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

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  • Andrea623
    Andrea623 Member Posts: 959
    edited October 2012

    TEs are tissue expanders which are placed to stretch the chest muscles prior to implant reconstruction. Sorry if that confused you! Sometimes I get a brain cramp from all the acronyms!

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  • ladyfighter
    ladyfighter Member Posts: 184
    edited October 2012

    Ohhhh! Andrea , so that means I'm not part of it? I had lumpectomy and 3 nodes removed that all. So I shouldn't worry about te right?

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  • jpmomof3
    jpmomof3 Member Posts: 643
    edited October 2012

    Fingers crossed for no contractions and that the TEs stay in until they are ready to come out.



    I am getting 33 rads treatments. More than halfway done. Just counting down the days.

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  • Tazzy
    Tazzy Member Posts: 2,546
    edited October 2012

    Day off rads for me today... Thanksgiving here. Back at her tomorrow - #3.

     Welcome new ladies - great source of information and comfort on these boards.   I was told 6-8 weeks recovery from chemo - although that was for my surgery - but would think it would be approx. the same for rads.

    Good luck all.

    Off to get ready for more Turkey dinner with other friends today.

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  • Andrea623
    Andrea623 Member Posts: 959
    edited October 2012

    ladyfighter, if you didn't have tissue expanders placed, nope, you don't have to worry about them! Yay! One less thing to worry about! How are you holding up to rads?

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  • ladyfighter
    ladyfighter Member Posts: 184
    edited October 2012

    Andrea other than my bad colds, I have been good so far no problems with skin, used aloe Vera 2 times a day and used Unscented dove soap. ! Whew ! :)



    Happy thanksgiving tazzy!



    Jpmom, half way already? Wow! Awesome! Stay se free!

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  • Tammy2012
    Tammy2012 Member Posts: 22
    edited October 2012

    Thats great news JP!  

    Ginger, they make small round ice packs that go in the bra.  Ask your Dr where you can buy them.  That would work great for and you could just go pop them in the freezer as needed.  :)

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  • Andrea623
    Andrea623 Member Posts: 959
    edited October 2012

    I'm glad to hear you're doing so well! I haven't started my rads yet, and I'm rather nervous about them. I'm still having my TEs filled, so I'll have my mapping session later in the month. I'm supposed to do 25 treatments. I've already purchased Miaderm and aloe vera gel. I've got my fingers crossed that my skin will hold up!

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  • ladyfighter
    ladyfighter Member Posts: 184
    edited October 2012

    Rads is definitely a breeze compared to chemo hell! Andrea



    I also have to do herceptin every 3 weeks for a year #3 is this Thursday Oy fey! Hope I feel better by then



    Think I'm gonna try and take nap I have filled up trash with tissues ! Boo

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  • ladyfighter
    ladyfighter Member Posts: 184
    edited October 2012

    Oh and , Andrea in your avatar are these dogs huskies or wolf? They are Beautiful ! I have part chow and part yellow lab, she is beauty!

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  • Andrea623
    Andrea623 Member Posts: 959
    edited October 2012

    Thanks! My dogs are Alaskan malamutes. They are my furry, spoiled rotten kids. Having them really brightens my day. I am totally in love with them, and am malamute obsessed. :)



    I hope you get over your cold soon. Those are never any fun. Get some rest and thanks for chatting!

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  • bearcub
    bearcub Member Posts: 485
    edited October 2012

    I just thought I would pop in and read up on suggestions. I will start rads the end of November. I have bought glaxol moisturizer and am putting it on 2x a day starting now.



    My radiated breast will be left sided and I am worried about the heart and lungs....any advice to help someone who will soon be in your shoes.



    Jpmom, thank god, enough is enough!!

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  • rn4babies
    rn4babies Member Posts: 409
    edited October 2012

    I had #22 of 28 today. I'm very red but not peeling or seeping yet like last time. Hoping to get through this without stopping!

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  • Tammy2012
    Tammy2012 Member Posts: 22
    edited October 2012

    I just got back from my 3rd treatment and was given a Rx for Xclair Cream.  It's specifically for Radiation Dermatitis.  It's not always covered by insurance and runs $65 a tube.  There is a pharmacy that is offering BOGO so you'll get two tubes for $65 and it's delivered to your home free of charge.  I have info on that pharmacy if anyone is interested.  

    Your RO should have samples of this cream as well.  She did tell there's a number of over the counter moisturizers that will work fine. But, i have good insurance so I took the script.  

    Andrea, your dogs are beautiful!  I have two Akitas and they are spoiled rotten.  I'm like you; I'm Akita obsessed!  One of mine was a show dog and is a champion.  He loved the ring!  

    Have a good day all.  <3 

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  • Andrea623
    Andrea623 Member Posts: 959
    edited October 2012

    Tammy, Akitas are gorgeous dogs! Someday we'd love to have a show dog, but right now, obviously it's not the right time. I'd love to see a photo of your dogs, if you have one!

    How are you feeling after your 3rd treatment? I picked up some Miaderm, which is supposed to have been created by ROs. Do you know how it compares to the Xclair? Am I supposed to be slathering on moisturizers already? I'm still about 3 weeks out from starting treatment.

    rn4babies, I'm glad this round is going smoother than before. Got my fingers crossed for you!

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  • xtina
    xtina Member Posts: 60
    edited October 2012

    JP mom - glad to hear it was just a seroma!

    Ladyfighter - it's no good that you aren't feeling well!  I hope you get better soon.  Both the flu and common cold are buzzing around here like crazy since school started - I'm just trying to avoid all of the sickies!  LOL!

    Rn4babies - hey good news, I hope the skin keeps in the clear for you this time. 

    Welcome to everyone! 

    Bearcub- I am on the left as well.  The area of your lung and or heart that may or may not be affected is different for all, depending on what areas they need to radiate.  Your RO should be able to tell you what areas they are radiating, and the % of each organ that will be in the field, and what your % risk of any long term side affects might be.   After discussing this with mine, I'm not to worried.  The area in my field is small and the % chance of side effects was quite low.  Like 1% chance of chronic cough, which is usually not permanent.  Not doing the rads was/is more worrisome for me! More of a chance that I'll have a re-occurrence without the rads, than there is a risk of side effects.  Just ask lots of Q's! 

    Just had my 15th.  Skin's the same - slightly pink but that's it.  The ladies were all like "Yay, only 10 more to go!! Just think, this time in two weeks and you're outta here!" They try to make things the best they can for us - bless their little hearts!  It would suck if they were all crotchety!

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  • herstrong
    herstrong Member Posts: 69
    edited October 2012

    Checking in here! Did number 23 of 33 today. A little pink and irritated but feeling great! I did not have TEs placed after my bmx because of the upcoming rads. My PS said that I can look at recon in six months (one month for each week of rads.) hopefully I won't need flaps.

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  • virginiab
    virginiab Member Posts: 205
    edited October 2012

    I had my simulation session today and a teaching session with a radiation onc nurse. She provided an RX for Radiagel, which is the goo they recommend for skin protection/healing. Their printed material suggested a gentle soap like Dove, but the RO said that he recommends Dial white bar soap because he thinks a bit of antibacterial protection can prevent infection on compromised skin. He told me not to put anything on the skin in the radiation area that I haven't gotten from them. The nuse repaeted not to use other moisturizers etc as they are absorbed by the skin and could interfere with things, even a few days after application. She suggested not using moisturizers for the last few days before I start treatment.

    The doctor also said not to use ice or heat on the breast.

    The nurse told me that the side effects continue to increase for a while after treatment ends. She said that the 4th day after the last treatment may be the peak in regard to skin effects.

    It's so interesting the different info and advice we get from different place, different practitioners!

    This community is a great resource. Thanks to everyone who posts....

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  • Cottontail
    Cottontail Member Posts: 374
    edited February 2013

    Lol, my RO told me to use whatever soap I like (which is good, because I refuse to any soap other than Lush soaps), whatever moisturizer I like (she doesn't recommend Aquaphor!), and even said I could use deodorant/antiperspirant. I'm just not supposed to use any creams or anything before rads.

    The soap I'm using now is fairly normal, I'll switch to a more moisturizing "flavor" when the bar I'm using is out.



    I didn't ask about Miaderm, as I won't use it anyway.



    My stomach hurt most of the afternoon today. I don't know if its from the rads or from eating lunch so fast driving to/from my appt. I'll try a slightly smaller lunch and see if that helps. I've lost seven pounds in the last two weeks, but would be happy enough to lose a few more.

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  • Andrea623
    Andrea623 Member Posts: 959
    edited October 2012

    It's really interesting how different ROs have such different opinions!



    Cottontail, I love Lush products too. Which soaps are you using?

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  • Cottontail
    Cottontail Member Posts: 374
    edited February 2013

    Andrea, right now I'm just using Sea Vegetable soap.  When that's out I'll switch to Snowcake, as it seems to be more moisturizing.


    I'm also using Lush Dream Cream on my breast and axilla right after I shower. I took it with me to my simulation, and my RO checked the ingredients and said it looked like a really good product.


    I don't think I would trust an RO who told me I could only us a few specific products I got from them. Unless they could provide compelling hard evidence as to why I should follow that.
     

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  • bearcub
    bearcub Member Posts: 485
    edited October 2012

    Xtina, thanks for the info.

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  • PaEaglesFan
    PaEaglesFan Member Posts: 277
    edited October 2012
    I've been using Dove unscented moisturizing soap since I started my treatments (9/36 today) and Udderly Smooth creme.  So far I've just had a little pinking of the skin right after the treatment but that seems to fade by the next day.  I had my weekly meeting with the RO this morning and even he commented it wasn't as pink as it had been last week.  
    I was more concerned with the pain that seems to be in the breast itself.  Not really pain, more like an ache.  I asked the technician about it this morning and she said that was normal because there is a lot of change going on in there and some women even have swelling of the breast tissue.  (I might be one of them... sitting here coping a feel on my own boobies and they feel like a matched set again.)  It doesn't seem possible to me I guess because I don't see or feel the treatment.  I think there should be some light or something to make it feel like something is happening and I'm not just laying there with my arm over my head !
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  • Andrea623
    Andrea623 Member Posts: 959
    edited October 2012

    Cottontail, Dream Cream is one I want to try. I'll have to place an order for it, since if I go into their store, I wind up spending way too much money!

    Just a question for anyone to answer, is it true you cannot shave during rads? At my initial consult, the RO said my axilla would not need radiating. Also, if I have my treatments after work, is it okay to wear deoderant and lotions that have been applied that morning? I won't be having another appointment till my mapping/plannings session at the end of the month, so I have lots of questions! 

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  • Junif
    Junif Member Posts: 100
    edited October 2012

    Bearcub--I have left side radiation and was very concerned ao# but heart and lung exposure.  After doing some research I found out about prone radiation which means you are face down and your boob hangs down.  It is the safest  method. Today I completely #9 and actually went over the xrays (taken every week) with my tech so I could see exactly what areas are affected.  I have zero heart and lung exposure.  You might want to look into this.

    I finally got my first bill for the rads--680 per day my insurance company is billed.   I pay 75 of that.  Rads are more expensive than surgery!!!

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  • bearcub
    bearcub Member Posts: 485
    edited October 2012

    Junif,

    Thank you I will definitely look into that. We have a brand new radiation centre at our brand new cancer clinic opening Nov, 1st....hopefully they are up on this method.



    As for billing I am in Canada and do not expect to pay as I have British Columbia medical and my DH has medical through work. That is awful to have that extra stress of worrying about radiation bills.

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  • grateful33
    grateful33 Member Posts: 58
    edited October 2012

    Hello all

    Just catching up on all the posts after taking a break for Canadian Thanksgiving here.

    Had #17 of 28 today and saw the RO. Been given a steroid cream to add for the pink patches that are starting and the itch...

    JPmom- so happy to hear that it was a seroma and not anything worse

    Sissydi -thanks for the info on capsular contracture. PS is also worried about keeping the skin intact to prevent infections or extrusion of the TE. Hoping the miaderm and steroid cream will do their job and prevent blistering....

    Hope everyone is doing well.  Hugs  xx

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  • patti3796
    patti3796 Member Posts: 79
    edited October 2012

    Good Evening. Thought I was starting today....but it was just a check of the setup from the simulation. Did get a list of my 33 appointments....start tommorrow and finish the Monday after Thanksgiving.





    The room was interesting...the ceiling is painted a dark purple and is covered with lighted stars.





    Also had an overview of guidelines for the dos and don'ts.





    GingerAmy. One thing on my list is no heating pads or eye packs on the breast area. Sorry you have so much discomfort...but do check with your doctor on the ice pack.





    Did learn something...in terms of vitamins no more than 500mg of Vitamin C and vitamin E no greater than 400 IU. Most winters I take extra vitamin C and was planning on starting to help avoid colds during treatment. This only applies to vitamins not vitamins that we get thru food. Were any of you told this??





    Patti

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  • Cottontail
    Cottontail Member Posts: 374
    edited February 2013

    I did already know that taking huge amounts of vitamin C are not recommended, any time, because your body can only absorb so much at a time. The rest is just excreted in urine, and is of no added benefit. Taking large doses is just a waste. I also knew that too much Vitamin E can cause problems. Vitamin E is fat soluble and can build up in the body.



    But my RO didn't give me any guidelines to follow during rads.

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  • tina_jason
    tina_jason Member Posts: 147
    edited October 2012

    Today was number 17/33.  I crossed over the half way point!  Yeah!  My skin is most irritated at the base of my neck.  I use aloe, Bag Balm (which I love) and started using Aquaphor this week as well.  I keep the Aquaphor in my purse so I can apply throughout the day.  Some of you have mentioned nausea which I haven't experienced but I have had a lot of heartburn over the past few days.  I am feeling really good and have a lot more energy than I was anticipating.  If this is all I have to deal with I think I can handle it and coast to the end. 

    Welcome to all of the new ladies. 

    jpmom- Good news about the seroma!

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