Summer 2015 Rads

My doctor gave me a prescription for Biafine. Haven't tried it yet.

MotherofFour, I can't answer your question, but I can tell you they use a clear gel-like pad called a bolus on me every other day as part of my treatment. They told me it keeps the radiation more on my skin and also protects my internal organs from getting too much radiation.

I don't know PB. I'm supposed to have it again tomorrow and will ask more about it.

I just had my first treatment. It was very short! I put on my lotion and now I am home. It's very strange to be home at 330pm...

I had my first of 36 treatments today. I called a few hours before and asked about a PT referral for the shoulder pain. The techs told me that they wouldn't be able to order the referral until next week. The only thing I can think of is that the nurse is away until next week and the RO (who was there today) didn't want to be bothered. I tried the MO (also out of town) and finally my PCP's office. They said they would do it and I would hear from the PT's office. Still waiting...  It shouldn't be this hard. 

Darumama - Glad you were able to get your dental issue worked out. Thank heaven for small mercies, right?

I was able to have my treatment yesterday; they called about 3:15 and said I could come in at 4:30 which was a bit of a scramble but I was glad not to have a day tacked on at the end.

Sailorbev - here's another vote for PT. I hope it helps you a LOT!

For those of you with cold, uncaring techs - try speaking to the department manager or your RO about the situation. The techs may not realize how impersonally they are treating you and how that impacts the experience. I've found that speaking to the higher ups helps. If you don't know where to start, ask the RO dept. social worker. There's no need for the experience to be any worse than it has to be, after all.

live-deliciously...we certainly are getting different radiation levels and different locations. I'm getting full Breast, and level three nodes, and supraclavicular nodes. When I asked the RO how much I'm getting she said a "medium amount" I asked for Breast cancer or for any Cancer in general. She said for Breast cancer. You can try to see how much you are getting specifically in millisieverts. I think that is the label. I find that I have passing waves of nausea, sometimes after treatment, sometimes later in the night. The RO said not possible! Like it's all in my head? Talked to some others in the waiting room, and they have gotten some nausea too. I had a heck of a time getting some more Zofran from my doc, but she gave it to me. I think it's pretty silly to deny that as a possible SE. My med onc laughed when I told him.15 down, 10 to go. Getting pinker everyday

Like sunburn (just for comparison--it's not the same), some people also will burn more easily.

SweetHope - OUCH! I was wondering how your skin was doing this week and am sorry to hear it went that route. It could have been the boluses that caused the burning, although I, too, wonder about the 2 sessions in one day.

How is your skin and your energy level at this point?

Hi everyone,

I will be starting on the first of 36 treatments on July 15th! I guess my question is...what if you naturally have dry, itchy skin before even starting? Will that affect me more? My itchiness comes mainly at night when I take my bra off, I've also been known to dig at my breasts at night while I sleep!

I finished my last full breast treatment for the shorter course today and it's totally fine! Just a little pink. They say it will continue to get worse for the next 7-10 days and obviously I still have the 5 boosts left but I'm hopeful that I'm going to get out of this mostly unscathed.

Mag, it would be a good idea for you to start really babying your skin now. Having dry skin you probably do so already but at this point you can't overdo it! And if ever there's a time to spend what it takes for a really effective lotion or treatment, this is it!

That being said you don't have to spend a bundle. BioOil is not expensive and seems to do a great job. I've been using Emu oil since 2-3 weeks prior to RT and it's very soothing. A little goes a long ways! I got mine through Amazon but I also know some health food stores, etc., carry it and it's not that expensive.

You might want to call your treatment center this week and talk with the nurses about their recommendations. It can take a while to locate recommended products, so ask for sources, too! Good luck.

Fast Walker, I hope all goes smoothly. Try some deep breathing exercises - they're good for your skin (oxygenating) and your mind.

SweetHope - Painting flower boxes sounds worthwhile and fun! Enjoy. Thanks for sharing your friend's situation - what a shame about his skin and all the very serious ramifications of its condition. Who would have thought?

I'm hesitant to update my profile as I HATE the new format. I could fix the signature line but haven't gotten around to it.

SailorBev - Call and nag the PT's office. Otherwise, it may be a long time before they call you. You're right - it shouldn't be that hard!

I had treatment 2/36 today and the pain in my shoulder was worse than ever. I was on the table for 25 minutes. Isn't that a long time?  Anyway, I did get an appointment with a PT for next Tuesday (no thanks to the RO). So at least there is one bit of good news. 

It is such a strange feeling to be getting the treatment and have absolutely no idea what is going on. Lights on, lights off, lights on, move the table, move the machine, move the machine again. Techs in the room, then out, then in. All the while I am lying on the table in pain. 

Metta, for a week after I finished my skin was burning, and some new places actually started up that didn't hurt when I was still in rads. After that first week things started settling down, and now 2 weeks out I no longer have any touchy spots. Just dealing with the peeling and itching.