January 2011 Rads

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  • jo1955
    jo1955 Member Posts: 8,543
    edited January 2011

    raincitygirl - You are correct - DCIS can not be invasive. 

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  • snowdin
    snowdin Member Posts: 6
    edited January 2011

    Guess I have a bra question too.  I am already getting pink and I've only completed 3 treatments, which is worrisome to me as I have 30 to go. I asked the tech about it, and he said not to wear a bra.  So I'm not going to, but I honestly don't see how that is going to help.  I'm glad to have the weekend off, maybe it will be back to normal by Mon.    

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  • raincitygirl
    raincitygirl Member Posts: 3,143
    edited January 2011

    That is early to get pink!  I have read of peope who wear a soft tshirt under their bra and that works for them...use your creams big time this weekend.

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  • AGeorgiaDeb
    AGeorgiaDeb Member Posts: 35
    edited January 2011

    Rain city you are right about the IDC.  I will blame it on chemo brain. 

    Thanks Sherry about the Cystal.  I will look forward to no gland activity!

    I may try corn starch-that't what the RO said.   Has anyone tied that?

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  • raincitygirl
    raincitygirl Member Posts: 3,143
    edited January 2011

    I have - I used gold bond baby powder which is pure cornstarch.  Funny thing the next mornign when i woke up and it was all caked around my nipple.  had to pick it off before rads....

    However, it did stop the irritation on my nipple and so I recommend.

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  • snowdin
    snowdin Member Posts: 6
    edited January 2011

    Welll, I hadn't thought about wearing the bra over the tee shirt! That might work, thanks

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  • oakley
    oakley Member Posts: 206
    edited January 2011

    Hi everyone - wow this is busy!

    I have been using cornstarch - and it works but is so messy!  I have also been using aquaphor one or two times per day (I've only had 4 treatments so far) and it's been fine, but also very gooey and sticky!  I am not noticing any redness just yet.  The one thing I noticed yesterday was that my left breast was a little achey.  Of course this could be totally unrelated!

    I have not been wearing a bra, just loose cotton t-shirts which has been great.  I ordered some inexpensive cotton non-underwire bras that I haven't received yet. I also bought the crystals but haven't tried yet because the doctor said to only use it for a special occasion.

    Sherry - WHEN WILL THE HAIR STOP?  I haven't gone this many days without shaving!  It will be a pleasure not to shave!

    Have an easy day girls. 

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  • jo1955
    jo1955 Member Posts: 8,543
    edited January 2011

    Oakley - Give it a couple of weeks.  I am 5 weeks post rads and my hair still has not come back and it may not.  If you have an electric razor, you can use it.  

    I still have to keep reminding myself I have to do the "good" side.  It is really weird. 

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  • oakley
    oakley Member Posts: 206
    edited January 2011

    Jo - when did it start to fall out

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  • jo1955
    jo1955 Member Posts: 8,543
    edited January 2011

    Oakley - I noticed it about the 3rd week into rads.  

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  • Omaz
    Omaz Member Posts: 5,497
    edited January 2011
    Michcon - Did you start rads yet?
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  • Barbcard2
    Barbcard2 Member Posts: 71
    edited January 2011

    Lobstery red in some places.  I keep slathering on the creams and doing the very annoying "poison ivy" soaks.  Question:  Are boosts really easier to bear?  Rad techs say so, but I wonder if that's only from their point of view.  4 more "regular" TX and then the 7 boosts.  And then maybe, with luck, energy will begin to revive.  Right now I feel apathetic about almost everything. 

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  • jo1955
    jo1955 Member Posts: 8,543
    edited January 2011

    Barbcard2 - I found boosts to be easier.  By the time I had mine, the rest of my boob had a nasty rash and I had time to work on getting that healed.  The radiation that is used for the boosts is not as intense.  My rads techs told me it was a "softer" radiation and did not penetrate the skin as much.

    Your energy will come back.  Give it some time.  It took me about one month after finishing to start to feel good again.  I still have the fatigue even 5 weeks about but not as noticeable.  Don't have to take naps but still have to pace myself. 

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  • Sherryc
    Sherryc Member Posts: 5,938
    edited January 2011

    oakley my hair was gone at 2 1/2 weeks and at about 3 weeks I noticed my glands were not working and not more stinky underarm so I was able to quit wearing the natural deo.  I used Crystal but did not think it worked all that great.  Others have used Tom's and I think they were happier with it.I hope none of it comes back.  I use my DH beard trimmer for the hair that is still there.  I put the plastic guard on the shortest setting and keeps it cute pretty close without irratating my skin.  Since I have to look in the mirror to shave what is there I have continued to use this as it is easier.

    Barbcard you have had such a hard time just take it one day at a time and you will make it.  Over Christmas I had that nasty rash but once I got rid of it things have been much better for me. I am peeling also and red but the only part that is sore is under my arm.

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  • moyapeter
    moyapeter Member Posts: 9
    edited January 2011

    I am supposed to start rads on Tuesday, but they called and said they needed to do something more (another rmeasurement?) and they will do that on Thursday.  SO.... they said they will START me on boosts  Has anyone ever heard of that?  I thought boosts were at the end or the middle??  (After all, what are they boosting at the beginning?

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  • raincitygirl
    raincitygirl Member Posts: 3,143
    edited January 2011

    moyapeter - I am not sure why they would do that at the beginning but I have heard of it before.  The boost is exclusive to the tumor area/cavity and doesn't actually boost the regular treatments, it boosts the area.....

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  • moyapeter
    moyapeter Member Posts: 9
    edited January 2011

    Raincity-Thank you so much.  I am so nervous.  The office seems to be a little confused.  I am very overweight, and I think maybe they could not get a good view in simulation?  I don't know. I should have asked, but I will at my first appt on Tuesday.  Thanks again.

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  • raincitygirl
    raincitygirl Member Posts: 3,143
    edited January 2011

    moyapeter - Please don't be nervous - this is really not an overwhelming experience at all.  You will be surprised that the experience is what it is. It is really pretty innocuous and requires good skincare and some rest, but nothing more. You are most fortunate to have the diagnosis that you have - take comfort in that :)

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  • Teklya
    Teklya Member Posts: 435
    edited January 2011

    On Dec Rads there was a comment made about the cost of all this.  Living in Canada where all our medical treatments and appointments are covered by our medical program is unbelievable; I feel so blessed to be here.  I cannot imagine how I would make it through this horrendous time dealing with tests, diagnosis, surgery, post surgery, chemo (including neupogen shots) and now radiation and all that entails.  Not to mention the upcoming follow up appointments I will require and even think about a financial cost involved.  This expereince has been difficult enough to get thru without worrying about how I would pay for this care.  I applaud all of you for doing so.

    I also pray/wish you did not have to do so.

    take good care and just breathe. . .

    Teklya

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  • jo1955
    jo1955 Member Posts: 8,543
    edited January 2011

    Teklya - I am fortunate in that I served in the Air Force for 20 years and they cover alot of my costs.  I also have a secondary that is wonderful.  I pay very little out of my pocket so that is one less thing  I have to worry about.

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  • raincitygirl
    raincitygirl Member Posts: 3,143
    edited January 2011

    Oh ladies, I am so very jealous.  We are paying quite a lot out of pocket with much more to come.  There will be only a mini-vacation and smaller presents for the near future.  Italy is off for sure. 

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  • rachel5738
    rachel5738 Member Posts: 920
    edited January 2011

    Like Teklya--I live in Canada so benefit from socialized medicine--It is horrible to read about cost of healthcare and getting treatment in the US and the stories that sometimes follow about the loss of a house etc. It isn't always greener on our side (wait times etc) but am happy that when it came to cancer diagnosis--things moved real fast and I have never had to pay anything. I also read on another thread the cost of rads (seemed much more than chemo)--I guess these huge machines cost a fortune (plus the sharpie marker and tattoos!).

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  • suzieq60
    suzieq60 Member Posts: 6,059
    edited January 2011

    In Australia, our private health insurance doesn't cover rads, but the government Medicare scheme does, but only 85% of their scheduled fee - which are set way too low. Of course the radiation place charges way more than the scheduled fee. My planning session was $1500 - I will be $600 out of pocket just for that. Once we reach $1126 out of pocket in out-of-hospital expenses, the government give 80% of the out of pocket as well. Last time, it cost me $1100 total for rads but it might be more this time as I don't have any other medical bills to help getting to the threshold. This limit is reset at the end of each year, and doesn't count in-hospital stuff.

    It's a total bummer, but I could go to a public hospital for free if I wanted. BUT they have a bad reputation and I much prefer private treatment.

    Hope you're all having a great weekend!!!

    Sue

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  • walker2222
    walker2222 Member Posts: 558
    edited January 2011

    Omaz my biopsy was positive.  The first one they removed had mastested and was stage III on path report.  They took 9 more total of 10 and 4 more showed cancer cells.

    Glad about the underarm issue I was wondering about that myself.  When the tech marked me the first day, I was marked upper outside of armpit area.

    Our tumors were similar but mine ended up bigger than they originally thought.  Originally thought it was under 3cm but it was 5.5cm/4.3cm/3.6cm.  A bit larger than an golf ball.

    Jo1955 Thanks I will be using the Miaderm.

    I have been using Toms since my chemo treatments and have had no under arm issues.  I got a shaver for women with a bikini gard (does not work great) so I do not use it and use a mirror to guide me.  I understand the hair goes away after radiation per BS nurse.

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  • walker2222
    walker2222 Member Posts: 558
    edited January 2011

    I forgot to add per our insurance, since I go to the Drs office it is the specialty co pay of $40 per visit so total out of pocket will be $1200.  Billed every two weeks.  So it could be worse.

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  • Mariposa109
    Mariposa109 Member Posts: 61
    edited January 2011

    Hi everyone!

    I drove 30 minutes in the snow yesterday to find out my simulation had been canceled! =( Apparently my doctor was not happy with the way the machines were set up, so they have to redo that and get her approval before they will do the simulation. I wont be able to start monday and have to wait for them to call me to go back in. 

    Toomuch & Grannydukes~ I was told they are doing a clinical trial, so if I choose to use one of their creams  (which I was considering the Calendula) I wont be able to use anything else.. I think I’m going to try the Miaderm and see how that goes.

    Debbie~ I use the Tom’s deodorant with the lemongrass scent and I find it works well for me.

    Susantm & Cincilady ~I went ahead and ordered the Miaderm last night. I plan on using it with Aloe. I haven’t found a good Aloe gel yet so I might be using the natural plant. I don’t mind except for the smell is not that pleasant!! Lol I hope I get lucky as well and don’t burn too much.

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  • jo1955
    jo1955 Member Posts: 8,543
    edited January 2011

    mjbmiller - The armpit hair goes away after about 3 weeks into rads.  I am 5 weeks post rads and still no hair.

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  • raincitygirl
    raincitygirl Member Posts: 3,143
    edited January 2011

    Mariposa, do you have Trader Joe's nearby?  They have a 98% pure aloe gel that I like and was recommended by the rad techs..

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  • Sherryc
    Sherryc Member Posts: 5,938
    edited January 2011

    Mariposa--I use Fruit of the Earth 100% aloe ver gel and like it.

    I am a government employee and my total out of pocket every year is 5K, deductibles, and 20% get calculated into this but once I am out 5K it pays 100%.  It covers mammo's and US and bloodwork 100% but all the MRI etc are the higher cost.  My co pay is $30 and my rads falls under this.  The bad thing is the copay does not go towards my 5K.  Raincity I am like you no big vacations and Christmas was smaller this year for our kids but they are grown so can handle it.

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  • Mariposa109
    Mariposa109 Member Posts: 61
    edited January 2011

    Thank you Raincitygirl and Sherryc. I will look into those. I believe they have trader joe's in Manhattan and i happen to be going down there tomorrow. I  much rather use a gel without the scent of the fresh stuff.

    Mari 

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