra camis or a yoga bra that I bought after my surgery.  I find that if I switch what I wear it doesn't give one area a chance to get sore...so far.

    And as far as wondering if this is necessary...I get that.  I had "complete response to chemo" based on pets and path reports, but I'm still doing radiation.  But in my case I had the all clear one time before.  A year later they found it invading a node.  Thank goodness scans for mets all came back negative and I got to get completely rid of it again.  While I understood and agreed with my doctors advise that surgery was enough the first time, I do not want to wonder again what would have happened if we had done a bit more treatment.  It does bother me to think about all of the radiation and all, but I have to trust that the doctors I chose because of their expertise are doing the best to improve my survival chances.  But don't think I don't ask a lot of questions along the way!Wink

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  • suzieq60
    suzieq60 Member Posts: 6,059
    edited April 2010

    CinCan: I've had 16 zaps now. I'm not tired yet and the skin is still looking pretty good. I don't think the herceptin is causing the joint pain. More likely left over effects of the taxtoere according to the onc. It's only 7 weeks since I finished. I do have really sore knees when I move around but I'm not sure I can even blame that on the taxotere as I have osteoarthritis and hardly any cartilage, but it is a lot worse than before. I do have pain when I'm sitting or lying down - mostly in the legs - that I blame on the taxtore. The onc is worried how the Arimidex will effect me as it does cause joint pain.

    Tarry1: I see the rad onc every week. Not that she does much. We just have a chat and I can ask questions. She doesn't even get me to undress to look at my skin. I show her the top part of the boob by pulling my top down a bit. I know the rad techs keep an eye on the skin. My nipple is the sorest part but otherwise the skin is just looking a bit darker.

    Sue

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  • sweatyspice
    sweatyspice Member Posts: 922
    edited April 2010

    I'm surprised that your rad onc doesn't take a good look, mine does.

    I'm also surprised that I'm starting to see a sort of tan line, and the top of my breast doesn't seem to be in "the field," I'll definitely ask about that next week - I see a rad onc every Tues.

    SEs are still probably progressing, but the only thing I'm noticing that's new today are the "tan" lines.  Skin isn't hurting or itching to any increased degree from yesterday, not noticing any more swelling.....let's see what tomorrow brings.  I've noticed that just when I think things are settling down, that's when the ick tends to happen.

    Todays Rads Soundtrack - Supremes Greatest Hits 

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  • Tarry1
    Tarry1 Member Posts: 85
    edited April 2010

    Hi I still didnt  get  to see the rad onc, according  to the nurse I saw he trust to let the nurses evaluate the situation and apparently I will see him next week at the last review (we wll see)

    Also my ight knee has been hurtng mme for the last two weeks , my symptoms are just like yours suepen , but my knee never hurt before, my hip yes and i also  have osteoarthritis.  Nothing that i take seems  to help.  What have you one to ease the pain?

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  • sweatyspice
    sweatyspice Member Posts: 922
    edited April 2010

    I am now officially halfway done.  YAAAAY

    Still scared of the second half.

    Today's rads CD:  Momma Said Knock You Out - LL Cool J 

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  • CinCan
    CinCan Member Posts: 86
    edited April 2010

    Sweatyspice - How do you restrain yourself from rocking out while you are laying there... I think it's cool how they always have different CDs playing for you.

    Well, off to my 8th rad tx and then to my Herceptin Infusion....it's going to be a long day:(  On the brighter side TGIF...Yippee

    Have a wonderful zapless weekend everyone!!! 

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  • dsj
    dsj Member Posts: 277
    edited April 2010

    Sweatyspice, that is great.  I reached the half way point on Wednesday and was kind of amazed that I had actually arrived.  I am still not having SE except for fatigue.  Fingers crossed for both of us.

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  • mari65
    mari65 Member Posts: 131
    edited April 2010

    4 weeks down 2 to go. TGIF...

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  • LilyLu
    LilyLu Member Posts: 19
    edited April 2010

    I just finished #14 today. No skin problems at all. I am only doing 16, as I am getting a double dose each day. Saw doc Wed and will see her again in 2 weeks to check the skin. I am suppose to keep using the cream and green tea for 2 more weeks. Then next time, she said I will learn about breast massage. Only se is fatique and dr. said that's normal. I will miss the rad techs, they are so nice and we have fun talking about stuff. I won't miss going every day. We don't have music.....most likely because I have to hear them to tell me to hold my breath.

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  • sweatyspice
    sweatyspice Member Posts: 922
    edited April 2010

    CinCan - you are too funny.  They have one of those little bookshelf stereo systems in the treatment room.  I bring my own CD every day, because all they have is stuff that would make me absolutely miserable (Michael Buble, Celine Dion, "New Age" mellow stuff, etc).  I pick something before I leave the house.

    I don't have any desire to rock out, it's just enough happiness to make the horrible experience somewhat tolerable.   I think the techs rock out sometimes, though.  They're gonna miss me!  LOL

    In fact this morning when I walked in, the Bonnie Raitt song "I Can't Make You Love Me" was playing.  Now, I actually happen to really like that song, but there is NO WAY I'm gonna listen to that sort of depressing thing while I get zapped.  I'm afraid it would send me over the edge and into a crying jag and I'm just NOT gonna go there.  Except maybe on the last day if I'm crying from happiness. 

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  • LilyLu
    LilyLu Member Posts: 19
    edited April 2010

    How long are you in there?? I don't think I'm in there long enough to hear more than 1 song.

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  • sweatyspice
    sweatyspice Member Posts: 922
    edited April 2010

    Usually it's about 3 songs (I'm guessing, I'll try to pay more attention).  

    Between getting on the table, them lining me up, them moving my table into position, the machine moving into position, the actual zapping, then the table moving away from the machine, the machine moving back to its neutral position, them putting the table back to it's normal height, moving the stepstool back for me, me getting the gown back on and getting off the table and walking over to the the counter where my glasses are and the stereo thing is, finding my glasses, putting them back on and taking out the CD....it's got to be 10-15 mins.

    On another note, I was trying to make myself feel better about this by thinking how much worse it could be.  I asked one of the techs whether, if you had some sort of genital cancer, if you'd have to be naked waist down and spread eagled in front of the machine.  She said it depended on the location and type of cancer, but yes - and it's called the "frog position."  Lovely.  And that video would be on the screen too.  God help us when the videos end up on YouTube.

    EVEN WORSE - if you had butt cancer, do you think you'd have to assist by personally spreading your cheeks for the machine????  Do you think they already have a cheek-spreader mold?   AAAAAAARGH!!!!!! 

    Rads are making me lose whatever mind I had left. 

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  • suzieq60
    suzieq60 Member Posts: 6,059
    edited April 2010

    Tarry1: I have been taking Naprosyn for years - it isn't helping much. I've started taking Panadol Osteo before I go to bed so at least I can get to sleep. My left knee was the strong one but that now is in as much pain as the other one. My onc said to load up on Glucosamine and fish oil but I never remember to take that sort of stuff. I woke up this morning with aches all down my legs - I really do believe it's still the chemo after affects.

    They do have a cd player in my treatment room, but I'm not there long enough to bother taking music with me. Actually I had a bit of a rock by myself at home last night and played Best of the Cream. I should take that along next time and get them to turn it up really loud. White Room is one of my favourites - quite appropriate for the treatment room :)

    Well 16 down, 14 to go. Skin still looking good and I'm not noticing any extra fatigue yet. My nipple seems to be the most affected part - still quite sore but no overly so. I get a 3 day break again. We've had 2 long weekends in a row.

    Sue

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  • wyldblumusic
    wyldblumusic Member Posts: 59
    edited May 2010

    TGIF.  I finished 8 of 30 today.

    The fatigue has hit me.  I shouldn't be surprised that it happened this early.  I have never slept well, so this is probably making it worse.

    Some days, music is playing in the room.  Today, I heard a Michael Jackson song.  One day this week, I heard Lady GaGa.  LL Cool J and Cream for rads?  Awesome.

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  • sweatyspice
    sweatyspice Member Posts: 922
    edited May 2010

    I just have to say - I LOVE THE WEEKEND!!!!!!!!

    HAPPY WEEKEND TO ALL!!!!!!!!!!!!

    (Now, if only I could stop waking up at 5am - because I don't have to BE anywhere super early!!) 

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  • LilyLu
    LilyLu Member Posts: 19
    edited May 2010

     Sweatyspice,

    OMG.....too funny..now when I go in Monday I will be thinking about these different positions. Wouldn't that be terrible to have to do that. At one time I would have been mortified to have one boob showing......now if the gown falls off the good one, I don't even care.

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  • sweatyspice
    sweatyspice Member Posts: 922
    edited May 2010

    You get to cover up the other boob?  I have to take my whole gown off!  My techs must be pervs!!!!

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  • Hopbird
    Hopbird Member Posts: 387
    edited May 2010

    Sweatyspice...I may agree with you!Surprised  I have to show everything, but after they get me lined up they cover me.

    Tell them no more peeking!!!! 

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  • MNLinda
    MNLinda Member Posts: 204
    edited May 2010

    Where I'm going, there are no gowns or robes.  They offer me a pillowcase.  I'm only getting zapped on one side, but I had a bilateral mast, so there doesn't seem to be a lot of point in employing the pillowcase.

    I'm relieved my treatment doesn't involve the "Frog Position" -  but I wonder what the tatoos and tapemarks look like for that.

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  • suzieq60
    suzieq60 Member Posts: 6,059
    edited May 2010

    I keep covered up with the gown and only the one side gets exposed.

    I may have spoken too soon re the fatigue - I was absolutely exhausted last night.

    Sue

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  • sweatyspice
    sweatyspice Member Posts: 922
    edited May 2010

    I don't wanna go. I don't wanna go.  I don't wanna go!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  • KatieMom
    KatieMom Member Posts: 127
    edited May 2010

    So sweatyspice- I'm in LA and you are in NYC but I really think we should try to play hookey together 'cuz I really don't wannna go either!!!!

    Now I am getting nasty giant zit things around my nipple.  

    20 down 14 to go.

    Katie 

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  • sweatyspice
    sweatyspice Member Posts: 922
    edited May 2010

    I went. :(

    Maybe we should meet in Chicago for a day of hookey.  Somewhere in the middle, anyway.  What's in the middle?  Texas?  I'll have to look at a map.

    It's humid and disgusting and my pit smell was rancid when I had my nose in it and I had to scratch my nose the whole time.

    Tito Puente and the Latin Jazz All Stars - I brought it for Julio the tech but as it turns out he was in the sim room.  But Angel the stand-in tech wanted to hear it, so now I feel guilty.

    Yeah, the zit things.  

    Hookey is my new mantra.

    14 down, 11 to go

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  • LilyLu
    LilyLu Member Posts: 19
    edited May 2010

    Today was # 15 and tomorrow is my last day. With the doc doing double dose each day, I get done early. I will go back next week for skin check. A good feeling to wash off all the ink and stickers tomorrow night.

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  • wyldblumusic
    wyldblumusic Member Posts: 59
    edited May 2010

    Hookey in Chicago?  May I join?

    I've also started getting pimple skin.  Mine is below my collar bone (in other words, where it shows, grrrr!).  I don't mind the little blue dot (tattoo) up there, but the pimples have Got.To.Go!  I'm wondering if using sunscreen this weekend made it worse.

    I wanted to ask them about sunscreens before I left today, but I forgot.  My written instructions said to use sunscreen, but there weren't any specifics about what types to use or ingredients to avoid.  Does anyone have any specifics on sunscreen?  Hopefully, I'll remember to ask tomorrow.

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  • Hopbird
    Hopbird Member Posts: 387
    edited May 2010

    Lily, I can't wait until the day I get to get rid of my marks!  Congrats to you!  I didn't get tattoos, but the left side of my chest looks like a treasure map....bunches of - and x covered by stickies.  I'm pretty much wearing t shirts under any clothes because of all the markings and because if I don't my decorations show.  The good news about that is no sunscreen needed on that area. 

    But long as I don't have to Frog I'm not going to complain!Wink 

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