December 2010 Rads

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  • toni30
    toni30 Member Posts: 252
    edited December 2010

    Hi Ladies: Welcome newbies - we love having you here.  I just finished #5 (out of 20) and am already feeling fatigue. I need extra sleep at night since I am working full time.  jo and sausan tm - I have twinges in my breast, too - it's 6 weeks after surgery.  The surgical nurse said you can have them even a year later - it is indeed the nerves reconnecting. So I feel like - well at least my body is healing; it's kind of reassuring. Have a great weekend everyone!

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  • erinrich
    erinrich Member Posts: 7
    edited December 2010

    Hi, all.  I started rads this past week and have had 3 treatments so far.  I also am doing the standard 33.  I'm already a little pink, so I was on bc.o last night trying to see if others have had a reaction so quickly, and I found this thread.  Would love to jump in and join the journey of the other ladies starting rads in Dec. 2010.  Isn't it fun doing this during the holidays when the kids are home from school?  Ha ha.  I am lucky to live 5 minutes from our radiation center, and to have a wonderful team so I'm really not complaining.  Plus, the hospital has a wellness center where I can work out before or after my treatments, so it's all good.  I really hate the fact that my body is being pumped full of radiation which can cause other cancers, etc., but I guess that it's a necessary evil in order to stamp out the stupid bc!!  Have a great Saturday.

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  • Barbcard2
    Barbcard2 Member Posts: 71
    edited December 2010

    I, too, worry about the possibility that rads can cause other types of cancer, but rad onc said that wasn't true.  Would appreciate info from you other radiated ladies.  Must keep up my morale re both the rads and driving to rad center in ice and snow; have been treating myself to some pricey baked goods at this fancy store I pass on the way home, but now I've read about the antii-cancer diet: broccoli and kohlrabi, need to minimize sugar, etc.  Guess I'll have to force myself to eat some broc. everyday as if it were a medicine.  Just to add to the fun. :))

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  • jo1955
    jo1955 Member Posts: 8,543
    edited December 2010

    erinrich - Welcome - glad you found us.  Hope you are using some type of cream to keep the pink down.  That will be a big help along the way.  Ask all the questions you want - there is lots of support and good information here.  

    Barbcard2 - My rad onc told me not to be concerned about other cancers after radiation.  I think the jury is out on that one.  In as much as they would like for us to believe that, there is never any guarantees in life.  So what do we do?  Pray are doing everything we can to stay cancer free.  Be safe driving.

    Ladies - Have a Great Saturday

     

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  • susantm
    susantm Member Posts: 184
    edited December 2010

    I was told there was a very slight chance of the radiation causing other cancer--1% or less. However, since my recurrence rate without radiation would be 40%, it seems like the positives overwhelm the negatives. Nothing in life comes without some risk.

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  • jo1955
    jo1955 Member Posts: 8,543
    edited December 2010

    susantm - I am with you all the way.  At this point, I will do whatever it takes to give me that extra layer of protection.

    Since I am now on Femara and there is a risk of endometrical cancer, I am going to see if my surgeon will do a total hysterectomy in the spring.  That will give me another layer of protection and I won't have to worry about that department. 

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  • singletona80
    singletona80 Member Posts: 224
    edited December 2010

    Hey I had a question . . .

    Since I am starting rads on Mon, when do I need to start using cream? My dr just said we have meds when you need them.  So am I to assume that when I need to start using cream/med that will let me know ? Or when I go to my 1st rad session, should I ask them ?

    Thanks ladies . ( starting to get a lil nervous)

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  • Barbcard2
    Barbcard2 Member Posts: 71
    edited December 2010

    By all means ask them about the timing of the cream when you have your first rad session.  My own rad onc said to use the cream 3X a day from the git-go.  So far no problems.  But I now realize that the docs and nurses, even the rad techs, see so many of us they take it for granted sometimes that we "magically" know more than we actually know.  Good luck.

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  • jo1955
    jo1955 Member Posts: 8,543
    edited December 2010

    singletona80 - I would start using the creams from the beginning.  That way you get into the habit and you get a jump start on keeping the skin in good condition.  Each rad center is different.  But experience has told me to go right ahead.

    Good luck on starting rads 

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  • toni30
    toni30 Member Posts: 252
    edited December 2010

    singletona80 - My rad staff said no need to use creams unless I get burnt, but I have read ladies on this board recommending creams from Day One - so I asked them if there is a down-side to using cream and they said no.  You may want to ask your RO that question.  I have had one week of rads and so far, so good. I use aloe vera in the morning, after the tx, and Aquaphor a few times during the day.

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  • GIJan
    GIJan Member Posts: 7
    edited December 2010

    That's great news, Jo. Congrats! I've had 3 rad treatments and haven't noticed any side effects. I've been taking Femara since Nov. 1, six weeks before radiation started. I'm feeling a bit nervous about this whole treatment plan. I read so many different approaches. Now I'm learning that the meds usually don't start until the rads are done.

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  • jo1955
    jo1955 Member Posts: 8,543
    edited December 2010

    GIJan - My onc had started me on Armidex between trying Mammosite and regular rads.  Unfortunately, I got too nauseated that I had to go off it.  He did say he usually did not start meds until after rads but thought we could get a head start.  He did have good intentions.  Started Femara last Monday and so far, so good.

    I know what you mean about the treatments plans.  So much information out there that is good and bad.  How does one know what to do?  We listen to our doctors and hope we are making informed decisions.  It can be confusing and overwhelming.

    Bottom line is - we are all going to do what we have to to beat down the BC beast. 

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  • susantm
    susantm Member Posts: 184
    edited December 2010

    singletona80, I actually started using the cream (I use Miaderm.) a couple of days before starting the rads. I read somewhere about doing that--can't remember where now, I've been doing so much research... The directions I got from the radiology dept. said to start the first day of treatment. You know what they say about an ounce of protection...

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  • FireKracker
    FireKracker Member Posts: 8,046
    edited December 2010

    My rad.tech told me to bring the cream with me and right after tx put it on.i did 3 tx.so far so good.30 more to go.wow im gonna go into feb.because of the Holidays.My granddaughters baby shower is Jan 30th.i better be in good shape.The tech told me if you wanna be in good shap you will be.I sure hope so.

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  • Sherryc
    Sherryc Member Posts: 5,938
    edited December 2010

    logalgirl I am being treated in New Braunfels.  It is amazing the wonderful doctors that are there.  My F-I-L and best friend were treated at MDA and it was a wonderful facility.  They both had very difficult cancers to treat.  My F-I-L 17 years ago and my best friend 6 years ago.

    Tekla glad you found us here, you will find alot of good info before you start.

    grannydukes glad everything is going good for you so far and no SE

    singletona80-my RO prescription xclair cream for me and told me to start using it the first day of treatment and use it 3X a day.  I have had 12 treatments and so far my skin looks  pretty good.  I do have some itching and my treatments are at 2:30 in the afternoon.  My skin is always really pink up to the time I go to bed and then in the morning looks like I have a really good dark tan.  I am very fair skinned. But so far no breakdown in my skin.  There are plenty of over the counter creams out there as well.  You have probably seen them mentioned on here already.

    I started having the twinges about 4 weeks after surgery.  My rad tech also said you can have them up to 1 year after surgery.  She actually asked me if I was having them because she wanted to make sure I knew that was from surgery not rads. I have finished 12 treatments out of 34 so I am officially 1/3 finished. Someone mention a couple of days ago about weekly x-rays.  I said I was not getting them until have finished and I was wrong.  The started them Friday on me and said they would be doing them every week until I finish. 

    The fatigue is starting to get me.  Not real bad but having to go to bed earlier than usual.  I have a house full of company right now and am getting ready for bed.  Just wanted to check in with my sistas.

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  • jo1955
    jo1955 Member Posts: 8,543
    edited December 2010

    Sherryc - I know where New Braunfels is.  You are about 4 1/2 hours north of me.  I lived in San Antonio for 10 years and used to shop at the little outlet mall there.  

    The weekly x-rays are to make sure you are still perfectly aligned.  I had them on Wed each week.  The fatigue for me was a killer -sometimes had to take a nap in the afternoon and still went to bed early.  

    So glad you are finished with #12 and doing well.  Keep it up. 

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  • susantm
    susantm Member Posts: 184
    edited December 2010

    Anyone else getting paranoid about catching a bug? My husband has a cold, and my sister-in-law came home sick from her temporary job today. I should be giving dh backrubs and fixing chicken soup for them both, but I'm more like, "Stay away from me!" because I don't want anything to slow down my rad schedule. SIL took the hint and went back to her bedroom, instead of watching TV out here. I feel bad about it, but I just don't want to get sick right now... Frown

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  • maggiesmom39
    maggiesmom39 Member Posts: 14
    edited December 2010

    I haven't posted in a while. After PET scan it was decided between RO and SO to go in a do some surgery to clean up margins after reoccurence was removed 2 weeks earlier. Luckily there hadn't been any spread. They also took some extra skin so prothesis will fit better. Expanders are out for the future due to radiation, which will start about 2 weeks after surgery. Will have to flap reconstrucion and have to wait a year; hence the prothesis. Ugh. Surgeon called with path results on Friday. Everything came back clean. So I guess I will be January Rads. Have read all your posts about different kinds of lotions. Have lots of question to ask my RO. Sorry you're all going thru this. Wouldn't it be nice just to have worry abou the holidays? Can you even imagine?

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  • jo1955
    jo1955 Member Posts: 8,543
    edited December 2010

    susantm - I was like you and always cautious of getting a bus.  Made sure I stayed away from sick people.  I felt terrible when I had to tell my aunt to stay away from me - she had the flu for over a week.  Don't know how the flu would interfere with rads but I do know that rads lowers your white cell blood count and we tend to be extra careful.

    I'm sure the folks around you understand and will abide by your request.  It's a tough time right now sweetie - hang in there.

    maggiesmom39 - Hope everything turns out well.  Sounds like you have been through some tough stuff lately.  My prayers are with you. 

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  • FireKracker
    FireKracker Member Posts: 8,046
    edited December 2010

    hey girls...im goin to a new years eve party with a mask on.ha.im not takin any chances.i dont give a damn what i look like and all im gonna do is play poker.im not kissing NO ONE.ha.with 30 more tx.i dont need to get sick now.good luck everyone.GOD bless.hugggggggggggs K

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  • soulswithin
    soulswithin Member Posts: 154
    edited December 2010

    Hello again everyone. I just got over my first cold this year and did fine. So don't worry. I think my immune system did a normal job, and I got through a root canal and rads. That gave me a little more confidence that some 'normal' does return.

    I read on a post here the other day that someone had melanoma on the nipple after rads. Not fun for me, because I've already had melanoma twice this 2 decades. I do worry about long term side effects also. Isnt it frustrating how no doctor discusses future effects. My theory is they see alot of negative stuff in their job and they'd rather their patients not worry unless it happens. I disagree with that, because I want to know everything. Mainly because we have the right to know, after all we have been through, and to base our treatment decisions.

    I started the aloe vera natural gel right after starting. 8 rads later, no itching, but some tenderness in the breast. I think it also depends on where the lumpectomy was. Mine was around the nipple, so it's very sensitive, I think I'm in for some very sore days....how about you guys???

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  • jo1955
    jo1955 Member Posts: 8,543
    edited December 2010

    soulswithin - My lump scar is on under my nipple and close to the bra line.  I had soreness until about 2 weeks after finishing rads.  I has not gone completely away but is manageable.  Don't notice it most of the time

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  • soulswithin
    soulswithin Member Posts: 154
    edited August 2013

    thnx Jo, you bring me hope! ;~)  I wish they could cover up the nipple after a few weeks, it does seem vulnerable, so no wonder it is sore!

    Maggies mom, I'm sorry to see you go through so much! I had lumpectomy and then two more margin surgeries also. I often wonder if a mastectomy wouldn't have been a better decision. 8 rads down 27 to go!

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  • jo1955
    jo1955 Member Posts: 8,543
    edited December 2010

    soulswithin - Don't try and second guess yourself.  You made the decision to have the lumpectomy based on the information you had at the time.  Who would have known you would need two additional surgeries.  This BC is fully of risks and surprises.  

    Keep counting down those rads.  You will be done before you know it.  Take real good care of the skin along the way.  You will do great. 

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  • Barbcard2
    Barbcard2 Member Posts: 71
    edited December 2010

    Woke feeling more depressed than usual. #8 in an hour or so.  I feel like an avatar of my BC (before cancer) self as I walk into that building. Or more accurately, an automaton.  Hard time of year: dreadful weather and just about everyone going out of town for the holidays.  Sorry, ladies, but I just can't wear a smile button today--not my style.  Hope everyone is doing better.

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  • yellow78
    yellow78 Member Posts: 82
    edited December 2010

    Good Morning,

    Hope everyone had a great weekend.  Heading to #6 this afternoon.  Feeling really yucky today and over the weekend.  I have an ear infection (don't remember the last time I had one) but know understand why my kids are so miserable wihen they get one.  They are painful.  I am so tired but I think it is probably because of the cold and infection.  Right?  I have only completed one week of Rads so far I am hoping this isn't the beginnning of something worse.  I have also admitted to myself and husband that I am doing way too much, I think my body is finally telling me to slow down.  Which is very difficult for me .  

     Well I hope everyone has great day!  Jenn

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  • jo1955
    jo1955 Member Posts: 8,543
    edited December 2010

    Barbcard2 - We are not required to wear a smile button everyday.  This stuff is tough and the weather certainly is not helping.  

    yelow78 - Hope the ear infection gets better and rads go smooth.  This is a new week.  You don't need anything else to worry about. 

    Sending out cyber (((HUGS))) to both of you today.  Will be thinking about you. 

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  • Sherryc
    Sherryc Member Posts: 5,938
    edited August 2013

    maggiesmonsounds like you have been through alot here lately, will be praying for you.

    Soulswithin--my nipple started getting sore right from the beginning.  My doctor suggested I purchase silicone nipple shields.  they are wonderful.  They stick to the skin without adhesive.  Since I have been using them my nipple does not bother me any more. I purchased my at the mastestomy supply place. They were only about $7 for a pair of two.

    Barbcard2 hope you get to feeling better today.  I always hate when I am in a funk.

    yellow78 hope your ear infections gets better soon, can't remember the last time I had one of those.

    I go for #13 today, does not sound lucky.  It is a good thing I am not superstitious.

    We had most of our Christmas this weekend and I had a house full of people.  My oldest son and kids were orginally going to stay last night but I think he saw how tired I was and decided to go home.  I was OK with that as I had to go to work today.  Ended up taking a 1 1/2 hour nap yesterday and still went to bed early last night.

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  • redninrah
    redninrah Member Posts: 773
    edited December 2010

    I had my CT stimulation, it was very quick. The tattoos hurt!!!

    I just want to start and get it over and done with!

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  • soulswithin
    soulswithin Member Posts: 154
    edited December 2010

    Hi Sherry, thanks for the advice on the sore breast thingy. I will look for the sheilds!

    I hope you get some rest this week. You sound so much busier than me. I don't know how you guys do that!

    Yellow, I am on the tail end of a cold and did ok, but I did worry last week that the rads were affecting my lungs. All is ok though. Please rest!

    Barbcard, hope you feel ok today. We have been through alot and have every right to be down, worried, and fed up. The main thing is to not feel guilty about that. I don't particularly like Christmas anyway, it's alot of work for a few days that can be stressful too. Take care.

    Thnx Jo for the advice, heading for #9 soon. It's not that bad, I know. ;~)

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