Spring 2015 Radiation Sisters

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  • ksusan
    ksusan Member Posts: 4,505
    edited August 2015

    JJ, that's crummy. Do you think a physical therapist or massage therapist might help?

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  • DaisyQ
    DaisyQ Member Posts: 123
    edited August 2015

    JJ,

    I had lots of skin tightening and a build up of scar tissue that pulled the muscles and ligaments in my neck, chest, and shoulder. The TE on my might right side is raised a good 1/2 in. above the left. Two months after my last rad treatment, I was very uncomfortable. Lots of back and neck pain..sleep was nearly impossible. Things were so tight that my jaw popped out of joint. Miserable!

    I started physical therapy in mid July and 1 month later I feel so much better. I'm strengthening my core and "waking up" the muscles that I didn't use much during the chemo months. My PT stretches me at the end of each session. She focuses on flexibility and range of motion. She also encourages me to massage the radiated area with the palm of my hand. That has helped too.

    I wish I knew to start PT right after rads. I would have saved myself lots of pain and discomfort.

    Be well!

    Am


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  • sailorbev
    sailorbev Member Posts: 75
    edited August 2015

    Hello Spring Rads ladies,

    I have been hanging out with with Summer Rads ladies but I wanted to ask a question of those of you who are done with rads. I will be finishing my rads in 3 days. I am wondering how many of you gave a gift to the staff when you finished radiation?  My experience has not been especially positive and I don't have warm, fuzzy feelings toward my RO or the techs. However, if it is the general protocol to give some sort of gift I will do it to avoid feeling guilty later on. ;) Thanks for your advice and I hope you are doing well. 

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  • ElaineTherese
    ElaineTherese Member Posts: 3,328
    edited August 2015

    Hi!

    I never gave gifts to my radiologist or the techs. They were kind to me, but I believe that compassionate care is part of their professional responsibility, not anything unusual. By the way, I'm an educator, and I'd prefer not to receive gifts from my students. Until they graduate, we have a professional, not a personal relationship as far as I'm concerned.

    Hope your recovery from rads goes well!

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  • sailorbev
    sailorbev Member Posts: 75
    edited August 2015

    ElaineTherese--

    Phew! Thank you for your response. It was what I was hoping to hear. I am a retired therapist and I felt the same way about gifts. I would rather not receive them. It just complicated my relationship with my clients. 

    I am so excited about finally finished rads and plan to start recovery with a sailing trip.  

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  • Jesika63
    Jesika63 Member Posts: 78
    edited August 2015

    i was done with rads 6 months ago. Other than surgeon, radiation and docs are in the same center. I don't think it was all that happy either but they were there everday for me. You really don't have to give them anything because there are all paid workers and you should not feel forced to do so... . Since my appointments were early in the a.m., I stopped by the donut and bagel place got a few boxes and gave it to the girl in the front desk. I got enough for all of them. They where happy with the morning donuts and i was happy to say good-bye. I am sure others will along with dferent ideas.

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  • ksusan
    ksusan Member Posts: 4,505
    edited August 2015

    A thank-you card is also always welcome.

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  • CassieCat
    CassieCat Member Posts: 1,257
    edited August 2015

    I did give my tech a gift card to a restaurant she told me she loved. She was SO kind to me and I feel went above and beyond her duties. I had her just about every time, for 35 sessions. I wrote a thank you card too.

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  • MJS1266
    MJS1266 Member Posts: 222
    edited August 2015

    I didn't give any gifts and I didn't see anyone else do it but it is possible that they did. I meant to bring in cupcakes or something my last day but my schedule got the best of me and didn't have time to make anything. When I did chemo, I did bring in snacks on holidays, my niece was kind enough to make them and everyone appreciated them. With chemo, I was there 3 to 4 hours every time. At radiation, you were in and out so fast, not much time to get to know the techs.

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  • zjrosenthal
    zjrosenthal Member Posts: 2,026
    edited November 2015

    Greetings, fellow rads sisters. Just a question. I finished rads in April but still have tenderness up near my collarbone. Also my breast has areas of hardness. Can anyone relate? Love, Jean

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  • MJS1266
    MJS1266 Member Posts: 222
    edited November 2015

    I finished the end of June. I occasionally get zingers but no constant pain or discomfort. I have a hard spot where the tumor bed was but that's it. Never hurts to check it out to give you peace of mind. Best, MJ

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  • NY2TXbaby
    NY2TXbaby Member Posts: 171
    edited November 2015

    Jean, I too have been experiencing tenderness (almost like the area is bruised) around my collarbone area. I finished beginning of June and the pain has been recent. Also have some pain in upper arm area especially when I take a top off over my head - almost like a muscle tightening. My radiated area also feels like it is burning sometimes and I think it may be that I am not applying lotion regularly cause once I put some on it seems to feel better. My breast surgeon said the pain may be from scar tissue developing and that I need to keep up my stretching exercises. I was real faithful following surgery and all during radiation but must admit I have been lax lately. Anyone else experience similar things? I also have recently developed some mild neck stiffness (kind of like when you sleep wrong) that doesn't seem to go away - and of course my thoughts always go to a dark place. I see my MO in a few weeks and may ask for a scan to put my fears to rest. I have been experiencing a variety of new aches and pains and not sure if they are age related, cancer treatment related or are from the Arimedex. Odd.....but I would be happy to say age related! LOL hope all my fellow spring rad sisters are doing well. Heading to Las Vegas soon to celebrate my 60th ! Just so happy I am alive to celebrate! Candy

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  • amylsp
    amylsp Member Posts: 188
    edited November 2015

    I have the collarbone sensitivity too. It feels like something stretching and light self massage might help (?).

    I brought my radiation techs a box of fresh baked cookies from my local bakery on my last day. I did the same for the Chemo nurses after my last Herceptin. It felt like a nice thing to do, and the 'act of giving' helped add to my sense of closure.

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  • JJOntario
    JJOntario Member Posts: 356
    edited November 2015

    Jean...I have a hard spot where my tumour was as well as under my arm. A little note to everyone...I had a wicked cold that turned into pneumonia...apparently the tip of your lung can be touched with rads making it harder to heal if you get a cough.... It was something I wasn't aware of so thought I would share.

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  • CassieCat
    CassieCat Member Posts: 1,257
    edited November 2015

    I'm still fairly sore and the area is tender. There are some hard spots but everything seems ok. I had an exam with my radiologist a few weeks ago and he was pleased with how things were healing, so I guess it's all normal. I need to stretch more though. My range of motion is good but could be a little better.

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  • DaisyQ
    DaisyQ Member Posts: 123
    edited November 2015

    Hi!

    I'm still sore and tender too. I also have what feels like nerve pain. It's hard to tell if it is caused by radiation or reconstruction. I had my exchange surgery 2 months ago. PS had to break up lots of scar tissue and rework the pocket for the implant. The skin still looks dark and leathery in a few spots, but I am definitely seeing improvement. My muscles feel tight, but range of motion is pretty good. I do need to get into the gym and start exercising more.

    Amy



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  • BC2015
    BC2015 Member Posts: 86
    edited November 2015

    hi. I finished in May and have an area of soreness still near tumor bed. Also have hardness in several areas that is fluid and probably fibrosis. After rads have gone to lymph pt twice, month each time. Now I have flexitouch machine to do the massage. I bought it myself as insurance denied the claim. The swelling hardnessand pain is much much better since using the machine daily.

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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited November 2015

    Hello All,

    We are interested in hearing your experiences on issues related to your diagnosis and/or treatment,such as sexual matters, weight gain/loss, chemo brain/chemo fog, bone and heart health, exercise and nutrition issues, menopausal concerns, lymphedema, infertility, neuropathy, joint pain, skin/hair changes, relationship changes, work and career hurdles, and emotional issues including fear of recurrence. Please don't feel that you need to address each of these issues. We are listing these as suggestions. Your stories will complement a new, upcoming section on the main Breastcancer.org site on Survivorship issues.

    Some things to think about for your story: Have you gained a new perspective on this other side of treatment? What life lessons have you learned? What advice would you give your newly-diagnosed self or other person just starting the journey? How does your "old" self compare to your "new" self? Is there a difference? What impact has your breast cancer diagnosis made on your life? If you've become a Breast Cancer Advocate, what is your mission and how are you fulfilling it?

    If you're willing to share your perspective of your life after diagnosis and treatment, we'd love to hear from you! Please send your story via PM to the Mods along with a picture of yourself or something that represents you, and a note about how long since you've been diagnosed. Seeing these stories will surely inspire our new members, along with members just going through treatment now, to see that you CAN get through treatment and get to a new normal on the other side.

    Your story will be included with the other Members Stories photos on the main site (http://www.breastcancer.org/community/acknowledgin...), in our December Newsletter and may also be used in part throughout the website and/or in fundraising or event materials.

    Thank you for considering!

    --The Mods

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  • april25
    april25 Member Posts: 772
    edited November 2015

    I just went to my 6mo. post-LX followup with my BS.

    I have the hard lumps in my tumor bed and near the incision... I think they are seromas? I was worried they might hurt during the diagnostic mammogram, but they didn't (at least not any more than your typical mammo hurts!). My BS said that the boosts during RT probably didn't help that area (since that's where it was focused).

    Upside-- no divot so far, and my breasts, though on the small side, still look pretty even despite the 3cm tumor (only slightly shrunk down after chemo).

    I also told him about a slight weakness/muscle ache in my SNB arm-- I feel it when I lift a coffee cup, mostly. He said to see a neurologist--that it could be from RT hitting nerves in the arm since it started after RT finished. I'll check it out and report here.

    I hadn't heard of nerves being affected by RT before, but it does make a certain amount of sense to me. And my SNB never caused any nerve problems at all--no numbness or zings at all. BUT--I did get chemo-induced neuropathy in my legs and might have had some in my arms (actually did get tested for that by a neurologist)... so maybe the RT exacerbated it?

    I finished RT in early July.

    My skin is slightly darker and slightly more freckly, but it's not too bad. I didn't have any major skin problems from the RT, thank goodness! Only got super-red/brown and hot the last two weeks of my 35 or so treatments.

    I gave a gift basket to my RO/Techs. I really loved them! They were always sweet and careful. And all those sessions made for a bit more of a relationship. I haven't given anything to the infusion nurses/techs and I've been seeing them for around a year! I probably will think about it, though, since I'm nearing the end of my Herceptin infusions and it's the Holidays...

    BUT--I don't think anyone should give gifts if they don't feel close to the people. I never thought of it, but I saw some left on the desks where I got my RT and some people here mentioned it. I'm sure it's not at all expected!

    I got a card signed by everyone where I was treated and a certificate when I finished RT and thought it was very sweet of them all. I told them I was having a gift basket sent and they said it wasn't necessary. So I wouldn't worry about it, whether you had a good experience or not.

    Best wishes to those of you who are still experiencing problems! Hope they resolve soon. And good luck to those who facing other surgeries!

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  • Iowawoman
    Iowawoman Member Posts: 28
    edited April 2016

    Hello, anybody.

    Thought I'd do a quick check-in. I'm 10 months post-rads. First mammogram in January went fine, but my MO had me do an ultrasound when I saw her in March. I have what is probably seroma or scar tissue right around the old tumor site, but she wants to be very cautious. I have to get another in June.

    But I physically feel good and mentally much better--though getting back on this site makes me teary. Guess that means I'm still working through this. Just trying to live a good life! I hope everyone is doing okay. I did find this board so helpful.

    Lisa

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  • zjrosenthal
    zjrosenthal Member Posts: 2,026
    edited April 2016

    Still here all. Finished rads a little less than a year ago and all treatment in October. I see my chemo doc in May and surgeon in July. I have some soreness and what feels like a lump right around my lumpectomy scar. I also had a hip replacement in mid February and am recovering slowly so I will wait till I see my oncologists to check the scar. Hope everyone is doing well. Check in if you have time. Love, Jean

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  • ElaineTherese
    ElaineTherese Member Posts: 3,328
    edited April 2016

    Hi!

    I was still working my way through rads at this time last year. Since then, I've had some mammos, a PET scan, and an MRI, and everything is all clear for the most part. I also FINALLY finished Herceptin in December 2015.

    So far, Aromasin hasn't been too bad. In fact, my hot flashes have decreased since I began taking it a year ago. Nine more years! Nine more years! Nine more years! Ugh, another reminder that cancer is a marathon not a spring. Hope all are well!

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  • MJS1266
    MJS1266 Member Posts: 222
    edited April 2016

    Hi All,

    I finished Rads June 30.  I'm still "tan".  I also have scar tissue at tumor site although I didn't have a tumor left due to neoadjuvant chemo.  Had a mammo in September and all was clear next one in September.  I'm on Tamoxifen and so far so good.  I am working on getting healthier i.e. getting fit and loosing weight.  It's hard but I am making good progress.  Wishing everyone a healthy 2016 and on.  MJ

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  • U4iachic
    U4iachic Member Posts: 84
    edited October 2016

    It's been a while, I'm just seeking some support. I have a lot of scar tissue on my radiated side but this morning I think I found a roundish swollen node, close to the arm pit area. Now I'm freaking out. I had that area checked about 6 months ago due to all of the scar tissue but this just sent me over an emotional edge. I called my breast surgeon who is going to see me Tuesday, she's in surgery on Monday.....I feel lost and didn't know where to post, I feel like I have a bullseye on my back since it was in my nodes. I'm coming up on 2 years and I just am sick with this worry. Any advice or anyone experience anything like this? My radiated side is still tender 2 years out as well.

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  • cubbieblue
    cubbieblue Member Posts: 68
    edited October 2016

    u4iachic, I can understand where you are coming from, also having positive nodes. I hope it will calm you a little that I also feel my radiated side is still tender and feels different. I hear it can take a full two years for things to calm down. Good idea getting checked though. Good luck and let us know what the BS says.

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  • U4iachic
    U4iachic Member Posts: 84
    edited October 2016

    Thank you for responding. I appreciate it so much.

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  • U4iachic
    U4iachic Member Posts: 84
    edited October 2016

    Wow, our stats are so similar, even our diagnosis times. I take aromasin though.

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  • cubbieblue
    cubbieblue Member Posts: 68
    edited October 2016

    Yes I noticed that too, but I think you are much younger based on your picture. :)

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  • zjrosenthal
    zjrosenthal Member Posts: 2,026
    edited October 2016

    Hang in there u4ria, it will be ok. Love, Jean

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  • U4iachic
    U4iachic Member Posts: 84
    edited October 2016

    Thank you Jean!

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