Spring 2013 Rads

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  • SherylB
    SherylB Member Posts: 450
    edited April 2013

    Hi all,

    I have a question. I have had 14/33 rads and I hate to say this for folks suffering but my skin hasn't really changed. Is it to soon for me to be having changes? I am only getting 50.4 grays total so it may be that I am getting small doses each time.

    Regarding the b/p I see the doctor every Tues and the nurse does a full set of vital signs. Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend.

    Sheryl

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  • placid44
    placid44 Member Posts: 497
    edited April 2013

    Sheryl,



    I'm getting 28 and they told me symptoms really only show up the last two weeks or so. I have one week left and so far just some pinkness. I use the Calendula lotion they gave me three times per day. I am very tired, though.

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  • RMlulu
    RMlulu Member Posts: 1,989
    edited April 2013

    Hi SherylB & placid44



    There are so many different protocols and everyone's body/skin responds differently.

    I think our protocol is the same: 28 full breast followed by 5 boosts. RO said that each zap is 1.8 grays. When I asked about a shorter protocol, she said that she found the 28+5 yielded better overall skin response. And SoCal PS is PS meca! its all about great skin!

    My last boost is Monday! Some tiny little fever blisters around 18 tx but emu oil helped then around 23 tx added 2.5% hydrocortisone & emu oil...blisters went away. Skin is pink tender swollen but doable...I've looked much worst last summer when I spend too much time at the pool without proper sunscreen. Fingers&toes crossed this is it. RO did say SEs would present for 1-2 weeks after final zap.

    I lube 3-4 times a day and free boob ASAP! Once I started the boosts fatigue set in and I get very dizzy. Hydrating and walking...hubby is pampering me:).

    R&R it's the weekend enjoy!

    Cindy

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  • Lisa1637
    Lisa1637 Member Posts: 101
    edited April 2013

    Hi Brave Women!!

    I've been thinking about you guys knowing that some of you are approaching the end...YES, YOU DID IT!!!!

    For the others just beginning or nearing the turn-around point, I wish you ease of mind...no turning back, you'll get there!! 

    I, too, will be 33/33 on Wednesday, May 1, and I haven't checked in here much in the past couple weeks.  I must say that I've been feeling...best I can put it...'unwell'.  It's been more like flu-like symptoms, minus the fever, than fatigue...anyone else have this overall feeling of just being really 'off'? 

    It's been quite a ride...  and I plan on coming out on the other side with a new sense of gratitude and wellness.  I hope.

    Thank you all!! Peace and comfort xo Lisa

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  • RMlulu
    RMlulu Member Posts: 1,989
    edited April 2013

    Lisa - drumroll 3, 2, 1! Yippee this is our week:))) dancing shoes on...

    Sorry to hear that you been feeling off...I've experience fatigue and low pressure and dizziness...so yes off...but tomorrow is going to be a good good day...DONE!

    Hands up High we take the final curve and looped d doo on the rad roller coaster...

    Yes, our time to shout and twist...our girl took 1 for the team!

    (((Hugs))) brave warrior!

    Cindy

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  • Lisa1637
    Lisa1637 Member Posts: 101
    edited April 2013

    Oh, Cindy!!!!  That Rad Team of yours is surely gonna miss you!!!!

    Congratulations....Job well done!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! xo Lisa

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  • PeggySull
    PeggySull Member Posts: 686
    edited April 2013

    TOPIC: Rads in early stage BC?



    Question: Anyone here who is Stage 2, no positive Sentinel lymph nodes, had chemo, and mastectomy?



    My tumors were small after neoadjuvant chemo but multifocal. I am triple negative, but I don't know if or how that even fits into the rads decision making



    If so, what was/is your protocol? What questions should I ask in a radiology oncologist in a consult?



    I think this is what my MO will be considering tomorrow with me.



    Thanks in advance for any experience and guidance you can provide!



    Peggy

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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited April 2013

    Hey Spring Gals!

    For you, and all who join you throughout the season, here's some helpful info on the main Breastcancer.org site on Radiation Therapy, including types of radiation therapy, what to expect, and how to manage side effects. You may also find it helpful to read the Winter 2012 Radiation thread, for more tips and tricks from others who've been there!

    Hope this helps!

    --Your Mods

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  • pattithenurse
    pattithenurse Member Posts: 82
    edited April 2013

    Morning Women! Very interesting to read your thoughts,encouragements,advice,etc. I'll have a simulation on May 21st. I'm finishing up chemo this week! I was approached about being in an accelerated program,but i won't find out until after simulation. The cream I was recommended is called Colonial Dames,combo of Aloe/vitE. Going shopping tomorrow for that bra with no underwires. I'll certainly remember hydration,seems to be an important issue. I'm going to mark this page,I'll return for sure. Congrats to all in your journeys!!! peace.........

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  • Sneakychiquita
    Sneakychiquita Member Posts: 292
    edited April 2013

    Welcome, Patti.

    Peggy - My stats are similar and I was strongly recommended radiation (chest, axilla, and supraclavicular fields).  They recommended it for me because of extensive LVI, grade 3, and relatively young age (39 yrs).  There is a fairly substantial recurrence rate at the chest wall for those with these factors who've undergone mastectomy.  It recurs far less frequently in the nodes but it does happen, hence the recommendation for me to have those added.  Ask your RO as many questions as you need to understand what's recommended.  

    Best of luck to all those just starting up. 

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  • RMlulu
    RMlulu Member Posts: 1,989
    edited April 2013

    Hi y'all



    Happy Dancing ;)) yippee! Jumped off the table rang the bell and took my victory curtesy with diploma in hand! So thrilled to be done...skin looks good...my girl took 33 for the team and we're have a good good day!



    Welcome to rads Patti & Peggy! This site has so much good info on radiation theraphy. Read and then take all your questions to your RO! Ask ask ask!

    Bring your A game to rads and your humor...serious laser tag requires serious warrior princess attitude...you all will rock rads!



    Lisa - keeping the dancing shoes on for you...Wednesday will be here in a blink:))



    Sending healing(((hugs&giggles)))

    Cindy

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  • lemon68
    lemon68 Member Posts: 684
    edited April 2013

     Congratulations CINDY!!! You did it, here are your red dancing shoes!!!! XOXOXOXOX As always you look radiant!!

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  • RMlulu
    RMlulu Member Posts: 1,989
    edited April 2013

    Lemon - Love the red attitude Happy Dancing heels ...33 grays of radiant :)

    (((Hugs)))

    Cindy



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  • MMSS
    MMSS Member Posts: 103
    edited April 2013

    Congratulations Cindy! You have been a major inspiration to all of us and we are so happy for you. I agree that your team will probably miss you as I am sure that you brightened their lives in the same way that you do ours. Onward to a new and better life! Susan

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  • AmyfromMI
    AmyfromMI Member Posts: 241
    edited April 2013

    Yay Cindy! Happy dancing with you! 💃

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  • RMlulu
    RMlulu Member Posts: 1,989
    edited April 2013

    Thanks Amy! I'm so happy might just dance onto DWTS LOL!

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  • kkuziel
    kkuziel Member Posts: 191
    edited April 2013

    Tomorrow day 33 of 33. Skin looking tough. RO said on a scale of 1 - 10, with 10 being the worst skin irritation, I'm a 2. I'm a fair skinned redhead, so I was worried about how my skin would get. I feel very fortunate. No real pain(of course I'm not going out of my way to touch any part of the breast) have been able to work - middle school teacher, drive 200 miles round trip each day for treatment, and feel really good. Drive was actually the toughest part, and even that went fast.



    I wish I had thought to chronical my journey. I guess looking back on the past six months I'm grateful, humbled, and proud about how all of this has turned out. I'm sure there will be scary days ahead, but it could be so much worse (and believe me six months ago I couldn't think of anything worse than what I was facing) people are very resilient - when faced with no choice we tend to be stronger than we ever thought we could be. Good lesson.

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  • alcb70
    alcb70 Member Posts: 166
    edited April 2013

    Hi Ladies! Hopefully this is the last thread group I'll join! (no offense LOL) This has certainly been a process! I will start Rads on Friday. I went and got my left side deflated a bit today, and will have my measurement CT tomorow. I already have my recommendations on lotion & deoderant from my RO. Not looking forward to this. Although it has to be better than going through 2 chemo regimens. Thank you to those who have posted here. As with this whole journey....it's easier to face if you know what to expect & you can talk to others that have been through it. Holding my nose & jumping in with both feet!

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  • april485
    april485 Member Posts: 3,257
    edited April 2013

    Welcome to all of the new people!

      Cindy, I am happy dancing for you chica! So thrilled that you are done. I know how great ringing that bell feels but in comparison to you, I feel like an imposter graduate since I did it all in 5 days albeit twice each day. YAY for you though! Enjoy your freedom from the frying pan! xoxoKissSmile

    kkuziel, congrats to you too!~

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  • AmyfromMI
    AmyfromMI Member Posts: 241
    edited April 2013

    Kkuziel, way to go!!!!!  I really admire you for going through all that you did with the 200 mile roundtrip daily drive!  You are so right, that "when faced with no choice we tend to be stronger than we ever thought we could be."  Rest well, sister, you have earned it.  xoxoxo

    Welcome alcb70!  You are joining a wonderful group.

    Healing hugs to all!

    Amy

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  • Lisa1637
    Lisa1637 Member Posts: 101
    edited April 2013

    Cindy, April, Kkuziel, CONGRATULATIONS!!!! Smile

    32/33...crossing the finish line tomorrow!! 

    Comfort and ease of mind for those beginning the journey...you'll get there!!

    xoxo Lisa

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  • jayjayc
    jayjayc Member Posts: 69
    edited May 2013

    Congrats to all of you guys who are finishing up.......

    I'm 12/30 and just starting to get a red area and like "kk.." I'm a fair skinned red head so I've been NERVOUS....

    But then my RO told me today that I'm doing well and I'm half way done..... I was confused until he reminded me that 25 are whole breast and the last 5 are focused.....   

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  • RunFree16
    RunFree16 Member Posts: 856
    edited May 2013

    Kkuziel, YAY for finishing!  Your round trip is double mine and you rock for doing that long drive!  And while teaching!  Lisa, yippee for finishing tomorrow!  I'm just a couple of days behind you, finishing Friday.  Jayjayc, my skin is fair too and it's holding up really well.  There's no real way to predict who'll have serious skin trouble.

    Alcb70, of course you don't want to join any more threads--you've been through quite the ringer!   I feel as kkuziel does, that I've gotten off fairly easy in the BC world.  It's all relative.  Anyway many of my friends who did BMX, chemo, and rads found rads the easiest part.  Hope you find the same.

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  • RMlulu
    RMlulu Member Posts: 1,989
    edited May 2013

    Kkuziel - Yippee! HAPPY DANCE :))) Twist ! Shout !



    You did it your DONE! Congrats so happy for you...pamper yourself the next few weeks...no driving 200 mi a day! ...plan a special trip/event to celebrate in a few weeks with the bab fresh skin!

    You did good warrior (((hugs)))

    Cindy

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  • AmyfromMI
    AmyfromMI Member Posts: 241
    edited May 2013

    I really wish there was a "like" button similar to Facebook.   Moderators???  :-)

    I'm happy dancing with you Kkuziel!!!  Rest well.  You have earned it after those longggggg daily drives.  Healing hugs.

    Congrats Lisa!  You did it!!!  I'm happy dancing with you, too!!!  Healing hugs to you, too.

    Runfree, you're almost there!!! Yay!!!

    ~ Amy

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  • RMlulu
    RMlulu Member Posts: 1,989
    edited May 2013

    Yippee Lisa! Today's your day!!!



    Playing Afters- Every Good Thing and doing a Happy Dance just for you:)))

    Today is a very good day warrior and its time to celebrate...Congrats! Dance with those sweet kiddos.

    (((Hugs)))

    Cindy

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  • Sunny_D
    Sunny_D Member Posts: 7
    edited May 2013

    I finished my Rads last Monday.  I spoke too soon about the skin being fine.  By the time I got to the last 5 boosts the crease under the breast was almost black!   Needless to say it started peeling down to raw skin and hurt like a mutha! They gave me some sort of burn cream, silver something, to use.  It did help some, but it's taken a week for the skin to start regrowing over the raw area.  

    Just picked up my Tamoxifen.  Taking that for 2 years and them re-eval to see if I should continue or take an aromatase to finish off my time.  Just read the side possible effects...very scary indeed.  It makes radiation seem like a cake walk.  I haven't had the nerve to take the first pill yet.

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  • RunFree16
    RunFree16 Member Posts: 856
    edited May 2013

    Sunny D, that's awful about your skin!  I've got two more days of boost.  My skin is certainly redder where the boost area is, but nothing worse than that so far.  I know it might get continue to worse after I'm done.  Like you, I'm quite nervous about Tamoxifen.  Guess that will bump me to another thread when I do start. 

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  • Lisa1637
    Lisa1637 Member Posts: 101
    edited May 2013

    BEEN THERE.  DONE THAT!!!!!

    Proud and soooo GRATEFUL!!! Smile

    Thank you Ladies!!! xoxoxoxoxoxo Lisa

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  • pattithenurse
    pattithenurse Member Posts: 82
    edited May 2013

    I posted in another room,but maybe this is the room for me? I'll have my simulation May 21st,and I'M PRETTY NERVOUS ABOUT IT ALL!! I'm sooo sorry that we have to go thru this,that we have these different SE's! I hope,hope I can do it.........? thanks for listening,good luck to all of you. Congrats to those almost done on this incredible journey........

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