December 2011 Rad

Hi Kennylynne, My Onc told me that I cannot start Tamoxifen until I am done with Rads, explanation was not very clear, something to do with imflamation that rad cause...

I was very confused during my simulation yesterday when the nurse told me NOT to use any lotions, oils, creams etc.  I see a lot of posts on Rads topics about other women using moisturizers but the nurse instructed me not to use anything until I get to the point when doctor will prescribe something if I develop some kind of skin problem.  My gut would tell me to moisturize like crazy after Rad treatments.  I need to ask the doctor, this does not make sense to me.

Well I'm still playing the waiting game. I had expected to be starting rads next week but so far, no appointment schedule. I have an appt with my MO on Monday so I'll pop by the radiation area while I'm there to see what's going on!  I really want to get this show on the road!

Well I'm gonna jump on in and join you ladies...finished up my chemo TCx4 on Nov 17th, had my SIM appt today for the rads and got tatooed, next Friday is my set up appt(?) and then Monday, the 19th is my first rad treatment. The only problem I have (so far) is that my radiation place is only open from 8-4...does that seem a bit ridiculous to anyone else? I'm just getting back to work after chemo and now I have to ask to leave early every day for 6 weeks so I can get there by 4! It just seems like the worst hours ever for anyone who works. I hate to bitch, I know I need this treatment, but jeez I'm sick of this.

p.s. Jerseylicious - my center has hours like 7:30-4:00.  I begged them for appts that minimize the impact to work, but I will also need to take time off.  Not how I wanted to use it!

Hi Everyone - Wanted to join the group since I have been feeling alone going through this. I just finished 10 of 30 rads - the last week will be concentrated boosts. Yesterday I woke-up feeling totally depleated and feeling very down. Seemed too early in treatment to be fatigued and I worried that if this is going to get worse it will be awful. But today they told me most likely the fatigue was not the rads and I did feel better today. The good news is treatment is very close to home and work (I actually can walk over from work - about a 5 min. walk).

 As someone here said earlier, although treatments themselves are short, it is a very lonely feeling being in that room alone being zapped. I have really been feeling that too. What makes it worse for me is they pipe-in Christmas carols which just feel so removed from how I am feeling these days.

Rose - my list of moisturizers included Moisturel cream (which I am using - it's not too greasy), Aquaphor, Cetaphil, Lubriderm, Eucerin or 100% aloe vera lotions.  My instructions say to use them only after treatment.  But because I have treatment in the early evening, I was told I could use mine in the morning and I could use my regular antiperspirant as long as it's applied 6 hours before treatment.  I'm applying just twice a day because so far I'm not having any skin issues.  My instructions say that the lotions won't prevent skin issues but will keep me more comfortable.  I do tan easily and have a bit of "leftover" color from our trip to Florida in October.  Hopefully that will make a difference for me. 

I think I have 4 tattoos, and they are so small that the techs taped over them and drew a big x on the tape so they can find them.  

Welcome, Carol.  I am envious of your "commute" for treatment! 

8 down, 22 to go!  So far, so good!

I made it over from AC&T - glad to see some familiar faces.  I finished my first 9 trips.

A question - what do all of you think of when you are in there?  My mind just races.

Hi Guys and thanks so much for the warm welcome - feels good to have friends on my journey. I think about my dogs while getting treatments (although recently the loud Xmas music that they pipe-in drowns out any rational or irrational thoughts I might have)!!  I also have thoughts that this is all good because it is lowering my risk of recurrance. When I started they told me to breath normally which ofcourse made me focus on breathing and it was anything but normal - so I try not to focus on breathing!!

 I apply cream immediately after treatments (I go in the morning), when I get home from work and before bed. I started several days before my first treatment. I was given the same list of products as Michelle. I then read about Jean's cream and Emu oil and got online and really like to combine both of those. The oil is light and the combo is absorbed easially and doesn't leave a mess like Aquaphor. So far my skin is not showing much after treatment 10.

My room just has a little CD player. They play it quietly, and not even holiday music every day. Like I said, really lucky. I would seriously ask them to turn it down if I didn't like it. The worst they could say is no.

Sandy,

PLEASE don't put on creams before rads.  That is one thing that every place says.  I'm very concerned about what might happen to you if you put cream on 2 hours before rads.  

I did mention on Friday that the Xmas music was a bit loud and they turned it way down. I assume most people are OK with it and it really is not a huge issue but just one of those things that a small change might help during a difficult time. I find that I really appreciate those things that let me know people are sensitive to my needs - even the small stuff. I'm sure when I look back on all of this the loud Xmas music will be added to my list of so absurd it is funny!!

I was told not to put any creams on at least 4 hrs. prior to rads - or deoderant.

 I think I have 4 tattoos - one on each side of my body, one below and between my breasts and not sure where the other is - but they are so tiny I can't really see them. Sometimes they draw small lines so the dots are more visable to assist the alignment. When I heard I was getting tattoos I requested a Wheaten Terrier tattoo but was turned down!!  lol  That one was also added to my so absurd it is funny list!!

Shelly - I am 1 treatment ahead of you and 2 ahead of Michelle (I just finished 10 of 30). Like you, my breast feels tender from inside and it feels sort of "full". I also noticed that my breast is sensitive to hot shower water hitting it directly so the skin is a bit sensitive but no visable skin changes - yet.

I am enjoying the weekend where I can get up and shower (I am using Dove unsented for sensitive skin), put on creams and relax without putting on a bra right away. I have heard that using cream starting on day 1 (or even before treatment starts) and prior to any skin changes might not prevent skin redness or sensitivity but might help skin stay soft and have a better return to normal.