May 2010 Rads Group

Can also try aloe baby wipes for wiping under arm sensitive skin, but check package for alcohol.

I am only on 6 of 30 treatments and must confess, did a "no no" yesterday - shaved on top part of my underarm, with a couple very gentle strokes. I have not had any skin effects yet and was very gentle and careful. Probably wont do again though.  

I have been using the cotton camisoles with the extra built in chest section (one size above normal) and works great under my clothes.

I just got my schedule and my treatments start Monday, May 24, 10:20 am --- yippee!

But to be honest, I'm more terrified of the radiation treatments than I EVER was of the chemo! OMG, the anxiety is so overwhelming.

I'm petrified I will end up with heart or lung damage and it's really freaking me out.

Hi ezscribe, 

Ya, it is super scary, I was actually shaking like a leaf before the machine started for my first treatment, and thinking how can it "hit" accurately with all this shaking. Luckily it doesnt hurt and is over very quick. Now after 6, I am pretty relaxed at each session. 

I had my third treatment today.  Thursday is blood work day here so I had to go to the lab next door after treatment.  It wasn't too bad they take Rad's patients straight back.  Monday I will see the Dr,  So far all is good.  I have had some burning pain in a spot that is still sore to the touch from surgery so I don't think it is realted to the rads.

 Hope everybody is doing fine.

Just got through treatment #1.  Not fun. They were running 55 minutes behind schedule.  I have 2 male techs who aren't exactly warm and chatty. I found it very hard to lie absolutely still for the 15 minutes or so while they took xrays, then treated.... thinking if I move a micrometre, they'll zap my heart.  So glad to get out of there.  Interestingly, the only skin treatments they recommend at my cancer centre is non-perfumed lubriderm or Glaxol cream (which I have).  I also bought some pure aloe but the tech said they do not recommend aloe.  Oh well, we'll see how my skin holds up.   Right now, I just feel like Cancer SUCKS!  I just hate all the time and energy  (physical and mental) it consumes.

Hi all-

Had my 3rd tx today, and I'm wondering if it is psychological, but I am tired this afternoon and "twingy" in my breast.  I've been on my usual course of workouts, eating better, blah blah blah, but this afternoon I am beat and kind of cranky

Nancy, I hear you.  I'm not too pink, but I'm understanding that this too is a "big" deal.  I think we try to minimize radiation in comparison to some of the other treatments, but it is tough as well.  Hang in there.  There are many ways to treat the skin reaction, just stay on them.  We are close in our treatment times, so I'll keep checking in to see how you are doing.

I agree Luah...cancer does suck.  The holding still is so challenging!  The more you think about it, the more you flinch, huh?!  I just try to trust the process...easier said than done.  

I'm glad I have some friends who understand all this on here! Ladies, take good care of yourselves!

Kim 

I had my set-up today and I start Monday.  I can already tell I am going to hate the drive.  My first zappying is at 11.  How am I going to juggle 4 kids (next week is the last week of school for the older 3) and radiation for the majority of the summer?  My husband works from home but he has to work.  I'm freaking out a little about the logistics of it all.  I have to laugh at my self- everytime I go i 'forget' where to turn, what building it's in, etc.  Guess I really don't want to go!

Lori,

Yes, I'd love to get together any time. Look in the rad lobby for a 64-year old woman with chemo-short, short white hair and pinkish glasses. Average height, average weight, average looks, average personality, and no left boob. My cell is 979*219*1048. Looking forward to meeting you.

 cher

I know that the technology and equipment is so much better now, but I am still very uneasy about damage to my heart.

My tumor was actually almost on the center breast bone. Right over the heart. 

I'm getting all hyperventilating just thinking about it! I better go to bed and try to get some sleep.

Ezscr...and others....I also have felt the same fears ..but it does help to have your onc. show you the exact direction of the beams and they have stops that keep it from hitting heart/lung. I also have an asthma type problem so lungs are a factor to me as well. The fear remains but is in my background and have to accept. It "does" get easier to relax after a while and have to trust the right things are being done. But speak up if have questions.  I only have 11 treatments left. Since I was red after the first treatment I panicked but then found that the tender red calmed overnight. I have VERY sensitive skin and have made it so far without any problem. Yes I am now reddish all the time but that's all.  But I'm very careful to handle w/care and to not let skin rub against skin (like underneath). I'm heavy and really could not go without something like a bra..using soft sports bra under clothes and a soft tee shirt cut/tied up middle at night to keep skin off of skin. It's also interesting how so many docs suggest diff. creams.  I've found after a while that aloe draws/tightens the skin, others find it wonderful.  I have an Rx for "Biafine" and now using only that at least 3x a day as I approach the last days of this.  None of the problems I worried about have happened and everything runs like clockwork, even the long long daily drive I have has been ok. It's scary at first but as most people, you'll relax more as time goes on.  Enjoy the weekends!!!!!

Well I saw my Dr. today and found out why I have to have blood work every week.  It is because I had chemo already.   He said chemo patients can have problems with their white blood cell, HG, and Platelet counts dropping.  Thankfully all of mine are now in the good range.  I am proud to say that I have now lost 44 pounds.  Trying so hard to loose 40 more. 

5 down 29 more to go.

I lost most of that  during chemo.  I had a very hard time keeping anything in me long thanks to the chemo aggravating my bile dumping that I was left with after gall bladder removal.  Then we had the throw up bug two weeks before my last chemo...lost 12 pounds that week.  After the bug the least little thing and I would throw it up.  I am eating now but trying so hard to keep it to a small amount and no snacking at night anymore.  If I gave up my Mt. Dew I would probably drop it faster.  lol 

KayNYC,

Hello. I wondered if you would share with me who your Radiation Onc in NYC is and how you decided to do the 21 treatments with the boost. I went through hell trying to decide between the traditional 30 treatments that were first offered to me, the 15 treatment protocol offered to me at NYU (no boosts) and the 20 treatment (similar to yours.....the lower radiation each time with a boost) that I was told was better than the 15 treatments. I went back and forth with different oncs bad talking each other's protocol and ultimately decided to stick with the 30 treatments just so I would never question my decision. I ended up at SVCC on 15th bet 8th and 9th because it is a five minute walk from my home and a 12 minute walk from my office. Thought it was a good compromise with the decision of the longer treatment protocol. 

Hi All,

Hope you don't mind me joining.  I started my first rads yesterday, and had a minor melt down this morning.  I was told absolutely no wearing a bra, little problem 1 girl hangs to my knee the other girl to my foot.  I work for a Municipality and the office is very busy, I'm very uncomfortable.  Anyone have any ideas as to what I can wear?

From what I've read seems like everyone is getting the same advise from their "people".  From what I can tell so far, the people in the rads dept are great.  They are open, honest and always asking me any questions?, all females which makes me more comfortable. 

I have 6 weeks of rads, everyday, an hour drive each way, I think I'll be "cashing" in on all those people who said, "if there is anything I can do let me know" when I was going thru chemo.

Nancy - thanks for the thread- My best to all - Stacey

My rad onc's nurse suggested a sports bra, but said one that opened in the front would be the best bet.  I couldn't find that, and many sports bras compress more than I thought would be comfortable.  I am wearing a "barely there" bra I found at Target when I go to work.  When I get home, I wear a t-shirt and hang loose.  I'm halfway thru rads and slightly pink.  Skin is in good condition.  I use lots of cream.  I'm small.  Don't know if this is helpful.  Another gal on one of the threads mentioned Dreamproducts, available online.