August 2011 rads

after a month break from the chemo treatments I had my mapping done last week...going to my third radiation treatment tomorrow morning...my heart goes out to all of you. Together we will kick it to the curb!!

#9 of 25 today. Bikenyc I also had some fatigue in the first week. Like you, I thought it might be from the stress. I am having fatigue constantly this week. Nothing I can't handle. Was in bed and asleep last night by 7p.m. Nice and refreshed this a.m. Still working full time in a very physical job.

Welcome all the new people that are joining us in this journey! I am so sorry you are here, but am excited that there is so much support. 

Cyborg-I am tryring to remember where I found the reference about radiation and heartburn. I don't think you are alone. Have you tried posting the question on a separate board? I am sure you will get a response. My other thought is to google BC radiation and heartburn together. Good luck.

Jane-I am sending you a healing prayer this morning for your 1st treatment. Good luck.

I hope I have not missed anyone else starting today.

Went yesterday for what I thought was going to be my planning session, but turned out to be only part of it - they told me to expect 2 hours, and I was in and out in less than 45 min.  They gave me a cat scan, gave me my tattoos (the center one really hurt!), and told me to come back next Wednesday for more xrays and planning and a dry run.  If all is OK, I start rads on Thursday.  They still haven't decided if I qualify for the shortened protocol.

 Does it sound funny to say I'm disappointed I need more planning?  I just want to get this started so that it can be over with I guess.

Pat

I had day #3 of rads and my first herceptin infusion today.  I'm really extra tired today (was up very early, so no surprise there) but otherwise fine.

 I'm using some Miaderm at night, but otherwise nothing but plain soap (neutrogena facial bar) in the shower each morning to keep my skin clear for radiation.  We'll see how it holds up!

Went back to work for the first time since March! I felt less tired today.

I saw the genetic counselor today, decided to do the BRCA test, results may be in by next Friday, cancelled Monday rads start, Tues still on the books, RO is back from vacation Tues.  I'll decide next steps then.  For now, I am going away this weekend, think I'm going to take Monday off, Kayak on a beautiful Northern Sierra lake, enjoy my boys and a luau and put this out of my mind.  You guys are so encouraging, SEs sound so minimal, I can't wait to get started, aka finished, ha, ha.  Have a great weekend everyone!

Hi there!  I'm sneaking in a little vacation between surgery and the commitment you have to make to rads.  Had the initial consult with the RO...will get mapped and begin treatment in mid-August.  Would love to make the journey with all of you.

SAB - vacation sounds fun! Where are you going?

 --The Mods

Hi Ladies.

I am glad to read that you are all doing so well.  I will finally be joining  all of you who have already started rads.  RO should be calling me on Monday to schedule me to start.  I won't be receiving Herceptin in the clinical trial, so I am clear to start rads as soon as possible.  I can't wait to get started and of course, get done.  Your posts are comforting and I hope I will sail through as you are!

Merilee- love The Healing Light!!!! Smiled all through the rad treatment thinking of the healing light.

Love the pic of the dog too!!!

To clarify the dog is not mine, but sure is cute!

BB you and I are on the same schedule. I am using Xclair on my skin which can be on during treatment. It is a bit expensive but worth it. One of the nurses is a warrior and recommended it.

Mamma- You will do fine, just take good care of the skin even if you see no pink. Happy healing!

Sharon- have a blast you have earned it!

Cyborg-glad  you are enjoying the pics, it helps me to  find and post them too. Keeps my focus where it should be-on healing and posistive attitude

I wanted to see if I had anything to woorry about. Is it typical to have 20 percent of your Kung radiated? I was surprised when I heard this. My doc did say the goal was to radiate below 50 percent of the radiation dose to the twenty percent of my lung.

How much of your lung is being radiated? Is twenty percent typical?

I'm peeking in from the July board...28/33 completed.  I have minor blistering (all open wound at this point) under my arm on my SNB incision scar and the same thing happening under the breast where my brest and chest wall meet.  Uncomfortable, but not painful.

Anyhow - CYBORG - I'm having 18% of my lung irradiated.  It sounds bad, doesn't it?  I figure that there are people who live long and active lives with only one lung.  So I'm choosing not to worry about it!  Just wanted to let you know you're not alone!

Hang in there girls - it passes quickly.  I hope you all have an easy time with only minor SE.

#11 is at 7:20 this morning.

Wow, Merilee, I wouldn't have thought that would happen either.  One day's delay just puts the end off longer.

My third treatment went well, although they were running late.  People calling in sick, etc.  Hope tomorrow goes better for you!

Jane