June 2012 Radiation Rads

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  • Neeners815
    Neeners815 Member Posts: 358
    edited June 2012

    Today was #11 for me.  For some reason, I've felt more anxious the last couple of times, but anxious in a way of "holy crap I think I'm going to move!" while the zapping is going on.  I don't move, but I'm more paranoid about it than I was before. Hopefully tomorrow I can get back to when I pretended I was just getting a lot of xrays ;)

    Friday I had burning in about the middle of my chest.  It was gone by Sunday.  Yesterday I had burning in my pit, but it's because I cut myself shaving with the electric shaver - ugh!  That was the one they told me I had to use.  So annoying.  So now my pit is all hairy again because I'm not going to try the electric shaver again and cut myself again.  My RO said the pain usually means that's where it's going to get red and irritated eventually.  We'll see.   

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  • Infobabe
    Infobabe Member Posts: 1,083
    edited June 2012

     sweetpea23

    I think you should tell your doctor about the fluttering.  That would scare me.   Everything scares  me. 

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  • Jennt28
    Jennt28 Member Posts: 2,021
    edited June 2012

    Had my lung function tests yesterday and although most of the results were in the normal range there were a couple that were low. Have an appt with my MO tomorrow so hopefully she can explain the results.



    At this point, unless those low results are a problem I am still on track to be one of the stragglers of this group - starting next Tuesday for 28 days. My appt time is 3.30pm each day so I will be having to get to work early so I can leave at 3.15pm each day.



    Have realised my tatoo that is in the centre of my chest isn't really in the centre. It is off slightly to the left side (BC and rads on the right) more towards my left breast. I am not supposed to be getting internal mammary glands radiated so that has me worried. Does your radiation field go right up to the mark in the middle of your chest?



    Jenn

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

    Hello Ladies, coming in a little late in my Rads. Just joined this site last week. But I started May 8th and I finish July 2nd so I guess I am a triple month Rad. Seems to be my number this year. Today was Rad #28. My first 4 were to 4 areas, then 5-29 are to 3 areas, and my last 8 are boosts to my tumor beds for a total of 37. Tomorrow is my last BIG one, thank goodness. My poor breast and armpit are ready for a little break. The last 8 boosts, after tomorrow, will be concentrating on the scar areas.

    I didn't have any skin color changes until after treatment #21 and started to peel and burn some after treatment #25. I am only peeling and raw under my arm and a small spot on my collarbone where I scratched in my sleep. They say the underarm is the most common area and of course it is the most sensitive. I find taking my thin sheet and placing it against my side and up into my armpit a little to make a barrier between my skin (inner/upper arm and lower axilla area) helps me to sleep a little better and I have less discomfort.

    I use 100% pure Aloe Vera for my breast and the leather like, tight skin around my raw axilla BUT I don't apply it to the raw skin, it burns like heck! I got a couple of creams from the radiation techs and my Radiation Oncologist's Nurse. They are samples but I only need a little and they have plenty. Ask your Doctor what they suggest and if maybe they have samples for you. The one I like is called Xclair and also there is one called Miaderm. Both are for radiation relief. They soothe going on. It says on the packaging to cover with gauze BUT I leave mine open because I am NOT pulling gauze off this area in the morning after it has dried up and stuck to the bandage. I am a nurse and have spent plenty of time soaking dry bandages off wounds.

    I also use cold packs to help when it starts to burn a little more. i use an ointment Eucerin in my nipple and Areola area. This has darkened significantly but has NOT peeled and the ointment seems to help with the stiffening and pain in my nipple when it hardens. 

    Other then that, only other real side effect is the fatigue. It ZAPS my energy. My mind is awake and ready for the day but my body says YEAH RIGHT! I am sleeping about 3/4 of the time right now...Around 18hrs out of every 24 and sometimes a little more. I have fibromyalgia, which was under control for 5yrs prior to this diagnosis, but it flares up with Rads now and did with Chemo too. So fibro  is part of the cause for my extreme fatigue. I plan on throwing this bed out when I am done with all of this!!! 7 1/2 mos in bed and the shape of my body is inprinted on my side...lol 

    Healing Hugs!

    Denielle 

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  • kyliet
    kyliet Member Posts: 687
    edited June 2012

    Jenn, mine is dead smack in the middle between my cleavage. The next one is above my nipple but higher up.I got 5 all up.  I am getting my internal mammary glands done, but not the high ones (can't remember what they are called). I start on Monday. x

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  • Denise-G
    Denise-G Member Posts: 1,777
    edited June 2012

    Minimacsmom - SO APPRECIATE your take on MD Anderson - especially the flight info stuff!  That is HUGE!!   I feel for you so far away from home going through RADS!!  WOW!  Prayers and thoughts are with you!!  Going to send your post to my friend who is being treated at MDA.

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  • Jennt28
    Jennt28 Member Posts: 2,021
    edited June 2012

    Thanks Kylie, I know that my RO was quite adament that she would not want to radiate the internal mammaries so was surprised to notice where the tatoo is... I also have the 5 - that one in the middle; one on each side and then one above the nipple and one between there and my underarm (not sure what that one is for).

    I went for my lung function testing yesterday... Got handed a preliminary report and have mostly been able to decipher what it all means but will be seeing my MO tomorrow and have emailed it to the RO.

    Essentially it says that my lung function is currently pretty good (yay) after the pneumonitis however my Expiratory Reserve Volume was only 31% of expected and therefore my Functional Residual Capacity is reduced to around 70% of expected. From my research this can either be interpreted to mean that I have the first signs of fibrosis or it could just be low because I am a bit overweight (which I am trying to work on getting off the extra 4 kilos added during chemo).

    Not sure what way the doctors are going to look at it but assume they will want to check the result against the chest x-ray I did yesterday which will show if the pneumonitis has gone and if there are any clinical signs of fibrosis starting... I should know all of this after I meet with my MO tomorrow morning.

    If the x-ray shows no signs of either the pneumonitis or fibrosis then I will start rads next Tuesday. My RO is concerned enough about my increased risk of lung problems to have already organised for me to go back and do the lung function tests every week during rads :-/ I really am fighting rads every step of the way - I just feel like I'm going to regret them afterwards...

    Jenn

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  • BLinthedesert
    BLinthedesert Member Posts: 678
    edited June 2012

    I have been using http://www.swansonvitamins.com/RA007/ItemDetail?SourceCode=INTL405&CAWELAID=909051340&cagpspn=pla&gclid=CLWT4Lzu27ACFagbQgodDzYi3g

    I don't feel any fluttering, just my intense concentration to keep from moving Smile

    That is so awesome that you get a quilt, I am just 'hanging out' - my little boob is going to miss all the attention (though I won't) next week when I am finished.

    julz -- good news about chemo ... the waiting is the worst. 

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  • sweetpea23
    sweetpea23 Member Posts: 56
    edited June 2012

    Thanks all. Onward to #3 today. I will ask if I am supposed to feel anything. I just try to not move and listen to the "muzac" they play. I had Madonna's "Cherish" in my head all day yesterday because that was what was playing during the zaps. I think they play the music to give you something to concentrate on. I also appreciate the aloe and cream info. Thanks again.

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  • Neeners815
    Neeners815 Member Posts: 358
    edited June 2012

    It takes so much in me lately not to twitch.  It's like when your nose gets itchy and you can't itch it.  Very strange.  Hopefully it will stop soon.  Two more days and we get a break, ladies!

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  • Denise-G
    Denise-G Member Posts: 1,777
    edited June 2012

    I seem to feel the energy that goes in from machine...a weird feeling.  I keep such a grip on those hand

    things above my head.  I constantly have to keep telling myself to relax, relax, relax!!

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  • Hildy910
    Hildy910 Member Posts: 319
    edited June 2012

    I don't get a quilt either, but they just fold the johnny over to the unaffected part of my chest, so it stays covered.  

    I don't particularly mind hanging out with my boob on display, but I think it's because it's not a real boob--just a skin-covered bump, no nipple or nothing.  So it doesn't feel particularly booblike, so to speak.

    I think that rads are re-aggravating cording issues I've had since surgery, which is annoying to say the least. Concerned that it may trigger lymphedema as well. That would (insert your favorite expletive here.) 

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  • Kitchenella
    Kitchenella Member Posts: 279
    edited June 2012

    Hildy I already have mild lymphedema.  I'm worried that it will make it worse.  

    Peggy 

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  • Lagata1276
    Lagata1276 Member Posts: 85
    edited June 2012

    I found it interesting that my physical therapist gave me a lengthy list of things that could cause lymphedema, yet she tried to pop my scar tissue from my SNB. That hurt like hell!! And I'm not supposed to pick up my luggage?

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  • Dizzy215
    Dizzy215 Member Posts: 74
    edited June 2012

    Sweetpea, I felt the fluttering sensation on Friday after #23, then it seemed to go away over the weekend and I thought I felt it during today's treatment.  I'm sure its just the tissues reacting to the radiation - did you ask your RO?

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  • Iniah
    Iniah Member Posts: 70
    edited June 2012

    Hi Mamabee

    I just returned from round 2 of 30. So far so good, breast feels  hot and more lumpy than before. Bought Aquaphor and will not use a wire bra for next few months. I go braless whenever I can now to let air get to my hot boob. Also  bought white T-shirts to wear around the house. How are you doing now that you have started rads??

    All the best and hugs to everyone!!

    Iniah 

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  • retrochick
    retrochick Member Posts: 3
    edited June 2012

    Today was supposed to be my first radiation. They took a series of xrays, but then didn't do the radiation because something didn't align (like maybe the plan with the tattoos?) Anyway, the doctor wanted to determine why things weren't aligning, so I'm getting my first radiation tomorrow instead. 

    My take on this is I want them to take the time they need to get it perfect. They didn't act like anything was "wrong", so I'm not worried. However, I was wondering if this had happened to anybody else. 

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  • Neeners815
    Neeners815 Member Posts: 358
    edited June 2012

    I didn't have my xrays and my first zap the same day, but that is standard procedure at the place that I go to (of course they didn't tell me that beforehand).

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  • akinto
    akinto Member Posts: 97
    edited June 2012

    I did #11 today. 5 more WB treatments, then 5 boosts. So far the skin is fine. No fatigue except for trying to keep up with 2 jobs and 2 kids.

    I see I am not the only person whose teeth don't like rads.  A woman in my BC group had a problem, and one of us here. Well, make that 2. I had a root canal today. Ugh.

    I am so amazed at the service at MDA. It sounds fabulous. I take the subway to the biggest cancer hospital in the country (Canada).  It's got great scientists, fabulous nurses, and a lodge for out of towners. But I can't imagine they have a travel agency. I see staffed play areas for kids of patients and for pediatric patient, but I don't know that they have a full day care.

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  • MiniMacsMom
    MiniMacsMom Member Posts: 595
    edited June 2012

    Denise;  If she does rads at MDA Dr. Buccholz is my RO and he is really nice, chair of the department and all that... but I have met Dr. Strom too!  He is so spunky and happy all the time!  I REALLY liked him, but he wasn't available.  I guess it depends on your friends personality, but sometimes I wish Dr. Strom was my RO.  The waiting room gossip we talk about the different ROs and all of Dr. Stroms pt so far LOVE him.  My chemo buddy, she is a BCO member and we started MDA chemo at the same time, she lives in a different state than me is going to go to Dr. Strom.  Her surgeon reccomended a few but we talked and she chose Dr. S and LOVES him.  Just a heads up if she has time to get a choice.  My MO's nurse was really bad about scheduling things so I didn't get a choice. 

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  • mamabee
    mamabee Member Posts: 546
    edited June 2012

    Sweetpea, I've noticed that my fingers twitch a bit during my last zap on my subclavicular nodes. Of course it could be just me trying hard to stay still because it's the longest zap. 

    Re: music, today they played a mix CD a previous patient made - I got to listen to Christopher Cross' "Sailing" (my high school homecoming song) and a Spanish language, mariachi-style "Hotel California". I felt like having a margarita and chips and salsa afterwards.

    Hi Iniah - Welcome to the fun! I'm going braless as much as possible too, but I'm lopsided (one TE and one real) so I'm starting to wear baggy blouses/shirts over camis when I go out. 

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  • janiemomof2
    janiemomof2 Member Posts: 52
    edited June 2012

    Hey all,

    I go in today for my last set-up day. Hoping everything is a "go" for Monday to start rads. Hoping just b/c I want to get it over with. I have 16 tx which takes me til July 17th. I can't wait for this to be over. So sick of being sick! (sorry for the venting)

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  • julz4
    julz4 Member Posts: 2,490
    edited June 2012

    Janie are you enrolled in a trial? If yes is your BC Left or Right?

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  • julz4
    julz4 Member Posts: 2,490
    edited June 2012

    PS.... Janie I'm sorry your feeling so sick! I only hope this next step goes smoothly!

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  • Momof2inME
    Momof2inME Member Posts: 683
    edited June 2012

    Janie: Good luck today.

    I also have my last appt. (simulation) this morning to hopefully start Monday.

    I am starting to get a little nervous. Thank you all so much for your posts. I read them daily to gain inspiration and courage to start this part of treatment.

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  • MiniMacsMom
    MiniMacsMom Member Posts: 595
    edited June 2012

    Mom of 2:  I am going for rads #3 today.  I had Simulation last tuesday and x-rays last friday.  Its really not bad, though I am just starting, I just find it kind of creepy.  :) The techs are nice, but its not quite as interactive as chemo nurses.  What freaks me out the most though is when the machine rotates around out of my line of site.  The machine can circle you a whole 360.  Not sure why I was thinking I would just lay there and get zapped (I know better ;) ).  I hope all goes smoothly and you enjoy your transit map!  Thats what my chest looks like at least.  At one point I had 4 different colored markers and the tape!  again, HUGS!

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  • Denise-G
    Denise-G Member Posts: 1,777
    edited June 2012

    Had treatment #9 today.  Feel fine, skin looks good, not tired except it is about 95 degrees here! 

    I am wearing a very thin 100% cotton tank top next to my skin.  Got it at Walmart for $5.00.  I wear a size too large sports bra (cotton) over it and am still shoving my foam foob into it as I am really lopsided.  So far so good.  Slathering all my lotions on about 5 times a day.

    Thinking of all of you!!

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  • Momof2inME
    Momof2inME Member Posts: 683
    edited June 2012

    Thank you minimacsmom.

    Just got home from the simulation and xrays. Techs said everything looks perfect.

    I however, cried the whole time. No idea why. Not sobbing, just tears streaming down my face. This should be the easy part right? Goodness, I have been through 2 surgeries and 5 months of chemo and I cry about just lying there? Now I am more determined to get through this... :)

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  • Lagata1276
    Lagata1276 Member Posts: 85
    edited June 2012

    Hugs to everyone who has had chemo then has to go through this as well. I didn't go thru chemo so I can only imagine. Today was # 8, my only SE so far is a swollen, tender nipple. I am still wearing my regular bras out of the house. Really like the prescription Biafine vs the Aquaphor. However my tube is almost out and I called to get a refill and the tech said my insurance denied the refill because it hasn't been 30 days!! I'm like BS!! I will go through a tube a week covering the left side of my chest. The nurse is working on it.

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  • sweetpea23
    sweetpea23 Member Posts: 56
    edited June 2012

    Dizzy215- My weekly meeting w/ my RO got moved until tomorrow so I will ask him then about the weird sensation while the machine is zapping me. It seems like an energy thing like Denise-G mentioned. I seem to want to take an nap today but I think it is just this extreme heat! lol Take care all.

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