Fall Rads 2014

Hi Everyone

Hello to all the new women I'm also new just finished my 4 th treatment today. For some of you that have been having treatment for several week how long does it take to notice any side effects? Does it cause much fatigue ? Hope all goes well with all

Hi Peggy, thank you for your info. I updated my profile. My cancer is 4mm very small. But still cancer i see from your diag you caught yours early also. My twin sister had BC 13 yrs ago she had a double mastectomy  it was more advanced.  

Sharing with you Fall Rads, I found that using the cream (my RO prescribed Miaderm which was OTC at the Onc pharmacy) plus the Aquafor (yes, both) was beneficial and 3x day from day #1 of rads clear to end until I had some open weepy skin (about 24\33) and then switched to Silvadene Rx on open spots and same regiment on non-open areas. First the cream lightly rubbed in, then the Aquafor dabbed on. I also got some of the largest non stick but semi absorbant gauze pads I could find and I carefully placed on my underarm near my breast fold to 1) cover the Aquafor ointment and 2) keep rubbing from clothing, bra, cami or whatever off my most sensative area. Did that for the whole time plus post rad until all healed up. I also cut soft flannel squares that I used at the beginning to cover the area, but switched to the gauze later. My RO said on 2 week post rad to use the aloe and vit d cream for 1 year. Still doing it and plan on keeping it up!

Susug, yes mine was caught very early and accidentally.  My breast was sore and I thought it was from my little doggie kicking it there at about the 3 o'clock position.  I'd had a cyst removed in that spot 46 years ago and thought maybe some scar tissue was torn.  No one ever felt anything.  The cancer was at the 6 o'clock position!  Never did figure out what was going on at the other spot.  The IDC was 9mm.  The BS wanted to make sure she got everything and took out a big "chunk" which included a surprise 9mm DCIS.  

Thanks for the positive thoughts about DH.  It's been a very rough few years.  Every time he goes into the hospital something bad happens and he winds up there for weeks.  This time pneumonia.  He has difficulty moving due to his Parkinson's and that doesn't help.  Right now trying to get him to eat food and avoid a surgically implanted feeding tube.  I would guess as soon as he is reliably eating he will likely be discharged to a rehab facility for at least 4-6 weeks.

Glad your BC was caught extremely early.  And thanks for updating your profile.  Keep positive!

I went for my simulation today.  It went really well and only took about an hour.  I ended up with 2 little tattoos.  I start my 30 sessions on October 13th.  I can't wait for this last hurdle to be over.

Hi Lolis...I am about a week behind you in terms of starting radiation. I start on Monday. I am anxious to get started so that I can be finished! I was wondering how you were doing with your plan to continue working out? I also intend to work out and am very hopeful that the radiation won't slow me down too much. I have been increasing my walking gradually and today I cut the grass. I am 5 weeks PFC. Hope things are going well! 

susug, my tats are almost below my rib cage so they don't show. And even if that part of my body was exposed they don't look like tattoos. Only nine more to go. Total of 33.

I agree with you PontiacPeggy.  2 little dots are a very small price to pay for my peace of mind!

y'all are right about how small they are I have moles larger than that Lol!!!

mine are very large X in between my breast one on my nipple. One on rt, side breast(so they can line it up wth the one on left sie of breast. They a blues xes and puple

Hi Tucker,

I have been working out all this week and I am walking from the train station to the hospital, which is 5km. The nurse told me to no overdo it and I am very conscious of my arm and weight that I lift. My legs are still a problem as I don't have the same strength as before (blame it on chemo and Tami). It is doable but just keep in mind the area that is getting irradiated. 

First week of rads done. Just a little discomfort around the armpit area. 

where do you get the aquaphor? My RO said to use just an oil free lotion or aveeno baby. 

Susug - I just finished #15/33 and the fatigue hasn't really hit yet. My skin started feeling more sensitive around #11 and started looking a little bit pinkish a fewdays later. But everyone is different.

Wonder if that is the usual "wait" time, HomeMom?

homemom, glad you are going to be able to get your rads closer to home. That will be a big help! 

Bippy625, I don't have any advice or great thoughts to pass along to you.  I've found radiation to be quite easy (only 9 left!), but as the kids say, Your Mileage May Vary!  I certainly would think rads are easier than chemo.  Someone will be able to tell you their journey and give you advice.  I'll keep you in my thoughts!