Starting Rads in January 2017

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  • SuMarie
    SuMarie Member Posts: 37
    edited January 2017

    hi everybody, I didn't read the forum for a few days and I'm behind. I've got a lot to catch up on. I thank everyone for sharing, it's so helpful.


    RitaR551 - that's a funny story. And you're right we're so exposed and then they take precauciones to protect our modest. I like how the technicians help me get off the table and try to hard to keep the blanket on me. :-)

    kellychemel - I'm sorry you're going through this. My heart goes out to you. Kelly, I've had these feelings too, please try to hang in there. You've got to get rid of this cancer, it will work out.

    I've had 10 of 25 rads now. The area is pinkish and sore. I also feel pain from the inside. That's what prompted me to look on the forum. To find out what I can take for pain. Was anyone prescribed meds for pain? What meds? I texted my radio oncologist to ask. So far rads have been a breeze compared to AC chemo.

    have a nice weekend ladies.
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  • brigid_TO
    brigid_TO Member Posts: 75
    edited January 2017

    Hi Everyone

    Checking in here- I am now 13 out of 21 (16 plus 5 boost). Only 3 more whole breasts left! So far my skin is pretty much ok- gets a bit pinkish after treatment or after a shower and then fades back closer to normal. My nipple is definitely swollen and sore. One of the radiation therapists recommended a very light two finger circular massage on the nipple to help. I have also added the salt soak into my routine at the recommendation of the RO nurse. I didn't mention (and she didn't ask) all the other things I am using (green tea, lavender hydrosol and aloe vera etc) and I will keep using those.

    I have moments where waves of fatigue wash over me- it feels like my whole body is vibrating and I could lay down right there and fall asleep. I have been sleeping more than usual but I do get my 30 minutes of exercise in each day. I highly recommend that as a way to keep your head clearer and energy level up.

    My personality is such that I will put up a protective shield and just try to power through this treatment. I got a reminder of my interior fragility when I had to wait quite a while to get through my RO appt. I really felt like I would melt down at one point and not for any particularly good reason. I feel like I have a limited amount of emotional energy these days especially when relating to others. I am happier staying quiet and interior right now.

    Welcome to all the new posters.

    @Lorrie70- that is crazy that they are not recommending any lotions for you yet. I am so curious as to how that works out. Maybe they recommend them here just to make us feel like we are "doing something" and participating in our treatment and they don't actually make a whit of difference. :)

    Everybody keep drinking that water....

    Onward!


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  • Caligirl55
    Caligirl55 Member Posts: 486
    edited January 2017

    Kellychameleon...sorry you have this new crap to put up with. The back and forth must drive you crazy? I think that is where my storm of emotions would kick in.

    Lorri...I get it there are so many different people working in the radiation area I'm never sure who I'll be exposing my lovely, cut up, swollen, red boob to. I'm still thinking that one fella is about 15.. lol

    ArtyMom... I'm jealous of reiki treatment and massages, how do you do the massage? Not sure I could lay on my stomach and relax.

    Germangirl...these support groups are the best.

    JenRich...my rads are on the left but I have never had anyone have me do deep breathing. ..hmm??

    Elizabeth ...thanks for that information.

    SuMarie...I have some sharp inner pains once in awhile but no meds. My first meet up with RO his NP asked about pain meds and I asked what do they give...she said moraphine 😳thought she was kidding.

    brigid...our emotions sure have taken a tole through this journey.

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  • warrior6
    warrior6 Member Posts: 18
    edited January 2017

    Caligirl, you do such a great job of responding to all...thanks so much

    Besides the creams (miaderm, calendula, and aloe vera ointment) I have started journaling as I wait to be called. I end each entry with 3 good things that have happened that day, puts me into a happy mood. I also exercise, just got back from a walk, I live in Northern California and we are due for non-stop rain starting at 3:00PM today...through mid-Monday, so needed to get a walk in.

    I am finished 6/30 treatments...no boost just 2gy each visit. Not feeling much yet

    Take care


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  • ArtyMom
    ArtyMom Member Posts: 71
    edited January 2017

    aligirl, The reiki is just in a recliner so no problem. They couldn't fit in my massage until February so I might be really hurting by then but I'm assured they can work around any boo-boos.

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  • Caligirl55
    Caligirl55 Member Posts: 486
    edited January 2017

    warrior....your so sweet...I just love the support I get from y'all. Lots of rain here in Clovis today. Central Valley is getting lots of much needed rain too.

    ArtyMom... Sounds good thanks maybe I just need to call massage envy or something. My right neck/shoulder area has been hurting so much, I'm sure it's from gripping those handles during radiation as if my life was depending on it..lo

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  • JShannon
    JShannon Member Posts: 14
    edited January 2017

    SO FRUSTRATED!! RO office still has not submitted my predetermination to insurance. Had consult on 12/28!! Talked to the nurse today, she shares my frustration with the business office!!

    OK rant over, thanks for listening. Going for a long walk.

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  • SuMarie
    SuMarie Member Posts: 37
    edited January 2017

    I had my 12th of 25 rads today. I'm feeling rather sunburnt. My MD told me to take Ibuprofen. I thought I would feel relieved and happy as the days pass, but instead I'm just sick of being sick. I finished chemo on December 20th and I'm still,dealing with the side effects.

    CAligirl55 - I'm surprised to hear they would give you moraphine. That's some strong stuff.

    Have a nice evening ladies.



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  • Pammac47
    Pammac47 Member Posts: 128
    edited January 2017

    Hi all

    I'm in 19/33 and my skin is holding up with only the middle patch needing silverdene. The rest has some patches that are darker. I also have itchiness above radiated zone?? That's my radiation skin. Still have nerve pain from surgery that's what ro calls it. Neuropathy from chemo and a lovely sciatic nerve issue trying to act up. That one radiates to hip and spasms down leg. I'm currently a mess but just keep going. Frankly it makes me old, tired and grumpy.

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  • warrior6
    warrior6 Member Posts: 18
    edited January 2017

    Caligirl

    how are you doing since you went back to work...I'm off work, but wondering if I should return, but the worry of what will happen in the next weeks and if I should just take care of my health and add anything else in the mix. I'm 8/30 treatments and already seeing signs of reddness.

    any input from others on this thread...thanks so much

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  • Caligirl55
    Caligirl55 Member Posts: 486
    edited January 2017

    warrior...today was my first day back and besides having a backache, cramps and ran a little fever last night I went for radiation this morning then on to work where I got lots of loving hugs! It went well. We will see how I hold up till Friday

    SuMarie...I thought that was some strong meds so I figured she was kidding so I just chuckled. I think ibuprofen or Alieve will be enough.

    JShannon...rant on girlfriend...that's what we're here for.

    Pammac...we are all a bit of a mess... What is silverden

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  • Pammac47
    Pammac47 Member Posts: 128
    edited January 2017

    image

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  • DiV
    DiV Member Posts: 231
    edited January 2017

    Hi ladies, just an update on my treatment. Doing rads and chemo at same time is really rough. I can't even describe the fatigue, super tired. Also have a queasy stomach. Taking zofran helps. My radiologist also told me nausea could be from the radiation cause it comes close to my stomach and esophagus. Staying strong and positive. Wish all you ladies the best with your treatment! Stay strong and kick some cancer butt!

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  • Caligirl55
    Caligirl55 Member Posts: 486
    edited January 2017

    DiV....sounds rough ... Prayers for strength through this. Can't imagine one at a time was rough for me!

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  • brigid_TO
    brigid_TO Member Posts: 75
    edited January 2017

    Wanting to check in here because (yeah!) I am 16/21 and now done with the whole breast radiation and now on to the boosts. I know I am not out of the woods yet as far as the potential for trouble but a definite milestone. The boosts will cover a much smaller area and will not be quite as strong. (2 vs 2.6 Gy I think) I am at a light sunburn stage with some itchiness in the cleavage area. They say that happens because that area likely had the most previous sun exposure. There is also a small sore area in my underarm. Finally my nipple is hella sore but manageable.

    I am still using my usual regimen- lavender hydrosol, aloe, lubriderm and green tea soak. I stopped the salt soak-it felt like it was making things worse and I did not care for the sulphury smell. The RO fellow gave me a sample of proshield plus- it is an extra goopy silicon based lotion to protect the skin. I put it on at night and it feels good.

    @ warrior6-I have worked right through my radiation treatments and have mostly functioned ok although no way at my usual ability. I am definitely grumpier though. I found myself just furious today over not very much- I need to watch it and promise that I will count to 10,000 or more before reacting so I don't end up regretting an over reaction. I also have waves of all over tiredness that passes after a few moments. The work is distracting and keeps me busy. How is your work going Caligirl55?

    I am not quite up to checking in with everyone but please know that I read all the posts and am sending my most positive thoughts your way.


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  • warrior6
    warrior6 Member Posts: 18
    edited January 2017

    Brigid,

    thanks for the update especially about work, grumpy...me too, I will really need to count before reacting when I go back to work. Having some blood work done this weekend and see my onc next week, if all is well will go back Jan 23rd. I will still have 15 more treatments, so will definately need to do behavior modification. My job is stressful as I oversee several departments, so will pace myself. My RT treatment plan is 30 at 2gy each for total of 60gy all to my axilla area (I had positive margins even with a mastectomy) today will be number 10, without many symptoms. Using Miaderm, calendula, and aloe vera

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  • Momdin
    Momdin Member Posts: 25
    edited January 2017

    Hello everyone, I start radiation on the 18th and will have 30 rounds. I finished chemo in November and had my right breast removed and 12 lymph nodes in December. But only 5 came back clear :( looking forward to reading and learning from all of you

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  • Pammac47
    Pammac47 Member Posts: 128
    edited January 2017

    Momdin

    Welcome and sounds like you've been through some stuff along your journey. The ladies here are very helpful and kind. May your treatment go well. Warm wishes

    Edited for spelling

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  • DiV
    DiV Member Posts: 231
    edited January 2017

    Caligirl55 hi,

    Today was the worse for radiation. I can handle alot of pain but this was bad. My back and arm hurt so bad it made me cry. I am on percocet but don't take it every 4 hrs like the dr wants. I am so afraid of getting addicted. Dr spoke to me and insisted that I take it regularly. Dr said i'm probably under medicating. I will do what the dr orders. I feel so out of it and loopy. I will be so glad for the weekend to come so i can have a break. On the up side my stomach feels much better today...yahoo! Hoping i will get some energy back for the weekend.

    Welcome to the new ladies. I am so sorry for your diagnosis. You will find great support and encouragement here. Most importantly you have to fight and stay positive and strong.

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  • JShannon
    JShannon Member Posts: 14
    edited January 2017

    RO office finally got insurance submitted. They quickly approved it and I went today for my CT/planning appointment. Start 1 of 30 treatments next Tuesday. So ready to get this all behind me!

    Hope everyone has a restful - peaceful weekend.


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  • Caligirl55
    Caligirl55 Member Posts: 486
    edited January 2017

    DiV...so sorry you are in so much pain. I sometimes can hardly hold my right arm up holding the handle during radiation ...it just hurts so bad and that's not my cancer side. I would not be able to take such strong pain meds since I drive myself and work...I can imagine you feel out of it. Hope you enjoy your 2 days off.

    Momdin...Welcome ...hope we can help you through this process of kicking cancers butt.

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  • ElizabethAM
    ElizabethAM Member Posts: 245
    edited January 2017

    Welcome to the newbies.


    My rads seem to be going really well. Not sure what the difference is, but I only have to do 16 of them. Today will be 9/16.

    Still having problems with shortness of breath, but it seems to have gotten a little better. I really seem to have a big problem with it just after my Rads. I think this is because of the effect of the Rads on the lung.

    I have gotten some B-6 and B-12 to help with the nuropathy in my feet and hands. The hands are not affect very much, but the toes and balls of my feet are worse.

    AND I finally have some peach fuzz on my noggin.

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  • Fightingirl
    Fightingirl Member Posts: 409
    edited January 2017

    Hi, I'm new to this thread and just had my radiation consult today. I'm wondering if anyone was candidate for brachytherapy? There are 17 criteria to be a candidate and I meet all but one which is my age. I'm 43 and that's younger than they like. The doctor I met with pioneered this treatment and said I could still have it. Whole breast vs brachytherapy both have they're re risks and I'm so confused! Cancer is the pits trying to make all these decisions and hoping you made the right one!

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  • ArtyMom
    ArtyMom Member Posts: 71
    edited January 2017

    Wish I was getting more support my husband, just because treatment is going well doesn't mean he can't ask me how I'm doing and actually listen to the answer.

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  • MLMSC
    MLMSC Member Posts: 46
    edited January 2017

    jenrich- Nothing to measure breathing. Tech asks me to take a big breath and hold it. Sometimes she will say to let some air out.

    I guess I am holding my breath for 15 or so seconds.

    Finished 7 of 16 today. This week I had the every third week Herceptin infusion from 9am till noon, then radiation after that. I felt tired after but it may have been more emotional rather than fatigue from actual treatments.

    Hope All of you do OK with the radiation.

    M



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  • ElizabethAM
    ElizabethAM Member Posts: 245
    edited January 2017

    Artymom -- Some men have a very hard time with BC. It is like if they ignore it, it will go away or it didn't happen. Have you sat down and talked to him calmly about how you are feeling? Sometimes that can really help.

    Fightingirl -- I have heard of the treatment, but it was not offered to me. I am doing the regular whole breast Rad.

    MLMSC -- I am on Herceptin too. Every 3 weeks for a year. I am also 9/16 for my Rads. Keep your chin up, we'll get through this.

    Echocardiogram scheduled for Monday. My MO is doing them every so many treatments, because Herceptin can affect the heart. I had my yearly flu shot yesterday and woke up in the night with the arm killing me. So I downed a Tylenol 3 and went back to sleep. Arm seems to be ok now.

    And the best news is I finally have peach fuzz on my head. I can't see it yet, but I can feel it. I'm told the hair comes back totally white and then takes on pigment later. Is that true for everyone?

    Have a great weekend ladies.

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  • Caligirl55
    Caligirl55 Member Posts: 486
    edited January 2017

    Elizabeth ... I have always had blond or light brown hair ...my fuzz is coming in so dark almost black with some grey mixed in...DH keeps asking where is blond went?

    ArtyMom....my DH seems to think since surgery got it I'm cured...which is true but the treatment continues and we are still in the middle of it physically and emotionally. I just have to remind him of this and he is usually good for awhile. They are effected emotionally but don't show it...I think...because my DH remained strong for me. He wrote the sweetest letter to me on my birthday...because being in the middle of chemo gift giving isn't real important. After 37 years of marriage this was so nice...I boohoo'd through it.

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  • SuMarie
    SuMarie Member Posts: 37
    edited January 2017

    hello Ladies, I wish I had the time and energy to respond to each and everyone one of you. I read all the posts and pray for you all.

    I finished 15 of 25 rads, I have a reddish sunburn on my neck, under my arm and left chest. I think I can feel it when they radiate me, it feels hot and a little painful. The O. Nurse said my skin is holding up very well which surprises her since I'm very fair skinned.

    I've been very tired but nothing compared to chemo. I'm still emotional and have my lay ins, crying with out 'cause'.

    My funny story for the week is that one of the technicians couldn't find my tattoos because I have too many moles and freckles. When the 'main' technician came to help her he was at a loss for words since it didn't want to say "man, with all those moles how can we find the tattoo?" So I said: "since I have a galaxy of moles it's pretty hard to find the tattoos"!

    My neuropathy is really painful! Sometimes I can't walk. I'm taking pregabalin and it helps some. From what I read about it, there might be more negative side effects then benefits. What have been your experiences with it? The neuropathy is affecting my hands less and less so I'm hopeful it will go away in my feet. I heard it referred to as stocking and glove neuropathy.

    About my hair: I finish chemo 12/20/2016 (4 AC & 12 taxol) and started rads 12/26/2016. My head was completely bald, then I got some long colorless sparse hairs. Those seem to be falling out and now I have white or maybe it's blond?, stubble all over my head. I can't wait to get my hair back. I'm getting rid of this wig the second I have the worlds shortest pixie.

    DiV - I think of you everyday and I'm so sorry you have to go through this. You're a real inspiration to me. Since you've joined this group I'm a better person. I complain less, I'm grateful to have a arm that has pain. My love to you girl!

    Thinking of you all, that you get the support and comfort you need during this trying time. Keep fight.

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  • DiV
    DiV Member Posts: 231
    edited January 2017

    Hi SuMarie! So happy to hear about your hair coming back! It will grow fast! I think your wig looks great on you! So sorry to hear about the neuropathy and i hope it gets better for you. Chemo and radiation do make you fatigued so rest and drink lots of water to stay hydrated. Glad your skin is holding up too, keep lathering lotion on. I made it through the week but very tired. So glad when i got home friday. Glad for the weekend off. Just been resting, watching tv and drinking lots of water. I'm so glad we connected here. I think about you all the time!

    Hugs & Angels


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  • warrior6
    warrior6 Member Posts: 18
    edited January 2017

    SuMarie...love your name

    I hope you have all the support you need from your family, you look so young, and beautifu. Your hair will come back with shine I am sure.

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