Spring 2016 Rads
Comments
-
babes, I'm so sorry about your score!!! I was so nervous about mine, but was ready to do the chemo if I needed to. Prayers for you!
-
Babes, check out my message to you regarding the oncodx score. You already are having radiation, so your score changes nothing. And if you are hormone receptor positive, you could take tamoxifen etc. to further reduce recurrence. Your oncodx score was for DCIS, so my understanding is that chemo is not part of the equation....
-
teach6, is the bolster a plastic like mold thing that goes over your chest? If so then, yes, I have that in for 4 minutes of my treatment and they take it off for the last minute.
-
teach6 - I have a bolster every other day too. They told me it's to trick the machine so it gets more towards my skin and not as deep. Usually they treat one area with the bolster, reposition the bolster for the next area, and then remove the bolster for another area.
Today was 21 of 33. On Wednesday I am supposed to stay a little longer so we can get everything mapped for boosts which start next week. I have also graduated from aloe vera and aquafor to diaper rash cream.
-
I met my RO today. I'm going to be starting 33 zaps in a couple weeks. He didn't say anything about boost. What is this and should I ask for it? TIA
-
I start April 25th for the mapping, then 30 treatments to breast, axilla and chest wall. If recurrence is in axilla, I really do have to do the breast? My RO says yes- definitely! Should I get a second opinion? I have reconstructed boobs and PS did a good job. No nipples though. Is the radiation going to mess that all up? And also, what are boosts? Sorry for so many questions. I'm just nervous. Good luck ladies!
-
LovingGrouches I started Letrizole (Femara) before RADS. I had been on HRT (estrogen) for 14 years and the shock of an Estrogen blocker right after they took away my HRT was hard! They upped my dose of Prozac (from 20 to 40mg) to try to mitigate (there is some evidence that anti-depressants help with hot flashes) but I began to feel weird. A friend of our family is an oncologist (my mom had ovarian cancer, my sister died of breast cancer at 44) She said I should give myself a break, let my body adjust, and quit the letrizole until AFTER the RADS so that's what I did. My MO is a detatched young woman who seems like she'd rather be anywhere but in her office. Glad I have my family onc to talk to. If she wasn't so far away, I'd totally be in her care.
-
Randi1035, I was on HRT for 8 years and it was working so well, I was hoping that I'd never have to go off of it! My oncologist/gynecologist took me off it immediately cold turkey. I am Estrogen positive so I start Tamoxifin after radiation. I am worried about mood swings and the terrible hot flashes, not to mention all the other strange side effects I've been seeing. My gyno put my on Paxil for hot flashes, but then yesterday when I talked to oncology, I found out there is a strong interaction between that and the tamoxifin. My oncologist talked to my gyno, so today, they switched me to Effexor.
I just started Radiation on Monday so today will be my third time. Did anyone feel tired right off the bat? Yesterday, when I got home at 2:30, I slept until 5pm and then went to bed at my regular time anyways. Could it be the radiation, or is it probably just a coincidence?
-
Hi all! Had my first rad yesterday 4/12/16! Wasn't nearly as bad/scary as I had built it up in my head! You just lay there with your arms over your head and get zapped, and I didn't feel a thing! Since my breast cancer was on my left side, I have to hold my breath when I'm zapped so it will move my heart out of the way. I was told that I'll probably have a little scarring on my left lung, but that it shouldn't be an issue.
1 down...29 more to go! Or I was told that I could possibly only have to do 3 weeks (15 rads) and 1 week of boosts. It all depends on my RO and how she thinks my treatments have helped me. Hoping for a shorter treatment time!
-
DONE!!!!!
-
On my way for 2nd RAD. LIFEOFBABS - Thank GOD you told your MO about the Paxil your GYNO prescribed. Tamoxifin and Paxil/Prozac and a whole bunch of anti-depressants don't work together. My ONC wanted to prescribe Effexor for me too. I told her I was on Prozac and she said "take both." Then, my Internist told me "NO." My internist didn't know what to do so she said "double up on the Prozac." I am on Letrozol not Tamoxifin because I am post menopausal (had a hysterectomy 14 years ago).
Anyway, the Prozac made me feel really weird, forgetful, confused and blah. I'm tapering off now. But I will have to figure something out once RADS are over and I have to go back on some aromatase inhibitor.
So, IF ANYONE takes EFFEXOR can you share your experience with it? I know all of us are different, but I'd love to know if it's very strong or barely noticeable in the low dose they prescribe for Hot Flashes. 40mg of Prozac and me don't get along and I feel hungry all the time. Gained 4 pounds already.
I don't know why we have to become experts in everything from wound care to anti-depressants but sadly we do. The docs when they're good are fabulous, and when they're just okay they're dangerous.
-
Just a warning about effexor. I was on this for a long time. Getting off of it was harsh. If I didn't take the pill by 3 pm I'd feel like I had the flu, literally. I've been on all kinds of ADs and this was THE worse oneto wean off of, even slowly like they recommend. So if you do start this one I wouldn't plan on long term. I don't know how long it took for my body to get addicted to it to where by 3 pm the next day I'd feel like utter shit if I didn't take it, hence just a heads up. Not saying it'll for sure happen to you as we are all different, but I know this is a common complaint.
-
I finished today 6 1/2 weeks (33 treatments, of which 28 were whole breast and the last 5 were boosts)
This week's appointment with the RO and nurse also happened to be today. My skin held up very well. Other than an overall slight darkening, just a slight irritating redness in the armpit and in the crease under the breast, which they said might peel. But it's not really itchy or painful at all. The nurse told me I can stop using corn starch but should continue using the aloe gel for another 2 weeks or so, until both breasts look the same, and also use aquafor (which she also gave me) on those two places that likely to peel, 2-3 times a day.
gindugirl, boosts are another type of radiation, a different form entirely, that is also focused on the tumor area as a extra safety measure. But I think it's only post-lumpectomy, not post-mastectomy. It is aimed straight down, but does not penetrate far (because it's a different type), so it does not reach the heart and lungs. It's quicker too, because it does not need to swing to a different angle.
I never got tired/fatigued the whole, time, other than sometimes feeling tired a little earlier in the evening (8:30 or so), but that would pass, and I would stay up until 9:45 - 10:30 pm (which is still an hour earlier than I did before surgery and radiation). I've been doing long walks more often. But I also wasn't recovering from chemo or a mastectomy, which can be a factor in fatigue. Age and fitness too, maybe.
Good luck to the rest of you.
-
I finished on April 4, but decided to share my recent experiences here so I can help with some of the questions.
Babbs, my breast felt warm after the rads session for the first couple of weeks. Then I didn't feel it. I told myself it was like getting microwaved. Sorry about your high Oncotype, but that means chemo will really be effecitve on anything floating around in your bod. I'm not sure if your team will recommend it for DCIS, but you should definitely ask. I'm doing chemo after rads, and hope you'll consider it too if it is recommended by your MO. I was also on HRT but only for about 18 months before my Dx. I went off immediately and also started having some hot flashes, but they are not that troublesome. I just dress in layers and adjust as needed.
LovingGrouches, I think what you had is the sim. The next thing you'll have is a real treatment, at least I think so. My first treatment took a little longer because they were doing some fine tuning, etc, and taking extra xray images beforehand. Warning - the marker they used got all over my bra afterwards, so wear old clothes to the first real treatment!
-
Thanks for checking in with your experience Moondust, and Congrats Kathy on being DONE!
-
Gabapentin, orignially used for seizures, is really helpful for anxiety and menopausal symptoms. It gets along with Tamoxifen and AI's in general. I've been using it for ages and I feel pretty good. I was also taking Wellbutrin but had to stop due to bad interactions between it and Tamoxifen. I'd like to get off of everything but I'm afraid of unleashing the monster menopausal woman inside me! hahaaa.
Lovinggrouches- it's my understanding that after the rad SIM it's usually about 2 weeks or so before the rads begin.
Alice- thanks for the warning about the markers on the clothes. I had no idea!
Congrats kkubsky on finishing! Whew, right?
-
I go for my radiation "kick off" appt (mapping, etc.) in a couple of weeks. Couple of questions:
1) I still have lots of bruising and tenderness from my surgeries which were about 5 months ago. I have an appt to talk with the surgeon about it, they are kind of dismissing it. Just wonder how common this experience is related to healing.
2) Has anyone's doc said anything about having the tattoos removed once the radiation process is complete? I have been told that they don't recommend this. So far, I feel like this concern has been dismissed. Nonetheless, it's my choice and the issue arises from a medical condition. Just want to see what other people's experiences have been around this issue.
Thanks lots.
-
One more thing: On a happier note... can I ask how my post-chemo compatriots are doing with hair starting to come back? Mine is still just fuzz but it seems like there is a bit more there than there was early on ... right after it all fell out.
Thanks!
-
I asked my RO about tatoos and he said it's just a dot. Anyone who's had it is it really just a dot?
-
Hi, there. Yes, the tattoos are tiny dots, so small that they are barely noticeable
-
Yes, my tattoos are tiny dots like very small freckles. Mine are blue.
-
I went Monday and they made the mold and put 2 x's on my breast with markers and covered them with clear round tape, they did a ct and said to give them a week to make the plan and get the okay with nuclear. I got a call today saying to come in tomorrow for us to get started. Will I actually start the radiation tomorrow, or will they just do a simulation first? I didn't think to ask and just don't know what to expect. He said we would talk about times and a schedule tomorrow too. I don't think what I did the other day was a simulation because they didn't have the plan yet. I'm slightly confused
-
It's a sim. They can't do rads without going through "dry" run(s).
-
3RD RAD today. Anyone have heartburn? Never had it before, but last night, up all night with it. Also slept really late today. Is it too early to be this tired? Also I feel a lump right above my scar. It feels like the original lump did. I see the doc once a week, otherwise it's just the technicians (two 20 somethings...rush you in and out)
-
I am 3 months pfc. It's soft fuzz. You can still see a bit of my scalp, but I ditched the hat last week. Hair is finally coming in and it's hit 80, so no more hats for me.
-
Hi. I have 33 scheduled treatments. I have 8 treatments left. I was given a two day break because my skin hurts so much! It has been intact but VERY RED. I have one blister now and under my boob it feels so raw like someone has cut it with a knife. I am super swollen, I am emotionally a wreck with crying. I know 8 days seems so short but I can't even stand the cone on my sore skin. I finally got silvadene cream called in today. I love my RO but she was worried my skin was sensitive and was reluctant to give me anything to put directly on the skin. I have been asking,, and asking. I have gotten skin cooling pads and norco. Today I called in tears and finally they called it in. I am supposed to come in tomorrow to start back up. I honestly don't know if I can do it anymore... I wish I had just went for the mastectomy. Anyone else ever feel that way?
-
after a consultation, a simulation and a dry run I started rads yesterday. Had my 2nd treatment today. Have 30 treatments scheduled with the last 6 I think being boosts. My tattoos are also just tiny blue freckles. I've started using eucerin lotion 3x a day to keep mostuized. Hopefully my skin doesn't get too badly irritated
-
Hi, I am on day 12 of 33 rads and feel horrible. I don't want to seem like a baby....but all I want to do is go home and go to bed. I hear stories of people who continue to jog every day, etc. Some days are better then others, but today all I want to do is go home and go to bed. I work full time, am in an online MBA program, have a husband and 17 year old. I thought about taking some time off work or changing the time of my rads. It seems like I feel worse after them (have them at 11:30)...don't know if it is because I feel worse in afternoon because I am tired or what it is.Anyone else experience fatigue? I just want to go home and go to bed...not go make dinner, laundry, pay bills, etc. ....and yes I do sometimes wish I had had a mastectomy..then, it would be over.
-
Hey Tami. I read your post and felt so badly for you. I'm going for my 3rd rad today and I am worried too. Yes, sometimes I wish I had a mastectomy too. Don't worry. You're not alone with that thought...
I saw on the Moderators page that CABBAGE leaves are good for redness, burning, etc. You peel the leaves, wash them and put them in the fridge. Once cool you put them over your breast. Also saw these tips.
Regularly dust the breast area and inside skin folds with cornstarch to absorb moisture, reduce friction, and keep you smelling fresh. You can use baby powder made from cornstarch (don't use talc) or sifted kitchen cornstarch. Apply it with a clean makeup brush or put some cornstarch into a single knee-high nylon or thin sock and knot it at the top. Gently tap the sock against the skin to dust the surface. If your doctor has recommended using creams or salves, apply those first, then dust the area with the cornstarch.
If areas become red, itchy, sore, and start to burn, and low-potency cream no longer relieves your symptoms, ask your doctor for a stronger steroid cream available by prescription. Examples include 2.5% hydrocortisone cream and bethamethasone.Some people get some relief by blowing air on the area with a hair dryer set to "cool" or "air" (no heat).Don't wear a bra if there are raw areas.If your skin becomes dry and flakey during the course of your treatment, moisturize frequently and cleanse skin gently.If your skin forms a blister or peels in a wet way, leave the top of the blister alone! The bubble keeps the area clean while the new skin grows back underneath. If the blister opens, the exposed raw area can be painful and weepy. Keep the area relatively dry and wash it with warm water only. Blot the area dry and then apply a NON–ADHERENT dressing, such as Xeroform dressings (laden with soothing petroleum jelly) or "second skin" dressings made by several companies. To relieve discomfort from blistering or peeling, take an over-the-counter pain reliever, or ask your doctor for a prescription if you need it. -
Hi there! I started this week; will have 33 treatments in all. Happy to move into this last stage of treatment! I'm having delayed reconstruction, so I'm hoping my skin holds up well and I can put myself back together again sooner rather than later!
Categories
- All Categories
- 679 Advocacy and Fund-Raising
- 289 Advocacy
- 68 I've Donated to Breastcancer.org in honor of....
- Test
- 322 Walks, Runs and Fundraising Events for Breastcancer.org
- 5.6K Community Connections
- 282 Middle Age 40-60(ish) Years Old With Breast Cancer
- 53 Australians and New Zealanders Affected by Breast Cancer
- 208 Black Women or Men With Breast Cancer
- 684 Canadians Affected by Breast Cancer
- 1.5K Caring for Someone with Breast cancer
- 455 Caring for Someone with Stage IV or Mets
- 260 High Risk of Recurrence or Second Breast Cancer
- 22 International, Non-English Speakers With Breast Cancer
- 16 Latinas/Hispanics With Breast Cancer
- 189 LGBTQA+ With Breast Cancer
- 152 May Their Memory Live On
- 85 Member Matchup & Virtual Support Meetups
- 375 Members by Location
- 291 Older Than 60 Years Old With Breast Cancer
- 177 Singles With Breast Cancer
- 869 Young With Breast Cancer
- 50.4K Connecting With Others Who Have a Similar Diagnosis
- 204 Breast Cancer with Another Diagnosis or Comorbidity
- 4K DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ)
- 79 DCIS plus HER2-positive Microinvasion
- 529 Genetic Testing
- 2.2K HER2+ (Positive) Breast Cancer
- 1.5K IBC (Inflammatory Breast Cancer)
- 3.4K IDC (Invasive Ductal Carcinoma)
- 1.5K ILC (Invasive Lobular Carcinoma)
- 999 Just Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastasis
- 652 LCIS (Lobular Carcinoma In Situ)
- 193 Less Common Types of Breast Cancer
- 252 Male Breast Cancer
- 86 Mixed Type Breast Cancer
- 3.1K Not Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastases but Concerned
- 189 Palliative Therapy/Hospice Care
- 488 Second or Third Breast Cancer
- 1.2K Stage I Breast Cancer
- 313 Stage II Breast Cancer
- 3.8K Stage III Breast Cancer
- 2.5K Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
- 13.1K Day-to-Day Matters
- 132 All things COVID-19 or coronavirus
- 87 BCO Free-Cycle: Give or Trade Items Related to Breast Cancer
- 5.9K Clinical Trials, Research News, Podcasts, and Study Results
- 86 Coping with Holidays, Special Days and Anniversaries
- 828 Employment, Insurance, and Other Financial Issues
- 101 Family and Family Planning Matters
- Family Issues for Those Who Have Breast Cancer
- 26 Furry friends
- 1.8K Humor and Games
- 1.6K Mental Health: Because Cancer Doesn't Just Affect Your Breasts
- 706 Recipe Swap for Healthy Living
- 704 Recommend Your Resources
- 171 Sex & Relationship Matters
- 9 The Political Corner
- 874 Working on Your Fitness
- 4.5K Moving On & Finding Inspiration After Breast Cancer
- 394 Bonded by Breast Cancer
- 3.1K Life After Breast Cancer
- 806 Prayers and Spiritual Support
- 285 Who or What Inspires You?
- 28.7K Not Diagnosed But Concerned
- 1K Benign Breast Conditions
- 2.3K High Risk for Breast Cancer
- 18K Not Diagnosed But Worried
- 7.4K Waiting for Test Results
- 603 Site News and Announcements
- 560 Comments, Suggestions, Feature Requests
- 39 Mod Announcements, Breastcancer.org News, Blog Entries, Podcasts
- 4 Survey, Interview and Participant Requests: Need your Help!
- 61.9K Tests, Treatments & Side Effects
- 586 Alternative Medicine
- 255 Bone Health and Bone Loss
- 11.4K Breast Reconstruction
- 7.9K Chemotherapy - Before, During, and After
- 2.7K Complementary and Holistic Medicine and Treatment
- 775 Diagnosed and Waiting for Test Results
- 7.8K Hormonal Therapy - Before, During, and After
- 50 Immunotherapy - Before, During, and After
- 7.4K Just Diagnosed
- 1.4K Living Without Reconstruction After a Mastectomy
- 5.2K Lymphedema
- 3.6K Managing Side Effects of Breast Cancer and Its Treatment
- 591 Pain
- 3.9K Radiation Therapy - Before, During, and After
- 8.4K Surgery - Before, During, and After
- 109 Welcome to Breastcancer.org
- 98 Acknowledging and honoring our Community
- 11 Info & Resources for New Patients & Members From the Team