August 2010 Rads

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  • Lady_Madonna
    Lady_Madonna Member Posts: 472
    edited August 2010

    Oh, P.S....

    Don't try to tell that to the life insurance company though...

    haha...Wink

    For them, it's going to take five or ten years!!

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  • EllieH7
    EllieH7 Member Posts: 45
    edited August 2010

    Thank-you Lady Madonna,I am so scared about this cancer because of being Triple Negative and all and thought I may not make the 5-10 years of being cancer free. I am also light skinned and my underarm is starting to itch and burn, although I am using Jeans Cream(aloe vera gel and Vit. E) the radiologist told me of this expensive but they say it really works, so we shall see.

    Again thank-you,

    EllieWink

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  • cpjuly10
    cpjuly10 Member Posts: 29
    edited August 2010

    Hi everyone! Today was treatment #8 and 25 to go. No redness yet - still using aquaphor. I saw my oncologist this morning. I will be starting tamoxifen in a couple of weeks as long as I'm not having any bad side effects from the rads. He says the pain I've been having the past few days is probably scar tisssue and to work on my stretching exercises more. I am getting a gym membership and will be trying to work out 4 times a week. I've been walking some but not enough since the surgery - seems theres not enough hours in the day for all thats going on. Hopefully the gym membership and my brother to work out with me will keep me commited to do it!!

    Againmine - We will have to meet somewhere to celebrate!!

    Ellie - How many treatments have you done so far?

    Have a good night all!

                                                   Carole

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  • Lady_Madonna
    Lady_Madonna Member Posts: 472
    edited August 2010

    Ellie,

    It's completely understandable that you're scared- I felt the same way being Her2+.  However your cancer was caught so early and you were node negative so the outlook for you (and me) is very, very good!  Also there is so much research being done into triple negative (TN) that there are some fantastic new treatments coming down the line.  

    You have every reason to believe you'll be here (well, maybe not HERE on bco!) in 10 years... at the very least!   

    Hang in there with the rads.  I saw my onc today and she told me it's going to get more uncomfortable... I'm 16/36...but whatever we've gotta do to tame this beast, right?!

    Everyone,

    I've had nausea and even though the rads onc on call denied it had anything to do with rads my onc and the nurses said it's very common for patients to experience nausea while doing rads treatment!  

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  • EllieH7
    EllieH7 Member Posts: 45
    edited August 2010

    Carole,

    I have just had #14 of the 26 for the whole breast. Then on Sept.13 if I am not too red I can start the boost treatments, 7 of those. She said if I get to red they will give me a day or two off and will just have to start the boost treatments later thats all. But I just want to get this over with and behind me, and getback to a so-called normal lifestyle once again. But for sure am staying on the no red meat or processed meats ever again diet, for life.

    Thanks for asking.

    Ellie

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  • EllieH7
    EllieH7 Member Posts: 45
    edited August 2010

    Lady Modonna

    You can read the post above about where I am as far as treatments. I am still a little shaky about TN thing though, but will do more reseach on it after work tonight.

    Thank-you and Good Luck and God Bless,

    Ellie

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  • chabba
    chabba Member Posts: 5,065
    edited August 2010

    Good morning all.

    Right after breakfast I'll be off to #12 of 35 total.  Pink with a little flaking skin this morning.  The swelling from the infection is down a bit so the anti-biotic seem to be working.  Even though it is not Dr day I'm to have that checked today. 

    Worst SE so far is loss of energy.  I'm volunteer cook at the senior center Thursday's and Sunday's.  Last week I just couldn't finish the full shift either day.  Fortunately I have a wonderful young volunteer helper on Thursdays who has stepped forward to help Sundays too.  When he finishes at the center he goes to work at one of our busiest restaurants. His parents both died last year, father of cancer and mother a week after he started volunteering.  Both were about ten years younger than I.  I have no children so I guess we have kind of adopted each other.  I am so lucky to have  him as part of my support system and to have found all of you wonderful people here at BCO.  Love you all.

    Bobby

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  • againmine41
    againmine41 Member Posts: 81
    edited August 2010

    Had so much energy monday morning and even some into today...now; I'm all wiped out. My body hurts like I have been driven over by a Mac truck. Oh I want to scream! 

    Doc put me on Effexor XR..For those of you that take this...what time works best? I always took my Zoloft at night...unsure of the Effexor. Pharmacy said doesn't matter. But I don't want to be more tired in day and wide awake at night. 

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  • bonniewe
    bonniewe Member Posts: 42
    edited August 2010

    Hi, againmine41,  sorry you are feeling bad today.   Off and on each day, I look for that same Mac truck that hit you!   I find that my energy level is up and down and when down, it is way down.  

     Today was #19 of 33 and overall my skin is looking okay.    I am not sleeping though at night and it is starting to take a toll, which is probably adding to the energy level, or lack there of.  

    Hugs to all, b

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  • Lady_Madonna
    Lady_Madonna Member Posts: 472
    edited August 2010

    We are a fine bunch...lol!  My onc said that the rads really takes a toll on us, fatigue wise... go easy on yourselves ladies! 

    Love and hugs,

    Melanie

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  • julieeee
    julieeee Member Posts: 18
    edited August 2010

    Babbalu:  nothing during the sim should cause a rash except if they put tape on you & you're sensitive to that??  Maybe whatever they used to clean off Sharpie marker could do it? We use either alcohol wipes or this pink stuff that I can never remember the name of.

    Rads & Tamox are all going ok! I had #10/33 today. Still just a little pink, a little peely, some sharp pains once in awhile in the surgery area. Hot flashes on Tamox. Wondering how long that's going to last....afraid to ask! Haha! I took my work days down to 4 days a week, so that I could go to my Living Well with Cancer class on Tuesdays & also have a ME day.

    I did a quick flight to St. Louis this wknd to see my neices and just getting out of here for a few days has really helped my emotional state.  I found myself "thinking" too much and need the distraction!!

    For areas that have opened up & become raw---our clinic uses Mepilex patches! All our patients LOVE them. Hopefully none of us will need them, but maybe your clinics have them if the need arises!! 

    Pink Sister Kickin Butt

    Julie 

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  • bubbalu
    bubbalu Member Posts: 177
    edited August 2010

    I'm 2/33 on rads and I have a lot of tightness in the chest where the surgery was and swelling under the arm.  Thought it might be from having my arm over my head for so long.  Anyone else having that?  I remember the lymphodema therapist that I had a consultation with said the muscles wall tightens up during rads.  Surprised to have an issue so soon!

    Julieeee:  It could have been the wipes she used because she rubbed really hard.  Wasn't alcohol wipes because I have had a port since Feb. and that's what they used at chemo weekly.

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  • janabananna
    janabananna Member Posts: 19
    edited August 2010

    Had rad #20 of 33 today - only 5 more full breast and then 8 boosts to just the tumor site.  My skin looks pretty good still but the redness is increasing and I have an itchy irritated area on the side of my breast up into the armpit area.  Yesterday they gave me triamcinolone cream for the itchy area.  Overall, the whole radiated area feels achy and uncomfortable.

    Bubbalu, they did tell me that being sore from having your arm over your head is a pretty common complaint.  My arm and underarm feel like they may have a little lymphadema and I try to elevate when possible, do some stretches, and do the massage they showed me.  It seems to get better overnight but then gets increasingly uncomfortable throughout the day.

    Thanks for reminding us to take it easy on ourselves - I believe that Mack Truck has been spotted here in Oregon too!  I feel wimpy for being tired and needing to rest, and I feel like everyone expects me to be back to normal now that I'm done with chemo.  Have been trying to suck it up, but perhaps more quiet time is in order.  I am also having a hard time sleeping through the night/getting comfy so I am sure that adds to it (and to my crankiness).  I'm SO ready to be done with all this!!!

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  • cpjuly10
    cpjuly10 Member Posts: 29
    edited August 2010

    Treatment number 9 is now history and I did notice one area afterwards that is pink. Tomorrow is doctor day so will see what he says about it. Today was my day off I am trying to make my days at home more enjoyable and not as much get everything done days. Went out for lunch with my brother and then got my gym membership and worked out. I've been on weight watchers even before this started and my oncologist supports my weight loss and exercise program. He says that the people with the best long term survival rates are those who work out four times a week. I used to work out at a gym years ago. I've been walking but want to add to that. Want to get rid of my fat so the estrogen doesn't hide there lol. I just did a little on the bike and some treadmill stuff and a very light upper body workout today. I know I may not feel like it some days but want to start something positive that's for me now!!

    Ellie - My surgeon told me that the biggest thing to fear about cancer is not knowing that you have it and that now I know I have it and I can fight it. Seemed to make a lot of sense to me. You know now too and can keep fighting. I too long for a normal life again but at the same time appreciate the way this disease has made me look at my life. Hang in there!!

    Ladymadonna - Hope your nausea is better. Isn't it funny how all the different docs differ on their opinions of side effects.

    Bobby - Its great you found someone to be a support at this time. Funny how people you don't expect to be there for you just jump in and help. I have one coworker who I wasn't all that close to before that has become a great supporter and checks on me everyday.

    Againmine - Hope you are feeling better and that the effexor helps.

    Bonnie - I know that sleepless feeling so well. I fall in to bed worn out and then am up and down all night. I have the weirdest dreams and toss and turn.

    Everyone have a good night and take care.

                                                        Carole

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  • Resting
    Resting Member Posts: 215
    edited August 2010

        Evening Everyone- 

        Count me in on the low-energy team as well. But isn't it great to have Lady M to encourage us to take it easy on ourselves. I really thot I'd be back to normal by now, but I realize now, it's my 'normal' that has changed or - wait maybe it's the Mack truck Jana spotted. Laughing

        I started rads this week with only two tx's and so far so good. It was uneventful, and I hope it stays that way. Though I haven't posted much (actually I did try a couple of times and lost it before I submitted it - ha - is that chemo brain????) I have been keeping up with everyone.

       Againmine - I talked to someone today who takes Effexor and she said it's best taken in the am, but you gotta give it a week or so to get in your system.

       Babbalu - How have your first days gone? Hope your rash has cleared. Oh! just saw your post. I haven't noticed any tightness but then sometimes I think I'm disconnected with my body. It all seems to be either to tight, to loose or to slow. LOL

            Carolyn

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  • lizinmontreal
    lizinmontreal Member Posts: 46
    edited August 2010

    Hi Everyone,

    I'm Liz and I just went today for x-rays and final markings. The traveling time, waiting and procedures took 3 hours. I start my rads tomorrow and I'm hoping it won't take as long as today. I didn't encounter any heavy traffic going downtown to the hospital but tomorrow could be very different.

    The markings sure are big and colourful! I've been told quick, lukewarm showers and to pat dry afterwards. Have anyone's markings come off? Do they start to fade?

    I'm a little nervous about starting rads but most of you seem to be coping well. I will have 20 treatments. It seems to be the standard in Canada. I was asked if I was interested to participate in a trial which consists of 2 treatments a day for 10 days but I declined. My rad technicians are very nice, a young man and 2 ladies.

    I also found out that my rad onc is moving to Florida. I really liked her so if any of you live in Miami, you're getting a good doctor. I have no idea who my doctor is going to be.......I should find out on Monday.

    Oooops. I better go and take that arimidex pill! I nearly forgot!

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  • DancerMel28
    DancerMel28 Member Posts: 122
    edited August 2010

    Hi Liz - I had a full week between my planning and when I started my rads - and a lot of the markings had come off by then but it wasn't a hassle at all as they had everything recorded so just had to redraw them on.  I've just had #6 done today and every time I go they check the markings and touch up if needed, today they remeasured everything to make sure was all ok.  The appointments are much quicker than the initial planning session - it takes more time to find a park and get changed than to actually get the treatment! You should find that most appointments go really quickly now - I haven't had too much waiting either, I usually go straight in to change then maybe have a couple of mins waiting but virtually go straight in.  It's only on review days that it's a bit longer. Good luck with it anyway.

    A question to everyone - I've been told not to use deodorant and even though it's winter here in aus I'm finding I get a bit whiffy by end of day Embarassed any suggestions??? Really starting to bug me and I still have 5 weeks to go!

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  • Lady_Madonna
    Lady_Madonna Member Posts: 472
    edited August 2010

    DancerMel,

    It's the heat of the summer here in Vegas and I can't use deodorant either, at least the kind that actually works.  But I can use the kind without any aluminum.  There's an aluminum free one called Crystal and it's sold in drug stores, it has the pink breast cancer ribbon on it.  It actually works pretty well, I guess I'm just being feisty.  Also Tom's of Maine has aluminum free deodorants, if those are available. 

    The idea is just that you don't use a product that has aluminum in it, that's what can interfere with the treatment.  Look for a "natural" product that's aluminum free and you'll be fine.  Also, it should be okay to bring regular deodorant with you and apply it after radiation assuming you shower sometime before the next treatment and it gets washed off. 

    I know exactly how you feel!

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  • jet3648
    jet3648 Member Posts: 23
    edited August 2010

    Hello ladies,  I finished 14/30 today.  I think by the time that Mac truck got to OK it picked up a partner.  I am having extreme fatigue.  Still working parttime when I can manage it.  Today was not one of those days.   Im also having tightening of the incision and starting to burn there too.

    It is right across the fold and my radonc told me to expect a bad burn there- so it has begun.  They gave me  a script for a burn cream today.  Also breaking out between breasts and real pink otherwise.  I am too large to go braless so have been wearing a sleepbra that gives some support but dont know how much longer I can handle that all day.  Im also having some trouble with sleeping through the nite what with pain, nightsweats, etc.  The hot flashes along with the 100+ temps we have been having have really drained me of any energy I might have.  Temps have dropped some, hope it helps.    Rad Onc sent me to physical therapy to have them see what they could do to help with fatigue.  mainly,  take it easy on ourselves, rest in between projects, ask for help and remember - it will be there tomorrow.   I know it is commonsense but we sometimes think we have to do it all today. 

    Sorry, guess I needed to vent since I can't sleep.   Tomorrow will be a better day. 

    Hope everybody has a good day and keep fighting.   

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  • againmine41
    againmine41 Member Posts: 81
    edited August 2010

    jet3648 - us with the "big girls" seem to really get those rashes in the folds bad. And I can't go braless in public either...and at home, I have to wait till my kids friends leave (20 year old has them sometime till after 11pm). I often just go upstairs to bed and read..shirt off! I seem to read alot at night... though fatigued; sleep doesn't come and when it does...HOT FLASHES. Soon off with covers then chilled and back on! 

    Its good to vent... I know I have done it a few plus times here. Everyone take care! 

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  • Clarity04
    Clarity04 Member Posts: 21
    edited August 2010

    Hello all,

    I'm on 5/33 today.  I met with my rad onc and all is going well.  I do have some minor tingling sensation under my arm.  A friend suggested trying Calendula oil or cream.  It is suppose to be good or irritated and burned skin.  Anyone heard about this?  Take care!!

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  • Resting
    Resting Member Posts: 215
    edited August 2010

      Wow - ladies. I didn't realize so many of us had fatigue issues. Guess I haven't read all the posts.

        For what it's worth; I discussed this with my Rad Onc yesterday. He said he wasn't surprised at the fatigue since I had six months of Chemo - it'll take a little time. Because I read about radiation causing fatigue also, I asked if that would delay the recovery period and would I be back to where I am now at the end of Rads. He said no - the radiation fatigue is different and that I would gradually feel better from the Chemo, the radiation fatigue would hit later in Tx and not last as long. Anyway- I hope that's right.

       Sorry you girls are having trouble parking. Something nice my hospital has is special parking for radiation patients right in front of the center. Great idea, very nice. It just takes a minute to park - pop in and get my Tx.

        Have a great day all, Carolyn

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  • Lady_Madonna
    Lady_Madonna Member Posts: 472
    edited August 2010

    Jet and Againmine, I'm right there with you (unfortunately)- The heat, hot flashes, can't sleep... and when I want to let the "girls" air out I've got boys all over the house.  I even had to kick them out of my bedroom!  (They like my TV.) 

    Well, today is half way done!!  One thing I absolutely love about my center is the parking.  It's a small office and parking is literally at the front door.  I walk in at my scheduled appointment time, they're ready for me, I throw on my robe and I'm on the table within about one minute of pulling into the parking lot.  One day I was completely done within eight minutes, from pulling into the parking lot until leaving the parking lot!  THAT was a great day!  :)

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  • Lady_Madonna
    Lady_Madonna Member Posts: 472
    edited August 2010

    Oh, for those who are having hot flashes... I'm on gabapentin (Neurontin is the brand name) and it's helped quite a bit... my onc just increased my dose on Monday so it should be getting even better.  It's a non-hormonal way to treat those chemo-pause symptoms. 

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  • chabba
    chabba Member Posts: 5,065
    edited August 2010

    Neurontin must be almost a wonder drug, that is what I took to control the nerve pain from shingles.

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  • bubbalu
    bubbalu Member Posts: 177
    edited August 2010

    ECT:  Thanks for asking, the rash is gone but redness remains.  I'm going for #3 today also and noticed yesterday after my tx that for about 8 hours my chest is tight.  By morning it's back to the 'new' normal.  (Modified radical)  After tx there is warmth there and slightly red till morning. I put Eucerin calming creme on immediately after tx before I dress and again after dinner and again before bed.  I mix it up with regular Eucerin.  So far so good.  Maybe I just need to do more of the post surgery exercises to loosen up.

    Thank heaven I'm beyond hot flashes and don't have to take any other drugs during rads.  It must just complicate the situation.

    Clarity04:  I too have that tingling sensation under the arm and sometimes down the arm as well after tx.  Probably nerve endings.  After all this was the site of a trauma to our bods.

    On the body odor problem: ever since chemo I've had none.  Guess those cells haven't regenerated yet.

    Anyone have a port from chemo still?  I'm waiting till after rads to get it out.

    Anyone here having rads on a modified radical?  you all seem to still have your breasts.  They lay a sheet of something - I think they call it a bullet?- over my breast to fool the computer into thinking there's a breast there so the rads are pulled upwards.  Then they take it off when they rad my lymph nodes.

    Hang in there everyone............time passes and this will too.

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  • sharonraew
    sharonraew Member Posts: 24
    edited August 2010

    Hi Liz

     Are you at the Montreal General.  I just completed #6 - no burn yet at all. There is a tingling roght after the treatment but it goes away as the day progresses. I am a bit fatigued but that could be from the drive in and out across the Champlain Bridge.  Rest is good.

     I am only speaking from my experience at the General.  I go at 11:30 am. Your team will change as the days go by.  The wait time varies - none at all today - 1 1/2 hours on Monday.  Yesterday was about 40 minutes and last Friday was an hour.  By the time they place you the procedure takes about 20 minutes.  Put on a gown as soon as you arrive to shorten the time.  Bring a book. 

     They touch up the marks almost daily so don't panic if they fade.  It absolutely does come off on your bra and clothes so DO NOT wear anything light coloured or good.  I wash my bra as soon as I get home every day and it is only slightly discoloured.  I also apply the Lubriderm as soon as I get home, suppertime and before bed.

     Who is your rad onc??

     Good luck

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  • Resting
    Resting Member Posts: 215
    edited August 2010

     Bubbalu : Maybe the modified radical is the difference in the tightness your feeling. I had a lumpectomy. I might feel a little tightening but not much and that could just be my imagination. I do some exercises - mostly stretching - before I go to tx and when I come home. Nice you don't have to deal with the hot flashes. I still have my port. I'll be waiting until I'm finished with rads also.

    I thot Effexor helped with hot flashes. Maybe it was the Neurontin I read about. Glad to hear something works for you LM. I don't really want to take another medicine if I can help it. But I may have to ask about it.

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  • lizinmontreal
    lizinmontreal Member Posts: 46
    edited August 2010

    I've got another question about the markings. I hope it doesn't sound silly but do you put the cream right on the markings? I was told not to. It's a little awkward to moisturize between the lines and you end up with places where the skin hasn't been covered.
     
    Hi Sharon,
     Yes, I'm at the General and my appointments were in the afternoons just around rush hour. Today it took 2 hours and 15 minutes round trip with just about no waiting for the treatment. You have a really good time in the middle of the day.
    My doctor is Dr. Portelance. On Friday or Monday I should find out who my new doc will be.
    Glad to hear that your skin is holding up well. Let me know how things are going.
     
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  • Doredou
    Doredou Member Posts: 10
    edited August 2010

    Thank you for your comment about nausea, I thought I was the only one!  I am treatment day 8/33 and have been nauseous since day one.  I told the nurse this morning and she told me that rad treatment does NOT cause nausea.  She suggested that I was "anxious" where I explained the being "anxious" is pretty much a done deal.  Anxious was  June 23rd when I was diagnosed. I then saw the Onc doc who prescribed compazine to help with the nausea.

    I am very happy to have found this site, very thankful for all the information.   

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