Winter 2013-2014 Rads

I've always found as a general rule that the more specialized a doc is the less bedside manner.  Meaning by bedside manner, the less interest they have in their patient as a whole human being.  Not always of course, but most often.  My son is an internist and he has told me since med school he almost can tell you what specialty a med student will pick by their personality.  An RO is very specialized and is going to see you only for an short time for one specific type of treatment.  They are totally focused on that.  An MO will be treating you for a longer time and helping you with a variety of problems, so sees you somewhat more as a person.  Know what I mean?  Most primary care docs, internists and family medicine, have always wanted to be a long term physician to people and most often will look at you as a complete human being.  My son will spend 5-10 minutes with a patient when he first walks in the examining room just sitting down and chatting, saying he needs a break so let's just talk for a minute, without even asking why the patient is there.  Says he finds out more what really is going on with them before even asking where the pain is.  Of course he actually is learning if there are emotional/family/personal problems that may help in diagnosis of a physical problem.   Oncologists are geared into one spot on your body and not the emotion you are going through.  I always feel rushed with my MO and RO and hate that.  They would make terrible primary care doctors. 

Congrats Lana!!  WOOT WOOT!!

I'm so sorry to hear so many of you have issues with your RO. I got lucky.  My RO spends time with me and encourages me to let her know how I'm feeling and how my breast is reacting.

I'm going to Froedert in Milwaukee for all my treatment except radiation. For that I go to another facility that is affiliated with Froedert but closer to home.  However, if Froedert had been closer to home I would have gone there for Rads and still had the same RO. I have found the care at Froedert to be exceptional but the other facility only so-so.

I have been very lucky with my RO.  He has answered all my questions and takes the time to listen .  I was very impressed with him the first time I met him because he knew everything about my case, even minor details and wasn't reading off a chart as he talked to me.  Every week I find myself getting depressed as the week goes on but as soon as I meet with my RO on Thursday I feel so much better in regards to how my skin is holding up and that I am doing the right thing by having rads.  He has been totally normal and even has a good sense of humor.  I must have gotten lucky though because it sounds like others have had a hard time.

Juniper:  I do not blame you at all for not liking your RO.  She sounds very disrespectful and not filling in your forms in a timely fashion is inexcusable.  Glad that you have a great MO.  On top of everything else, sometimes it is our drs caring and understanding that gets us through this. You deserve that.  I have become very intolerant of drs who are disrespectful and do not even bother to prepare for appts by having your file present.  You earned that rant!  

Juniper, I totally agree with TB90 and TeamKim. Caring doctors are very important. And you can rant whenever you want, we're here for that too!

Jmfrankel I'm pleased you have found a caring RO. They seem to be a rare breed.

Peaches12, what you said about specialization makes sense. I'm kind of looking at it as, it's only 5 weeks. I can put up with anything if he's good and there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

My back is really hurting today. I'm creaking like I'm 104. Can't decide if standing or sitting hurts less. Wondering if it's the Tamoxifen I started taking last week or if I've just overdone it. Oh well, this too shall pass, I hope. Lol

Me and radiation therapy:  first let me say how happy I am to found this thread !!   I first had 4 weeks of RT in 1997 when I was first diagnosed with BC.  I had a bout of anemia and took a week off until my numbers went up. I had my second experience with bone mets this winter>   The RO recommended Steriotactic RT and this was an experience.  The radiation is directly focused on the site - something like gamma knife and given in higher doses in a lower period of time.  I had 3 doses with each session lasting for an hour.  I ended up in the ER the first time with vomiting dark blood.  the second time was event free and the third time vomiting again but knew what was coming so gulped my Zofran after vomiting twice..  not me again.

Lana, thanks for sharing the happy picture.  What a terrific group!

Once again, YAY LANA!!!! Great family and friends you've got!

Lana,  so happy you are done!  What a great group of family and frends.  

Lilyluv,  I know what you mean about the pain from  holding your arms above your head!  I can't take NSAIDs so I pop a tramadol before I go.  Barely does anything.    What helps is stretching before hand.  I also have been doing my PT exercises 2x a day when I am not in awful pain too.   Good luck tomorrow.

This weekend I officially turned red all over (15/28 done).  The small patch that turned red after 10 days has actually gotten better with the steroid cream or perhaps it just looks better compared to the rest of my red chest and neck. What is really strange is I got a big red patch that appeared on my left arm ( neither on the tricep side or bicep side but in between).  It's in a place that shoudn't be getting any radiation and in fact is probably leaning in the mold every day.  Can't explain this one but I think I will ask tomorrow.  

Lana, So sweet you had a celebration; you deserve it. Thanks for sharing your photo.  All the best to you in 2014 and beyond!

Had my simulation today, and start 25 rad days tomorrow! Hey TeamKim, we're back together again: seems like our lumpiness days were a very long time ago. I finally got to sit down with the RO and ask questions today. Found out that the Canadian protocol just doesn't work for the big-boobed among us, cause I wanted to know why I had to have such a long course despite IORT. He reassured me that my size does not mean I will have a deformed girl when it's all done, he said he'd be really surprised if I did. Whew! I think he does kinda expects burning, since although he's a no creams, just cornstarch guy, he said he'd be giving me sliver cream probably in the near future. Given that my post-op was REALLY REALLY rough, and chemo has resulted in severe muscle spasms and pain (dilaudid-level), he did say that rads should be relatively easy for me. I think that means that given my particular history, horrible burns won't be so bad LOL :>} Oh well, this is certainly going to be a year to remember (or possibly try to forget)!

I am married to  Chiropractor and in the 25+ years he has felt my muscles.....he says they never felt like this. They changed during chemo but the are rock hard and twitching in my neck.....my bones are in place !!! Will talk to my doc on Thursday !!!  Other then that I'm chugging olong , #7 today !!! 

1.5 wks down...skin still doing good.  anyone weaing lymphadema sleeve and glove?