January 2012 rads

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  • chef127
    chef127 Member Posts: 891
    edited January 2012

    Mags,

    YeeeeeHaaaaah!!!!!  Enjoy Your celebration tonight.. We'll be celebtating with you.

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  • AnnAlive
    AnnAlive Member Posts: 450
    edited January 2012

    Yay Maggie! What is the reason the PET result was needed before proceeding with rads? Would they have steered you a different way in that case? I'm sooooo glad it was Great news for you!

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  • mags20487
    mags20487 Member Posts: 1,591
    edited January 2012

    If anything had been found on the scan then I may have needed more chemo

    Maggie

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  • bgirl
    bgirl Member Posts: 538
    edited January 2012

    kingjr66,  I know it it really hard to wait for the oncotype dx results, almost as bad as path report.  I was the opposite ready for chemo, they did not expect a lower score, and then it came back 18 and so the rush was on to start Tamoxifen immediately and radiation starting tomorrow.  Good Luck with your results, I hope it is worth the wait!  Or if you need chemo, at least you will know it is worth it.  My MO said not doing chemo with a higher score is only for those who are older.

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited January 2012

    Hi Ladies,

    I am feeling like I am stuck in another waiting game.  You all seem to moving along with treatment.  I had mapping and tattoos last Friday.  I still have no schedule or even know what the plan is.  I have called everyday this week, they tell me they are still working on it.  I think why can't they just put me on the schedule and get on with it.  I am supposedly at one of top places with top doc, sure doesn't feel like it!  I am feeling like everything is on hold and still under construction.  Enough ranting for now.

    Glad you all seem to be underway with few problems, and Maggie great news on PET scan.  I never got an oncotype or CA score.  Does anyone know what determines who gets these?

    Sara ♥

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  • J-Bug
    J-Bug Member Posts: 626
    edited January 2012

    sarasowise: It often takes a week or two between mapping and tattoos to doing a simulation session for the technicians to work out the details of how they are going to cover all of the area to be radiated and at the proper dosage over the length of time needed. They showed my daughter one day all of the eight areas lit up across my chest that they were radiating, one at a time. It was like eight puzzle pieces across my chest to form one whole shape. They need that planning time to give you your specialized plan. Once they get that, things will take off quickly. 

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  • kingjr66
    kingjr66 Member Posts: 764
    edited January 2012

    bgirl:  thanks.  I have a very positive and open mind that I will have a low score.  Already told I will not be getting tamoxifen because of family history of blood clots.  hormone treatment still up in the air.  Looks like I'm going to be a February 2012 gal.  Should start thread now.  Will post my results once I know.

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  • chef127
    chef127 Member Posts: 891
    edited January 2012

    good morning girls,

    Off for luckey #7 today. I complained to the rad nurse about no deodorant. Since menapause I seem to need more protection. UGH.  She gave me a deodorant called ALRA, non-metallic, with aloe gel and oil of cypress. Its made specificaly for those on rad tx. It works.

    I guess I won't be offending the rad techs, or myself. 

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  • melly1462
    melly1462 Member Posts: 84
    edited January 2012

    Met with RO yesterday.  BS had already suggested APBI, said I'm excellent candidate.  I was hesitant after the San Antonio conference but after doing further research and seeing how the study was seriously flawed, I've changed my mind.

    I'm in north Texas and my RO is a former colleague of the physician who presented the findings in San Antonio.  I see my BS next Wed. to have the SAVI device implanted, the RO on Thurs. for a scan and mapping (?), and radiation to start Mon. 1/30 twice a day for 5 days.  

    @kingjr66: I also have history of blood clots. DVT in '96 and DVT with double pulmonary emoblism in 2010.  I was told I should not have survived.  The hematologist I saw is also an oncologist, consulted with her re: Tamoxifen.  She told me the breast cancer trumps the clot history.  Very, very afraid of the Tamox.

    Strong, healthy vibes sent to you all. 

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  • hawk
    hawk Member Posts: 305
    edited January 2012

    #4 of 35 done - Excited for my first weekend break.

    Cher127 - I received ALRA as well along with RadiaPlexRX Gel which I am supposed to use 2x a day.  The bottle says 3x a day though.  

    kingjr66 - prayers for a low oncotype score.

    sarasowise - hopefully you will start soon becasue waiting is so so hard.

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited January 2012

    Looks like Thurs at noon will be my starting date.  I am anxious to get started so I can move on!  They said they will have full schedule and plan then, so not sure how many.  Oh well, at least moving in a forward direction.

    Hope everyone has a nice weekend ♥

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  • Ossa
    Ossa Member Posts: 919
    edited January 2012

     Start Thursday as well.. 9am for me.. the sooner I start the sooner I am done..

    Have a great weekend all

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  • bgirl
    bgirl Member Posts: 538
    edited January 2012

    First one done this afternoon. More stresful than anything. Room treated in very cold, only thing that felt warm was my breast.  Not sure if it was in my head or what.  Doing 16 at higher dose vs 25.  My RO part of a study that said they have same effect plus boost dosages.  Can't wait to get done either.  Knew from info given at my consultation with RO that there would be a 10 day wait after mapping and tats, but it has felt like a long time.  BC seems to be a lot of hurry up and wait.

    Kingjr66, I will hope for the best for you and please do post your results.  We will still be here in February.

    Osso, Question about your diagnosis. If you are 6cm+ how are you stage 1.  Thought any tumour over 2cm was stage 2 regardless of node status.

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  • rjbaby69
    rjbaby69 Member Posts: 349
    edited January 2012

    Hello ladies.  Hope everyone is doing well.

    I have finished my 2nd week and have 4 more to go.  If everything goes smoothly, I should be through with rads on February 22.  At least I am seeing an end in sight and that certainly looks good to me!

    Still under the care of my BS and my Onc.  Had my port removed last Friday because it got infected over the Christmas holidays.  I have a little fluid build up where the port was and I am so afraid he is going to drain it on the 24th when I go back for post-op visit.  I am so tired of everyone coming at me with needles!  Yikes!  Can I just be done already?

    Hope you all have a wonderful weekend.

    HUGS!

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  • Ossa
    Ossa Member Posts: 919
    edited January 2012

    bgirl.. did not have a stage written down anywhere.. not on my diagnosis or path report.. only grade.. Keep forgetting to ask docs..

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  • hawk
    hawk Member Posts: 305
    edited January 2012

    Bgirl - 16 sounds fantastic to me as I have to do 35. Yuck. My treatment center offers heated blankets! Ask if yours has them!



    Is anyone else feeling a heavy or inflamed feeling in the radiated area?

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  • msmouse
    msmouse Member Posts: 60
    edited January 2012

    #5 of 33 done.  Hope  you all have a great weekend!

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  • Rockym
    Rockym Member Posts: 1,261
    edited January 2012

    RO's office called and machine was broken.  Today would have been #13.  Oh well.  I rather the machine be working correctly then have it blow up or something while I'm lying there.  Also, I'm glad they check their machine before the patients start coming in.  I've heard of ladies driving for an hour only to have to turn around and go home.

    My skin is holding up so far.  I do feel a little stinging on the left side of my back (right behind where my mass was).  I have a feeling that the rads are getting though since they are shooting me so close to the arm pit.

    Have a good weekend everyone!

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  • J-Bug
    J-Bug Member Posts: 626
    edited January 2012

    Ossa: You have your stage in your signature line.

    You might enjoy this thread: http://community.breastcancer.org/forum/47/topic/778961?page=1.

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  • anafoefana
    anafoefana Member Posts: 164
    edited January 2012

    I just had my 7th treatment today.  I have been very tired this week, especially at the end of the day.  It may have nothing to do with rads, but I am worried that it is going to get worse.  I am trying to walk everyday after coming home. Work has been harder than usual.  My students have been out of control this week.  I got bit twice and kicked and punched several times, and it was a short week! 

    My skin is still normal, but I feel like my breast is shrinking.  It may be just because the swelling from surgery has finally gone down.  Has anyone else noticed that?  

    Have a good weekend everyone! 

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  • lifechanging2011
    lifechanging2011 Member Posts: 48
    edited January 2012

    Hi all,

     Well, I had my mapping on Monday. I was so stressed out and depressed  the weekend before that I stayed in bed all weekend. My mapping was fine, but I have to tell you that I am so tired of being the only one half naked in the room. This time there were 7 other people in the room. I mean seriously. They were physicists, nurses, and RO, but I'm the only one half naked. 

    I start my first rad treatment on 1/26. I will have 33 total...28 regular and 5 boosts. I'm concerned about burning and fatigue.  As it is, I had a lumpectomy on 12/27 with lymph node dissection.  The lumpectomy incision is fine although I get an occasional sharp  pain through my breast which takes my breath away. I was told it's healing and it's most likely a nerve twinge. However, the lymph node incision is healing but in an area that is constantly irritated by movement and clothing. So I've already been feeling uncomfortable...so side effects from radiation scare the heck out of me. I also have rheumatoid arthritis and get an occasional flair which is very painful.

    I think I've been handling this whole breast cancer bit well because I'm always willing to share about it so it's not the elephant in the room and you'll find me making some kind of joke about it so I can laugh, but I'm tired of this journey already and I'ts only just beginning. I think the surgery was the easiest part of this journey.

    I appreciate you all being here because people who haven't experienced this, don't understand. Just because I'm not complaining doesn't mean that I'm okay; or maybe I am complaining and I just need to be listened to, not fixed;  or just because you don't see me in pain doesn't mean that I'm not.

    I'm sorry for the ramble. I'm just trying to put one foot in front of the other, but sometimes my head has a temper tantrum  along  the way.

    Thanks for listening.

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  • chef127
    chef127 Member Posts: 891
    edited January 2012

    hey Anafoefana,

    I had my 7th today as well. On Monday, after #3 I came home and took a long nap. Woke up and felt overwelmed by fatigue. Not my usual tired feeling, really beat up. Tooo soon? The rad nurse told me it was not due to the rads. Really?

    Today I did my grocery shopping and I could not get the bags into the house. My friend stopped by and carried them in for me. All the dry goods are still in the bags. Its almost midnight!

    It s unusual fatigue and I blame the rads. I think it will get worse if it is starting already. Just try to take it slow. But that may not be easy for you dealing with those kids. Rugrats.lol. I'm assuming their kids, bitting,and kicking. Oh my.

    I don't think there is a remedy for this so.................. coffee??????????

    I know that the rads can shrink the breast so it is possible. My skin seems to be ok so far. 

    Rest before Monday when you have to face those out of control students.

    Be Well 

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  • tnhelen
    tnhelen Member Posts: 63
    edited January 2012

    I am right at halfway done!  I have a red, sore breast but not unbearable and have broke out in a rash on my chest.  I also have a head cold and bad cough.  I know, great when you have to lay still right?  Thank goodness it doesn't take too long. 

    I get tired of being the only naked one too.  The tech tries to be very respectful but sometimes I feel like screaming. 

    @lifechanging - I had a lumpectomy also in November.  My scare is very numb but yet it hurts.  I know that doesn't make sense.....but it does. 

    I have fatigue that starts around 3:00 or so.  It started around the 9th treatment and comes and goes.  All in all things are going fairly well.  Glad to have two days to recover!

    Helen

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  • Momine
    Momine Member Posts: 7,859
    edited January 2012

    Melly, I to am very scared of the tamox. So, instead I am having my ovaries removed and going on an aromatase inhibitor. The AIs are no cakewalk either, but because of my family history, I prefer them to the tamox. I don't know how old you are (I am 48), but maybe it would be an option for you.

    Rjbaby, I just finished my second week as well. Can't wait to be done.

    Anafoe, As far as I know, the fatigue is because of the rads. I was completely wiped yesterday, went to bed at 6 PM. As others have noted, it seems to come and go. Some days I feel fine. Others I am dragging myself and feel 95 years old.

    Helen, lol on being the only naked one. I have two techs, on male and one female. Yesterday the guy was taping down the bolus on my chest before starting. I had  a BMX, but all the same, he was trying to avoid touching what would have been my breast. It was sort of sweet.

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  • anafoefana
    anafoefana Member Posts: 164
    edited January 2012

    Lifechanging2011,  I totally hear what you are saying about just because I am not complaining it does not mean I am fine. I get that a lot at work, but at the same time, it is hard to understand it unless you have been through it. I am so glad to have these boards to vent and learn from others who are at the same place I am. I am tired of this journey too.  I will be done with Herceptin in July and can't wait!  I am thankful that everything has gone as well as it has though. 

    Chef127, the fatigue is unusual, not like just being tired.  On a positive note, I am sleeping much better and through the night.  The bad thing is that I feel like staying in bed in the morning!  5 a.m. comes way too soon!  I will rest this weekend.  I am getting a new student on Monday.  I have a class of 8 four year old special needs boys.  5 of them have severe autism, 3 with physical and cognitve disabilities.  All of them are functioning at about a 2 year old level and all are non verbal. I have one that is like a wild animal, and the new one is an energizer bunny.  So, never a dull moment in my class!  I love my work, but it is draining between the classroom and the paper work. 

     Momine, you are right, some days I am more beat than others.  I think it is too soon to be so tired, but when I met with the RO this week, she asked if I was experiencing fatigue. 

    Helen, I am having issues with my naked pictures splashed all over computer screens when I walk in.  The techs are very nice and they make the experience more tolerable, but it is getting old already!  I am very modest and hate to undress in front of anyone, so this hard for me.  

    No skin issues yet.  I am using aquaphor and emu oil at night after I shower  and  aloe vera right after the treatment.

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  • AnnAlive
    AnnAlive Member Posts: 450
    edited January 2012

    Rockym - I had the same experience yesterday. Got a call from the RO's office that the machine was broken down and to stand by for a call if they got it fixed, but otherwise come in Monday at the usual time. I didn't get another call, and that should have been my 5th treatment of 33.

    Not into fatigue yet. Best I've felt since before chemo & surgery, but I guess it won't last. I aleady have a faint pink area over my clavicle, where the first part of the treatment beams.

    Have a good weekend not getting irradiated, everyone!

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  • bgirl
    bgirl Member Posts: 538
    edited January 2012

    Hawk, Yes the 21 total is much better than 31 BS had suggested.  I have a lot of faith in my RO, fab, so I had no problem when she said this new protocol is just as good.  Same dose, just less time.  Two weeks I don't have to go there makes me happy.  Sick of apts.

    Lifechanging, Rant all you want, if people only knew what was in our heads they would run screaming too!  Society seems to have this view of the happy, coping well cancer patient.  Some days it sucks to keep up the image.  We don't want pity, just some empathy, and it would be nice if people let us decide what we are feeling. Okay there is my rant!

    Ossa, stage is a combo of tumor size, node involvement, and mets.  Info on this site and others that should help you figure it out if you want.

    On being naked.  I felt that for the number of pictures I have had taken of my breasts I should be getting paid.  I would have enough for a nice vacation by now!

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  • lifechanging2011
    lifechanging2011 Member Posts: 48
    edited January 2012

    Hi all,

    Thanks for sharing your experience, strength, and hope. It's definitely helpful to feel that I am not alone.

    anafoefana; God bless you. I teach first grade, regular ed and they are a handful. I can't imagine teaching self-contained special ed. Yikes. Of course, I didn't tell my students my situation but they keep asking me why I'm out so much. Since November 10th when this whole snowball issue started, I missed 8.5 days.  Between various doctor visits and radiology appts. Luckily I will do radiation in the morning before work. I'm just hoping I can tolerate dressing work appropriate.

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  • hawk
    hawk Member Posts: 305
    edited January 2012

    All of you have said so much of exactly what I am feeling as well. Sometimes I wonder if I am positive with others to convince myself.



    I don't have fatigue or redness yet but I'm definely sore. My side, under my arm and breast is very very sore and tender. So so happy for the 2 days off.



    Chef127 - prayers that you wake up today feeling less fatigue.



    Lifechanging2011 - keep venting. It so good to feel not alone in these feelings! I think you should dress as comfortable as possible and not worry about that right now.



    Momine - I am alraedy planning on talking to my MO about ovary removal as soon as rads are done. Are you doing a whole hysterectomy or just the ovaries removed?



    Annalive & rockym - bummer about the machine breaking. I was warned that could and does happen as well.



    Have a peaceful weekend!



    Anafoefana - I 2nd Lifechanging2011 - God Bless You.

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  • Kayce234
    Kayce234 Member Posts: 249
    edited January 2012

    Done with 3 of 35 - well 2 of 34 if you don't count the simulation.  Happy to read how well it is going for everyone.  I have to say on the "being the only naked one in the room" - I feel like I don't even notice anymore, I've almost walked into the hall as I'm putting my gown back on because I've become so acustom to it! LOL  Not feeling the fatigue to much yet but boy do I have a stiff neck that hurts like heck - think it's because I have to hold my breath during the Rads and I get a muscle cramp in my back that goes up my neck and I can't move to release it!  Also noticing pain in the breast that wasn't there before - funny I didn't really think side effects would kick in until the 10th treatment or more. 

    Hope it continues to go well for everyone.

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