July 2012 Radiation

I'm done!!!!!! So glad. Starting to lose weight due to loss of taste and nausea. I"ve tried to eat anyway but got really sick last night. But no more!

Here's to retreating SE's!

Congratulations Mini!  Yay! 

Babette, thanks for posting that link.  Very interesting.  It makes sense though - radiation being as strong as it is, how can it just be contained to one part of the body when everything is connected.  That was good timing for me because I was starting to doubt the whole process as the SEs were mounting.  Thank you!

babette54: Thanks for the link.  I couldn't get the interview to come up with your link, but found it here.  That was a great interview, and it was reassuring to know that the radiation is preventing future mets.  

I just had my first radiation today.  It was "easy-peasy!"  I just closed my eyes and imagined that the radiation was burning the cancer cells and turning them into a healthy light that bathed my breast with a warm glow.  It was over before I knew it.  Afterwards I met with the nutritionist (I love all the free wellness support that I get from my RO!)  She told me that it's important to get plenty of protein during radiation to help my cells repair themselves.  Makes perfect sense!

Thanks for the link, Babette, about the systemic effects of radiation therapy.

Grace, I, too, had doubts about my treatment part way through. What I needed to understand in order to continue was how radiation actually worked. I asked my RO and she gave me a simple lesson in radiation cell biology. It's formulating the right question that is the tough part.

I have just 3 sessions to go. Done on Friday, July 27! Can't wait. I thought it might be easier after I was half-way, but probably because I have been counting every treatment, the downhill slope has been no faster than the uphill one. It is going to be great to be released!

I got some interesting information from my RO today. After treatment ends, SEs continue for 3 to 10 days. Next I needed to understand why this is the case. Below is the best I can explain it.

At the time of radiation the xrays break the DNA in both the healthy and the cancer cells. The healthy cells, of course, can repair themselves while the cancer cells cannot. The reason that SEs continue is that all of the cells with damaged DNA have not yet divided. They will divide over the course of the next 3 to 10 days and will cause side effects only when they divide.

#16/34 done = 47% done

TAB55 - Congrats on completing your first treatment.  Mine have become so routine that I am able to totally relax and almost fall asleep.  Almost--I wouldn't want to fall off that small table.

Kim and Karen -  You both start tomorrow.  Finally.  I'll be thinking of you.

Healing Dreams - Thanks for your explanation of why SEs happen for days after tx is over.  I knew that rads continued to cause SEs for several days after one's last tx but did not know the technical explanation.

Hi ALL!!! As Usual I'm running out the door & don't have much time.

Kj....I love the stand in RO for this week while the other is on vacation!  He explained much & I got to see 3D views of many angles of my breast & it's radiation field. This was done so I could explain for the GI Dr. today.  Well SHE my GI Dr. was young & pretty.  But most of ALL very good, compassionate, & concerned!  She thinks my nausea is caused by a Systemic reaction to the RADS.  It also appears to her it may not be a true "NAUSEA" .  Where I am ready to pray to neptune & more a BLAHHH nausea unwell feeling.  If that makes sense it did to me.  Were as the RO stresses & showed that the RADS are not hitting my esophagus & stomach area.  She sees many patients that have my issue with this feeling due to RADS.  It's like how our bodies react with feeling tired, fatigued because of the RADS.  Not because of the Radiation directly hitting those areas (because they are NOT) but because it's a reaction in general of how our WHOLE body handles the Radiation treatments.   I go Oct. 2 for an Endoscopy also they will dialate my esophagus as I am having swallowing issues again that does indeed have to do with my GERD.  I am to take my nexium 2 x's a day to heal any effect of what "EVER" is going on for a few months.  Until RADS is over & I have a chance to heal!  

Grace....Gentle Hugs!  It is getting harder as more SE's show up & we just don't feel well!  Not to mention we still have to go in day after day to keep getting hit over again.  Keep your beginning motto in sight!  It's not easy!  We have to hold on to HOPE....Holding Onto Positive Expectation....in the face of a NOT positive situation!  

Gotta go now.....YEAH to those that have started!  Hang in there for those that are having issues!  Like me Ouchy Lefty Nipple!  RO nurse started me on Aquifor for the NIP! 

I hope to chime in tomorrow!  HUMP DAY!!!! SIGH.... 1/2 way through our week!  Nite ALL!

Well, I guess it's time I join in here. I started rads on Monday, so three TX down, thirty more to go. No SEs yet. How long is it usually before they start?

I got itchy about 2 weeks in, although it was mainly in my cleavage and on my chest up tp my collar bone. Under my breast was much redder, but it didn't itch like my chest. I thought the areas that hadn't seen sun before would be worse, but they we better. I guess that makes sense, since you don't rebuild new skin during radiation, so the parts that have never seen the sunshine are naturally thicker and therefore experience less aggravation. I had some itchiness and couldn't wear a bra much toward the end, but it wasn't near as bad as I had anticipated. My skin is very sensitive to jewelry, soaps, fabrics etc., so I thought I might have issues, but it wasn't that bad. Tedious going every day and some soreness and fatigue toward the end, but not bad. I'm not working right now, but I probably could have if I'd stayed in my office. I couldn't drive like I used to (300-800 miles a week), but normal desk work I would have been able to do.

Good morning July Glow Team!  I feel like I'm glowing inside as in warmer!  Lefty is warmer than righty for sure anyone else feel like this?  14/33 done almost half way!  I called into work last night as the last 2 days of Dr's appt that are an hour away from home gave me much interrupted sleep & I was really dragging last night & knew I wouldn't make it through.  First appt on Tuesday was with my new GI Dr.  She changed my prescrip of the Nexium to 40mg  2x a day.  My insurance is making us jump through some hoops first!  So hopefully it will get straightened out before tomorrow as I am almost out!  Yesterday I saw my MO for the 2end & last time!    Yeah I ended up crying!  He is truly everything you could ever want in a Dr.  Very intelligent, easy to understand, explains everything on your level, & VERY COMPASSIONATE!  A wonderful man indeed!  He said if I EVER have any ?'s please call his nurse & tell her you need to talk with me.  He will call me back!  He ended up giving me a Hug!  The best of the best for sure! 

Babette Yeah to being 1/2 way through!!!  Now everyday is closer to the end!  I'm glad your not having any fatigue.  I don't think mine would be as much if I didn't work nights & crazy sleeping times.  I hope the red/pinkness doesn't get much more.  

Mini I have the itchyness but thankfully a little Hydrocortisone mixed in with my breast cream really helps that.  Last night I had a really itchy spot on the upper inside arm near my pit that's not in the line of fire.  I thought it might be a bug bite but nothing showed up. I had a tad bit of skin rubbing off like a sun burn yesterday morn.  Nothing this morn but being extra really careful to pat myself dry after showers now.  How are you feeling now?

MiniMacsMom I hope you continue to do as well as you have!  Almost done too!!!  

Welcome Lanagraves!  There are some others that just started too.  Everyone is different with the SE's.  The pink/redness started a little more than a week after I started.  Last Friday I started to have more skin issues.  I am very fair skinned.  But I think my skin is holding up better than I thought it would.  

Graced it helps when we are taken seriously.  Now that I think of it.  I am thinking that maybe my GI Dr. may be more sympathetic to that because she really is very Beautiful!  I'm sure in the course of her medical schooling in a predominately Male field of being a Dr..  She has encountered that "You can't be beautiful & smart"!  I'm sure she has had to fight to be taken seriously at times.  What ever the reason I'm thankful for her kindness & compassion!   

julz4:  I'm experiencing a much warmer left breast too!  It's not uncomfortable, but it's unexpected.  I've been applying aloe right after treatment and before bed.  I'm hoping that helps my skin heal from any radiation damage.  I'm so glad to hear that you have a good MO.  A compassionate Dr. is a very important part of healing.  Good luck with your insurance battles.

babette54: Congratulations on being on the downhill side of radiation!  Soon this will all be a distant memory. 

I have itching on the peripheral radiated area, but most of it is numb.  I can't feel when the draw on me, change the tapes or the itching in the main area.  Its actually been a major blessing.  I hope it proves to make it easier for you also!

Okay, Im back....took about a week hiatus from the board, busy doing other things, but I'm back now.  How is everyone?? I'll read and get caught up on how everyone is doing.  I have 12 treatments under my belt now! 25 treatments total, so I'm half way there!  I'm having a little bit of reddening, but not too bad.  Using 100% Aloe Vera 2-3 times a day and is working well.  I'm not having itching, or peeling, or any of that.  Sometimes I have some twinges, but minor.  The end of last week I started feeling tired, then it went away over the weekend, now I am feeling a little tired again...I guess it comes in waves as you get towards the end of a treatment week.  Not sure how next week will be, I've heard the last two weeks or so you feel it more so. 

Saying prayers and good thoughts for all the ladies just starting treatment and high fives for the ladies who have finished treatment!  Hooray!!

Hi beachnut, SE = side effects

#19/34 done = 56% done

julz4 - You stated that you saw your MO for the last time.  I thought we would continue to see our MOs for years to come.  What I am unsure of is--for how long do we see the RO and BS?  All three want to see me 2 weeks post rads.  I hope to get the appointments all on one day.  I'm a teacher (who missed a lot of school last year) and would like to do all three visits on one day if possible.  I wouldn't think I would need my RO and BS anymore after the two week post rads visits.  I understand they want to see my skin and scars but can't my MO handle all cancer related care in the future?  You and I have had about the same number of treatments.  I, too, am very fair skinned.  I'm gradually turning pinker but thought my skin would react much more.  I haven't had any itching. I am just various shades of pink. 

TAB55 - I forget how far into tx you are.  I've heard others talk of warm breast tissue.  I haven't felt that SE yet--knock on wood.

lanagraves - I, too, have wondered about the numbness under my arm.  Perhaps, we won't feel the SE of rads there due to the numbness.

HealingDreams - Congratulations on completing your last treatment.  May the healing begin.

Butterflylady - Halfway done!!!  It's all downhill from here.

I hope everyone has a great weekend.

Babette - I just finished my rads and my RO said he wanted to see me every 6 months (after our appt. next month) for the full 5 years. I just told my husband that when I go see him next month he's going to have to tell me exactly why I need to see both him and my onco doc. If he can't explain to me what he's looking for that my other doc isn't going to find, I'm not going to be making anymore appts. I can't see spending the time and money on a duplicate service.

I asked on another thread what the other ladies were doing and none of them said they went every 6 months. Some said once a year and some said they went after 1 year and then not again after that. I'll be interested to see what some of the responses are on this thread.