January 2011 Rads

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

    Had #17 today - still good :)  Feel lucky so far.

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

    Jo - I start on Monday - can't wait to get going.

    Sue

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

    Suepen - The time will sail by - you are gonna do good,.  Take really good care of your skin and be prepared to take naps.  The fatigue can sneak up on you before you know it.  Talk to your rad onc about using creams from the very beginning.  For soap, I used Oil of Olay Sensitive Skin. Nice for an unscented soap.  Heck, the only thing I could fine when I started rads was this huge bottle and I still have it and I finished 5 weeks ago. UGH!  Just about gone though.  Then I am back to scented soaps.

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  • walker2222
    walker2222 Member Posts: 558
    edited January 2011

    Everyone have a great weekend. 

    Got a bit red and uncomfy but put the Miaderm on feels better.  Put aloe on after the rads. 

    Saw PS today and he said he thought the skin looked good and about what he expected at this stage.  After my pow wow with him I have opted not to continue recon due to the past two infections and TE failures.  Will have to wait 3 months after rads to do any surgery but the end results would be if recon never happened.  I am at peace with this and it is what I want to do.

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

    Jo, thanks for the tips, but remember I only finished my last lot of rads in late May, so I'm all set with my Aloe and Vit E which did such a good job last time. Going back there will be tough and I hope I get the same techs as before - they were really nice. I hope I don't get the skin breakdown in the crease again. When I went for the planning session, they said I might not get that this time as they are radiating under my breast.

    Sue

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  • msjag
    msjag Member Posts: 416
    edited January 2011

    Hi everyone, I will finsih my last chemo on Feb 3 (T/C x4 for triple neg) and then on to rads, so I thought I would peek in and see what it's all about and get the great tips from all of you!!

    I will meet with the radiation dept at the end of Jan, start rads mid feb.  any hints before I start? should I start using special soaps/creams now?   Also, how long does the visit last?

    I have idc, 1cm, no nodes, no vacular, and Triple negative in left breast. had lumpectomy, then chemo.  Will I have to have my underarm radiated if I didn't have spread to nodes?  Sorry for all the questions, just want to be prepared before I go.

    Thanks!

    JoAnn

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

    suepen - Sounds like you are well prepared and know what is going to work for you.  Let's keep our fingers crossed for smooth sailing.

    JoAnn - Welcome to the group.  This is a good bunch of ladies and we will help you every step of the way.  Ask all the questions you want - you can never ask too many.  Remember, knowledge is power.  Since every rad center does things differently, it is hard to tell how long your first appt will last.  It could take anywhere from 1 - 2 hours (could be more or less).  The center will give you a list of approved creams and such although the ladies here can share what has worked for them.  You will need to buy some unscented soap - I used Oil of Olay for sensitive skin others have used Dove.  You will also need to ask about deodarants - you can't use ones with minerals in them but there are some natural ones on the market.  Also, only electric shavers for the armpit - but won't need that after a couple of weeks.

    As you can see, I was also IDC, lump left breast and I did get a bit of radiation in the armpit just because that is where part of the beam was aimed to get the rest of the breast.  The upside to having some radiation in the armpit is that you won't have to shave after a couple of weeks and I still don't have to and I finished on Dec 3. 

    Hope this helps.  Keep asking questions. 

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  • FireKracker
    FireKracker Member Posts: 8,046
    edited January 2011

    did 19 tx.so far so good.yay.gained 3 1/2 lbs.yay again.i lost soooo much weight from all this crap that im soo lookin forward to gaining another 5 lbs.at least.

    feeling a little fatigued.not bad.not sleepy.just wanna rest.

    2 sistas finished.well thats wonderful.glad we are all getting to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

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

    Susan CONGRATS AND DOING THE HAPPY DANCE FOR YOU.!!!Smile

    Sue-good luck with starting on Monday.

    Joann wellcome to the group, this is a great place for support and information.  Do not hesitate to ask questions.

    Granny so glad you were able to gain some weight.

    Have finished my 28 full breast rads and start my 6 boost on Monday can't wait.  I will finish on a Monday and several of my girlfriends are going to take me to lunch that day and then go to rads with me and woop and holler when I finish.  They are so funnyLaughing  Also set my appt with my PS for mid march so I can see about getting this lopsided thing fixed. Feels good to be able to make future plans again.

    Hope everyone is having a good weekend.  I am heading to a Birthday party for a second cousin that is turning 80 tomorrow.  Sweet family and should be fun seeing lots of relatives I have not seen in awhile.

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  • julie_dee
    julie_dee Member Posts: 14
    edited January 2011

    Sherryc,

     I am right behind you.  I have one last "normal" rad left on Monday, then 5 boosts.  I'm actually going to have 2 boosts on one day - seven hours apart - so I can finish on a Friday and head on a weekend vacation with DH and kids!

    I am now quite red, somewhat sore and itchy.  One thing my nurses did that I haven't seen mentioned much on here was put a surgical dressing over the whole breast after my session yesterday.   They put on cream, then actual dressing strips that were soaked in more cream, then dry dressings on top of those and tucked me into a surgical bra for the day.  I was able to get through the day, even went for a run - by dinner time I was dying to get it off, so showered and just put my usual cream on - while I really got tired of the dressing on there (started to feel too hot and sticky), I do think it helped quite a bit.  I slept much more comfortably and today have just used normal cream routine.  Just an option, if anyone else wants to ask about it.  My techs and nurses have been awesome. 

    I don't post often, but send daily prayers and good energy for everyone on this journey.  The end - and the happy dance - are indeed in sight!

    Julie 

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  • susantm
    susantm Member Posts: 184
    edited January 2011

    Thanks, Sherry! your lopsided comment reminded me of something. Strange person that I am, one of my first thoughts upon finding out I needed a lumpectomy was, At least it's on my bigger side. Now after surgery and rads, I am pretty close to even. ...always trying to see that silver lining...

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

    good luck Julie

    Susan I know, I had a lumpectomy on this same breast for a B9 issue 13 years ago and it was larger than my rt at the time and I thought the same thing.  This time I was so shocked at having cancer that I did not think about it until later, now what was by bigger boob is now my smaller boob.  oh well thanks goodness for PS

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  • Victoria67
    Victoria67 Member Posts: 44
    edited January 2011

    Suepen, good luck starting Monday, must be a relief to get started.

    Welcome JoAnn, I've found everyone so helpful and welcoming on this site, so I'm sure you'll find a lot of support.

    SherryC - I like the sound of your celebration plans! And it must feel good to make plans rather than be in the midst of treatment. I'm looking forward to that too.

    JulieDee- good to hear about the treatment from the nurse, I am going to get the nurse to look at my skin on Monday (#10) as I'm already getting red, although thankfully not too itchy. I had hoped that the redness would fade a little with the break over the weekend, but no such luck.

    Jo, hope the tamoxifen is being kind to you.

    Good luck everyone for next week Smile

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

    I'm looking forward to getting matching boobs the left one is still hard from the previous rads and now my right will match :)

    Well, it's tomorrow - but not until the afternoon - bummer. Last time I went quite early in the morning. I only have one time set so far, so it will be interesting to see what times they give me. We did ask for morning but not in peak hour like last time. I kept getting stuck in the traffic on the way home. It's good doing it early in the day to get it out of the way.

    Sue

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  • Gingerbrew
    Gingerbrew Member Posts: 2,859
    edited January 2011

    I am a little leery of asking this. By hard or firmer boobs from rads what do you mean. Firm like when you were 25, or hard like an unripe pear?   I wouldn't mind a little firmer, I am beyond jiggly now.

    I start rads monday morning and then continue in the afternoon thereafter. 26 Rads and 9 boosts. Finish March 4. We need a countdown timer of some sort. I need to think of a immediate treat of some kind every day, 

    Ginger

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

    Hi Ginger - I start on Monday too but because of the time difference I'll get my first one before you. The boob is not hard like an unripe pear but definitely a lot firmer - quite good actually. I think it eventually goes though. I only finished the left side in late May and it's still quite firm.

    Sue

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

    Victoria - So far so good with the Tamoxifen - no nausea to speak of and the hot flashes are going away.  I think it is going work much better than the AI's.  Thanks for checking on me.

    Ginger - My boob is firmer as in when I was younger - that "perky" look.  Now I have one that is firm and one saggy.  Don't know it when dressed. 

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  • saturn
    saturn Member Posts: 139
    edited January 2011

    I just got a bladder infecction and the over-the-weekend-on-call-doctor prescribed Cipro.  Just wondering if okay to take an anti-biotic while I"m doing rads. Just began the rads, got #3 on Friday.  My oncology center is closed on weekends so I can't double check with them until Monday, and of course I'll be there at 9am for my next rad anyway so I thought I'd see if anyone and the answer.  Thanks!

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  • jo1955
    jo1955 Member Posts: 8,543
    edited January 2011
    lynda - No problem taking antibiotics with rads - I had to take some during rads for an itchy rash I got during rads - actually it was a topical skin infection.
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  • inthepink49
    inthepink49 Member Posts: 66
    edited January 2011

    Hi Everyone

    i have just had 10 treatments and my skin is great,its probably too early I guess but I do have discomfort. My left breast aches at times but mostly its my left side. Like in the neck and shoulder. I can def tell something is being done. I saw my rad onc for my weekly appt. and told her I was still having horrible sweats and face flushes and could that be from the rads since chemo was 8 weeks ago and they said the meds should be out of my system. Well she said no rads doesn't cause anything but skin problems and maybe some fatigue. I was a bit put off cause I asked well what can it be and she said don't know and that was that. I called my chemo doc and they were more than happy to see me and said rads can def cause some of these issues. I feel nausea at times also. she said the rad people don't like to admit that for some reason. they always blame everything on chemo. they told me they would follow me even while going through rads.  i like my rads doc shes very nice but I think she takes the rad thing too lightly. Everybody is different and I needed some comfort and compassion. that day not be put off onto some one else.I will be get sweats and flushes. Lets face it we will never feel good until all this is over and then some

    The rads especially after chemo is really kicking my butt. i am good early in the day but hit a wall around 3pm.

    I'm just spouting off hoping there are others out there that know what i'm talking about.

    Take care all!

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

    I forgot one thing - if you use Aloe Vera gel - keep it in the fridge - makes it really nice and cool to apply after treatment. Only 5 hours to wait to get started!!!

    Sue

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  • Barbcard2
    Barbcard2 Member Posts: 71
    edited January 2011

    2nd of 7 boosts tomorrow.  But "crusty" raised rash from 24 regular rads persists and seems to be getting worse. Domeboro and Xclair don't help much.  When does the rash begin to abate--days, weeks, years?  Makes it difficult to resume any other activities though I did force myself to the gym yesterday and today.  And received a wonderful  YT video from my son and 3 grandkids last night to help mark my 76th (gulp!) b'day.  Good luck all as we begin anothe rad week.  Barbara

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

    Barbara - My best relief from the rash was with Topicort - had my rad onc write me a script.  The raised rash feel went away about 2 weeks after rads and my skin began to get back to normal again.

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  • lrr4993
    lrr4993 Member Posts: 937
    edited January 2011

    I too am sore from the rads - only 6 so far.  My boob is very achey.  The rad onco said it could just be from surgery but could also be from rads.  I have had occassional aches since surgery, but this seems a bit different.  

    I am also sore in my rib cage.  Nothing severe, but it is noticeable.  I know fractured ribs are a rare but possible SE.  I hope that has not happened.  I would expect more severe pain from a fractured rib. 

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

    Irr4993 - Rib fractures would not happen this soon and it is a rare side effect.  If it does happen, it would not be for months to years after rads.  

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  • jo1955
    jo1955 Member Posts: 8,543
    edited January 2011
                                    
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  • lrr4993
    lrr4993 Member Posts: 937
    edited January 2011

    Good to know.  I did not think this could be rib fractures as it is more soreness than pain.  But I wonder why the soreness is there.

    Of course, I just tried Zumba for the first time ever this last week, which could explain it.  Man, what a workout. 

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  • Victoria67
    Victoria67 Member Posts: 44
    edited January 2011

    #10 down, 1/3 of the way through which made me feel good. Quite pink to red and a little achey but not too bad.

    Thanks for the pic Jo, they always make me smile Smile

    Lyndalynda, I hope the infection clears up soon. 

    Barbcard, sorry to hear about your rash, fingers crossed it settles down and happy birthday too!

    Inthepink, we are up to the same number of treatments.  I felt a bit of mild nausea today after my treatment but it didn't last long and I also felt a bit tired today for the first time. 

    Irr4993, zumba looks mighty energetic, so possibly that's the cause of some soreness.!  Good on you for doing it though, I'm a bit too lazy right now although I'm trying to walk a bit.

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  • lrr4993
    lrr4993 Member Posts: 937
    edited January 2011

    victoria - it is seriously energetic.  I could not keep up.  Not because I was too tired, but because I simply cannot move my feet that fast (at least not in any coordinated manner) and really cannot get my hips to do that.  I was laughing straight through it because I was such a disaster.  It was a lot of fun though.  I am trying to exercise every day, in part because I need to for general health, in part because it is supposedly good for recurrence prevention, and in part because I have more confidence in the strength and health of my body and its ability to survive cancer if I can make it through a workout like that.

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

    1 down - 29 to go!!! So, I finally started - it was easier going back than I thought - I didn't cry this time. I didn't have to fill in a form as they have my allergy details etc from before. The nurse who brought the form didn't recognise me with hair :) One of the guys was from last time and it was comforting to have him there. Got my appt times - all in the AM for the rest of the week.

    The female tech actually pointed out I had got sunburnt yesterday - which I knew - I'm putting aloe on that area too. Part of the burn was in the rads area - I should have put some sunscreen on yesterday - very naughty.

    Hope everyone is not burning too much.

    Sue

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