November 2011 Rads

Options
1…457910…26

Comments

  • Vicks1960
    Vicks1960 Member Posts: 473
    edited November 2011

    Good morning!

    Just got back from seeing my BS.  My BC breast really swelled up since the contura balloon was removed Friday.  The Dr. inserted a drain to relieve the pressure, and already it is feeling better. It is to be removed on this coming Friday.

    He thinks most of the problem for me is the breast has been so beat up on, with the original surgery, the hematoma surgery then the radiation, so it will probably take some time for the recovery.

    HAVE A WONDERFUL THANKSGIVING ALL......

    Vickie

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • RealtorJackie
    RealtorJackie Member Posts: 91
    edited November 2011
      Just finished #15.  My neck is pink and irritated.  They zap the supraclavical area.  Otherwise, I am holding up pretty well.  I toured Temple University with my daughter on Saturday, and was able to keep up with the tour guide.  Super tired on Sunday, though.  I baked 2 pumpkin cheesecakes last night.  Here's a piece for all of you!Wink
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Joan811
    Joan811 Member Posts: 2,672
    edited November 2011

    Cheers to those who are in the last weeks/days of rads.
    Natters,Thanks for the positive thoughts.  I felt them!
    My rads setup went fine yesterday.  I miraculously had completely clear breathing.  My really bad aches were nearly gone. (flu or A.I?)    I went to my appointment (xanax to help stay still) wearing my iPod, and I was really ready to do it.  I was told, as if I were a  child, that I should be really proud of myself for doing so well the first time. Smile They got it set the first try and no adjustments.  And the BEST news of all??? I don't have to start until Monday so I have the week end to myself.
    The worst news?  for Tgiving day, my hosting daughter invited her ex because they all get along and her son  (8) begged for his dad.  No problem for me.  But daughter from NJ who has my precious 2 grandaughters refuses to come now.  they will stay home.  So much for the joyous birthday turkey party for me.  I am fighting to hold it together....it is such an important BD for me - not the number, just the fact that I have BC and I don't know how many I'll have.  Not being morbid, I swear -- just don't know what the future holds.  Wish they could keep it together for me but it is too late.  So, if Iwant to see my NJ girls, I will leave dinner in CT and drive on TG night to NJ.  Oops, this is not a family therapy forum....sorry ladies.  Things get magnified with BC.
    I am ready to go for Monday's rads - really.  I believe it is due to the encouragement I've received here, and the many prayers that I don't even know about.
    Bless you all and keep love and hope alive in your hearts.
    Marthah, thanks for checking in to encourage the November ladies.  It means a lot.
    Hugs to all,

    Joan

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Natters
    Natters Member Posts: 361
    edited November 2011

    Everything about BC makes me feel like a child again. Paternalistic DRs, not having much control or choice in my tx, having to go to bed earlier....I'll be glad when this year is over.



    Joan, I'm so sorry to hear about the family drama, especially since it's your birthday :(. Hope e sight of your beloved grandchildren help ease some of the sting of having to make that drive. Enjoy your 4 days off and hopefully, you'll start rads on Monday feeling emotionally and phaycially stronger for it.



    One more tx for me today, including films and waiting to see my RO, ugh. But after that a glorious 4-day weekend as well. I was traveling the last 2 weekends, so I really need this break. Fatigue is starting to creep in, for sure.



    Jackie, your cheesecake sounds womderul! I would want some if you were in Pittsburgh!



    Nat

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • tvacrat
    tvacrat Member Posts: 60
    edited November 2011

    Joan, Family can make you so mad, can't they? And it really hurts. I'm so sorry your daughter can't see the bigger picture and get over whatever her issues are this one time. I know what it feels like to be the one making concessions in order to be together with family. I hope your Thanksgiving turns out to be a wonderful day in spite of everything. 

    I've got tx #22 today and the "prickly-heat" rash on my chest has now spread to cover pretty much the entire breast. I'm very glad I have tomorrow off! I'm getting a little concerned about the cumulative effects and where this is going.

    Jamie 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Joan811
    Joan811 Member Posts: 2,672
    edited November 2011

    Jamie, thanks for empathizing with my vent.  We are not a fighting family so it's tough.
    It sounds like you are well into your rads and you shouldn't get too much worse...Is it itchy?  So sorry....hope it goes away.
    Am glad you are getting a break.
    Hugs,

    Joan 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited November 2011

    Joan811,

    So glad your simulation went so well!  I'm glad you have the weekend before you have to start your daily tx.  What a shame that your daughter is acting so selfishly.  One day she will grow up and look outside herself and realize what a mistake she made.  In the meanwhile, just enjoy your special day!  I'm guessing your "care pkg" should arrive Friday.  :)

    Warmest regards,

    CC

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Mandalala
    Mandalala Member Posts: 162
    edited November 2011

    12 radiations out of 33, and so far, so good. A little red and swollen, a little joint pain (or maybe it's muscle pain), but regarding the fact that radiation takes 2 and a half hours of my day (going there, mostly waiting for an hour, radiation, going to work), I'm not more tired than expected. I guess it's too early to say, but hopefully extra protein and bicycling to hospital and work does some good. 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • tvacrat
    tvacrat Member Posts: 60
    edited November 2011

    Mandalala, I don't know if I would have done the radiation if it took that much time out of my day! Kudos to all of you who have to travel so far. I'm really lucky. It takes 20 minutes to get there, I change, go in, and I'm done. I've only had to wait a couple of times and then only about 15 minutes tops. So maybe it takes an hour out of my day. I thought the joint/muscle pain was more from the Tamoxifen. Radiation does that too?

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Joan811
    Joan811 Member Posts: 2,672
    edited November 2011
    CC, thanks for the understanding comment....I cried rivers today - then talked to a best friend from high school whose sons do not socialize at all.  She explained how she makes special holiday visits at her convenience to each.  I see what's coming and I don't like it, but I understand.  Only problem is, I have 6 kids and can't do it for everyone...some will  have to get along :-P
    After the TG obligations, I plan to run away to VT for a few days and turn off my phone.  I gotta get off the emotional roller coaster before I start rads Monday.
    CC I will look for that pkg. :-)
    Love & Hugs & Prayers for all and a Happy Thanksgiving!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Mandalala
    Mandalala Member Posts: 162
    edited November 2011

    Tvacrat, Tamoxifen did give me some joint/muscle pain the first days too, but I don't take it right now due to other side effects. Radiation can give pain in joints and muscles in the arm of the radiated side, and that is where the pain is.

    Thanks for the kudos :-) – it's not really far, but I live in a suburb, work in another suburb further out from the city and go for radiation in the city. It will feel like a holiday when this stops. All the bicycling is good training, though.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • RealtorJackie
    RealtorJackie Member Posts: 91
    edited November 2011

    HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ptdreamers
    ptdreamers Member Posts: 1,080
    edited November 2011

    Mandalala, You are right about the pain. I had pain in affected arm and hand from a seroma which was drained twice. Each time the pain was relieved. I have had 13 rads and my breast is swollen from rads and probably accumulating fluid and the pains are back. I am becoming quite red and sleep is gettting difficult. I will be glad when radiation is over for all of us. Happy T-Day to all.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • nans
    nans Member Posts: 45
    edited November 2011
    Happy Thanksgiving!  I'm thankful that we all have eachother to be sounding boards for those tough times.  May we all enjoy our long weekend.Smile
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited November 2011

    Hope everyone had a splendid Thanksgiving!   I know we did.

    Was at rads bright and early this morning (they operated a reduced schedule from 7a-9a; I wasn't about to miss a day).  Today was #21 of 33.  I'm feeling great that I will be done sooner than later.

    So far, some edema, and itching from the foliculitis rash that showed up on Tuesday evening.  Nothing that some uniderm and aquaphor can't address comfortably.  Definitely feeling some fatigue, but realize that it's not forever, so just going with the flow. Not much is red, I've mostly tanned.  I will say, however, that this is the first time I've had my armpit tan in my life.  I never had that even when living in Hawaii for 15 years and surfing alot.  LOL.

    I did all my Christmas shopping at the end of October, so I wouldn't have to worry about it later.  I was concerned about fatigue and didn't want to be shopping at that point.  I'm glad I did.  I finished up the wrapping yesterday and everything is boxed and ready to ship. No Black Friday for me, thank-you-very-much.  :)

    Am working today and tomorrow, but Saturday is a short day.  For those of you who are blessed with a long weekend, enjoy the break from rads.  I know I did yesterday! 

    Warmest regards, CC

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Reality
    Reality Member Posts: 782
    edited November 2011

    Mandala - I can definitely identify with all the time rads take. I have a two-hour round trip each day. Fortunately, I usually only have to spend an hour at the center, except for Mondays, when everyone is scheduled to see the rad onc. - Mondays are long - usually five hours out of my day. Darn it all! We can do it - we just have to. I have thought about quitting rads several times - ie: this afternoon, when I have shooting pains in my left breast and am exhausted. It seems like one of my grandchildren call to come visit each time I think about quitting - I know I should be doing it mainly for me, but I am honestly doing rads more for them - I play a very active part in their lives - in fact, I will sign off now as I am taking my oldest grandson to see "Happy Feet II". I will also see it again on Monday night with my middle grandson, as they each want one-on-one time with me. I enjoyed the escape of spending time watching the first "Happy Feet", so maybe seeing the second one twice will really be good for me. 

    Take care

    She 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Reality
    Reality Member Posts: 782
    edited November 2011

    oops - I cut-off my signature on previous message - I meant to sign: "Sher"

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Mandalala
    Mandalala Member Posts: 162
    edited November 2011

    Anandagram, that is really a lot of time! And seeing the doctor every week, too. Having grandchildren sounds wonderful!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Chrys23
    Chrys23 Member Posts: 291
    edited November 2011

    Happy Belated Turkey Day to All! I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday yesterday. It came and went way too fast and I expect Christmas will be the same.

    I had treatment #17 out of 30 today. The nurse and doc says my boob looks great skin-wise, however just this evening, it feels like it's burning from the inside-out. Ugh. I was at the movies a little while ago and I felt really uncomfortable.  I've been using Aquafor and Keri Sensitive Skin lotion, but I just used a soft ice pack for the pain.

    My Rads center called this afternoon and said that on Thursday, they will do the boost set up on the machine for my last 5 treatments.  I can't wait -- I finish on December 14th. I also drive one hour each way and it takes like 3-4hrs out of my day and then I go to work!  The fatigue is hitting me; last night I was in bed at 8:30 and I was up at 5:15 to drive to Philly for treatment. I don't know if I can take much more, but I know I have to see it through.  Undecided

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited November 2011
    I finished my radiation treatments on Nov.22.  Two days b4 Thanksgiving!  Horray!  My boob sems to be healing up fine.  A little red but nothing terrible.  I have been really tired the past 2 days.  My RO said I might be tired for a week or so.  I am ready to feel great! (aren't we all?)  Shortly I will be starting Tamoxofin.  Have a great weeked everyone!Smile
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • kdajay
    kdajay Member Posts: 90
    edited November 2011

    This has been a painful holiday. Even my nipple is peeling now and it is really sore. I am not looking forward to starting rads again on Monday at this point. Only 10 more to go though.



    Sorry, but I had to vent. Thanks for listening.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • tvacrat
    tvacrat Member Posts: 60
    edited November 2011

    You're right where I am. My nipple is soooo sore. I was awfully glad to have Thursday off from rads. I tried putting a non-adhesive pad over the nipple as suggested by the nurse, but I think the additional pressure made it worse. My RO told me to wear loose t-shirts, but that doesn't really work when you've got parties to attend, as I do today. One more week (5 tx) of full-breast and then 5 boosts. I'm really not looking forward to the next week, but there is a light at the end of this tunnel!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Reality
    Reality Member Posts: 782
    edited November 2011

    Mandala - Yes, it is wonderful to have my grandchildren - they keep me going! 

    Sher 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Reality
    Reality Member Posts: 782
    edited November 2011

    just wondering....I had my 11th treatment on Friday. The tech said they had to do an x ray of the radiated area this time - He said they are actually supposed to do one every week. Great - more radiation to my body! Does anyone else receive a weekly x ray? I will see my rad onc on Monday and will ask him - but honestly, at this point, I rather receive info from those who are going through treatment, first. I have discovered, that often members of my med team do not give me the full picture or all the info I need. They are good about giving me reassurances - but those basically go in one ear and out the other now,,,,

    Sher 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Reality
    Reality Member Posts: 782
    edited November 2011

    Mandala  - addition to my previous response - It is a pain to see the rad onc each week as I have to wait so long to get into the exam room, and then sit there forever until he arrives. Once he is in the room, he asks to see the radiated area, asks me if there are any problems and we are done in two minutes. This is after the nurse has done the same thing. I know they have procedures to follow, but I find myself dreading Mondays due to the length of time I have to spend there. Last Monday I told the rad onc I was fine. He asked me if I was sure I was not having any pain in the radiated breast. I told him I was. He asked me why I did not tell him. I asked him why it would matter and what he would do about it - He told me it did not really matter and that Tylenol was about it for pain management. He then stated that he knew I just wanted to get out of the office  I told him he was correct!  lol

    Sher 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Natters
    Natters Member Posts: 361
    edited November 2011

    Sher- I have the same wait for the rads nurse and RO once a week and also get Xrays once a week, which seems to take forever. So that's 2 out of the 5 days that are much longer visits. One of techs told me that they usually do BC patients once a week but other patients get X-rayed even more often, like everyday! Can you imagine? She said breasts can swell (mine definitely has) so they are checking to make sure they are zapping enough of the targeted tissue, despite our swelling and also weight losses or gains.



    Nat

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Reality
    Reality Member Posts: 782
    edited November 2011

    Nat - Thanks SO much for sharing! I am sorry that you also have to go through all of it,  but feel better knowing that the weekly x rays are standard for the treatment. Oh my goodness - I cannot even imagine a daily x ray! ,,,,not that I feel "better" about any of this mess, but you know what I mean...

    Sher 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ptdreamers
    ptdreamers Member Posts: 1,080
    edited November 2011

    I believe Natters is correct.  They x-ray and have a weekly check-in with the RO. Each week I have seen a different one and each seems to have their own idea on how to handle SE's. The last one said to start Domeboro soaks for my reddening skin. I have no idea why my regular RO isn't around. Perhaps the holidays.  Good luck to all on the remaining treatments.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • tvacrat
    tvacrat Member Posts: 60
    edited November 2011

    Yes, about once a week they take "pictures." They explained that this is a double-check to  make sure the set-up from the simulation is still perfect. Sometimes there's swelling, etc., that will result in a slight change in their positioning. The RO reviews the x-rays and either makes those changes in positioning or keeps everything status quo.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Reality
    Reality Member Posts: 782
    edited November 2011

    Thanks to all for helping feel better about the x-rays. 

    Sher 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories