SAVI breast brachytherapy - 5 day

2

Comments

  • ktab96
    ktab96 Member Posts: 126
    edited August 2011

    Its now been 5 days and I feel fine.  I hope it continues this way. 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • KittyGirl2011
    KittyGirl2011 Member Posts: 537
    edited August 2011

    Hi Ladies,

    Glad to have found you!  I'm scheduled for the Mammosite balloon catheter to be inserted on Aug 19.  I've done lots of reading and am glad I qualified for this.  I read the many posts and think I'm ready.  Got my sports bras, body pillow, and baby wipes for my "bathing".  Anything else?  Kitty

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • peachy-pie
    peachy-pie Member Posts: 201
    edited August 2011
    Sounds like you're all set Kittygirl !  :)    The week will fly by fast & before you know it it'll be all over with.   And you'll be so happy to get that catheter out by the end of the week too.  I had to travel to my radiologist,  so I was staying at a nearby hotel.  Each morning on my way back from my first treatment i'd stop at the salon and have them wash my hair for me.   It made me feel better and maybe you can treat yourself during the week.   I also took a bath each night and used a sponge,  making sure not to get the area wet.  It wasn't bad at all.    I wish you well,  let us know how you're making out.  Smile  I see an oncologist about chemo tomorrow.  The last phase and then hopefully I can go back to work.   Best wishes!      Peachy
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • KittyGirl2011
    KittyGirl2011 Member Posts: 537
    edited August 2011
    Hi Peachy, Thanks for the idea, a little pampering is good.  Sorry you need to do chemoFrown.  Your diagnosis is not too much different than mine.  Was your Oncotype score high?  Kitty
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • peachy-pie
    peachy-pie Member Posts: 201
    edited August 2011

    Kittygirl :  The oncologist took blood to get my oncotype reading today.   He said if it's below a 12 then he'll give me a less aggressive chemo.  and if it's higher then a more agressive chemo.   But for now he is thinking 4 rounds of Taxotere and cycloposphamide 21 days apart.   Then also i'll have to take the tamoxin pill for 5 yrs.  He said i'll start losing my hair after the 2nd treatment,  I cringed.   The tought of losing my hair is devastating,  But he did tell me Red Cross pays for a wig,  so he will write me a scrpit for that.   Other bad thing is I only have 6 wks of disibility left,  so I am going to have to go back to work and save it for if I get real sick.   Not looking forward to that.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • KittyGirl2011
    KittyGirl2011 Member Posts: 537
    edited August 2011
    Well if you have to do it, remember it's not a forever thing.  Hope the weather gets cooler for you when your wig is needed.  I sure know the work thing.  I'm out of PTO and don't get paid now when I'm off.  That means Friday when I have the mammosite catheter put in, no pay Frown. Still waiting for my onco score.  Kitty
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • peachy-pie
    peachy-pie Member Posts: 201
    edited August 2011

    Kittygirl:  Hopefully this will go by fast too and my hair will grown back even faster!  LOL   But you're right, it's not a forever thing.  :)      Please let me know how you make out on Friday and also what your oncotype score is.   I'll keep you posted as well.   You're in my prayers.Smile

    PS:  I have 3 kitty cats myself,  I like your avatar!  :)

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • KittyGirl2011
    KittyGirl2011 Member Posts: 537
    edited August 2011

    Thanks!  She's my little sweetheart, Simone.  She as dainty as a little French girl and that's how she got her name.  Kitty

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ktab96
    ktab96 Member Posts: 126
    edited August 2011

    Hi.  Sounds like everyone is doing well.  I also had someone wash my hair everyday.  I was not allowed to take a bath so I had to sponge bath.  I used a cape to cover my front area to wash my face and neck and then it was baby wipes for my surgical site/breast area. Then soapy water and wash cloth for other areas. 

    I also have a kitty.  He is a doll and has quite the personality.

    PS I did not have to have chemo.  My Onco score was 18.  I will have to take Femara for 5 years.   Best of luck to you all!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • KittyGirl2011
    KittyGirl2011 Member Posts: 537
    edited August 2011

    Ok....tomorrow's the day the doc put the mammosite catheter in.  Met with the RO today and she did a CT scan and all is good to go.  I'm a little nervous cause the darn thing is bigger than I thought it would be.  Must have to stick out a lot.  Oh well, it's only for 5 days.  Still waiting for my Oncotype score, should be tomorrow too.  Keep your fingers and toes crossed for a low score!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • KittyGirl2011
    KittyGirl2011 Member Posts: 537
    edited August 2011

    THE ONCO SCORE IS IN!  A BIG FAT ZERO!!!! I could hardly believe it and asked for the nurse to repeat it.  I was stunned and so very happy.  Now for tomorrow's mammosite placement I'm READY!  Bring it on! 

    Peachy-pie, I read someone else said when their hair grew back it was even thicker and nicer than before.  Hope that also happens for you!   Kitty

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • peachy-pie
    peachy-pie Member Posts: 201
    edited August 2011

    Onco score a zero!   How awesome is that!!!    They called about mine today & said they had to get pre-autohoization from my insurance(Aetna) and I will have a $25 co-pay,  I said go for it!    So I should know mine next week sometime.    I hope it's low too.       I sure hope you're right about the hair,  I have been looking at wigs & just can't seem to find the right one.   I may go to a wig shop this weekend,  maybe it would be better to see them in person.  :)

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • KittyGirl2011
    KittyGirl2011 Member Posts: 537
    edited August 2011

    Peachy-pie,  I also learned that if the doc writes a RX for the wig, the insurance should pay for it.  Check it out it might me worth it.  Kitty

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • peachy-pie
    peachy-pie Member Posts: 201
    edited August 2011

    Kittygirl,  I was wondering how that worked.   My doctor said he'd write me a script,  so that's good to know.    And with your oncotype score being a zero,  do you have to have chemo now?

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • KittyGirl2011
    KittyGirl2011 Member Posts: 537
    edited August 2011

    Hi All, My mammosite insertion went well today.  I'm tired now, but no pain.  The bulky dressing is under my arm so it's going to be a little uncomfortable for awhile. 

    peachy-pie, no I will not need chemo, YEAH!!!!!!!!!  Besides I start my new job next week and am glad I won't have to squeeze in chemo/SE's along with working. UGH!  I'm thinking of you and hope you do well.  If you want to whine, rant, scream, or just cry stop in anytime, I'll give you the hugs you need. ((((Hugs)))  Kitty

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ktab96
    ktab96 Member Posts: 126
    edited August 2011

    Congrats on the zero Onco score.  Will you have to have take the 5 year meds?  Good luck in your treatment.  You can do it!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • peachy-pie
    peachy-pie Member Posts: 201
    edited August 2011
    Great news Kittygirl!  No chemo!  How awesome is that!!!!!      Hopefully your week will go by fast with your catheter being in there.   I can tell you it did for me.    I'll be keeping in touch!  and also if you need someone to rant & scream to I am here as well.  Smile    (((hugs)))   Peachy
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • KittyGirl2011
    KittyGirl2011 Member Posts: 537
    edited August 2011

    Ktab - thanks, I'll need the luck.  Peachy-pie - got myself hooked up with the salon my daughter-in-law works at and she will wash my hair each day between sessions. Thank for that tip! AAAHHH!

    Got more drainage today so I'm hoping no more until Monday when they will change the dressings.  I'm supposed to have tamoxefin for 2 1/2 years and AI for the next 2 1/2 years.  I see the ONC on Monday also to plan out the rest of my treatment.  I'm concerned about the tamox because the depression med (cymbalta) I take interfers with it.  Always a snag somewhere.  Kitty

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Bren-2007
    Bren-2007 Member Posts: 6,241
    edited August 2011

    Kitty .. you  may want to ask your doctor about Celexa or Effexor.  I've heard that they do not interfere with Tamoxifen.

    How wonderful to have someone wash your hair for you!  A bright spot in your day.

    hugs,

    Bren

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • KittyGirl2011
    KittyGirl2011 Member Posts: 537
    edited August 2011

    Thanks Bren, I will put that in my questions for him.  Kitty

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • peachy-pie
    peachy-pie Member Posts: 201
    edited August 2011
    That's great Kittygirl!!!   Smile
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • KittyGirl2011
    KittyGirl2011 Member Posts: 537
    edited August 2011
    Had my first mammosite treatment Monday in the AM and second one 6 hours later.  The first one took longer with setup, WAITING (ugh), CT scan, but it went pretty fast once I was all hooked up (7 minutes).  Then met with the ONC and he has put me on Arimidex for the next month to see how it goes.   Also had a blood test for thyroid,  the CT scan found a multinodular goiter.  Doc didn't seem too worried but just wanted to check it out.  US scan Thurs for that too.  Afternoon session went easy, in and out.  Back again today and all went smooth this morning.  I real happy that I did this and will soon be done!  Hope everyone is doing well SmileKitty
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • KittyGirl2011
    KittyGirl2011 Member Posts: 537
    edited August 2011
    Day 2 and 4 TX done!  Oh boy am I tired!  I don't know if it's the healing after HDR's or the early mornings Undecided ?  Maybe both but I'm just wiped out today.  Between sessions I got in my hair washed and could have fallen asleep at the hair bowl!  I'm turing in early tonight and hope I'm better for tomorrow's sessions. ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ   Kitty
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • peachy-pie
    peachy-pie Member Posts: 201
    edited August 2011

    Hi Kittygirl,   I  would feel washed out too and used to take a nap when I felt tired.    Going back to work I still feel tired in the afternoons,  so just rest when you can and take it easy.  :)     Glad you're doing well with it.    I see my onc. Sept 1st,  hope to get my oncotype score and have a date to start chemo.   Aetna also called me and told me they pay for a wig up to $500.00 to I was happy to hear that.   They also pay for the $3000.00 brca1/2 test so I am going to get that done too.    Keep me posted!  :)

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ktab96
    ktab96 Member Posts: 126
    edited August 2011

    I am finishing up my first week at work and boy I am pooped.  Can't wait to sleep in tomorrow.  I think the Femara is the culprit.  I feel fine in the morning but by 3pm I start to go downhill.  I am in bed by 9pm.

    During my SAVI treatment sometimes I would take a nap between treatments.  One time unintentionally I went back for my second treatment in my pajamas...LOL. Surprised I was running late and rushing out the door.  As I was waiting in the waiting room I looked down and saw them.  Everyone including myself had a good laugh.  Oh well.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • KittyGirl2011
    KittyGirl2011 Member Posts: 537
    edited August 2011

    Finished day 4 of HDR today with no problems.  Last day tomorrow!  I'm looking forward to getting rid of this catheter but a little squeamish about the pain.  I'm a whimp when it comes to pain.  Doctor told me today that it might sting for a little bit so told me to take the Vicodin before I come.  Had my US for the thyroid today so I'll be waiting AGAIN for the results.  UGH!  I hate the waiting!  Kitty

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • cycle-path
    cycle-path Member Posts: 1,502
    edited August 2011

    Kitty, I think you'll be surprised at how little discomfort is associated with the removal. 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • KittyGirl2011
    KittyGirl2011 Member Posts: 537
    edited August 2011

    WOW, I'm all done with rads!  Yeah!!!!!!  The removal of the catheter went real smooth.  I was so surprised!  They even gave me the catheter to take home as a souvenir!  I think I'll fill it up again (60ml) and use it for my next water balloon fight!  Thanks so much for you support and easing my fear.  Have a drink on me!  Kitty 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ktab96
    ktab96 Member Posts: 126
    edited August 2011
    Congratulation! Smile
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • DebConway
    DebConway Member Posts: 26
    edited September 2011

    I was diagonosed with Stage 1, Grade 1 breast cancer and had a partial masectomy on August 4. I have just completed my 5-day treatment with the SAVI device (Sep. 2). I live in Indianapolis, Indiana; and received my treatment at IU Cancer Center. I was IU's first patient to receive treatment with the SAVI device and the company was there with the radiology staff every step of the way. The company flew in the SAVI rep to train the radiology staff; and on my first day of planning there were tweleve people in the CT scan room with me. The company seems to really care about the quality of care patients receive with their device. The local rep was very sweet and was there for many of my treatments. I experienced no pain when my breast surgeon placed the device, no pain during any of the treatments and no pain when my radiologist removed the device on Friday after my final treatment. If you live in Indianapolis I would highly recommend IU for your surgery and treatment afterwards. They really do care about their patients!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories