Any April/May 2012 rad girls out there?

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  • Sandyland
    Sandyland Member Posts: 262
    edited May 2012

    Does anyone else think it is interesting that the majority of complaints that we bring to our RO's are, supposedly, "totally unrelated to the radiation?"  Give me a break!  When a symptom starts while undergoing something as radical as radiation, why are the RO's so quick to state, categorically, that it has nothing to do with the rads?  Also (while I'm ranting), what about the symptoms shared by many of us, such as the scratchy throat thing?  I just don't buy that it is a wild coincidence.

    I'm so happy for/jealous of all of you guys who are done with rads :)  I still have 2 regular tx's and 8 boosts.  My skin is deteriorating rapidly.  Today, my tech told me to watch for signs of my skin "breaking down."  I was like, "What will that look like?" He told me it would be open blisters.  He also told me my skin could continue to get worse over the next 3-4 weeks after rads ends.  Waaaaaaaaaa!!  Oh well, I just keep telling myself this is better than allowing cancer to run unchecked through my body.

    I've decided to have my DH take pictures of my in the rads machine before this all ends.  I just want to document all of my crazy experiences this past year.  We have pics and video from chemo infusions, port removal, and some of my worst days being bald and sick.  I figure, if I am going to create honest memories of this time....I should include the fun, easy days and the difficult ones. 

    Have a good day everyone!

    SAN =]

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

    Is anyone experiencing pain under the breast  -- I guess on the upper part of the rib cage -- feels like I am bruised. Very uncomfortable --

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

    I have that rash that is itchy between my breasts, that is spreading across both and up.. My onco said it looked like yeast- so she told me to use monistat cream and cortisone for the itch.. it's not helping much after 3 days..my upper ribs hurt as does my raw armpit.. I keep applying everything I have been given.. trying to keep it at bay

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  • akmom
    akmom Member Posts: 272
    edited May 2012

    Hi Sandy, I agree with your comments about these "totally unrelated" side effects. I just wonder how many times they need to hear the same complaints before somebody decides to undertake some research...

    Joanne, I've had quite a bit of discomfort and even pain in my upper chest, especially when breathing deeply (would like to know how the rads may have impacted my lungs, but am afraid to mention it to the doctor - no doubt it will be "totally unrelated" to the rads....) I've heard rads can (rarely) cause unexplained rib breakage. Does it feel like a broken rib?

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

    akmom - the pain is like a bruise - I am sure nothing is broken but definitely has effected it.  I was told that it could effect my lung because of the angle of the beam -- it is minimal and won't last long but is part of what causes the fatigue.

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

    Lory - I always have yeast under my breasts in the summer.  I use over the counter athletes foot powder spray.  My RO refused to prescribe Nystatin powder early on and asked what I used and told me to to keep using it when I told her.  Worried a couple of times I forgot to brush it off and asked about affect on rads.  She said no affect so long as I used the spray the night b4.  Now I don't have it so much between them as under.  Might be worth asking about.  I use micanazole (?sp) cheap house brand like Wal Mart.  You might not smell so sexy. LOL

    Congrats to all who have finished.  No skin breakdown yet but above SNB site and inside of that very sore as is nipple.  19 of 33 done.  

    Joanne - I would ask about the rib pain.  Your accelerated tx schedule might affect that.  I have it off and on but have for years.  One spot on a rib will hurt, then another

    Mamglam - Glad you are done but sorry you're having skin issues.

    So tired.  On call tonight for my patients (which would mean a 45 minute drive if one of them had a crisis or passed) and back up on call tomorrow night.  Oh just want to go to bed but have paperwork hours of it.  Guess it just won't all get done tonight.

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  • MizMarie
    MizMarie Member Posts: 332
    edited May 2012

    I also agree about how RO dismisses most complaints as "not at all" related to rads.  A prime example:  My MO told me that rads can contribute to lowered hemoglobin counts (mine was ticking upwards following chemo, but my most recent labs show it has dipped a bit).  When I asked my RO about it, she said "absolutely not".  It is clearly listed as a "less common" SE in the material she gave me.  Huh?

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  • wiskris
    wiskris Member Posts: 93
    edited May 2012

    Thanks everyone on the suggestions of bras. I did try a more supportive sports bra today and it hurt like crazy. I told my RO's nurse that it was so painful and tight that I felt like my nipple was in my throat.lol She laughed so hard.

    I am meeting with BS on Tues to see about draining it. I don't want to mess up the rest of my treatments and suffer with the other SE"s yet to come. They keep mentioning disability to let it heal. MY RO said Im doing more harm than good. He said the constant trauma is making me take a lot of steps backwards.

    I may have to take another week off to let it heal. I love working but this is unbearable. We do have limited duty positions but I would rather stay home and rest.

    I hope everyone is healing well!!! I am so ready for this chapter in my life to end!!lol

    Kristi

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  • Annoula
    Annoula Member Posts: 18
    edited May 2012

    Ok thank you ladies, Joanne I used the same glaxol, the pllastic surgeon recommended it, when I was having expansion. Mot I will also try fruit of the earth, I will look at the pharmacy tomorrow. So far I haven't had any arm swelling. I hope it stays that way. Thanks again.

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  • MOT
    MOT Member Posts: 130
    edited May 2012

    My RO explained how the location of the tumor and the angle of the rads would affect a small strip of my lungs -- if I had a chest x-ray, it may show up, but because the area has a straight edge, when they found out I had rads, they would know thats what caused it. She said one could have pneumonitis after rads, but didn't think I would have any other SEs. When I asked the other RO at my weekly check, he scoffed at the notion of having any breathing problems (I had asked about doing breathing ex to expand my lungs).

    I seem to have pains in my LX and node scars intermittently. And sometimes in my OTHER breast -- sympathy pains, I think. I feel for you ladies that are having skin issues, really sucks. But I am so happy for those of you who are FINISHED with rads or nearly so -- you can close this chapter in your BC book. I still have a long way to go.

    I had a dexa when I had my mammo in Feb, now my GYN says I have osteoporosis and wants to start me on some meds -- I said I'm not considering anything until rads are finished, then I'm supposed to have the hormone pill as I am ER+. The only osteoporsis risk factor I have is post-menopausal (no family hx, no smoking, no fractures) and I'm taking calcuim and vitD supplements and I even DRINK MILK. I walk alot at work, but maybe not really weight bearing ex. Geez, if its not one thing, its another.

    OK. I'm trying to not focus on any SEs or new problems so thats all I'll say. Enough ranting. Looking forward to the weekend!

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  • MOT
    MOT Member Posts: 130
    edited May 2012

    wiskris -- I guess you need to let that poor boob rest! I can't imagine bumping mine all day, its pretty sore without a seroma. Take care of yourself, Kristi. Maybe a week will help.

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

    wiskris -- you need to take the time off -- get yourself healed all the way ... you owe it to yourself -- you have come this far :)

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  • Califgirl12
    Califgirl12 Member Posts: 92
    edited May 2012

    Sandy-- I totally agree with you regarding the RO being very quick to discount our complaints. I really want to tell them, Have you ever been treated for BC? I mean really.



    I too have had a nasty metallic taste come and go. I am feeling a little fatigued as of yesterday. My skin is getting pinker everyday. I am so looking forward to the weekend.



    12 down with 23 to go.....Yikes!

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  • dechi
    dechi Member Posts: 173
    edited May 2012
    Last rad today!  YEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!!   Cool
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  • marinakaplan
    marinakaplan Member Posts: 23
    edited May 2012

    Thank you for starting this thread!! I've just completed my icky 20 week chemo regime (AC DD 8 weeks, Taxol 12 weeks) and on to 33 rads next, I start rads on May 24 - I guess I'm way behind most of you but can learn so much from all of you.

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

    Congrats marina & dechi



    Arghh i feel so tired.

    I go back to work on tuesday. Shit i am scared. I dont know if i am ready. I know i just need to just get back in the saddle



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  • RuthieG
    RuthieG Member Posts: 34
    edited May 2012

    Today will be tx #10 (of 33).... and I'm so stinkin' tired today.  It all really hit me last night.

     Not sure if this is radiation fatigue, or just life catching up with me -- I work two jobs and have four kids.  I've stayed at both jobs throughout this all (although did have to take about 4 weeks off from teaching tap post-surgery, but have been back since Feb).

    Other than fatigue, no real SEs from rads.  Skin looks good, not even pink.  My breast does feel "heavier" if that makes sense.  I actually don't mind the experience of going in... it's 5-8 minutes of laying down and people being nice to me.  Not a bad break each day. 

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  • Michbunny
    Michbunny Member Posts: 91
    edited May 2012

    Congratulations, dechi!

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  • MizMarie
    MizMarie Member Posts: 332
    edited May 2012

    Yay Dechi!!!  Congrats to Marina as well for finishing chemo - awesome! 

    I have two - count 'em - TWO rads remaining.  I am keeping my fingers crossed that my skin holds up.  It's still bright pink, with a couple of leathery spots that will likely peel.  My RO told me this week that I have the most delicate (ie: pale) skin of all her current patients, and I am faring better than she expected - a nod to zealous skin care.  I'm still waiting for the fatigue train to hit me...  I have enough energy to function during the day, but I am wiped out by evening.  Unfortunately, being tired does not seem to translate into sleeping well. 

    Hang in there, ladies - the weekend is here!

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  • linnyhopp
    linnyhopp Member Posts: 567
    edited May 2012

    Congrats to those who have completed or are nearly completed with rads!  Can't wait to be among you.  I have had 14 or 33 treatments and I noticed today that the affected breast is getting really red and sore underneath (I am large breasted).  The tech said there's not much I can do to prevent it.  I have been very faithful with the MiaDerm.  If any of you have any ideas that may help, please share.  When the tech mentioned that the sore area could open up it made me very nervous.  I can only imagine how painful that must be from what some of you have posted. 

    Fredntan ~ Good luck with returning to work.  While I did work a bit during chemo, it was usually only on the third week of each cyle.  Now that I am doing rads I am working 3/4 time.  I feel like you...getting "back in the saddle" has been a good thing for my emotional health.  That being said, I am more tired at night...not that it helps me to sleep.  But, at least I feel a bit more "normal" especially since I work at a school and missed most of the school year.  My work year is truly marked by what happens at each point in the year and I have felt out of the loop.  Now I am back almost in time for the end of the year!  I am the office manager at an elementary school so I will work through June 30th.  I am sure I will be ready for some time off by then since I was told by the rad tech that it takes as long to get over the side effects of radiation as the treatment took.  Take care and hope all goes well for you at work.

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

    Have any of you ladies worn a sweel spot during rads? I just put mine back on tonight. I am having the truncal ( well right where my drain was located) swelling coming back after not wearing it for a week.. guess I will have to keep it on for a bit each day to alleviat the pain associated with the swelling.

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  • akmom
    akmom Member Posts: 272
    edited May 2012

    My last of 15 radiation treatments was on May 1 . Today my boss called me in to her office and told me I'd been a trooper, but she thought I should take next week off (as paid sick time) for recovery.

    I could have called in sick without her 'permission', but I just kept thinking I didn't feel TOO bad - and then at the end of the day I'd be bagged... So I am grateful that she noticed and made it easier for me to say yes, I need some time. Lucky me to have such an understanding employer! Smile Here's to sleeping in, taking naps, and doing saline soaks or moisturizing in the comfort of my own home instead of the restroom at work. And wearing baggy t-shirts and no bra for a week!

    Hope you all have a restful weekend.

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  • FLislander
    FLislander Member Posts: 243
    edited May 2012

    Lory I was worried about my drain spots, what are you wearing to reduce swelling?

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  • momof3boys
    momof3boys Member Posts: 896
    edited May 2012

    @MizMarie- my RO had me getting bloodwork every week. He said radiation can cause anemia... So, they checked my counts every week.

    Finished today! Yay! I am exhausted....

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

    Flislander, I received a swell spot from my prosthetic gal. It mimics natural lymph drainage, like the way I was taught self massage therapy. mine is the breast swell spot.

    http://www.lymphedemaproducts.com/products/swellspots.html?ppc_ref=gw2&gclid=CObtpL6O6K8CFaUZQgodK3mZ0Q

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  • Sandyland
    Sandyland Member Posts: 262
    edited May 2012

    27 of 36 done today ~ I only have one more "regular" tx, then 8 boosts.  My skin is getting pretty bad.  Under my arm is REALLY hurting.  Ugh!  I am using aquaphor, but I have to put it on like every hour to keep it from killing.  Also, my chest itches like crazy ~ cortizone for that.

    My techs told me my skin could continue to deteriorate for 3-4 weeks after rads.  Has anyone heard whether that is common or not?  I'm ready for this to be over...the thrill is definitely GONE :-\

    SAN

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

    Finished  20 / 33 today.  I'm actually feeling a lot better than I did last week.  Getting a half decent nights sleep helps.  I also got a call back from PT about the lymphadema eval.  Made an appointment for the 21st.  My skin is not looking awful yet.  Pink/red after treatment, but it fades fairly well by morning. I wanted to go to a dog training seminar next weekend but I decided, I had better plan on resting rather than spending both days socializing and  overdoing.

    Anyway, congrats to those who are finishing up, good luck to everyone.

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  • wiskris
    wiskris Member Posts: 93
    edited May 2012

    Finished 10/33 yesterday. My seroma has not gone down at all with more compression type bras. I know it has been only 3 days since I followed this suggestion !!

     My RO wants me to talk to BS on tues( prescheduled folowup appt) about draining it! Now dont you think this will throw off alignment or am I thinking too deep? I know they radiate from middle of chest wall to armpit. Do you think anything will change if I drain it??? I know that RO is doing another simulation and lineup before I start boosts. That is already scheduled.  I am just nervous about how far I have come and don't want to end up radiating heart or lungs with this change. 

    I am willing to take some time off  from work where I keep bumping it and adding trauma to it daily. I would rather drain after rads is complete. I have some pain pills to make it through!! Am I wrong about draining it affecting current lineup with Rads?? My Ro is out with knee surgery and I have a new RO that im not sure I trust yet! He is the one that wants me to drain it.

    What would you all do?

    Kristi

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited May 2012
    20 of 33 done!! I have 3 more to one spot, and 5 more to another, then 8 boost's.  I used my swell spot last night when I slept.. YAY the swelling on my side and in my breast went down.
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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited May 2012

    Kristi, your RO will do xrays to be sure the area is being hit correctly. Mine told me that with the xrays every week, she looks to be sureany changes to my weight (I am losing) will not effect the treatment area. All RO's do this is what I have learned. I would do what is suggested of your RO.

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