Summer Rads 2014

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  • Sunshineinky
    Sunshineinky Member Posts: 461
    edited May 2014

    Deb maybe you should talk to the RO.  There's still a chance that even with PT you might not be able to get into that position.  

    Lisa, I'm on treatment 7 tomorrow.  I'm feeling fine at the moment and hope I'm like you at halfway there! 

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  • ohiofan
    ohiofan Member Posts: 206
    edited May 2014


    No. 2 today.  I take my Aquaphor with me and wear a cotton sport bra.  Everyone is so nice, yet they are a well-oiled machine.  Hope we all continue to do well!

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  • AnnBR
    AnnBR Member Posts: 853
    edited May 2014

    I can relate to the weird position. During the mapping process my arms were over my head and kind of to one side. I was in that position for quite some time as I was doing the deep breath testing. My DIEP was four weeks ago today and I'm still quite sore. About halfway through I got a sharp pain in the middle of my chest where things were pulling and a cramp in my shoulder. Holy moly did that hurt! I thought I was going to have to stop the process but I stuck it out. When finished, the techs had to pry my arm out of the position. I begin rads next Monday and I hope it goes better than this!

    Ann

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  • count_it_all_joy
    count_it_all_joy Member Posts: 130
    edited May 2014

    Ann - One good thing about starting for real is that you're in position only for about 4 minutes.  That's the way it is for me, anyway.  It always surprises me when they say I'm done!  

    Today they took off 3 of my stickers and replaced them with tats.  I wanted it done, but imagined it would be more painful.  Very relieved that it was not!

    Deb - I remember my RO saying that statistically, there was no difference between starting rads immediately vs. up to 6 weeks later.  We started mine at 5 1/2 weeks, because chemo gave me a pretty good beating, and that gave me time to recover a bit.  If you can do what you need to do within that time frame, I wouldn't worry about it.  You may not want to be healing from surgery and going through rads at the same time.  If you need to be doing repetitive exercises to get your range of motion back, it might not be a good mix with trying not to stress your skin.  (no medical advice from me, just layman's thoughts!!)

    ohiofan - well-oiled machine, that sounds like mine!  I hear people talking about taking lunch to their tech's when they're done, and at this point can't imagine doing it.  They are very pleasant, but I've had 5 or 6 different people in the first week, and they have me in and out with no time for chitchat.  I don't imagine feeling attached to anyone when I'm done!  

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  • Sunshineinky
    Sunshineinky Member Posts: 461
    edited May 2014

    I have a total of 6 tats that I'll have laser removed when I'm done and healed! My techs are great and very personable. I have the same group of 4 all the time. 2 techs set you up each day just to ensure accuracy.  

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  • Crazywabbit
    Crazywabbit Member Posts: 563
    edited May 2014

    starting officially RT tomorrow. Dry run went well today, everything set up correctly.  Getting  IMRT  due to having to include the internal mammary lymph nodes, 33 rx including the 5 boost. Asked about bolus and was told I would not get any, they only use them on mastectomy patients not whole breast RT. Fine with me. After finishing I talked with the RO, who I have known for almost 30 years. He and my husband (a retired radiologist) used to go fishing together. He took me into the back room and showed me all the computer images of my CT/MRI and CT/PET merged scans and the RT fields mapped onto it. He showed me where the different doses of radiation were and how the IMRT literally curved the field around the breast and chest wall, delivering minimal doses to the heart and lungs. Sort of looked like a topographic map.  

    Advised not to use anything on my skin unless I start to have problems.They would advise what to use then. OK to use regular deodorant as long as not within 4 hours of Rx and OK to shave if wanted (I did it last night and do not plan on doing it again until  after healed up from RT). I did buy some Tom's deodorant since it does not have any aluminum in it. Will try using that for now. If it does not work will use regular stuff at bedtime.  Asked about curcumin and he said he really did not know anything about it but I could use it if I wanted. I will check it out at our local health food store.

    Also starting Aromasin tonight. Can not wait for the hot flushes to start up again. thought those were long behind me.

    Never though I would be getting so up close and personal with a linear accelerator, LOL   Not looking forward to this experiences but glad to get it started and get closer to the end of all the treatment and get back to a somewhat normal life. 

    Best to all going onward with this journey

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  • Rosiesride
    Rosiesride Member Posts: 513
    edited May 2014

    I know what you mean about glad to be starting so you can be done!  I met with RO today for a consult and to set up the first appointment for mold which will be June 16 th ( my last chemo is Monday June 2nd...yippee!)

    I asked a lot of questions but forgot to ask how many sessions I will get!  I think 33 but not sure...he did say it would be ok to swim in a pool which I was surprised about due to the chlorine...I will see how that goes...just want to do more and we have a neighborhood clubhouse with a pool that we pay a yearly fee for so I would like to use it! Plus I can get exercise!!  But I will have to time it so I am in the shade more...I think I will begin RT on June 23....good luck and let's get this done!! Rosie

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  • Sunshineinky
    Sunshineinky Member Posts: 461
    edited May 2014

    Barbara good luck tomorrow! I'm on treatment 8 of 33. So far so good. 

    Rosie I was  Ok'd today to swim in my pool as long as I kept my radiation area covered up! I can't even tell you how happy this made me!! They said I could swim as long as my skin held up and I had no open areas.  He said to shower after and lotion up! 

    We will get this done! My faith grows daily! 

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  • Jodi040812
    Jodi040812 Member Posts: 383
    edited May 2014

    hi ladies!  Coming over from the Dec chemo group, so several of you know me already;). Heading to Texas next week for all the set up stuff.  I'll officially start rads June 10th and finish July 22nd.  33 total when all said and done.  

    Today was an adventure!  My TE's were deflated a lot.   I was 600cc in each and now 300 on the left and 150 on the right.  Trust me- not a pretty sight.  Looks like a crumbled potato chip bag. It is what it is!  I had to be reduced because of the angle the rads will be.  Looking forward to this summer and putting cancer to bed forever!  Sending love and prayers to you all;)

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  • Sandrac3
    Sandrac3 Member Posts: 28
    edited May 2014

    Hi all!!  Going for my planning session tomorrow and starting 5 weeks w/o June 9th.  Good luck to everyone who's already started. 

    S

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  • Leealice
    Leealice Member Posts: 87
    edited May 2014

    Hi all,

    I've completed 22 out of 31 rads. Breast area is red, rashy and a little itchy. Looks worse than it feels. Using miaderm on it. So much easier than chemo. 

    I had my Vitamin D level checked 3 weeks pfc for the first time and my level was low, 23. It should be above 30. With triple negative bc, they like it to be above 50. I will start taking 5,000 iu of D3 a day once rads are done. Seems to be a link between low levels of Vit D and bc. I was surprised mine was low. I have a pool, lake house and 3 boys that play outdoor sports. I'm outside all the time and in the Texas sun but still had low levels

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  • Rosiesride
    Rosiesride Member Posts: 513
    edited May 2014

    glad to hear rads are easier than chemo!! Last chemo on Monday!!!  Planning season June 16....if all goes well with CHEMO SE...then start June 23!  Wanna start so I can finish!!

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  • Sam2U
    Sam2U Member Posts: 233
    edited May 2014

    Hi!  I guess I am joining this group also.  Went for a planning session this week and will start on June 16 for 6 weeks.  Last Taxol is next week.

    Not looking forward to radiation, but looking forwarding to finishing!!

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  • Rosiesride
    Rosiesride Member Posts: 513
    edited May 2014

    hey Sam2u...we are almost on same schedule!! I finish TAC MONDAY!!! We can do it!!!  Almost over!!! Woohoo!!

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  • ohiofan
    ohiofan Member Posts: 206
    edited May 2014


    Going for number 4 today.  My Vit D is low, also.  BS has me taking 4000 units a day now.  I've been taking 2000 iu's for a year or so, but evidently not enough.  Best wishes to all!

     

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  • count_it_all_joy
    count_it_all_joy Member Posts: 130
    edited May 2014

    I'm planning to swim too, just not too much or long, and I'll do a quick shower and dab of light lotion after.  110+ weather, hot flashes, and we keep our thermostat inside at 80 for budget reasons… I only survive the summers b/c of our pool!  Gotta go buy a rash guard this morning, too impatient to order one online and wait for delivery.  

    Welcome, new ladies!  Not the best way to spend the summer, but we'll make it.  

    Barbara, it must have been interesting to see all the equipment and scans up close, and have someone willing to explain it all.  Sorry you have to go through hot flashes twice!  I'm 50 this year, and counting on this being a one-time thing.  Does anyone know if the hot flashes last the whole 5 years, or will they at least diminish…?

    Got my hand slapped this morning b/c somehow I keep arriving 5-10 minutes late.  I totally get how that would mess up the day for others who come later.  Just trying to juggle one child in school and homeschooling the other… I've always put the schooling first, and fit in the other stuff, but obviously I need to be doing the opposite now.  Very embarrassing!

    Mary

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  • Sunshineinky
    Sunshineinky Member Posts: 461
    edited May 2014

    Mary what is a rash guard? 

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  • Rosiesride
    Rosiesride Member Posts: 513
    edited May 2014

    I believe a rash guard is a shirt worn over bathing suit...surfers and body boarders wear them in case they wipe out on the sand...I have long sleeve sunguard shirt I may try when I swim....and a short sleeve one to wear over suit to protect radiated area from sun...rosie

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  • aff
    aff Member Posts: 279
    edited May 2014

    I'm so glad to hear about swimming. I was planning on getting a rash guard so it's good to hear that is what many of you are doing.

    I won't start rads till July and I have not met with my RO yet. I am very fortunate to have my Cancer Center about 3 or 4 miles from my house. I will go for radiation in the same place I had chemo. My BS is also in the same building. The only travel I have is for my PS which is less than an hour away so really not too bad at all.

    Mary - I'm going to have to figure it out too. I never made it to a single chemo on time. Being 10 minutes late for everything really is the story of my life.

    Sam and Rosie - Congrats on your final chemo!

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  • Crazywabbit
    Crazywabbit Member Posts: 563
    edited May 2014

    I am very happy my Cancer Treatment Center, where both the medical and radiation oncology offices are , about 1/2 mile form my house. Literally 6 blocks. My husband used to work at that hospital when he was a a Radiologist and usually walked to work every day. They just got a new linear accelerator last year so hopefully no breakdowns.

    1/33 done today. I got all worried about nothing. Everything went smoothly, about 9 zaps from 5-6 different positions. Some were much longer then others and no breath holding needed. Really a weird feeling lying there starring at a machine delivering hopefully lethal radiation to those bad little hidden cells.

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  • Crazywabbit
    Crazywabbit Member Posts: 563
    edited May 2014

    I went online to my Blue Cross site and saw the billing for the first sim. session.  Slightly over $5000 for the combined doctor and hospital billing. Will be interesting to see how much they pay, I usually find they pay about 50-60% of the billing. 

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  • Sunshineinky
    Sunshineinky Member Posts: 461
    edited May 2014

    Barbara my bills have been insane too.  I drive 40 minutes one way to radiation so I'm jealous of your short trip! 

    Rosie, where could I find one of these rash guard shirts? I was just planning on wearing a tshirt.  

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  • count_it_all_joy
    count_it_all_joy Member Posts: 130
    edited May 2014

    Sunshine - I had a hard time finding rash guards for women (kids, sure, but not adult sizes) at the stores where I usually shop, but finally my husband suggested a sporting store, since they're worn more often for water sports.  I went to Sports Authority today and they had 7 or 8 different styles.  Just had my first real swim since rads started.   One good SE of chemo and no hair - didn't have to worry about getting my hair wet and dealing with sticky hair spray!   :)

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  • Sunshineinky
    Sunshineinky Member Posts: 461
    edited May 2014

    We have a sporting goods store so I'll check there! What is our purpose for wearing them? 

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  • Debzjourney14
    Debzjourney14 Member Posts: 67
    edited May 2014

    I wish my Rads were closer too.  45-60 min(one way) for me depending on traffic. I like and dislike my weekends.  It is nice not to have to drive, but, I have so much to catch up on, chores, shopping etc, that I am too tired to do during the week.  Everyone have a good weekend!

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  • count_it_all_joy
    count_it_all_joy Member Posts: 130
    edited May 2014

    Sunshine - most of them have UV protection of 50, so they'll protect your radiated area from sun exposure without having to use sunscreen.  I'm not sure they're ALL made that way, so I'd check the label.  Here is what I bought today, but I saw a variety of options - loose or fitted, short sleeve or long sleeved.  

    http://www.amazon.com/Rip-Curl-Womens-Short-Sleeve/dp/B00GX69JIY/ref=sr_1_4?srs=2599668011&ie=UTF8&qid=1401512462&sr=8-4&keywords=women's+shirts

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  • Rosiesride
    Rosiesride Member Posts: 513
    edited May 2014

    Yes, sunshine...to protect you from the sun...not sure if what I have is exactly a rash guard shirt...you might even look in Marshalls or TJMaxx active wear section...I am also wearing a t-shirt to swim...I believe the thing you need to look for is sun protection in the shirt...like count it all joy said...I need to protect the clavical area as well...surf shops too would have them, if you can't find something similar in stores...Rosie

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  • Redheaded1
    Redheaded1 Member Posts: 1,600
    edited May 2014

    Sunshine-Zeosorb is with the athletes foot and jock itch preparations at the pharmacy.

    I laughed at your sweat catchers----I took roller gauze and wrapped it around my index finger until I got a long cylinder to tuck underneath.  I didn't do it till I had a skin issue and needed to keep skin from touching skin, but it caught tons of sweat.  And my lotion, which was tan in color, must have run and collected there too.... Flow of .Gravity? LOL

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  • Sunshineinky
    Sunshineinky Member Posts: 461
    edited May 2014

    Rosie I spent an hour in my husbands closet and found a tshirt that I think is a rash guard! I have already been in the pool today! 

    Red, I'm currently adorned with coffee filters under my unperky breast! I found the zeasorb but it said jock itch so I didn't buy it.  I'm thinking surely I don't put this there lol.  Soooo with that I'll go get me some on Monday! 

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  • Crazywabbit
    Crazywabbit Member Posts: 563
    edited May 2014

    sunshine, go get it, one skin fold area  is the same as the next

    I was walking around the farmer's market this morning around 10:30 and realized my shirt did not cover the whole clavicle area.  I ended up walking around with my hand over the area, sort of like saying the Pledge of Allegiance.  Can you use sun tan lotion over the skin during radiation? Most of my summer tops do not fully cover the clavicle area.  For the SPCA walk tomorrow I am wearing a UV blocking shirt I got at Target, which has a higher crew neck and then put the walk T shirt on over it. 

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