Spring 2014 Rads

simplelife4real · April 2014

Hi All,

Today was #21 of 33.... only 6 more full field rads to go and then 5 boosts. My skin is only slightly pink except at my clavicle. It's a little red below it and peeling above it. Fatigue has been my biggest factor so I lie down for about two hours after each treatment in the afternoon. That has worked wonders. I feel fortunate that I can do that.

flagirl · April 2014

keepthefaith Armidex not too bad, hot flashes and night sweats in the beginning but your body adjusts. They are getting more mild as time goes by. I take it at 630 at night because it was making me tired when I took it during the day. Piece of cake when you think where we have come from, right?? Hugs PS buy yourself a tiny 4" fan to put next to your bedside for those flashes. It works awesome and it's very quiet. :-)

flagirl · April 2014

AndreaJ50 LOL!! Mine have shrunk with the Armidex. Grateful for that. So glad to hear you are doing so well and you recovered quickly.

Redheaded1 I started taking Armidex before my surgery because we postponed surgery til I could get insurance in place. Also, surgeon wanted to start it because it shrinks the tumor before surgery. Easier to administer than chemo.

muska · April 2014

Hi Redheaded1, I started Arimidex two weeks before radiation. My MO thought I could start before. She was not very concerned about SEs. I had a nine week "gap" between last chemo and radiation because I wanted to have exchange surgery before rads and I did not want to delay Arimidex another two months.

I am stage 3.

VintageGal1111 · April 2014

Good Going SimpleLife!

The rad onco said my skin looked fine but I am feeling the burn & the pings (#7) The nurse asked me about fatigue. I told her I have no plans to get fatigued. After 5 months of chemo & being so horribly completely fatigued & from BMX last month I was done with fatigue. She shook her head & said I need to expect it. Luckily I can come home & rest late afternoons.

Redheaded1 · April 2014

I would lay off of the hot tub (like the shared ones at a gym )till at least your new skin grows back. who knows whats been floating in communal water at high temps---lots of BACTERIA. Give your RO nurse a call and inquire. I hope not, 4-ever I would just about give anything for a hot shower facing the faucet right now.

Just scared if all the crème comes off I'd fry the next day after treatment.

justachapter · April 2014

Hi Ladies,

fightbc-hope your first treatment went well. Everything caught up to me that day and I had a panic attack. Nothing about the machine or anything, just a panic attack. I'm doing fine now, Woo Hoo, just finished 4/35 a ways to go.

redheaded1-YAY 1/2 way there!

Have2laught-You are a busy lady!

AndreaJ50- Glad you got through everything so well.

Maryfox-You go girl, do whatever makes you comfortable!

I'm so tired, so can't go through the whole list, but hope everyone had a good day!

I found out my full plan today, 35 total (25 full/chest wall and 10 boosts), my last rad day will be June 12. Tuesday is also clinic day so met with nurse and Dr. Four days in all is well, but they talked to me about my skin and I was given a nice size bottle of alcohol and dye free Aloe Vera. They provide various creams as needed.

Tomorrow I have a petscan for a suspicious bone mass (pet order calls it that) in my sacral area. They are doing my head too (not sure why, no issues there?) Hopefully we find some answers as to what it is and why it causes me so much pain (all traditional findings have been ruled out). MRI was inconclusive as to what it is for sure.

FightBC · April 2014

My first radiation went okay. I was nervous throughout. But radiation technologist were kind women.

So, I had three zaps from 10 O'clock angle and one from 1O'clock.

It took hardly 10 minutes for me and another 5 min for changing clothes. I appliedradiagel immediately after tx. And after couple of hours aquaphor.

Did anybody feel the radiated side being hot? I did not remember reading it. I thought first at least couple of weeks, you don't feel anything.

I have to ask DH to apply aquaphor on my back I.e exit site. I was told that is important too.

Well, I m dragging my feet but I do not have choice. So, I just want it to get over with.

Thanks for all encouragement and kind words.

faerywings · April 2014

Fight- congrats on getting that first one done. It def. gets easier after that. I def. felt that the radiated side was hot, almost like it had a fever. By Fridays it was very noticeable, and over the weekends it would calm down.

mom-- sending good thoughts for your pet scan

hugs to all of you!

VintageGal1111 · April 2014

FightBC

I felt the radiated side hot, like a sun burn by #4, l got pings & pains by #5. I go for #8 today.

faerywings · April 2014

One more week for me!!!!!

I am seriously so exhausted, I really cannot wait. Then Tamoxifan, here I came. Blech!!!!

Anneb1149 · April 2014

Andrea- I was told no more hot baths or hot tubs, but because of me lymphedema, not the cancer.

mz_mes · April 2014

Finished 15 of 33 today. A little pink but no sores and not itchy. Had a lovely little wait for yesterday's session -- a harpist was playing some beautiful music for us. That was pretty and calming. Too bad I had to rush back to work. It could have put me to sleep.

flagirl · April 2014

we had major flooding from over twenty inches if rain yesterday. They called and canceled my treatment for today. There are many roads closed and NAS base. Guess they will add to the end of my schedule. ((

FightBC · May 2014

after second rad, I was red and hot in that area. My nurse called RO and for him also it was unusual. He is going to check on me on Friday.

I started to get tingling and tiny pain along with red and hot feeling just after 2 treatments.

Has any of you discontinued because of severe side effects?

justachapter · May 2014

FightBC, they wouldn't discontinue treatment, but I know for me, they have spread mine out and I'm getting a lower dose over a longer time. Originally I was told 6 weeks and now it is 7 weeks. 25 days of full/chest wall and then 10 of boost. I'm not pink, but am sore at day 5. They do expect I will have some skin issues as I also have a skin bolus bringing the radiation up to the skin level in that area.

Keep us posted. I see my RO and Nurse every Tuesday and more if needed. I was given the first line of creams, as they provide it all so they know what you are using on your skin. Right now it is a special Aloe that is dye and alcohol free.

Gramof2boys · May 2014

I'm on 10/25 and doing well, slight redness by my clavicle but not bad. I'm using 100% aloe very gel and Aquaphor so far, it seems to be working. I see my MO every Monday and he thinks things are going well. Hope everyone's skin holds up.

We have planned a beach getaway, the timing kind of sucks because I will only be 1 week out from finishing. We had to schedule it when all my kids could come and enjoy so there wasn't much negotiation on timing. I just want to get away for some relaxation after all that has gone on this last few months.

FightBC · May 2014

thanks momto3, what is the intensity of your beams?

Mine is medium, 180-200 units.

Notbuyingit · May 2014

gramo 5 days out from last & things are looking pretty good!!just one spot under my arm i'm working on

hoping this time next week to be lolling by the beach in FL - my brother claims salt water cures everything ha! i'll let you know.

hang in there,ladies! the sun will rise

VintageGal1111 · May 2014

I just had #7 yesterday with bolus. I think the eve after I have the bolus is worse. I can't imagine how this will feel as each week goes on if it is this uncomfortable already. :>(

Redheaded1 · May 2014

mom2three---what is the bottle of alchohol for--- it it drinkable?????HAHA

notbuying it and Grandma---you sure going to beach is good? My Doc says I have to keep protecting that area for the rest of my life. I too would love abeach trip when this is behind me----

FightBC-- I am getting 180 daily for 5040 total over 28 days, no boost. My RO said this is slightly higher because "you have a lot of tissue" ie--DD's. I get a short zap and a long zap from each side of my body.

Did you apply your creams too close to your treatment time? That can cause bad burn Or if you used no cream at all---I started applying my cream a the day they called and told me I would start the next da. What cream? My breast did feel warm after the first one, and it a little pink, but it faded by bedtime (I get zapped at 1pm)

Are you wearing a all cottonsport bra? Some bra fabrics that don't breath can irritate as well. I get my weekly Xrays today plus treatment, so I will pray for you during my extra time---what time are you getting your RADS?

Redheaded1 · May 2014

Wish I had calming music at my place---I have all young techs and god only knows why someone would think it is music.......The Gonda Building at Mayo in Rochcester always had a musical performance in the atrium---my dad and I went back and forth for several years with his health and I loved that place---

keepthefaith · May 2014

Hi ladies, so far RO says I am doing well! #21/31. I am pink sometimes, but not always. Have a few red bumps upper chest that itch sometimes. I am not sure of my dose, but I am getting IMRT. Only 2 more full and then 8 boosts. RO said calendula (miaderm or california baby) not closer than 4 hrs prior to TX. I have been putting it on 2 or 3 x's/day for the past week. Prior to that, once/day. I had some soreness/pain about week 2-3, but it has subsided now. Breast does feel warm at times also. Hydrate and walk!

I hope you all have a great end of the week. Hang in there, we can do this!

VintageGal1111 · May 2014

At the Cancer Center where I had chemo & get rads we have a man in the hall that plays guitar, nice calming tunes. We can also schedule pet therapy, reiki, hand &/or foot massage & very soon acupuncture. All free.

Phebe38 · May 2014

hi everyone: I just want to let you know where I'm at with rads and herceptin. I did 14/25, eleven more to go. I had a review with radiologist and I ask him about the possibility of radiation ruining the heart. He said that used to happen long time ago now with the new technology there's nothing to worry about. I also ask him why I feel those electric shocks on where they're radiating it. He said what you're feeling is nerves from your post surgery. He said keep up the exercise sheet I gave you.In time it should stop. He said what you have previously experience takes time to heal, that's after your post surgery. I was relieve after I talk to him. The RT said I'm to put Lubriderm four times a day. I told her how sensitive it was. After a little over two months after chemo I'm starting to grow whisker-like hair. Lol It reminds me of the times my DH was not shaving how briskly his short whiskers.

Anneb1149 · May 2014

Phebe- I think I am in the same schedule as you. I did 14/28 yesterday.

Would you believe I was at Rads for more than 3 hours yesterday? I had an appt with the lymphedema therapist at 1:30 and we finished earlier than we expected, so I got to rads earlier than usual. I noticed that the waiting room was more crowded than usual, and sure enough the machine was down. What really got to me was that at 2:45, my scheduled time, I got a call from them, on my cell, telling me they were behind and I should wait at least an hour before coming in. I said that in was already there. Do they think I can pull a StarTrek trick and teleport myself there instantaneously? What is the sense in calling at the time of the appt? It takes me a half hour to get there. Didn't finish till 5:30. They seem to have a lot of trouble getting me placed right. Anyone else having that problem? Also, I don't know the dosage or anything, but I get 8 or 9 zaps. Each lasting at least 22 seconds. Silver lining- I had a nice talk with one of the other women waiting, mostly about things our moms used to cook.

I may have a problem getting home for GCs special events- I forgot to figure Memorial Day into my schedule. Unless I can change something somewhere I will miss the preschool graduation. I am hoping they can double up on a few days ( I will offer to go early AM , and again late afternoon), or that I can get the last two boosts when I come back 10 days later. If those are not possible, I will try to get in first thing in the morning that Wed, and go straight to the airport after. I may have to go to graduation before ever going home, but I am going to do everything in my power to get there.

Redheaded1 · May 2014

So happy for all three of you that are 2/3 or more done and just a little pink.

I am taking 18/28 today. so I guess I am in this group too.

FightBC · May 2014

Redheaded1,

yes, my radiations are medium strength too.

I get four zaps. I will write back how longs. I just counted 4 zaps, not their duration.

I took treatments in the morning. So, did not apply cream at least 5 hours before.

But, from tomorrow, it will be evening. My nurse told me I can apply cream 2 hours before zap.

I am applying aquaphor in the night, and radx, radiation therapy cream immediately after radiation.

I am using bra only when needed, that too cotton bra, thin one.

Mirka · May 2014

haven't been here for quite sometime - I'm the caregiver to my 87 year old Mom she finished her RADS, 25 of them, on the 22nd of April...she really did well until the 25th that's when her already fine skin finally said that's enough and started breaking down - I feel bad for her as she is completely uncomfortable and and in pain I'm trying everything to help her out. We are in Toronto (Canada) it seems there isn't too much that can be done other then Flamazine and Polysporin...I'm hoping you fine people will have some suggestions on what we should try...

She has raw "burns" on front and back and under her arm and under her breast (partial mastectomy) is completely raw too - the only suggest from the hospital is to allow the areas to get air...here's her problem she is the coldest person I know therefore could not stand going without clothing for too long and of course because all the wounds weeping she is sticking to everything which means everything she undresses she's ripping off skin and the hospital said I cannot use a dressing. I'm hoping someone has some suggestions.

Also, did anyone take Benadryl for the itch?

Redheaded1 · May 2014

Mirka, this just makes me want to scream-----you would think a hospital could address this----If she has "wet" wounds, it would seem that her RO or her MO would have something to do-----wet open wounds become ports for infection. Its their job, their job isn't over when her last rads is given. Keep pestering them. You need to be her strongest advocate. I would not put any type of OTC Cream on without medical approval. I am fairly sure you treat intact skin quite different from open wounds. And I would photograph it and when you go to the doctor, let them see that you have the pictures. Maybe you can scare them into doing their jobs.

Do you know or have you asked them if there is an oral antihistamine that she could take that would stiop the itch? When I have had severe itchy drug allergic reactions, I take those, but they pretty much knock me out. Benadryl tablets knocked out the it ch when I reacted to something after my lumpectomy.

Spring 2014 Rads

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