Having radiation for the first time and not keen on it.

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JudyKRN
JudyKRN Member Posts: 45
edited June 2016 in Radiation Therapy - Before, During, and After

Hey, all'

I have had a recurrence, Stage 4 with mets to the bone. I've been on letrozole and Ibrance for about 2 months. Finally my bone pain is nearly gone. However, I have been having an aching pain, on/off in my right arm, radiating down to the wrist. It's okay during the day, but I have to sleep on my back, with my head elevated on 2 pillows, at night. I cannot sleep on either side, as it causes the arm pain. The recurring tumor is in my right axillary and my oncologist told me today that it's nerve pain due to the disease and that radiation will help eradicate that. I have a consultation with the RO next Tuesday. I will probably have 10 rounds of radiation to the axilla. I have never done radiation. My first bout with BC resulted in a bilateral mastectomy before radiation was to start. Needless to say, I am concerned. Any words of encouragement/enlightenment? THANKS!

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  • exbrnxgrl
    exbrnxgrl Member Posts: 12,424
    edited June 2016

    Hi Judy,

    I had rads x15 to a bone met on my femur. It was done to kill off the met, not for pain. But rads can be very effective for pain I had no side effects, save for mild diaherea, or skin damage. I was scrupulous about taking care of my skin (Aloe Vera and Aquaphor) and overall it was very easy. Good luck to you

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  • JudyKRN
    JudyKRN Member Posts: 45
    edited June 2016

    THANKS!

    The radiation would be at the axilla, where the tumor (inoperable) is. The plan is to shrink it so as to relieve this arm pain. The oral meds are helping to shrink it, as well but this would help it along…..

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  • ChiSandy
    ChiSandy Member Posts: 12,133
    edited June 2016

    Be sure to come into each treatment with clean skin (creams & lotions can diffuse the beam and lower the dose while at the same time intensifying effects on the skin). Immediately after each treatment, apply whatever your RO instructs you to. (Mine showered me with lots of sample tubes of Aquaphor). Each night at bedtime, apply some more and whatever else helps. I used the Aquaphor in the dressing cubicle even before putting my bra back on; at night I applied aloe vera (Fruit of the Earth, 100% aloe, no dyes, fragrance or alcohol) and calendula cream. Then shower it off before going for treatment. Especially if your axilla’s being radiated, don’t shave it or apply antiperspirant--gently pat on some cornstarch. You won’t sweat anyway. Wear as soft clothing against it as possible. If you feel it getting hot, try a cooling towel or chilled raw cabbage leaves (really!). Keep showers tepid, at least in that area. Pat, don’t rub or scrub. You will spend less time on the table than you will getting undressed & dressed again. You won’t feel the beams, and they each last only 5-10 sec.

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