Winter rads 2014-2015

Hi everyone, I'm new on this board. I came from the winter chemo crew, finished up 4 rounds of TC on 1/26. Started rads last week and today was my 7th treatment. I have a very heavy feeling in my chest on the radiated side (right). Also I could feel an achiness in my esophogas area. They said since I've only had 7 treatments, it can't be from radiation. But it didn't hurt before rads. They did say that a sore throat is common, so I think that could go along with losing your voice which someone was asking about. They want me to see my primary doc for an EKG and CAT scan of chest. Anyone else experience this? I'm so bummed I am having problems already! Best of luck to you all! Hope you get through rads with little or no issues.

brandyrose.... Thanks for reminding me that I'm not alone. Cancer is a pretty lonely place. I'm thankful for all of you that I can talk to and who understand.

Started boosts today. My oh so thoughtful RO came in to ensure positions; her words...."lay very still" and "sorry, your nipple is close to the tumor bed and will receive the boosts, use aquaphor, you're gonna need it!". Then she spoke to the techs and walked out. Yep, in sorry too, thanks. Hey, don't sugar coat it or treat me like a human or anything.

I'm so tired and sore, cried on the way home. Based on her comments I guess the next 6 treatments are going to be painful. Yippee!!!!

I need a drink and a vacation!!!!

kayfry, I'm a lefty too and my treatments are like yours; on my back with breath holding arms over my head, knees bent. They used a little box on my tummy to help monitor alignment. Four tats and occasionally I'm a white board!

Its not awful because it's so fast. Holding my breath sometimes feels like it's too long and I won't make it, but then it's over.

If you get much SEs, stretching arms over your head could be uncomfortable.

Left side is a bit concerning for heart (and lungs). I asked lots of questions and read lots. It helped to know the stats and facts.

Good luck, I wish you a speedy and no SE process.

Kayfry, you made my day! There is an advantage to big saggy boobs! My tumor was also posterior unlike yours, quiggy. So the belly worked. My heart goes out to you, quiggy. Sometimes people who deal with this stuff every day from the other side can get careless about how they say things. Not an excuse but perhaps a reason. I was ready to cry today no matter what anybody said. Fatigue and pain do that to a person. Hang in there! Boosts are the end of this phase at least. Hugs.

Ladies thanks for all the ideas and questions to ask. I see the RO Tuesday and get SIMS next Thursday. I am due to start rads on March 16th. I had a bout of Anal cancer 5 yrs ago. (cleared) and radiating down below was excruciating but it saved my life. Compared to that, these rads should be pretty easy. I am also a lefty so will ask about prone and other things to protect heart, lungs, thyroid, throat etc. Praying we all get through this journey and come out stronger and wiser for it. Love, Jean

Tomorrow will be the end of week three or 15 treatments. 2 weeks to go or 10 treatments. RO is concerned and watching under arm and clavicle area as they are darkening and becoming tender. Fatigue is really an issue for me and has been through this journey and Rads has been no different. I was not out of shape before dx - worked out and weight trained. So not sure why I am not fairing well with this fatigue. I have become a napper and learned to take advantage of Power naps and rest periods. LoL

Quiggy, I told my RO on WednesdayI am just tired, sore and in Pain. She saw me today in the waiting room and came over too encourage me and asked what she can do to make this any easier. I said stop and her response anything but that. She asked if I had enough pain medicine and said if needed she would refill my Norco and Ativan. I told her yesterday I was almost out of both. Love her.

Forgot who asked, my RO did warn me that I may get a sore throat since I am getting Rads to the neck area. My throat soreness (minor) became noticeable yesterday. With this said I am not horse just a sore throat.

Counting down and can see that light at the end for the tunnel! Next up 10 years of hormonal therapy according to MO and possible ovary removal....

Ditto with me, they included breath holding in sims but RO choose plan/positioning without breath holding as she said it was not the best to move forward with.

Try again. I had a post all done and my tablet went crazy and started typing random letters and then went to Spanish and wouldn't go back! ??

Sjacobs, I hear you on the nipple thing. Do you get shooting pains too? I think we are on the same schedule. Hang in there! We're almost done.

They gave me my next week's schedule and I finally got the red line! They color code the appointments for ro appointments, sims, etc. Monday is purple for my first boost and Friday is red for my last treatment! I am so excited! For all those just starting it does end.

Have a good relaxing weekend everyone. I'll be spending mine at the hockey rink as the two youngest grandsons (6 and 8) are playing in a tournament. I love to watch them. They have so much fun. And you can't think of anything else right then. Mental vacation!

Hello, I have been reading the post, all very informative. I was not sure if I am a Winter person since my rads start next month, but decided to post anyway

I go Monday for my set-up. Holding my arms over my head for 2 hours does not sound like fun, at least the actual treatment should be quicker.

My RO was great in explaining everything. She actually pointed out the areas that are likely to burn after the first 2 weeks. I will have 28. She said not to buy any creams, they will give as needed. And they will tell me what over the counter stuff to buy if those don't work. She did say to get cornstarch and aloe vera gel.

This group is very supportive, great to have somewhere to go for information and understanding.

Cherice

Welcome cbooklvr, I am going to #24 today, 4 more to finish next week. I am doing well with the Aloe 100% clear gel and the cornstarch. My armpit is a bit burnt, but the itchy rash is just annoying. Good luck, for me this has been doable, but looking forward to next Thursday!

My treatments were on the left and I had no trouble doing basically anything. I did have to take a deep breath and hold it for each of the whole breast treatments (23) but not the boosts. I wanted to say that the level of fatigue can get pretty high towards the end. I don't think I realized until now (2 weeks after) just how unbelievably tired I was. I think my last week of rads I was on the verge of tears a lot of the time, just out of sheer exhaustion. Everyday for the last 10 or so has felt like a bit more fog is lifting.

You women are some of the strongest, most amazing people I have ever encountered. You can power through this.

Jean, I'm a lefty and have had no problems driving.

I finished week four today. No skin problems yet. Just a little sore on that side. Last night the fatigue hit me like a brick wall. It felt like chemo fatigue again. I went to the office for a while but came home for the afternoon to rest. Trying to listen to my body.

Cherice,welcome to the group!

Jean-I'm a leftie and I drove myself every day.

Cherice, I am starting one day after you, with set-up on Tuesday. I will also be both arms overhead. I have a shorter treatment time, with 15 regular followed by 4 boosts. At least, that's what I think it is. Will know for sure after Tuesday. Good luck! Sounds like your RO is very good at communicating, which is a huge deal.

I'm a lefty and had no trouble driving to and from.