Starting Rads in March 2017

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ILSunrise
ILSunrise Member Posts: 130
edited July 2017 in Radiation Therapy - Before, During, and After

I just finished chemo February 17 and the next step on this journey is rads. I have my simulation scheduled tomorrow (2/28/2017) and should get a better idea about the number of treatments I'll undergo. None of us want to be here....but hopefully sharing our experiences will help us face this challenge head on because we're all going to get better every day.

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  • Cowboy-Up
    Cowboy-Up Member Posts: 211
    edited February 2017

    I'll be joining you. I have my dry run on the 8th and my first radiation on my 47th birthday on the 9th.

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  • Reka
    Reka Member Posts: 7
    edited February 2017

    Hello, I will start my radiation on March 1st. Has anyone used the cream Miaderm Radiation Relief? It is sold on Amazon, I am so nervous of my skin reaction.

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  • ILSunrise
    ILSunrise Member Posts: 130
    edited February 2017
    Cowboy-Up

    I can think of better birthday presents than a bit of radiation...but it's just one step closer to being done. I believe my radiation will start mid March.

    Reka it sounds like you'll be the first one to start this journey. Good luck to you. I too am very nervous about how my skin will react to radiation. I am fair skinned and already have occasional issues with rashes. I got a horrible rash right after my first chemo infusion and ended up taking extra steroids for two cycles during that treatment. I have not used Miaderm Radiation Relief but I've heard it mentioned in some other places within this community. I bought some Tri Derma Radiation cream which is what I found locally. I do plan to talk to my RO today during my appointment about his recommendations for creams, etc. during radiation.

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  • gb2115
    gb2115 Member Posts: 1,894
    edited February 2017

    I used Miaderm for several weeks and then had a skin reaction from it, but I must have been allergic to one of the ingredients. When you start rads ask them what products they want you to use. Until I started in with the allergy, I thought it was a nice product! Not greasy at all.

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  • Cowboy-Up
    Cowboy-Up Member Posts: 211
    edited February 2017

    My RO said not to buy any creams. They will supply everything I need. I guess that keeps the guesswork out of it as long as they do provide everything to keep me comfortable.

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  • Ruby3813
    Ruby3813 Member Posts: 96
    edited February 2017

    Hi Ladies!

    I'll most likely be starting rads in March too. Thought it would be February, but things are moving slower than I anticipated, so it will be March. Go to see my BS for my post-op from SNLB (negative) on Thursday, then I'll get information about who I'll be seeing for rads.

    Sorry to be here, but glad we're all in this together! :-)

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  • Leslie2016
    Leslie2016 Member Posts: 316
    edited February 2017

    My appointment with my RO is tomorrow (Feb 28) including the dry run, I think. I should get my start date then.

    Cowboy-Up, my 49th birthday present was my last chemo...so look at your first rads as being a gift to your health.

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  • ILSunrise
    ILSunrise Member Posts: 130
    edited February 2017

    Well I thought my appointment with the RO yesterday was for my simulation but it turned out to be an appointment with the doc to sign the waiver, have a check up and to review all my questions about rads. He said it was a little too close to my last chemo date to do the sim, so I now am having the marking session and sim scheduled next week.

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  • ILSunrise
    ILSunrise Member Posts: 130
    edited March 2017

    Reka - I hope all goes well tomorrow. Looks like you're first up for our group.

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  • Coupon
    Coupon Member Posts: 29
    edited March 2017

    I had my 1st radiation treatment today. It was uneventful.

    I got 4 x-rays (for position) today before the treatment and was in the room around 40 mins. I received 2 beams on my breast and 2 beams around underarm. Each beam approximately lasted 20 seconds.

    Now I feel like the area got treated is warmer than the other side already. My order for Lindi skin cooler roll & cooler pad is on the way. In the meantime, I am applying Aloe Vera gel & moisturizing with Aveeno lotion.

    24 more to go!

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  • FightingGMA
    FightingGMA Member Posts: 10
    edited March 2017

    I will be joining you ladies. I had my ct and markers on the 28th. My first session will be March 7th! My RO said not to apply anything. They will write me a script if they see that I need it!

    cowboyup - Happy Birthday! As long as you can see an end to this process it's all good!

    Ruby3813 - there is nothing quick about the cancer or the treatment! I have learned that the hard way!

    coupon - keep us posted so we can see what our next steps will be!

    ILsunrise - hang in there! I was lucky not to have chemo, so I am sure your process will be different for you! Keep up the positive attitude!

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  • Not-happening-68
    Not-happening-68 Member Posts: 5
    edited March 2017

    I started my first of 21 radiation treatments yesterday . The last 5 rads will be the boost . Uneventful . Just upset by the fact I even am in that radiation room!!! I have started putting aquaphora lotion on as preventative measures- but after the two treatments I haven't noticed anything. I haven't started my tomoxifen pill yet? Wondering why some patients take it with the start if radiation and some patients wait to the following month? Any responses would be great.

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  • Leslie2016
    Leslie2016 Member Posts: 316
    edited March 2017

    I'm betting it's just a doctor's personal preference on when you start the tamoxifen. I did my set up for my radiation this week, I won't start until around the 15th, don't have the date yet. I am seeing my MO on Tuesday to talk about the pills...she did originally want to see me later in the month, but took a look and her schedule is crazy so we left it on the 7th. I asked if I would start the pills right away or after rads and her response made me think it didn't matter, either way was fine. When I see her next week, we will see. I have my first herceptin on it's own (had three with my Docetaxel) on Wednesday, so if she does say here's the prescription go get them, I may ask/tell her I'm going to wait a few weeks just so I know what the herceptin does to me before I start the pills.

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  • Coupon
    Coupon Member Posts: 29
    edited March 2017

    I tried the Lindi skin cooler roll that arrived today. It helps cooling the radiated side. I love it. Highly recommend.



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  • Lovey222
    Lovey222 Member Posts: 11
    edited March 2017

    Hi Ladies...I finished my last RAD treatment (28) on 2/6/17. I met with 3 RO's in the Northern NJ area because I was in a gray area for needing radiation after my reoccurrence. All 3 recommended different products to prevent skin damage (aloe vera, aquafor, miaderm).

    Well, the RO I decided to treat me recommended Lansinoh cream...100% pure lanolin used for breastfeeding mothers which I actually used 20 years ago. I hadn't been told about Lansinoh by anyone else or read about here at all so I asked RO why and she took part in a study that had excellent results.

    I have to say that product was Amazing. All I developed was mild redness by the end of 3rd week. I applied Lansinoh 2 times daily. It is VERY thick...you can run the tube under hot water to thin it out so it spreads easier. I continued to use it until 2 weeks post treatment and my physical therapist was so impressed with my skin during my treatment. She sees a lot of women going through RADS and she thinks Lansinoh was why my skin did so well. I hope you look into this and ask your RO.

    Best wishes...Victoria


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  • Kinnie88
    Kinnie88 Member Posts: 9
    edited March 2017

    Hi All,


    I completed my Tomotherapy Planning on February 28. I will get my first beam treatment on March 7. For now I am planning on using Aloe Vera plant juices and Lubriderm lotion. Aloe Vera plant juices does wonders on sunburn areas, I am scheduled for 33 zappers. RO said on number 30 they increase the strength and beam the scar tissue areas directly. I have not started Tamoxifen, will meet with MO March 14.

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  • Cowboy-Up
    Cowboy-Up Member Posts: 211
    edited March 2017

    Hi ladies I have been quiet but reading. I have my dry run on Wednesday and my first of 31 on Thursday. I like reading of everyone's experiences, so I know what to expect

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  • Coupon
    Coupon Member Posts: 29
    edited March 2017

    Good luck Cowboy-Up, you will be fine.

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  • Ruby3813
    Ruby3813 Member Posts: 96
    edited March 2017

    Good luck today, kinnie88! Let us know how it goes!

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  • WenchLori
    WenchLori Member Posts: 1,558
    edited March 2017

    Hi everyone, I started radiation on Feb 20th, I'm starting on my 3rd week of 6.5 weeks. So far so good. I have to do the breath hold during radiation to push my heart down out of the way of the beam. I have no skin reaction yet but I'm told that usually starts in the 4th week. I've developed a cough so I have minor irritation to my lungs but no damage. My heart is healthy and normal as well.

    The weirdest part of all of this is the markers used to make sure I'm lined up in the machine. I have a total of 7 markers. Here's a picture of 2 of the markers I have 2 more below these, 2 on both sides and one where my left nipple would be if I had one. Some people have tattoos done but I'm not interested in being permanently marked lol,

    It would be interesting to see what different lotions and creams our ROs recommend. For me I have to use Calendula Lotion twice a day and then A&D Ointment (iron free) diaper rash cream at night. No lotion 4 hours before radiation treatments. I have to go in every morning for my treatments as my RO feels the dosage I'm getting is better given daily instead of a double dose every few days.

    Best of luck to everyone getting ready to start this part of the journey. This is part 3 for me, I've had my surgery, chemo and now rads. Onward and Upward!

    I'm looking forward to getting to know everyone and taking part in what ever support I can offer. I'm no expert of course! It'll be my 1st year anniversary of diagnosis of BC on 3/18/2017.

    Thinking of everyone!

    Lori

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  • Cowboy-Up
    Cowboy-Up Member Posts: 211
    edited March 2017

    Tomorrow is my dry run and I start radiation on Thursday. Looking forward to getting started so I can finish. I look forward to going through it with you ladies. I made awesome friends in my surgery group and I'msure I will here too plus a few of my January girls are starting Radiation with me. It is a club you really don't want to be in but you wouldn't change the friendships for anything.

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  • CeliaC
    CeliaC Member Posts: 1,320
    edited March 2017

    Rad Nurse gave samples, ordered 2 tubes on Amazon. There is a special 4 pack that costs only $32.05/tube. Used entire week before 1st Rad. Today - completed 10/20 total, the last 4 are boosts. Slightly pink nipple - Rad Nurse gave lidocaine ointment scrip for relief. Highly recommend the Miaderm - will have RO Doc visit tomorrow & see how she says its going. Best wishes as you journey through your treatments.

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  • CeliaC
    CeliaC Member Posts: 1,320
    edited March 2017

    Good luck on your dry run. It will likely take longer than your actual treatments - so hang in there tomorrow. PS - I am a former Ohio gal, now transplanted to N. KY.

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  • CeliaC
    CeliaC Member Posts: 1,320
    edited March 2017

    WenchLori - Agree with you about those marks = I have 6, so win the dubious distinction of having more! See creams info I posted a little earlier. They are working for me. Best wishes for this next treatment phase.

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  • Cowboy-Up
    Cowboy-Up Member Posts: 211
    edited March 2017

    CeciliaC. Born and lived in Ohio most of my life. I did live in Lexington for a couple of years.

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  • LynnieRich
    LynnieRich Member Posts: 28
    edited March 2017

    hey everyone! I had my dry run today and start tomorrow. Even though I know it won't be too bad (especially compared to chemo!) I'm still feeling bummed. I did neoadjuvant chemo, finished Nov 9, and has surgery Dec 21, so I feel a bit separated from treatments. Now I feel like I'm going back to the beginning. Which is silly but... yeah, I wish I felt confident enough to just say No! Haha but definitely not!

    For those that have started already hope things are going well! My docs said aquaphor after treatments and at night OR if I find that's too greasy use Lubriderm. I might get some Lansinoh too after the recommendation! Sounds like a good idea!!

    Any of you battling lymphedema already? I'm in pT and have been having pain under my arm where my lymph nodes were removed and I'm just anxious the radiation will make it a lot worse.

    (To clarify my story, I am an ultrasound tech. I could visually see 6 lcancerous lymph nodes at treatment start. So I know it was in that many. It could have been in more not sure. Pathology came back that it was in "several" but that all cancer was dead at surgery. Yay!)


    Looking forward to getting to know you all!

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  • javamama
    javamama Member Posts: 119
    edited March 2017

    Hi Ladies. Looks like I'll be joining you. I did my simulation yesterday and got my tats. Start date for me is 3/16. I get 25 for 5 weeks.

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  • FightingGMA
    FightingGMA Member Posts: 10
    edited March 2017

    Good Morning!

    I had my dry run yesterday. They took some of the markers off ,I started with 5, and added some new ones but I only have 3 left! I will be doing a total of 25 treatments and they said that I won't feel anything for the first week or so! Finally feeling better since my surgery in January, so I hope I don't get to fatigued! I started to drink protein shakes in the afternoon and has helped a great deal! Anxious to get this over and get back to my old life! I will you all luck with your treatments!

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  • Leslie2016
    Leslie2016 Member Posts: 316
    edited March 2017

    Got my start date today; March 16th. Looking forward to getting this stage done!

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  • Ruby3813
    Ruby3813 Member Posts: 96
    edited March 2017

    I finally got my appt to see the radiation oncologist (March 22nd), but I know this won't be the start of treatment. Not even sure it's the dry run. It might just be a meet and greet and info visit. Guess I'll find out!

    Then, I have my first appt with the medical oncologist on the 23rd. Yippee! Let's get this show on the road! The hubs and I have a vacation planned to Vegas from April 21st - 26th and the way things are going, radiation is going to interfere with that. Ugh!

    Good luck, everyone!!

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