November 2011 Rads

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  • RealtorJackie
    RealtorJackie Member Posts: 91
    edited November 2011

         My skin is turning slightly pink already, but I am very fair.  I put the Aquafor on and lay naked under the ceiling fan for an hour, as the doctor directed.  I had many positive lymph nodes, so I get zapped for about 15 mins. in many areas.  They spin the table in the middle.

        Feeling slightly more tired, but I have a 2 hour round trip drive!  Hang in everyone!  We will make it!

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited November 2011
    Today was my 3rd treatment.  So far, so good.  It is cold in the room, and the techs give me a warm blanket each day.  I asked for a blanket to put on my arm that is in a cradle above my head.  They gave me a towel that helped alot.  They seem to be doing an excellant job.  My cancer was in my left breast, so I have to hold my breath, machine sends out rads, then release breath, machine turns off. Several days a week the Radiation Dept gives free 15 min seated massages.  It doesn't have to be the patient, so I have let my husband get one.  He really likes that!Smile
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  • Natters
    Natters Member Posts: 361
    edited November 2011

    Jackie, it is way too cold to lie around naked with or without a ceiling fan where I live, so I'm really glad that my DR has not recommended that! I just come home and put on some lotion and sit around without a bra underneath several warm loose layers of clothing. I just went out to eat without a bra on and it felt so wrong! Also, I am pink despite having olive skin. Nobody would accuse me of being fair skinned :) my cancer was in my left breast and they aren't doing anything special so I'm just hoping and praying they don't damage my heart...

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  • RealtorJackie
    RealtorJackie Member Posts: 91
    edited November 2011

    Yes, Natters, it is cold here in east central PA.   A foot of snow already last weekend.  Power out for a while.  They also told me to go topless around the house as much as possible.  I will not do this, as I live in a development and have 25 windows in my house!  I don't want to scare anyone.  LOL

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  • Natters
    Natters Member Posts: 361
    edited November 2011

    Omg Jackie, I can't believe the advice you are getting. I live in the city and I have way too many windows. Also, our old Victorian is WAY too drafty for anything less than 2 layers of clothes this time of year. My RO nurse suggested coming home and taking off my bra, but never suggested going topless. I can just imagine my neighbors' reaction..

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  • Nana2Six
    Nana2Six Member Posts: 17
    edited November 2011

    I will also start rads in Nov. Had lumpectomy Oct 31st and am still awaiting final pathology.



    LuvRVing - I am also planning to go to Dana Farber. Do they let you choose a time to go?

    I hoped to fit it in between dropping off and picking up my granddaughter from preschool.

    I can't imagine having to spending so long getting to the radiation site every day for 6 weeks. I also lived in Salem NH many years ago. I would not be able to keep my eyes open on the road with so much driving!



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  • Chrys23
    Chrys23 Member Posts: 291
    edited November 2011

    Is anyone else having pangs and twinges after radiation? I've only had 3 so far, but I can tell you that I've had some pangs and small burning twinges that come and go. I went to the clinic after treatment yesterday and the nurse said that it could happen now and throughout treatment.

    I just didn't think I would 'feel' something so soon.

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  • Natters
    Natters Member Posts: 361
    edited November 2011

    Ginny - fingers crossed your path report comes back fast and it's all good news. Keep us posted! You probably can't start rads for another 3 weeks, I wouldn't think? 

    Chrys- I can feel the odd twinge here and there, and it hurt when my cat jumped on my chest this morning, but I don't think my RO or his nurse will have much empathy for me so I'm going to suck it up for now. Although my breast got pink right away, my RO told me that he was sure I was going to "breeze right through this." OK, I am going to try to have his positive attitude.  I haven't stopped wearing a tight running bra to run several times a week, because it doesn't feel sore most of the time.

    I have been comparing notes with my friend who started rads before me at a different hospital. She has had over 25 tx now, and not had any skin problems - she says it feels "tight" but not itchy or painful. She had a UMX and is getting her armpit radiated b/c she had a lot of positive nodes.

    She always gets the nice, warm blankies that Suzanne mentioned, but they never offered me any at my hospital. I just started bringing in a zipfront hoodie to go over my rads smock. I have a whole "rads bag" that I keep in the trunk of my car with everything I need. I put in a soft t-shirt to change into afterward and drive home bra-less. I'm not crazy about the feeling of the seatbelt pressing down on my freshly radiated chest, but what are you going to do, right?

    Nat 

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  • JenBro
    JenBro Member Posts: 21
    edited November 2011

    I've had some of those pangs and twinges, and overall tenderness, from early on too, but nothing too bad. (They also told me I may have some of that on and off from the lumpectomy) At 9th treatment today and feeling  a bit of itching right afterwards. I like the idea of a 'rads bag' Nattie.

    One friend who went through this a year ago told me she got some soft cotton camisoles to wear under soft shirts and she didn't wear a bra at all after about week 3 of treatment.  I'm having a hard time finding cotton camisoles that don't have build in 'bra' or lace on them. Anyone know where I can find a simple soft cotton camisole?

    I too get too cold to go around naked after treatment and would freak out the neighbors, especially with all the 'x's' on my chest! I like the idea of having a soft shirt to put on right after treatment and drive home bra-less. The hospital where I had my surgery gave me this great little pillow to use under my seatbelt. I still use it all the time and it really helps driving home after radiation treatments. 

    Some of my struggle is managing the side affects of the Arimidex along with the SE's of the Rads treatments. Plus right before surgery I went off HRT cold turkey and was having my thyroid meds reduced. Then right after I started rad treatment I had a bone density test done, at my pushing my Dr. to do, and found out I have osteoporosis in my lower back and my hip bones are thinning. My oncologist now wants me to get an infusion of Zometa because I am on the Arimidex. I can't handle any more drugs and possible SE's right now, so holding off on that. My body is so out of whack, I can't wait to get through this rad treatment and start working toward stronger health again. 

    Hang in there ladies! This too shall pass. I'm so glad I have all of you to be encouraged along the way.

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  • paulamati
    paulamati Member Posts: 43
    edited November 2011

    Hi Ladies Im starting my RAD on November 14th , I will have 20 treatments :) , just hope everything goes ok for everyone.

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  • rn4babies
    rn4babies Member Posts: 409
    edited November 2011

    I had tx #9 today. I felt some twinges and a little tenderness from day one. Very mild but I know I didn't feel it before. My rad center doesn't offer any warm blankets or music either. They are just just OK in the friendly dept.  I just bought super soft Mossimo tank tops from Target to wear around the house. They were on sell for $7.00. I also bought soft camisoles from there to wear under my clothes (In the missy's dept, not lingerie). They aren't supportive or anything but extremely soft. I was never one to go braless at home but even the sports bras are irritating me under the breast. Braless is def NOT an option while at work. I also carry a RADS bag with me to work. I work for 8 hrs then go to rads. I keep Tom's deoderant that I have to reapply about 3 or 4 times a day for it to be effective, some clean smelling body spray ( I just do a small spritz on the outside of my clothes under each arm), baby wipes and Udderly Smooth cream. I run around like a nut at work and always feel sweaty. I hate not being able to shave under my arm. I just feel so gross without my usual deodorant. So, I go to my locker a few times a day and get "refreshed". I'm so paranoid that I'm going to smell bad. I'm a nurse and have VERY close contact with my patients.

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  • RealtorJackie
    RealtorJackie Member Posts: 91
    edited November 2011

                 I am having a hard time adjusting to taking "cancer treatment." again.  It has been almost 9 months since my last chemo.  Many of the people who are getting rads are in severe pain, and in wheelchairs.  So far, I am the youngest one I have seen there(I'm 51.)  I am feeling a little depressed when I have to go there.  It takes a good chunk out of my day, as it is a 2 hour ride roundtrip. 

                So far the bra thing has not bothered me much.  I am a plus size gal, and DD.  I wear a soft cami back and forth to treatment, and go braless around the house.  I wear a bra to go to the office, when I need to or to see clients or church.  I am using the Aquafor cream, and airing out the skin under the ceiling fan, as directed by the doctor and staff.

              

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  • TooManyCocktails
    TooManyCocktails Member Posts: 182
    edited November 2011

    I'm thinking that I'll start RADs around the 14th of this month.  I got my tat's today. My doctor wants me to get this rash that I have looked at by a dermatologist before I start treatment. So, hopefully, it's nothing too serious that will put off starting the treatments.  We'll see?

    I wish you all the best.

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  • ptdreamers
    ptdreamers Member Posts: 1,080
    edited November 2011

    Hi Everyone, I am starting rads on Nov 7th for 34 tx. I would have started earlier but had a bout of cellulitis. I really appreciate all of the tips I have read from earlier forums and hope we can support one another through this journey. I started putting on aloe now in preparation for rads. I don't think it has any adverse effect but I notice that by nighttime my breast is very red. It fades overnight. Has anyone else had that same affect? My BS said he thought is was sluggish lymph fluids . Does that make sense?

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  • Lindaqs
    Lindaqs Member Posts: 6
    edited November 2011

    Hi Everyone,

     Starting rads on Monday, Nov. 7th.  Went for my "dress rehearsal" on Thursday.  Everyone was so great.  Just as the staff was during chemo.  I'm having 28 tx and it was so difficult to maintain my position.  Left arm up over my head and head turned to the right.  I just kept focusing on being on a beach, hearing waves.  At some points I thought I couldn't stay still one more second but knew they would have to start all over. Heading out today to get my skin supplies.  Going to go with Aquaphor and Aloe.  Any other suggestions? 

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  • Elizabeth1889
    Elizabeth1889 Member Posts: 1,036
    edited November 2011

    Lindaqs, Miaderm and emu oil worked great for me.  Both are available on Amazon.

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  • Vicks1960
    Vicks1960 Member Posts: 473
    edited November 2011

    Been a few days since I posted here.

    Had a PET/CT scan yesterday, and also schduled for Brachytherapy balloon insertion surgery for next Thurs.  

    MO talked to me about Chemo and participating in blind drug study, but because of existing neuropathy in my feet, I am not eligible for the study.  Consequently, the MO, RO and Surgeon consulted and they recommend the Brachytherapy.  A OnconT test is being done on the tumor, started  on 11/01 with results due 7-14 days. 

    Still quite a bit of swelling in L breast, from the hematoma, but it is getting better.  

    Have met several gals, who have been treated for BC in the past, one as long ago as 1993, and they are doing well.  That is an encouragement to me.

    Will let you know how the "hot shot" (my term) twice a day for 5 days radiation goes.....

    Wishing each and everyone of us a SPEEDY FULL RECOVERY>>>>
    Keep hanging in there!!!!!

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  • Reality
    Reality Member Posts: 782
    edited November 2011

    RealtorJackie - I start rads on Monday. I also have a 2-hr round trip. The trip in seems to go by fast since I have a lot on my mind. The trip home seems long as I just want to be back home. I live in the Adirondacks, so I am thrilled that our weather is predicted to be unseasonably warm this week. At least it will be one week of driving without ice or snow!  I just turned on my ceiling fan to see where the best position for my recliner will be....darn - just dreading the whole darn thing. I will be thinking of you...

    Sher 

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  • Reality
    Reality Member Posts: 782
    edited November 2011

    RealtorJackie - Its me again - I have been busy with grandchildren so I am trying to catch up on the entries in this thread.....I can identify with what you are saying about not wanted to start more treatments - maybe it is because it is a daily ordeal or the whole science-fiction feel of it rads. The red lights and the remote control machines with their random movements and sounds really gave me the creeps during the simulation. I feel very unsettled and unfocused. In spite of my wonderful family and supportive friends, the only place I feel comfortable today is on this site - I feel like it is the only place I can be truly honest and the only place I am truly understood - Thanks to all for your support.

    Sher 

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  • Reality
    Reality Member Posts: 782
    edited November 2011

    ....duh to me for the typo - I meant to write: ".....what you are saying about not wanting to start...."

    Sher 

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  • Reality
    Reality Member Posts: 782
    edited November 2011

    Lindags - 'same for me....simulation was Wed. and I start Monday. A part of me just wanted to start this past Thurs. to get it going...a part of me did not. My rad nurse advised me to stop wearing a bra anytime and to only use cornstarch - no lotion or creams at this point. - yuk - just thinking about the coarse feel of cornstarch gives me the "fingernails on the chalkboard" cringe!

    Sher 

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  • MrsMot
    MrsMot Member Posts: 90
    edited November 2011

    Hi Ladies - I start my Rads 11/28.  I am getting 33 rounds.  I just finished 6 rounds of T/C chemo and just starting to feel human again.  I go in the 16th for the form and CT scan and the marking.  Since Thanksgiving is around the corner, I will be starting after that.  After chemo...I really can't imagine rads being difficult.  My RO promised me no constipation so I am happy!  Anything is better then chemo!

    Right now, I look at my scalp everyday for more hair!  Its fuzzy and gray but growing (photo of me is my wig).  

    I am afraid for the CT scan as I had an anxiety attach when I had my breast MRI way back when.  Course I was just starting my journey and full of anxiety.  Now that I have had a bilateral mx and chemo...things don't seem so scarey.  But I am nervous about wigging out! 

    Thanks for starting this...it really helps seeing that I am not alone in this process/journey.

    Peace be with you all and may you all live long strong lives! We CAN beat this!!! 

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  • RealtorJackie
    RealtorJackie Member Posts: 91
    edited November 2011

        Well, I know my depressed mood is causing me to eat junk.  Right after rads, I went to this well-known cupcake store, and ate a cupcake for lunch--nothing else.  It was my favorite combo--chocolate cake with peanut butter buttercream and a mini Reese's cup on top. 

         Talking to all of you on this site is very helpful.  I went to a fundraiser for local flood vicitims tonight, and did some dancing with my hubbie.  I haven't danced in a while, and it made me feel better.  

         I did wear a bra tonight, but have been using the Aquafor and fan.  So far, so good.

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  • M-Aug
    M-Aug Member Posts: 95
    edited November 2011

    I just started rad and was worried about the CT scan as well. The machine that my RO used was different then the machine I had my PET scan done in. It was much easier and less stressful then the PET scan. We were diagnosed at the same time and have had a similar journey. I think I should have been reading these posts all along. It is comforting to share with others who know what this chapter in our lives is really like. Have a great Thanksgiving!

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  • Mandalala
    Mandalala Member Posts: 162
    edited November 2011

    What is all this about protein? Do they tell you to eat lots of protein during radiation to avoid anemia? I live in Sweden and I haven't heard about this at all. The only food recommendation they gave me is to eat fruits and vegetables – generally, not specifically during radiation.

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  • Natters
    Natters Member Posts: 361
    edited November 2011

    I didn't get any food recommendations at all.



    The CT scan is MUCH easier than the MRI! First of all, you are in no way enclosed. And I dunno if it differs for various people, but I did not have to hold the same position for 30 minutes at a time. And it wasn't as loud. And no dye injections. I had a tough time with the MRI and will request a pill next time I need one, but the CT did not bother me at all.



    I was emotional that day because I had put off rads and was sad to finally have to start. I didn't do chemotherapy so rads is a big daily reminder that my life and self-identity changed for good this year. I also see it as the end of the year, in terms of lots of things we aren't really allowed to do during treatment, but the CT scan was in no way anxiety-provoking or painful or difficult.



    Also, I agree that it's hard to be the youngest and healthiest person at rads everyday. I look younger than my age and I feel great still, and I'm obviously much healthier than the other people I see there. The worst is when they bring folks down on stretchers.... have a lot of guilt about it that I'm dealing with in therapy.

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  • MrsMot
    MrsMot Member Posts: 90
    edited November 2011

    RealtorJackie - a cupcake lunch is just what you needed.  Yay for you!  Its ok to do that.  You are going through hell.  Be kind to yourself.  Eat a cupcake! I recently baked a batch...all I can do to not eat them all!

    You eased my mind Natters & M-Aug!  I will need a pill for a MRI again too.  I will think positive about this upcoming CT scan.

    I got anemia during chemo.  I was told to eat iron-rich foods.  Steak!  Didn't really help though but I enjoyed it.  I love a good steak.  I also found kale is iron rich and 70% dark chocolate is iron rich too!  Be careful of any supplements as they cause constipation.  No thanks!  So maybe that is why the protein.  In the end, they gave me an iron infusion.  Gave me bad flu like body aches...but it eliminated the extreme fatigue.  I was told the rads cause fatigue.  Anemia will add to that.  

    Bigs hugs to all!Laughing

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  • ptdreamers
    ptdreamers Member Posts: 1,080
    edited November 2011

    Quick question for those ladies using Emu oil. Are you using 100% pure emu oil or a lotion or what?

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  • Mandalala
    Mandalala Member Posts: 162
    edited November 2011

    Mrs Mot – yes, iron sounds more like what you'd eat to avoid anemia. I googled around some more and found something about protein for healing tissue damages from radiation, but nothing very substantial. Several people here mentioned protein (perhaps in another radiation thread) so that's why I wondered. Steak would be a nice cure :-)

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  • JenBro
    JenBro Member Posts: 21
    edited November 2011

    m4babies - thanks for the tip on the tank tops at Target. Picked some up yesterday. I think they will be perfect.

    The only thing my RO told me about concerning nutrition was to eat as healthy as possible, that protein will help with ongoing healing from surgery and help with energy levels, and to be careful not to have too many antioxidents. He told me it was okay to take a multivitamin but no other extra supplements containing antioxidents. I took some of the supplements I was taking in for him to check and he told me to hold off on a few during radiation. I read somewhere it's okay to get them naturally through food, but not too much, and not through supplements. Something about it intefering with the effects of radiation. Has anyone else heard about that?

    Happy Sunday everyone! It's been nice to have the weekend off. I will be thinking of you ladies starting your treatments next week. Hope everyone has had a good weekend.
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