June 2012 Radiation Rads
Comments
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Another week of rads in the rearview mirror!!
have a great weekend everyone
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Janie, that's a great way of looking at it--I'm now thinking of the weekend in terms of Thelma and Louise riding off into the sunset, leaving the radiation hitchhiker (Who looks nothing like Brad Pitt) in their dust.
I discovered today that my last three treatments don't include the supracavicular nodes, so now I'm down to two zaps. Feels like progress!
Congrast to Rava! Hope the pink champagne was delicious!
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Rava Congrats - -go and celebrate!
To everyone else - - we will all get there and plan a great celebration. I am trying to decide what I want to do next Friday evening.
I am supposed to be done next Friday - 5 more to go and can't wait. The whole area is looking badly sunburned is itchy and can be uncomfortable when I rollover in bed. But a rest for the weeeknd and then the end is near.
Forget who has the "angry nipple". Years ago while in infertility treatment, my son is now almost 19, I was told I had a "hostile mucus" .Apparently my mucus was killing off my husband's sperm. REALLY. It is definetly men who are coming up with these names . Is this how women would name these happenings , I don't think so!
Gentle weekend to all
Nel
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Good point, Nel! If we were naming these things we'd call our poor nipples things like Badly Burned Babycakes or Sunburned Sally. Men, let's have a little respect for all that our lovely, life-giving and beautiful bodies do!
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Reporting in...finished 19 of 33 today. Skin is holding up, and I am grateful. Haven't really been tired. I think it is because my Rad Techs keep telling me that I am younger and active (being in my 50s I like that word young) and that getting tired is for old people. Whatever it takes.
Maybe I do feel bad. I'm not sure. I just know I feel so much better than what I did in Chemo that I don't even know!!
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Nel and NancyHB....SO true!!
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Hi Everyone,
Has anyone gotten disability coverage for lumpectomy + radiation (no chemo). I'm getting a hard time from my disability insurance covering any of this and wanted to find out if anyone else got approved. I'm a consultant and I'm paid for billable hours only. The diagnosis part of my "journey" was a nightmare as there was a few weeks it seemed I had 2 primary cancers to figure out. I decided to leave my long-term client a few days before my lumpectomy so I could decompress from all that and focus on healing. Been a bit reluctant to start on a new client after surgery and during rads not knowing how I will experience the side effects, so I haven't worked since May. I think I should at least get partial reimbursement of lost salary. Any information you can share on your experience if you applied for disability would be most helpful. I haven't posted much on this thread, but I do enjoy reading through. Thanks to you all!
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mimikitty: I can't speak from personal experience with disability, but our diagnoses are very similar and we're close in age. I had a lumpectomy in December and started chemo in January, and while the SEs were difficult they were possible to manage. I continued to work part time (2 days a week) and attend grad school (2 days a week) during my 20 weeks of chemo. I had a couple of weeks off and started radiation shortly after. I can tell you that my radiation experience has been a joy compared to chemo, and I've had such minimal SEs that I often wonder if they're actually radiating me.
From what I've read around these boards, it seems that even those with Stage IV diagnoses have difficulty obtaining disability. My doctor had no concerns about me working and going to school during chemo and rads, and in fact encouraged me to continue doing everything I could to keep myself active and busy during this time (activity really did help me combat my fatigue during chemo, and I have been running and doing yoga regularly during radiation). It is possible that your insurance company will not see your diagnosis and treatment as "disabling," even though you want to take time off to heal and recover (wouldn't it be nice if "self care" could be considered treatment?)
Good luck and hope you're able to work this out with your insurance company! Anything you can find out will be helpful to others around here in similar situations, too, so if you don't mind sharing that would be great.
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Hi,
I have done 14 rads so far. Am starting to have a sensitive pink spot in front right where my the band of my bra hits under my breast. About the Ahh bras - did you need to get a larger size that you normally would in order that it wouldn't bother your skin where the band of the bra hits in front?
Any other suggestions about bras during rads? Thank you.
Pam
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Yep, I did a size larger. One thing you should know, though, is that they aren't super supportive if you have large breasts. They are nice because they are gentle on the skin, but they really are more like a shelf bar.
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I stopped wearing a bra the day rads started. Instead, I bought some spandex-like tank tops at JCPenney's for $8 each, and I put them under everything (or wear them alone). I'm kinda small to begin with - small C - so I guess it was easier to get away with, but those spandex tanks have been wonderful, non-irritating, and very kind to my skin.
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So far the most comfortable thing I have found is to go bra-less (at home) or Soma makes a wire free bra, that looks like a wired bra, with a super large band in the back. I talked to the lady and we fitted it "loose" So there is no pressure but it supports really well and I don't get any headlights
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Hello ALL....First off I'm sorry I dropped off posting here. I usually read & post from my Ipod & am constantly clicking the "xRemove from My Favorite Topics" button. I just realized that I wasn't seeing anything from you ALL in my Favorites! I'm glad I found you all as you have a LOT of great suggestions! One last night at work before I get a night off. I start my RADS Monday! 9:15 am Early....but hoping they get me that 8 am slot or I will be afraid of falling asleep on the table if it's too late in the day as I will have to wake up in the middle of my sleep to go in to have it done! It sounds like I should get it though! DH will be my chauffeur!
Lovemygoats....Well I have one of those front closures from Wally World too as I got it for surgery. I got a size bigger...all cotton. Well I wore it for the first time at work last night & my DARN girls wouldn't stay in....they kept falling out of the bottom!!!! That's not happening again. I'm a B & a C cup now not big just hang low due to nursing my 4 boys! Guess which one kept falling below the bra band equator?!!! LOL! Leftys a little shorter sighted now & was behaving! That's the cream my RAD nurse said to use. That's good to know it washes out good! But your right about greasy as I have residents who use it. After last night it was so darn sweaty at work (that bra was soaked in sweat) my poor girls will be having a slippy dippy fest inside their confines with the aquaphor!
Neeners....I have the geenie bra it's like the Ahhh bra it's so comfortable. I just didn't want to ruin it with the lotions & creams. I move around like a crazy person at work twisting this way & that. I would probably end up with a wadded up bump of gauze! No fear of my off kilter blinking in different directions in this HEATWAVE!!!!
Believe....I have a few friends that said theirs did shrink some....got perkier, firmer.
Jenn....I'm agreeing with you! So many feelings all over the place with pain to boot. I know I haven't been through all the Chemo but that's only because too much heart risk for the amount of benefit I would get out of it. But if this beast ever comes back I am seriously thinking of changing how I do things if there is a next time. The waiting worrying wondering twice in 4 years is too much mental for ME!
Sweetpea....sometimes it comes out of nowhere....the humor! When I read what you said I just keep picturing some comic book called "Super Nipple"! With her cape on & being doused with Aquaphor cream to KOOL her Angryness down! LOL! Sorry I couldn't help it your words got the image started in my mind!
Nancy....That's so true, not being able to keep your hands & eyes off the girls. Something I never did now seems to becoming second nature to me! Sheesh.....I guess if the guys can do it all the time why can't we!
! LOL! Great Idea the Cami's Thanks! A BIG YEAH for all those that have reached the finish line!!!!
Another BIG YEAH for those who are enjoying the weekend off!!!
Big THANKS to ALL who chimed in on the BRA & Cream thing for me!
Special thoughts to ALL those who are having a tougher time of it! I'm hoping the weekend break is helping!
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Julz - I have I think 7-8 of those bras. Must be sewn all over the place in ?China or wherever with no quality assurance program. One I do have more trouble with the girls sliding out. I labelled it inside to wear it last. Find myself stopping in lots of bathrooms to readjust the girls. Me too size wise 44 C-D, at least WAS. Left more like B-C. I did buy a couple at Macy's that are OK, prettier, mostly for a party couple weeks ago; lefty gets lost in them. I really like my sports bras even though they give me the "uni boob" look. Under scrubs who the heck cares!! I also realized that no one actually knew they were out, not that it was particularly comfortable. Let's just say I washed lots of bras. Had to buy extra lingerie bags for them. No hand washing for this girl.
Was told for my rads I would have to jockey for "preferred" slots. Never happened but then I didn't want after work or lunch time anyway. Got my 0745 and for a long time no pt right after me. 1-2 before me for sure but I couldn't have done it any earlier
Good luck on starting Monday. Do you work a straight 5 day or 3 day 12 hour?
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Luvmygoats I'm a CNA & work all nights 8 hour shifts in a nursing rehab home. I'm 45 been at for over 9 years. My schedule is wacky. I'm on the 2end week of a 2 week schedule. The first week I work 2 days & then the second week I work 6. Let's just say it rarely varies! Too much WORK to switch it around! I only work 8 days every 2 weeks. When I first started 9 years ago the scheduler would work me 3/2/3 with 2 days off in between. I only took 8 days to begin with because I knew I was gonna get older & not be a spring chicken till I have to retire. My DH was in a head in collision & has had 5 back surgeries. He can't work & we need insurance! Gotta do what I have too!
I might do a cami top under. It's night & who can see! If they swing so what!!! ; ) -
I am on the home stretch of Radiation and a women shared an amazing product with me. 21/28 done. I use Aquaphor and Miaderm. The Miaderm has helped so many of the ladies I have met. I definitely have a "sunburn" but no itching. My skin is hanging in and only 7 more to go! I have had swelling and a burning sensation at times but overall.......can't complain. I expected so much worse. I did get yelled at for getting a suntan at the pool. I make sure to use 50 SPF and when sitting out put a towel over the treated side. I pretty much go braless as much as possible...the less rubbing the better. I bought some cotton summer tops that have a built in like bra. I pull the elastic down as low as possible and they are so comfortable. I too, do have the Genie Bra's and they are super comfortable if I do need to wear one.
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Just came back yesterday after my week overseas.
I am now doing my 5 boosts. Does anybody know about boosts and side effects? How can I best deal with them?
Thanks in advance for any help!
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Done 11 of 28 and still hating every second. It is now taking all my strength not to leap off the table when that machine aims at me - and it aims at me 5 times!
I get the usual 2 tangents then because they weren't happy that my breast was getting an even enough "dose" they are doing a third "direct on" zap to my whole breast. Then I get zapped 2 more times which are the concurrent boost.
I came into this having only just recovered from pneumonitis caused by the chemo and the past 2 days I have gotten a cough back again and my heart rate has gone up again. RO has me getting a CT scan tomorrow before treatment to check if it's pneumonitis back. If it is it seems that she is happy to just put me back on daily steroids and keep going for the rest of the next 4 weeks. Doing this would mean just hoping that I don't end up too ill and don't end up with too much permanent damage!
My cancer was Stage II and I've had full body scans showing no evidence of further cancer anywhere - I'm not sure that at 47yrs old (just) I should be risking my lungs in such a big way with what is essentially precautionary treatment :-/
Might have to make pretty big decisions in the next couple of days... Jenn -
Jenn, keeping my fingers crossed that the scan is clean, and it's just a coincidental cough. I have a similar diagnosis as you do, and have questioned my decision to do this, especially since it triggered the dread LE.
However, today is my last treatment! Yay! Champagne is chilling......
Edit: For what it is worth, my skin held up very well throughout this--I have a faint tan square and that's about it. The scar may be a bit redder, but hard to tell. I used MyGirls, and started applying it about three weeks prior to onset of treatment, on my PT's advice. It worked for me, at least.
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Thanks Hildy,
I have turned out to be a "complicated" patient for my drs - sure wish I wasn't...
Glad to hear everyone seems to be doing OK and with minimal effects! :-)
After 11 treatments my skin and breast are pretty sensitive, however no marked red area as yet. I have noticed though that the one zap that is aimed at my underarm and side of my breast is turning me tanned...
Jenn -
Evening all
Jenn, sorry you are complicated. The whole process stinks, never mind complications of any sort.
I had 22/25 today and then next week 5 boosts to the scar tissue. I can not be done soon enough. Champagne will be chilling here as well. My skin has turned bright red and feels like a bad sunburn, is itchy and peeling. It feels like there is pressure on my arm and swelling. RO says no lymphedema , I hope he is right and I can beleive him.
I wish all a SE free weekend.
Gentle evening
Nel
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Tomorrow is my last treatment! I will be doing the Happy Dance. I had 16 regular treatments and four boosts.
My skinlooks like someone placed a hot iron on it and my nipple is black. I asked yesterday if my nipple would fade back to normal and was told by the tech "maybe". Yuk, I don't see my RO anymore so I guess I will have to wait to find out. The good news is that, other than my affected breast being red & swollen, it seems they will remain the same size.
So to all of you who are just starting this journey... Buy your creams, this is doable. Hopefully we are all doing the Happy Dance soon! -
Aaargh about the black nipple....
I don't want to "rain on any parades" but my onc did tell me that the shrinkage may not show up until after the swelling has gone down and can be a gradual process over a couple of years :-/
Jenn -
I was also told the skin tightening changes could last years. They gave me a bunch of stretches to do every day and to continue to do well after rads is over. I already had slightly reduced ROM from the UMX, but I can really feel the stretch in the skin and chest muscles that I didn't have issues with before...
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I have to do my stretches - especially feel it in the morning when I get out of bed. The stretches and exercises have really helped.
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Re: the stretches - I'm getting very tight and painful under my arm especially. When I stretch it almost feel like my incision is going to pull open, but the rad techs assure me it looks fine.
I'm very red all over now. Wearing clothes to go out has become quite challenging as a bra would kill me, but without a bra I look like a freak, with my TE high & tight and my good boob low & soft. I keep wearing the same big, baggy blouses over and over again. At home I spend a lot of time locked in the bedroom (to prevent an overeager child from bursting in) with lotion (Miaderm and/or Aquafor) slathered on me. I'm a lot of fun right now - no wonder my husband went out of town this week. Congrats to those finishing up! Can't wait to join you.
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Hi All,
15 down - 1 to go! Of course that's not counting the 33 I had on the left side just last September/October... I'm tired. I have been eating extra protein and trying to sneak a nap when I'm able. My skin is looking great. The new resident on rotation in radiology couldn't see where there's a slight line showing darker skin. I'm using calendula 3 times a day, plus coconut oil, wearing a very loose stretchy bra (this is where being a b-cup comes in handy...)
From my experience last time - I can let you know that it's important to keep stretching. On my left side I had full lymph node dissection - everything kept tightening throughout radiation and up to about 3 or 4 months after. I did stretches every morning - mostly yoga asanas - and that helped. I also think that acupuncture helped overall. Was just starting to feel good when the summer heat kicked in to make my nerves sing! Also - don't be surprised if your pectoral muscles start hurting at some point. I felt like I had been lifting heavy weights for hours. Keep stretching and eventually it will subside most of the time.
My left breast didn't shrink post-radiation, but Jenn is right that changes can keep happening. It is smaller than the right, but that's due to having more tissue taken out from a lumpectomy and reexcision.
Last time, my skin changes continued for me for at least a week post-radiation. This time, since I'm doing a shorter course with more intense radiation, I'm told they could continue up to two weeks. Since it's not too bad now, I don't anticipate any problems.
Of course, staying out of the sun during my favorite time of the year... that's another story! I've got a few tops with build in SPF for running - I think they will be getting a lot of wear. Had a reaction to my sunscreen on the 4th, so I'm trying to find something natural that my sensitive skin can handle.
Anyone else having weird food cravings? I want hamburgers? I don't eat much meat - and can't remember the last time I had a hamburger. But that's what I'm craving!
Believe - Happy Happy Dance!
Riverangel - I think you asked about yoga - sorry for the delay in answering - I took time off from the world to celebrate the 4th and my birthday on the 6th (how not fair is it to have to go to radiation on your birthday?) I practice Hatha Yoga. Do sun salutations and warrior series every day at home. I also take classes from time to time and have quite a few DVDs. Some poses that I like for the arms/shouders are eagle arms, Anahatasana (puppy pose), cow face pose. Here's a link to a yoga journal article about yoga for breast cancer survivors. I worked my way back into full yoga classes slowly after my first round of cancer treatments. http://www.yogajournal.com/practice/955
I also have been doing Yoga Nidra (yogic sleep) as it was recommended by a holistic psychotherapist. They are using this with war vets with PTSD (I think most cancer survivors have some PTSD, don't you?) There's a free Yoga Nidra session that you can download from I-Tunes - it's Elsie's Yoga Kula - Episode 62.
Peace to all!
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Hi all. Well, despite the pneumonitis symptoms being back a CT scan yesterday did not show any sign of it. However I made a big decision yesterday and after yesterdays treatment (12 of 28) I saw my RO and withdrew from rads.
I now need to see my MO soon and get my anti-hormonal script, and I will be making an appt with my BS to organise a BMX - which she talked me out of originally but I really feel it is the right thing for me.
Good luck with your path through rads - I hope it continues to treat you all gently :-)
Jenn -
Jenn,
It sounds like you have made the best decision for your body and your piece of mind. I had pneumonitis from Taxol and it was SCARY. Nothing like hearing "we may have permanently damaged your lungs..." Turns out mine are okay, but I never know what is coming in the future.
HUGS and high fives on your courage to do what you know is best!
Laura
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Loveforlife- thank you for the Yoga Link! Sorry you are going through this - again! You are very brave and sound comfortable in your own skin.
Jennt28- such a young person to have to face this! It is your body and you have to make the right decision for you. I am sure we are all praying for you.
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