Spring 2014 Rads

Hi Pam358 and thanks for starting the Spring 2014 thread!

For you, and all who join you throughout the season, here's some helpful info on the main Breastcancer.org site on Radiation Therapy, includinginfo on types of radiation therapy, what to expect during the process, and how to manage side effects.

Also, the Treatment Side Effects section is a great resource for tips to help manage any side effects you may experience.

You may also find it helpful to read the Winter 2013 - 2014 Radiation thread, for more tips and tricks from others who've been there!

Hope this helps!

--Your Mods

thanks for starting this, Pam!  I have my set up appointment on 2/28.

Sunny, I have been using sick time since September.  I am planning g on going back to work during rads.  I hope it will not be too much for me.  I hear rads is easier than chemo, so I am hoping.

Hi guys:  I am on short-term disability as my dr has decided that it is time to take care of myself.  I was totally ready to go back to work post surgery and work part-time through rads (I have quite a commute).  But she insists that I not work.  It is very doable for many women to work through rads.     

I am a teacher, which is pretty high energy.  I start at 7 am and can be out of,there by 230, head to rads.  I can be home by 4 and stay on the couch for, the rest of the night, have DH make dinner.  That is how I envision it. I hope it works. 

smrlvr:  Fingers crossed that it works out for you!

sunnyside, stay home. 16 hrs is long.  You don't know yet how you will tolerate rads. I'd say wait at least 2-3 weeks in and then decide.  I've been home since September. Currently on long term disability.  I don't want to go back until I'm done with everything.  I've got Rads, hysterectomy/ooph and exchange and don't want to go back to work now to only have to take time off again.  I can't deal with the paperwork, plus my doctor said relax and has signed all forms.  He has indicated to the disability team that I will likely be out at least until Sept. which is tentative based on SE's and surgeries etc.  Good luck in your decision.   

My last taxol is 3/21 so I will not start rads until April.  I am joining this thread and also on the winter.

Pam, our commute is similar.

Sunny, like you I was determined to be a trooper and work through this.  Then my wonderful dr asked me why it was so hard to take care of myself instead of others (I am a social worker). Thought it was time to walk the walk.  Do not be so hard on yourself.  I too am a bit bored but every closet in my house in organized.

I think we should build in little rewards each day or week that we get through rads.  Any ideas for yourselves?

I am thinking flowers for myself as I live in Manitoba and like many others, our winter has been brutal.  One lady bought 25 Cherry Blossom chocolate bars and ate one after each treatment   Loved her idea, but personally hate Cherry Blossoms Lol

Thank you, Pam for caring to start this and thanks to the Moderators, too!

Hi & welcome to everyone.

I am having the 5th of 6 Taxotere & Cytoxan infusions tomorrow.  I am scheduled to start radiation sometime within the next 8 weeks or so.  I had an awful pre-chemotherapy clearance evaluation exam today.  I am thinking of possibly getting a second opinion about radiation, ie: where, when, how often, type, etc.

Called the Cancer Treatment Centers of America today and they are attempting to get insurance clearance from MiBCN HMO, which is NOT gonna happen.  CTCA told me "I possibly have the option of jumping to Blue Cross PPO option starting March 1, 2014" as they are covered by the PPO but not the HMO.

Not sure if I can put myself through all of it.

I told my research nurse, Cesar today that "if it were a viable option, if given the choice, I'd do another 6-10 cycles of chemo versus 35 radiation treatments."  Don't know why I am feeling this way.  Of course, it is not an option.

So, please count me in and THANK YOU AGAIN, Pam for starting the thread because I'm dreading radiation therapy.

But that's just me...most say it's a breeze compared to chemotherapy.

I will be starting RADS in March. I had my last TCH on 1/22 and today start my every 3 weeks Herceptin infusion until October.  I go for my mammo on the 6th and followup with my RO on the 12th. Then I go on a cruise for Spring Break / Going to Start Living for a week.  I expect to start Rads as soon as I get back. I am lucky that my facility is right across the street from my neighborhood.  I have had a bout of depression post chemo - I think it is because I no longer had to fret over the next round and all of my fears could no longer be held back. Looking forward to this last big phase in the processes to Kick Cancer and find the "new" me. 

TB90 - I think that little weekly rewards are a fantastic idea - I think that I'll do something simple like, a new packet of seeds for the garden, or a package of summer bulbs - something that will make me think ahead to not only warmer weather, but bright and fun flowers (I love gardening).  Than you for the great idea, I think that we should all give ourselves that little "boost reward" each week, it will be that little thing to look forward to each week.

Travlmom:  Well isn't that the best name for you.  Off on a cruise.  Promise yourself that you will live breastcancer free for that time and will save all the worries and challenges for when you return.  They will wait for you and you will gain nothing worrying ahead of time.    

Hi ladies, I had my first radiation treatment today. It went smoothly. It was not as bad as I anticipated. Other than my breast feeling a little warm (not sure if thats just my imagination or not) it was a piece of cake.  Prayerfully I will tolerate all of my visits like today.  I have 33 more treatments to go.  I work at the hospital where Im receiving treatment so I am scheduled for 7:40am monday thru friday. That way I can go upstairs to my work following my appointments.