JUNE 2011 RADS
I am starting rads on June 1st. Doing 5 weeks with possible 6th week boost . Being treated at UW Madison, WI Hospital. Anyone else starting in June or being treated in Madison ? I already have purchased my arsenal of lotions and oitments...I am not looking forward to using the ointment everynight during the hot sticky summer months...
Comments
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I am getting my mapping done in 2 days so I am sure I will be starting rads in June! I have also gotten a cream that will be wonderful during rads. I will be doing 6 1/2wks.
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Hi there, Skippy/Lisa! We meet again. I am expecting to start later this month - I have a treatment planning date for June 6. I don't want the whole breast radiation and am hoping to get internal or external partial breast radiation. That is NOT the standard treatment, but I want to minimize collateral damage.
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I'm actually starting mine on May31st - 28 rads - I do my dry-run and first treatment tomorrow but obviously, most of my treatment is in June... I found some nice tank top shelf bras at our kmart for only $7 - as far as the ointments - I guess all I can use is the stick aquaphor because I found out I'm allergic to aloe
. We will all make it ok and sharing will help us know we aren't alone. -
Hi all
Had my mapping last week. Will go on June 3 for trial run and then start radiation on June 6. Will be going for 6 1/2 weeks.
Cindy
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Hey every one. I start radiation June 6th. Am dreading the heat in the city. Anyone given advice on how to keep it dry? Are we stuck inside until it's over? Susie
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I have my dry run tomorrow and start on Wednesday. They haven't told me anything about lotions or creams yet. I only know what I've learned on this site. Maybe that will be covered at tomorrow's appointment. I have to drive over an hour for treatment and over an hour back home. I hope I can keep that up or I will face an hour and a half each way via public transit. Houston is not know for easy commuting no matter what time of day.
I'm having 33 treatments and finish on July 18th. I am supposed to leave on a trip to Maine on July 23rd. Here's hoping it all works out.Lynn
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Mamadog - eat plenty of protein, don't lose any weight and lots of water - you will do fine...I'm so sorry you live in texas. I tried doing an archaeology job down there a year ago - and couldn't handle the heat... My friend lives near Corpus Christi.
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Hey Lynn You will be just a few days ahead of me doing radiation. Where in Maine are you going? I live in Maine. I am hoping they tell me which lotions or cream to use when I go friday for my trail run.
Cindy
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Hi Ladies...may I join you? I had my radiation simulation , tattoing and the head and arm mold done yesterday and will be starting radiation mid June. I think I am doing 6 weeks of treatment, still trying to absorb all the information. Nothing was said to me about creams and lotions yet either. I was told that the new thing they are trying is having the patient hold their breath for up to a minute to raise the chest wall away from the heart and lungs to distance the radiation from those organs.(depending on how close they are from the CT scan results) Have any of you heard of this? I can't hold my breath that long so I guess they will have to do mine the way they have always done..
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Emily I didn't have to hold my breath and they showed me my films today.
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Thank you for creating this group! May I join in? I had my mapping and tattoos done on May 25 but my first treatment will be next week on June 7.
Cindy
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Hi Cindy. A friend of ours has rented a house near Bar Harbor. I've never been to that part of the country and I'm so looking forward to it. It will be a nice change of pace from the summer heat and humidity of Houston for sure. I did my dry run today and start rads tomorrow. I'm supposed to finish up on July 18th. All they told me today was to use Aquafor when necessary. Absolutely no deoderant (not even the crystal kind) and no shaving. I guess I'll have to be a hermit because there's no way I could go out in public in the heat and not stink. I closed the blinds across the back of the house so I can't see the pool. Does anyone know how long after treatment that you have to stay out of the pool? What's the problem with getting in the pool anyway?
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my radiologist said i can wear deodarant and wearing it calls a very minial difference so not to worry about it. My guess is staying out of pool is suggested as the chlorine will damage the skin with having the radiation burn and blistering...that would hurt like heck !
I was told at my CT Scan to use Aveeno lotion and body wash, aloe vera gel during the day and use Aquafor at night sarting the very first treatment.
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I had my mapping done today. 10 tats. all together. I am having my leg and arm radiated.They will be doing my breast after the chemo, but my leg and arm are having me in pain. I can barely walk now.
I am having 10 treatments starting Thursday.
I was told NOT to use any creams lotions or anything else except for what they give me or washing.
I didnt hear anything about pools, I will have to ask. I would imageing that it would have to do with how high clorine levels are and that it is hard on the skin anyways.
So I guess that is it.
Candice
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Mamadog: from one of the other forums I was told that "no pool" because the chlorine dries out your skin too much and will be very irritating on the radiated parts of the body. Plus if you are in the pool, that can mean sunburn time and you are to stay out of the sun.
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Hi all, glad there are so many new to radiation. It's helpful not to do this alone. My nurse told me today to get a small bottle of baby powder cornstarch and aquifor .... Then see what happens as we go. I just keep loosing weight, since the taxol. So glad that's over but reLly want my weight back. Does anyone know if you have to stay on the80 ounce a day of liquid during radiation too? Susie
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Hello June Rads Group!
I finished Rads in April...On the March group, we discussed all kinds of things, so perusing that might help answer questions too. Here's the list that summarizes our group experience in terms of helpful hints! Hope you don't mind me posting, but I compiled this list as I went through the process, and learned from what others were doing too! I probably won't lurk on this group long, so if you have a question you can always PM me!
Radiation Suggestions
Soap: Basis, Dove: Go for free of perfumes and dyes. Do not use wash cloth and pat dry
Lotions: Look for no dyes, no parabens, as pure as possible
100% Aloe: Fruit of the Earth, RO Suggested: Aquaphor for later weeks of treatment. Other Suggestions: Glaxal, Baby Aveeno, Miaderm (purchase on Internet) Boiron's Calendula (lotion, cream, gel)
Always go in clean and lube when you go out. Lube 3-5 times a day
Treat your skin delicately. It's being assaulted!
Tank tops, Camisole's with shelf bra, Fruit of the Loom front hook athletic bras, Everything Cotton and loose that you can stand.
Buy a yard of white fleece, and cut to fit inside "bras" so something soft is next to rads area.
If you are larger breasted, be concerned about underneath your breast and treat with care.
Absolutely NO lanolin or oil prior to treatment. Avoid Lanolin during treatment
Do not wear deodorant or shave the rads underarm.
Breathe through the process: Consider counting the timing of the treatments, visualize the "healing" beam. Ask for music to be played and a warm sheet/towel if available.
Consider naming the machine: Bubba, Sparky, The Accelerator, Trilogy
If the position you are in for radiation hurts your arms or back consider taking ibuprofen or something prior to your appointment...ask your RO about this for recommendations.
Enjoy your tattoos if you get them. They little blue dots to add to the constellation of your body!
Fatigue is real. Plan for it. Some can take naps and be better, other's can't. Try to plan your days so you don't wear yourself out.
Drink Lots of Water
Eat Plenty of Protein to help health skin heal
Do not take extra anti-oxidants
Always ask the question that is on your mind. Do not be pushed or bullied into anything. This is your cancer, your treatment, your crazy to own and to take care of. Research when you need to leave no stone unturned, and never feel shy about posting here!
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Just popping in from the May rads group.
Mama dog: no one told me about pools and I've been swimming almost every day with no problems. I finished my regular rads and start my five boosts today. -
Oh, and I think the pool thing is about drying the skin with chlorine and/or getting an infection. I asked about it too, and they said it wasn't the best idea when the skin starts to break down towards the end.
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GirlFriday: thanks so much for the rads advice ! The UW Madison Hospital gave me a list lotions and such to use. I am using Baby Aveeno lotion and body wash, Aloe Vera Gel and Aquafor.
Feels so weird to be lubing up after the very first treatment when it feels like nothing happened and there is no irritation yet.
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Can I join in? I started radiation yesterday (3/31); today was day 2. I jump out of work mid-morning, take the subway over 3 stops, and then hurry back to work. I'm using 7 Cream during the day...has anyone heard of it (a friend gave it to me). Smells kind of funky though! Aquaphor at night (ugh. goopy). I cried through it yesterday (my wonderful 18 year old daughter went with me, so I wouldn't cry before/after) and only cried a little today
. I'm on a 4 1/2 week course (the rad onc calls it the Canadian way of doing it). They told me to breathe normally through the treatment. My boob was swollen from the surgery...it seems worse already. Has anyone heard of radiation swelling boobs? And what to do? -
One down. 32 to go. The drive to and from will likely kill me before the cancer has a chance. LOL
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I had my mapping today and I will start rads next tues! I am ready to get moving on this!! Tomorrow I start my herceptin. I am nervous about that but I know that will be what helps the HER2+!
mamadog: I am able to do my radiation closer to home otherwise I would be traveling 45min each way every day!! No way am I doing that!! Too bad you can't do it closer to home.
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GirlFriday: Thanks for the list! It almost looks like the same list I got at the cancer center
- I started in the May group too LOL May 31st for my first treatment. Had the 2nd one today.. I found I was very anxious for the dry run and cried alot... Lessons learned from that experience are:My anxiety was caused because I was thinking if I cried or took a Heavy -sigh it would skew the rays to the wrong place.. - I asked today and the tech smiled and said you can breathe, heavy sigh, cry, just don't sneeze or move your body - we both laughed.. IF SOMETHING SCARES YOU, ASK AND THEY WILL GIVE YOU THE ANSWER YOU NEED TO CALM YOURSELF..
It is a lonely place in that room alone - I found I could bring a buddy and hold it in my hands - I got myself a little stuffed baby toy monkey, I named her Little Bow Pink... she sat there and let me rub her as the noise of the machines were around me.
My center plays music - if you don't like country music (or whatever they are playing)... ask them to turn it off...
Know that God is with you and you can chat to Him the whole time if you want..
This being said...I had allot better day in treatment than my first...Hope this helps some in just the little things that happen with anxiety about rads.
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GmaFoley
You posted something earlier about not trying to lose weight during rads. I've been working on getting some pounds off and was successful until March when my diagnosis brought back stress eating. I'm trying to get back on track. Is this because we should be eating more protein to promote healing?
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Blazer: Nutritionist discussion was very interesting.. I am always trying to lose weight and she said now is not the right time - when you are healing from rads...if you lose weight during rads, you loose it in muscle mass not fat... It is very important to stay the same weight.. So.... she weighed me and told me to eat - high protein foods with at least 5 servings of bright looking veggies and fruits a day. Lots of water... and she gave me a shopping list of all the high protein foods to stock.
The list of proteins in the order she suggested were: eggs, salmon, beans, chickpeas, legumes, peanuts, fish, chicken, red meat, milk, peanut butter, yogurt and cottage cheese. She also gave a list of things to be I the kitchen:
Nuts: Almonds, Walnuts, Pecans, Pistachios
Beans: Black, Pinto, Kidney, chickpeas, lentils
Rice: Brown, Long grain, rice mixes
Pasta: Whole Wheat, Multigrain enriched spaghetti
Other grains: couscous, orzo, cornmeal, whole grain crackers
Onions
Black Tea -(green tea is in question at the moment because of a study that showed high concentrations made people with leukemia worse)
Canned low sodium tomatoes, sun-dried, salsa
Canned low sodium vegetables, green beans, mushrooms
Sauces: Low sodium pasta, tomato
Meats: canned tuna in water, salmon, clams, chicken
Peanut butter: low sodium
Evaporated milk, low or non fat
Vinegars: cider, red and white wine, balsamic
Oils: canola, olive and non fat cooking spriay
Spices: Tumeric (anti-inflammatory), Dried herbs, all kinds!
Garlic, potatoes, root vegetables
In the Refrigerator:
100% Vegetable and fruit juices
low fat milk and yogurt
Reduced fat, low soduim cheeses
Whole wheat and corn tortillas
Eggs
Low fat, non trans fat spread
In the freezer
Frozen vegetables, fruits
Frozen chopped onions and peppers
Whole wheat breads, wheat waffles, whole grain rolls
You need to eat at least 5 servings of vegetables (including legumes) and fruits a day, especially those with the most COLOR, a sign of high nutrient content. These foods are packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that work together to lower the risk of several cancers. (American Cancer Society)
The last thing she left me with is that every meal needs a protein and salads don't cut it unless you add meat, beans or other proteins with it. -
Hello ladies. I had my simulation on May 3l and my first treatment is June 9. They didn't use the dye for the scan because I am allergic to iodine. During the scan I was instructed to take a deep breath and then hold it until they told me to breathe; I don't think it was a minute, more like l0 sec. I am very apprehensive about this whole radiation thing and have been reading all the posts about it. I will be shaking in my boots on the 9th!
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Lee - think of the machine as your friend..it is helping you get rid of the stray cancer cells. If you read my earlier posts (on the top of this page) - I have a few ideas on how to make that first treatment easier... My cancer center has a volunteer relaxation therapist to go to once a week to help work through our fears... See if one is available to you... Hope this is helpful.
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BlueWillowSkys Thanks for starting the June Rads thread
Hello June Rad ladies, I just finished TC chemo on Tues and still have Herceptin until February. I've already had my rads consulation and found out that I'll have my rads simulation/tattoos on June 16th and then start 33 rads on June 20th including 5 boosts. I'm dreading rads during the terrible heat of the summer on Long Island but I'll manage. I was able to work during chemo in spite of awful side effects so I know I can get through this too. My RO is telling me that I should go bra-less on my weekends and that it's ok to wear 100% cotton wireless bra on my work days. I had a hard time finding them but eventually found some reasonably priced ones from Jockey online but they only have sizes for A/B cups (so if you fit that description you are in luck-$20 each and the third one is free...)
Just for fun: I noticed that the previous rad threads came up with the idea to buy the same number of lottery scratch off tickets for the number of treatments they have so that they can count off the days and have a little fun/win some money (hopefully) at the same time. I'm planning to do that as well and thought I'd share the idea for all of us who are beginning or rads journey...
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Newatthis: During my consultation the RO mentioned that rads can cause swelling or shrinking of the breast and that there is no way to predict an individual's response. She also said that there is no way to tell whether the effect will be lasting but that swelling should go down after rads (shrinking, on the other hand may not go away according to my RO but didn't sound like it would be significant).
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