Spring 2016 Rads

Could be cording, I actually had something like this a few weeks ago, a hard ropey feeling area right between my lump ectomy and sentinel node, it felt kind of bruising as well. I massaged it and it actually went away on its own, I asked my oncologist about it a few days later and she told me it was probably cording.

Had last whole breast TX today and my breast is angry and peeling bad under the breast and under the arm.  What is everyone using for peeling skin?  Good note only 8 more boosts to go and three days off with the holiday.

Sheri64, I had terrible peeling and pain in the same areas as you. RO prescribed regenecare gel. I used aloa vera and auquaphor mostly. I used domboro soaks once to twice a day, that was very soothing . The best thing however was a product my doctor gave me called Coolmagic hydrogel sheets. They are expensive but he gave me 2 sheets. I ordered a box of 10 messaging 4x4 for about $65. It's hard to keep on under the arm so i used a tube top bra to hold it in place. I padded under my breast and arm with tube socks folded up. Anothet trick I did was wear a swim floatie on my arm to keep it away from my body and prevent skin on skin.

I went this week for my verification appointment. I was laying there in the prone position and the techs were calling out numbers, drawing on me, and then tattooing my body. I was alone, without anyone and I just wanted to cry. However, I could only let one tear fall because I couldn't move to wipe it. It was cold in the room and I started to feel really cold. Finally it was over and I could leave. I was relieved. After I left, I broke down. It was almost like a slap in the face to remind me that I have Cancer. I had recovered from surgery and was doing great then, all of a sudden, this.

I went the next two days for treatment and it didn't take near as long. I asked the tech if it was going to get easier and her response was, yes. And it was easier each day. I have the same techs and same machine, everyday.

Three treatments down and twenty-seven to go!

Melancholy, I understand how you feel. I was SO excited my first day- to feel like I was doing something to kill the cancer, but cried on my second day because it was my birthday and I was thinking " I turn 42 today and I'm having to get radiation because I had cancer" The rad tech that had only met me twice gave me a hug and 2 gifts and made me feel so cared for that I was ok after that because I looked forward everyday to talking and laughing with those awesome people. I find ordeals easier to go through if you go through it with awesome people! You will do great with your rads! HUGS!!!!! And cry all you want, it's been 2 weeks post rads for me and I still have crying spells at times, for no reason at all. It's ok to get down, as long as we don't STAY down!!!!

MelancholyL, I just finished my first full week of rads and it has been a very emotional journey.  Didn't really have a meltdown until day 6.  The techs were running behind and not as friendly.  It was raining and the traffic was horrible.  I was tired from getting up early every morning and being reminded everyday I had to go fight cancer.  So I felt miserable all day yesterday.  I am tons better today with a good night sleep and knowing I have a three day break from the routine.  Everyone in the waiting room tells me it flies by and I agree with checking off everyday we finish.  But I also am reading a book by Brene Brown and she has a chapter on self-compassion which I am trying to do.  Think of how you would respond to your child if she were undergoing this treatment.  In other words, be compassionate to yourself during this time.  Don't beat yourself up if you have a hard day dealing with this.  For me its the long drive and disruption to my daily routine that gets me down.  I have never been a go to the doctor person and every single day I have at least one visit to the doctor.  It stinks.  I hate it.  But I accept it and try to look for the blessings and nuggets of joy each day.  Enjoy your long weekend and cheers to finishing your first visits!

I'm still waiting for my post-op to find out about my radiation therapy. I'm extremely lucky living across from a big medical building that has that service available. About how long does each session last? I home school my kids year round and want an idea how much to plan for them to do on their own while I'm gong (they do 5th grade work).

I'm also wondering...I have several skin tags on my left side where I will receive radiation. Should I see about having them removed before I start? There are a few right under my breast that and a couple in the underarm region. I meant to take care of them in June before I received the diagnosis. Now I'm not sure if I should get them removed or leave them and handle it later.

If there's one thing that I've learned about cancer treatment it is that it's a big, giant, roller coaster filled, up and down journey. For sure. It's funny, I'm waiting to jump on the Tamoxifen (T) train next Wednesday and I have the same trepidations and and questions as I have had before starting any of the other bc txs that I've been through. I'm trying to let myself mellow out a bit. But it's hard. The "not knowing" is the worst. At least for me.

#CancerTreatmentSucks #ButCancerSucksWorse! hahhahaaaaaa #RadiateThis

Happy Saturday!

ejman- My treatments lasted about 5 minutes each. You are so very lucky to live close by!

I've been on tamoxifen for over a month. So far, no side effects.

I hope everyone is having a "radiant" weekend and enjoying their respite from treatment!

Ingerp, I'm glad you were able to squeak in a treatment today being a Saturday. You have good motivation to motor through and get finished up before the wedding!

ejmann, I will echo what some others have said - you're in and out of the treatment room in about ten minutes - I think positioning takes longer than the actual radiation some days.

Happy Memorial Day long weekend to my American friends Cheers!

Sheri, I am 2 weeks post rads and have gotten pain on and off. The pain was worse today, probably from wearing bra all day and being in car all day with seat belt that likes to slide over my breast. The intense itching had subsided but came back last night with a vengeance. I've just learned to deal with it and it eventually gets better. Hugs to you!

Hi Melancholy. It will get much easier. I will PM you, we may have the same people treating us. I'm halfway through and ready to be done!

Hi Jonsey, welcome! Keep us posted on what your treatment plan will be - you'll get lots of great tips here. Reading through the Winter Rads 2016 board might be helpful too. Depending on where people gets their rads and what their particular situation is dictates their length of treatment and what kinds of side effects they have. I have had three weeks of whole breast treatment - finished up on Friday - and begin a week of boosts today and then I'm done! For me, it's been an extremely easy process and I haven't had any side effects except for some very light pink skin. I didn't have chemo beforehand, and I'm sure that experience factors in as far as fatigue, etc., goes as you may be a little worn out from that (?) - someone who has gone that route can obviously speak better to that than I. Ask any question you like; there will be someone on here who can answer it for you!

Ingerp, I hope that this is not your new "temporary normal". I've had a few days like that, too. And I'm still fatigued. Mostly my muscles. My legs feel so heavy sometimes. My RO says this will get better in about a month or so. Fun times...

Hi Radiant ones!

Had a great weekend helping DD with painting and landscaping. Did great and felt like my old self until Today!

Ingerp and Iammags -I too had the legs of lead today! Yikes it came on all of a sudden! Hopefully tomorrow will be better. Not looking forward to going back to rads tomorrow but I will be over halfway!

Grazy- are you starting your boosts? Wondering how that is would like to fast forward the last 2 whole breast weeks!