Congratulations ORgal! Definitely keep an eye on your skin because mine did continue to get worse after treatment. I am a week out now and I think I am at the turning point.

I didn't have to shave my arm getting radiated. I think the radiation stunted the growth, or burned it off LOL. The other arm is actually slow too.

I made my way to Walmart today and picked up a bunch of the famous $1.68 camis that I heard about here. My store was starting to run out of various colors and sizes, so if you haven't started rads yet and want some cheap clothing that you won't feel too bad messing up with creams and ointments, visit Walmart soon.

Also on the fashion front, I bought a few UPF 50 shirts from Lands End. Although they are sold in the swimwear dept, many of them actually look good enough to wear around town. My local Sears was selling them on sale for $15 each which was a big markdown. I don't plan on wearing them till I finish rads and am on vacation. They would get ruined by Aquaphor.

I was at a party last weekend and didn't want Aquaphor seeping through my nice clothes so I tried Miaderm. I really liked how it wasn't greasy, but it didn't agree with my skin. Got redder and bumpy. I read that if you have a ragweed allergy you may be sensitive to it since calendula is in the same family. It seems like this is pretty rare reaction though. Just an FYI for ragweed allergic folks

9/28 done. Doc told me today that my white count is low. Through chemo it was ok so it's a little disappointing that it's going down now. We're just watching it for now. Anyone else have this? I'm wondering if they will give me Neulasta like during chemo.

Jen, thanks for the update. I've heard that the results for the right patients are very good with the Canadian protocol except for the fibrosis issue, and it sounds as though that can be dealt with if you know to ask. I wasn't a candidate for it but am glad you can go that route.

Hey there. Still on vac for another few days then back to u.s. for july 4 celebrarion. having a blast and feeling great. 4 weeks pfc.

Sweethope where did you get your percentage risk numbers? I just didnt see much info in risk reduction after radiarion anywhere. That is great that you are so little at risk now.

Darumama. Glad you are doing better too. Do they take blood samples during radiation? Or how did you find out about your white blood count? I start rads on Monday. But no one said anything about more blood draws.

LiveD, They draw blood and do a CBC once a week. On my first visit to the MO he reviewed my risk numbers after all the phases of treatment. I think after surgery ,chemo and rads it was at 10%. But I can't swear to this number because I was still freaking out at that point. ;

Savor the rest of your vacation! You deserve it!

ok. I'll ask the RO next week about a risk nu.. He never shared with me a number so maybe it's a high number? Just said I met all 4 conditions why they would need to do radiation. He did say no reason to not look at a cure after rads so maybe I should be positive. They also didn't say anything about drawing blood weekly just i would meet with the RO ea Monday to check my skin and answer questions . Guess I'm not asking enough of the right questions. So good to have you ladies to share info.

Chicago - Thank you SO much! I've all but lived in my front zip bras since my first biopsy way back in early September but they are fairly heavy. They take forever to line dry and are too warm in our summer heat, so your recommendation is hugely helpful.

Live Deliciously - No blood work for me, either.

I had my simulation on Monday. Cried the whole time, even though it was quick and relatively painless (just a little pain from the tattoo pricks). Just emotionally draining, I guess.

I start next Wednesday. 5 times a week for 6 weeks. The last 5 will be "booster" sessions.

Thank you for your responses on the cornstarch.
I noticed during the simulation that the shoulder on my non-surgical side hurt. I didn't mention it (I probably should have). I have done a little research and think it is a rotator cuff issue. It could have been aggravated by my sleeping on that side after my surgery. Has anyone had issues with that during radiation?

NATSGSG: I had thought the same thing. My medical oncologist told me I could take 6 weeks before starting, but when I saw the radiation oncologist he told me he usually started patients 3-4 weeks after chemo. He didn't want me to wait too long. He told me that I since I had my surgery in January (a long time ago, according to him) and I am stage 3, he wanted to do it sooner rather than later. When they told me that my start date was just shy of two weeks from my last chemo I was still surprised. When I questioned it, they said it would be ok if I felt recovered enough. There is also a study of BC patients who did chemo and radiation at the same time (😱!) and the outcomes were good-- the patients were probably miserable though

Hi all...

Joining this group from the April chemo group...although I have already posted a couple of notes here.

My fourth and final chemo (TC) is tomorrow. My sim is July 15 and I start rads (28 sessions) on July 28. There is light at the end of the tunnel!

Andrea

Three positioning stickers in my armpit? Really? In 96+ degrees? That will be both comfy and hold for 9 days, not.

Thank you, Valentine - those look like they'd be real contenders. I'm heading to Target this weekend so your timing's perfect!

Ksusan - Good luck with that! You ought to start a pool on just how long those stickers will last! Did they give you any extras just in case?

Hi,

I agree with Valentine'. The playtexbra she linked to from Target is out of sight awesome!! I am an underwire girl, and I love this bra, very soft and supportive!

My stickers have been on since Monday and so far so good. I was expecting a call today to tell me when I was starting and I got nothing... Grrr. I was expecting a Minday start.

I am assuming it's now Tuesday. I am so annoyed about this because I have 6 weeks and now there's another weekend added in. Major pouting!!!!

Thanks for letting me vent!

~Midgie