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

Yeah, what cypher said. I already had old injury issues with my right shoulder and now putting it up in that overhead position and the pec getting some radiation is definitely making it flare sometimes. I was sent to a Phys Therapist yesterday which is just normal practice. She gave me some of those big rubber bands and some exercises for it that are definitely better than what I was trying to do on my own. If you can see a PT, I would now recommend it having had a good experience.

Waitingforthenextstep: I inquired about them but found out that I was too young. There isn't enough research to use for anyone younger than 50. My RO said that research results are due soon but she isn't comfortable yet. My co-worker used this type and was fine. She said it was a little painful to remove the bag that they use for internal radiation but had no

other complaints.

last tx was Friday, Dec 14... 15 day protocol in prone position with 3 boosts (on Fridays). no major issues - had tx done during lunch hour - was fatigued by end of day..did have 1 day of dizziness.   but hey working full time and tx who wouldnt be fatigued?

Was told that skin on breast may become irritated after Rads...

Met 2 really nice woman at the tx center who had tx at the same time as me.   Im 59 years old, the others were 69 and 80!! We had alot of laughs and plan on keeping in touch. 

Good Luck to all of you and Keep Smiling  

This is interesting (well, relatively interesting anyhow)....I'm down to just 7 more tx, and you can really see the 'sunburned area' delineated in a big square, from my sternum down to the bra line, over underneath my arm, and back across the top of my chest.  It wasn't really noticeable for me until the last few days.  I'm suprised at how sharply defined the margins are, and I must say, somewhat impressed that they are able to target the area that well.

I would also like to briefly moan and complain that I'm tired, still mildly nauseated, and my ribcage and underarm area hurts.   Meh.  Done whining now.  Back to your regularly scheduled program. 

How many are working full time during their treatment plan?  I am only one week into a 7 week treatment plan and I was so glad I had the weekend to rest.  I had to finish my xmas shopping so I have been doing some shopping.

Outdamnedspot we seem to have similar treatment plans.  Mine is the right instead of the left.  I started on Tamoxifen on 12/1 and so far no side effects.

My situation is that it is year end at my work(I am an accountant) and I usually work OT but I can't because I have treatment right after work.  My RO asked me when my busy time would be done at work and I told her that it would be when my treatment plan is done.  I am thinking of taking Friday's off until the end of Jan but I am going to see how things go this week.

I do have a four day's off for xmas from treatment.  I found out that I have to go on Saturday 12/29 to makeup having the 24th off.

Outdamnedspot,  Your trip sound fabulous.  I'm sure you have been told to keep the sun off your treatment area.  (Put sunscreen on it, even if you are wearing a top over it.)

Chemo and radiation both makes me tired.  Pain makes me tired.  Pain meds make me tired.  Not eating because of mucositis makes me tired.  I'd say, if you aren't hampered by any of those things, it is possible to maintain a decent energy level throughout treatment.  Since I am feeling a bit better today, I might try and ride my bike just a little.

Hi ladies:

I just started back to work on a consulting/contracting basis and told my client I could only do 30 hours max a week. I structured my day so I work mornings and will leave afternoons open for treatment and rest if I do external rad. If I do internal rad, I will be able to focus on that more by working remote around what I have to do.

I know many of us have to work on some level during all of this. which is hard. I am single and self employed so I have to work it out to do something while I am going through this. I was off for months due to some other surgery I had to have and then now the whole bc thing. I know we all do the best we can, right?

Sonson- I'm mostly fine until I eat something.  I have this odd metallic taste in my mouth that isn't helping. I can only surmise it's from the radiation in my case, since I didn't do chemo and I'm not taking any other drugs, including tamoxifen.  

Sonson, I had nausea/lack of appetite starting a week to ten days in. Now on 27/33 and not as noticeable, or I have gotten used to it. I do notice since chemo that I can only take a small amount of sweet stuff without getting queasy- it can be tough having to pace onesself!

sonson,  Don't wait it out.  Tell the doctor and he may give you something to stimulate your appetite.  Now is not a time for weight loss.  It's a time for eating, all highly nutritious foods, especially protein. 

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The whole "sugar feeds cancer" deal is a myth.  There, I said it:  It is a MYTH.  Stuff your head with veggies and guess what?  Your body will convert them to simple sugars for the cells to use them.  If it is something a healthy cell can use, cancer can use it too.  Conversely, when we kill cancer with chemo, we kill off healthy cells as well.  As yet, we don't have a way to separate it all out, but one day maybe we will be able to target JUST cancer. 

I'm not saying go out and buy the giant Hershey bar for your lunch, that would't be the best for nutrition and eating nutritiously is what is going to maintain your highest energy level and heal the healthy cells during and after rads treatment.  Extra protein is needed for cell repair.  What I am saying is if nothing at all looks good or tasty except giant slice of cheesecake, don't feel too guilty about shoveling it in.

(Note:  I'm not looking to debate the other so-called "alternative" views on this subject.  If, as an individual, you choose not to eat any sugar...fabulous!  You will moslt likely be adhering to a more nutritous way of eating overall and I would never scoff at that.  I'm just saying that cancer isn't all that particular and it likes whole grain, gluten free, organic, hormone free stuff as much as the next cell does, that's all.)

Cider, when is your daughter's birthday? My son will be 18 on Thurs. I am having a terrible time with it and wish I could turn the clock back, on lots of things, I guess. A ninth birthday, and with girls, sounds like heaven. I think there is probably still some candy or frosting stuck somewhere it shouldn't be around here from one of my sons' parties- boys are just a bit less refined when it comes to partying down! I can't believe it, but tomorrow I start my boosts, 5 of them. I am quite toasted in the armpit and doing the saline soaks, but will greatfully finish next Wed. Energy level ok as long as I nap.

Yay! #10 of 30 is done. I am a third of the way through radiation treatment. It has been nice to say that today.

Cowpower, my daughter's bday is Sunday. I brought her home Christmas Day! Little girl party on Saturday. We will leave the house to drive up the street to the self serve frozen yogurt place. So really all I need to do is get the house clean and a couple birthday decorations. Sunday my family comes over along with the little cousins. With no school Monday they get to stay late. All of them together makes it fun/crazy!



I forgot to add that my breast is starting to swell. Not much, but I can tell.

Well, we are moving right along! 10/16 for me today and barring a snow storm, I will be sprung on December 28!!

A little pink, swollen and tender bit saw the RO today and she said normal.

Cypher...I wonder if it is anything to do with positioning especially if your arm is above/behind your head?

Good night, sleep tight!