Working Through Radiation?

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  • cbharvest
    cbharvest Member Posts: 11
    edited August 2011

    I had radiation in the morning before work at my desk job. I have three more to go, and it's getting to me now, but for the first 15 treatments, I did ok. I don't know what next week will be like, but at least I know it will be over! Good luck everyone.

  • marytc
    marytc Member Posts: 2
    edited August 2011

    I chose to work through radiation. The hospital was five minutes from the office and it enabled me to keep up a normal routine for me and my family. I guess it was also my way of telling myself that I was okay and would contineue to be so.

    My boss knew of my situation and I had absolutely no issues there. I was tired a couple of days towards the end, however it was not more than I was used to with two active boys.

    I did experience some skin issues and developed an infection about two months after radiation ended that was worse than the radiation itself.

    I think people need to just be aware of what works for them - if the hospital is not in a convenient location or if you are very tired, then take the time to rest and recuperate.

  • jenny12000
    jenny12000 Member Posts: 39
    edited September 2011

    How did you get the skin infection after the rad? Did you get cut or something? just trying to see how to be careful to avoid that. (I am half way through my radiation...I am counting each day...and it's kind of discouraging to hear you have an infection after the radiation...I am counting everything to be fine and move on after the rad) 

  • tacichon
    tacichon Member Posts: 93
    edited September 2011

    I will be working through my rads, I start full swing next Thursday 9/15. I am fortunate to be able to work from home. I will be working from home 6:00 A.M to 1:30 PM then leave for rads, and I get to do this for the next 6 weeks.  I am ready to get going and get  them over with!!

    Everyone keep fighting!

    Hugs and blessings!

    Terri

  • Paintingmywaythru
    Paintingmywaythru Member Posts: 317
    edited September 2011

    I am starting rads in 3 weeks and can't decide whether to got o a stand alne center 5 minutes from my work or Mass General Which would be 35 minutes. I know hte drive will be hell but I am switching oncs post chemo and have to decide soon. I am a therapist so it is hard to do afternoons but if I could I would as it would be ideal. Iw ish it didn't have to be at the same time daily as my schedule fluctuates.

  • Didam
    Didam Member Posts: 9
    edited September 2011

    The last 3 weeks of radiation, I started getting a yeast infection on my breast.  Over the counter meds did not work and I had to get a prescription AND pills.  I was yeast infection free 6 weeks after radiation ended on June 15.  Radiation lowers your immune system, so you are susceptible to bugs and infections and your body has a hard time fighting them.  Be very careful.  I worked all the way through my treatment and I'm a teacher and exposed to lots of germs.  The last week of school, I was 1/2 time and the last 10 days of treatment, school was out..

  • twoputter
    twoputter Member Posts: 115
    edited September 2011

    I'm on my 8th treatment, and so far mostly good.  Both breasts are tender, even though only one is getting radiated.  Anyone else have that issue?

    I'm retired so can't address the working issue.

  • tacichon
    tacichon Member Posts: 93
    edited September 2011

    Susan I hear you.. My rads are a 35 minute drive, and I am workng 6 am to 1:30 PM then leave for rads.  I am technical analyst that is pressure alone, if you could swing it I would go the 5 minute trip.. I would give anything for my rads to be closer! Today was my first treatment. 1 down 29 more to go! Wahoo!

    Hugs and blessings

    Terri

  • NYruralrider
    NYruralrider Member Posts: 41
    edited September 2011

    Besides the internal stabbing pain is radiation supposed to make you tired too?

    I have a family, care for a mentally disabled woman in my home, have a pet grooming business I operate 5 days per week and late afternoons into the evenings after radiation, I do farm work at our horse stables to offset the board.....the pain is bad enough...did not now radiation would cause fatigue...thought that went along w/ the chemo some patients receive??

    NYruralrider

  • pat01
    pat01 Member Posts: 1,005
    edited September 2011

    Didam, can you explain what your yeast infection looked like?  I've been done with rads for 9 days.  About 5 days ago I developed an extremely red area on the underside of my breast, and where the underside of my breast touches my body. On top of this there is a light rash.  It is itchy, not maddeningly so, just annoying.  Called RO office, they said to use OTC hydrocortisone cream, and call them for a Monday appt if it doesn't get better.  RO is 45 minutes away, but I have a GYN appt. Monday morning locally, so figured I would just have him look at it. Someone suggested radiation dermatitis, someone else a fungal infection.  It looks horrible, but is not peeling, and is only under the breast.  I'm wondering if I should stop using creams and start letting it dry out?

    Thanks,

     Pat

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