Winter 2015-16 RADS

Tomorrow is my last whole breast radiation then I begin my 8 boosts. My RO prescribed lidocaine jelly to mix with my aquaphor and it's either helped or I just can't feel it which is OK lol.

I ladies. Had been taking a break. Finished radiation on January 19! Wasn't too bad.

I had a cough that wouldn't go away, which led to a chest x-ray to rule out pneumonia, which showed soft tissue abnormality. That lead to a CT scan, which led to a PET scan. The Pet scan shows:

"abnormal hyper-metabolic activity is present T10-T11 vertebral bodies, the right posterior ilium, right ilium adjacent to the acetabulum and left ischium. Abnormal soft tissue activity seen in the hilar lymph nodes."

I had a bronchoscope with biopsy yesterday. No pathology report yet. Preliminary look didn't show cancer in those lymph nodes.

My question is, has anyone had a similar reading on a PET scan and had the hip biopsied?

I'm worn out at this point, and a little worried. I thought I was done with doctor appointments, tests and procedures.

Positive thoughts and healing thoughts welcome. :-)

I also cross posted this in the not diagnosed but worried group.

Thanks!!!

gargengirl - so sorry that you are having to deal with more procedures and questions just when you thought you could have a break and recover quietly. I am sending positive thoughts your way that all of this is just a wild goose chase and that all will be found to be okay. HUGS!

twnkltoz - I know what you mean about the tiredness. I had a bout of fatigue about half-way through that lasted a few days and then went away (except for just tiring more easily). The last hit after I finished whole breast and started boosts - has lasted a few days and getting better. I hope yours will also get better soon. It does suck when your mind wants to do things and your body doesn't cooperate!

justmaximom - glad the lidocaine is helping!

Gargengirl- so sorry you are having to go through all of these new test and procedures. Sending you positive thoughts. When will you hear back for all of this?

Lidocaine- well, glad it's working however it is helping, Maximom!

It is so surreal. You lay on a table position you and then the big machine runs it show. I was told to come in prepared to unbutton and lay down. The tech are sweet enough. I just hope the whole thing works. I'm doing this hold your breath thing....not sounding terribly precise.
I agree it's a bit psychological. Thought after day one. "ok, well that's done." Then I thought ok but your coming tomorrow tomorrow tomorrow tomorrow tomorrow tomorrow. I'm open to any coping suggestions. I'm not sure I'm family gets it as they go on with day and concerns as usual.

Fearless195...Happy for you that your 16 treatments are over now. Why is it called the Canadian Fractionation?

mdoc524---Thank you for the warm welcome. Sorry I did not reply sooner, somehow I missed seeing so many posts. I see my MO for the first time on Feb 8th for the plan of treatment. I do know for sure I will be having rads but not how many as yet and which type. Very stressful waiting so long to find out. Surgery was Jan 6th. Sincere best wishes to everyone . :-)

#17 for me today so I am officially over the 1/2 way mark. Today I had my treatment in the second rad room, i had one there during my first week. Anyhow as the machine started it's buzz on the wall I saw one of those little signs light up that says beam in use I think. I had to laugh told the tech it made me think of the car wash when it is flashing and saying please pull forward..... Silly how we associate one thing with another. My ceiling has the pretty pink flowered trees as well, must have been the standard sell when they designed our rooms...... This may sound strange but while the beam is buzzing I usually say a small prayer and give thanks that something like this wonderful oversized scary machine may be giving me more time to spend with my family and help to keep this horrible disease away.

Have a great rest of your week all. I am so proud of all you brave ladies...

Helen

First day today.

I'm sending lots of healing energy to my skin and chest wall! And slathering on the Miaderm. That helps, too.

I'm having the Canadian fractionation and I'm 41, so maybe that part of the guidelines have changed.
I'm very grateful that I'm able to do it. So far, my skin has held up remarkably well, given how fair skinned I am. (I was pretty worried about that!)
I've got 3 more regular treatments left and then 5 boosts. Then, I'm done! WOOT!

I had the Canadian version and while I am definitely over 50, I did have chemo prior. I had specifically requested the Canadian protocol (wanted fewer visits, wanted to be done sooner!), and when my MO referred me to the RO, he said I should go with RO's recommendation but that he wasn't sure I was a candidate because of potential skin issues and the size of my breasts (apparently, it is more indicated with small chested women because overall area dosed would be less, thus reducing skin risk). Neither MO nor RO said anything about chemo as a factor but RO also said that he was worried about increased skin issues with shortened version due to the higher doses. So, RO did a sim based on 16 treatments and than ran it by the full Stanford radiation board before starting, which ok'd it (He is Stanford faculty/affiliated). Given the Stanford rads board expertise, I am confident that it was appropriate to my circumstances. As it turned out, I did have some skin problems, but I'd still have chosen it over longer version, especially given the distance I live from the rads facility in a semi-rural area. (The skin issues were manageable, and once I started healing, I have healed quickly).

Duzy, I did use the cooling towel before I had symptoms, particularly to prevent skin-on-skin contact on the underside of my breast. I didn't use it religiously, however, and that is where I had the worst skin issues. Probably should have rolled up the cooling towel and worn it there every day. (As I said, I am large chested).

Octogirl

Hi everyone I am new to this I am suppose to met with the radiation dr Friday. I have a question I was told the first time on the table to be marked can take awhile. I have back trouble and restless legs I can't lay or sit for very long. I was wondering if anyone have these problems and if I can't lay what will they do?

JRowe, my center puts a brace under your bentl legs to take pressure off your back. Maybe yours will do the same and you won't have a problem. I'm sure they will work with you to keep things as comfortable as possible.

JRowe, you really aren't on the table very long. I have issues being still also, I toss and turn at night but I've never had a problem on the rads table, actually find it quite relaxing. My treatment center also uses a wedge under my legs and that does help.

Great feedback on the Canadian Fractionation. The only information I knew was what I had read and what my RO had told me. I'm glad to know that it's being used with other types of patients and that some of the criteria has changed. As far as it being only for small chested women, that part didn't apply to me. I'm also fair skinned and I asked my RO about that from the beginning. I know how badly I sunburn due to my fair skin and I was concerned it would be similar, but she told me the fair skin wasn't a factor. Being able to have only 16 treatments was the greatest positive for me. And so far, 2 days after finishing rads, my skin is still doing OK and doesn't seem to be getting any worse (as my RO had "predicted"). The itching is still present but manageable.

KateB79 --- How did your first day of rads go? I use the Miaderm also and find it to be very soothing.

JRowe -- My center used the wedge also. As already mentioned by someone, the time on the table is minimal. I was usually in and out in about 15 minutes total (except on days I saw my RO or on days that an additional film was taken). What I hated was having my nose or other body part to start itching while I was on the table and I couldn't scratch. That happened several times and actually became kind of comical to me.