March 2011 Rads

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

    Pam, msjag  - My last chemo was Feb 2 ( I still get herceptin tho) and I still have lingering SE's.  My body can't decide between chills and hot flashes!  My legs are very sore and stiff all the time and just when I was starting to get my energy back, I am finding that I need to nap again - I think that's from the rads.

    Shooshoo - good advice to take it one day at a time. Hopefully you won't have too much of a skin reaction to the radiation.  I am starting to notice that it's uncomfortable for me to lie on my rads side (right), hard to describe the feeling....just uncomfortable and my port sometimes makes it uncomfortable to lie on my left side.  *SIGH*  Undecided

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  • RiverCat
    RiverCat Member Posts: 13
    edited March 2011

    Pam - I'm working through rads too and feel the same way.  I've had 12 treatments and one day last week had to leave early because I just hit a wall with the fatigue.  I normally work 10 hour days, and am off every other Friday, but have been coming in an extra hour early to make up for the 1 1/2 to 2 hours I'm gone to treatment so I'm pretty much going home, eating and going to bed.  Not doing much on weekends either.  Thank goodness for DH who is doing grocery shopping and most of the cooking, as well as whatever house work gets done.  I'm going to have a lot to make up for when this is over.

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  • ShelMel
    ShelMel Member Posts: 207
    edited March 2011

    Just had #3 rads this morning, 27 left to go! Smile

    I read that some of you are asking about chemo effects from the rads.... From Monday (my first dose) I get really tired in the afternoon/evenings and some nausea. Yesterday I noticed some bone pain. 

    I asked my rad techs about this and they swear up and down that I'm just over doing it. I disagree. I was "over doing it" last week before rads started and I didn't have these symptoms. 

    I was sooooo hoping that I could move on with life without any major SE's - but I think that's just wishful thinking. 

    I can barely keep my eyes open by 9 pm. This is frustrating. Sorry, I don't mean to vent, but I'm just ticked about the whole process right now. I'll be better soon. Thanks for letting me get it out. *sigh* Yell

    Shelle

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  • GirlFriday
    GirlFriday Member Posts: 461
    edited March 2011

    ShelMel:  Give yourself some time to heal.  I think it's impossible to go through this without side effects.  I've been moving since this process started, and now I'm suffering from fatigue and insomnia...two great things that go great together!

    LovemyLive12:  Victoria's secret has "bralettes" in their yoga section. they are  cotton/spandex and have different strap options. They are tube shaped but have enough curve in them at the cleavage line. 

    13/33

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  • shooshoo23
    shooshoo23 Member Posts: 96
    edited March 2011

    ShelMel- We are on the same schedule. I started Monday too. My rad techs told me it would be 'unusual' to have any symptoms yet. But I tell you, I've been working on my elliptical for 20 minutes, 3 days a week (working my way up) and I was about ready to bump it up to 30 min. but yesterday and today I can barely do the 20 min. I've been doing for weeks now!

    My husband told me it's all in my head because I'm expecting to have symptoms but I don't think so. My husband tends to think everything is always in my head....Undecided 

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  • LovemyLife12
    LovemyLife12 Member Posts: 43
    edited March 2011

    16/35 done!

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

    22 / 28 done.

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  • msjag
    msjag Member Posts: 416
    edited March 2011

    Shel, my chemo doc said she has heard of many patients with post chemo issues while having radiation. Thanks goodness someone believes us!!

    Shoo, my hubby has "nicely" said that things are in my head too, or that I'm too focused on getting side effects..... nice to be outside looking in!!  

    GirlFirday, I'm with you on the insomnia, my doc has tried EVERYTHING..last night was lunesta..nope..did nothing for me..geez...I'm just asking for some uninterupted sleep.  Do you take anything?

    Is it spring yet?????????  rainy and icy today....but 50's tomorrow...yahoo.

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  • crlacey
    crlacey Member Posts: 31
    edited March 2011

    9 out of 36 now complete.

    I was also told that the fairer the skin, the more chance of a burn. After my treatment Monday, the techs asked if I burned easily (the answer is YES)  because they already notcied a change in color of the radiated area. I've been putting something on it 3-4 times a day since then and it hasn't gotten any worse yet. So I'd say that the fair skin meaning easier burns is true. Just keep applying cream/lotion as often as possible before anything starts to show. 

    Anyone notice people treating you strangely? My grandfather, who has never called or contacted me since I got married 12 years ago, has called me twice since starting radiation. He says my parents aren't keeping him well informed, so he's had to call me to find out how things are. It's just very strange since I don't normally have much contact with him even when I "go home" for a visit.

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

    11/33....rads tech said she is noticing some redness in my underarm area, huh, I can't see it or feel it but I'll make sure I get some cream on!

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  • GirlFriday
    GirlFriday Member Posts: 461
    edited March 2011

    My skin is very fair too.  My sisters tan like the beautiful Swedes, but I'm just get red like my English blood.  I've been pink since the first week, but nothing has been painful yet. I use aloe 3-5 times a day, and then baby aveeno at night (no lanolin, no parabens!) .  Tried to find the Boiron Calendula, but no one carries it around here.  I'm a little swollen and have peeled once but I'm just going to roll with it.

    crlacey:  I've been through insomnia before.  I know it's the psychological part of the diagnosis finally rearing it's ugly head.  Things that used to make me sleepy just aren't working...like two glasses of wine used to make me want to take a nap...it doesn't have any effect.  I used to take two benedryl and that would knock me out in 10 minutes for the whole night.  I took couple o nights ago and it took me an 1.5 hours to fall asleep. Last night I was just beat so I didn't take anything.  I fell asleep and nine and woke up at 10! Ready to go. Eyes wide! Got up to pee and I figured it was 4am and my alarm would go off in the hour...and then I looked at the clock 10pm. Crap!  I snoozed through the rest of the night, but not restful.  I need to exercise more.  Drugs never seem to work will with me :( I'll let you know if I find a magic solution beyond lavender scented stuff, warm baths, warm socks, and a regular routine!

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  • Teal3Pink1
    Teal3Pink1 Member Posts: 109
    edited March 2011

    Welcome to everyone new!

    Had my simulation this morning and I am sporting my 6 new tiny tats--it feels like things are finally getting started. I was too distracted by the 3 super nice, super hot techs getting me into position to even notice what kind of machine it is. But I wasn't going to get to attached since MY machine will be on another floor. (Now I'm leaning towards the name "Bobby Ray.")  After everything was lined up and the x-rays taken, RO took a look and said everything looks ready to go. I was unprepared for the flurry of activity--the markers came out of no where and people were writing on me and the foam from every direction and the flash from the camera going off like papparazi. Then just as suddenly, it was all over.

    The set up appt will be next Thursday in the afternoon and rads will start the next day, time to be revealed at the set up appt. I am still hoping for either an early morning or late afternoon appt so I can go before or after work and not have to deal with going back and forth in the middle of the day.

    I love seeing the countdowns! Hurray to everyone who is moving right along.

    0 / 20 Start next week!

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  • shooshoo23
    shooshoo23 Member Posts: 96
    edited March 2011

    3/33 Woo Hoo!

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  • Teal3Pink1
    Teal3Pink1 Member Posts: 109
    edited March 2011

    Binny4:  Thanks for the info! Good to know! My LE specialist is keeping a close eye on the hand and we're hoping the sleeve will be sufficient, but things can change!

    thrmine:  Sorry you're dealing w/LE, too! Keep up with the exercises. I had some very slight cording under the arm and just a few days of exercises have really helped.

    Insomnia: Fatigue and not being able to sleep is the worst! Everyone is different and not everything works for everybody. It's so frustrating! I tried practically every natural remedy and meditation exercise out there and felt like a huge failure before I finally asked my med onc for a little something something to help get me through the night. Ativan (lowest dose) seems to work best for me and I heard a side effect is that it helps me stay asleep too. I also have some Ambien CR (lowest dose) for nights when I know I'm going to have a really rough time sleeping--like waiting for test results or before a big procedure. Yeah, they call me Double A in group.

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  • pumela115
    pumela115 Member Posts: 231
    edited March 2011

    12/33 or 35 can't remember, ha!,chemo brain still, i think! Oh yeah my machine's name is Elsa. I didn't name it another patient did. Sounds like a cow. :D Lets keep counting down!!!!

                                       Pam

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  • dogsandjogs
    dogsandjogs Member Posts: 1,907
    edited March 2011

    Had my consult with the RO today - He mentioned the study about women over 70 and then said my decision should depend on my "comfort" level. Was I the type who would worry about the cancer coming back?  Bottom line: he said to either do the radiation or the medication.

    I was pleasantly surprised that he did not try to talk me into radiation.

    So now I'm going to ask my son, DIL, and adult grandkids what they think I should do. I can wait another couple of months to make a decision. Since I'm worried about he side effects of the medications (mainly because they affect the bones and I have osteoporosis) I may just do the radiation and then skip the meds if the side effects are bad.

    PS I'm 75 as some of you know so I do fall under the guide lines of radiation protocol for women over 70; i.e. benefits may not outweight the risks.

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  • sandymess
    sandymess Member Posts: 299
    edited March 2011

    1 down--32 to go!

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  • GirlFriday
    GirlFriday Member Posts: 461
    edited March 2011

    srbcsurvivor:  Good for you! I'm glad  you talked with the RO...sounds like a reasonable and professional doc.  I don't think radiation is all that bad.  I'm following the rules, and using my own common sense.  Of course I'm not even quite half way through so I may feel differently by the time the boosts come along.  From what I've read so far everything in cancer studies are about 5 year reoccurence.  I'm up in the air about drugs myself.  My cancer is rare and usually not diagnosed in women under 60, but hopefully I'll make it to 75 before I need to worry about it again!  I think you'll kick ass no matter what you decide! 

    Teal3Pink1:  I say if it works stick to it....Not so bad being a double A :D

    sandymess:  You should get some books on disc for your long drives...stay away from Nicholas Sparks cause he'll just make you cry.  Hit the library when you get a chance! 

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  • lestwin
    lestwin Member Posts: 83
    edited March 2011

    I am done!  Last one today 33/0.  Bit of a disaster, they left a message that the machine was down but I was not home, busy buying them all flowers.  Got there and had to go to the hospital instead.  Almost gave up after waiting for 45 minutes and was about to leave and forget the last treatment and a female (waiting for her husband with prostate cancer) convinced me to stay.

    My doctor said I could go on a cruise the beginning of April so now I am stoked  (sorry British expression meaning excited).  Went out to dinner, and yes, I imbibed, probably toooooo  much,  but I am so happy to be done!  You guys do not know how you helped me sooooo much.  I am so glad I found you.  For the guys who do not know much about me, I have faced so much diversity in my life and you were my rock.  Do what you need to do, it is important, and guess what, YOU CAN DO IT!

    I am going to post this on all three boards for rads, Jan 2011, Feb 2011 and March 2011 because I participated in all three.

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  • GirlFriday
    GirlFriday Member Posts: 461
    edited March 2011
    Congratulations lestwin!  Onward and upward...and it sounds like off to sea!  I wish you all the best on your future adventures!
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  • shooshoo23
    shooshoo23 Member Posts: 96
    edited March 2011
    lestwin- So happy for you! Your post put a great big smile on my face! Thank you!
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  • Teal3Pink1
    Teal3Pink1 Member Posts: 109
    edited March 2011

    lestwin:  Woohoo! Glad you celebrated in a big way! Have fun on your cruise!!!!

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  • karaoke1953
    karaoke1953 Member Posts: 11
    edited March 2011

    Hello All:  I am having the last two treatments this week.  Compared to chemo, it was a walk in the park (as my rad doc says), however, in the last week of treatment, I developed blisters and sores under my arm.  What a place to have this going on!  So I have been home all week braless and miserable.  Nothing prescribed or recommended has done much to clear it all up.  Doc says it takes time.

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  • LovemyLife12
    LovemyLife12 Member Posts: 43
    edited March 2011
    letswin-  YIPEEE.  CONGRATS... Have a ball on your cruise.  GO girl!
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  • ShelMel
    ShelMel Member Posts: 207
    edited March 2011

    4 down/26 left to go!

    I'm so glad I'm not the only experiencing SE's this early in the game. Sorry, I just don't wanna be miserable alone. HA! 

    As an experiment, I did very little yesterday. And dang it - I got tired, but not nearly as tired. No nausea. Manageable bone pain. Soooo... I still say the rads are causing SE's, but it's exacerbated by over doing it. *sigh* 

    On a happy note, I'm going this afternoon to get my VAD (nicknamed: VAD Kilmer) out. I'm ready, in a way, but nervous about them cutting me open and just pulling the line out. I've had a few difficulties with it lately, neck and chest swelling. They ran a dye test and did a CT to make sure I didn't have any blood clots. I didn't, thank the Lord! So, they decided it was time to take it out. Just hope I don't have to get stuck anymore for a while. HA! 

    letswin- I'm sooo jealous! You have fun on your cruise! Sounds fabulous! 

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  • GirlFriday
    GirlFriday Member Posts: 461
    edited March 2011

    14/33

    I feel like I'm walking through peanut butter.  And my head hurts...but that could just be because my MIL is in the house today! HA!

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  • shooshoo23
    shooshoo23 Member Posts: 96
    edited March 2011

    4/33! Rolling right along!

    GirlFriday- Good luck with the MIL thing! Tongue out

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

    Tomorrow is lucky number 13 of 33. I see my RO as well but nothing exciting to report, so far...and hopefully it stays that way!

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  • GirlFriday
    GirlFriday Member Posts: 461
    edited March 2011
    Karaoke1953:  My RO prescribes silvadene if the skin breaks...mine hasn't broken yet, but I know it's there if I need it.  My sister is a chef and she uses this for burns on her hands an arms.  It works better than anything she's ever used...maybe you should ask about it?  It is a sulfa drug so if your allergic that wouldn't help.
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  • GirlFriday
    GirlFriday Member Posts: 461
    edited March 2011

    shooshoo23: There's nothing like her leaving to alleaviate my headache.  Today was one of those days.  She was on her "If you had children you would understand" routine.  I usually reply with something like:  My not giving birth has nothing to do with your justification for meddling in your son's life. Amazingly enough she apologizes, at least until the next time she says it. Ha!

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