January 2011 Rads

Polyana, it is a simulation, not a stimulation. Not trring to correct your spelling, but if I had thought it was a stimulation I sure would have been more anxious. The simulation is easy but I did have to have my breast uncovered for the markings etc. You might not want your brother there for that but I suppose he could face away odr something. I am sure they will help you in what ever whay they can. I found my technician to be very nice and easy going. She even let me itch my nose twice and reminded me to stop jiggling my feet. I didn't even know I was doing it.

We do have stars on our ceilings above the tables to look up at. I love the stars, I wonder if they have any shooting stars from time to time. 

I am on my second dose of Keflex for the breast infection. I didn't even know that I had one, I am so glad the Doctor and tech noticed the pinkness all over the side.  I used to get them when I was nursing back some 30 years ago.

Does anyone know why 26 rads and then 9 boosts? I didn't think to ask. 

Ginger

Ginger - the numbers are so strange.  My medical onc originally told me 30 total with 25 +5 boosts.  Then the rad onc told me it will be 23 +7.  I don't know why, but there are so many different variables with each person and with each of the doses, angles, timing, etc. etc.  I learned that this is a real science when it comes to figuring out the right approach with radiation for each individual.

oakley and others--I find the rad plan very generalized, not individualized; perhaps a better word is arbitrary.  Learned today (after asking the rad onc)  that I'll have 24 plus 7 boosts, though I was initially told it would be 30 plus 2 boosts.  And the staff keeps changing its mind about the  rash. Of course I never want to go through this again, but if I must I would definitely choose a different treatment center even if it meant going to a different city. Am I angry?  You bet!  On the other hand, the DX was such a shock that I wanted to get the surgery, etc. over as soon as possible.  Seems like most of you are having better luck.  #20 tomorrow if we don't get a major snowstorm...Best, Barbara

Hi everyone

So my radonc's office is giving me a choice between a biafine cream and a calendula cream... I am interested in trying the Miaderm...can anyone give me any input on this? Has anyone tried any of these creams and what were your experience with it??  I start treatment on monday and have not made a decision yet!!

Barbara ~  Yes mariposa is butterly. I just love them and they remind me of my dad. I was raised in Queens but I haven't lived in NY in quite some time. My husband is military and he is out of the country so I am staying with My brother in the bronx while I do my treatment out in long island. 

Rachel: We are starting rads on the same day. I was given a schedule for 25 sessions.. I think that includes 5 boosts..

Mari 

Penny - I was not told about deodorant by my rad onco, at least not that I remember.  I did not wear any to my first tx because of what I read here.  I asked about it that day and, sure enough, was told no deodorant other than the all natural kind.  They recommended Tom's or Crystal.  I found both at CVS.  Got the extra strength tom's (I find the naturals don't work as well, so extra strength seemed good) and it comes in a good smelling lemongrass scent.

Pennythoughts, that's exactly what I was thinking about my tattoo.  It doesn't look like a mole or a freckle, it looks like someone jabbed a lead pencil between my breasts and the tip broke off.  It's also not quite symmetrical -- which I know isn't the point -- but it is a bit annoying, like a picture that won't hang quite straight. I'm going to start looking for tattoo artists who specialize in post-rads coverup art!

 And mjbmiller, I had the "don't be helpful" lecture too -- one of my techs said "Just lie there like a sack of sugar and let us do the work".  I had the feeling that he had started out saying "sack of potatoes" to patients, and been told that wasn't a very flattering image.  

I forgot to mention when I was talking to the nurse yesterday, I asked her about swimming -- I go to the high school pool a few blocks away, but it is chlorinated.  She said not a problem, but to cover the radiated area with a layer of Vaseline first.  But stay out of hot tubs and spas, and no hot showers.  That might be the most difficult part of the treatment for me -- I dearly love a hot shower at the end of the day.  

I'm wondering why I will have 28 + 8 boosts, seems like more than everyone else?  If I'm going 5 days a week, that is over 7 weeks!  I thought he initially said more like 6 or 6 1/2 weeks.  Oh well, maybe they adjust as they go if necessary? 

As far as the tattoos, I only got 3 and they were much lower on my abdomen, not between my breasts at all.  Maybe due to location of tumor (mine was at 2:00).  I realize we are all differrent because there are so many variables but just wanted to share in case anyone had feedback for me,  Thanks!

I get itches too!  Drives me and them crazy

lyndalynda - i have 35, 9 of them boosts.  they all have their own formula.

Good morning!  4 down...

Snow here today (NJ) - supposed to get 5 inches but I suppose that's a walk in the park after last week!  I can't believe how quick I was in and out this morning record time.  

Good luck Omaz!

Hope everyone has a great day. 

Well I have 30 total treatments no body said anything about boost but I am going to check and see if it is the bolus treatment they have been giving me.  I got my Miaderm yesterday and tied it and felt sooo good last night.  I was a little pink and had a warming sensation when I got home and it helped.  One week under the belt, have my "fought like a girl and won" t shirt on today for jeans day.  Feel empowered.  Question should I just use the Miaderm or use it with the aloe vera too?  I am going to ask the RO or his nurse about the Miaderm today.  They only put aloe vera on my list to use.  I have been using Toms since I started Chemo it is has been great.

We in TX are suppose to get the Polar Express in Sunday, that is all they talk of on the news, see it to believe it.

Mariposa109- I have been using Miaderm since 12/21.  It is water based so you need to let it dry before getting dressed.  I usually fan myself to speed the drying.  One time I got dressed right after and the wetness was trapped at the bottom and got irritated a little but went away as soon as I dried off.  I just got a sample of biafine cream and used it once yesterday.  It is a little greasier but was not a problem with my clothes.  The key is to keep re-applying something every 3 hours.  There's no reason why you can't do one and then alternate and do the other.  My treatments are at 4:30 in the afternoon.  My doctor said it is fine to use Aquaphor during the day and rinse it off before treatment.  Just no think layer of cream during treatment.  At night I squeeze out a huge line of Aquaphor and pour on a tablespoon of camphor oil (I know, no one else does this, but my doctor swears by it) and slather it all over.  I wear an extra large cheap sports bra over it that by the end of the week is soaked with the stuff.  I peeled a really fine skin earlier this week and have only been slightly pink.  I have a tingly pain, but it looks nearly normal. She said to keep as much Aquaphor on it as I can over the weekends.

susantm - thanks so much for sharing that you are nearly finished and not burning.  I so hope to join you!

Barbcard2 - I feel that I am having a similar experience as you.  I don't know what to do with all of the emotions.  No one prepared me for this experience - they just scheduled it and got started.  I am really having trouble with it emotionally.  Then I ask a question and am made to feel stupid or that there is something wrong with me.  I wish I could just send my breast and keep my brain at home. 

 Anyone getting Tomotherapy? I chose this since there are only 20 treatments and I knew going each day would be rough on me since I hate even walking into medical places and I am working full time.  I think the actual treatment experience is longer - I can't stand laying there not moving for so long in additional to being exposed and there seems to be airhandling system developed from a jet engine that pushes tons of air over me freezing me to death.  There are no tatoos, just lots of marks with a special marker (3 down each side and three down the middle) then covered with clear stickers. 

Cincilady--Thanks for your empathy!  And I especially appreciate your joke about just sending the breast for the treatment, as if it were a balloon which will  promptly re-attach to you. 

Everyone--BTW, some very funny jokes on, of all things, the Depression/Anxiety Forum for Dec. 31 et al.  I myself have never heard the word "ta-ta" for breast--must be a regionalism. 

Sherry - Thank goodness our weather turns around quickly.