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

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  • nancedawg
    nancedawg Member Posts: 81
    edited November 2012

    Today I went for my 20th treatment and they said I was a little red so they gave me a little tube of rx gel to apply, but not b4 treatment.  They said it would relieve the itching somewhat.  I am not really having a problem, but they said to use it in the a.m. after treatment and at night.  So, there ya' go.  

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  • PaEaglesFan
    PaEaglesFan Member Posts: 277
    edited November 2012

    Shoot... I saw a different Dr last week for my weekly check.  His recommendations were different than my regular dr!!  So I'm just doing what I want now.  I use talc on the under boob to keep it dry, Udderly smooth on the topside and underarm to keep it moisturized and aquaphor on the nipple because it was drying out and driving me crazy.  I also use a nursing pad over the nipple so my clothing doesn't rub over it and irritate it more.  I have been wearing a sports bra because I've had some swelling and fluid and it just feels better if I have support.
    I saw a report online last week that shows there is really no benefit to telling BC Rad patients to not use deodorant.  And this was a report from Fox Chase which is the group that my hospital is associated with!  My Dr said NO DEODORANT! Grrrrr Undecided


    26/36!

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  • Junif
    Junif Member Posts: 100
    edited November 2012

    PA--mine said no deoderant too, but I got a natural deoderant with no aluminium and used it the whole time.  Personally I doubt that using the lotion well before radiation begins has that great of an advantage.  I didn't have any side effects until half way through and now, on my last week, I'm pretty burned..especially my chest.  My RO said I looked pretty crispy today and then went on and on about how well I did (because I could lay still?!?!) and how my chance of recurrence is only 10%, but he's sure I won't have any problems.  I'm thankful this is my last visit with him.  4 boosts to go and Friday is my last day!! 

    One question for any that may know--the nurse told me that it was "the law" that you have to see the RO every week...any idea what that "law" is??

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  • PaEaglesFan
    PaEaglesFan Member Posts: 277
    edited November 2012

    Junif, I have been using Toms natural since I started and I actually like it. Just wish it was an anti-perspirant too.

    I don't mind seeing the dr. I usually have at least one question for him. When he saw my BP has been going up a bit, he sat and did a breathing/visualization with me and it worked lol

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  • aliyahgirl
    aliyahgirl Member Posts: 23
    edited November 2012

    I'm really bummed out here.  I was supposed to start rads last thurs but there was a scheduling problem so now I have to wait until they can find me a compatible time for me to come in every day.  Waiting here on pins and needles b/c I've been reading the ideal time to start is 6 weeks after surgery.  They said it may be next week before I can start (that'll be 7-8 weeks).  The RO said anytime within 12 weeks post surgery is OK.  Has anyone heard this? 

    Trying to stay upbeat but it's not so easy at the moment...

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  • PaEaglesFan
    PaEaglesFan Member Posts: 277
    edited November 2012

    aliyahgirl, I've heard as long as it's w/in a 3 month time.  So that makes 12 weeks?
    Enjoy the extra time before you start.  Those daily trips will begin to wear on you.  BUT... it does go fast!  
    Just this week I realized how much I am going to miss seeing the girls that take care of me and I'm actually a little sad to be coming to the end of treatment.  The same could not be said of chemo... I couldn't get out of that office fast enough on my last treatment day.  I go for a follow up visit next week and I just dread having to go!  Probably because I associate it with the unpleasantness of chemo and the fact I will have to have a blood draw.. I haven't been stuck with a needle in 2 months!

    27/36

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  • heidismom
    heidismom Member Posts: 38
    edited November 2012

        I met with nurse yesterday after simulation to go over what to expect and how to take care of skin.  Deoderant is allowed, shaving gently with electric razor also.  No need to moisturize before treatments start, I was given a prescription for Radiaplex lotion to use 3x a day or more if needed. It contains aloe, second ingredient listed.  The RO had mentioned Aquaphor, but I always go with the nurse!  Give the area "air", meaning go topless as much as possible!  LOL.                                                                                                                                                               As for fatigue, she said everyone reacts differently of course, but a positive attitude and good nutrition always help.   Naps are allowed and encouraged.  She said because I'm active, relatively young (nearly 53), and have not had chemo, I should be fine.   She's seen alot so I choose to believe her!   Pushing away thoughts of complications, hormone therapy and loss of control over my life.                                                                                                                                                  Treatments  actually started today, I misinterpreted what the tech said last week, and thought it would be next Mon.  It's probably a good thing I only had one day to think about it, and it worked out fine, so off I go.  Very fast and no issues today.  The girls are all great.   My future appointments are all in the afternoon.  Figure I can do my errands and exercise early and earn that nap. Youngest son is high school senior so no little ones to worry about like when they were young and needed afternoon attention.  I know things could be much worse, many women on this site facing real difficulties and setbacks.  My prayers are with all. 

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  • aliyahgirl
    aliyahgirl Member Posts: 23
    edited November 2012

    Best wishes for smooth sailing all the way through!  Hoping to follow suit soonCool

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  • Andrea623
    Andrea623 Member Posts: 959
    edited November 2012

    One down, 24 to go. I have green sharpee all over my chest! My breast looks pink already. Is that normal? I wasn't expecting that yet. Does it mean I'm going to burn during treatment? I'm also not crazy about the RO. I feel like she's cold and impersonal.

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  • Bonlee
    Bonlee Member Posts: 9
    edited November 2012

    I have redness and rash on my back. It's up by my shoulder blade. I would say its about the size of my hand. I never knew it was there before, until about a week ago. I told my RO about it and he said it was from the radiation to my collarbone going through my body. That has somehow really freaked me out. Does anyone else have this happen?



    Hope everyone is doing okay. Counting down the days, with minimal side effects. Hugs to all.

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  • KimbytheSea
    KimbytheSea Member Posts: 84
    edited November 2012

    Ladies, I am DONE. Election Day was my LAST TREATMENT.

    Going into the election, I didn't know which candidate was going to win....but I had a guaranteed victory..I am so relieved.

    Now, I wrap my brain around hoping it never recurs. I guess we all live with that, don't we?

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  • Lifeonitsside
    Lifeonitsside Member Posts: 250
    edited November 2012

    KimbytheSea - yay! Congrats! Whoo-hoo!Laughing

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  • llr010200
    llr010200 Member Posts: 67
    edited November 2012

    @Bonlee, I finished radiation about 2 weeks ago, but yes I experienced burn in that same area. I am African American so mine is black rather than red but I was told that's where the radiation exited. It's actually gotten larger since my last treatment but since your skin still has increased effects even after treatment ends I know this us normal. Hope it helps to know that I got the same answer. Take care.

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  • Junif
    Junif Member Posts: 100
    edited November 2012

    Kim--Election day, a day to remember for you!!!  Congrats!!

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  • Aruba
    Aruba Member Posts: 543
    edited November 2012

    Congrats KIM!!!!  You did it!  Junif, you should be coming up to the end soon too if I recall?  Tazzy should be there soon too!    I finished a week ago yesterday.  The peeling continued for a few days but has calmed now...keep lubin even when done for several weeks!  Back to the RO for a check in December. 

    I have a week until I meet with MO for what I am sure is the AI perscription.  In the meantime, I have an elderly dad in South Fla living solo now since mom passed in 2010.  I saw him in July to cook for his freezer before I had biopsy and with all this have not been able to get back there.  Since I lost my job too in the midst of this, I will now take advantage and go see him for a few weeks in Dec and again in Jan.  Have the kids coming home for Thanksgiving starting next week. 

    Hugs to all and there is lots of space on the podium to make room for all of you reaching the finish line! 

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  • Rose_d
    Rose_d Member Posts: 144
    edited November 2012

    Congratulations to everyone who is finishing!! What a relief to be done!

    I also have a patch on my back up by my shoulder and it really freaked me out! If it's going all the way through my body and burning my back I can only imagine what it is doing to my insides! That part never got worse then the slightest of pink and now is rough skin (needs exfoliating I think).

    My skin is finally turning the corner, I finished 2 weeks ago today.  Up by my collarbone is no longer sore and is just slightly red.  Under my arm is still bright red and peeling but not an open wound anymore. I am really curious to see how it ends up in a few weeks, right now I look two completely different colors on my right and my left! I hope it evens out a bit more.

    Congrats again to all of us!

    Rose

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  • IndigoMont11
    IndigoMont11 Member Posts: 1,095
    edited November 2012

    I've had 16/25 treatments as of today.  They are treating down my chest wall since I had the BMX.  I've noticed a few little broken capillaries on that side.  Wondering if those will eventually go away.  Otherwise, I am pink but not burned.  I don't think there is anything on my back yet, but now I'm tempted to go run into the bathroom and really look!  RO and techs say my skin is doing great.  I know there is lots of differing info out there on treatments, but I'm using Miaderm twice a day (with RO's approval) and really like it a lot.  At this point, what is bothering me most is muscle tightness/stiffness in my chest on the side being treated.  I can tell it has gotten worse since starting rads.  I stretch it whenever I think about it.  Hang in there, ladies! 

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  • Junif
    Junif Member Posts: 100
    edited November 2012

    Aruba--you are right, tomorrow is my LAST FREAKIN' DAY!!! I don't think I could have done more.  I am at the 'Crispy Critter' stage and have a lot of pain from that but got a script for cream that really takes the pain out.  I'm glad you are done and getting into a 'normal' life!  I go next Friday to see the MO.  The first time I saw her she handed me the script for Arimidex and said to start it after rads then see me a month later.  Well, I'm not convinced!  I've been doing a lot of research on it and I'm worried about taking it and I have a million questions about it.  

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  • Nanka
    Nanka Member Posts: 97
    edited November 2012

    Hi! Did you have lymph nodes radiated also? I ask b/c I had full breast radiation but no nodes. However, my armpit is raw! How is this possible?

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

    Kim:  I will be with you in 3 more tx - cannot believe it is finally coming to an end.  An exhausting year for sure.   But we kicked cancers arse into touch Laughing

    I am pretty red..and the back of my shoulder and down my back (right side) is turning pink - doc said all quite normal and to treat the same as my chest area.  

    Oh! 3 left - Wednesday will be a good day for me.

    Hugs and minimal se's to all xxxx

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  • aliyahgirl
    aliyahgirl Member Posts: 23
    edited November 2012

    Hey there Kim, Junif, and Tazzy - huge congrats on being finished and almost finished!  You all deserve a big dose of the bubbly stuff!

    I finally got scheduled for Rads after a two week delay and will start next Thurs.  30 times.  Till end of December, if all goes well.  Strange to say but I'm so happy to be starting.  Waiting was the pits.  Anyone else starting soon?

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  • Aruba
    Aruba Member Posts: 543
    edited November 2012

    Nanka- I did not have nodes zapped but still got red and peeled in underarm where my SNB incicsion was.  From what I could tell this was the edge of the field but think that skin is ultra thin and sensative.  Mine peeled but is healing fine...keep loobin! 

    I did not have any issues on back, must be from doing the nodes and/or superclavical?

    Junif- In addition to loobin,  Keep the air circulating as much as possible to help the healing process!  Espeically the underarm and underboob if applicable.  Please do keep in touch and let me know what your MO says about Arimidex.  I only met my MO once and that was to discuss chemo at the time.  This will be my second meet with her on Tuesday.  I will ask questions too (you and I seem to be research maniacs as I recall) but even with all the SE's, seems like this is a much much bigger player in reduction of recurrence stats than the chemo ever was for me even with high mid range Oncotype score.  I have been perusing the Arimidex threads here...sounds like another round of adjustments ahead. 

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  • Junif
    Junif Member Posts: 100
    edited November 2012

    Aruba-I'll PM you when I get all my info together and the questions I'm asking the MO.  My Oncotype score was only a 1.  I'm planning on taking the Arimidex, but I want all the info in case I'm one that experiences severe SE's and decide to go off it...I'm tired of all the research we have to do and want to do it all now--once and for all!!  I'll let you know next week....

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  • KimbytheSea
    KimbytheSea Member Posts: 84
    edited November 2012

    @Tazzy: Pretend we're lining the streets to the finish line cheering you on. Go Tazzy! It feels GREAT to finish. Just GREAT. 

    First day of Arimadex today. And so it begins.

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  • Andrea623
    Andrea623 Member Posts: 959
    edited November 2012

    Aliyahgirl, glad to hear you're finally going to get started! I'm just over a week ahead of you. Today will be my 4th tx.



    And congratulations to all who have finished!

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  • patti3796
    patti3796 Member Posts: 79
    edited November 2012

    Good Morning

    Nanka --   My underarm has reached the stage of the skin breaking down and peeling.   They started me on a perscription Silverdon cream.  Saw the RO yesterday and asked as I thought the underarm was not being hit.  It is my left breast and he said the radiation that is coming from the right side of the breast is going thru and hitting the underarm on the way out.    At first I felt better as I was worried that the radiation was hitting the wrong area....but must say it scared me to think of what the inside of my breast must look like.   If after going all the way thru the breast my arm pit looks like this.

    I also asked the RO today about followup Mammograms.   He said I will continue on a yearly schedule.   He does not do one at 6 months as the breast is still undergoing slight changes due to healing from radiation.     But not to be surprised if next year I get a call about a then 6 month followup.    He said when the technician reads it...it will look vastly different from this year due to the surgery and radiation.   So it is impossible to compare to prior films.   So some then recommend a 6 month follow up for comparison.   I was glad he told me...so I do not PANIC next summer.   Thought I would pass along in case any of you experience the same thing.

    Back in 2004 with my first breast cancer....I did 5 years of Arimedex.   I had minimal side effects.    Did had some aching joints...but really not sure how much was the Arimedex and how much was just a factor of turning 50.    Laughing     What I remember most was how expensive the perscription was.     This time I believe I will be taking Tamoxifin.    According to MO since I did Arimedex before it will not be as effective the second time.    I see him Tuesday to confirm.     Yesterday the RO said to wait two weeks after radiation to start as radiation is still working. 

    So what is your site doing for Thanksgiving week???   Here in Maine...no radiation the Friday after Thanksgiving...instead going in on Sunday the 18th.  

    Congrats to all that are finishing up....and good luck to all that are starting.

    Patti 

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  • Rose_d
    Rose_d Member Posts: 144
    edited November 2012

    Nanka,



    My underarm/armpit area had the worst reaction and my axillary nodes were not treated. I too was worried they had done the wrong area but she told me that the breast radiation hits the skin under the arm but does not go deep enough to hit the nodes.



    I have not been stretching in the last 2 weeks because my armpit had gone to open sores and weeping so I have really tightened up on both sides (even the side that wasn't radiated).



    Now that I'm finished with all treatment I think it's time to go for some physical therapy and try to get myself feeling like a normal 40 year old!



    For those worried about arimidex or tamoxifen, I started my prescription on Sept 1st. I didn't realize that they wouldn't want me to start while also starting radiation and by the time it even occurred to me to ask she said it was fine and it wouldn't make sense to stop. So I've been on for 2.5 months and I would say I have very few side effects. I have some hot flashes but they have calmed down from the first few weeks and I have achy legs and feet but I think that is leftover from the chemo.



    Otherwise I don't notice anything different.



    Good luck,



    Rose

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

    Thanks kim - yes it is a good feeling to be nearing the finish line - I can fell the cheering and encouragement from you all. 

    On my boosts now - so least that will give my underarm a break.  

    Hugs and minimal SE's to all.   Yay Friday and 3 days off from nuking.

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  • Nanka
    Nanka Member Posts: 97
    edited November 2012

    Thanks so much for all your replies! It is so reassuring to know that I am not alone in this!

    Michelle

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  • loveofcritters
    loveofcritters Member Posts: 39
    edited November 2012

    I am just starting too. Just finished my second treatment and was confused as to what was being treated! The nodes in my neck too? For crying out loud, why didn't they tell me that? I will talk to the RO on Monday and find out. I had (3) lumps removed in the same breast so it could be the area is just so much to cover. Also does anyone else have this terrible feeling that we are trusting our lives to people who maintain that machine to do it right? So many mechanics are sloppy, so I really really hope the mechanics on these are not. I became worried because one of their machines was down and I had to wait. My imagination went wild about the thing becoming stuck or going berserk!

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