Sept 2011 Rads

Can those mentioning hot flashes post chemo explain?  I have been having hot flushes here and there, and was wondering if it was from rads?  I didn't read anything about that post chemo, tell me what you know if you can please?  I haven't strated harmone therapy yet, is that the reason for you ladies???

Ginger

Ginger_mea:  My MO told me that chemo would most likely push me into menopause, which seems to be true at this point (8 weeks PFC).  Hence the hot flashes. I can't remember if the Taxotere or the Cytoxan is the responsible drug. 

I've had the lumpectomy and lymph node surgery and will start radiation on Oct. 10 - 35 treatments.  So any advice you can share?  Thanks

Hi everyone, I've been a lurker for awhile, thought I should contribute instead of just benefiting from the posts of others.  Today had #8 of 23.  So far so good -- just a bit of pink at night, gone by morning and some increased tenderness.  I had radiation on the other breast almost 20 years ago ( I guess I'm a slow learner on BC and am having to repeat the class!)  and for those who asked about shrinkage, yep, my other breast is noticeably smaller.      

perts...welcome to this forum, just sorry you have to be here.  I used to live in the Denver area for many years, sure miss it.  My son and DIL live in Conifer.

Basically your techs and RO should be able to give you good advice.  I was told not to use any lotions or creams on my breast for 6 hours prior to treatment.  Also no anti-persperants, natural deodorants only.  No hot baths and try to keep your showers on the coolish side.  Do not wash the breast/armpit with a sponge or a washcloth, just your hands, gently.  Mild soap.  Different people find different creams/oils/gels work for them.  Your RO or techs may give you samples of what they prefer you to use.  Nothing scented.  I would use what your doctor recommends but also you will find several useful suggestions here.  If you are bothered by fatigue, rest whenever you are able.  Listen to your body.  I hope it all goes well for you.  It will be over with before you know it.  Much luck to you!

Thank goodness it's Friday!  Happy for the weekend and to give my body a break from the rads.  

Out of 33 treatments I have 7 left.  

dogeyed, thanks for the encouragement to help get me thru this 'last mile'!  I appreciate it! 

Number 23 out of 28 today and then 5 boosts.   So far so good.  Some redness, but that was there after surgery (bruising) I am using aquaphor 2x/day.  I hope everyone who is having problems gets a nice break and naps over the weekend. 

Justmejanis - thanks for the info.  Your son & dil are enjoying some of Colorado's most beautiful weather!  It sounds like each person goes through radiation a little differently.  Being a big baby, I'm nervous about it.  Thank you for sharing your experiences. 

 Hi Perts a boost is when they are finished with te whole breast radiation and then they give extra few more visits just to the area where the lump was I got aquaphor at cvs, but don't get it until they tell you.  All these radiation oncologists have their own little theories.  No lotion until problems,, lotion right away, lotion before, lotion only 4 hours after treatment  etc.  So when I first went, they gave me samples.and told me what THEY wanted lol.  I do find that being very gentle is good.  I decided to "massage" the area one day.  Yeeeowwwy the next day. Don't know what I was thinking. I use only my hands and unscented dove to bath and pat dry.    Good luck!

Neecee I must have that dog.  Where do you live in Fla?  I could give you a cat in exchange, or two.  They are both black. I hope that won't be a deterrent to our agreement.. He will really like Rhode Island.

I had my second boost today, it goes much quicker although regular rads are pretty fast too.  My breast and underarm look like a lobster.....so sore and peeling too.  I only have three more boosts, then done for good! 

Bernie Ellen....my RO has prescribed topical lidocaine for my burns, and oral pain meds.  For me sleeping is so uncomfortable, this is the worst.  My BC is on my right side, which is the side I sleep on.  I try sleeping on my left side in bed and wake up in the middle of the night in a lot of pain, as I always wake up on my right side.  Last night I slept on the couch...slept on my left side and watched TV and was able to sleep without rolling over. 

dogeyed, it sounds like you are really doing a lot and staying very busy.  Don't try to do it all in a day...let your body rest!

I was helping a friend all day today with a garage sale.  I have a few things to sell, but not much.  She has a ton!  I was there after rads today until just a little while ago.  Had my bra on all day and boy was that miserable.  I was so happy to get home and shed it.  Tomorrow I will be there all day too.  Sunday i am going to stay home all day, braless.  LOL.

perts...if there is not an October thread yet, there will be soon.  Stick with this group, they can help you so much through this.  Don't be afraid of radiation.  The treatments themselves are quick and painless.  Not everyone burns, many people get through it without much more than some pink skin.  Many people have fatigue, I can't say that was a problem for me at all.  It is different for everyone, and always remember whatever side effects you feel will be temporary.  Focus on healing!!!

Hugs to all!

Done with #17 of 30 today. My pinkishness is boardering red now. I seem to be itchy at night, but no blisters so far. Muscle tightness in the chest is bad enough now that I have to use both hands driving all the time. Its not that I can't move my arm, it's just really really tight! My RO actually said, yes, this is from radiation. I about fell off the table, he finally admitted something was from radiation!

Oh, here is an interesting tid bit. I finally got used to my one tech that started off being "not so nice". Now she talks and smiles everyday. Its taken me 17 treatments to get her to warm up. Well, on Tues. Oct. 1st. all the techs rotate machines, so for my last 2 1/2 weeks I get different techs. That sucks!

Here, is a funny: So I work in a physical therapy clinic, we are in the lower level of a 2 story building (a.k.a. the BASEMENT, lol) So, we have stairs and an elevator for patient's to come down. Anyway, there is an emergency phone of course in the elevator in case it gets stuck. Well some how a "Debt Collection Agency" has gotten a hold of the elevator phone number and for the last month several times as patients are getting off the elevator we can all hear a pre-recorded message that plays over the phone speaker telling our patients that they must pay their bills. Patients have been very understanding but still complain about it. However, this last month our patient reimbursements were up almost 20%, lol. What are the odds that some company gets our number and its a debt collection place. Just too funny!

Hope everyone gets some rest over the weekend

I feel so much better just reading your experiences and feeling your positive attitudes.  You are all amazing!  I guess I'll be ready on the 10th to get this going. Sounds like the RO's are pretty opinionated.  I know mine has created a big line of beauty products: shampoo, conditioner, super lubricant skin cream, etc. 

Stormy and Patty....congratulations on being over halfway through!  Stormy I love it when the RO will actually acknowledge that some of what is happening to us is related to radiation.  DUH!  I really hope you don't burn too much.  I am at the lobster/peeling stage.  Almost impossible to wear a bra.  My RO prescribed oral pain meds to help until it heals.  Oh, I loved your elevator story Stormy!  That is too funny!   Glad too the techs are being nicer.

perts.....we are all here for you and if you have ANY questions, ask away.  You can also PM  me or anyone here if you want it more private.  You will have a great support team...lots of big shoulders here and warm soft hugs are always available.  You'll do great!

Kate.....I don't know why I burned this much...there is no way of predicting who will and won't.  Thanks for the well wishes, and so happy you are doing well.  That is great and now you are all set for December.  Good luck with that!

Hugs to all you wonderful ladies.  My sistas!!!!