Spring 2016 Rads

I started RADS on 4/4 for 6weeks .. Today will be # 11 and so far so good, no changes in the skin or fatigue. The only issue I have had is that my Lymphedema in the left arm has gotten worse... They tell me this can happen in the beginning and won't be swollen for the remaining 4 weeks.. I sure hope they are right!!!!

Summer is coming and I am ready for RADS to be over and hair to grow back...

When I started the machine was down day 2 and 3. Then further along it was down for 4 days because of the hack of Medstar computers. It was all added to the end.

Thank you Karen and Moondust! I feel better knowing that this is a somewhat common occurrence! I was worried my facility had shoddy equipment! Hopefully I can get in today.

Had rad #6 today and so far so good! No fatigue, no redness, no sore breast...nothing! I get to work around 6:30 am, leave around 9:30 to go do my radiation, then go back to work until 5:00. I'm grateful I haven't had any fatigue. I'm not using the lotion that was prescribed. My RO said that I could also use non-alcoholic aloe vera gel, so that's what I'm using.

The only downside is I did find out that I'm not eligible for the shorter rad time and then the boosts. Since I had chemo, my RO won't do boosts. She says that boosts don't react well with people who've had chemo, that chemo patients need to be given low dosage radiation. So that means I have to do the full 6 weeks! Oh well, better safe than sorry!

My hair is looking pretty hilarious! It's coming in white (which I was brunette before), and the sides are all laying down, but my crown is standing straight up! I look like I have a mohawk on top!

My RO is recommending Miaderm Radiology Relief cream. It's quite pricey, 4 oz for $36 on amazon. Anyone using it? It has great reviews on amazon. Wondering if it's worth the price?

igay1ord- Sounds like your rockin' some super stylish hair!! And, for what it's worth, I haven't had to go through chemo but I can't have the boosts, either. Because of the amount of tissue that they had to remove I had a breast reduction. My RO said that it was too difficult to find the exact site of the tumors so boosts won't work for me. Here's to easy does it....

My RO recommends Aquaphor or Calandula cream, much less expensive.

Good Luck, all!

I have an appointment tomorrow for mapping. My radiologist said that I will have four weeks of treatments, three days a week. A total of twelve, yet I will have the same dosage of radiation as if I had the six week/5 days per week regimen. He said it is less fatiguing, easier for the patient, and that it's a new method. I haven't heard anyone else getting this. Has anyone heard of this type of treatment?

Yesterday was treatment 11 of 21. Yay for being on the downhill side of this thing!

Here's a tip in case it might help someone: I am doing the breath hold machine. About treatment 6 I started having anxiety and difficulty getting to the breath level. This past Monday I had a different tech and she noticed I was breathing in really fast and hard. She offered to let me practice the next day and said to take a slow and steady breath. On Tuesday we practiced before my actual treatment and it has made a tremendous difference. So if you are having difficulty don't be afraid to ask if you can do some practice breathing and try to breath in slow and steady. My anxiety level is so much less now.

Thank you, Grazy. As it turns out, my radiologist moved to their other office 30 miles east. I have a new radiologist. The difference between the two is that Doctor #1 is in his thirties, and Doctor #2 is in his sixties. Doctor #2 is not quite on board with the shorter span of treatments. I told him I was hesitant and not comfortable with the four week plan. I don't want to have to go through breast cancer ever again. So I'm have the six week/33 treatment plan.

Arista, I know the Miaderm is more expensive than some, but I used it all through 30 rads and I think it is good stuff. For the entire course of treatment I used two tubes. Among other ingredients, it contains Aloe and Calendula. It is non-greasy and always feels nice going on. My skin has never liked vaseline based products such as Aquaphor, which is why I didn't try that one.

Hang in there everyone!

Hi All;

I just finished 6 months of chemo and radiation is next; I will likely start in the next 2 weeks. I have my first appt wit the RO on 5/2 for meet and greet and plan. I have been a loyal poster in the TAXOL group but since I have finished I wanted to find a radiation group. so here I am

I had 4 surgeries in the fall then AC followed by TAXOL and graduated chemo and rang the bell on 4/7! My diagnosis was invasive ductal.

I am going to go back and read all your posts so I can see what folks are doing to deal with radiation. I am going to try to work and go to treatments in the afternoons; I see on here someone is doing that and its working well.

2 weeks out from chemo I am no longer feeling "sick" ; but I am still tired, bloody noses, and sore muscles. I am having a bone scan Monday as the MO wants to make sure the pain in my hips is nothing more than post chemo muscle soreness. I understand radiation can be exhausting after chemo but I am happy to no longer feel "sick".

I look forward to following this thread

Sawyer

Week 2 of 6 down! So far all is good! No pinkness, redness, nothing! I have a question....has anyone else had a problem with itchy and really dry skin? My skin is driving me crazy! I actually broke down this morning and used straight baby oil all over my back, arms and legs. And it's still itchy! I'm meeting with my RO on Monday, so I'll ask her if radiation could be causing it.

Two more boosts and I am outta here! Good thing 'cause I am a crispy critter! Under my arm, breast and chest above breast are the worst. Healing can't come fast enough!

Anyone getting their neck on the affected side done as well?

Hi All!

For those of you who have started rads, did your RO tell you whether the cream or aloe you were using was helping you heal, or just making the area feel better? I have a list from the doctor, but am wondering if any of them helps in the healing as well as making you more comfortable.

I see the RO again on Tuesday and can ask her then, just thought some of you might know!!

Thanks!!