January 2011 Rads

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

    Thanks Lexy - They're not into Miaderm over here yet and I didn't have the time to wait if I ordered it online. This MooGoo Udder Cream that my rad onc is now recommending also has amazing results - I posted a testimonial from a rads patient in an ealier post. I actually managed very well last time using Aloe and VitE but thought it wouldn't hurt to try this new stuff - I actually like how it feels. Still using Aloe out of the fridge as soon as I get home though.

    It's great to hear you have no SE's from the treatment - only 2 left!!!

    Sue

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  • Pennythoughts
    Pennythoughts Member Posts: 81
    edited January 2011

    Just finished #8 - halfway done as I'm only doing 16.  Just got my Miaderm today and the rad techs at my treatment centre are all really anxious to see it and read up on it.  They would like to recommend it as a part of treatment for everyone at the centre.  I've been using the samples and just ran out today, so glad it finally arrived.  So far, just looking a little bit tanned, nipple is pretty dark in color and just a teeny, tiny bit itchy.  But so far, so good.  I'm hoping the Miaderm comes through for me and keeps the skin stable through the remaining 8 treatments.

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

    Penny stay on top of the itch. I used hydrocortisone for a wk and it worked fine but then exploded and needed a prescription steroid. Good luck sound like u r doing good

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  • Pennythoughts
    Pennythoughts Member Posts: 81
    edited January 2011

    Sherryc and others - how do you suggest staying on top of the itch?  Since I wrote that earlier today, it is already starting to drive me crazy.  I have an Aveeno anti-itch lotion . . . and I'm off rads for the weekend.  Does anyone think that would be OK to use or should I just go straight to a hydrocortisone right now?  I have some in the cupboard . . .

    I'll probably never get ahold of any of my med people before Monday, but I trust all of your combined experience.

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  • msjag
    msjag Member Posts: 416
    edited January 2011

    thanks for the welcoming everyone..and the questions begin!!

    How soon after chemo did you start rads?  I end 2/3,  seeing rad onc week before for basic consult.   Also, how long do you get zapped at each rad?  My onc is also having me talk to them about the 3 weeks vs the 5 weeks (guess a study in canada was done to show no pic difference in any results after 12 years).  I beleive you get a bit more radiated, but 2 weeks less treatment.  some requirements as always, stage 1, no node involvuement. just wondering if you are doing this treatment or have heard of it.   Also, when apllying cream do you only do that after each session, and at bed? not before?    I'm trying to get ready. I was so prepared from this board for chemo, thanks to all of you and dec gals, that at least I'm not so anxious begining this journey. any questions you think I should be asking?  Thanks Thanks and Thanks again!

    JoAnn

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

    Penny I would go straight to the hydrocortisone or benadryl cream . Also claritin pills helped me. All of that was recommended by my RO. If the OTC creams don't give u relief ask for a script. Mine gave me Kenalog and Jo used topcort . My itch was so bad over a wkend I could not get ahold of anyone I used a strong steroid lotion clobex until I saw the RO. Not his first choice for me but he was not upset with me since I was desperate. Good luck hope u find some relief

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  • jo1955
    jo1955 Member Posts: 8,543
    edited January 2011
    Penny - Like Sherry said, I had the terrible itch.  Used hydrocortisone to start and that did not work.  Had my rad onc give me a script for Topicort and it worked great in a matter of hours.  I continued using it for several days - even past when the itch stopped just to make sure.  Topicort is stronger than the others.  May want to keep that in mind come Monday if you are still itching.
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  • lexy
    lexy Member Posts: 9
    edited January 2011

    Pennythough,

    I have 2 rads left ( 31 done) I  am using the  Miaderm  cream and the cancer center is in awe of how well it has  worked!! I put it on in the dressing room right after the tr.. I think that is important  ( 4 times a day total) and not within 2 hours of tr (miaderm people told me that) they have been emailing me to see how it is working. I don't use any soap/deodorant at all and the hydrocortisone works great for the itch!( My husband is a pharmacist) Your skin/nipple condition  sounds similar to mine .. I think you'll do fine. Just stay on top of applying the cream 4 times/day.  good Luck with you last 8 rads!!

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

    Lexy - Congrats on 2 rads left.  Will be doing the happy dance with you next week.

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  • Pennythoughts
    Pennythoughts Member Posts: 81
    edited January 2011

    msjag - I am in Canada and on the Canadian protocol - 16 tx rather than 25.  I met the criteria . . . Stage 1, 9mm tumor, no positive nodes AND small breasts.  A cup bra is too small, B cup bra slightly too large :). What I really need is an A-3/4, LOL.  Apparently though, the 16 tx is not used on people who have a lot more breast tissue.  In any case, I am half way through with only 8 tx and it's already getting old - - I can't imagine if I still had 17+ tx left!!!!!  I hope you are able to do the Canadian protocol - it is soooooo much shorter. 

    Sherryc, jo & lexy - Thanks for all your helpful tips.  I think I'll crack open my hydrocortisone cream and see if I get some relief - it is a generic brand that is 0.5% . . . probably all I can get without a script.

    lexy - Congrats on being almost done - 2 left - WOOHOO!  As I said earlier, most of you have a much longer tx course than I do, and I am already really tired of this after only 8 tx.  You are all such troopers to be able to keep going for so long . . . blessings to you.  I have also been putting on the Miaderm in the dressing room right after, and then several more times during the day.  I'm not using any deodrant, but with my shower every day I am using an Aveeno sensitive skin body wash which is non irritating (I use it for other issues).  You said you don't use any soap at all . . . is that to avoid any irritation that soap might cause, or is it so that all the Miaderm and hydrocortisone you're using doesn't get washed off?

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

    Penny - You can get the 1% over the counter.  That would be better.

    I did use soap during rads.  I GENTLY washed the area - not scrubbing allowed  - and don't let the boob stay under the shower spray.  You can always reapply whatever you are using. 

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  • beacher4209
    beacher4209 Member Posts: 540
    edited January 2011

     hello ,i was wanting to know if anyone had irratation after only 2 rads????? i have 26 to go! i had a masectomy nov17th left breast wth an expander in. i was not suppose to need radiation but my ono Dr. and rad dr. agreed that it was so close to my chest wall (1mm) or is it cm?what ever u know what i mean unfortunatly we are all familiar with the terms... anyways it feels even tighter which i thought was impossibble with this freaken expander ive had and it has already gotten tanner what the heck 2 sessions?? 26 to go! im scared :(

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  • cincilady
    cincilady Member Posts: 20
    edited January 2011

    pennythoughts - the prescription cream ins triamcinolone .5%.  I would not put up with the itching.  Can you call your RO or your family doctor to call in a prescription for you?  Once it starts., it seems that it just spreads and gets worse.  It takes a few days to get it under control even with the prescription cream.  Good luck!

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  • cincilady
    cincilady Member Posts: 20
    edited January 2011

    beacher4209 I was pink and had a sore nipple after #3.  I'm sure everyone reacts different but don't asume the worst just yet!  Take it one day at a time and keep applying whatever your using at least 4 times a day if not every 2 hours (of course not right before treatment).  I slept in a sports bra 1 size larger than normal that was pretty much soaked in a combination of Aquaphor and castor oil that I slathered on every night.  My skin felt super soft every morning and I think it made a big difference.  If you don't have Miaderm, it seems that calendula is the main reason it works so well so maybe you can find that somewhere.  It is not at all oily which is why it needs to be reapplied so often.  Good luck!

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

    My nipple was sore from the beginning mostly when I would exercise and west my sports bra. Purchased silicone and they were great. Take it one day at a time and use lots of cream

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  • beacher4209
    beacher4209 Member Posts: 540
    edited January 2011

    SOUNDS LIKE YOU GIRLS HAD LUMPECTOMIES??? I HAVE NO NIPPLE SOUNDS LIKE THAT MIGHT BE A GOOD THING, bUT NO WAY I CAN I PUT A BRA OF ANY SORT ON I GOT ONE BREAST HIGH LIKE ITS 20YRS OLD AGAIN AND THE OTHER SAGGING LIKE IM 50 SO BESIDES HURTING I REALLY CANNOT GO ANYWHERE I LOOK LIKE A FREAK.... I JUST WEAR GIANT TSHIRTS AND TRY NOT TO BEND TO MUCH THAT HURTS BUT I DO WALK MY DOGS DAILY I HAVE MIADERM AND ANOTHER PRODUCT WITH ALOE I AM SO GLAD I GOT THESE 2 DAYS OFF BUT SO AFRAID OF THE 26 TO COME!!!!!

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  • rachel5738
    rachel5738 Member Posts: 920
    edited January 2011

    I have finished 10 treatments and can feel some soreness coming. It is strange--sort of a sore feeling close to my armpit but not terrible. When I mentioned to the Techs they said the soreness could be the position or the rads. I am glad for a weekend off. I am slathering myself in cream a few times a day but not for 2 hours prior to rads. My skin seems to be OK at this point but the Techs said that normally week 3 and 4 are where most get skin irritations. I am very fair so am surprised that I am not red yet. I am using Dove sensitive skin/no scent wash and just wash my breast with the soap by hand--no cloth--the Techs did say to try and avoid rubbing the area with a cloth or towel. I feel like I have been going to radiation forever but it is only two weeks---eeekk..another 3 weeks to go. I am in Canada but do not have the shorter protocol due to breast size, stage of cancer etc. Hoping that skin holds up for this coming week!

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  • lexy
    lexy Member Posts: 9
    edited January 2011

    I didn't use soap for both of those reasons.. and  I just figure it doesn't get that dirty.. I shower every day. Do you need hormonal therapy after the rad?

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  • lexy
    lexy Member Posts: 9
    edited January 2011

    Aw thanks !! I am not looking forward to starting the arimidex the next day!! How is the  Tamox going?

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  • moyapeter
    moyapeter Member Posts: 9
    edited January 2011

    So, I have been having a lot of trouble sleeping.  I actually have resorted a couple of nights to taking a 1/2 a pain pill to get to sleep.  Figured I would run out, so I went to the pharmacy to get some over-the-counter.  The pharmacist pointed out that Unisom and Sominex are the same thing as benedryl, just cost more.  Sure as heck, I looked, and it is!  So...  since I have been having trouble with the rash in my cleavage, and Benedryl could help, do you know if this is ok to do?  In  other words, can I take benedryl while on radiation?  They never mentioned taking benedryl for the rash....

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

    moyapeter - Taking Benadryl during rads should be no problem. You could ask your rad onc just to be sure.

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  • Omaz
    Omaz Member Posts: 5,497
    edited January 2011
    moyapeter - I don't think benadryl would be a problem either.  It's an old fashioned antihistamine for allergies.
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  • bher
    bher Member Posts: 86
    edited January 2011

    beacher4209 - I finished rads almost two weeks ago but wanted to let you know that there are not many of us with a single TE/rads but you are not alone.   I had to have rads because of close margins after my mx. It is very challenging to wear clothes because of the bra situation.  You could try wearing a bra over a tank top so it does not rub on the skin.  The bandini type bras also may be more comfortable.  That helped me but very honestly I went without a bra for several weeks because my skin was so bad and did not go anywhere except for rads. I am using the Miaderm also and love it but halfway thru rads my skin/TE was so tight and red that I added Aquaphor many times a day and it was the product that helped me the most to get thru the rads. It helped to relieve the tightness of the tissue expander.  Good luck to you.

    Moyapeter - My RO and PS both recommended benadryl during rads mostly for itching and I took it without any problems.

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  • jo1955
    jo1955 Member Posts: 8,543
    edited January 2011
                               
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  • beacher4209
    beacher4209 Member Posts: 540
    edited January 2011

    yes Blher,i was starting to think i was the only one out here with te/rads!!!sorry u were in the same position but glad u made it through ok.when do u get the te or te's out and inplants? my ps told me my skin may not be able to handle the inplants after rads,i will be so upset if i went through this expansion process (wich is terribly uncomfortale) for nothing. im going to get the Aquafor i just cannot imagine my skin getting any tighterits about to burst now and 26 more just seems impossible ,but i guess i have no choice... have we ever anymore? thanks for letting me know im not alone nite

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  • bher
    bher Member Posts: 86
    edited January 2011

    beacher - Sorry you have to go through this. Rads was hard for me and I wanted to quit towards the end but I am glad that I didn't.  I am not sure when I will get the permanent implant, probably will be a few months at least.  It depends on how well my skin heals. After two weeks of being finish, I am not as tight.  Yes, get some Aquaphor but keep using the Miaderm too. Apply as many times as possible to keep the skin moist throughout the day. I got through this, you will too.

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  • sunangel27
    sunangel27 Member Posts: 310
    edited January 2011

    Met with the new Medical oncologist after surgeon's office told me not to go to rads anymore....get another opinion. This med oncol. said no rads. that the office had mis coded me...I never should have had rads for LCIS..... said I should only be on tamoxifin...  suggested I turn this in.......

    MRI showed another spot, surgeon, and med oncol will talk this week and call me for another appt.  to see if they just want to watch it for 4-6 weeks....surgeon thinks maybe it could be scar tissue form the surgery??? But, the nurse had told me it was farther away from where the other spots were.........I am so so so confused!!   

    Has anyone else heard of something like this happen! I wonder if I shoudl go to a THIRD opinion somewhere, or just see what they say?? I am about to tell them to just remove the dam things and be done with it........it is so dam stressful at times I am about to scream! and I cry, and I just sit and don't want to do anything....this isn't the life I love and always enjoy and live! :(

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  • Polyana
    Polyana Member Posts: 200
    edited January 2011
    • Can I know what boost is? I am told 26 sessions but nothing about boost. What is it...
    • regarding rads..I am freeking out..how long does it take. I fear closed places, hope I will be able to see them while doing my rad..don't want that door closed on me with out a sight
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  • sunangel27
    sunangel27 Member Posts: 310
    edited January 2011

    and another thing....IF LCIS ISN'T CANCER like he said..;..its only a marker,it's only a "risk"....then WHY THE HECK DID THEY TAKE MOST OF MY BREAST AWAY??? WHY DO I HAVE A SCAR FROM ONE END OF MY NIPPLE TO THE SIDE OF MY UNDERARM?? WHY DO I HAVE THREE SMALL SCARS WHERE THEY DID A TRIPLE BIOPSY??? WHY?>>? 

    SORRY! I am just sooooooooo frustrated! and I feel like I should be thankful it's not worse, and I am.....just don't understand all this!!!! :( 0

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  • Omaz
    Omaz Member Posts: 5,497
    edited January 2011
    sunangel - I feel for you.  I would suggest that you find yet another medical oncologist at a completely different cancer center unassociated with the ones you have seen so far.  I am sorry you have been through so much and now have the feeling that they did surgery and didn't possibly need to.  I don't know very much about LCIS, but it sounds like you have been through the ringer.  Hug to you.
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