Summer Rads 2014

Well I now have my ONC and Rad consults scheduled for 6/19 and 6/24. still nervous. My followup with BS confirmed my pathology after Lx and SNB (negative...yeaah!) said my ER and PR were negative. I dont know if this is good or bad and what I read doesnt tell me. They didnt indicate my HERS2 by what I read says they dont always do this for DCIS. Should I ask if I can still get it? I am afraid of triple negative if they do. Really dont know if I should wait until my ONC appointment and I'll ask then. pretty sure I'll be doing 5-6 weeks rad this summer. Anyone have any help on the -ER -PR?

Just got back from being deported in the doctor's office! The removal was about 10 minutes and I was in no discomfort whatsoever....(other than the little stick and burn from local anesthetic).

Congrats jbok!!!          Must be very freeing after all this.

Rosie,

You go ahead and use that valium if it helps!  I was so psyched and ready to do this, I almost jumped out of my skin when they said the front office didn't schedule enough time for the appointment, (a mix up).  The surgeon took pity on me and made the time!

Just had my 5th radiation today. 20 left! So far so good. Rubbing my peach fuzz of a head and wondering how the rest will go...

Congrats JBok!! and Rosie for tomorrow, well today now!!

Sandra, I got some Eucerin, Shea Butter and Aquaphor ...for starting 6/24. I hope the RO does not complain when he sees my tattoo. I am an obsessive picker, tend to break out a little and it looks like a blackhead on my chest. I keep wanting to touch it so its a little red. Fortunately the other one is on my side where I don't notice it.

The long sleeved tees arrived from amazon. The sleeves are so long I can roll them up or actually cover my hands which is probably a good thing! I may get to go swimming with my little dog this week so will wear them as starting rads with sunburn does not seem like a good idea!

DDOL wrote:

Hi ladies I will be starting radiation June 18 I was looking to get a little bit information it will be External 33 treatments( face down ) is there any special cream that I should use? If so when an how long ? The possible side effects? They really don't give you too much information at the oncologist said to use dove soap don't shower facing the shower don't shave :you may blister : I am Polish so I'll probably blister lol oh yes I'll be a little tired any other advice I would really appreciate it thank you

Blessing

Diane  

My radiologist has me using 100% aloe vera gel on my breast 2-3 times a day. They also say if you store it in the frig it feels good on the burned areas. 

Anyone else RO told them not to go in pool because of chlorine?  My water exercise class twice a week is my favorite thing!  I have been missing it because of SEs from Taxol.

Rads start end of July, first appointment July 21st.

Dee

Dee mine actually told me I could as long as I had no open areas and took a shower immediately after and then applied my aloe Vera.  I also have to keep the entire treatment area covered.  So I've been in the pool more in the evening hours.  

I'm also swimming in my home pool so I'm not sure if that makes a difference or not.  

Just ask them! Mine initially said no swimming but after two weeks of treatment I think she thought it was better I swim versus being so depressed about not swimming lol! 

PinkCar, keep that aloe going. And yes but it in the frig feels so good. I found a travel size at Target, I think. It was the exact same one. I take it with me. That goes on before I even get dressed after my session  It's all natural and use it as much as you want. I use a torn cotton tee shirt and cover that boobie, before I put my bra on to reduce irritation. You can also use a product called California Baby cream, Target has is in the baby section it has Calendula. I believe it is a yellow label. And lots of air. Like you I too had a reduction. I don't know when you had yours but be aware you are probably not healed and you will probably get a little inflamed as it's already tender. I just did #15 of 30 today.

Reduction...Me too! I didn't even know that was an option!! Sorry to hear about your open area. I have been waxing since this all happened…is that permitted? I haven't had to do it often lately (chemo) but I'm hoping I can still do something under that arm since it's summer? 

Rett - I was told that I could have reconstruction to make the sides even (DD one side barely D other - I call it my baby bird LOL) but the BS assumed I wanted to make them both the bigger size with an insert, when in reality I have often thought about going down to a C or so. And back then, I was still in shock or whatever so I didn't pursue it. Of course, the rest of my body matching would be a huge benefit - but my eating habits have gone to the birds during all this chemo, that's something I'm going to address in the fall. LOL. But I'm not sure after all this I'll be up for more treatment or another surgery. Maybe I'll live with it for a while. I guess insurance will cover the reduction, I wonder if there's a time limit? Funny going through all this shiiz and we're worried about body hair. It was one of my main questions - can I shave or wax? So I've been waxing as needed, which is like once a month - when before by week three I look pretty man-like.

Sunshine: have you had a PT look at your shoulder? Mine was messed up from the scars pulling on both sides and got everything to of alignment. I was able to go and in about a month they had me back to normal with a bunch of exercises to do on a weekly basis to keep my range of motion. Good luck with your MRI!! 

Jhondro I'm hoping to get some PT and a cortisone shot after this MRI! I actually injured it in February when I reached into my back seat to lift my way to heavy purse out of the floor board.  It's just got much worse since my surgery.  

My breast are now a D and a DD to! I'm going to have a reduction hopefully to a C.  I'll just ask my BS when I can do it and  I'm ok with waiting but I'd eventually like it done. I did not know it was an option at the time of surgery either (I was to panicked to really know much of anything) but my surgeon mentioned that if I wasn't happy with them after rads a "law" requires our insurance to fix them!

Rett my body will certainly need an adjustment to accommodate smaller breast I'm just going to have to adjust my mind first.  

That's a great idea to keep it in the refrigerator I'm sure the cold is going to feel great and the hot skin thank you for the advice have a blessed night 

Diane