JUNE 2011 RADS

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  • BlazerFanC
    BlazerFanC Member Posts: 71
    edited June 2011

    GmaFoley,

    Today was #6?  Oh, I'm hoping I can make it a little longer before I start THE RASH :-) 

    Does your treatment field include that far down toward your waist?  I asked yesterday when they marked me for the simulation and they said to put cream in the area but spread it over the edges and I don't think it was that far down.  It's crazy (but good) the felt pens wiped off so fast as I was lubing up so I hope I'm covering enough area.

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  • GmaFoley
    GmaFoley Member Posts: 7,091
    edited June 2011

    BlazerFan: The rash was supposed to just go down a couple of inches I thought, but mine went down about 6 inches if you measure from the bottom of my breast... it doesn't itch yet but that is probably because the Xclair cream they gave me helps with itch and pain.. the R nurse said she was going to talk to the RO about getting me some stronger cream...

    Today is "see the nurses/doctors day"...they all come in individually and kinda "pass the baton" to the next..I thought, infact...last week was very entertaining - the nurse weighs me and checks my temp and bp and asks how I'm doing - I tell her - then the physicians assistant comes in and asks how i'm doing --- then the RO comes in and asks how I'm doing... Why can't we just have a conference and ask that question one time??? I think it is because I might share something with the nurse that maybe I would be reluctant to share with the doc and she could tell him instead???? What do you all think?

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  • GmaFoley
    GmaFoley Member Posts: 7,091
    edited June 2011

    Today #8 went well, think the routine they are setting up for me will work…

    Today was doctor day so the RO gave me the hydrocortisone cream to use morning and night with the Xclair and aquaphor. He said with my naturally sensitive skin this could happen........I also asked about my hot flashes I am starting to get and Physician Assistant suggested only 400mg of vitamin E a day - something about - IF its going to work, it will work with that dosage not to take any more than that. 
     We ARE all fighters, Its just a BIG bump in the road...we can do it!!!

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  • 40-years-old-now
    40-years-old-now Member Posts: 309
    edited June 2011

    I came back from rads yesterday a little upset and in pain.

    Pain they gave me new meds thtat seem to work. YEAH!

    the upset was because I was yelled at about loosing weight. I lost 7 pounds in 7 days.  I figured I lost some weight becuase I am eating less but I didnt think it would be 7 pounds.

    Today has been a good day. Not too much pain and had a nice time with hubby last night. Wink

    So far so good!

    Candice

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  • GmaFoley
    GmaFoley Member Posts: 7,091
    edited June 2011

    38-year old - you do know why they don't want you to lose weight??? Its because when you lose weight during rads you lose it from your muscle - not fat - very bad for you... again that is why you should also eat lots of protein... they just care about you as we do here.

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  • mostlymom
    mostlymom Member Posts: 466
    edited June 2011

    June 15 I will have my "dry-run" and the 16th will be my 1st of 33 treatments.  I'm really down in the dumps and am getting awfully tired of trying to be tough for my family and friends.  I just want to curl up in a corner and cry.  I'm super-sensitive and just not my normal calm, cool self.  I had my tats and my form done last week.  I work part-time and my job is not protected by FMLA so I'm scared I'll lose my job if I miss any work or make any mistakes.  I'm having a huge pity-party - where's the chocolate cake????

    Surprised

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  • mamadog53
    mamadog53 Member Posts: 61
    edited June 2011

    Is the Aquaphor in the tube the same product as the Aquaphor in the jar?  Also, how many times per day are you supposed to use it?  I also got some Miaderm from my neighbor who had breast cancer last summer.  I think she said it was supposed to be used 4 or 5 times per day.  My rad appointment is midday and since you are not supposed to have anything on you before rads how are you supposed to manage the timing aspect?  I've done 7 out of 33 treatments and no reaction yet but from what I can tell reading this board it's only a matter of time.  My RO downplays this of course and just says use it when you can.  Ha!  Since I got diagnosed I could write a book about the things they don't tell you!

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  • BlazerFanC
    BlazerFanC Member Posts: 71
    edited June 2011

    mamadog53,

    I can't answer your question about Aquaphor but the nurse at my clinic said I just can't put anything on 3 hours before treatment.  My treatment time just changed but when it was at 1:00 she said I could put something on as late as 10:00.

    Today is #4 for me and I started putting on creams a couple of weeks ago, just in case.  I haven't done Aquaphor but I've used Udderly Smooth, Aloe and a Calendula cream.  I've sort of rotated a different one each time I put something on.  I've used the Aloe the past few mornings after showering and waited until it dried while I was fixing my hair, etc. before I got dressed because it takes a while to dry.  I use the creams during the day and after treatment because they aren't greasy or sticky so I can dress faster.

    Good luck.  I hope to be able to make it as long as you without SEs.

    Cindy

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  • NewatThis
    NewatThis Member Posts: 41
    edited June 2011

    9/23. 14 to go.  I used to hate travelling.  Now, because I am tethered to radiation, I dream of getting away. Just a little redness and stiffness so far.  Aloe and head rolls seem to work....so far.

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  • GmaFoley
    GmaFoley Member Posts: 7,091
    edited June 2011

    Mammadog : I get up early for work and put the xclair cream on - My RO said 5 hours before rads then I put more on after treatment and then aquaphor at night... That was the same process for aloe too but had to switch to xclair because i'm one of the not-so-lucky ones that reacted early to treatment.. I was pink by the 4th day... Another trick i learned from another patient is if you use the cool setting on the blowdryer it seems to dry the aloe faster so you can get dressed without the aloe sticking to your clothes.

    You will all do fine!!! 

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  • karebear76
    karebear76 Member Posts: 288
    edited June 2011

    Hey all.

    I had #3 today. Yesterday I was already a tiny pink and today it is a little more and I am more sore. NOT cool since I still have 30 treatments to go!!! I am using radia-guard. I am thinking I am going to have to get some aloe or something else to go with this since I am already reacting. 

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  • AnneWisc
    AnneWisc Member Posts: 476
    edited June 2011

    I got scheduled today for another "planning" appointment on Tuesday, 6/14.  Then treatment could start as soon as the next day.  But I'm concerned it will have to be postponed because I have had some redness and possible seepage, in the area where contrast dye was injected a few days ago; that is the same area that was not totally healed from the lumpectomy on (?) May 12.  It seems I am slower to heal than I would like, or maybe the surgery left a kind of awkward thing for healing.  I feel like my body is letting me down.  Frown  Again...

    So asking for time off work, I had to explain that I will need some time off in the next couple weeks but I don't know when and won't know until sometime next week!  Darned inconsiderate, this cancer thing, messing up my schedule not to mention my work group's!  Makes me feel so out of control.

    I probably should make an appointment with my rehab psychologist, but I've been putting off any appointments until I know my rads schedule. 

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  • GmaFoley
    GmaFoley Member Posts: 7,091
    edited June 2011

    Anne: I'm so sorry to hear about you healing issues... From doing rads for 2 weeks, it is really essential to have things on the mend before you start...but sometimes things seem slow... Are you eating enough protein? That promotes healing. On page one, toward the bottom, of this forum I posted the diet that the nutritionist gave me before I started rads.  It has really helped with my energy too! Hope this helps.. if you have any other questions just ask?

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  • mammalou
    mammalou Member Posts: 823
    edited June 2011

    I have my first treatment 6/13.  I had 3 planning appointments and for some reason found the whole process depressing.  I have a frozen shoulder, so it was very painful.  I am better now and ready to get on with it.  I will be staying out of town for most of my treatrments because I live 2 hours away, so I feel like I'm living for treatment right now.  I plan on making the most of it by playing tourist though.

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  • 40-years-old-now
    40-years-old-now Member Posts: 309
    edited June 2011

    Good Positive Attude Message:

    Doctors Orders- eat ice cream with lots of toppings, eat shakes with cookies, eat cookies, have whipped heavy cream on things or in them. Eat Pizza. Eat cake, eat frosting. Eat lots of fats and proteins!!

    So I have doctors orders to eat all the fatten foods I want!!!

    I guess that is a positive thing.

    Candice

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  • karebear76
    karebear76 Member Posts: 288
    edited June 2011

    Candic, I love it!!!

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  • GmaFoley
    GmaFoley Member Posts: 7,091
    edited June 2011
    Thank goodness for the weekend ladies - my breast doesn't look quite as red as it did Friday and I am starting to have a tan in my hairy armpit LOL.... Good luck this next week and eat your protein and don't forget to use your creams and aquaphor!!! Laughing
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  • Beetlebum
    Beetlebum Member Posts: 73
    edited June 2011

    I have my first treatment in the morning.  I can't remember how many I'll be having.  Also started taking the Arimidex.  Anyone taking that?  How long before I can expect SEs. I don't know if some of my feelings are real or "in my head". lol

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  • Beetlebum
    Beetlebum Member Posts: 73
    edited June 2011

    Mammalou: I just noticed we are having our first treatment on the same day.  Good luck with yours.  I also thought the whole mapping process was depressing.  I felt like I was being walked to the gas chamber.  I'm sure I looking like "deer in the headlights" when I saw the treatment room and machine.  But, we'll get through this.

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  • mammalou
    mammalou Member Posts: 823
    edited June 2011

    Good luck Beetlebum.  I was definitely a "deer in the headlights", and this is supposed to be easier than chemo.  I am feeling better now.  Please check in tomorrow and let me know how it goes.

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  • GmaFoley
    GmaFoley Member Posts: 7,091
    edited June 2011
    Mommalou and Beetlebum: good luck tomorrow, have them turn up the music to whatever you like and focus on that ... if the anxiety is too bad - don't wait and get some xanax it help me through the first 2 weeks.. Remember that machine is great technology that can get all the stray cancer cells...It is your friend not your enemy... I will be praying for you both this week ---YOU CAN DO THIS!!!! IF I CAN DO THIS ANYONE CAN!!! I'm the biggest chicken in this world. Wink
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  • 40-years-old-now
    40-years-old-now Member Posts: 309
    edited June 2011

    Today was a bad day. I started loosing my hair. 10 days after 1st chemo.

    I had my sister come over and buzz it. It is 1/8 "guard on it, we tried 1/4" but I thought it looked like a boy cut. I didnt want to look like a boy, I wanted to look like I had it cut for chemo. Now it looks like a chemo cut. (I know it sound silly but it is the way I feel).

    The hair issue is one of my biggest.

    Tomarrow I have 'Feel good Look good" program.

    I am depressed about the hair. My leg is not working great today. It is just a bad day.

    Candice

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  • Beetlebum
    Beetlebum Member Posts: 73
    edited June 2011

    I'm sorry Candice.  I hope tomorrow makes for a better day.  You'll get through this. 

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  • mammalou
    mammalou Member Posts: 823
    edited June 2011

    Hang in there!  The hair thing is difficult.  Mine has been gone since March and it does get easier.  Sometimes it is still hard to believe that it is gone, but it is just one of many hurdles that we will get through. 

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  • Beetlebum
    Beetlebum Member Posts: 73
    edited June 2011

    I had my first Rad this morning.  32 to go. 

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  • dragonfly1
    dragonfly1 Member Posts: 766
    edited June 2011
    Candice So sorry about the hair. I had to take a day off from work when my hair started falling out in clumps on day 16 (because I knew I would be so upset) and I buzzed it off too because it was such a mess. I cried a lot that day. Even though I knew it was going to happen, it was so alarming to have it happen in reality. Once the hair was gone I found it much easier to deal with and I got used to not having hair. I still look in the mirror all these months later and can't believe it's me sometimes but it's just part of the journey. Before you know it, you'll be with those of us who have finished chemo and are waiting and watching for your hair to re-grow:) Hugs to you today!!!
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  • GmaFoley
    GmaFoley Member Posts: 7,091
    edited June 2011

    Mammadog - just found out today - the jar aquaphor is more of a cream and the tube of the gooy stuff. The RO just told me i could use the cream - think I will go buy a jar and find out how gooy that is :).

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  • 40-years-old-now
    40-years-old-now Member Posts: 309
    edited June 2011

    Had a MRI tonight. My right leg is not working I have tons of weakness in the leg. I cant even walk right anymore.

    It just seems to be one thing after another. UGG

    Candice

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  • GmaFoley
    GmaFoley Member Posts: 7,091
    edited June 2011

    38year old : I'm praying for you...That things will ease up and you get a break...

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  • Elizabeth37
    Elizabeth37 Member Posts: 84
    edited June 2011

    I have my first appt with the RO tomorrow at 8 30 am.I am very nervous and just want to get it all over with.

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