Starting Rads in January 2017

When will you be evaluated again to see when you can proceed, Caligirl?

KB870, I'm in a similar situation with an F/G affected breast. I had a very preliminary consultation with a very nice RO before starting chemo, but didn't know to ask about prone positioning. I ran into his nurse later when in the building to see my BS. She said he typically doesn't do prone. After a 100 pound weight loss, pancake is a good description. I can't imagine how much of my chest / lungs / heart (yup, left-side cancer) would be irradiated with my giant bosom spread out so that may be a deal breaker for me. He was receptive to the shorter Canadian protocol so that is in his favor.

Lyn

When talking about breast radiation, prone means lying on your stomach.

Lyn

hello to all,

Caligirl55 - I hope you feel better soon!

I had my last radiation yesterday. My MD told me today that my arm pit skin didn't split, that it had several blisters that broke open. My arm pit is better today but the area where they put the tape, for the bandages under my arm, is causing me a lot of pain. And even though they said they used the mildest tape when they took it off it took off the very top layer of my skin came off too. The rest of my chest looks like a hot iron was put on it. I'm using the biafine cream.

Im sorry for you larger breasted ladies. I can understand why you'd want the prone position. That must be frustrating. Especially when it makes so much sense to use that.

I'm happy to be done. Also I'm emotionally and physically exhausted. I've heard many times that bc treatment is awful but doable. I have to agree.

Hang in there andHave a nice evening.

VLH....went in today they did the boost so 1 of 5 of those down! They gave me some Percocet for the pain. I can't wait for this all to heal. I dread work tomorrow when I have to put on a bra and a couple tops.

SuMarie...yay you are done. So happy for you to finally heal from this.

JShannon...yes some days I'm so exhausted...it's like my emotions up and down!

Found out this week that I will have 28 treatments instead of 30. I feel like I won the lottery to have those two removed from my total. It's the little things. LOL! I will have 13/28 today. Ironic that I am having #13 on a Friday. I have to find the humor in this somewhere! So far, so good. Skin has a few, very mild color changes, and occasionally I get achy at the previous site of my primary tumor. RO said that is typical and not to worry. Can't believe I will be half way through this on Monday. Time flies. Hang in there everyone! Have a great weekend!

Caligirl, I hope you're feeling better soon and can get this over.

My last rad was Wednesday but my skin has been getting worse, more red & burnt looking, more tender. The blisters that broke under my arm are healing very slowly. Whoever said it's not over when your rads are done was right. Sorry, I don't want to be discouraging, I'm just thinking some of you might want to be prepared.

Warm thoughts for all of you!

Hallo group,

I started my radiation on January 18th and have 13 times left of my 25. Everything has gone well but now starting to feel very sore around the scar. The skin is getting very tight. I am also noticing some lumps in the scar itself. I will ask about them tomorrow morning at my session but one lump under my arm scares me. It might just be some swelling.

yay Kattis .. moving right along .. has to be a good feeling. I hope your soreness does clear and that the lumpiness is nothing to worry about. I have not yet started the radiation but will go in for the simulation tomorrow. Good luck going forward.

ArtyMom , yay almost there.. the finish line has got to be awesome when its so close! Congrats!

💗💪🏻

trying to look past my final session on Friday. I know that radiated breasts sometimes have a different texture and can even shrink a bit. Anyone have any idea how long the final shape/size to appear? I'm going to need new bras eventually

ArtyMom, my plastic surgeon is going to trim my natural side to match my lumpectomy + lift side six months after the end of radiation. That is how long it takes for the breast to settle into its final size. Sometimes it can take longer, he said, but he will know that in a month or two when he feels me up next :P (If it feels "woody" then, it could be a year. I think that is how he described it. Super firm.)

I gather half a cup size or less is a typical amount of volume to lose due to rads.

Caligirl55 Congratulations! You must feel relieved to finally be done with rads. So very happy for you!

I finish friday yahoo! Finish chemo monday double yahoo! I then get 5 weeks off. Get petscan on march 14 and mri on march 16 then as long as petscan is clear i have surgery march 20. Really scared but trying to stay positive!

SuMarie congratulations on finishing rads i also know you too are relieved and glad to be done!

To all the newbies welcome and so sorry you are here. You will get alot of support here.

Congrats CaliGirl, Arty,and DiV!!! You've won the rad race! Today will be #11 for me with 22 to go. So far so good, although I have noticed the fatigue creeping up on me. But, it's almost the weekend! I see lots of lotion and naps in my future.

I've been doing some exercises recommended by my drs that help with tightness - lay on your bed with your head near the edge, grip a long dowel rod with two hands, and keeping your arms straight, bring itfrom your lap to over your head. I do this 10 reps x 3/day.

I am looking forward for the radiation to be over...feeling exhausted mostly..Thank you for your replies. I asked about my lump and it was a large pimple (bolder) ..:) Who knew! It just shows how scary this is and I can not shake the thought of it resurfacing.

Hoping things will get better with time. Well, hoping.