Fall 2012 Rads girls......come on in!

Aruba, I am so sorry!!  I do wonder about the timing of all that.  I will pray and think good thoughts that you move ahead from this.  Gosh, though, no more notice than that??  That really doesn't seem right.    You are right, there are silver linings and things do happen for a reason, but I know it can't be easy when this wasn't your choice.  I hope you are on target to have a good October and be able to spend more time with your dad.  Hugs to you!

My RO doesn't want me using deodorant while I'm going thru rads??? No shaving either, but that's not as big an issue since I just finished chemo.

Tomorrow is day 1 of 33.

Brooklynmom- I'm sorry you're having a rough time.  I know that connecting with others has helped me tremendously throughout my treatment and you are smart for reaching out.  I am having my simulation today and starting to get nervous as I move into the next phase.  My doctor ordered a spray for me to use so my skin doesn't break down, but it hasn't come in yet.  I called the pharmacy to ask about it and I got a run around.  I'm getting kind of worried about not having it, but the doctor's office said it's okay if I don't have it right away.  Best of luck to you with the rest of your treatments.  Sending hugs from afar.

They cancelled my treatment again today. This is the second time in a week. I just want to get all this over with!

I just finished rads treatment 6 of 35 and I'm feeling slightly nauseous. I'm told nausea isn't a side effect of rads, but I swear, I feel a little queasy.

Is this my imagination? Anybody else feeling a bit queasy? 

Just did day 1 of 32....find it amazing that NO ONE mentioned potential short term side effects, nor has anyone mentioned using any lotions....amazing..I'm forever grateful for the info and insight I get from all of you....

Hi All,  Kimberly-I did rad 6/31 today.  Only thing I have going on but think it started before rads is that the very end of my lumpectomy scar feels thick/lumpy and like bruised when I touch it or bump it. I met with RO today as I guess I will do that weekly and since I am in clinical trial (I got randomly placed in the group doing traditional rads), she has to give me a full mini physical and I guess I get one weekly.  Do you all get a physical (vitals, clincal breast checkup etc) My bP is high in my opinion, but think it is stress from all this and losing my job 2 days ago .  She was not concerned.  Also interesting, I asked her since I am using the breathing device to move my heart back, would my lungs get more exposure since they would be more inflated as I take deep breaths?  She showed me my cat scan and where the rads are going and which doses hit where etc.  My heart is not in line of fire and lungs are really less too this way,  but sligtly different area since beams sitll go across.   She is wonderful in explainig all.   She did say the reason they have done so much research and watch for heart lungs issue so much more today is that years ago, not as many survived BC.  Now with all the new treatments, early diagnosis etc..so many, many, many more survive and thus all this research on long term effects like heart and lungs have been underway and now in use! 

 Junif-let the count begin!  How did prone go?  I had to ask about cream too, radiagel is what they recommend and gave to me.  I wonder if they don't discuss the cream etc until a few weeks in when the SE start to happen maybe?  Lube the boob has been happening here since before rads began thanks to Tazzy and others for pointers.   

 M4babies-why do they cancel the treatments?  That stinks!   Hang in there ladies..this too shall pass!

Hi Kimby - I was nauseous too. Some people do experience nausea. I also developed a super power sense of smell. It has gotten better. Someone suggested to me eating a dozen steamed Lima beans before tx. - if you don't hate Lima beans. Feel better

Aruba you sound like you have a great ro and are at a great center. Very glad that technique keeps the heart out of the line of fire.

today was 21/34....and doctor day...we get weighed each week, nurse talks -questions about any diff meds, etc..then doc checks skin and talks--today i asked if it would be possible to double up one day so i can finish on a friday instead of going back on monday for final tx--he sees no problem and will talk to scheduler- thinks it will be easier on me to wait til i am in "boost" mode...i am seeing the tunnel's end!!!

yesterday at work i had a meltdown- feeling really inadequate and overwhelmed- my "team" at work is awesome and they are all helping to do my tasks when i am at tx and alot of the stuff that involves walking between the two bldgs since we moved our office last week..it's great and i really appreciate it but i was worried that they might decide they didn't need me....anyhow--today was a better day!i do think once i get done with tx and can actually be at work during "normal" work hours many things will be better...tho i worry how long the fatigue will linger...

Hi all! I did 2/33 this morning. All is well except soo exhausted I slept 5 hours nap today!



My RO didn't want me to use decorant before/during radiation but can put on after I'm done. Same for anything on my treated breast. I put my aloe Vera in my purse so when I'm done, and put on aloe in dressing room when I put clothes back on.



My RO and techs are great making sure I'm being treated carefully and comfortably and tells me anything I needed to know.



I wonder if it is my imagination or is my hair growth seemed to slowing down now? Is it from herceptin? Before my diagnosis my hair usually grows fast especially my bangs that I had to trim myself on bangs every 2 weeks



Hugs to all

I had my rads consult today and feel so much better about it now.  Really, really liked the RO a lot.  I want to say that if not for the people I've met through BCO, I wouldn't have been as prepared with the questions I had - one of which is, how often do the machines break down, and how they would protect my heart.  I even got complimented on "excellent questions" by the doctor.    I go back for simulation and tattoos on 10/5, and dry run on 10/15.  I think if all goes as planned, I'll probably start treatments the next day or at least that same week.  25 treatments (no boosts) over 5 weeks.  Next on my to-do list is ordering some Miaderm and getting some Tom's or some other kind of aluminum-free deodorant (the RO said that was fine to use).  Thanks for the tip on the fragrances, smelling like hot dogs doesn't sound any better than BO! 

Does anyone feel dizzy during treatments?  Today was my 8th treatment and yesterday and today when I laid down and closed by eyes for treatment I felt dizzy.  I had to open my eyes both days to feel grounded.  It was almost like I was spinning.  Hard to explain.  Also, is anyone else having difficulty sleeping?  I am so tired at night but I can't sleep.  Very frustrating.  Going to try to sleep now just so I make it throught the day.

Hi Kim

I am also having mild nausea after rads for a short time.  It goes away in a few hours. My body has also been craving protein, so I finally started having whey protein powder midday.

I have had tx 9 out of 28 sessions today. Lubing the bob like crazy. Keeping fingers crossed...

Hugs to all

M4babies - that sucks!  Good vibes that your machine doesn't break down again for the remainder of your treatment! 

Aruba- I do also see the RO once a week on Mondays.  They do xrays to make sure everything still looks good and that nothing else is getting zapped, then they run the rads, then I see the nurse and RO for a checkup.  It really doesn't take that much longer.

Kim - no nausea here, but I do have headaches that are short lived, and I'm pink already after 7 treatments, just a light pink box in the radiated area.  It still feels fine though.

Indigo - Yeah, you don't want to smell like Oscar Meyer products girl!  LOL!  I'm glad that your consult went well.  I always feel better once I know what's going on and once the treatment plan is in place.  It's the initial not knowing and worry that's the worst for me.  I love your screen name BTW, it's dh's fav movie.  I think I've watched it about 30 times now.