Winter RADS 2012 Club...Please come join the fun!

Day Seven... done!  I was having a nice little pity party this morning. I didn't sleep well last night... having a hard time finding a comfortable spot and am finding my  little heart shaped boob pillow is feeling very comfortable. Saw the regular girls at the center this moring and realized, actually I am not in such a bad spot. I gave myself a little shake (not a hard one, cuz then my boobs hurt) and am trying hard not to be whiney.  It helps to read everyone's posts and see that I am not alone in this!

chickenlady

Elimar, I don't start rads for two more days. My RO said no lotion 4 hours before rads, so I'm good. I simply noticed how dry my breast skin is already and I'm trying to get it in better condition before rads break it down again. I'm reminded that without sensation I can't tell the skin needs attention and that the skin must also not have all the working oil glands it once had.

So disgusted today. The first zap I had the machine didn't calibrate at all and just zapped me and then it calibrated and moved to the other two zaps. I called the center to ask about it and they are so indignant about me feeling like I was mistreated. I explained that I am concerned that the machine is acting right and today's session was different than the others by the way the machine acted. They are going to run tests to assure me that I did get the right radiation, and call me back. I don't understand why they are acting like I am accusing them, when its just something that worries me. Note to self: Just because they tell you in the beginning to call if you have any concerns whatsoever doesn't mean they want you to.

Loveofcritters, That is really odd- my machine did that yesterday, but the techs were aware of it- they told me over the microphone that the machine needed adjusting and that the dosage was correct, just coming in different sized zaps. What usually takes 9 zaps took 18 and I would have been terrified if they hadnt explained. You would think that the techs realize that you do observe the normal behavior of the machines and might be a tad concerned when things are different. Geesh! Might be a little different if they were lying there. You have every right to ask any question, any time.



Loving, Way to go on the skin. Mine is so bad usually that I expected to be down to bone by now, but it is holding up well, 18/33 treatments, so I hope you luck out too.



Sonson, I feel like I am doing well on the tamoxifen. I first took it in March when I had to take a chemo break due to skin issues. At that time it made me moody, although that could just have been me being moody. Right now, I have tendon pain in my right ankle, but I actually think that is from the taxol/taxotere or from an iv antibiotic I took over the Summer (levaquin). The only thing I think the tamoxifen is doing is a little leg swelling late in the day and some major league dry skin.



Chickenlady- If we don't have our own pity parties, no one else will do it for us! We are entitled once in a while. I feel like by the time we get to rads we are just DONE WITH IT!

cowpower: I am so glad that happened to you too. She called back and reprimanded me soundly because they had to shut down the whole operation to run a QA because of me and they looked at my specific treatment and said all of the "leafs" had been in the correct position. I said, "what is a QA?" she said quality assurance test. So I have to ask the question....why do their tests differ from what I saw with my own eyes? The frickin' leafs didn't move on the first zap, they were wide open....the leafs and my eyes.

So tomorrow they are going to show me what they do and how it is monitored before I go in for treatment. They said the computer would throw up all kinds of red flags to stop that. I work with computers and know that they can't be trusted.

Needless to say I had to start popping anti-depressants again. Damn damn damn

Loveofcritters, I think I would have been pretty upset too. I think the center's attitude is really awful. I mean, the people they treat have been through life changing events, are concerned about being cancerfree, and naturally would have questions if things were different than normal. They should be more sensitive whether they have to run a QA on the damn machine or not! 

I am really fortunate that I have not had any problems with the machine, and everything has been running on schedule. I find it interesting how many zaps we get. I only receive two. I wonder if it's the difference between having a mx versus a lumpectomy? I have 5 more treatments to go, and it can't end soon enough! I am so tired of going to the center, tired of the zaps, tired of feeling microwaved, tired of the whole cancer thing. At least after rads, I have a breather till my reconstruction surgery. I hope that will be the end of my cancer journey.

Sorry, I'm a bit cranky today. 

To those of you just beginning, please be reassured it isn't as scary as you may think it will be. It gets monotonous going day after day, but after your first treatment, it becomes very routine and you won't think twice about it. May you have few side effects!

Hi all,

Thanks for the weekend birthday greetings, very sweet!    Today I had #20 of 26 plus 7 boosts.  Was thrilled when they gave me an appointment card for scans next week preparing for the boosts.   I really had stopped counting.  The nurse remarked how fast it was going, and I snorted, and she said, "it's like being pregnant..it goes fast for everyone but you!".  True.  As far as skin, it really helps to do all the lotions and potions recommended, and also AIR.  Not easy, but if you can steal a few minutes in the privacy of your home to lie down or go about your business topless (with curtains closed!) I believe it really helps. I'm actually wrapping xmas gifts topless.  What a visual, huh?  Gotta be a first.  Helps that it's been in the 70's this week too.  I'm also an A cup, so nothing gets in the way, lol.  To those starting out, it's actually not bad to be going through it during the holiday time since other things distract you, but you also must listen to your body, rest,  and not try for Martha Stewart perfection.  Must make time for the occasional pity party.  Halfway through the week tomorrow, hope it's a better day for those who have had a rough week so far with rude techs and depression.

Kelly, that’s a large tumor and no chemo?  Oh DCIS.  Weird, huge but still stage 0?  Anyway I agree 2^nd opinion sounds like a good idea.

Andrea, that totally sucks.  Such a nasty, scary disease.

What are these tazzy’s saline soaks?  I start Monday and feel really unprepared.  I was really on top of it for chemo with being really prepared for it, I feel kind of asea with this.  I’ve been SO busy at work that I haven’t really had time to plan.  

Sonson, I feel exactly the same way.  It’s frustrating that they have no idea why anyone in particular gets it.  I’m also confused with the tamox – they aren’t starting me on that until after I’m done with rads, presumably.  I mean no one has mentioned it to me lately and it’s obviously inevitable.  Should I be starting it already?  Not that I want to mind you.  Or does it have to do with when you finish chemo?  I finished early November.

Loneskier, you sound like you have the same schedule as I do, almost – I have my rads appointment at 5 and it will take me 45 min or so to get there.  What a hassle, every day.  I am super busy at work right now too.

Lifeonittsside, I KNOW, I SO am ready to be DONE!  It bums me out that this entire year from spring on is all about my freaking cancer.  All these holidays keep whizzing by and I can’t quite enjoy them.  I don’t remember what the deal was with Halloween – Oh I think I had a chemo TX right around then so I figured I wouldn’t be up for much.  I’m busy at work and with radiation every freaking day halfway across town, who has time for parties?  I’m not a big fan of February but I can’t wait until February because I will finally be DONE.  Oh except the tamox and the herceptin, tiny detail.  Cedars?  Don’t you live in Burbank?  If you live near Cedars we are practically neighbors, unless there’s some other one than the one I know.

Loveofcritters, I don’t know what you’re whining about.  They are nuking you to prevent cancer from recurring – neither cancer or being zapped with radiation is a big deal, who cares if they get it right?  The important thing is that staff not be inconvenienced – FOCUS.  (I need a rolled eyes emotion.)

Hey does having big boobs make radiation worse?  Like more zaps etc.? 
Also can anyone tell me whether this bra looks like a good idea or not?  I usually wear underwires and I understand that is not a good idea.  Crap I have to shop for bras along with everything else I gotta do…. Whine!

Loveofcritters I tried to get up early to catch you, but looks like I am a step behind. ( as usual) I hope today is a better day. ((( HUGS))))

I am kind of surprised to read about the size of tats and getting them removed,etc. I guess it differs depending on where we get our RADS and  mine are so teeny tiny that I can hardly find them and that includes the one between the boobs.  Just before the treatment starts they mark a green X almost on top of the tat. To avoid the stain on my bra I wipe it off when I get dressed with my finger or the baby wipes they provide. I started doing that after the first time I saw green all over the inside of my bra.

I am on day 12 of  RADS and boob is just starting to turn a bit pink in spots.  Breast is sore . I have what can only be described as a flat crusty sore that hurts  and itches almost in the middle of my chest above the breast that will not heal and I mentioned it to my primary therapist. I have used creams that I used for minor outbreaks of eczema and psorasis that I get on legs and elbows but this does NOT look like anything I have ever seen before and creams are not helping and they usually work fast.  She said I need to  show it to the RO at this week's visit  and did not seem to be overly concerned about it and she knows her stuff and I like her very much. I  put a little round bandaid on it to keep the beam away from it but they took it off and said something about the bandaid being in 'the field' and could cause a bulbus or something like that. Its not  really near where I 'think' the RADS are focused and does not appear to have started as a blister. If anyone knows of this happening to anyone please let me know.

Terri

So, Outdamnedspot, how did today go?

Just now found this thread...I had my 6/35 rad treatment today.  I am already pink and sore.  Did anyone else get pink this early?  I have been using Goldbond Healing Lotion at home and Aquaphor in the dressing room right afterward.

Ok...today as I was leaving the rad room, one of the techs told me to pick up a sample of a deodorant soap that they had.  Then she says it's a good alternative to use since I can't wear anti-perspirant during my radiation treatments.   WHAT?  I told her that I have been wearing anti-perspirant every day.  No one told me that there were any restrictions.  Were any of you girls told not to wear it and does anyone know why?

So glad to have this website...

I had my  "dress rehearsal" today and start tomorrow morning.  Today took about 1/2 hour of laying absolutely still with my arms up and receiving 2 more tattoos. When I got in the car, I burst out in tears....haven't done that since chemo 6 weeks ago. The whole thing got to me.  It was nice having a break and feeling "normal" for a couple of weeks.

Jennsmc- I was told to use Miaderm.  Also, no deodorant/anti-perspirants, lotions, powders for at least 3 hrs. before rads.  Use mild soap in the shower and don't scrub your breast.  No underwires.  I was given a list of don'ts.  Hope this helps.

Loveofcritters, this is hilarious – I’m self employed!  I’ve often joked that my boss is a slave driver.  I just have a ton of new business with deadlines attached that basically fell in my lap.  They’re big clients so it’s not like I can turn it down because landing these is great for my financial security.  I have to plough through traffic both ways so it’s not restful.  If I take the light rail, it takes longer but at least part of it is restful.  I’m actually thinking of subletting a place over in that area for a month or so – I really like that part of town and I rationalize that it will save me so much in stress and dog walking fees that it will be worth it.  One thing that helps is realizing how much things slow down over the holidays so hopefully that will help with the work thing once I’m really into it.  I start Monday – I have to run around and get all my lotions and shelf bras and crap this weekend.  Do you think this thing would be helpful?  http://www.fourcorners.com/product_details_lace_comfort_bra.aspx  In terms of sleeplessness, I have a long history of insomnia but have worked out something that works for me.  If you want my advice please PM me.  I think it’s super lame that you would have to argue to get antidepressants.  Dude, you are dealing with cancer.  It’s incredibly stressful, scary, and taxing. 

I am too busty to go braless and not look ridiculous and feel uncomfortable after awhile.  Sigh.

jennsmc:  it seems like I'm the only one who was told that I could wear deodorant.  Don't know if it's because that area of my underarm isn't really in the rads zone, or if my center is just different.  However, I apply a very thin stripe of it anyway, since I don't want to get into the pink zone under my arm, and sometimes I just spread the lotion all the way up there and you can't put deodorant over lotion, it just slides right off.   They say nothing offends them at the center.  I've read of someone on this board who used Tom's natural deodorant.