March 2011 Rads

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  • thrmine
    thrmine Member Posts: 98
    edited March 2011

    I like the Ground hog day thing.  For me, my treatments correspond with Lent.   Lent goes from Ash Wed., last Wed. till Good Friday, April 22.   Those are the exact weeks of my treatment, assuming we do not have too many delays.  So, I figure my Lent is covered.  I get to eat all the sweets I want.  Yes siree, I get to kick back this year. :)

    Beautiful weather where I am today.  I feel for those poor folks in Japan!

    Alice  

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  • sandymess
    sandymess Member Posts: 299
    edited March 2011

    Hello everyone,

    I also start radiation this coming Wednesday. I'll have 33 days altogether which will bring me to the last week of April. I'm a little scared of this treatment but I hear it isn't as bad as chemo which I finished on the 9th of February. I went for my simulation this past Tuesday. I had no idea that tattooing was used to set things up!



    Hope all is well with everyone.

    Sandy

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  • marjie
    marjie Member Posts: 1,134
    edited March 2011
    Sandy - yeah!  free tattoos....it's one of the perks Wink
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  • libraylil
    libraylil Member Posts: 528
    edited March 2011

    Sandy welcome you are about week behind me. Istarted last tues but will be out of town two days this week. So far so good. Just weird going over there daily. The simulation was fine, just felt a liitle dizzy from lying on my back and obsessing. Got another two pack of sports bras At smart today just in case. Lib ray lil

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  • GrandmaBubba
    GrandmaBubba Member Posts: 111
    edited March 2011

    Hello all. 7 out of 28 down. 1/4 done. I was very reluctant about rads. I am really afraid my skin won't hold up. Saw onc yesterday and got a new view. If I didn't do rads and it came back I would always wonder what if I had. Since I am doing rads if it comes back then I know I did everything I could to prevent it. It really made me feel better about my decision. Now I will go in to that machine with a better attitude. And please don't name any of those massive machines Bubba. That's my name and I'm much nicer than those machines. Bertha was an old car I had that I really had to coax to start everyday. I can't think of a good name, but my name will be about killing the bad and saving the good.

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  • marjie
    marjie Member Posts: 1,134
    edited March 2011

    Good attitude GrandmaBubba!

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  • Sleuth01
    Sleuth01 Member Posts: 42
    edited March 2011

    I probably overreacted. I am prone to do that these days. I am just at my wit's end for some information. Neither my oncologist nor radiologist tell me anything. I have been Googling for days trying to find out about my back pain and radiation. There is nothing online about it. I just don't know if what I'm going through is normal or if the radiologist didn't mark me properly from the beginning so that the techs are treating my body like a beanbag. When they're finished positioning me, I am in a sort of V shape, with my hips sharply to the left and the top half of my body sharply to the right. This has thrown my back out terribly and I don't think I can take any more. It gets worse after each treatment. I am thinking of dropping radiation therapy is this continues.

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  • GrandmaBubba
    GrandmaBubba Member Posts: 111
    edited March 2011

    Sleuth01 - I'm glad you're back. Most of us are emotional timebombs these days. I had problems with my arm and shoulder hurting. As soon as I told my RO I was thinking about quitting they found a new position for me. I told them yesterday when they were juggling me around that I wasn't Jello that could be molded. Don't be afraid to speak up. They really don't want you to hurt. Hope things get better soon.

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  • marjie
    marjie Member Posts: 1,134
    edited March 2011

    Welcome Sleuth01 - I agree...make some noise with your RO and techs.  We are going thru enough there's no reason we should suffer more than necessary if they can help it.  Did you have a bad back before all this started?  Perhaps they could use a foam wedge or something to help take the pressure off while you are in position.

    Hope you can get it worked out - wouldn't want to see you quit on something as important as this.

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  • sandymess
    sandymess Member Posts: 299
    edited March 2011

    Does anyone else have lymphedema? And is the radiation affecting it in any way? I'm really worried about my arm getting worse with this tx.



    Sleuth01 - Don't quit! Hang in there. You WILL get through this!! Talk to your RO and let him know how you're feeling. I'm sure they can figure something out to ease your pain.

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  • libraylil
    libraylil Member Posts: 528
    edited March 2011

    Sleuth  hang in there and LET THEM KNOW at your next treatment.  I am on my back but with a wedge under my knees.  Arm over head and head to the right.  Think about how much you are paying for this and let them know. I can imagine lying on that table in your position would be rough. Don't give up.  We are here to support you as I may need a Azz kick from you down the road:)  This is a very positive and supportive group of homies.

    Grandmabubba  like you I don't want to think coulda, shoulda.  I just go with what they throw my way.  Things look much better now that the gray weather has lifted.  Looking forward to spring break. I'm just behind you with 4 under my belt.  libray lil

    libraylil

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  • Teal3Pink1
    Teal3Pink1 Member Posts: 109
    edited March 2011

    Ground Hogs Day! Love it! 

    Sleuth:  Yes! PLEASE talk to the RO and/or technicians and tell them it is time to take your pain seriously b/c it is impacting your ability to continue treatment. Hopefully they'll be able to make adjustments, but regardless: your pain is valid and needs to be addressed.

    Sandy: I'm also worried about rads triggering more lymphedema, especially after seeing the LE physical therapist a week ago. The LE in my arm has resolved since suddenly appearing about 3 weeks after lumpectomy but there is still some LE in the breast. She took measurements and gave me some exercises and massage to do and told me what to watch for. My compression sleeve came in the mail yesterday, so I am ready for air travel and bike riding.

    ElizabethAnne: Thanks for the info on the tube. Ugh! I've been told not to wear a bra with an underwire, so I had to get a few new bras. I also picked up cornstarch powder (along with the rest of the recommended lotions and potions), I feel I'm going to be using a lot of it. I'm very thankful that the weather won't be getting too hot and humid for a while.  

    SuperBCsurvivor: That's amazing! How do you do all that? I don't feel positive all the time--it is impossible to sustain and I have spent plenty of time on the pity pot. 

    Grandma: Would Bubba Ray be okay? I don't want to offend you! Hmmm. Bertha Ray sounds good too! Sounds like your machine should be some kind of super hero. Or how about Dexter? I haven't watched the show yet, but I hear it's quite good...!

    Speaking of super heroes, I'll be on my tummy with my arms out like super man. I like the cape idea. I'm going to find one to wear.

    GirlFriday: Save me a seat! ;) Lumpy? Great! One more "maybe" to roll around in my head and get knocked around with all the others I'm worried about. I was told that the breast might swell up during rads and then might shrink a little afterwards.  

    I don't feel positive. There are some days when I'm on the pity pot longer than others. Yes, RiverCat,It's so nice to not have to go through all this alone. How wonderful to have this place to whine and laugh and get information.

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  • ShelMel
    ShelMel Member Posts: 207
    edited March 2011

    Hi all,

    I'm Shelle. I'll be starting my rads tomorrow (Monday, March 14), 6 weeks worth. I don't know about any boosts. Guess I need to ask. 

    I've been through 4 rounds of TC and have been hanging with the chemo boards. I figured it was time to get my butt on over here and find out what to expect. 

    I didn't realize that the March thread would be this long!! WOW! I'm going to go back to the beginning and read/scan through. 

    Blessings my sweet sisters! 

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  • msjag
    msjag Member Posts: 416
    edited March 2011

    Hi Shel,  nice to see you again!!!  Great people here too!!! Good luck with rads tomorrow,

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  • ShelMel
    ShelMel Member Posts: 207
    edited March 2011

    Hi msjag!!! Fancy meeting you here! :)

     Have you started the rads yet?? I think I saw a post or two with your name on it but I was scanning so quickly. 

    Great info here. I'm ready to get this rads over with and move on. 

    I read some posts about some women opting to get tattoos after this is over. I'm in the same camp. I haven't decided what or where yet, but I'm soooo getting a tattoo! :) 

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  • LovemyLife12
    LovemyLife12 Member Posts: 43
    edited March 2011

    Hello All-

     Hope you all are feeling good this Sunday evening.  Ths time change makes me sleepy.  But love watching my six year old play outside with her friends. 

    So I am on number 14 tomorrow.  That means 14 whole breasts ones left and 7 boosts.  Yahoo!!!  My skin is really holding up nicely.  NO burning just a tad darker.  But I can'y sleep on my rads side, nor can I sleep on my stomach.  Not that it really is painful, just extremely UNCOMFORTABLE!!! I see my RO or his PA on Tuesday and will ask.  Just wanted to gripe a little.

    On a more positive note, I started the couck to 5K program.  I walk/ran 2.8 miles in thirty minutes last week.  Hoping it is fighting off the fatigue that comes with rads. Let's get ready for another week.  Here we GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!

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  • shooshoo23
    shooshoo23 Member Posts: 96
    edited March 2011

    Hey ladies,

    I finished up my tatoos on Friday. OUCH to the one right on my breast bone! My machine is called the Accelerator. I don't remember who it was but I like the name Sparky :) My first rad is tomorrow and I'm a little apprehensive. I guess it's just the unknown. I keep thinking if I can get through chemo I can get through anything. Some days it just feels like this is never going to end.

    Sleuth- Welcome back hon! I seem to have an emotional meltdown daily right now! We all understand! Smile And yes, definitley speak to your RO. Speaking up for myself doesn't come naturally to me but I'm learning to be more assertive. 

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

    lovemylife- freaky!  I started the Couch Potato to 5K this morning.  Week 1 / Day 1 down.  (c:

    Rad number 20 today.

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  • thegood5
    thegood5 Member Posts: 478
    edited March 2011
    wow Adey...I'm doing that too!  What a workout...i sweat so bad (hot flashes) holding that couch down!  Wink
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  • Adey
    Adey Member Posts: 3,610
    edited March 2011

    good5- how far along are you?  I was doing it before dx and was up to 2 miles jogging.

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  • thegood5
    thegood5 Member Posts: 478
    edited March 2011

    I didn't even start yet, was supposed to but had to go in a 2nd time for a nother lupmec to clear my margins.  I will be starting in a few weeks...

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  • GirlFriday
    GirlFriday Member Posts: 461
    edited March 2011

    Sleuth:  Have you tried taking ibuprofen or something similar prior to your appointment?  I do that for my shoulder.  Also, I think your maxed.  And I think if you can find some pressure release valve these appointments will go better.  I'd start with asking questions, and speaking about your pain and discomfort.  I think the techs get all business because in many ways there job is tough...they have the responsibility to line you up so you don't get zapped the wrong way.  I bet their sensitivity isn't too far beneath the tech surface.  I do deal with one tech that is just an idiot.   She's kind of rough, but for the most part it all goes well.  I would also try a Reiki session...my Breast Care Center and the local Cancer Community offer them for free...Reiki doesn't just heal what you believe it ailing you...it gives you all over healing energy,..see what's available to you for free and take advantage of it...Remember This is all about YOU, no one else.  Be selfish. Take care of yourself like it's your job.

    Teal3Pink1:  I forgot to ask about the lumpyness!  So many "maybe's" in this BC thing.  I would guess that protein, water, lotion, and massage would be our best weapons against this.  I called my cancer Lumpy all along.  So I guess it's fitting he left me a shadow to remember him by!

     Lovemylife12: I know the sleeping thing all too well.  Last night I didn't sleep hardly at all.  I just could not get comfortable to relax...even took a benedryll at 11, and then woke up at 230am. Argh!

    11/33

    Strike up the band cuz the gang is all here....The Pennsylvania Polka!

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  • LovemyLife12
    LovemyLife12 Member Posts: 43
    edited March 2011

    Adey- Good for you.  I am on Week 2 day 1.  I downloaded the app for my Ipod.  It comes with GPS (not so sure of the accurac)y for 3.99. 

    thegood5-  I started Tamoxifen and decided if I was sweating would I know I was having a hot flash.  So every morning I take Tamox and Pristiq(helping with hot flashes I hope) go to radiation, then come home to run.  Good luck

    GirlFriday- I am sleepy during the day and find couch sleeping quite nice.  Probably a reason for not sleeping.  My onc gave me a pretty potent sleeping pill.  I take one if I have a night or two without sleep.  I am so afraid I'll become addicted.  But this med knocks me out so that I can sleep soundly on my back.  I get so much rest and feel great the next day.  Funny I went from no medicine toa medicine cabinet full.  Such is the life of a BC SURVIVOR!!!

    Hope all of you have a HAPPY Monday!!

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  • GirlFriday
    GirlFriday Member Posts: 461
    edited March 2011

    Hey SandyMess!  I just noticed you're in Maine!  I'm doing my rads in Portland!

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  • sandymess
    sandymess Member Posts: 299
    edited March 2011

    Hey GirlFriday! I am doing my rads in Augusta. Too bad we aren't closer. We could commiserate together!

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  • GirlFriday
    GirlFriday Member Posts: 461
    edited March 2011
    Sleuth: Okay, you're on my mind this afternoon.  I think the internet has the ability to make us all crazy if it doesn't bring us solace.  Trying to find a definite answer that a SE of rads is back pain would probably make you crazy too.  What if you just say to yourself, Rads makes my back hurt.  Don't worry if the doctor or your research says that it's not possible...after all many of us on here believe there is a heat or tingle sensation caused by the radiation, and the docs all say that's not possible.  If you believe that rads is making your back hurt, take the steps to make it better.  Find out what pain meds you can take to alleviate it.  Find out if they can position you differently or provide some assistive device (like I sleep with a pillow between my legs or under my knees when my lower back is tweaked.)  Believe that you can get what you need to make it through this side effect.  If you take control this, I believe that you can minimize it. 
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  • GirlFriday
    GirlFriday Member Posts: 461
    edited March 2011

    sandymess: Dang! I thought we could talk about how cute the rads nurse Jim is!

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  • msjag
    msjag Member Posts: 416
    edited March 2011

    Shel, I did start rads, 7 down, 29 to go!!  Hope all went well for you today~

     Hope everyone is doing well!!!  Losing an hour sleep was not what I needed!!

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  • RiverCat
    RiverCat Member Posts: 13
    edited March 2011

    I have kind of a strange issue and wondered if anyone else has encountered this.  I chose the rad onc that I felt comfortable with and had my initial appointment with her.  Today was my 11th treatment and the third time I've seen the doctor since starting treatment - but it has been a different doctor.  Today, I asked the nurse if they could rearrange the day I see the doctor so I could see the one I had chose and was told no.  They work as a group and you see whoever is in at that particular time.  In fact the doctor I thought I had chosen is only going to be at this facility once in the next five weeks of my treatment.  Apparently they all go to several different places.

    Last week I had three questions and each time the doctor had to leave the room and go check with the techs or look at my treatment plan to be able to answer me.  He never has a chart with him when he comes into the room and doesn't seem to know anything about my particular case.  Just asks if I have any questions but then really doesn't have any good answers.  I have no confidence that anyone is really following my treatment.  The nurse told me today to just ask her if I had any questions and she would see that I got answers, but that still doesn't give me a high comfort level.  I really can't start over with someone new at this point and feel trapped.  Just needed to vent.

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  • thegood5
    thegood5 Member Posts: 478
    edited March 2011

    Sleuth and GirlFriday....I totally agree.  I said to my husband just the other day that how do they REALLY know what to tell me about what I should/shouldn't be feeling or what hurts and what doesn't, unless they have been thru the actual treatments themselves?  It's just like a male OBGYN telling you your'e fine when you are pushing out a baby...how does he really know?!

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