July 2011 rads

I'm so scared of burning, too.  I completed 9/33 today - no burning yet.  Not even pink.  But my nipple is s-o-r-e. 

For those who are done or doing their boosts - how are they different from WBR?  Are they done only to the tumor removal incision?  Or nodes too?

We'll make it, ladies.  Heck, every new step in this journey has been scary!  And we've already amde it though so much!!

There is a good explanation of boosts on this website:



http://www.breastcancer.org/treatment/radiation/types/ext/

Two treatments down, 31 to go.  Today the tears finally started.  Steel magnolia that I am, I was determined not to let them see my cry so I managed to flee outside before the tears began.  I was hoping to see the RO today because he sees all the rads patients on Tuesdays, but I learned that he would not see me because I was so new to treatments.  I had myself psyched up to ask for some anti anxiety meds and that is a very difficult thing for me to do.  I guess the jerk of an RO I have decided I had not suffered enough to warrant his attention.  Thank goodness I see my primary care doctor on Friday for a check-up.  I can hang in there until then.

Thanks always for listening.  It helps so much. 

I'm curious about this EMU oil/lotion. Tell me it doesn't actually come from a real emu?

Is anyone here doing rads with a tissue expander/implant in place? I am curious how the process is going for you.

I have mapping Thursday and start rads the 20th. I am nervous about this. The PS that placed the expander has no problem doing rads with it in (even with a chance of failure), but the RO (at a different facility than the PS) warned me that any problem that develops would be a splitting of the skin along the incision. Rads would have to be started over after healing.  Aack!

Maxine O

after I just posted that gloom and doom blow by blow of my day

I thought maybe you all could use a little laugh -I want you to know that I have a small ranch in florida and before we built our home we fenced it, and put animals on it for tax reasons and as it turned out watch birds.  My husband was given 2 Rheas which are just like Emus and we set them free on the property- Well let me tell you it was just like Jurrasic park they are truly horrible -dinosaur /valosiraptor like birds that run really fast..and since they were rhea's there names were Dia and Gonna...get it.  Well long story short they terrorized me for years before they both passed, I mean chased me, pecked me, kicked me and were undaughted in there goal to get my little somewhat chubby 5/3" frame.  I can think of no other purpose on earth that would make me happier then their species helping all of us now- I have ordered some, and through all of my reseach Emu Oils and creams seem to be somewhat of a miracle item for radiaiton burn elivaition

I got mine from amazon and I'll keep you posted  

Hi bb226,

I am having mine while lying on my back, but the prone position seems like a good idea.  What reason did the RO give for it?  Gook luck during your treatments. 

Yea for Wed.!  Two more days to go this week!

My bed is already made and I'm lying in it, so to speak, but it's interesting to hear about the prone rather than supine position.

I used the word "anxious"--in both its positive and negative connotations--to describe my 6-week wait post-surgery.  I wanted so badly to get this show on the road.  Good luck!

I've read that breaking up any lumps that appear during rads is a good thing, too.  I'm a little nervous about fooling with that though.  I don't want to stress out my skin any more than it is.  I do rub a little longer on those areas when I'm applying my lotions and potions though. 

11/33 done for me today - 1/3 of the way though!  Other than a tender nipple and some minor discomfort under my arm, I'm doing well.  My skin still looks the same.  I saw the RO today and he said to watch how much I do with my arm because this next week is when people start having SE trouble.  He also said that this is the week when people start feeling more fatigue and are thankful for the weekends off.

I'm just glad that 1/3 of these zaps are done.   

Yes LindaJanett,

I liked your emu story very much and it brought a much needed smile to my face. 

I really liked your emu story too, Linda.  I once was chased by an ostrich and it was actually kind of scary.  lol

My skin SEs really hit big time tonight after treatment #11--except for the tiredness.  I seem to have insomnia instead--go figure.  Maybe that's 'cause I thought I'd forego the sleeping pill tonight.  Bad decision.  I wonder if at least I'll get to wean myself off of the sleeping pills once the tiredness SE begins.  I also wonder if my SEs hit me a bit earlier since I'm receiving hypofractionated rads?  Ah well, surely I can get through 2 more this week, though my skin is protesting vehemently.  I think I'm going to buy the pricey product my RO recommended--Lindi Skin Cooler Roll--basically a medicated cold compress.  It's available online, for anyone interested.

Have a good Thurs.!

Hi Colodisneylover,

I am just finishing my first week of rads, 4 down and 29 to go.  The RO nurse told me not to buy any creams because they would give me what I needed when I needed it.  I decided to be pro-active anyway and I use aloe vera right after treatments and aquahor or emu oil at night.  

Thanks for the welcome, Linda. I am off to #2/33.

I enjoyed the emu story too. Will be having #7 today.  This is my first whole week.  Not red or pink yet.  I am rubbing down with aloe at least three times a day. 

Just finished my radiation at the end of June.  Originally scheduled for 32, I only needed 25 because I had the BMX.  Did not need the boost which is really for lumpectomy scars.  Radiation was a breeze.  I spent more time getting to radiation than in treatment.  As far as skin goes, I have fair skin with lots of sun damage.  Tanning the radiated area is not a good idea.  You'll want to protect it through treatment and forever after.  My RO gave me special soap and cream (HYMED) to use during treatment.  Keep the area out of the sun, moisturize regularly.  Keep some corn starch handy with a clean make-up brush when it gets itchy (not till about week 4).  Compared to Chemo, Radiation is a walk in the park.  Fatigue may hit after your done, but if your healthy (relatively speaking) to start, you'll do fine.  The ladies in our area attend a "fit for survival" class which helps with energy.  I do a lot of walking/hiking as I am still suffering with Neuropathy in my feet which has created some balance issues.  You'll get through it, and you'll do great!

hi everyone. i'm still in chemo, but will do rads in a few months. i have to d some planning and i wanted to know if you have energy to work while doing rads...i took a leave while on chemo;a/c.

thanks