Winter 2015-16 RADS

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  • Jd2015
    Jd2015 Member Posts: 7
    edited January 2016

    Today is treatment #9 for me today. I have some pain inside my breast occasionally. My nipple is already super sensitive. I had a breast infection in a small area at the surgery site New Year's weekend. The RO has no idea how that happened. I didn't let them tattoo me they use stickers instead.



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  • StefLove
    StefLove Member Posts: 322
    edited January 2016

    Well today I'm officially done with the regular rads, just 6 boosts to go! My skin hates me big time but no open sores or wounds etc. I noticed the skin by my armpit has started flaking but nothing too annoying. I slather on the lotion they told me to use and it seems to be helping keep everyhing moisturized. Lets hope that the boosts let the rest of my skin heal!

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  • marijen
    marijen Member Posts: 3,731
    edited January 2016

    I have a long time problem with lotion. Skin is the biggest organ in the body they say, and everything that is put on it seeps into the body. I use Eucerin, now Aloe, I have to use something but isn't there a lotion that would be good for your health as it permeates the body? Am I overthinking this. Coconut oil? Why isn't that mentioned anywhere? Olive oil? Avacado oil? Probably too oily?

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  • Peachy2
    Peachy2 Member Posts: 350
    edited January 2016

    Yay, Steflove!

    I was headed to start my day with #28 of 30 and got a call that my machine is down. I'm now scheduled for 4:15. Hoping that True Beam 2 is back up and running, and on schedule!

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  • HappyHammer
    HappyHammer Member Posts: 1,247
    edited January 2016

    Suz-Q: Thanks for the pep talk...had first boost today and the nipple is not in the field. YAY! They said that while my skin is "done" it should begin healing right away. Yay for that, too. AM with you about not getting ahead of things by reading up on the hormonal therapy. It just gets me way to worked up! Will take the wait and see approach. Hope you continue to do well with the boosts. How many more do you have? 6 more for me.

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  • Cardinal
    Cardinal Member Posts: 24
    edited January 2016

    suz-Q - thx for your thoughtful reply, and I do agree with you about no more reading/overthinking for next go around; good advice. Good luck with new MO meet up

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  • JerseyGirl22
    JerseyGirl22 Member Posts: 342
    edited January 2016

    Hi Everyone... I was out and about today and found extra soft camisole tanks tops at WalMart and the regular price is $1.68! Yes, you read that right. $1.68!!!! They have lots of colors. I got one size large than I normally wear and when I put it on, it was perfect for taking to wear after rads and to get "icky" from lotion...Can't beat the price for that!

    Sending hugs to everyone today!!!! SIM for me is Thursday and official start is on Monday! Yay! Want to get on with this!

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  • marijen
    marijen Member Posts: 3,731
    edited January 2016

    Thanks Jerseygirl, there's one down the road that I never go to, but did find great compression socks there.

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  • Kimmer33
    Kimmer33 Member Posts: 386
    edited January 2016

    i am with marijen, is coconut oil or any natural oils not an option for our skin during rads? I would so much rather use a natural product than something processed.

    Kim

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  • Shopgal2
    Shopgal2 Member Posts: 649
    edited January 2016

    jersey those are the tanks I got. I found them in the juniors Dept at Walmart. I got the largest size xxl to fit my 40dd chest. I hope they are thin enough to fit under a bra though. If not I figure I'd wear them to sleep in.

    Congrats to all who finished and healing vibes to those need it.

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  • Fearless1956
    Fearless1956 Member Posts: 106
    edited January 2016

    Well, I found out today that I do meet the qualifications for the 16 day radiation therapy. Called Canadian Fraction? Anyone else been that route? If so, please share your experience and/or email me if you'd like. I start treatments tomorrow. A little apprehensive---mainly because it's something new.

    HappyHammer---yes, Mom and I both. She was diagnosed about 6 weeks before I was. She has been a super role model to me in how she has handled her journey. If she can do this, so can I!

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  • octogirl
    octogirl Member Posts: 2,804
    edited January 2016

    Fearless: I did the Canadian protocol (16 days)...didn't think it was all that new actually. I was very, very glad to do it, as the rads location is quite a distance from both work and home. The only issue I had is that, now that I am done, skin issues sort of 'snuck up' on me, I have had a bit of peeling yesterday and today, three days after last tx. I didn't notice any changes in my skin until the last few days of treatment. I think the higher doses make things happen faster, so my only advice would be to keep an eye on your skin.

    Kimmer: my RO recommended pure aloe, and that is what I've used. That is a totally natural product.

    Octogirl

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  • Suz-Q
    Suz-Q Member Posts: 205
    edited January 2016

    Fearless, Congratulations on the 16 day schedule! That's what I had plus a boost. I think it's easier than what most are going through with the longer schedule. I nearly opted out of the boost, but I needed it because of my close margins. I don't think it is all that new. The Canadians have been doing it for years. There are loads of trial data on it's effectiveness, so I wouldn't worry. It's a lot more convenient. Remember you are at stage 0 and your RO wouldn't have recommended it if he/she didn't think it was appropriate.

    Bad news for my sister-in-law, she was diagnosed today with breast cancer. I don't know the details yet. I'm working until 8 tonight and going over to see her after work. I can really feel for what she is going through right now. It's makes me want to cry. She has had other health problems over the years. She 69, she and my brother celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in August. I was the flower girl in their wedding.

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  • 2mnykds
    2mnykds Member Posts: 5
    edited January 2016

    Started treatment #1 today with the Canadian treatment with 20 scheduled. Tonight I noticed the my breastfeeding is swollen. Is this common? This whole adventure is a little freaky for me and reading all your posts really help. I'm glad I found this site. Just sharing in your daily struggles and successes gives me hope. My diagnosis is not as severe as others so no chemotherapy for me and this being my first ever medical issue besides childbirth has thrown me into a situation I'm so lost in. Thanks to everyone who shares I truly appreciate you!

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  • Catfurr
    Catfurr Member Posts: 69
    edited January 2016

    I'm using a cream from www.bassfarms.com. It's called TripleB and is made from goats milk, beeswax, lanolin, coconut oil, neem oil, Shea butter, aloe, cocoa butter, frankincense and Myrrh. Going thru a jar a week, using it 3-4 times a day and putting it on pretty thick at night. Not greasy, hasn't left any stains on clothes, smells wonderful and I can pronounce everything in it! RO says not to use anything else. I've had 13 and just a little itchy on my back.

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  • marijen
    marijen Member Posts: 3,731
    edited January 2016

    Thank you Catfurr - I'll check it out! I just ordered two plus the shampoo!! 30% off.

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  • phoebe58
    phoebe58 Member Posts: 193
    edited January 2016

    2mny -- interesting you mention swelling -- I have finished 4 of 28 today, and had noticed some very slight swelling puffiness after #1 but thought I was being paranoid, but today it's more noticeable so told them at rads and they measured ... yes I am swollen, but 'within normal parameters' but said they'd keep an eye on it....... I haven't heard much about swelling on this site. Has anyone more seasoned had swelling ssues? My noob doesn't feel tender or sore because the whole area is pretty numb from diep surgery, just heavy.......

    Marijen - I was told only water based, even though I would love to use coconut oil -- maybe on weekends?

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  • keepwalking
    keepwalking Member Posts: 147
    edited January 2016

    Hello ladies

    I have finished 5 of 21 (Canadian protocol 16 + 5). I also had nipple swelling after only the first one, but I placed a cabbage leaf on it after treatments for a few hours and that took away the redness and soreness. After #5 treatment I did the same, and it lessened the soreness but didn't take it away completely. I also am getting swelling and internal soreness again in the same places as I had it after surgery, but it is only to the noticeable stage as yet. I am trying the protocol of my rads center which is not to use anything on the irradiated area - just wash in warm water and mild, unscented soap and dry well. And they recommended the cabbage leaf for skin tenderness - a old natural remedy for breastfeeding irritation. My skin is doing OK so far. I will see the RO for the first time on Wed.

    All the best to everyone!

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  • octogirl
    octogirl Member Posts: 2,804
    edited January 2016

    keepwallking, yay that you are doing ok so far! Good to hear from you!

    Four days post final treatment, I am having a bit more swelling and my skin is dark and peeling under my breast in one fairly small spot. I've read it gets worse for five to seven days before it starts to get better...it isn't painful enough that I've needed any medication, but it feels tight, especially in the morning. Going to try cabbage....

    Octogirl

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  • Cardinal
    Cardinal Member Posts: 24
    edited January 2016

    Hi octogirl,

    Both RO and tech advised me this week that biggest reaction is normally the week following finish of treatment. I am doing last of reg rads today and start 1st of 4 boosts tomorrow. I am just now starting to get some irritation at armpit area near SNB scar. Will stay tuned to hear how the cabbage works out for everyone.

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  • Fearless1956
    Fearless1956 Member Posts: 106
    edited January 2016

    It's good to read comments and suggestions on the 16 day rad treatment.  Thanks to those who shared your experiences.  When I mentioned it being "new" in my previous post, I should have clarified---"new" to me.  Something I haven't yet experienced.  That is what causes a little apprehension. 

    I finished my first treatment about an hour ago, so of course, no issues at this time.  An interesting idea about the cabbage leaf and I will definitely keep that in mind.  My RO has recommended a cream called Miaderm.  I have samples of it that I've started using and have ordered a tube.  Anyone used this before?  My mom used Aquafor and then Silvadene when the burns got worse. 

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  • JerseyGirl22
    JerseyGirl22 Member Posts: 342
    edited January 2016

    Fearless, my PT gave me a tube of Miaderm and said to start using it before rads, so I've been using it for about a week. My skin is feeling wonderful... we'll see what happens once rads start.

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  • sailorgirl15
    sailorgirl15 Member Posts: 114
    edited January 2016

    Yay Shopgal! Hope you are all ready to go!

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  • HappyHammer
    HappyHammer Member Posts: 1,247
    edited January 2016

    Catfurr- how are you doing with the blisters? Did you talk with the nurse or anyone about it? The cream you mentioned sounds great...going to check out their site. Thanks for sharing.

    Never a dull moment at m house- while using the magnifying glass to draw my eyebrows, I noticed a small growth on the edge of the lower eyelid. It is small, round, shiny and skin colored. Looked it up online- Dr. Google says it could be a sweat gland, or basal cell or some other carcinoma...of course, Doc Google, of course. Trying not to freak- amazingly, have a complete eye exam scheduled for today that I scheduled back in November. Really? At least I don't have to wait, huh? Praying it is "nothing".

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  • HappyHammer
    HappyHammer Member Posts: 1,247
    edited January 2016

    Fearless- Several folk have mentioned using cabbage leaves with success. Hope you don't need them, but if so, nice to have something else in your arsenal!

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  • Peachy2
    Peachy2 Member Posts: 350
    edited January 2016

    Suz-Q, so sorry about your sister in law's diagnosis. My sister in law was diagnosed in '11, and she has been such a support to me in ways that no one who hasn't been through breast cancer could be. I know you will be that person for your sister in law.

    RE: Swelling - yes, I had that a bit too. It made the area on either side of my LX scar puffy, but has gone down now.

    Today was my last treatment! I got a certificate, and the tech chose We Are The Champions to play during my treatment. "It's been no bed of roses... no pleasure cruise..." Indeed! They said they'd asked if they could give me the molded plate for boosts that I asked for, but turns out it has some toxic metal in it so the couldn't. So, no trophy for me, but glad to have this over. :)

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  • Suz-Q
    Suz-Q Member Posts: 205
    edited January 2016

    Congratulations Peachy!!!!

    I'm next! Tomorrow is my last day! My RO did say that the effects may get worse up to a week after we're finished. I'm supposed to keep using the Mometasone cream for two weeks after my last day. I asked when I can start taking antioxidants, he said two weeks after I finish. I'm looking forward to Rooibos tea and healing supplements! I'm also glad to finish since we are starting to get more snow now.

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  • KateB79
    KateB79 Member Posts: 747
    edited January 2016

    I scheduled my simulation for 1/21! We were going to do it this week, but my scar revision incision is still healing, and I decided to put it off a bit. . . Any advice for the sim itself?

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  • mdoc524
    mdoc524 Member Posts: 336
    edited January 2016

    Wow - been offline for a few days and 3 pages of updates - love the sharing here! My last chemo has really crushed me so just hoping to feel normal soon and my family cannot get away from this black cloud. My Mother-In-Law admitted to hospital Friday with what seemed to be stroke symptoms and CT scan revealed brain tumor - she is having surgery today to remove it - fingers crossed & prayers for success and tumor benign! Sharing - my boys made her Get Well Cards that said "We love you Nani - may the force be with you" - she loved it!

    Welcome Welcome Fearless1956, sailorgirl15 & Jd2015 - sorry you have to be here but so glad you found us! Great place for support and to help each other get thru it! sailorgirl and Fearless - Hope your 1st treatment went well and Jd2015 - hugs to you as you get over the shock - it does suck!!! Fearless - so so many hugs to you & your Mom to be diagnosed together

    Catfurr - Hope you are getting better from the Flu and no more Neutropenia for you!!

    LindyC - hope your neck does hold out .. my sim is next week so curious to see how my will feel ..

    PattyMeg - Love Love Love the Quilt and basket of Get well cards from the kids .. my twins 3rd Grade class made "Congrats" cards for me on my last day of chemo - so cute!

    Octogirl, Suz-Q, Cardinal, StefLove and Peachy2 and everyone else who have finished or in the Home Stretch!!

    HappyHammer - love the chia pet reference.. I have a little more than a 1/4 inch of hair and all pure white - top standing straight up - I look like my kids grandmother without my hat..

    Keepwalking - glad to hear you are doing OK and thanks for sharing how the cabbage leaves are helping..

    To those sharing anxiety over taking Hormone meds - I have the same anxiety and trying not to think about it!! UGH... hoping we are those in the none or minimal SE group!

    Hugs to all!

    Mary

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  • justmaximom15
    justmaximom15 Member Posts: 264
    edited January 2016

    Congrats to all those that have finished!!

    Today was 8 of 33 and so far so good. I'm supposed to see the RO every Monday but he was running late yesterday so I saw him today. I specifically asked him about the lotions because he had initially told me not to use any unless we saw a problem. He's still standing by that and said there's no proof that using anything prior to skin issues helps. He did give me a sample of Aquafor and said that if I begin having problems that's what we'll use.

    I think I'm going to go ahead and order one of those cooling cloths from Amazon. They're fairly cheap and SO works outside so even if I don't need it, he can put it to use in the summer.

    My "baby" turned 17 today so we're having a big birthday dinner with all his favorites tonight. BBQ pulled pork on buns, cheesy mashed potatoes and a big chocolate birthday cake from Costco! :)

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