November 2011 Rads

kdajay - they drew a beautiful blue square outlining the area of the boost and it misses the area of the armpit that kills and just hits the edge of the areola, missing the nipple. Like you, those two areas (plus under the breast) are sore, raw and oozing so I'm hoping for some relief soon. Although my breast is so hot to the touch that it must be still burning from the inside out. And the fatigue has finally hit, but maybe it's more a reaction to the pain. Thanks for the info on the Domeboro soak. I'll definitely look for it tomorrow.

I had my first boost today. For those of you not there yet, this is what they did. The techs had my CT scan, which had the area outlined. They did some kind of measuring and drew a lovely blue square to outline the area and also put on a few see-through stickers. The machine they used is not the big one that rotated, although I can't really see all that well once I'm lying in the mold. It looked almost like a big old-fashioned camera that they aimed at the breast. Then the RO came in. looked at everything, and gave the go-ahead. It was only one blast, but I do think I felt something. But it's similar to what I was feeling throughout the breast during some of the whole-breast tx towards the end. Only four more to go!!!  The techs told me how lucky I was that my skin had held up as long as it had. 

dsnydawn - I asked today just where i was being irradiated and my R.O. said it is a "square" around my breast including going into the axillary area a little.  She said this area doens't hold up as well because it is irritated by clothing and movement.  It makes sense, though, for you, that the area is being avoided.
Chrys23, Jackie, kdajay, congrats on being so close to the finish line!  I hope you are doing well.
My 6th tx was today - my breast started to swell slightly right away, but no pain.  Today I noticed a red spot like a blister on my skin near the tattoo..It's early for that, but I guess it has to start some time.  Overall, I'm doing OK.
Wishing everyone a good evening,

Joan

Natters – they draw the outlines of the radiation area, I think, and (at least on me) not even near the raw places (thanks for explanation ). The marks go away quickly, they draw new ones on me almost every day.

I am getting treatment at Dana Farber and I am happy to say that they have about 10 spots set aside for Radiation Oncology patients.  We are able to park in the valet area, walk in the door, and the elevator is right there.  RO is one floor up and connected to the garage by a beautiful enclosed walkway.  I do have to pay, so far it's been $5 because we've been in the garage just about 30 minutes. 

I'm starting to think my chest is just a pallette for the rads techs.  I get new marks each and every day!  And it's interesting, even though precision is required down to millimeters, each tech seems to mark things a little differently.  One time they put a wide piece of tape across my neck over to my armpit.  Other times they've moved my chin over to the opposite side. 

So far I'm not seeing anything on my skin. I'm using Moisturel twice a day. Will be having #5 tonight.

Michelle

They haven't offered me anything but Aquaphor but it wasn't so bad until this past week.



LuvRVing, it costs you $25/week for parking? That is terrible.I have to pay that for valet parking where I get mammos/US/see my MO but that's ok because it isn't every single day for 2 mos. Sheesh. My parking requires a little more time and walking but at least it's free.

#25 whole breast tx's done. Starting boosts tomorrow (5) Whoo hoo!   I'm a week behind now but so happy to be done soon!

I had 17th treatment out of 32 today. I was determined not to miss anymore days since a rad machine breakdown last month, but have to admit that I am glad that my grandchildren have half-days of school tomorrow and that I will be skipping a day of rads to care for them. My skin looks fine, but my radiated breast is very sore today. I also need a break from the 2hr. round trip and the whole rad scene! 

Luvring: Cancercare.org also helps patients with transportation costs

We are lucky at my place -there is a 10 spot parking lot right outside the entrance for Rads patients only. You have to have the code to get in there. I have never seen more than 2 cars in there at a time. they have pnly the 1 machine and everything has run right on time since i started.

  Had my RO visit today as well as herceptin and Onc visit. My  chest has had lots of attention today. I had #13 of 28 today-so far only a little pink that fades by the next day. Both docs are great guys so I like visit times with them.

Sorry if I sounded crabby. Just not my best day I guess.

Received best news today!  PET scan was all clear!  I cried with happy tears.  I just want to grow old.  I want wrinkles!  I received the best Christmas gift from my Doctor.  No more cancer detected.

Only 28 more to go!

I wish this same good news for all of you!

MrsMot - so happy for you!

Just 3 more to go for me, too, but everything hurts. The skin in my armpit opened today, the skin under the breast is raw, my nipple is oozing so every piece of clothing gets stuck and crusty, and my legs ache. The tx ends on Friday, but I think it's going to take longer to start feeling better. Sorry, I'm usually pretty upbeat, but this is like a toothache that just wears you down. Hopefully when this is over, it's over for good!!! 

MrsMot and LuvRving, I am so glad your scans were both okay. Tvacrat, sorry its that bad. Hopefully you will mend quickly. Don't forget to care for your skin for the next several weeks just the same as you have now. Did you ask about gel sheets or something else you can apply? I think its rotten that some of centers just don't actively take care of us when our skin is breaking down. Why do we have to get really bad before they offer anything?

MrsMot - been waiting for this good news!  It's just what we all wanted to hear.  So happy for you - try to relax and enjoy the joys of the season!
Nat, wow you have really had a challenging time with the raw skin.  I see what's ahead = my little spot from last night has grown and I have rads in the AM.  It's close to my "ground zero" tattoo.
I have multiple tattoos; however, they draw only a tiny dot over the one tattoo each time.  I hardly notice. 
My techs are really nice - got a new one today and she's rather serious....but the other 2 are young girls and they are fun.  Then there's Larry....some days.
As someone wrote up there somewhere, I will not miss any of this or the people.  i feel very detached and really hope I never have to see that place again. 
I've only had 7.  My one red spot is raised and growing larger today.  My breast often feels warm.  I am extremely tired, and I am having a hard time focusing. I was a big multi-tasker and now I can only handle one thing at a time. I am taking Arimidex and it brings its own whacky SEs. I am feeling like an airhead at work some days, and I am sure it is noticeable.
Eeks - am hearing about snow in the forecast. I have a long drive each day and as much as I love snow, I'd rather not see it until I'm done in January.
LuvRving - I was just thinking today of keeping a log of my costs for transportation and meals...I seem to be eating out 5 days out of 7 now.
Am rambling - have to grade a few papers - have a good night everyone.
Hugs to all,

Joan

Joan - I am surprised you are seeing redness this soon.  I saw my RO yesterday and asked when I might expect to see some skin changes.  The answer was not for two more weeks (so around treatment #15).  It's a good idea to keep track of transportation costs as they may be deductible medical expenses.  You can't deduct meals, but certainly mileage or actual costs and parking.

There is snow in the forecast but it is supposed to stay off to our west.  Boston is supposed to get just rain.  That's enough to snarl traffic during rush hour, hopefully it won't be so bad late in the day.  Joan, I hope you are closer to the coast and it is just rain.  That will be bad enough.

Hugs,

Michelle