August 2011 rads

bb226--you are almost through!  We are praying that your sister's report is B9!  Continue to get the rest you so deserve.

Today was #12 of 30, and I actually got a good night's sleep last night.  And I have a bit of a tan.  Keeping those creams patted on!  

Merilee, I keep thinking of the "healing light" through all this.  

Jane

One week down, only five to go!  No skin side effects so far, but I felt nauseous yesterday afternoon, and again today so I'm wondering if that's due to the rads. It's not supposed to be an issue with breast radiation, and I'm hoping it's just a coincidence. 

Enjoy your weekend, ladies -- we're making progress! 

I had xrays today and was supposed to start Mon, but They have to do more xrays for Mon (adding more mapping or something), so now start tues...thinking about the posts about the music I went in today and AAARRGGH! Country music is playing....it is the only station which will come in there! (Sry to those of you who like country, but I just don't!). I told them they also need to purchase some pink striped robes instead of the blue bc I think I looked like a grandpa in my blue striped robe (when you factor in my brush cut hair style and flat chest!)

Lynniea

So far this is a walk in the park compared to Chemo....At least mine

Hey I also agree with Merilee. Rads definitely is doable and not as bad as I thought. I am almost done and have little side effects that are very managable. The worst part of the whole process was waiting to start the radiation! The stress during that time was unbearable.

Love the dog pic! I would love to put that ice on my chest and... It is nice to dream.

Thanks ladies need the encouragement to get started.  It was just like starting the whole process the worst is the waiting.  When do they tattoo you for that?

Do all places do it different?  If they marker's does it come off.

They gave me a choice on tattoos.  I did them because then I don't have to worry about the sharpie marks coming off.  When they took the tape off, I had skin irritations, so I'm glad I got the tats.  They are so very small. 

yes, this is much easier than chemo, and my chemo wasn't that bad.  Good idea about the pink striped robes!

Jane 

Welcome Lynniea. My RO would not treat me unless I consented to the tattoos but she said I could laser them off after treatment. They are really so small that my dermatologist could only find 2-3 of the 5 after I told him where they were. Because I am having my treatment in the prone position, mine are on my back. I am extremely glad my RO only does rads in the prone position.

Welcome Jodie. If the marks come off, they will re-mark you. I am sure they did photos of the treatment fields for reference. 

MamaV - You lucky dog...no SE's yet. Hope it continues. You know a small number of people are blest with absolutely no SE what so ever during rads.

They let you use deodorant cant use any on the arm I had surgery.  Mine was under the arm more still sore.

Shayes37, if you are talking about the deoderant "Tom's of Maine" then I can tell you it doesn't work very well.  It is only a deoderant and not an antipersperant too, so it won't prevent any sweating. I got the apricot scented one, which isn't bad, and I keep one in my purse so I can re-apply when needed. Its do-able and is better than nothing, but I can't wait until I can use my "Degree" again!

I can also tell you that my experience with rads so far has been pretty good.  This web site (not this particular thread) seems to be biased toward women who have a lot of problems with surgery and treatment, so just know that the majority of people can handle this with no problem and have few SE. The worst part is going everyday, but the actual treatment is over pretty quickly.  My hospital is on the way home and I go right after work, so it's not too inconvenient, just like running and errand after work.  If I didn't work and this was the only thing I had to do everyday I would probably feel differently about going. Good luck to you!

BB - I don't expect to have no SEs, but am just glad they are holding off as long as possible   I apply Fruit of the Earth aloe 4-5 times/day.  Every time I have a little itch, I think oh boy, here we go ... but nothing bothersome yet.  Maybe my olive Italian skin is helping me out????  After the hell I went through for 6 1/2 months of chemo, I'm glad to have this break.

MamaMia - I go on my way home from work too - just a quick 15 minute stop for me.  Not too bad.  It's going by quickly ... let's hope it continues that way - still have 19 to go.

Thanks BB Funny I have stumbled upon the almost exact remedies that you are using. I also found that Benadryl gel on top of all the creams keeps things kind of sealed on there. Looks bad but for at home what the heck. Tomorrow will be #19 but the rest of the remaining 11 will happen in the next two weeks with doubling up on the last week when I will get 2 regular and 2 boosts on that Monday and Tuesday 8 hours apart. This way I don't have to prolong because of the 2 days the machine went out. Can't wait to be done. I am planning a trip to see my daughter a week later as a reward and celebration. She is in Gatlinburg.

SAB- I asked for lotus flowers, the doc said " I'm also an artist, I could actually do that" as the tech was sneaking in the first tat. I jumped a mile and we all laughed out loud. I am sure with how I reacted to just one dot, my lotus would quickly turn into a cactus or something LOL

When do you get the tattoo done.  I want to start and get it over with it is not far from home either it is in the same place as all my doctors.