Summer 2015 Rads

Sailorbev, my first two appointments were longer than average as they were taking additional X-rays, making sure everything lined up, and working out the placement of the bolus with the doc. Those were probably 25-30 minutes. My time probably averages 10-15 minutes on the table now. It depends on whether they are doing an X-ray or adding the bolus. It will probably start to go faster for you. Fingers crossed.

Today the tech told me my skin looks phenomenal considering they're putting a bolus on it every other day. It seems pretty pink to me, and I'm just half through. Just starting to feel a little itchy. There are also a few spots that feel tender. However, I haven't yet seen the skin and TE shrinkage that my PS said might happen.

Done!!

I am 11 treatments in and have already experienced some side effects of radiation. I have fibromyalgia, and not sure if what I'm experiencing is fibro flare or just radiation. I have some fatigue, which could be from treatment or my 3 hour commute, and some weird pain in my shoulder blade, my ribs below my breast and my sternum. I have only a slight redness, burning/itchy feeling and my nipple is sore and very sensitive. I have been using Madera since my 1st treatment. It sure helps the burning feeling, smells good and is not greasy like Auquafor. I feel like I am actually starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel!

Congratulations Fmmbw! That must be a wonderful feeling!💃🏻💃🏻💃🏻💃🏻💃🏻🎉🎉🎉🎉

I had my consult on Tuesday, sim on Wednesday and will start treatment next Wednesday 7/15. I actually cried when they did the tattoos because it hurt. Especially on the rib cage area and the breast bone. They showed me where to go when I come for the treatments and told me to change into a gown and then wait in the waiting room. I was surprised that the waiting room had a lot of people and I did not see anyone wearing a gown. When I asked the tech I was with why nobody else was wearing a gown she said that it depends on the treatment they are getting. I think it is kind of odd that I a woman in a gown would be seated with men and woman who are not in gowns. I have not been in that type of situation before. Maybe it's just me? Or, do you think that is a little unnerving?

I had my 5th radiation treatment today. I have been trying to stay positive and have been taking excellent care of myself. But I am so fatigued that I can barely function. I am trying everything but the fatigue is debilitating. At the point where I want to stop rads. Any advice? My bloodwork is fine btw

Rosiesgirl- Gowned patients in the waiting room seems really odd to me. My RO has a little waiting area (just two chairs) outside the changing room so you can wait to be called. They won't even let family members in most parts of the office due to "patient privacy." The situation you describe would bother me too. If they continue to do it I would call them on it, because I don't think it's sound practice.

Colleen73- They say the best thing for the fatigue is exercise. I'm finding radiation tiring but not debilitating like you. Chemo was another story.I really had to force myself to get up and do something. It did help. Just a little walk around the block. Hope you feel better!

We have a little women's-only waiting room in the back near the treatment areas. I'm not modest at all but I wouldn't love being in the big outer waiting room in a gown, either.

We have a patients-only lounge where we wait after changing. A maximum of 1 family member (or friend) may use the lounge as well (due to space constraints). It's not a bad space - it's broken up into little alcoves so one can have some quiet, snacks and beverages available at no charge, and there's a table with a jigsaw in progress. One corner has a t.v., which drives me nuts when it's on. For the most part, though, it's pretty quiet back there.

There's a larger waiting area outside for others. Not a bad set up, in my opinion.I, too, would feel funny sitting in a gown with a bunch of others in street clothes, particularly since the gowns are so huge they threaten to fall off my body!

Hi everyone! I had my first radiation yesterday. I have three tattoos already, the ones for radiation were like a pin prick, didn't even really feel it. So don't get all worked up if you're going in fearing that, it's nothing IMO, but everybody's different. Where I get my treatment, you go back into a waiting area, and there's little changing rooms. You put on two gowns (so you don't have to worry about coverage anyplace) and sit in the waiting area. I thought it odd the first time and asked, so just sit in my robe out in the open?!?! She said it was a restricted area, not just anyone can come in there.

They did some more xrays/pictures that took like 45 mins. We figured out I was fidgety due to the mold sticking into my head, so they fixed it. Then I was able to keep still (evidently I was driving them nuts, I felt bad). Then we did some practice breathing. Then the radiation. Was easy peasy. I got up, put my clothes on without issue and went about my day. I did notice it was a little tender, but not intolerable. We'll see later! I did have severe fatigue, still do. I never got my energy back from chemo ending either. So I went home last night and went to bed. My sweet two year old son shared his blanket with me because I told him mommy didn't feel well.

I hope everyone's treatments are going well, have a good weekend all.

I am in our little private area now, ladies only, no family allowed in here... I am by myself in here today.

Moving soccor mom and fmmbw - congrats to you both! I hope you both find a nice way to celebrate.

I have heard of several people experiencing dizziness. I actually had a client faint in front of me when he was receiving radiation. I certainly understand the role stress can play on our physical health but my body is certainly reacting to something else. I hope you feel better soon and your dizziness subsides!

Hopeful,

The waiting room is small, I go to the cancer center at my community hospital. I never have to wait more than a minute or two before I get called in. I like that the RO is there most days. He seems to work well with the techs. We chat socially then I'll see him on Tuesdays for my weekly check.

The medical oncology side of the center is much nicer, I think the radiology suite Is still in progress, the center has only been open since October. The treatment room is fabulous, they have a nice painted ceiling that is backlit, which is really beautiful to look at when the lights are off... I'll try to get a picture of that next week...

Well, your ceiling definitely trumps what I look at, Midgiemoon! The techs and I were discussing it today, in fact. We all rated it about a 3 It's nothing but acoustical tile and a little bit of it is marred, apparently where equipment had been repositioned. Granted, its got cove lighting but that's about all you can say for it. And the sound system is out again, so no music 4/5 days this week. On the other hand, they do a great job with the warmed blankets!

It's nice that the RO is available that way. I bump into mine occasionally and one time when I had a question they just paged her on the spot, which was great. I think it makes a big difference knowing that you don't have to save everything up for that once a week scheduled visit, doesn't it? It also helps keep the ROs connected to their patients and the treatment, I would think.

Enjoy your weekend and pamper your skin!