Any April/May 2012 rad girls out there?

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  • Cindyl
    Cindyl Member Posts: 1,194
    edited April 2012

    Well it's official 33 tx instead of 30.  Blah.  I realize it's only 3 more but.  Grrr.  That means that I'll miss my nephews HS graduation and a business trip I was supposed to take.  Oh well. It's little enough compared to what some are going through. 

    Go San Go.  I'm told the exercise makes all the difference. (I walk about 3 miles a day at work and just really don't want to kick it up a notch just now.)  I'm trying to cut down on the cookies and the pop but yeah all I really want to do when I get home is eat garbage and watch TV.

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  • wiskris
    wiskris Member Posts: 93
    edited April 2012

    Ist treatment today. . They did xrays again 1st to make sure it was correct line up for machine. I was lined up perfect and then all of a sudden I had a full blown meltdown. I felt so bad! We had to start all over. I'm not sure what came over me. I think it was building up for awhile. I felt like an idiot. Im sure they have seen it before. They were really comforting. I was happy for that! I once heard a line that I keep thinking alot and it says" I wish I was as strong as everyone seems to think I am'.  I know I have had things a lot easier than many people here but this is an emotional roller coaster. This step is very scary and nerve wracking for me. I have not cried this hard since diagnosis. I feel better now though! I hope tomorrow goes better..lol

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

    Dear all,

    I cried during my first tx, so I can relate to the emotions. I'm nearly done with 2 weeks worth.  

    I still get dizzy right after tx for a bit and today felt a little nauseous. I don't know what all that is, but it's unpleasant.  Maybe it's rads, maybe its just the weariness of tx in general.  7 months and still being tx...

    I try to visualize little green electric beings (the laser's electric green to me) kicking out red soccer balls from my body when I'm getting zapped.  

    Claire

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  • Sandlake
    Sandlake Member Posts: 211
    edited April 2012

    SAN~ I really appreciate you sharing your experience. Such great insight into the life of rads treatment for me.  

     Bless you!!

     Cyndi

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  • Kelloggs
    Kelloggs Member Posts: 965
    edited April 2012

    Ladies - thanks for the encouragement and emotional heads-up.  I hope the fatigue works on me at night, too.  Before BC I slept like a log, now I'm lucky if I only wake up 3 times a night!

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  • Janet_M
    Janet_M Member Posts: 1,068
    edited April 2012

    Sandyland - So well said, regarding treatment fatigue. My simulation was technically easy (and short), but I had a meltdown on the table. Day ten and it's all pretty smooth sailing excpet for some fatigue. But I am really tired of being poked, and prodded, and exposed. At first I was feeling really fragile, which acocunted for the meltdown, but now I'm just feeling really crabby. As in 'Get your hands off of me!' kind of crabby.

    Also, regarding sleep  - My Rad Onc suggested that I avoid naps completely as it would affect my nighttime sleep. But either way, sleeping is becoming more restless. 

    Janet 

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  • Joanne_53
    Joanne_53 Member Posts: 1,477
    edited April 2012

    Janet, how can you avoid naps when you simply fall asleep sitting up ... lol

    Fatigue is my problem too - I told the Radiation Therapist today that when I went home yesterday I laid down for ...2 1/2 hours -- she said that is because you are tired ... treatment will knock you out.  I know .. but then I do have trouble sleeping through the night but had that problem ever since my diagnosis.   Some of this I think could be menopausal.  Way too many changes to our bodies (and emotions).

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  • fredntan
    fredntan Member Posts: 1,821
    edited April 2012

    Claire were almost done. I feel slightly nausea now. And my legs burn, not as much now. But my arm hurts the most it feels like those muscles over te just want to clam

    p down. Almost over



    Does everyone elses arm with te ache? Feels worse as day goes on. My rt hand wrist aches the most.

    That started during taxol. Both wrists hurt , now its just the rt.



    My cording just disappointed last week. Been wearing that dreadful LE sleeve

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  • Janet_M
    Janet_M Member Posts: 1,068
    edited April 2012

    Joanne -

    Geez, you're right! I'm so used to blaming everything on my treatment, that I forget about menopause. It is slightly reassuring to know that I'd still be a bit hot/crabby/tired, even without my diagnosis. Janet

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  • cat2at
    cat2at Member Posts: 2
    edited April 2012

    Hey ladies, sorry I just joined in on this group.  Read a lot of your posts.  I am finishing week 4 of radiation treatment.  I am told that I am one of the lucky ones and have not had many side effects.  The fatigue hits me at night, but I'm so tired I can't sleep.  The Dr. gave me 5 ml Ambien and I cut them in half.  It lets me shut down from all the stress keeping me awake but I don't have the hangover effect in the a.m.  I just this week started getting the radiation rash, they gave me a steroid cream to calm it down.  I only have 2 weeks and day until I am done, I am so looking forward to that.

    I find that keeping busy definitely helps me get through this process and dealing with the fatigue.

    My chemical oncologist but me on Anastrazole, but it makes me horribly nauceaus so I stopped taking it.  When I asked the radiation oncologist about the nausea he said it wasn't from the radiation.  So I called the chemical oncologist and he said it was from the radiation, to go buy over the counter prylosec and prescribed an anti-nausea medication.  I tried that for 3 days, it only go worse.  So my all wise husband said "stop taking the anastrazole, if you feel better you know the radiology oncologist was right."  So that is what I did and voila the nausea has ceased.

    I was against taking the hormone inhibitors to begin with, my cancer was grade 1 stage 1 IDC and grade 1 stage 0 DCIS.  So super early stage and the slowest growing cancer.  In fact there wasn't even a tumor, it had just broken through the milk duct.  Caught by an annual mammogram.

    So I think now I am going to stick to my guns and forgo the Anastrazole.

    My real concern is when do you start feeling normal again, if at all?

     Anyway, thank you ladies for sharing all the information you have, it has been extremely helpful.

    Anita

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  • CindyT
    CindyT Member Posts: 51
    edited April 2012

    OK, can I join this group?  I had my CT scan and tatoos yesterday and will start radiation on 5/2.  I am a little nervous but anxious to get it over with and get on with life.

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  • Susan151
    Susan151 Member Posts: 1
    edited April 2012

    I have an appointment with my radiation oncologist on Friday April 27th.  I will be a part of your April/May following soon...

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  • Sandyland
    Sandyland Member Posts: 262
    edited April 2012

    Anita, Cindy & Susan ~ Welcome!  This is such a wonderful group of women and newcomers are always welcome.  Although we are sad that anyone has to join our group, we are happy to have you :)

    Janet ~ Omg, I am right there with you.  Sometimes when I am laying on the table making stupid small talk with the techs, I have this incredible desire to scream out, "STOP TOUCHING ME!!"  It is all so ridiculous to me that we trek into that room day after day, let total strangers manipulate our bodies and then lay still so we can be zapped by radiation.  It defies logic.  I just keep telling myself that the risk is worth it if it keeps the cancer from ever coming back.  Basically, I decided at the beginning of this thing that I didn't ever want to look back and regret being too cautious. My tumor was very large and very aggressive so I felt I had to hit it with everything available. If I ever deal with cancer again, it won't be because I opted out of a particular treatment.  Everyone is different and I love that each of us has the freedom to take the treatment path that best suits us. 

    Blessings,

    SAN

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  • fredntan
    fredntan Member Posts: 1,821
    edited April 2012

    Welcome Anita, Cindy,&Susan



    Not sure what normal is anymore.



    I put Dane Cook on while laying on the table. Had trouble not laughing. Six more

    FUBC

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  • bethm
    bethm Member Posts: 45
    edited April 2012

    Welcome Anita, Cindy and Susan,-sorry you have to be part of the group but happy to have you!

    Tomorrow is my half way mark! Skin is holding up  well so far, just a sensitive nipple.

    my techs are wonderful, they make me feel so comfortable and relaxed. I am very blessed

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  • mianed
    mianed Member Posts: 5
    edited April 2012

    Hi--I am going in on April 30, for my first "measuring" appointment and then will be starting radiation in May.  I would like to join this group and you brave ladies!   

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  • Joanne_53
    Joanne_53 Member Posts: 1,477
    edited April 2012

    mamglam, how did today go?  how are the blisters?

    I have 5 left ... and things are good .. other then very tired.  My techs are wonderful -- 2 from the same group of 3 since the start.

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  • CindyT
    CindyT Member Posts: 51
    edited April 2012

    Thanks for the welcome!  It's nice to know that I'm not in this nightmare alone, although I wish none of us were there! 

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  • MizMarie
    MizMarie Member Posts: 332
    edited April 2012

    I had #23 today, and also boost simulation.  They took several x-rays and marked up my breast - very similar to the initial simulation, only this time no CT. 

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  • Sandyland
    Sandyland Member Posts: 262
    edited April 2012

    Mianed ~ Welcome :)

    Fran ~ I know, right?  What the heck is normal anymore?

    My techs are really awesome too.  It's important to be grateful where we can =]

    SAN

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  • CatWhispurrer
    CatWhispurrer Member Posts: 263
    edited April 2012

    I have my last DD Taxol treatment next Monday, so I am now starting to focus and read things about radiology.   I haven't met with an RO yet.  I don't know what or when my treatment will be, but I am sure it will start in May sometime.   I am getting scared about radiation as it is my left breast and the lumpectomy went into my chest wall to get clear margins.   I am TN (but no nodes involved) so don't know what kind of radiation will be recommended.  There appears to be 3 different kinds.   I am freaking out about damage to my lungs and heart if the whole external beam thing is done.   I am freaking out about the pain if they recommend the catheter things.   I just have so many questions and don't know the answers.  I will be trying to read up on this forum and hopefully will know more later.   Any specific questions I should ask when I do meet a RO??

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  • mamglam
    mamglam Member Posts: 178
    edited April 2012

    Joanne_53,

     Today was my 12th session and got to see the RO as well.  She examined the blisters and said that they were starting to dry up and not looking vesicular.  It was still recommended that I keep the area covered with a dressing.  My whole right side is sore and the breast is tender to touch as well as the nipple is dry and very painful.  The nurse gave me some Pro-Shield to apply to the nipple area.  We will be continuing with the last 4 treatments.  I am looking forward to finishing the Radiation Treatment!!

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  • wishn4one
    wishn4one Member Posts: 14
    edited April 2012

    7 down and 23 left to go!  So far some fatigue and shooting pains once in a while in the breast.  Can I ask what a typical meeting with your RO consists of?  So far I had one apt before I even had my first rad, that was a waste of time.  He thought I already had a couple of treatments.  Read my chart!  This week I saw RO again on Monday but after my 6th tx.  He asked to see the affected breast and how things were going.  That was it.  Should I be expecting something different? I too feel like the techs could have been nicer and explained how things were going to go on my first treatment.  I was very stressed and cold have used someone to say we are going to do X first, now we are going to do Y, etc...One of the techs doesn't even talk to me at all when I come in.  She helps line me up and just walks out of the room.  I do have my apt at 3 pm and I think they leave soon thereafter.  I always am nice to them but I feel like I am on the assembly line and they are already mentally checked out by the time my apt rolls around.  On the other hand, there is one particular nurse there who is very nice and always makes time for me.  She even gives me a hug every time she sees me.  She is the gem of the dept!  

     I am so anxious for this to be done and move past this part of my journey.

     Hugs to all!

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  • Cindyl
    Cindyl Member Posts: 1,194
    edited April 2012

    It's obvious to me the techs and nurses make all the difference!  I can't say enough nice things about the kids that take care of me.  The nurse is an older lady, she checks my bp, temp, asks how things are going, offers me more cream, and tells me to make sure to let them know if I start having any se's.  Tells me I know where to fine her and reminds me that one of the RO's is always on call, and that the techs will be glad to let the dr know if anything comes up as well.  I walk past her everyday on the way to rads. The RO on the other hand?  He's an odd man.  He peeks at the radiation site.  Asks me if I have any of a dozen se's, seems a bit disappointed when I don't, and is on his way, 3 minutes later (I can't wait to find out how much these weekly sessions cost my insurance)

    12 down and 21 to go.  Damn.

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  • Gayle56
    Gayle56 Member Posts: 277
    edited April 2012

    Day 2 is done.  Pretty uneventful.  The RO met with me a few minutes yesterday.  He gave me a prescription for xclair cream but my insurance wouldn't cover it so I am using aquaphor for now.  I will call my insurance company tomorrow and find out what the problem is.   My techs are pleasant enough.

    Gayle

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  • amcarter
    amcarter Member Posts: 21
    edited April 2012

    Zapping session #9 behind me & 25 more to go. With that being said, everything is going well so far. I have a bit of redness but not much yet. While everything seems to be going fairly well, I read something disturbing today while waiting to talk to my RO.  I picked up a cancer magazine in the waiting room because it had an article I thought would be interesting but while thumbing through I came across a different article about a recent study that was published in the journal "Cancer" that basically showed that breast cancer patients that only had radiation & not chemo could still have "chemo brain".  Really!!! Has anyone else ever heard of this or known of anyone who had symptoms of "chemo brain" with no chemo, just rads? I try not to worry about things that might or might not happen but I do like to stay informed & be knowledgeable about possible SEs. Here's the only link on the internet that I could quickly find that mentioned it: http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=news/health&id=8464047   Anyone else heard of this possibility?

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  • MOT
    MOT Member Posts: 130
    edited April 2012

    Gee whiz -- my nipple is still sensitive from the LX -- I think I got a tape burn on it from the dressing -- and now it's going to be sore from rads? Bummer...

    Janet -- I love your egg avatar and your meltdown coping quote! ha ha LOL!

    I start rads tomorrow -- trying to take all the SE comments with a grain of salt as I can't afford to have any of them! I am working full time, don't have time (or place) for naps, have to do a fair share of driving to get to rads and work, have to be physically and mentally all there while I am at work for my 8+ hour day.

    I love my RO. On my first visit, she answered every question I had before I asked them and even answered many questions I've read here that people have asked here that their RO didn't answer. I got a color diagram that she wrote on to explain different types of BC, treatment options and why I am getting the treatment I am getting. Hopefully catwhispurrer, you will have a kind and knowledgeable RO also. But start reading articles and even our posts here, and you'll find questions you need answered.

    Hmmm.... how could one get chemo brain without chemo....would have to be cancer brain. Though I think I did have menopause brain back then.....

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  • linnyhopp
    linnyhopp Member Posts: 567
    edited April 2012

    #6 down for me with 27 more to go!  Saw the rad onc today and she told me it will probably be about a week until I really get the "bad" skin reaction they anticipate.  Wow, that got me really excited.  I slathered on a bunch of MiaDerm and am hoping for the best.  I asked about putting corn starch under the breast and she said that I might have a:" pancake" under there with skin moisture and the corn starch.  Nothing like keeping it real...love her, she is so down to earth and real.  Now if my MO would lighten up, things would be good.  With all we are going through, I don't know about the rest of you, but I appreciate some humor as long as I know the doctor knows what they are doing.  As we have posted, SAN and I have the same radiation techs...they really do keep it light while still acting professionally.  Such a good thing during stressful treatment. 

    CAT ~ Sorry you have to be here, but at least you are almost finished with chemo.  That's such an awesome feeling,  At least it was for me!  Welcome and so many here know so much, I am sure it will be helpful for you to read the posts.

    Fran & San ~ If you guys figure out what is normal, please share!  I figure the crazy things I do and say have to be from all we have been subjected to during treatment.  At least I hope so...hate to think this is my new and final normal!

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  • wiskris
    wiskris Member Posts: 93
    edited April 2012

    Session nuymberr 2 done for me and I got real close with everyone at the radiation center. When I got done with treatment the rad techs told me that the building 2 down from center was on fire. The radiation facility is through a culdasac and driveway. The DARN firetrucks were blocking road and hoses were ruun through roadf to exit. I finished treatment and sat there for 2 hours with everyone from facility RO, Rad techs, nurses, office people. I know everyone so well now...lol. There was also another cancer patient and we all talked about weird things. We could not leave so had to burn time.

    What a crazy 2nd day I hope day 3 goes without a hitch!!lol

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  • luvmygoats
    luvmygoats Member Posts: 2,942
    edited April 2012

    12 down - 21 more to go.  Yeah 1/3 of the way done.  No serious skin problems yet.  Older tech I've had last 2 days says I probably won't get real bad ones since I tan easily.  Nipple very sore and dark and my tumor lesion not that close to it.  Replaced some of the stickies yest.  I despise that almost more than the rads themselves.  The one on my sternum ITCHES like crazy.

    MOT - Love the pancake idea of cornstarch.  Mine has not said anything about putting anything under there for dryness.  I still am with her blessing using foot fungus spray for my yeast.  She wouldn't give me pres. for Nystatin powder.  To me cornstach and wetness sounds gummy since after all you use cornstarch to thicken things though I know its in baby powders.  AND your job sounds like mine.  Meet RO again today and know I'll get the 3x a day talk again about creams.  Gesh - lots of places I go I wouldn't even use the bathroom much less strip.  Also now have several private home patients.

    I have found several good camisoles to cover up that good ole Aquaphor.  Dollar General has some real nice ones with adjustable straps. Very soft.  I also have some non-adjustable ribbed tank ones from Wally World in the packaged underwear section.  Not yet resorted to the shelf bra camisoles but have several of them.  Think I got them at Wally World too out with reg. clothes hanging. 

    Gayle - I have not seen many on here who use Xclair but that's what I'm using.  It is expensive even with insurance.  Ask your Dr. about the buy 1/get 1 offier.  They will have to efax an RX to the pharmacy.  Ends up 2 tubes for $69.  With my insurance one tube is $50 at local grocery pharmacy.  Then if I go beyond a month next tube is $150 I think.  Used approx. 1/2 tube for my 12 treatments 2x/day and occas. 3x/day if I am in my office or at home to apply 3rd time.  Getting ready end of week to place my mail order.  Read about plenty of gals who use other creams and did fine.  Will dig in my files tonight and give U some other names.   Don't like the Aquaphor but I do see reason for it and grit my teeth and slather it on.  Make sure you have junky bras to wear but most of us have been thru it and have them.  Though I must admit I don't see any evidence of Aqua. after washing them.

    Big welcome to everyone.  Sorry you had to be here but glad you found us.  Breakfast and off to rads is calling.

    It is working out doing it b4 work.  But I did hit the wall last night.  Slept on couch 1.5 hours after getting home at a reasonable hour.  Then paperworked/shower/sandwich and bed.  Said about 2 sentences to DH last night.  He's OK with that so long as they're not complaints!

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