Sept 2011 Rads

Pam53 ... I've only had six radiation treatments so I cannot yet speak to the fatigue caused by radiation. But I did go through 18 weeks of chemotherapy (TCH) and had incredible fatigue but I managed to work full time (four 10-hour days so I could have Thursdays off for my infusions); did all my chores at home, and exercise (elliptical, yoga, weights) almost everyday. Just listen to your body and adjust according. Some days I needed a 15-minute nap when I got off work, and the weekends after I received my big infusions, I knew I could not do much but nap and read. On those weekends I made sure my household chores were done by Friday and I had meals in the fridge/freezer.

Each person is different and the side effects vary greatly. Don't put your life on hold just because something may happen. Just live your life as normally as you can and then adjust according to what happens.

Good luck on the cycling vacation and with the doctorate. I think having something to do/to work towards puts you in a better frame of mind to handle what may come.

I had my first rads today and told the RO and techs that I was not grumpy with them, but with BC up front so they would understand if I say anything "wrong"  The only complaint I have was that the piped in music was straight out of the 80's  "What would you like to hear?" the tech asked. Keb' Mo'? I asked , Allison Krauss? Cedric Watson? The Duhks?  OK I understand, kind of out there.  How about Elvis Costello? Sheyrl Crow? Tom Petty? Cyndi Lauper?  Ok then, Beatles???? No No and No But I get to bring my own CD tomorrow.  All in all good, and they gave me aquaphor.  So no worries, so far, ladies.  Wishing your experiences are ok.good too.

PS, Moving this weekend to a smaller/cheaper place.  I love my new little 1800s tiny cabin!

Radiation #2 done. Has anyone else felt a strange warm, tingly feeling after that lasts for a couple of hours?



My RO keeps telling me I shouldn't have any skin problems because I "tan well". It makes me chuckle because I am very Irish-fair skin, dark hair, freckles, and burn if I'm in the sun for 5 minutes! Still I hope he's right and I don't have any problems.



Oh, and I still don't have electricity!



(((Hugs)))

Off to see RAD tomorrow, not sure if this is for me. I worry if this will cause a secondary cancer.Finished chemo on 8/19. You can read all the info in the world and still be completely confused. No information is the same. Any info for the newbie?

Pam53 - Wow cycling trip sounds wonderful. I would love to get on a bike and just not come back, lol. Anyway, I don't think your crazy to take on classes, do it! If you have to give something up because your tired, may I suggest cleaning? lol I'd give that up in a heart beat if someone else could do it the way I want it done. I also think classes would be a great distraction. Best of luck to you and have a GREAT TRIP!

Hi everyone.  I just finished rad # 7 today.  I have 26 left, so I will be doing rads all through September. I would love to join you and get to know all of you.

I did not have chemo so just rads for me, followed by 5 years of Arimidex.  I think I dread that more than rads from some of the things I have read.  Still, I dread cancer even more.  I really want to permanently evict it!

Hi Leighsa...I feel that weird thng sometimes too.  Today my breast is a little sore, but from inside.  Skin is pink but not red yet.  So far fatigue is not an issue, but I am not sleeping well.  I think that is fairly normal.

Here is for all of you brave ladies:

I am disappointed.  I got a call from the RO's office today, and my mold is not ready for me to begin rads tomorrow.  My start has been pushed off 24 hours.  I know it is only one day, but it makes being done one day later, too.

Bedo, just caught up on this thread and your cat story made me laugh!

Patty, sorry for delayed response, I will agree with the others...the tattoos were not bad at all. Quick sting and then fine. They also made a mold...just like a pillow where my head and arms will be. This Friday, I will go for a "dry run" and then start Tuesday for 6 1/2 weeks. Also my RO said to use aquaphor, but not before treatment, put on after. She said having it on when you go on for rads can cause burning.

Glad to hear many of you feeling well. My husband and I scheduled a trip in Oct for my birthday weekend and I hope I feel well enough to enjoy it. I am 3 weeks PFC today and I was "living it up" this weekend, went out to dinner for my 22nd wedding anniversary Fri and went to a friends house on Sat night. A total of 3 glasses of wine in 2 days and I felt I had been partying all weekend. (not to mention getting 4 tattoos on Fri!). My energy level is still low and still feeling chemo side effects, but I guess it takes time especially in this brutal heat!

Thanks for your replies, Stormy and Evelyn Marie.  I need the encouragement.  Yes, I agree, Stormy, no cleaning during rads (good excuse, even if we aren't tired--got to give up something, that's it!)

Had my simulation today. It was one day late because we were stuck in Hunter Mountain, NY due to roads washed out from hurricane Irene. Our Monday flight was cancelled, but we got out on Tuesday, simulation on Wednesday. Scheduled for 28 plus 7 boosts. I was surprised at how little info I was given. If I had not been following all the ladies on the August thread, I would know practically nothing. Best of luck to everyone. Onward and upward...

I'm joining the Sept. rads group.  I have my "planning" appointment next Tuesday where they do the tattoos and get everything all set up and then I start treatments on or around Sept. 12th.  I will also be doing oral chemo at the same time, one week on, one week off, starting Sept. 19th.

I went yesterday and i just had a whole bunch of xrays don I e.  They also put two blue marks on me with clear tape that I have to leave on the whole time.  I already had my tattoo's done at my simulation.  I start on Tues. the 6th.  I will have 32 treatments.  I should be done then on Oct 19th. I plan to work through treatments. 

I had my meet and greet with the Rads guy today.he was shocked to see a Stage IV but we have a plan. I go for my sim on Tuesday and he wants to start 28tx the following Monday. I told him BS says I am not ready due to excess fluid build-up. She wants better adhesion of the skin to the chest muscles. he says it looks fine to him but I am deferring to her. makes no difference to me to delay it another week or so.

   They recommend Aquaphor lotion and loaded me up with samples. I also ordered Australian emu oil because so many other ladies in the Rasd threads have liked it.

I had my 8th treatment today, and I have 7 regular treatments and 5 boosts to go. Since I am getting 1 and a half times the radiation as most of you( because of less treatments) my skin is holding up well. I am doing so well with a cream my doctor recommended. It is udder cream sold at CVS for only $6, although you might be able to get it for less at Trader Joe. It is a heavy cream, and it moisturizes the heck out of you. I am very fair with sensitive skin, and this cream is doing a great job. 

Hi there, joining the group with you all as I start Sept 7th. 33 treatments. So glad theres a group so we can compare, vent, and hopefully have a few laughs through this I won't lie though, I'm pretty nervous and anxious about my first treatment. The good news is my radiation doc is very easy on the eyes, sigh /p>