Winter 2013-2014 Rads

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  • SallyS70
    SallyS70 Member Posts: 947
    edited February 2014

    SlowDeep, I am thinking the lumps turned out to be okay since you started rads today.  You must be very relieved.  I finished 33 rads last week and already my breast pinkness is fading.  I am sending you hugs for a smooth set of treatments.  Be good to yourself with rests when you need them.  (((hugs)))

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

    Sally, Congratulations on completing rads! Thanks for the good wishes. Yes, everything turned out fine. I'm glad to get on with the process.

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  • desalonde
    desalonde Member Posts: 41
    edited February 2014

    Wow Annika, that's inspiring that you can do chemo, rads and still get out there and do soccer. Awesome.

    Sending Good thoughts for your continued progress.

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  • TeamKim
    TeamKim Member Posts: 568
    edited February 2014

    Feeling tired tonight -- I guess the fatigue is catching up to me.  Finished my last whole breast today, and start my 5 boosts tomorrow.  Welcome to our newbies -- and a shout out to Mcgis on finishing!  Maybe that pocket party is why I'm so tired!  Annika, you are amazing.  I wouldn't be able to play soccer for five minutes right now.  

    Lovewins -- do you have a prescription for Silvadine?  I was given the RX for that today, and told to use it when the skin breaks down -- I had a couple of small blisters under my arm last night that flattened at some point and released their moisture, but I woke up a couple times in the night and put Aloe on once and Miaderm on the other time, and this morning that spot was better.  Still, I guess the nurse and RO think there will be more of the same happening -- even though I am done with whole breast zaps -- and having the RX cream to use is a precaution.  I was told that once I am done (put a fork in me -- JK -- gallos humor) the skin may continue to get worse for a week or so, then start to get better.  Your decision to take a break will pay off, I hope, and you will regroup and carry on.  Good luck ((((hugs)))) coming your way, kiddo!

    Goodnight Radiant ones -- tomorrow is another day of healing light....  

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  • SallyS70
    SallyS70 Member Posts: 947
    edited February 2014

    TeamKim, how is your son doing?

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  • TeamKim
    TeamKim Member Posts: 568
    edited February 2014

    Thanks for asking, Sally.  He reports that he is asymptomatic today, and he passed the concussion test today, following 20 minutes ride on the stationary bike.  So tomorrow he moves to the next step of the concussion protocol -- "sport related exercise"... Which for baseball probably means playing catch.  So it sounds like he is doing well, and the training staff is monitoring him closely.  I am relieved.

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  • RedReading
    RedReading Member Posts: 2,143
    edited February 2014

    I'm in second week of rads. Cannot believe how exhausted I am. Went to bed at 7:45 last night. Sleeping 10-12 hours a day, working 7, commuting and rads takes another 2. Not enough hours in the day. Is this tiredness normal?

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  • lauriekaiser
    lauriekaiser Member Posts: 8
    edited February 2014

    Thank you, Sbp 1952 for your comments.  "let the feelings out and let them go."  i have been doing that and feel better already. TB90, I'm with you on gardening.  I can't wait to dig in the fresh earth and watch seeds and flowers grow.  I'm in awe of the strength all of you ladies have getting through cancer. God bless you.  And thanks again for all of your comments. I've learned so much.

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  • checkers
    checkers Member Posts: 95
    edited February 2014

    Started boosts last Tuesday and so far the rest of my breast is healing beautifully. I can't call it peeling because there is so much moisture from the aquaphor. It more or less clumps in little balls that I have to pick off.  When I take my bra off it looks like the inside of the cup has freckles from all the little clumps.  Yes, I can still wear a bra but only because the tumor was so high up on my breast (between 10 & 11 o'clock), Since the boost area is so high and my bra only covers about 1/3 of it, I have a Xeroform medicated pad to lay over the area because it is really, really tender.  This helps immensely!

    Tomorrow is my last rad!!

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  • LizzieK
    LizzieK Member Posts: 67
    edited February 2014

    One Week Partial Breast Rads - Done!

    I had my last treatment yesterday at noon.   Today my breast is only slightly darker than the other breast, no burning, only an occasional itch.  The nipple looks darker but nothing feels bad.  I am keeping up on the calendula cream.  Compared to what I've read on this discussion board I think my symptoms are less than those with the longer whole breast treatment.  Since my cancer was on the left side this treatment meant no radiation to my heart.  Like I said earlier, this is not for everyone but if someone is a Stage one, no nodes, grade 1 or 2, clean margins then I would highly recommend asking about the one week partial breast protocol.  The short overall treatment time is a blessing for those of us still working.  The insurance companies also save money since they pay by the individual radiation session.  

    I plan on waiting a week before starting Tamoxifen.  I am still getting over a cold and want to get healthy before starting.

    P.S. I am also posting on a One Week Rads board so folks considering this option can see what my experience was.

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  • lovewins
    lovewins Member Posts: 881
    edited February 2014


    Thank you Teamkim....I am taking a 3 day break 5 with the weekend.  

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  • mouse9587
    mouse9587 Member Posts: 53
    edited February 2014

    I finished my radiation today! 28 whole breast and 7 boosts!  You'll all soon be done also! It does end. Hang in there!

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  • Rlsteadman
    Rlsteadman Member Posts: 76
    edited February 2014

    Congrats on finishing to Mouse, LizzieK, and Sally. I am trying to decide which board to follow now that I am finished. Anyone have any suggestion?

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  • peaches12
    peaches12 Member Posts: 67
    edited February 2014

    TeamKim- I just saw your post about your son and his baseball injury.  So sorry, but it sounds like he is out of the woods, thank God.  I'm glad they were cautious.  My grandson played 3 years in the SEC and was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates last summer.  He left yesterday for his first spring training in FL.   Naturally we are all very excited and DH and I are going down to see him pitch in March.  Part of his bonus was the $ to finish his senior year, so he will graduate college!  Can you tell me or give me a clue where he is playing?  Good luck to him.

    It's now a week since my last rad and all is fine.  Reddish/brown color is fading and I started the # of times a day I am creaming late last week and didn't do it at all today.  See, girls, this does end!

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  • TeamKim
    TeamKim Member Posts: 568
    edited February 2014

    Mouse, Sally & Lizzie -- Congrats & pocket party happy dancin for all of you!  Here's to easy healing and getting on with life for goodness sake!  

    RISteadman -- how about the rads recovery thread?  Of maybe, gasp, just go back to doing all of the wonderful things of living your life before Dx!  Imagine!

    Red -- So sorry you are feeling the fatigue bomb hitting you like gangbusters.  I am not that exhausted, but I was like that early in my chemo, so I know what you are saying.   We are all different -- the mantra applies here.  Listen to your body and be kind to yourself.

    Today was my first boost.  The tech showed me the CT pictures that illustrated the field of boost radiation.  They got me all aligned on the table, then brought in the RO to give the final OK on the set up.  The machine now has a kind of open cone with a plate in the bottom, which I guess defines the field.  After the treatment the tech drew an outline of the treatment field on my breast so I can see where it is! and they also drew it on clear plastic so they can use the plastic to perfectly align me for the remaining 4 boosts.  The rad zaps are only from on angle, and it takes half the time of the whole breast rads.  Just thought I would share for those who haven't gotten to the boosts yet.  Also, the tech told me there are several kinds of boosts, so yours might be a little different from mine.  

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  • TB90
    TB90 Member Posts: 992
    edited February 2014

    Red:  I think it is completely normal to feel that much fatigue as you are working and receiving a dense dose protocol.  The SE would start sooner for you I would assume.  I only had #3 today, so no SE yet.  Actually, I have had the feeling of cording in my arm return, but not certain whether or not that has been caused by the radiation.  Will get my butt to a physio asap.  I had this post surgery and it resolved very nicely with stretching.  Odd that it has returned.  Still pretty minor but I do not want it to get worse.

    Congrats to all the graduates. 

    Every day is one day closer to the finish line and one day closer to spring and gardening. Looking at the snow piles in my yard right now makes it seem almost impossible to believe that it will ever all be gone.

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  • Lilyluv
    Lilyluv Member Posts: 160
    edited February 2014

    last whole breast rad(16 out of 20).  Started 1 of 4 boosts today.  Skin hasn't been too bad up to this point,  have had a lot of breast aching for awhile now.  Today my nipple feels like it has hot pepper on it and is itching a lot.  Oddest thing is when you itch even when so much of your skin is numb.  So far my nipple and Areola have been affected the most.  It's sporting a tan with some red stripes in it.  Rlsteadman  sounds like your boosts are near where mine are.  I can't tell if it's just the skin catching up or due to one boost today.

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  • jpteacher1
    jpteacher1 Member Posts: 52
    edited February 2014

    I'm done!!!  Finished my last treatment today!!  I am red and sore, but no blisters etc.  The nurse gave me a bag of cream (RX cream) and pads.  I have a follow-up appointment the end of March.  It will be nice not having to make the 45 minute trips each day to the radiation center.  The weather has been awful here in Michigan and I am glad to be retired and have a  husband who would brave the roads to get me to treatment on time each day.  It seems like a very long journey since my diagnosis in October.  I meet with my oncologist on March 17th to go over my treatment plan.  Unlike other surgeries etc., having breast cancer is something that will be with me the rest of my life.  Good luck to everyone.  Your advice has been valuable since I started radiation in January.

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

    Lilyluv, good luck on your boosts. I hope the end goes smoothly for you!

    Congratulations jp - it must feel so good to be done.

    I have a question. I was told no shaving under the arms, all during radiation. My underarm hair has been growing back like crazy the past few weeks (did chemo), and I haven't shaved since I started rads on Monday. It's getting increasingly uncomfortable. Does everyone not shave? I feel like if I go the whole time, I'll be able to knit a small sweater when I'm done. Any input would be appreciated.

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  • checkers
    checkers Member Posts: 95
    edited February 2014

    I'm done! Had my last boost today! Saw my RO after and she is impressed on how quickly I'm healing.  My boost area is bright watermelon pink and she said it will continue to 'tan' and become dark brown like my armpit and then 'peel' like the rest of my breast. I see her nurse next week for a skin check and then my RO again the following week. After that I can contact them if I have questions or concerns. I see my MO in two weeks to get started on Arimidex.

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  • annika12
    annika12 Member Posts: 433
    edited February 2014

    Dont know if rads caught up with me or something else is going on but MAN I feel like I ran a marathon , my body hurts, my eyes hurt my lungs hurt and sooooo tired. Soup and early bed for me :) 3 full left !!!

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  • SallyS70
    SallyS70 Member Posts: 947
    edited February 2014

    Congratulations jp and checkers.  

    Slow, I did not shave during rads but my hair seemed to not grow possibly because the rads came very close.

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

    SlowDeep - It was my understanding that you could shave w/an electric razor., but check w/your rads team.  I don't have much hair growth there - probably because I'm still on Herceptin for a year.

    Checkers & JP - wooo hooo.  Congrats.  My rads center has a bell to ring just like my chemo center.

    Finished week 2 today.  RO seems to think skin is great.  I'm using only Miaderm so far.  She did remind me to be sure to do the stretching exercises at least once every day.

    RE: Implants & continuing changes to skin, tissue, muscles - she said that I could expect any tissue changes to be MOSTLY finished after two years - but reminded me that rads is the gift that keeps on giving (yup, she really said that).

    EDITED to add - she did say most of the 'burning' effects to the skin would continue for around 2 weeks after rads.

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  • Furfriend2
    Furfriend2 Member Posts: 299
    edited February 2014

    Hi Raddies,

    Hope everyone is well and sailing smoothly through rads & the week.

      Fatigue?? I am ALWAYS tired now, lol. I still feel breast spasms/pains & cording/rubber band feelig under arm ( lymph nodes removed ). My back is bothering me as well.   Oh & I had a hot flash while on the table today getting films taken-good griefShocked

    It was realy cold today and more snow.  I so wants to see a palm tree and feel the warmth of the sun on my skin....ahhhhhh that's better.

    Furfriend

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  • Furfriend2
    Furfriend2 Member Posts: 299
    edited February 2014

    Job well done Checkers & JP Whoop it up!!!!ThumbsUpThumbsUp

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  • jpteacher1
    jpteacher1 Member Posts: 52
    edited February 2014

    Thanks everyone again for all of the encouragement.  Those that are fatigued, that is normal.  I took a nap every day for about an hour.  My nurse said that I will continue to feel fatigued.  She said my journey started slow and it will be a slow return back to normal.  I did shave my underarms during radiation with a electric shaver.  Best. Wishes to everyone.  I will continue to stop back to see how everyone else is doing.

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  • RedReading
    RedReading Member Posts: 2,143
    edited February 2014

    OMG Furfriend, identical! Films day for me too. Hot flash on the table too. 40 mins lying there in the world's most uncomfortable position. My arm in the stirrups and my neck supported by that dumb thing that doesn't let your head down. All the pressure is on your neck.

    I'm so tired. I can't keep doing this, I'm sleeping 12 hours a day. I work 7 straight, no lunch, and commute and rads takes 2 more. I know it sounds like I still have 5 hours but I don't. I get ready for work, I cook dinner, I help my kids, I help my mom. 

    My friend suggested I tell work I need Fridays off. That way I'd have 3 days to recoup. What do you think? Does this sound more viable?

    O don't mind me, I'm having a pity party. Tiny violins are playing for it. Suck it up buttercup. I just don't feel like it 

    Nite nite. Hugs'n'kisses 


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  • Furfriend2
    Furfriend2 Member Posts: 299
    edited February 2014

    Do It Red!! If you can take off Friday Do It!  BTW I will join you at the pity partyLoopy.  How about that Tamoxifen? Hot flashes every day right? And a few of them every day? I wake up every night now and I sooo hate this as this messes with your zzzzz's.  So of course we are exhausted, lol.

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  • RedReading
    RedReading Member Posts: 2,143
    edited February 2014

    Furfriend - tamoxifen sucks! Nothing like waking up with the pillow soaked is there. I've had night sweats and hot flashes but these are intense! Might talk to my MO about it. Idk.

    Sorry you're not feeling great either and I know I should be saying something positive that will make you feel better but...

    I know - spring will be here in a mere two months. Yay. Gardening! Digging into the earth will be gooood.

    Okay, would have gone to bed an hour ago but for calls from friends making sure I'm ok. Hey, that's something to smile about. 

    Good night again.

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  • BigDBeatingBigC
    BigDBeatingBigC Member Posts: 292
    edited February 2014

    Red, I am in agreement on taking off the Friday if you can.  During this time when you need the extra rest, do not hesitate to do what is best for YOU.  You are doing a lot!  My goodness, working pretty much full time and cooking, taking care of your family.  That is a lot to ask of your body right now on top of the rads.  I say just do it.  And whine all you like, we all do it and we all need to now and then.  Nothing in the world wrong with that!

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