July 2012 Radiation

Hi Belinda - Thought I posted earlier but it disappeared!  I should start rads in July after my last chemo July 5th.

I start rads on July 2 so I am joining this discussion board.  Today (6/21/12) was my mapping session.  I had a CAT scan and some marks drawn on my chest with a Sharpie.  Next Thursday, I have my simulation where I will get my tatoos and a "practice" radiation session.  I was told it would be best to begin my first "real" rad on Monday (July 2) instead of on a Friday.

The planning session was not too bad.  The worst part was holding my arm above my head for 20+ minutes since my lumpectomy and lymph node dissection was just 3 weeks ago.  My arm mobility is good but still not 100%.

I'm a bit nervous about this rads thing but have resigned myself that it is in my best interest to do it.  So far, I have kicked cancer's butt but plan to give cancer one more punch.  I am the victor!!!

I look forward to keeping in touch with all of you July rads ladies.  I saw the bell on the wall today at the radiation center and can hardly wait to be the one ringing it.  The end is in sight!!!

Babette54 good luck! I just finished 6/12. Apply proper moisturizing creams early and often. I had very tough time finding anything that worked well, but think I'm exception. I used iPod to block sounds which relaxed me and allowed me to get my head out of room. Be strong! This too shall pass.

Hi All, I met with Radiation Dr. for first time today.  Went pretty well.  He said that due to my age relatively young age (43), size of my tumor (3 cm x 2.5 cm) and very small clean margin, he strongly recommended Rads.  Separately they might not be much, but he said together  recurrence rate is probably approximately 40%, after Rads more near 10%.  I have my simulation next week.  And should be starting the following week.  I'm a little nervous, but not too bad.  Heard that with expander, discomfort can be tight and tense feeling.  What creams are recommended for skin irritation.  Any preferred over others?

I recently made a decision for No Chemo, with low Oncotype score and only 2% reduction.  

Hi everyone,

I post in the June rads thread as well as joining this one. I started rads today and will go through August 3rd. So most of treatment will be the hot month of July. I am prone to lymphedema so I started wearing my sleeve full time today which makes me even more hot. And don't get me started about the hot flashes since starting chemo in January. Menopause at 37 was NOT on my to do list... I have 3 creams which were recommeneded. Aquaphor, 100% Aloe, and Emu oil. Just have to see which one/combo works best.

My first treatment today was quick/efficient which I like as a type A. But the whole process was just awkward. The techs were very nice and told me that yes the first treatments are awkward then they are just repetitive and boring. I'll take boring right about now.

Hugs to those starting soon......

HealingDreams - Thank you, I am impressed by the amount of research you have done.  Thank you for the suggestions.  I will also look for Jason's Vitamin E cream! Sounds like it works very well in combination with the Aloe Vera.  I was already aware of Aloe Vera, but will definitely use it daily.  

AND thank you for the little tibit about Parabans.  All I can say is wow...what a finding!  I looked up Paraban immediately after reading it and all can say is I will be much more aware of this chemical in the future and how it finds itself into items I use everyday.  I hate the thought of it!  Most people are so unaware what is in the products we have in our homes which are hurting us, silently hurting us. Thanks!

Jag110:

For me the tattoos did not really hurt, just a pinch. And I was really, really nervous. I completely expected the tech to whip out a zzzzzing tattoo gun but I was surprised. She had one tattoo done before I even realized it was happening. The tech placed a drop of ink from a bottle and then a pin prick with a needle. That' was it. I have 3 tattoos, some people get 4.

Good luck and Hugs to you while going through this!

P.S. I have heard of women using Utterly Smooth. I think different center recommend different creams etc. I have 3 different creams and/or oils. Will see what works best.

Hi everyone, I will be starting Rads on Monday, July 2nd. I had my CT scan last week and go for my simulation on Friday. I also have concerns about my heart with the Rads on the left side. I'm anxious for my simulation to see what the plan is.



Babatte54, it's so hard to make these decsions and to know what is the best. Ultimately you need to do whatever you are most comfortable with. I've agnoized over every decision since my dx.



I hate it that any of us are here, but am glad there are other to share the experience with. I didn't get very involved in a chemo thread, even though I read many. I guess I'm just feeling like I need support, and hopefully I can offer support and encouragement to you all as well.

Teacup - Did you notice that our dates of diagnosis are just one day apart?  I am so tired of cancer controlling my life.  I will be glad when rads are over and I am done (except for 5 years of AI).  I'm planning what to do to celebrate--a trip of some sort, I think.

I agree that one must go with one's gut feeling regarding making decisions concerning breast cancer treatment (and also in life).  Thanks for reminding me of this.

Grace - My understanding is that the prone position can only be used if the underarm node area doesn't need to be radiated.  My plan calls for rads to that area, too.  You may qualify since your nodes were clear.  Also, your heart is less at risk due to your cancer being on the right side.  Lung involvement is still a concern for both of us.  Enjoy your massage.

Thanks Momof2inME, I was a little worried about the tats. I'm getting nervous but also want this over with. My cancer was in the left breast so I worry alot about my heart and lungs. My RO said my heart wouldn't get hit but my lungs would get overspray. I will have to ask the percentage,  didn't know about that. I have alot of swelling in my ankles, but I guess that is a se of the chemo. Tomorrow is the ct simulation, what can I expect from that?

Liefie - it sounds like your skin is holding up really well!

Jag - I also have swelling in my ankles. Today has been especially bad. I just finished chemo last Friday. My MO said the swelling is due to low red blood cell counts. He wasn't concerned, but I feel a little concerned. I have my simulation on Friday, so I can't share on what to expect.



Babette - I didn't notice our dx dates, but did notice our dx is very similar as well as our treatment. AND we start rads on the same day!



I only got 2 tattoos, my experience was just like momof2, a drop of ink and a poke.



Hope you all have a restful night.....

Teacup2012 - I just got marked and films taken, no tattos yet, I guess now they figure out the right way to line me up. Hopefully they still get me done in time to start on the 10th, I hate all the waiting.

My tumor was also in my left breast, babette54, and I also have concerns about my heart. The lung will be touched no matter what. They can't avoid it. But they are trying to avoid the heart.

I asked to see the plan for radiation, and the RO showed me pictures this week of how the radiation works in my case. The pcitures are from the CT scan and show exactly where my organs are and how the radiation should travel in my body. She pointed out a spot where radiation comes close to the heart.

No one needs heart damage from this treatment, but I didn't see any good alternative in my case. This is the standard of care for a lumpectomy with a tumor like mine. My surgeon, who was wonderful in all ways, said, "You'd really be doing yourself a disservice if you don't do radiation." His pointed advice was helpful.

But the bottom line for me just comes down to trust. I have to trust that everyone did the math correctly, that they understand the physics of radiation, that the techs lined me up right and are using the tattoos, not a freckle to line up my body, that the machine itself is regularly checked for accuracy and so on. Not a thing I can do about any of this, so what can I do but choose trust?

Please understand that this is just an explanation of my process and may not be right for anyone else.

Onvacation - I had my last chemo last Friday- and have my simulation tomorrow. My first treatment is Monday, so it is possible to have things move quickly. Of course it will all depend on what your RO's philosophy and availability is.

Thanks teacup!  Good luck to you!