Winter 2013-2014 Rads

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  • MrsDarcy
    MrsDarcy Member Posts: 162
    edited January 2014

    Pokemom - thinking of you !!!   Let us know how it goes.  ((hugs))

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  • batcatlady19
    batcatlady19 Member Posts: 138
    edited January 2014

    Congrats MovingFoward!  Yesterday was my final radiation too :)  

    I have an
    appointment next month w/my onc to talk about hormonal therapy
    (my tumor was very low ER+ & negative on everything else; when we
    last talked, dr. said I'd prob. get a small benefit from tamoxifen, but
    we can weigh that against the SEs). My boob is just a little sore w/some peeling skin. Should
    be no problem when I go to DisneyLand to celebrate in 2 weeks :)

    I'm most excited about my hair growing in, just barely enough to go 'topless' just for a wee celebration last night. A few pix on my blog:

    http://corpgoth.blogspot.com/2014/01/done-done-don...

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  • 70charger
    70charger Member Posts: 963
    edited January 2014

    High 5 bat!!  Luv your pics, wish my hair was dark instead of this white . Congrats again on being done.

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  • Moving-Forward
    Moving-Forward Member Posts: 11
    edited January 2014

    Thank you everyone for the well wishes! TeamKim- I live in the Northeast and my area got hit with over a foot of snow Tuesday into Wednesday. I had grand plans for the day but everything had to be postponed due to the storm. My husband and I did go out to dinner at one of our favorite restaurants to celebrate.

    Wherever you are in your journey keep moving foward. We are warriors ladies!!!

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  • bondsy
    bondsy Member Posts: 94
    edited January 2014

    Still having trouble regulating my body temperature. Last night I woke up shaking with serious chills, even though the temperature in the house was fine and I had a down comforter on. I took my temperature and it was 96 degrees. I had this problem during chemo also, where I'd get very low body temperature the day of or day after chemo. which lasted a couple of days. Now it's happening with radiation. Any ideas?

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  • BethF7
    BethF7 Member Posts: 16
    edited January 2014

    Woohoo...#7/25 done!  Celebrating each treatment down!  It's so exciting to see that card filling up with the techs initials!

    Was wondering if any of you that is experiencing bone pain...does radiation affect that in any way?  I know my legs are not getting radiated but thought maybe SE from radiation might hinder bone pain subsiding.  Does anyone know?  Thanks!

    Beth

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  • MrsDarcy
    MrsDarcy Member Posts: 162
    edited January 2014

    Hi Beth.  I didn't have chemo but I do have bone pain from rads.  At night I feel like I got hit by a truck, from the waist down.  A very heavy feeling.  I take a tylenol at night and have a camomile tea right before bed.  I sleep much better and the pain lessens.  

    Tomorrow is my last day of boosts - soooooooo excited !!  

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  • Palameda
    Palameda Member Posts: 259
    edited January 2014

    Hi! I got mapped today, and will start rads in a couple weeks. Been reading the thread, especially all about creams. My RO says no creams, until miaderm is needed, until then I'm to cornstarch the area 5 x a day. This is so different from what the rest of you have been told, that I'm a little weirded out...

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  • Gubbyann
    Gubbyann Member Posts: 34
    edited January 2014

    Hi Beth...sorry to hear about your bone pain...I too have it...Some days it's tolerable. other days it can be unbarable...I would take 3 Advil and that would help some but now I need percoset...But leg pain is not all...I have bone pain just about every where...I know it is residual from chemo, but have no idea if rad can cause it...Only thing I do know is that it got worse when I started rad...My RO said that every one is different and it could possably be from rad...I had lots of complication from chemo which I did not expect, so why should rad be any different??...Good luck to you, hang in the and God Bless

    Stephanie

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  • aeryno
    aeryno Member Posts: 59
    edited January 2014

    Bondsy - I was getting intense hot flashes/sweats at night during my Taxol chemo and up until a few weeks ago. Now it's just kind of warm at night. I get the chills and shivering fits most other times but I'm normally wearing layers when the house drops below 70 (such a weather wimp!).  

    My loving BF/life partner got me these cooling pearls for the hot flashes and they are awesome! http://www.hotgirlspearls.com/index.html

    As far as rads - today will be #14/25 and I'm a little pink under the breast and the area looks pink right after rads and for a few hours.  I go to the gym right after since it's in the same complex and so far so good.  I try not to wear a bra if I don't have to and have managed to go to work a few days without one and by just wearing a tank top underneath my top.  The area isn't too problematic yet - the RO yesterday noticed a little dryness under the breast so I slather on the Miaderm (which the RO's office gives for free though I suspect it'll show up on my bill LOL) three times a day at least.  Usually once in the a.m., then after I shower post-gym and once before bed. I may start more often as I approach the end of treatment.

    My nipple was really sensitive last week and on occasion I'll get little "zaps" in the area but otherwise it's okay (knock on wood).  I find the treatment relaxing because I'm laying on the table on top of sheets and a pad so it's comfy and I've nearly fallen asleep!  The staff is awesome and friendly and funny as well.

    Good luck to everyone!

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  • bondsy
    bondsy Member Posts: 94
    edited January 2014

    Thanks, aeryno. My problem isn't hot flashes, but the opposite. I get "cold" flashes and low body temperature. I also get those chills and shivering fits! Anyway, I'm going in today for radiation treatment #14/25 today, so over half way done. I finally lost my eyebrows this week, and the eyelashes are thinning. It's been 7 weeks since chemo ended and my hair is starting to grow back, so losing my eyebrows now was a total shock. I'm not happy!

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  • MinusTwo
    MinusTwo Member Posts: 16,634
    edited January 2014

    HVV - I'm staying here on Winter Rads and won't start until February.  You'll see several others just getting started.  We're most definitely in the middle of winter!!

    Bondsy - I too get freezing.  The best investment I ever made is a heated (electric) throw.  I spite of a constant 3 or 4 layers, when I start w/the chills I crank up the furnace in the house and hop under my throw until I'm warm again.  Available at places like Target, WalMart, Pennys, etc. for around $20.00.  Sized to work by the computer, in front of the TV, tossed over the end of the bed, as a shawl, etc.

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  • rosecal954
    rosecal954 Member Posts: 79
    edited January 2014

    Today was my last radiation treatment so I'm officially "graduated" and received my certificate and hugs from the techs.  It wasn't as hard as an experience than I thought, more of an inconvenience going every day although my commute of 10 minutes in sunny California was very easy. I've had little skin reactions on my breast throughout the treatments. The area of redness around and below my breast is already fading.  The last 5 treatments were the boosts and that area is more red, but doesn't hurt a bit.  Fatigue has been worse the last couple of weeks but I managed to work at my job the entire time, not missing a day. I've had the "strange" reactions of burning sensations, tingling and numbness on face, hands, and feet, but most of that has disappeared.  I'm very glad this part of my journey is over and wish smooth sailing for everyone.  Thank you TeamKim and everyone on this board.  It's been wonderful sharing our journey's together.

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  • MrsDarcy
    MrsDarcy Member Posts: 162
    edited January 2014

    Congrats Rosecal.  :0).    

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  • alfranco
    alfranco Member Posts: 200
    edited January 2014

    Congrats Rosecal!!

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  • DawnCT
    DawnCT Member Posts: 143
    edited January 2014

    Congrats Rosecal, Batcatlady, and Movingforward! It does feel good to be done, doesn't it?  

    PatAlameda - My doc also told me to use the cornstarch - I was told that  it absorbs moisture which is helpful to avoid irritation.  Five times a day sounds like a lot of work though!  As far as the creams are concerned, your doctor is not the only one who recommends not using anything.  I can remember reading the same thing on the fall rads thread.  It really is questionable whether the moisturizing helps preventatively or not. I do think the creams/aloe can be soothing if you do get irritated. Also, applying my calendula ointment and aloe mentally made me feel like I was doing something to help my skin, even if it wasn't really helping  I don't think you should worry that you are not getting good medical care because of this. They will take good care of you.  Try not to worry!    If you look further back into this winter rads thread someone posted a link to an article about this very subject - it may make you feel better. Good luck.

    Dawn

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  • SallyS70
    SallyS70 Member Posts: 947
    edited January 2014

    Congratulations Rosecal.  

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  • lovewins
    lovewins Member Posts: 881
    edited January 2014

    This may be an odd question but did the RO charge for an office visit every week when you saw him?  I am just curious because between 25.00 to the MO everything 3 weeks and if I have to pay RO each time I see him I have not been getting paid this month and it would be a struggle.  Thanks for any responces.

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  • LanaM
    LanaM Member Posts: 142
    edited January 2014

    Congrats  Dawn, Rosecal, batcatlady and moving forward on finishing rads! Hope I didn't miss anyone. I had my boost sim today - one more reg rad tomorrow then 5 boosts next week. I can honestly say it hasn't been bad until this week. My RO today told me to take a pain pill to help me sleep - I've just been using ibuprofen for pain, but not sleeping good. I also used Domeboro wet dressing tonight - has anyone tried these? Have you found them helpful? I hope they help. 

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  • bondsy
    bondsy Member Posts: 94
    edited January 2014

    Lovewins, I am not charged anything for the weekly visit with my RO. MinusTwo, thanks for the tip on the electric throw! I'll get one!

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  • TeamKim
    TeamKim Member Posts: 568
    edited January 2014

    HVV -- feel free to join us here,  many of us have just started! and our treatments will extend through and, in some cases! past February.  As Oncearunner says, It is still winter!  

    Yoga girl -- so sorry about your mouth problems.  I lost my taste during chemo as well, but it returned for me about 5 weeks after last Taxotere tx -- when I finally could taste a cookie I almost started crying!  It was so wonderful when things tasted right again!  So far, no funny tasting with rads, but I have only had 4 zaps, and my rads field does not extend above the clavicle.  Biotene is good stuff; I used the mouthwash throughout chemo.   

    Pokemom -- we will be in your pockets for tomorrow!  Fingers and toes crossed for clear margins and quick healing!!!  ((( hugs)))

    Gubbyann -- I actually craved spicy stuff during chemo -- ate a lot of enchiladas during the good weeks.  The last taste to come back for me was sweetness, but boy did I go to town on the Christmas cookies once I could taste them again!

    Here's to another end to a week of zaps, Winter Radiants!!  I hope everyone has a restful, peaceful and healing weekend.  

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  • Moving-Forward
    Moving-Forward Member Posts: 11
    edited January 2014

    Congratulations Rosecal954!!! You did it! 

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  • TeamKim
    TeamKim Member Posts: 568
    edited January 2014

    Rosecal, Batcatlady, MovingForward, & Dawn -- congrats on being done with the zaps!  You are truly radiant warriors, and we are in your pockets with the biggest pocket party ever!  (I'll bring salsa & chips!). Check in with us in a couple of weeks to let us know how it is to finish and heal up.  (((((BIG hugs!!!)))))

    Lovewins -- no charge for the weekly RO checks (had my first yesterday).  I have yet to get a bill or EOB from insurance since I started rads, so I don't know how they charge the insurance or whether the copay will come back to me in a bill, but they didn't ask for copay upfront.

    Lana -- one more week after today!!!!  Hang in there... I imagine the difficulty with sleep and the tension from the constant pain is rough.  Folks seem to say that once you switch to boosts the rest of your breast starts to heal right away.  Hope the wet dressing and pain pill got you through the night.  (((Hugs)))

    Zap #5 for me today.  I have been having some achy pain in the area of my incision bottom-side of my BC breast, especially during my treatments.  Told the RO as best I could (English is not his first language) and he thought it was recall pain from chemo (didn't make sense to me).  But last night I was hanging out on the Lumpies thread and others mentioned getting pain long after surgery due to stretching (from yoga, for example).  It dawned on me that lying on the table with both arms stretched over my head is stretching out that area which has formed scar tissue over the last 6 months since surgery.  That makes sense, and also explained why massaging cream/oil into the area seems to help.  Once again, for the umpteenth time in this process, BCO sisters to the rescue!!!  I am so grateful I found this site!

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited January 2014

    Hi, I'm new here.  Hoping for 2/6 simulation.  This is my 2nd go around and it sucks....  Has anyone ever had rads with drains still in?  I understand this is possible. V

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  • TeamKim
    TeamKim Member Posts: 568
    edited January 2014

    Welcome HVV -- 2nd time through?  That does suck,  as all BC does.  Ugh.  If you don't mind sharing, fill in your profile when you get a chance so others with similar tx and surgery can chime in.  I have not heard of rads with drains in, but they sometimes do rads during surgery, so I suppose the drain doesn't get in the way of the "healing light."  Hang in there, warrior!

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  • bondsy
    bondsy Member Posts: 94
    edited January 2014

    My RO told me to go ahead and start using lotions (he prefers Aquaphor) as soon as radiation treatment starts. He also said don't forget the back of the shoulder where the beam exits (the beam that is zapping the axillary lymph node near my clavicle.) I never would have thought of that! He also told me to use hydrocortisone 1% cream under the Aquaphor as soon as I start to have swelling or itching. I'm doing that now, and it's really working. I bought some cheap cotton tank tops to wear under my shirts that I'll just throw out when done because the Aquaphor is so greasy. Only ten more treatments to go. The countdown is on!

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  • Gubbyann
    Gubbyann Member Posts: 34
    edited January 2014

    Hi Girls...Just finished number 17...16 to go...Not feeling to bad...Tired, my breast is a bit swollen and red, nipple dark...and still dealing with aches and pains...especailly the legs and hips..

    Bondsy...Thanks for the great tip your RO gave you...Never would have thought of doing back of shoulder,and clavical...Makes sence when you think about it...I'll be using the hydrocortisone cream also...

    Teamkim... glad I wasn't the only one with weird cravings during chemo...Who would of thought Mexican...Glad you got your taste back...Still waiting on mine but we are almost there I hope...

    OK have a great weekend and God Bless you all

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  • PRB1956
    PRB1956 Member Posts: 444
    edited January 2014

    For those of you who've had the prone position for rads, did they do a scan before every treatment?  My RO says they have to do that to position it correctly.  Just what I don't want.. more radiation.  He did say it's only 1 rad .. but still, I was really upset that this was never mentioned until today during the simulation.

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  • MrsDarcy
    MrsDarcy Member Posts: 162
    edited January 2014

    Wooot wooot - I finished rads today !!!!  16 regular and 4 boosts :)    Yippppppppppppeeeeee !!

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  • peaches12
    peaches12 Member Posts: 67
    edited January 2014

    Congratulations to all who finished this week!!  I had my 15th out of 25 today, so 2 weeks to go.  Idiot question, but someone explain the "prone" position, please.  I'm on my back, back of my head in the mold and arms up.  No scan each time though I have xray pictures taken once a week.  Are the xrays I get weekly what you all mean by a scan?  They said that is to be sure everything remains lined up correctly in relation to bones.  With no xrays I'm on the table for about 2 minutes, the xray day maybe 5 minutes.

    Happy and relaxing weekend to all!!!

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