Winter rads 2014-2015

Options
1…5152545657…106

Comments

  • Cavalier
    Cavalier Member Posts: 9
    edited February 2015

    Coyote: put a big smiley next to my name. I am done!! The techs were so very kind and happy for me. I almost ran down the hall afterwards. Cried all the way home just in relief and thankfulness and release and missing my mom. This is a day I could have really used a hug from my mom. Instead I have all of you!! Thank you for helping me through this.

    To all the newbies, you CAN do this. It seems so daunting but you get through it. My girlfriend took me to lunch a couple days ago. I told her someone here said RADS was like getting a stone handed to you every day. Eventually the stones get heavy. She gave me a bracelet with small stones and a charm with a dove and a heart. She wanted me to convert those imaginary stones into symbols of strength at what I endured and carry with me peace and love. I can't give each of you a bracelet but know you can endure be strong and carry my wish for peace and comfort.

    Thank you all for the peace and comfort you provide.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • WndrWoman
    WndrWoman Member Posts: 333
    edited February 2015

    Wonderful news, Cavalier! Such a fantastic friend to give you a gift to treasure. Just thinking of your mom puts her strength and caring in your heart.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • dacre
    dacre Member Posts: 84
    edited February 2015

    To Cavalier: What a "Happy Joyful Wonderful Exciting post" !!!!

    You live in Ohio so don't be surprised if I suddenly appear at your door to give you the biggest hug ever.... ps...that's not really going to happen...but I could wish!

    Hugs...hugs...and even bigger hugs....

    ps: My grandma sent me a huge hug and kiss from your MOM....she is so proud of you...always knew you were strong enough to endure what life drops in your life! Carry on Girlfriend....

    XOXOXOXO


    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • CassieCat
    CassieCat Member Posts: 1,257
    edited February 2015

    Thank you everyone. The model looked good, so I was able to get my first treatment of most likely 35. There was one tech, a female, who was both very professional and very nice. I had some questions that she answered, and I made one request that she honored. Whenever I didn't need to be exposed, she covered me back up. I have purple marker on me, but it wasn't as bad as I thought it might be, and she always talked to me before writing. There was music to listen to a some autumnal image on the ceiling to look at. It took about 50 minutes from the time I walked in to change clothes until I was back in my car. The dressing room has labeled cubbies so my gown always goes back there, and there are lockers with keys for purses. I think if I'd been wearing a wig I could have kept it on (but I don't wear a wig and just go with my uber short hair). I could have left my glasses on but realized if they slipped or got uncomfortable I wouldn't be able to move them, so I took them off. Kept my wedding ring on, which felt good.

    I was told I don't need to start treating the skin with anything, that as the techs see me day by day they and the RO will start getting my creams and ointments as needed. I'm still glad I have my calendula gel on hand already, just in case.

    I took an Ativan ahead of this appointment, and that helped. I've also been stretching on my MX side, trying to increase that range of motion as much as possible. Today felt a little more comfortable in that respect, at least.

    A journey of a thousand miles begins with one step...let's keep taking those steps. xo


    Cavalier - Congrats!!! I'm happy for you. :)

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ladyb1234
    ladyb1234 Member Posts: 1,426
    edited February 2015
    1. Finished #4 today and will stop counting now (at least daily LoL). I am laying on my back while receiving treatment and have bot harms over me head in holders. I have a bolster for my knees. Before starting treatment I remove both arms from the gown which opens up in the back and the tech covers my girls and lower body with a warm blanket until they are ready to administer the radidation, at that time they uncover my left girl. And just as a side note from previous conversations I read above...I am laying on my back for treatments with both arms over my head with the mold for my arms and a bolster under my knees.i wear a gown that opens in the front. My techs open the gown and immediately lay a small towel over my girls while the line up my tatoos and then remove the towel and close gown during treatments.
    2. My treatments going forward will be in the morning which I would prefer. I was a little sadden today as I saw children being excorted in for their RAD treatment. It was sadding and I cried when I got back in my car. Just thinking how I feel as an adult going through this but one child was about 4/5 the other 7/8. During chemo it was an adult only unit so I never saw the children or teenagers as thier chemo was given on a different floor. The Radation department servers everyone. The 7/8 year old was really crying and kept saying I am scared. I asked the tech if they help calm them and she said yes. My heart hurts just thinking of them and dealing with the SEs that we have to deal with at such a young age. Seeing them this morning has not helped my emotional state. CANCER SUCKS BIG TIME.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • PoppyK
    PoppyK Member Posts: 1,805
    edited February 2015

    Congrats, Cav! What a thoughtful gift from your friend.

    My 12 year old son has a friend who underwent chemo at the same time I did. So sad that a 12 year old had to do this to treat ovarian cancer. Now that we are both growing hair, we take turns rubbing the soft stubby hairs on each others heads!

    I've seen and talked to the kids receiving chemo and rads. Some of them are brave, some of them are terrified. It just breaks my heart. It's hard enough being a grown up with kids at home and dealing with cancer. I can't imagine if it was my child instead of me.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ladyb1234
    ladyb1234 Member Posts: 1,426
    edited February 2015

    Ditto, PoppyK! Couldn't imagine it.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Nomatterwhat
    Nomatterwhat Member Posts: 587
    edited February 2015

    My son and his wife volunteer through their work to go read at the children's hospital here in town and have asked me to go with them this year.  They are reading in the cancer ward this year.  I honestly don't know if I can handle doing that or not.  My son thinks the kids would like my "fluff".  

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Dotwithkitties
    Dotwithkitties Member Posts: 8
    edited February 2015

    hi ladies, I have to thank you all for sharing. I am going for my initial scan tomorrow and I feel so much better knowing what to expect after reading all your detailed descriptions. I am not looking forward to this journey but am glad to have found all of you here! I found these boards right after my surgery and have learned so much - wish I had found them sooner ...

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • texas94
    texas94 Member Posts: 204
    edited February 2015

    Hi ladies- I begin 33 rounds Monday. I had simulation Tuesday and "dry run" tomorrow. They put me on my back with left arm over head and my face to the right. Once I was in position, they squished up the mold around me, labeled it with my name, and put a bolster under my knees. I had a full room with 2 techs, a nurse, my RO and his 2 Brazilian interns. Once they positioned me and told me to stay still, my RO leaned down near my face every couple of minutes and so sweetly detailed everything happening. I liked him a lot already, but I was incredibly impressed with his bedside manner during what's a pretty weird experience for even the most laid back patient. They had me remove my headscarf and my foobs were exposed, but I honestly didn't think about it until afterwards; I think after 2 rounds of this lovely disease, I've just gotten to the point I don't even notice being topless with medical staff anymore.

    My RO has told me not to put anything on my entire left side until he instructs me to do so, and he'll check me weekly. For those of you who've been through rads, what are your thoughts on this?

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • mqt64
    mqt64 Member Posts: 103
    edited February 2015

    Congratulations Cavalier! And welcome Dotwithkitties. I finished 14 today so will be halfway through tomorrow. My RO explained on Tuesday that the CT was to make sure that the tumor bed hadn't shifted due to the shrinking seroma. My last 4 treatments be boosts with the same amount of radiation but just concentrated toward the tumor bed. The rest of the breast will be shielded. For those of you just starting the time has gone by quickly. For those of you just finishing can't wait to meet you on the other side of this. So far se have been minimal. I am tired but have been through a funeral early on and babysitting 3 grandsons all this week so who knows. I have some swelling but not near what I had with the dye problem so perhaps my perspective is skewed. I normally tan easily so have had some redness but no blisters or peeling. Once again, I think most of my pain is coming from the fat necrosis from the dye, not the radiation. It is more tenderness than pain. I know it can still get much worse but am hoping for the best.

    Dacre, no shame! I've had similar feelings that I should respond to things and just don't have the mental wherewithal to do it. Sometimes it takes all your energy to keep on keeping on.

    As far as the poll goes I think what we all want to know the rationale why things are being done a certain way for us. Is there a scientific medical reason or is it the preference of the RO or institution? If so, why? We are all different with different medical histories and tumors in different places. Don't think we all want to be treated exactly alike. But there should be some predictability in se based on all of the above factors. Right now it appears pretty random which is frustrating. And then there's that damn human factor!

    Justjean, hope you are doing well.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • magdalene51
    magdalene51 Member Posts: 2,214
    edited February 2015

    Dacre, today was #21. Starting to pinken up.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Professor50
    Professor50 Member Posts: 220
    edited February 2015

    DONE!!!

    I was, as expected, a bit of a biscuit. I started tearing up the moment I was left alone in the room. All the techs hugged me and my gown kept opening which was funny. SO happy to be done. My son is off school today so I went straight home to give him a big hug prior to heading back to work. So emotional. I kept thinking of how I felt the first day: how afraid and strange and wrong and weird it all felt. Back then it felt like today would never come. But now it's over and I am just so glad to be on the road to healing.


    Congrats to all who have finished and a big giant HANG IN THERE to all who are just starting. You can do this. I know you can!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Beachbum1023
    Beachbum1023 Member Posts: 1,417
    edited February 2015

    Professor50, Congrats! I am very happy for you, just shows us Friday the 13th can be a good thing! Enjoy the weekend knowing that you are done! Happy Valentine's Day! I am off to rads #15, I am heading to the finish line.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • WndrWoman
    WndrWoman Member Posts: 333
    edited February 2015

    Super finish Professor50! Enjoy the weekend knowing you are healing and got the job done (as we in Patriots nation say).

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • gemmafromlondon
    gemmafromlondon Member Posts: 138
    edited February 2015

    Hang in their folks - you can do it! All studies show it is really worthwhile.

    Some further information in comparison studies - I asked my tech about head holding and she said it was sometimes thought necessary if the clavicle area was included as the position of the head matters there. According to her, all treatment schedules give the same amount of radiation give or take, and the whole breast is treated each time. Some longer programmes are "topped up" with a bit extra . Boosts are used for certain kinds of tumour. At this centre, wigs are never taken off. So it seems you pay your price and take your pick (not that one had any knowledge in advance as far as I was concerned). According to the nurse side effects vary according to a woman's own physiology, immune system, vitamin levels etc. and cannot be forecasted.

    Any idea why wired bras not allowed?

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Bippy625
    Bippy625 Member Posts: 890
    edited February 2015

    hi all!

    A tip. It works. Take a soft cloth, soak in ice water. Wring out. Place on rad area....when it absorbs heat, remove, resoak, and reapply. In between, just let your area air out to further dissipate heat. Evaporation works like a charm! My rad techs say no ice packs, too cold, body sends more blood to area, causing Worse inflammation. I am doing it and feel loads better. Only 6 to go!......

    Damn. I cannot believe my active, invasive, tx is almost over. I want to cry tears of joy, pain, and happiness


    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ladyb1234
    ladyb1234 Member Posts: 1,426
    edited February 2015

    gemmafromlondon, I was also told that I must hold my head far to the right to ensure a good clearance in the neck area due to the tx to the clavicle area. The RO also indicated the back would get affected because they also aim a small beam of rads to the back side for the clavicle treatment in my cente I specifically asked if this was an exit issue and she said no it was actually getting RADS.

    I have finished my first week and tired.

    Saw one of my young cancer buddies this morning. His Mom is so sweet.

    Well don't no about you but I am ready for the weekend. I am exicted as I have a 3 day weekend and feeling a little bit better but going to live it up by sleeping in, walking and relaxing and continue to repeat this pattern until Tuesday morning.

    TGIF and have a great weekend.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • CoyoteNV
    CoyoteNV Member Posts: 575
    edited February 2015

    Cavalier and Prof...50 ~ Congrats to you both on your rads completion. It feels like a deep sigh of relief doesn't it?  Smileys are in place accompanied by wishes for a quick healing of any and all se's.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ladyb1234
    ladyb1234 Member Posts: 1,426
    edited February 2015

    Congrats Professor and Cavalier on completing rads.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • InGodshands
    InGodshands Member Posts: 28
    edited February 2015

    Hi everybody :) I have a question for those of you who have finished rads. I am about 10 days out and still have lots of redness and itching (as to be expected)but I also notice the tanned skin appearance beginning to emerge. I am excited to be healing but wonder if I will forever have this wedge shaped tan on my chest or if it will fade or any tips to help camouflage it

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Reader425
    Reader425 Member Posts: 653
    edited February 2015

    Coyote - I am finished today as well! I'm grateful for all the good information and support from everyone on the site. My radiation oncologist looked at my skin and said "keep doing what you're doing for the next two weeks or so. It's unlikely the skin will get much worse" and it's held up well. I got a cake for the department which I'll try to attach. But the message is for all of you also. Now on to Arimidex...

    stay strong - reader

    image

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Nomatterwhat
    Nomatterwhat Member Posts: 587
    edited February 2015

    Congrats to all the ladies who are finishing this week.  What a great feeling!!!!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Beachbum1023
    Beachbum1023 Member Posts: 1,417
    edited February 2015

    Party time Ladies, we all made it to the weekend! Congrats to all those that have finished.

    Happy Valentine's Day!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Sjacobs146
    Sjacobs146 Member Posts: 770
    edited February 2015

    Reader, that is some cake!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Redhead01
    Redhead01 Member Posts: 47
    edited February 2015

    Justjean....your rant is more than justified, and you're more than welcome in any society...polite or not, telling it like it is, is refreshing. This journey is hard on us all, even those with "minimal" SEs....we've been slashed, poisoned and burned....barbaric indeed. I don't start my rads until mid-March, so have begun reading these boards now. I prefer nothing be sugar coated and prepared for the worst while praying for the best. I for one, appreciate your sharing

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • gemmafromlondon
    gemmafromlondon Member Posts: 138
    edited February 2015

    Congratulations to all who have finished their rads. You did it! Now try and forget it (hard) and tell newbies it was not soooo bad (at least I hope it was not).

    Wow! Reader - That was some cake - bet they were all thrilled. Not sure if I should follow you as one of the techs is a very overweight young girl!

    A restful weekend for all. Back to business on Monday - my last week hurrah!


    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • WndrWoman
    WndrWoman Member Posts: 333
    edited February 2015

    Reader425. Thanks for the cake. Good for my weight loss efforts to have a digital piece. So glad you are finished.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • CoyoteNV
    CoyoteNV Member Posts: 575
    edited February 2015

    Congrats Reader! It's great that you are finished. It will make for a great weekend! 

    The cake was a really nice thing to do.  It's a beauty. Hmmmm.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Beachbum1023
    Beachbum1023 Member Posts: 1,417
    edited February 2015

    Redhead01, I finished rads #15 yesterday. So far so good. I have a little red under my arm, but looks tan everywhere else. I put the 100% Aloe Gel on it as soon as I am done, and 4 more times daily. I feel a little sunburned today on my chest. But that's it so far. I always wear an old soft tee shirt to rads and no bra. So with 13 more, I'll keep doing that until something changes. Good Luck!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories