Winter 2015-16 RADS

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  • JOWE
    JOWE Member Posts: 12
    edited March 2016

    I HAVE A STRANGE ? MAYBE. TODAY I HAD MY 13TH TREATMENT. HOWEVER YESTERDAY THE ARM OF THE MACHINE THAT COMES ACROSS YOU WAS SO DIFFERENT. EVERY OTHER DAY THE MACHINE WOULD PUSH AGAINST MY RIGHT ARM TO THE POINT THAT THE LADY WOULD ASK IF I COULD HANDLE IT, BUT YESTERDAY IT DID NOT EVEN GET CLOSE TO MY ARM. I ?ED IT TODAY AFTER IT CAME ON MY ARM TODAY. OF COURSE WHEN I ASK HER SHE SAID DONT WORRY ABOUT IT. IT WILL BE DIFFERENT ALL THE TIME. I DIDNT WANT TO SAY TOO MUCH. BUT I WAS WONDERING IF ANYONE HAS HAD THIS HAPPEN TO THEM. I AM VERY CONCERNED BECAUSE I AM AFRAID IT WILL HIT THE WRONG PLACE, LIKE MAYBE MY HEART OR LLUNGS.


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  • KateB79
    KateB79 Member Posts: 747
    edited March 2016

    Jowe, I had a couple of weird incidents early on. There was a day they didn't wait until I was holding my breath (I did breath-gated left-sided chest wall rads), and zapped the hell out of me. It freaked me out. There was another day when I swear I only got three zaps, instead of four. That freaked me out, too. But as time went on, I found myself just relaxing into the rhythm of things and trying not to stress too much.

    That said, the most anxious (and maybe depressed) I've been during this whole stupid ordeal (I'd say "journey," but it's actually an ordeal) was during active rads treatment. I finished on Wednesday, and my worldview has already improved pretty substantially. It's weird how stuff works.

    This morning, I woke up, looked at my clock, saw that it was 7:30, and was like, "oh, I'm so late for rads." But NO. No more rads! I went back to sleep until 8:15, and it was fabulous.

    I hope that all of you have a wonderful weekend. If you're still in tx, you've got two days off! And if you just finished, happy healing. I'm reddish-purple in a couple of spots, but this too shall pass.

    Hugs.

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  • JOWE
    JOWE Member Posts: 12
    edited March 2016

    Thanks KateB79, I guess I am just stressed to the MAX. So happy for you that you are finished with the Rads. Hopefully this ordeal or (journey) will be finished for me soon. You have a great weekend too. Hugs.

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  • El_Tigre
    El_Tigre Member Posts: 520
    edited March 2016

    Jowe - i had an experience where i laid on the table getting ready for them to position me and it felt wrong. I was too high up on the table so i scooted down and it felt more comfortable. They line up the tattoos anyways so I am not sure how big of an impact my scooting was but it gave me peace of mind.

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  • KarenR0618
    KarenR0618 Member Posts: 78
    edited March 2016

    WTG Brightsocks glad you are finished.

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  • Tessio
    Tessio Member Posts: 46
    edited March 2016

    Congrats to Kate, Jerseygirl, Brightsocks and everyone that is finishing RADS!!

    I'm exactly one week post RADs and my underarm burn is soooo much better. I have been using Aloe (right off the plant). Silverdene cream on the new skin, and triple B cream too. I also swit

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

    Tessio - do you feel tired or fatigued?

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

    El Tiger - They are supposed to align you on the table. They pull the sheets to move me around. Did they align you after you scooted?

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  • Tessio
    Tessio Member Posts: 46
    edited March 2016

    Marijen, I don't feel too fatigued at all. I am tired from being so out of shape and gaining the 20+ pounds.

    I left my last post midsentence and I cannot for the life of me remember what I had meant to write.

    My skin is so much better that I am wearing a bra again. Yea! No more black eyes! I still put my cream on and then put a white T-shirt and then put the sports bra over the white T-shirt. Then of course some top on top of that

    Thank goodness for spring weather! Looking forward to going scarflesssoon.

    Question about melatonin… I am trying to wean myself off of Ativan. I'm hoping that melatonin will help with sleep is that what everyone is taking it for?

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  • KateB79
    KateB79 Member Posts: 747
    edited March 2016

    Tessio, YES. Melatonin is great for sleep. More isn't always more, though: my advice is to start with 1mg (sublingual) for a few nights, see how that works, and gradually work your way up if you need to.

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  • Andraxo
    Andraxo Member Posts: 410
    edited March 2016

    I take Melatonin to sleep for the past 3 years. 5mg every night. Less than that did not work. It helps me get to sleep, but not always stay asleep (a separate problem). I'm such a light sleeper! It hits like a way of sleepy approx 20-30 minutes after taking it. If I really need to sleep and have enough time in bed, I take the regular 5mg, then another 3mg that is time released or I'll take 6mg time released and not the 5mg. I find the time released kind can make me groggy if I don't have at least 8 hours to spend in bed (rare). I'm so happy to get 6-7 hours of sleep with Melatonin. Without it I'd get maybe 5 tops...broken up into 30-60 minute increments. Don't take it unless you are going to bed and sleep, or maybe reading in bed. You can easily override the wave of sleepy if you are up and doing other things.

    - xo

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  • El_Tigre
    El_Tigre Member Posts: 520
    edited March 2016

    Marijen - yeah they did. It had just felt "off" that time. All the other times it felt right. :) during rads I got paraniod that i was out of position but towards the end of the "zaps" I was more comfortable about it. happy to be done

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  • mairew
    mairew Member Posts: 84
    edited March 2016

    No 15 completed today. Almost half way done. Almost.

    Congrats to all finished this week.

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  • Twnkltoz
    Twnkltoz Member Posts: 215
    edited March 2016

    I've been taking melatonin for years, and it does help me sleep. I also have the problem with staying asleep. It's so frustrating, because people insist on giving me pointers for how to fall asleep, but that doesn't really apply when you wake up at 3am and can't go back to sleep.

    Today is day 12 since my last whole breast Tx. My underarm area is SO much more comfortable. I'm still peeling and weeping, but underneath is a thin layer of new skin instead of being raw. I'm very tight all over, so it's hard to use my arm. I started doing my post-surgery stretches again this morning. All the rest of the treatment area, including boosts, is turning from dark red to brown.

    I started back to exercising this week. I walked a mile on Tuesday and again yesterday. I'm about to go to the gym and do some light weights and maybe walk some more. It's so much harder than it was before diagnosis! sigh.

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  • violethope
    violethope Member Posts: 32
    edited March 2016

    Congrats to everyone finishing this week! Today was #7 out of 16 and no problems yet with my skin. Suspect if that is going to happen it will start next week. Feeling tired but think that is to be expected with all that we are going through. Have a good weekend everyone...hugs!

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  • Brimton
    Brimton Member Posts: 87
    edited March 2016
    Warrior Women Congratulations to all you who have finished with regular rads and have moved on to boosts. YEAH to all who have finished. I talked to RO with my RN sister and she said she went over my MRI, CT, and path reports and decided two more would be warranted due to my margins (which were clear) and how I have done so far. When my sister said something to the tech he said "Oh, she thought she would be done." AAAA yes I did. he said boosts can be 5-8. So I am in the high range at 7. Thanks for the support MDOC and TWNK. I'm resigned to it. JOWE mention the arm again. That seems odd that it would be pinching you. I had to do gated breathing which was a bit freaky as each tech had a different way of coaching me. I also had them come to take me off the table and I reminded THEM I still had two more to go. Then they came in to adjust me one mm. Try to work through it. The time goes by either way. thinking of all of you in my circle holding hands.
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  • barbe1958
    barbe1958 Member Posts: 19,757
    edited March 2016

    Okay, I don't see a Spring rads thread and I'm too lazy to start one so I'll jump in here. I get simulation on the 18th and then start 25 rads on the 21st. I've read every post here so I do believe I'm ready for anything! Wish me luck, please.....

    Hugs to all!

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  • Brimton
    Brimton Member Posts: 87
    edited March 2016
    Warrior Women Congratulations to all you who have finished with regular rads and have moved on to boosts. YEAH to all who have finished. I talked to RO with my RN sister and she said she went over my MRI, CT, and path reports and decided two more would be warranted due to my margins (which were clear) and how I have done so far. When my sister said something to the tech he said "Oh, she thought she would be done." AAAA yes I did. he said boosts can be 5-8. So I am in the high range at 7. Thanks for the support MDOC and TWNK. I'm resigned to it. JOWE mention the arm again. That seems odd that it would be pinching you. I had to do gated breathing which was a bit freaky as each tech had a different way of coaching me. I also had them come to take me off the table and I reminded THEM I still had two more to go. Then they came in to adjust me one mm. Try to work through it. The time goes by either way. thinking of all of you in my circle holding hands.
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  • Duzy
    Duzy Member Posts: 134
    edited March 2016

    Yeah for Friday 2 day break for everyone. It's official the peeling has began. I believe I will lose most of the skin under my arm. Hope that is the only area. Twinkltoz glad to hear yours is starting to heal. My arm is also very tight and any movement hurts and sleep is next to impossible. On the bright side no more radiation to that area.

    Have a great weekend everyone - we have a wedding for my daughters best friend who was also like our daughter so no getting out of it. This shall be interesting in what to wear

    image

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  • Moondust
    Moondust Member Posts: 510
    edited March 2016

    Happy Friday, everyone! One more down. Congrats to everyone who has recently finished!

    I would definitely be questioning any difference in the alignment of the zapper. So far mine has been in the same two positions each time. I personally would not accept an answer like "don't worry about it" and I'd ask to talk to the RO before my next treatment. JMO.

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  • Windward
    Windward Member Posts: 65
    edited March 2016

    Hello Awesome Group!


    Had first 3 rads this week. Went fine, now that I don't have to stay on " The Rack" for very long. My RO has me using a really creamy cream at night , and though I leave it on for a while before putting nightshirt on, it seems to come off on the shirt. I want to insure I get enough of the moisture into my skin. Should I rub it in more so it is no longer so moist? Use a non-absorbent pad and bra to sleep with? Suggestions?

    Good luck Barb 1958!
    It's a journey with an end clearly in sight. Hope you have a friendly and upbeat radiation staff, makes all the difference. I read over all the helpful hints, and helped me be prepared for what to look for, and ask for.




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  • Brimton
    Brimton Member Posts: 87
    edited March 2016
    Duzy my spot is larger the silvadeen seems to be helping. I am so tired of creaming up. Soon we will be done with it! Then trying to find the new normal...
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  • Jclc83
    Jclc83 Member Posts: 246
    edited March 2016

    Hi everyone! Long time no see.

    I pinked up on day 1 of rads. Now on day 17 I am a beautiful, blotchy dark red. I am especially tender on the supraclavicular area. My breast swelled a little too. I am lubing up four times a day alternating between Aquaphor and Miaderm. I wear a tank top or t shirt under my clothes and just go braless. Reminds me of the sixties!

    I had a favorite tech but they alternate duties once a week. They are all nice but there is big difference in the way they do their treatments. Some seem to do it Helter Skelter I was surprised how many male techs there are. Even my radiation nurse is male. No one covers me up and the whole thing reminds me of Fifty Shades of Grey.

    They do have a beautiful, multicolored LED ceiling to look at which has 9 variations. So I get a good light show and good music. I can't really complain.

    I hope you all enjoy your weekend.


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  • AG3
    AG3 Member Posts: 80
    edited March 2016

    Hi everyone. I finished rads yesterday. My center gave me a medal and a certificate. That was nice. I had 33 treatments, last 5 were boosts on my mastectomy scar. My skin held up well. Therapists and oncologists were surprised. I only used Miaderm twice or thrice a day! I did not wear bras, just tank tops. I increased my protein with costco protein shakes peanut butter, eggs, meat. Experienced heartburn and dizziness right after first treatment but went away. Had some fatigue on and off, more like just wanting to nap or sleep earlier.

    I'm one week post rads on main treated areas. My skin really just got worse, bright red, on last three days of treatment and weekend and week after that.

    Thank you all for the tips. You are all warriors. May God bless you all and your loved ones.



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  • AG3
    AG3 Member Posts: 80
    edited March 2016

    Hi everyone. I finished rads yesterday. My center gave me a medal and a certificate. That was nice. I had 33 treatments, last 5 were boosts on my mastectomy scar. My skin held up well. Therapists and oncologists were surprised. I only used Miaderm twice or thrice a day! I did not wear bras, just tank tops. I increased my protein with costco protein shakes peanut butter, eggs, meat. Experienced heartburn and dizziness right after first treatment but went away. Had some fatigue on and off, more like just wanting to nap or sleep earlier. Hydrating more and short walks helped.

    My skin (under the breast and armpit) really just got worse, bright red, on last three days of treatment and the week post rads.My clavicle and back upper shoulder just pinked a little.

    Thank you all for the tips. You are all warriors. May God bless you all and your loved ones.


    P.S.

    I had a nipple sparing mastectomy/right breast july 2015 .4 rounds of chemo TC august 2015. My expander held up. Got hard sometimes. Am scheduled to have diep flap 6 months after rads. No earlier, PA was adamant about that. I also start tamoxifen two weeks after rads. Onco explained they didn't want to suppress any cancer cells during treatment.


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  • Moondust
    Moondust Member Posts: 510
    edited March 2016

    AG3, congrats on being done!! Hooray!! That makes sense about not suppressing the cancer cells. I'm sure that applies to chemo also, which I'll be having after rads. Well, I'm already old with stiff knees, and going off my HRT when I was diagnosed is giving me the same symptoms as most of you starting tamoxifen. I've been off HRT a little over 3 months. Maybe I should take it again to wake up the cancer so it can get killed! (Only kidding).

    Windward, I'd highly recommend Miaderm. It is not greasy, absorbs very quickly, and seems to be doing a fabulous job keeping my skin healthy despite the daily bombardment. I'm done with 14 zaps.

    Jan, that's nice to have music during your treatments. I'll have to ask if my place has that. They do have different color lights around the perimeter of the room.

    Duzy, looks yucky and painful! Hope it gets noticeably better each day!

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  • Katja23
    Katja23 Member Posts: 46
    edited March 2016

    Thanks, Peabrain, for explaining the prohibition on supplements and vitamins. However, my RO never told me not to take vitamins, and he should have seen from my medical record that I do take a multivitamin. It's been two weeks now. Well, I guess that will be a question I have for him next time I see him.

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  • VickiRides
    VickiRides Member Posts: 211
    edited March 2016

    Half way done! Treatment 15 was yesterday. I am starting to notice my skin looking a little pink but it is not uncomfortable. I have been using Udderly Smooth cream, which my RO recommended.

    I woke up today without hip pain for the first time in weeks. I spent yesterday afternoon painting our spare bedroom. It must be good physical therapy.

    But to keep things balanced I have had a terrible time falling asleep the past two nights, even taking Ambien. What is that about?

    Have a great weekend.

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  • KateB79
    KateB79 Member Posts: 747
    edited March 2016

    Oh, Tamoxifen.

    Maybe the hot flashes will taper off after I'm less crispy from rads?

    Still no skin breakage, and the itching is getting better. There's hope! :)

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  • Twnkltoz
    Twnkltoz Member Posts: 215
    edited March 2016

    congrats on finishing, @ag!

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