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

Hi All - I am new to this group Just finished Chemo about 2 weeks ago and had my first appt with the radiologist yesterday, and will go on the 28th for tats etc... happy, happy, joy, joy. So.... as people that have been there I would LOVE to know anything and everything about rads. Anything that you wish you'd known? THANK you so much in advance.

Marilyn

Congrats Tazzy!  PAEagles I found the last half of Rads really difficult to get through! 

The last week of Rads and now the week after, my underboob has really been sensitive (and peeling) so I purchased some men's white T-shirts 2 sizes too small and where one with my bra on top.  Not something you will find on the runway of Victoria Secrets, but it means I go through the day more comfortable! 

Welcome cvmarilyn. I started rads last week and its not bad. The only thing so far that I wish I had known going in was that it is a much more solitary experience than chemo. The staff is wonderful, but they leave during treatments, so now I bring a podcast to listen to so I can ignore the equipment. It has made a big difference. So far, no SEs and the treatments only take ten minutes.

Doesn't anyone else seem to be bothered with the fact that this side effect and that side effect are always "normal"! Normal? Seriously? But I guess it's better to know it's part of the journey.

cvmarilyn...things I wish I'd known. Please know that I have completed 15/33. Almost half way. I wish I would have known HOW tired they meant I will be. I started getting wiped out after the 3rd treatment. So tired. On a bit of a funny things I wish I had known...how many cute men there are as radiation techs! Nothing like going in and coming out to a very attractive male offering his assistance to get you off the table! 

Good luck and have no fear. Just take it one day at a time.

Hey Tazzy- Just wanted to congratulate you too...and wish you the best as you move forward. I have loved your avatar and can picture you saying the things that you do with a twinkle in your eye. Celebrate! I sure need that gentle, healing hug....right back at you, love.

cvmarilyn- It goes quick. The nurses are with you for just a few seconds each day getting the machine aligned with the marks/tats so that isn't a problem. But the travel time to and fro is tedious. And of course undressing, locking it up, dressing back in record time (I go on my lunch...like a speed demon). I wish I had known that the treatment times at most facilities have banker's hours and it is difficult to do with a job. You also have to see the doctor once per week and that is additional time away from work, and your job may not be understanding. So far I had 5/31 treatments and little side effects. We will link arms with you and all get through it together, ok? Did you read the suggested salt water soak for down the road from Tazzy? If not I have a copy here I will post for you.

Tazzy =  CONGRATS on finishing !!!

Cowpower ==   I had asked about why they did not have music in the radiation room where I go and they said everything they bring in breaks in less than a month as a result of the radiation.   So you may want to check at your site...as I would hate to see the unit you are using ruined.   I do agree about it being a solitary experience.    That word really hit home with me...as it is solitary when having it.    Also with chemo there are so many outward signs...with the radiation there is not so at least for me the support from family/friends is not as great.

Have a good evening    Patti

Tazzy, congrats on getting to PFR! I had 21 of 25 today. Can't believe how fast it has gone. Not too burned at this point. The reddest parts are a spot on my sternum right where my tattoo is, and a spot on my underarm that must be under the corner of the bolus. The worst is the rash and itchiness, but it's liveable, and I've been told it will all clear up. And my chest and shoulder muscles have gotten pretty tight and sore, so I am stretching whenever I remember to. No underboob to worry about, anyway. I am using Miaderm and Cortaid in the morning after treatment, and adding Aquaphor at bedtime. Someone mentioned that compared to the knocked-out feeling from chemo fatigue, rads fatigue is more sleepiness. That is true for me.

Soltantio, can't help you with bustiness or commute questions, but as far as meeting the RO, mine discussed length of treatment, risks (low), statistics, side effects. Nice guy and I like him. Every tues is dr visit day right after treatment, short visit to discuss any concerns and he looks at the area. Next appt was for tattoos and fitting for "shell", and tattoos felt like less than a tiny prick, expected more, they're tiny and sorta blue. Next appt was for simulation and that was fine, and then a sitdown with nurse...she went over scans and showed me exactly what and where all was happening, skin care prescribed and an afternoon nap encouraged. They do like appts to be same time every day, but mine has been moved at my request when an earlier time opened. Very kind and capable people, and fun too. Course I've got many left in front of me, but busy time of year will help make time fly, I should be done on 12/21. Oh and The time actually on the table alone getting the zap is very short. First couple times I needed to calm myself just a little, but no longer. And techs are in next room watching on camera if you need them. Good luck to you!

Patti-  Thanks for the warning on the ipod at rads.  Think I will stick to the "oldies" they pipe in (or maybe use my husband's ipod?). Off to session 6/33.  Hope everybody has a good day.

I've just been told that I'm now done with chemo treatment and it's on to radiation I go.  I haven't gotten an appointment yet so I don't know when I will start with radiation, but am assuming that it will be within the next three weeks which puts me around 12/5 for my first appointment or treatment.  Any one have any suggestions on what to ask, what kind of creams to use, what to wear for my first appointment, any special types of bras that work best once the skin starts getting a little sore?  Anything types of information like that would be very helpful for a newbie like me!

I feel like we may need a new winter thread because all you ladies are finishing up, but at the same time I feel like we could use all of your wisdom also since all you guys are just now finishing up.  If someone started a winter thread would you guys wander over there to help us newbies out?  Or should we just stick here?  What are your thoughts on this?  I'm asking all the gals who are finishing up and all the newcomers as well. -- Sonya

sonson:  saline soaks.   Boil 1 litre of water, put in bowl with 2tsps of salt.  Allow to come to room temperature. Soak a face cloth or something similar and place on nuked area for 10-15 mins.  Resoak if necessary.  It really does help soothe the area.  I just used normal table salt.   

If you want to start a winter thread or if there is one I am more than happy to hop over and help out anyway I can.  Good luck. Remember moisturise and moisturise some more.  

hugs to all xxxx

I was late getting back to work today from lunch. They had to readjust and take some "pictures" with the same machine that does the zapping. I don't know why so soon they changed the beams by 1/2 centemeter. Anyone else hear of that? I just had 6/31. If the cancer doesn't get me and the radiation spares my life...I will probably meet my maker in an auto accident flying there and back on my lunch!

Love:  as heidi said they take x-rays every week for any tweaking.   You know it was funny you said that about the crash.  Driving home yesterday from my last one, smile on my face, I passed a semi and thought wouldn't that be ironic that I was killed in a crash... weird thoughts eh?   I didn't dwell on it.   Is your company sympathetic to what you are doing - will they understand being a little late now and again?  Can you make the time up?   (((hugs))))

Congratulations on finishing Tazzy! It'll be so nice not having to drive to appointments everyday! Hope you have a wonderful evening celebrating!

Had 8 of 25 today. I told them my skin and muscles feel tight, and was told it was too early for any SEs. Is that true? They thought it was related to my TEs, oh hated things.

And DH sometimes drives like a maniac to get me to my appointment after work. I always tell him I am not going through all the surgeries and discomfort of BC to die in an automobile accident!

Thanks for letting me know that. I felt brushed off when I asked. Having TEs would make it feel even tighter, I would think, and it would have been nice if they had at least acknowledged that some people have SEs before 3 weeks. They acted like the 3 weeks was set in stone!