January 2011 Rads

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

    The thing actually touched my body when they lined it up for the boosts. The last 2 had me feeling quite panicked. Just keep your eyes shut!!!

    Sue

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  • lestwin
    lestwin Member Posts: 83
    edited March 2011
    Suepen:  My sister told me to take something as an eye cover so I got one of those airline masks (I have a bunch of them).  I told the techs today I was scared and could I use the eye mask and they said yes.  I told them I had thought about not coming back.  They were really nice and I felt much more at ease not seeing that nasty machine in my face.  I only have 5 boosts left and I AM GOING TO FINISH! Cool
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  • Omaz
    Omaz Member Posts: 5,497
    edited March 2011
    lestwin - Yes, you will finish!!  So close now.  I actually named my machine Hubert.  He was a bit cold, but very predictable and for that I was grateful (c:
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  • lestwin
    lestwin Member Posts: 83
    edited March 2011

    Yes I remember you naming your machine.  I named mine "sunshine".  I live in the Sunshine State and I felt like it radiates warmth and it didn't make it so impersonal.  I felt this made it a more positive experience and except for the boosts and the open burns, I have been doing really well.

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  • Omaz
    Omaz Member Posts: 5,497
    edited March 2011
    lestwin - I am sorry to hear about the burns, that is really not so great.  I hope they don't hurt too much.  I read back a bit and see that you can't use very many things on your skin except the antibiotic ointment.  That makes it hard.
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  • Gingerbrew
    Gingerbrew Member Posts: 2,859
    edited March 2011

    I think I had my rads crisis two weeks ago. I still don't have any good explanation for it but it was incredibly difficult for me to go for treatment. I wanted to withdraw and hide away from this entire thing. That moved me to introspection and that in turn to some actions. Once I get to where I can take action I am on the way to feeling more balanced.

    Today I have ink spots on my arms every two inches to measure for lumphedema, turns out I don't have it at this time. I was glad to receive the instructions that I expect most of you received just after surgery for exercises and do's and dont's. Since I had surgery in Illinois and chemo etc out here in WA some instruction got missed.  I did discover my right shoulder is sore if I go beyond straight up, hm. 

    2 boosts down. 8 boosts to go. Yipee!   

    Rain I am still at or about 1:40, some are a bit different times.  I hope you appointment goes well. Do they do any tests or anything like that.

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  • mccordka
    mccordka Member Posts: 4
    edited March 2011
    My radiation set-up is tomorrow. I'm much more anxious about radiation than my lumpectomy on Feb. 18. I am scheduled for the shorter Canadian protocol but it is still 16 treatments plus boosts so skin gets a big hit! Being 64 with very fair skin, I seriously wonder how my fragile skin will come through this. Is there anything I can do to prepare/protect my skin in advance of the start of radiation?   
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  • Omaz
    Omaz Member Posts: 5,497
    edited March 2011
    mccordka - I have a routine and list of products and things that I used for my skin during rads.  It worked very well for me.  I did develope LE/cording from the rads but I don't think I could have avoided that.  Would you like me to PM you with my skin routine?
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  • raincitygirl
    raincitygirl Member Posts: 3,143
    edited March 2011

    mccordka - please don't be afraid, for some of us it is a really easy experience.  I also have very fair skin and had very little problem.  At the very end of regular treatments, I got a tight feeling under my arm (sentinel node site) and it turned very dark and then peeled. My nipple became sore early on but they just taped it down for all other treatments and there was no further issue.  The reason for taping it down rather than just covering it is because it is because it protrudes that it is more affected. The minor discomfort of each was over in less than 2 days.  You may be more affected by the fatigue at the end, but even that was tolerable, especially with you having so few treatments compared to my protocol.

    I started lubing as soon as I did the simulation.  I used Aquafor at that point.  I alternated Aquafor (greasy, so only at night) with 99% pure aloe gel (during the day) and as needed, I used a prescription cream that was very helpful.  

    Don't be afraid, I hope you will be pleasantly surprised.

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  • mccordka
    mccordka Member Posts: 4
    edited March 2011

    Thank you raincitygirl. The simulation went very well and the radiation oncology nurse allayed my fears. I learned that the effect on my skin was likely to be mild. The radiation oncologist favors lanolin and corn starch beginning with the first treatment. Foliculitis, if it develops, can be easily treated with a hydrocortisone cream. So onward!

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  • mccordka
    mccordka Member Posts: 4
    edited March 2011

    Thank you Omaz. The oncologist favors lanolin and cornstarch so I think I'll use that first. See my response below to raincitygirl.

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  • Omaz
    Omaz Member Posts: 5,497
    edited March 2011
    Best Wishes mccordka! 
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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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  • Omaz
    Omaz Member Posts: 5,497
    edited March 2011
    lestwn - CONGRATULATIONS!!!!
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  • suzieq60
    suzieq60 Member Posts: 6,059
    edited March 2011

    Lestwin - CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!! You did it!!!! I hope you heal quickly and aren't too tired.

    Sue

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  • Omaz
    Omaz Member Posts: 5,497
    edited March 2011
    Hi Suepen, How are you doin?  We are heading into summer hereSmile It was about 85 degrees this weekend and I dragged out the blowup pool.  You guys must be heading into fall?
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  • karaoke1953
    karaoke1953 Member Posts: 11
    edited March 2011

    I am getting the last two treatments this week.  One today and the last one tomorrow.  I had to take a break for a few days because the skin under my arm totally broke down.  Just peeled right off to expose raw flesh under.  I have used everything Dr prescribed, still very tender.  I am so glad this is almost over.  Anyone else experience underarm skin breakdown?

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

    Hi Omaz - it's supposed to be Autumn here but is still hot. I'm totally sick of it. I'm getting ready to go back to work next week - did some floor and bathroom cleaning. Under the boob is still peeling but is clean and dry - I'm not using anything on it anymore - can't be bothered.

    Sue

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  • momof2greatkids
    momof2greatkids Member Posts: 56
    edited March 2011

    DONE! Last rad today! So happy - exhausted, but happy! Had a great rad team, so grateful for them. Haven't missed much work since dx aug '10, and am just now ready to collapse. (chemo aug-dec, dec bmx, jan to now rads, herceptin continues for a year.) If I could just sleep I think I would for a week!

    God Bless all of you!!

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  • Omaz
    Omaz Member Posts: 5,497
    edited March 2011
    Congratulations momof2greatids!!!  Maybe you will surprise yourself and have a good nights rest!!
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  • Ondagrow
    Ondagrow Member Posts: 349
    edited March 2011

     Hi All...

    Is anyone experiencing headaches and dizziness post radiation... I finish rads on March 1...

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  • kalyson
    kalyson Member Posts: 15
    edited March 2011

    Cocococo:

    I can empathize with the mammogram situation - I had had mammograms 6 months apart and one 5 months prior to me finding my own cancer via self-exam.   The mammograms missed it - a 1 cm lump!  It was mucinous, so it was a slow growing lump and presumably there 5 months ago and even longer.  I have dense breast tissue.   The MRI could see it for sure, though.

    I don't think much of mammograms, at least for people with dense tissue.

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

    My last Rad is at 1:40 PM Pacific time today!  

    I am so happy to be done with this. 

    Good luck to all still on this phaseof the journey. 

    Hugs GInger

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

    I had my final checkup with the rad onc today and said a permanent goodbye to her. Thanks girls, for your company during my second lot of rads.



    Sue

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

    Sue thanks for all your support as well.  I have my final follow up on April 25th and then I think that will be my good bye to my RO as well, unless he changes his mind about something.

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

    Thanks Suepen!  I saw my rad onc last Friday and don't go back until Sept.  She ordered my first post-rad mammo for next week.  Are you having one too?

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

    I'm not having any mammos until later this year - I refuse!!! Having done this twice so close together, I've had enough. My bs agrees with me. Also we are going to the UK in August and nothing is stopping us!!!

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

    Sounds like a great trip Sue!!

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

    We're even going to Paris for four days!!!! Got to find the money yet though :)

    Sue

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  • Omaz
    Omaz Member Posts: 5,497
    edited April 2011
    Did anyone else get 'numb breast'?  When I started rads the area around my incision was numb but now almost my whole breast is nearly numb.  Anyone know if it goes away?
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