JUNE 2011 RADS

I don't know about that particular Calendula cream. If it smells minty, it might sting a little so be careful with it.  Someone suggested Calendula Cream by Boiron at Whole Foods.  I use it after treatment.  It doesn't have much of a fragrance but it feels cooling and isn't greasy at all.  I also use something called Udderly Smooth Cream.  Again, light and not greasy.   

I use aloe after my shower so it has time to dry while I'm doing makeup & hair.  I also use my blow dryer on cool if it isn't dry.

 I am only 5 treatments in, #6 today.  So far, so good.  My RO said 2-3 weeks for most people to have SE.  I know some have been earlier than that though.

I just had my tattoos last week.  My first radiation appointment in 6.28.11

How are you doing?  I was planning to schedule my appointments late in the day so that I could play golf....Do you think that is realistic?  I am concerned when I read the comments about no bras, etc.  Would love to hear from you.

NewatThis:  I got it at walgreens.com because I couldn't find it at the local store.  The nurse at the RO office told me yesterday BiMart carries it and some Walgreens have it, just not the one I checked.  Also sometimes at fabric or craft stores.  Since it isn't greasy, quilters can use it to keep their hands soft without getting on the fabric.  Comes in a jar and a tube.  I got one of each so I can keep the tube in my purse.

JustJan88:  I don't golf but I'm an avid walker.  I'm only 5 treatments in but so far so good.  I'm used to staying away from cotton because it doesn't wick moisture but all the info says to get cotton bras.  I found a fruit-of-the-loom sports bra that has hook and eye closures in the front and is cotton at Walmart.  I bought a size bigger so it wouldn't be to tight and I used it for an 11 mile walk on Sunday and didn't have any chafing.  I'm barely a B cup so I don't need as much support as larger sizes.  My nurse said excercise is the best way to combat fatigue so I'm keeping up with it as much as I can.

Today I will have #4 of 34. So far it hasn't been too bad. I have to hold my breath at certain times until they tell me to breathe again. I also have a bolus placed over my left chest and it is very cold and gel-like when they fit it on me. My understanding is that this allows the proper dose of radiation to spread along the mastectomy scar rather than penetrate deeply into the chest. Does anyone else have this? The nurse told me to use any lotion until I start to turn pink and then use Aquaphor at night. Oh, I also wear "goggles" during treatment. I can see myself on one side, a breathing graph on the bottom, and then the window where I breathe in and bring a yellow bar to a blue box and hold my breath. Does anyone else have this?

Hi All

 Bettlebum  I started counting down the first day.  I had # 7 of 33 today....  So far no SE's. 

Cindy

Justjan - I would talk to your RO about golfing - they are radiating my lymphnodes and I am supposed to be careful (no lifting over 10 lbs) because it could cause lymphedema... and make sure you are sunscreened - i'm not to have the radiated side in the sun... I am intent on not getting lymphedema, so I (an archaeologist) am not doing any digging etc... but the fabric store is letting me work with limited duties.. so I still get to go out and do things..

I also find working in the morning and rads in the afternoon is working for me... I am 11/28 and started feeling the tiredness.

Lee64: I don't have most of that. I do have the bolis though. I have that every other or every 3days. I had #5 of 33 today. I have also been counting down since day one!! I am already turning pink. I started that on day 2! I am so fair skinned it isn't funny. I burn with baby sunblock on!! I am also feeling the tiredness. Today I was just wiped out.

I'm so happy for you!  As we say here in the South,  "You're and mess".  Now for those that don't know, that's a good thing.  I would just love to hang out with you. lol  I had my 3rd today and your story inspires me.  Thank you.

 had my first appt with the RO today.I go Friday for a dry run and I start my first treatment on Monday June 20.I will be having 30 Treatments.

Momoftwo11- ME too! I go in Friday for my tattoos and I start Monday. I have 33 treatments. Here we go!!!!!!! Good to see so many of you doing well so far.

Hi Ladies, I started my rads on 6/9/11, been through only 1 week now and so far so good.  I had a tough time with my expander at first and had to have 3 surgeries in 6 weeks following the chemo, but seem to be ok now and ready as I am ever going to be for the rads.    They have me using Lanolin twice a day, prior to going in for treatment in the morning and again at night.  I was curious why GirlFriday above wrote - Absolutely NO lanolin or oil prior to treatment.  Avoid Lanolin during treatment 

This concerns me as it is all they gave me and told me to use nothing else.  Anyone know?  Should I be asking for something else?

Just checking in with all my rad friends.  I am having #8 today. Not too bad, and it seems as if you guys are all doing Ok also.  Sucks having to go there at 7:40 every morning, but we do what we have to do. Hang in there guys,we will all get threw this together,.

suebak...............we're neighbors..........I live in Drexel Hill, not sure if you noticed.........I was wondering where your getting your treatment..........I went to Delaware County Memorial Hospital Regional Cancer Center...............fantastic place............could not say 1 bad thing about the whole experience............great surgeon, RO, MO, and the techs there are the absolute greatest.............I'm done now, as I said, a little pinkish, not bad.........................I did get a mild case of Lymphedema, but I go to a  LE specialist at DCMH also, and she is great............actually I have to wrap my arm, but wanted to touch base with the ladies first, since typing is difficult with my hand in wraps. ..........I can do it, but I make a lot of errors, and it annoys me............well good luck, even though we met like this, its nice to be near someone............hugs.

Gma...............ditto..................my RO showed me exactly where the beam would go.........................remember...............ask questions.....................its your right to get the answers............in my case it was a very small portion of my lung, and it would be just a little scarring............they tell you , just in case someone sees it when looking for other things during a test...................just ask questions.

newsprout- I am being treated in Bay Area also.  Where are you?  I do #4 today and I feel like I am already turning pink.  I'm am having discomfort from the TE, so I'm hoping that is all it is.  I'm using Aquaphor 3-4 times a day.