radiation

ForeverOptimistic,

Congratulations on a great report and cancer free news, that must feel great. I had 6 weeks of radiation a few years ago and found it to be easy to manage. I followed everything they advised me to do. No shaving, no soap, lukewarm showers, use only approved creams and lotions. I remember using a special cold pack at the end when my skin was very red. They will give it to you. You will monitored closely. The burn is not really painful as a kitchen burn can be. Just tender. It did peel off afterwards and the skin was a bit darker for awhile, but it is normal looking now.

A few women did not follow the rules and they had big trouble. One shaved her armpits, I have no idea why as that is the big rule. She ended up with open wounds there. The hair that is radiated falls out and never returns. A bonus in my mind. I did have to wear loose bras near the end and the last week resorted to a loose camisole only so wore a loose jacket over that to hide the jiggling. A bra was too much on the tender skin.

I also experienced some tearful, emotions during this time, something about it makes people more emotional. Not depressed, more like everything made me tear up. Happy or sad. Mostly watching tv shows that had happy or sad things, I was able to work without outwardly showing anything. In fact, only my boss at work knew what was happening to me. I told no one and nobody suspected anything.

The treatment is fast. You are in the waiting, undress and put things in a locker, go in the radiation room for 6 minutes or so, and then you are done. I felt well and experienced no pain except when they tattooed for radiation marking. Quick little spots on my breast. I have never had a tattoo so had no idea what to expect. It was like getting a flu shot, no big deal. Fatigue kicked in about half way through but I worked full time and just went to bed very early. I gained some weight from inactivity. Who cares? About a week after treatment I felt like nothing had happened and my energy came back somewhat. I exercise a lot more now so anticipate I will do just as well this time on the other breast.

Radiation is very easy compared to what you just went through. Do not be scared of it at all. Know that it is killing any residual cells that could have been left behind. I closed my eyes and pictured the little devils dying a painful death and that passed the time.

I also made some nice friends in the waiting room. They will be your support buddies for the time that you are there. Lovely group and we celebrated everyone's last day!

Hope this helps!! Let me know it goes for you.

Anne

Forever Optimistic, I'm the patient a doctor either hates or loves. I didn't have a good rapport with my surgeon because I like specific information, statistics, copies of all my lab and operative reports, etc. I could tell she prefers someone who simply follows recommendations. In contrast, my MO welcomes my questions and is impressed that I ferret through to find credible research relevant to my cancer. I mention this because I would want to know specifically why the RO thinks the longer protocol will provide superior results than the shorter "Canadian" protocol. I hate to sound skeptical, but there is a financial incentive with the longer program. Doctors understandably want to protect themselves from liability related to undertreatment, but I also want to protect myself from overtreatment. Good luck!

Lyn

At least the RO had a logical reason for pursuing the longer treatment plan. I hope all goes smoothly!

Lyn