January 2011 Rads

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  • Omaz
    Omaz Member Posts: 5,497
    edited February 2011

    Boosts - Does anyone know if they are having photon boosts instead of electron boosts?  Also, are photons what are used for the whole breast rads?

    Edited to say - sorry, am I getting too nit-picky!  I think I am just tired of going everyday, worried about my LE, worried about what's going to happen from the rads down the road.  I was doing good up till now!

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

    Omaz - My whole breast radiation was photon and boosts were electron.  The electron is supposed to be a "softer" type of radiation that does not penetrate the skin as deep as photon.  My rad techs were very good at explaining this to me - unlike my RO who was a moron.

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  • lrr4993
    lrr4993 Member Posts: 937
    edited February 2011

    My last whole breast is tomorrow morning, then 5 boosts and I am done!!  Woo hoo!  So far, it is has been very easy.  I have been so very fortunate through this entire process (surgery, chemo, and rads) that nothing has been terribly challenging, physically speaking.

    Does anyone know if the boosts are more, less or the same in terms of skin irritation and other SEs?    

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

    Irr4993 - I thought the boosts were the easiest part.  The part of my skin that was burnt and infected got a head start on healing.  I got a bit redder but was doeable.  Even though the machine was much closer, my rad tech would put a gel pad covered in a piece of cloth on my entire breast once I was lined up and ready to go.  It was one zap that lasted about 1 minute.  

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  • Omaz
    Omaz Member Posts: 5,497
    edited February 2011

    I hope the photon boosts aren't too bad, they are still getting a section under my arm and two largo spots on top.  My breast is getting quite pink now, looks sunburned but the skin seems ok.

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

    Omaz - Opps!  I messed up.  The post I did for irr4993 was meant for you.  The brain does not function as well these days.

    Just keep using the creams religiously and you will do fine. 

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  • Omaz
    Omaz Member Posts: 5,497
    edited February 2011
    Thanks jo!
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  • jo1955
    jo1955 Member Posts: 8,543
    edited February 2011
    Your welcome Omaz!
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  • jo1955
    jo1955 Member Posts: 8,543
    edited February 2011
                          
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  • Victoria67
    Victoria67 Member Posts: 44
    edited February 2011

    Jo - I'm so sorry to hear about your lung issues and I hope you find out that the damage isn't too bad and it will heal over time.  It must be so frustrating for you to have had to deal with your onc and his nurse, they sound like they've contributed to additional stress, frustration and anxiety for you.  I know that a small part of my lung is in the radiation field and will suffer some damage so I'm hoping it won't be too bad. 

    Omaz, I think my full breast radiation were photons and boosts are electrons.  My boost area is still a large part of the breast though but the outer part of the breast is looking a little less red now after 3 boosts.

    Thanks Sherryc, I'm really looking forward to finishing on Tuesday but feeling a bit anxious about it too if you know what I mean. I don't know what happens with follow up monitoring yet  .

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  • oakley
    oakley Member Posts: 206
    edited February 2011

    Hi everyone,

    ONE MORE TO GO!!!  Monday!!!

    As far as the boosts questions - I feel completely unknowledgeable with regard to electrons and photons - I have no idea what I am getting and didn't ask!  I just know that there is one area and the machine targets in on that.  Much easier than the entire breast for me - much.  I will say that I feel very lucky I haven't had any major issues - then again I did 30 total, not more.  

    Victoria - you are right behind!  Excellent!

    lrr - I mentioned above the boosts have been easier for me - it allows the other skin to heal.  I was told that the boosts are actually LESS radiation, but more targeted to the one (tumor) area.  So the SE's shouldn't be as bad if you had any before. 

    Jo - did you have to mention bedbugs??  They are an issue on the east coast (specifically in NYC) - luckily, knock wood, I haven't had experience with them - but YUK!!! 

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  • oakley
    oakley Member Posts: 206
    edited February 2011

    And I do believe that FINALLY, after 25-ish treatments, my smell issue has subsided!  So maybe the glands do shut down, at different times for people.  I've been using the crystal deodorant also, just to be sure, and it's working well.

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  • rachel5738
    rachel5738 Member Posts: 920
    edited February 2011

    Last full breast radiation today! 5 boosts next week. Omaz...I will ask today about type of radiation. I haven't asked too many questions. Like you, I am just looking for it to be done. My skin is doing well but I am pretty tired of going!

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

    Oakley - Sorry about the bedbugs.  Didn't know there was a problem on the east coast.  It is something my mom used to say to all us kids every night before going to bed.

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  • Omaz
    Omaz Member Posts: 5,497
    edited February 2011
    Boosts - I have photon boosts which are the same type of radiation as the regular treatments.  They are doing 3 angles, ones from left, one over the top and one from lower right.  The one from the top goes right through me.  I am not happy about this.  I am going to talk to the rad onc today if I can.  Anyone else have boosts like this?  The single type boosts straight on over the tumor are electrons and they don't penetrate all the way through is my understanding.
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  • jo1955
    jo1955 Member Posts: 8,543
    edited February 2011
    Omaz - I had one zap for my boost.  It was directed right at the tumor area and was done with electron and last about a minute.
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  • oakley
    oakley Member Posts: 206
    edited February 2011

    Omaz - same with my boosts as Jo's.  Again, never knew about electron or photon, but after reading the posts I guess they were electron.  Wish I could help you further.  

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

    MIne was also an electron boost.

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  • lrr4993
    lrr4993 Member Posts: 937
    edited February 2011

    Thanks for the info.  I asked about it today and was told the intensity is the same as all the others, but it is just done on the scar.  So, I will probably still have some redness there, but the rest of the areas can start to recover.

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  • walker2222
    walker2222 Member Posts: 558
    edited February 2011

    Irr4993 - your boost sound the same as mine, only on the scar area only. 

    As with Jo,  they put gel looking mat to cover the area and then they move in real close to the area.  Not for sure if it is a electronic boost or not, something to ask today.  I have 4 more left counting today @ 1:10.  Will be so glad to get it over with so I can have my lunch hour back.  Have been real fatigued this week but my skin seems to be healing well with the silver cream.  Was real bad under my arm and outside of the breast area.

    Got a refund check from the place where I bought my wig and mastectomy bra.  There will be some celebrating this weekend, new outfit sound good.

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  • Adey
    Adey Member Posts: 3,610
    edited February 2011

    Question for those who have finished--  is it totally crazy to schedule a cruise for two days after your last rads appointment?  Heat, swimming, salt water, chlorine...  I'm kidding myself, right?  I got a dose of reality last night but just wanted to throw it out there anyway!  Any advice appreciated.

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  • Omaz
    Omaz Member Posts: 5,497
    edited February 2011
    Adey - I haven't finished yet, in the boost stage and my skin has held up pretty well so far but I think I would be a bit sore.  However, you may not be or even if you are, on the cruise it won't matter!
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  • raincitygirl
    raincitygirl Member Posts: 3,143
    edited February 2011
    Adey, if I could I would be on a cruise boat right now and I just finished Wednesday.  Sure, there are some limits (hot tubs, for example) but I could deal with that.  I would say just ask what you need to avoid and then go enjoy the rest!!!
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  • oakley
    oakley Member Posts: 206
    edited February 2011

    Adey - I am going to the carribean 5 days after my last rads treatment.  I'm going to wear a UV swimshirt and my RO was perfectly fine with me going.  I think you should absolutely go!  Ask your RO - but I bet they say it's fine.  DO IT!!

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

    adey - What are you waiting for girlfriend? A written invitation?  I would have my luggage packed even before I was done with treatments.  You deserve to have a good time.

    Where are you going on your cruise and for how long? 

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  • Adey
    Adey Member Posts: 3,610
    edited February 2011

    A week in the Caribbean but might wait until summer.  If I go I must be able to go in the ocean, pool and ocean!  If I have burns I'm thinkin' that would huuuuurt.  I have the swim shirt, hat and cover up because I've also had melanoma but I want to go in the water... wahhhh!  And you're right Jo, I deserve it.  (c:

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

    Were do you buy a UV swimshirt?  I'm thinking I am going to need that this summer.

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  • Adey
    Adey Member Posts: 3,610
    edited February 2011

    Google it and you'll find lots... one is www.coolibar.com

    Oh and www.solartex.com

    My cover up and hat are Solumbra.

    Happy shopping!

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  • Victoria67
    Victoria67 Member Posts: 44
    edited February 2011

    Hi Adey

    I'm going to be having a short holiday 3 days after I finish rads and there will be swimming (ocean and pool).  I asked my rad onc last week about it and she said, fine, no problem at all, just keep area out of the sun, but yes I would check with your onc.  I bought a UV swimshirt and I also got fitted for a compression sleeve and glove as I'll be doing quite a bit of long haul flying over the next few months.  No sign of lymphodema but I'm just being cautious due to long flying times.

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

    Adey - I am going on a cruise in mid April and will be doing some snorkeling.  I don't wear swimsuits that often and won't go through the expense of getting a UV swimsuit but will hear a tee shirt in the water.  Also, I am taking some real good sunscreen.  I finished rads on Dec 3rd so enough time will have past that it should not be an issue.

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