November 2011 Rads
I am starting rads on November 1, so I thought I would start a group for us. I believe I am getting 33 treatments. Join me on this journey!
Comments
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Hello Jackie, Thanks for starting this new thread. Too bad that we are in it--we need to be thinking that "We are well"--We are just in treatment. My therapist suggested a book called "The Secret" and I think there are some good ideas in it--some unusual positive things have happened since I started listening to it on CD while I'm in my car. Anyway, I had my 4/4 Taxotere/Cytoxan--yesterday was my last day in the chair! I will start 28 radiation treatments 11/28. My adult son and daughter want to cook Thanksgiving dinner at her apartment and I am thinking "Hooray!!!"
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I just started rads last week (Oct) and will have most of my tx's in November. I'd like to join this group if that's OK.
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Hi Ladies,
You may find some really helpful information on the main Breastcancer.org site on Radiation Therapy, including what to expect with all types of radiation therapy, ways to manage side effects, and how to stay on track with radiation therapy.
Hope this information helps!
--The Mods
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Tomorrow I go for my final tatoos, and Tuesday I begin 33 treatments. My journey has been a very strange and unique one. I completed 6 rounds of A/C in early Feb.. My former onc told me I was stage IV by PET scan...which he did after I started chemo. This summer, after a truely botched lung biopsy, my husband took me to Fox Chase for a full eval on my cancer.
The miracle was I am stage III. The Pet scan showed a normal reaction of my bone marrow to the chemo treatment--not stage IV!
I missed the opportunity to take Taxatere, but am starting rads on Tuesday to prevent recurrance.
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I will be joining this group after joining (but not starting) both Sept and Oct threads.. I will finally be released from the BS to get started. I feel like an old hand at this from reading their posts every day. My chemo group have all finished but one so now I will be making new friends.
Have my sim on Nov 8 and start 28tx the following Monday. I really wanted to be done with all this crap by the end of 2011 so looks like I will just make it.
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Hi ladies, i am going for mapping tomorrow and should start rads 17th Nov, would be great to have some friends to go through it with...............would love to join this thread!!! Bev
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Hello to all - I have been on the October rad thread quite a bit this past week as I had mapping last week and will have my simulation on Nov. 2. If all goes as planned, I will start rads Nov.3 - 36 treatments, so I will be here with you!
Sher
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Hi Shirleta, i am going for mapping Monday, what should i expect??? i dont really know what they will do, Info would be great.....................nice to have this support B:)
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Shirletts,
The mapping involves several small tatoos(mine are blue) the size of a big freckle in the area they will radiate. They take measurements, and make a mold of the placement of your arms. You have to lie still for a while. That is the only uncomfortable part. I think about 1 hour or so. My rads onc also did a CAT scan of my upper body. No pain really.
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I guess I was answering bevdurrant! Sorry!
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thanks Realtor Jackie, i must admit im a bit nervous of what to expect! B:)
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I will hopefully be joining you ladies as well. I just had re-excision #2 (yep, three excisions total) and hopefully this one has clear margins and we can move on to rads. My ORIGINAL mapping appt. was way back in mid Sept. but that never happened, obviously. I'll be getting 36 treatments, 30 regular plus 6 boost at the end. I was hoping to be done in 2011, but it looks like I won't quite make it.
I do hope that we can at least start rads in November, but I know they want me to heal for at least a couple of weeks after surgery before starting. I'll try to check in here as often as I can, I am curious to hear other's experiences.
I'm very fair skinned so I'm worried about topical effects. I also am a high school teacher with an active 8 year old, so I also worry about being tired, especially with all the craziness of the holidays closing in quickly.
I think I also tend to go on too long sometimes.
Best to everyone. -
I start my radiation tomorrow. Oct 31st, so November seems like a good group to join. Thanks for creating this! I am going to a hospital that has True Beam radiation machines. So we will see how tomorrow goes. Hope everyone has a good week. I really need to start walking on my treadmill.
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I had my walk-through appointment today with mapping--10 more tatoos. One was in my incision from a botched biopsy in June--Ouch! I also bled a little due to being on Coumadin. My husband came with me for moral support. The hardest thing was staying still so long. It was just getting really uncomfortable near the end.
The cancer center was so happy-looking today. They decorated for Halloween, and put out a big cake, donuts, and all kinds of snacks.
First of 33 treatments tomorrow. You all are in my thoughts as we journey together!
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Hi everyone! I'll be in the November group, too. I had surgery last Wednesday to have my TEs removed, and I have an appointment on 11/15 for planning. I am getting my rads at Dana Farber. I have a very unusual situation - I had a lumpectomy and Mammosite radiation in July 2010, so this is my second go-round. Because of the holidays, I won't be finished before the end of the year. And my round trip from my home in NH to Dana Farber in Boston is going to be 3.5 - 4 hours, every day, if we are lucky with traffic and weather. My RO is the head of Radiation Oncology and using some creative approaches to reduce the risk of damage to my heart, lungs and thyroid.
My PET/CT a couple of weeks ago showed I had a complete pathological response to chemo (which I also did through DF).
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Hey guys - I have been reading the previous rads threads because I was really supposed to start rads back in September, but I kind of put my foot down and wanted a break after recovering from surgery and everything. I didn't even have a very complicated surgery, but I got decent margins and I wanted to enjoy the last little bit of good weather before getting back into a treatment that might slow me down again. I have been faithfully taking my Tamox and doing OK on it.
Last week, I had a CT scan and yesterday I went in for X-rays (I THINK - they never really tell me anything at my rad onc center) and today I start rads for real, the first of 30. Hoping to be all done before the winter holidays and all healed up by 2012. At my center, they don't administer tattoos until you've done a couple, so that they can make sure that they are in the right places. So I am stuck with the tape over the marks a few more days this week.
So far, rads is annoying to me because I have to leave work early and they never explain what they are doing, or what I need to do - but they are doing one thing right: that they gave me my own little top to wear everyday that I can take home and launder myself. They have them in all different colors and sizes, and it's nice that it smells like my detergent and fits me so well, when I have to sit around in the waiting room. I just feel more normal than when I am clutching a giant hospital gown closed around myself.
Jackie - I was disappointed that nobody was dressed up and nobody offered me candy or other Halloween treats at my appointment yesterday! It sounds so much nicer where you go. But I went home afterward and dosed myself with MnMs
LuvRVing - so sorry to hear about your recurrence and the super long drive. I can't complain about leaving work early every day, I guess, since at least the hospital I go for rads isn't too far away from home or work. That just seems like so much time out of your day
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I'm starting November 7 and I'm also going to have 33 radiations, so I'm joining!
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Hello All! Hope I can join this lovely group!
Waving hi to Flautaulee from the August 2011 Chemo Board!
I just started RADS yesterday; and I'll be traveling an hour each way for treatment (UGH). But it seems I have nothing on LuvRing, who is going 3-4hrs for a commute, so I won't complain!! I'll be doing 25 treatments + 5 boosts.
I had chemo which started this past August -- I was to get 4 rounds of Taxotere. After the 2nd treatment, I broke out in hives and had itching/burning all over my body, so they switched me to Adrimyacin. OMG, that was even worse: Swollen tongue, throat, hives, chest palpitations, shaking, couldn't eat. My Onc made the decision to cancel my 4th treatment due to the life-threatening side effects. I even had to go to the hospital for a day to be monitored. So, my last treatment (#3 was Sept. 23rd). I'm still having residual s/e's and I've felt like I've been through the ringer.
The first RADS treatment yesterday was just tiring as they had to do more films and being in that strange position for so long had me in tears. Today, more of the same with the films, but it will be less time eventually.
My appointments are all over the place now:I'm going at 8:55pm tonight and tomorrow and next week I start at 6:50am until December. Help me Lord! I'm not an early bird by any means! I'll be leaving my house at 5:30am everyday. Yikes!
Have a great day everyone!
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Chrys, I had my first real zaps yesterday and it was faster than the previous 3 appointments. Although they did make me wait for my RO to come in and check my set up before they started...nothing like holding still just awhile longer, right? Also, I could swear that I already started to get the slightest bit pink/tan in my cleavage area...
When I asked a tech if I could listen to music next time, she looked at me like I was a weirdo, but then finally said it probably would not be a problem, as long as I didn't start bopping to the music or anything.
It seems like we all have something different. I was on my back with my arms over my head with no molds or anything holding me in place. No prone position, no breathing mask or anything fancy. Just hold still while the machine moves to zap me from 2 different angles. I am supposed to get 25 whole breast and 5 boosts.
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I had my 1st of 28 treatments today. In and out in 15mins, but It looks like my 3 year old has marked all over me. Gotta love blue/green sharpies. No v-necks for a few weeks
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Natters -- thanks for sharing your experience. I too was on my back with my arms over my head, but I do have an arm mold for my right side. I have a bumper under my knees and have to keep my chin up and then all the way to the left. It's agony for an hour like that. I was in tears, and thought I couldn't do anymore. The tech said if we stopped, I would have to do it all over again, so I endured. I just thought of Jesus on the Cross (sounds strange...but it helped).
I'm supposed to have my lymph area and clavical zapped -- does anyone know if that is part of the boosts?? Right now, it seems they are only doing the whole breast, but I know that my lymph nodes are to be radiated. Just not sure when/how that happens. I guess I'll ask the dr on Monday. I will see him every Monday to review the treatment. I'm thankful my center has a radiation clinic, where you can see the nurses and ask any questions. There is a social worker team there too.
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I go Tuesday for my set-up. awaiting the results of a PET done Monday. Intial consult 8 weeks ago RO indicated he wanted to zap clavicle and tracheal nodes. Hoping they didn;t light up and I can avoid the tracheal at least although trouble swallowing might be the only thing to get me on track to losing some weight. I was doing great til i got the flu and now can;t seem to eat enough!!
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I have had 2 treatments, now. I have a mold for both arms, but the worst is the position for my head. It is over to the opposite side of where I am getting zapped, and lies in a hard cradle. I told the tech I cannot stand the pain in my head, and she gave me something called a bolas(sp?). It only helped a little. They said the pain was because my head is on a pressure point with the cradle. I have been airing out my skin for 45 mins. under a ceiling fan, as the doctor and techs have suggested. It is very uncomfortable in this weather. I am getting Aquafor tonight. My rad onc suggested it.
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Hey everone,
My rads have been either eliminated or postponed, pending further surgery, so I'm going to check out of here. Best to all of you going through rads right now. Stay COOL!!
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Just saying hi to everyone. I started in October and just finished #16 of 33 so I'm a bit ahead of most of you. I'm a bit unusual in that I'm using a breathing machine to keep my lungs inflated while they deliver the zaps. They are using it to avoid my heart. I wear a snorkel type device and take a deep breath and hold it during each zap. The snorkel keeps me from breathing out for the 15 seconds.
I've been posting a lot on the October rads board but I see a few familiar faces over here too. My last treatment is scheduled for Nov. 28.
Nice to meet all of you, tho I wish it wasn't under these circumstances.
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RealtorJackie -- I am in the same position as you....OMG, I had to have them stop for a few minutes yesterday as the pain in my shoulder and neck was unbearable. They had to do films again yesterday and I was in that awful position for 40mins (including treatment).
I think they are done with films and 'supposedly' my treatments will be only 10mins. I hope so, I won't be able to hold that pose anymore!
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For my CT and Xrays, I had to hold my head up and out of the way to the opposite side, with my arms tightly over my head (hands gripping my elbows). I forgot to mention the bumper under my knees - yes, I have that, too.
But for the actual zaps, I have to say they seem more casual - they never ask me to twist my head to the side now, or grip my elbows. It all seems very loosey-goosey. And it never lasts more than 5 minutes - I get zapped from only 2 angles. I have only had 2 tx and my left breast already looks like it got some sun, compared to the right, although the skin doesn't hurt at all.
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Hi Ladies, I had my first RAD treatment on Oct. 25 but most will be in Nov. so I'd like to join you all in this journey. I am having my 9th treatment today and so far it's going well. I lie in a mold that helps keep my arms over my head in place and my head turned to one side, with the bumper pad under my knees. It is comfortable and makes it easy to get in the right position each time. My skin is just starting to feel a little tender and 'itchy'. I use Pure Aloe Gel 2x a day and some lotion at night, which is helping. I feel a bit extra tired, especially about 30 minutes after the treatments. I am fortunate that I work from home, so I can come home after treatments and take a short nap. I'm finding that doing mild exercise each day is helping too. I'm also taking Arimidex so I have some seperate side effects going on with that. Are any of you also on Arimidex? I may have to join a seperate thread for that.
After my simulation and getting marked with the "X"'s covered with tape, and Sharpie dots outlining treamtnet area, I came home and my husband said I was a 'Marked Woman'! We had a good laugh.The Sharpie dots washed off right away. The "X"'s with tape are there for the treatment duration.
My RO and team are wonderful. I meet with the RO nurse and RO each Monday to review how things are going. One tech gave me a blanket the other day so I can wrap in it when I'm waiting to go in for treatment and they cover me with it during treatments so I don't get cold. They also play a CD I brought in with soothing music. I pretend I'm lying on a beach somewhere getting a tan! I'm usually in and out in 30 minutes each day depending on whether or not I have to wait a bit for my turn.
I'm finding a positive attitude, prayer, and good support are helping me through this BC journey tremendously. Praying each of you will fair well through this RAD treatment phase and we can encourage & support one another along the way.
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JenBro -- Hi!
Where can you get the Pure Aloe Gel? My center only gave me some Keri Sensitive Skin lotion. Did you center suggest the Pure Aloe? I had heard that Aloe may not have enough moisture?! Everyone's suggestions are so different from person to person.
Also, I will be on Arimidex and I think it will be AFTER Rads finishes (the day after last treatment). What side effects are you experiencing?
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Hi Chrys23.
I got the pure aloe gel at a Vitamin Shoppe. (Have to make sure it doesn't have any alchohol in it.) My center told me to use it from after first treatment even though I wasn't experiencing any skin sensitivity yet. I also use a fragrance free lotion I got at Whole Foods, at night. I may start using a special cream the center has if I start experiencing more serious issues with my skin. I also us Mederma scar cream on my surgery scars at night, which is helping with that issue. I use fragrance free Dove moisturizing bath soap in the shower and I also wash all my clothes with fragrance free soap and use fragrance free Bounce in the dryer. Sometimes fragrance in things can add to skin irritations. I've heard lots of different suggestions. It may be finding what works best for you.
The first 2 weeks on Arimidex were horrible. Felt like a 90 year old arthritic woman, dull headaches, fatigue, flu like feeling with achy muscles, and hot flashes intensified. After a month on it, the side effects have leveled off a bit better. Main thing now is intesified hot flashes, some insomnia, and achy joints and dull headache now and then, and sometimes some mild depression. I know that weight gain can be a SE so I am doing my best to eat really healthy (to also help rebuild my immune system) and try to get some sort of exercise every day, so I haven't gained any weight yet. I'm not sure I want to be on it for the suggested 5 years. I want to see how I do after about 1 year. I know that my system was so overloaded with Estrogen being on HRT that I want to do all I can to minimize the possibility of the cancer returning.
Best to you as you begin this part of the BC journey!
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