May 2010 Rads Group

I was started on Xclair today too.  My incision is red and a little swollen.  I really hope it doesn't turn into anything else.  After all this I would hate to have something happen to my TE's. 

dazd = kids are doing OK.  Next week will be the test as my dh is going out of town...ahhhh. 

I am really starting to resent having to go every day.  Feeling a little angry these day.  I guess it's all just a part of it.  I want my old body back.  Ugh.

Morning Ladies,

I have a question for those of you who have a few rads under your bra - did you notice any swelling?  I feel, what is left of my boob, is swollen to the point that it's the same size as my good boob and my pit hurts.

Hope everyone has a terrific weekend!!! - Stacey

Hi Stacy,

 I am on nr 17 now, and yes also experienced a bit of swelling the first week, and stinging sharp pains from pit and down arm a bit. Nurse explained pains stemming from surgery incision. Gone after that first week. Also swelling (also was week before my period which could explain it), also gone. I remember feeling lots of misc pains the first week, but now have tuned them out and they are basically gone except the hot skin and a bit of rash on chest over breast. 

Me, too, KittyDog.  I'm in a big t-shirt, ceiling fan on, hoping the weekend will help.  I'm not swollen, but very red and raw looking.

Hello everyone,

   Haven't posted in awhile but have been lurking.  As of Friday finished three out of five weeks.  So far not bad but last week started getting tired.  Pink skin and just began with the itchiness...what does everyone do for that?  Just add more cream?  Has been cloudy and cold her lately so I am thankful for that.  Also having a sore neck from placement on the table.  I know it is only 10-15min max, but wondering if anyone else has that and if you use a towel or some other device behind your head?

 Itizwutetiz , I agree it will be over before we know it.  I had to read your name reeaally slowly to get it but it made me laugh that it took that much concentration to figure it out!  It is so true though.  Hope everyone enjoys the weekend off.

Diane.

no swelling, btw.

My radiologist told me that the swelling under/around the incision is fluid build up (similar to what happens right after surgery) as a result of the rads. It will decrease adn/or go away.

Yes, Stacey, I'm tired of rads too but I believe in radiation therapy for Triple Negative breast cancer, which I have. Rads do remind me every day that I have/had cancer, though, and I hate that part of it. I drive a couple of hours to Houston every Monday morning, then drive home after rads Friday afternoon. I miss hubby and our little doggies inbetween but then I'm luckier than most since we put our travel trailer on a lake in a nice park just 10 minutes from MDAnderson. My sister from Denver rented an apartment in Houston for six weeks while she had rads. She couldn't go home weekends like I can. I have 4 more weeks to go too, Stacey. Ugh is right!

Cher

5 zaps to go!  I'm very pink and really hoping to get through this week without problems.  I get 3 bolus's this week and they make me pink.  I'm using Miaderm and have been really happy with it.

I'm tired of my daily trip, but the ladies at the rad center are super nice and that helps!

I lost my post.  I'll try again.  I was hurting and itching all day at work, and felt worse when I came home from rads.  My nurse gave me a big square thing to put on.  It says "Mepilex Transfer" on the wrapper.  It's spongy and cushiony and covers my whole breast.  First I put on cream, then this square, then wrapped myself in an ace bandage.  I can't believe the relief this is giving me.  The nurse said these things are so expensive, they only give out one per patient, but I can take it off in the morning, clean it off, put it back in the wrapper and store it in the fridge.  I had found myself pressing my hand against my nipple to relieve pain today; this does the trick. 

I start boosts tomorrow.  The gals replaced stickers today in preparation.  I'm very pink and expect it will only get worse.  

I nod off easily, too.  Trying to think of this as the homestretch.  It's a long race, tho.

hi everyone! i am starting radiation on june 23rd...i have my simulation scheduled for june 17, two days after my oopherectomy. i had a consultation with a plastic surgeon who told me that the radiation will increase my chances of developing lymphedema, and also will decrease the range of motion in my arm. ( had a bilateral mastectomy in feb and have had problems with a 'cord' that has developed in my armpit....has anyone else experienced that?) everyone keeps telling me that since i have finished chemo and already had my mastectomies, the worst is behind me and radiation is so easy, comparatively speaking, but i wonder.....

so, so glad i found this forum...thanks everyone!

thanks leslie...i guess i have lots of stretching in my future, which is okay, especially if it works. looks like you're halfway done with radiation! are you feeling fatigued?

I'm halfway through...15 was today, 15 left to go.  I don't really feel fatigued, but I have noticed I am pretty "laid back" as compared to my normal hyper self.  I am "tanning" with red flushes on and off again and sometimes it feels sore, but other than that, it's pretty good.

Leslie, good to see you here and I'm glad you are working on your lympedema with results.  That is so important!  We are just continuing on the path, aren't we?

Joyner, I am a dog lover as well...my 8 year old lab, Moby, goes everywhere with me...except to radiation that is!  

Later ladies! 

Ok, what is going on.  I am sick again.  Last night my throat started to get sore I and feel awful.  I NEVER get sick and since I've started rads this is the 2nd time.  My dh is out of town and my dd broke her foot yesterday (she's 4).  I am living Murphy's Law!

 Hi Dazednfused,

What would we do without dogs ??  My dog is a 5 year old Boxer and he has been such a comfort through all this cancer crap.  I have not been able to take Duke out as often as we would like since surgery, etc. But, soon we will get back outside for walks more frequently.  

Today is treatment # 27 !!!  I only have one "area" that is a bit bothersome with redness and itchiness.  It's right on my collarbone.  Other than that one area, the boob is holding up well. I  just keep crossing my fingers and trying not to focus too much on it {which is hard to do }.  

I sure hope everyone here can keep hanging on with a good outcome and very little problemsand NO delays in treatment.   From my experience, it's been less scary and problematic than I had imagined.

Take care all,

Georgia in Alabama