Winter rads 2014-2015

Hi all,

First rad was last night. Very quick. I still feel more worry about rads than my chemo or surgery. The staff varies, advice is different, saw one RO, who did the plan, but another for marking me. Professor, he also has that 8th grade look! Placement under the machine is done by measurement only, all that is done to avoid my heart is breath holding. My nurse showed me a diagram that showed that only a small amount of rad is reaching the heart and lung. Will ask for detailed explanation when I next see the RO. My breast felt hot all night, hard to get comfy and sleep. Probably because of my anxious thoughts.

Coyote, I am very interested in the idea of a survey, radiation treatments seem to vary SO MUCH! Thank you for your efforts for us all.

I also and a lumpectomy with fat placement, no drains. Not sure if the hard spots I feel are fluid or not. I will ask RO. Looks ok, scar is under the breast and easily hidden.

Thanks all, for sharing your wisdom, and congrats to those who have recently finished. Hooray!

Jeni

Geez Beachbum102. My artwork is only in purple. I am jealous of your red and green.

I must say the kind tech hoped the Sharpies did not live up to their name and hurt me. Three of them have been there 25 plus years and are super nice and capable.

When I left the dressing room, there was only one gown left so I don't know what people wore for the rest of the day.

LAROCK Even if all goes smoothly with no lost days (hope so), people here say to be prepared for skin issues to potentially continue for a week or more after the last treatment. My RO told me that today too.

RAD appointment was start/stop today, machine was behaving poorly. Got it done after 40 minutes. It wasn't bad but I wonder about the machine! Tech said they have 3 other machines but just this one for left side/breath holding.

I have 4 tattoos dots but every day, they "touch up" the sharpie marks where they put the "box" (on my tummy) and sometimes they draw Ltd of marks. I'm like a white board! Some days it's funny, some days it brings tears! Cancer emotions are like a box of chocolates, you just never know what you're gonna get.

I'm so inspired by all who've finished! It's a reminder I CAN get there. Hugs to all of you.

Coyote, you rock, thanks for taking on the RAD list and sparking the survey movement!

I wonder if Mayo clinic or other teaching hospital would be interested in a study? It's too late to help us, but maybe we can help those who will sadly walk this path.

I haven't been up on everyone's rad journey since I started , 23 days ago. Plugging through ...next week I will start my boosts . My skin has being doing really well! My daughter got me some Aloe gel called "Herbal Aloe Force" by The Herbal Amswer. It contains Essiac Herbs:Sheep Sorrell, Burdock Root, Slippery Elm Batk, Rhubarb Root, Cats Claw chamomile , Hawthorn Berry, Pau D arco , Green Tea. I've never heard of some of these things but I have to tell you, my breast has minimal redness & a slight rash.The rad techs are amazed at how good I'm doing! I'm grateful because I am dealing with fatigue & I am coughing a lot. The nurse asks me every week if I'm coughing & every week I tell her "yes". My RO seems kinda noncommittal. Well, only 10 more days... I will be glad when it's done!

Bippy here's a tip for you. If your skin actually sloughs off like mine did, use the lidocaine (and Silverdene if they want you to use it) and cover it with a non-stick pad. Otherwise it will ooze into your clothing without a pad and then dry your clothing onto your skin and if you don't use a non-stick pad it will stick to the wound and be very difficult to get up without more damage. Um... don't ask me how I came about that knowledge, ok?

I have a question for anyone who might know a bit about BCO and the boards. I was on my phone today at lunch time and accidentally "blocked" this topic. Now, it seems to still show up in my favorites, but how do you unblock something that you've blocked? Anyone know?

JJ

quiggy -- another great idea!

let's formulate the questions, format, see what we get, evaluate it and look at results and go from there. I would fully expect that if we see any connection at all it will need to get to someone.

I am very, very, very interested in trying to put together this puzzle.

Maybe it is the machine, the technique, the lotion, the other meds, the person's age, prior sun exposure, the technique of the RO, the experience of the RO - but I am totally convinced it is something. Maybe not for all, but for some.

One thing for certain -- there seems to be many varied techniques. That seems so odd to me.

What does it depend on?

the tech? the doctor? the location? the center? the patient? the diagnosis? the level of experience of someone?

Many procedures have standard protocols. So far, what is the standard?

why do some use lotions at the start, and some not?

Some described wet wash cloths for boost. some not.

someone talked about a pillow case.

I had none of that. Why would one center do this one way, and another so different?

It just does NOT make sense.

I realize some of this depends on the RO, but still, is there that much variation?

Are there NEW techniques not being used when they should be?

Yippe I'm done last treatment yesterday 28 plus 5 boosts. Breast is pink as is chest under my breast and part of my underarm. I can't use steroid cream I seem to be allergic but the silverdene and Cetaphil lotion I slathered on every chance I got helped the peeling and small open sore under my breast heal right away. My breast doesn't feel as heavy any more and it doesn't hurt as much just sore now.Sisters and any brothers out there keep the fight I didn't think I would every see this day when they said 33 treatments but there is light at the end of the tunnel may be a little pink but you can do it.

Take one day at a time !

Awesome, nomatterwhat - thanks!

Coyote, I agree with you...I think that different machines can cause different reactions. I had the TomoTherapy also and really no side effects with it...pretty dark skin but more like a tan than a burn. I've actually been taking long soaks in the tub and trying to scrub off the dark skin with a washcloth...I'd like my "girls" to match again.

As far as lotions, I'll admit now that I was just too lazy (or depressed) to care during rads...I'd be lucky to put lotion on once a day but more often than not went without. My center recommends Alra therapy lotion...you can google it and buy it online. I was also given samples of Aquaphor but hated the greasy feeling so only used it once.

To JustJean: As my grandmother would say: "Give them hell girl and don't back down". I know that probably doesn't make you feel better right now...but those are the best words I could come up with. I hope you're having a better day and just know that my heart hurts for you and your pain. Prayers and hugs to you!

To PoppyK: I hope you're healing....

I'm sure everyone has experienced a certain amount of anxiety...at different times...for different reasons....under different circumstances. To have been able to find this group of women who are willing to share info, care, cry and hug, laugh about our battle, continue to fight, and comfort each other..I feel very blessed!

Coyote. You can add me to the smiley faces!

Just finished today with hugs and thank yous. I have brought them sweets twice before so today I brought a bag of Clementines. I'm taking my husband out to his favorite restaurant because of all his support and extra chores. Have planned lunch with female friends tomorrow because it will seem strange not to head out in the morning. We will all get to the smiley face day.

My follow-up appointment is in a month. February brings on the nutritionist to try to lose weight, the survivors 6 week group, and unfortunately a planning session with a surgeon for a hysterectomy.

I have been on Anastrozole since mid November so that continues. I notice how many people here are on Tamoxifen or say they are pre-menopausal which has made me think that this social media aspect of Breastcancer.org may tend to attract younger women. So age could be another of the many variables in the survey.

Wndrwoman I am so envious and inspired!!! Hang in there women, wondrous and otherwise. We got this.

congrats to all those DONE with rads! I am jealous.

Kicks, my new pal takes a pill before tx. I took plenty during chemo. It is scary, all of this. She is a hoot, very funny and fierce.

Today is tx 14! Only 11 left. Did walk today and energy is good. Maybe it will not be so bad