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

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  • melmcbee
    melmcbee Member Posts: 1,119
    edited December 2012

    Hi ladies. I saw the Rad oncologist today and they went ahead and did my simulation mapping, scheduled a petscan for tomorrow, and scheduled my radiation to begin Jan 9th. I am ready to get this started and over with. Thanks for the responses and help. Hope everyone is having a side effect free day. Hugs.

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  • Outdamnedspot
    Outdamnedspot Member Posts: 297
    edited December 2012

    One more!  Did I tell you I only had one more?  Ha!

     Other than the drive (80 minutes/way) the whole thing wasn't too bad.  Started out pink after the first one and was worried, but thanks to Glaxol Base 3-4/day, I really didn't get more than a darker pink.  Skin intact, slight itching at times, but generally OK!

    Even a snowstorm couldn't keep me away today.  At the centre, they pushed my time later so I could drive in when it cleared a bit.  They have been great.

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  • Jazzygirl
    Jazzygirl Member Posts: 12,533
    edited December 2012

    Waitingforthenextstep-thanks for your note. I will be happy to let you  know the brachytherapy goes. Yes, I will do the 5 day treatment with the catheters. There are a couple types of this, interstitial brachytherapy is the internal rad I will have with the catheters. First breast with the small invasive area will be done first, and then I will go back and do the right side with the DCIS probably the following month. Will get advised on that on this first trip. You have catheters installed and then go twice a day for treatment, one hour each. Supposed to have less immediate and long term effects. My actual treatment is the week of Jan 7th and will pop in to let you know how it goes and what is all about!

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  • Lifeonitsside
    Lifeonitsside Member Posts: 250
    edited December 2012

    Anyone having nausea? My stomach has been weird the past day or two. And I seem to be developing a dry cough. I see my RO tomorrow and hope he'll have some answers.

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  • cowpower
    cowpower Member Posts: 293
    edited December 2012

    Outdamnedspot- Savor the moment! Today was my first " free" day. I am fried and on pain meds, but I cant stop smiling. WOO HOO for YOU!

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  • Shachar
    Shachar Member Posts: 229
    edited December 2012

    Outdamnedspot and cowpower, woohoo! Cant wait to be at the end with you both! Today was #7 for me and I am looking tan. My skin recurrence is nearly dissolved completely, yippee! Felt mild burning this morning but aloe zapped it. My main issue is muscle tightness under my arm (all lymph nodes removed and silicone implants). So I stretch, stretch and that eases it. Skin irritation from the tape resolving....glad for a 2 day break!

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  • Loneskier
    Loneskier Member Posts: 44
    edited December 2012

    16/36 will be done tomorrow.  Have to go on Saturday because of the holiday.  Turning a bit brown/red but holding up well.  Center is being flexible so I have been able to change my time(s) for any time changes I want.

    Next week I start my year end at work so it will be interesting because I won't be able to work late.  I may have to go in earlier.

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  • Outdamnedspot
    Outdamnedspot Member Posts: 297
    edited December 2012

    Well, I am done!  It was bittersweet leaving the 'bunker' as they call it.  The techs have been really super and sweet.  Genuinely caring.  My skin has held up and I will continue loobing until there is no more pink.  Skin does seem shiny and tight, but not uncomfortable...yet.  They said there still is the chance of skin issues post rads.  

    The room that I was in always had the best tunes from the 60s and 70s.  Nearing the end today, I had a little tear when I heard an oldie I hadn't heard in years.  I think nostalgia and knowing I am done was the factor there.  Not to mention I am EXHAUSTED.

    Hope everyone has a great weekend.  Cheers to a Healthy and Happy New YearSmile

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  • allurbaddayswillend
    allurbaddayswillend Member Posts: 355
    edited December 2012

    Jennifer W, I see a lot of recommendations around here for aloe and aloe based lotions, calendula lotions and creams (esp Biore or some name like that), Miaderm,  coconut oil, and probably a few others. My clinic recommends Vaseline brand lotion with Aloe in it - they gave me a printed out scan of the bottle when I started. I don't use anything with aloe topically myself as it always makes me itchier. I use California Baby Sensitive Skin fragrance free lotion 2 to 3 times a day; my RO ok'd it. I also have Weleda brand Calendula cream. I have only been using it when itchy and on my nipple when it's really sore. I've had 17 out of my 30 treatments and so far I'm just a bit pink and a little itchy. yesterday I put a layer of tissue between my nipple and my sportsbra when I needed to wear it.

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  • cider8
    cider8 Member Posts: 832
    edited December 2012

    Today was 16/28+. I can't believe I'm more than halfway through the full treatments! My RO hasn't decided on the boosts yet, hence the "+." I'm certainly more relaxed than when I started. Anticipation and waiting was worse than treatment so far. Treatments seemed so impersonal at first compared to chemo. But now I chat it up with the techs and nurses.



    My breast is pink but no peeling or sores. I am surprised to feel some sort of occasional breast pain considering the numbness from mastectomy. I'm doing my stretches but haven't been exercising.



    Congrats to those just finished!

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  • melmcbee
    melmcbee Member Posts: 1,119
    edited December 2012

    Hi ladies. Im trying to get prepared to start radiation soon and wanted to ask if there is anything that I should be taking like supplements or is there anything I should be putting on my skin to help prevent damage? Is there anything that you wished you would have done to prepare? What about exercises? I have let myself go and gained about 35lbs since diagnosis, surgeries and chemo. Im just too tired to do much. Thanks for any advice. I hope everyone is doing well.

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  • Outdamnedspot
    Outdamnedspot Member Posts: 297
    edited December 2012
    Melmcbee,

    I finished today (16 tx). I didn't do any kind of prep though I did routinely moisturizer due to dry winter heat here. My MO had said previous to rads starting not to take any supplements other than Vit D.

    I started off with pure Aloe but changed to Glaxol Base (4-5 times per day) as per RO and my skin is good. Medium pink, no blisters etc.

    My best advice is to get lots of rest especially when you start to feel fatigued. Someone here mentioned it hits '2 weeks in and 2 weeks out'...how true. It didn't hit me until yesterday and I am exhausted. If you have to travel, take any and all offers of rides. Less stressful and nice to have company.

    I haven't been exercising due to lack of motivation but now rads are over I plan on trying. I too gained weight but mentally can only do one thing at a time. So now it's time to work on my body!

    Good luck and moisturize!

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  • Loving
    Loving Member Posts: 37
    edited December 2012

    I finished #18/35 today so more than halfway!! I noticed a metallic taste in my mouth tonight. Anyone else experiencing this and what did you do? The only positive thing is maybe it might be a good way to lose a few pounds from Christmas as it sure taste awful!

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  • schoolmom
    schoolmom Member Posts: 458
    edited December 2012

    I am still finishing chemo but will start rads the end of January.  I hope that metallic taste thing isn't typical.  I am so tired of this taste thing.....

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  • Lifeonitsside
    Lifeonitsside Member Posts: 250
    edited December 2012

    Halfway through today! 17/33. Can't wait to be done. So far, just a little pink and a bit itchy but nothing major.

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  • momtopiglet
    momtopiglet Member Posts: 28
    edited December 2012

    And I am DONE!! D-O-N-E! Smile  Finished 35/35.  I thought I might be a little sad, but......nope.  Not sad at all.  In fact, pretty much ecstatic.  My appointment was smack-dab in the middle of the day, and it is so wonderful not to have that hanging over my head anymore.  I love it!  Everyone was very sweet, but I practically RAN out of the office- the tech had to tell me not to forget my card with my follow-up appointment on it!  

    Ok- so I thought I would summarize my experience:

    The good:  really no skin issues.  I have medium-toned skin; by the end it was quite pinkish-red and itchy, with peeling spots, but no blisters or open/ weepy areas.  I really didn't use any special moisturizers, because my RO used permanent markers along with stickers.  I couldn't use much of anything on top of them, since it would cause the marks and stickers to come off.  I occasionally used some Cetaphil, or when it got really itchy, I used a prescription cortisone cream.  

    The not-so-good:  I was pretty fatigued.  It started by about the 3-week mark.  It wasn't debilitating, but I did find that I needed to sit down more often, and I didn't have my normal amount of energy.  By the last two weeks I cut back on a lot of my non-essential activities.  For me, that meant most of my pre-Christmas craziness, so maybe it was a good thing.  I actually ended up spending more time sitting with the kids on the couch watching Christmas movies, which I know they enjoyed.

    In summary:  My dx was in September, and my surgery was October 10th.  The breast scar has healed well, however  I still have some continuing numbness underneath my arm from the SNB, and that area still feels bruised.  Hopefully that will gradually improve.  Obviously the itching, redness and fatigue will gradually improve as well.

    Looking forward to an awesome (and hopefully uneventful) 2013!

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  • allurbaddayswillend
    allurbaddayswillend Member Posts: 355
    edited December 2012

    Congratulations, momtopiglet! woohoo!

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  • Andrea623
    Andrea623 Member Posts: 959
    edited December 2012

    Congratulations, momtopiglet! Doesn't it feel great to be done! Wishing you a wonderful 2013!

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  • cypher
    cypher Member Posts: 508
    edited December 2012

    melmcbee, I’m so sorry you had such a hard time with chemo.  I’m almost halfway through with rads (yeah!) and I concur with others – I find that I get tired more easily, but it’s more like going to bed earlier and sleeping longer, a bit less energy when I’m working out – not that “I feel like lead is dripping through my veins” feeling a la chemo.  Re recommendations, I was told to eat a lot of protein.  Not the insane amount I was told to eat during chemo (and did eat … and my chemo experience wasn’t too bad as these things go so I guess it helped).  But still a lot.  Also, it really helps me to exercise.  It takes more internal motivation to get me going, but usually once I get started I find more energy than I expected.  I have dogs so to some degree I have no choice about it, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing.

    I got 12/25 off and am having 1/1 off – is that wrong?  It seems like others are having make up appointmetns on Saturdays. 

    Congrats outdamnspot and momtopiglet! 

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  • cowpower
    cowpower Member Posts: 293
    edited December 2012

    Momtopiglet, CONGRATULATIONS! Rest up and grab some energy back - 2013 is just aroud the corner! Glad to see you walked out of there without a backward glance, as I had a few "sloppy" minutes with my techs:)



    Cypher, I see now my lack of energy may be related to my choice of pets- I have cats and they seem very interested in my getting enough rest. In fact, they seem to be taking advantage of any moment I am still to make sure and come put me right to sleep in case I might decide to exercise!



    Lifeonitsside, Keep plugging away- halfway is when it started going by fast for me. I hope its the same for you. Dont forget to lube!

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  • Sloper
    Sloper Member Posts: 5
    edited December 2012

    Cypher -- I was also given 12/25 and 1/1 off; the two treatments are being tacked onto the end.  (I wasn't given the option of making them up on Saturdays.) I assume/hope that's not a biggie.

    I finished my 10th treatment on Friday, and I'm definitely experiencing the fatigue.  I find I just can't get myself out of bed in the morning, which is bad because mornings are the only time I can really get to the gym. So, vicious cycle -- no exercise, more fatigue.... I have to rush to get myself out of the house for work and have been leaving at least an hour later than usual (getting to work around 10:30).  My treatments are at 12:20 every day and the hospital is just a 10 minute walk from my office, so the schedule is pretty convenient.  Still, I cannot believe the change in my energy levels!  I am a person who used to pop out of bed by 6:30 or earlier every day.  I really hope this is temporary. 

      

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  • Jazzygirl
    Jazzygirl Member Posts: 12,533
    edited December 2012

    Ladies:

    Congrats to all of you finishing your rad treatment. What else can I say but a big YAY! 

    Wishing you all a good new year filled with lots of love, fun, good health and all the joy you can possibley stand!

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  • momtopiglet
    momtopiglet Member Posts: 28
    edited December 2012

    Thanks everyone!  To those of you still in the thick of it- its over with before you know it!  (But probably not as soon as you would like!) Wink

    On the topic of exercise:  I went from running and lap swimming regularly pre-biopsy, to just walking a couple of mornings a week post-biopsy.  That was primarily due to having an excisional biopsy, recovering from that so that I was comfortable putting on a jogging bra, just in time to have the surgery.  Then I started rads just three weeks later.  While I never really felt "Yay! I feel so awesome this morning, I'm going to go workout!", I figured I could at least drag myself out of bed and walk for 30-40 minutes.  I'm not necessarily convinced it gave me any extra energy, but it did make me feel like less of a 'patient', and like I had some control over my life.  I'm kind of bummed that I basically haven't worked out at all for 4 months, but I'm trying to look at the big picture.

    Sloper/ Cypher- my office was closed on Thanksgiving weekend, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, as well as New Years Eve and New Year's Day.  However, we had the option of coming in on Saturday for 'make-ups', or just tacking it on to the end. I don't *think* it makes any difference, as long as your total number of tx's are the same.

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  • Mother4Life
    Mother4Life Member Posts: 40
    edited December 2012

    Hello.... As of wed i will be part of this club. On Dec 21.. I got the radiation tattoo things... Now on Jan 2 I am starting radiation treatments. I have been told I need 30 treatment. As I enter the new year and this next stage in my cancer treatment I worry I may not be able to handle all that needs to be done (have 4 young kid (13,9,6 & 5... The two youngest are adopted/special needs, thus more demanding of my time than an average child), hubby that is gone 14 hours every night and no help from family or friends. Also wonder... I got a nasty head cold so wondering how that will affect treatment (will they start if I am sick) Anyways, I would like to ask those that have had radiation... What should I expect, anything to help with side affects, etc... I know doctor will go into detail before treatment ... But would like some feedback/advice on how to deal with radiation and sideffects from other that have gone thow it. Thanks for you input.

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  • Outdamnedspot
    Outdamnedspot Member Posts: 297
    edited December 2012

    Hi Mother4Life, 

    I just finished on Friday.  16 tx at Durham Region CC.  Is that where you are going?   

    If so, rest assured, it is a great place to go.  The only thing that I might suggest is that you request the same time daily to fit in with your schedule at home.  I only specified afternoons and the times were all over the map.  I didn't really mind as I did not have obligations like you.

    Moisturizing the area several times a day is a must.  Glaxol Base is very good.  I started using pure Aloe, but the RO said Glaxol was better.  The only other SE might be fatigue...mine didn't hit until #15.  It is managable.

    Have tried calling the Canadian Cancer Society to see if there is any way of getting assistance?  I noticed at DRCC there is a room near the entrance with tons of information and support.  Or are there any other agencies in your area that might be able to help with your two youngest while you are in treatment?

    Good luck!

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  • kglee
    kglee Member Posts: 40
    edited December 2012

    I'm in my third week of radiation. starting to feel tired and breast is tender. I still have some fluid build up around the site where the lump was removed in November (did not have to have chemo). they keep saying this is normal and it will go away.However I'm getting concerned because the breast is already looking bad,odd lump, shrinking, dimple, just not the same. I'm small anyway, beginning to regret not having a mastectomy. has anyone experienced fluid, or these similar issues?

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  • Shachar
    Shachar Member Posts: 229
    edited December 2012

    A big congrats to those done with treatments! I just finished #8, also missed christmas eve and will miss tomorrow. I am looking a little tan but nothing major and I am still doing the daily bolus gel pad. My armpit felt a little tender today and looks more pink than tan. Rash from tape nearly gone thanks to weekend cornstarch. My main issue is tight muscles so still stretching it out! Last treatment of the year, Happy New Year everyone!!!

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  • fgm
    fgm Member Posts: 831
    edited December 2012

    Mother4life-I just finished #17/33. I'm still not tired from it.  My only side effect from radiation is redness on my breast's underside where I had the lumpectomy.  I moisturize 3-4 times a day.  Today they gave me a dressing to use for 15 minutes a day. I'm still able to do everything and even babysit for my 18 month old grandson a couple times a week. Hope your cold gets better soon.  I think they will give you a treatment unless you have a fever, but I'm not sure.  Good luck. This site is a great place to be.  Great people.

    Happy New Year everyone.  May we have a healthier 2013!!!!!

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  • Itsalltemporary
    Itsalltemporary Member Posts: 38
    edited December 2012

    Hi Kareng1227 - I had swelling in the general area and dimpling along the incision line for quite a while (months). Can't remember exactly how long. I had my lumpectomy in May, so it has been quite a while, but things have since smoothed out. It is still a little "flat" on one side, but not noticeable in a bra. Hopefully, you are still healing! My doctor tld me it takes a long time for the swelling to go down especially if you had a lot of lymph nodes removed.

    All the best!

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  • aliyahgirl
    aliyahgirl Member Posts: 23
    edited January 2013

    Hi everyone -

    Done!  I thought I'd never finish but today at 9am EST I crossed the finish line!  Too bad there are no diplomas at my facility but they gave me a great sendoff... 

    I wish only good wonderful things for all of you sisters for 2013 - good health, happiness, fulfillment, and a quick and easy journey through your rads.

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