Starting Rads in March 2017

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

    Welcome sr2295! Sorry you're here but glad you found us! My RO is doing boosts for me as well. My RO recommended calendula cream 2x a day and A&D Ointment at night for me. If I had to do this all over again? I'd stay away from any petroleum based creams. It was way to hard to wash off completely before going in for treatments and rubbing with a very soft baby washcloth really irritated my skin. I'm using silvadene to treat the peeling effects and it's wonderful and immediately calms the burning and itching.

    Leslie, it sounds like your sores could be from radiation. Your RO would know for sure. My radiation is aimed at my left armpit, center of chest and angled in to left chest plate but my whole left side is affected by it. Their not hitting the TE area at all but it's as red and peeling as my underarm.

    Regina, from what I've read it's a 50/50 deal. Some say it does and some say it doesn't help with life expectancy. I'm not taking any chances so I went for it.

    I had round #26 rads this morning with just 2 more to go! It took a lot longer than usual so I asked what the deal was? RO said he's doing 3 boosts just to be on the safe side. I asked him if he remembered I had DBMX and not lumpectomy? We both laughed, it's become our "inside joke".

    I'm really, really sore tonight. RO said I've done a great job with my skin care regimen and it's not as bad as he thought it would be at this stage.He'll see me in 3 weeks for a skin check. What am I going to do with all my free time with not running to a clinic of some sort? Oh yeah, get back to life! I hope!

    Healing hugs to All 🤗


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  • Leslie2016
    Leslie2016 Member Posts: 316
    edited March 2017

    Thanks WenchLori. Saw my RO today; yes, it's from the rads, but it's not bad, and it is "closed" again, not open. She told me if it gets worse to go ask my pharmacist for a cortisone cream over the counter. If it gets worse/I get more, they will prescribe something. I'm doing the right things..cream 2-3 times a day, keeping it dry, etc. The tech and my cancercare nurse gave me some tips too...go bra-less when I can so it's not rubbing, no underwires when I do need to wear one,... Overall I'm ok with it. It's actually nice that it's everyday because I know someone is seeing it every day, that I can ask questions everyday and I won't be left to "suffer" for a week or anything before being given some relief if it does get worse.

    Almost half way there!

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  • javamama
    javamama Member Posts: 119
    edited March 2017

    So I had my first rad today. I thought I was starting yesterday but they took more pictures and set up more for today. My clinic is about 5 minutes from my house and I set all my appts up for 7:30 or 7:45 am every morning. I'm waking up, showering off- rinsing really to not irritate my skin- going to treatment and then putting on my lotions right after.

    1 Down. 24 More to go. lol

    My RO recommended calendula lotion or cream 2X/day. The brand he likes is California Baby. I have a couple of different kinds and when I run out, I will buy some of the kind he likes. The sheet on skin care they gave me listed lots of other lotions as well. But he likes the Cali Baby best. I've been using Aquaphor before bed, but I think I might change.

    Anyway. Here's hoping everything goes well and I have no SE now or later from rads.

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

    To all still having treatments - Hope everyone is doing well and not getting too crispy. You can do this!

    Leslie2016 - Was prescribed Mometasone Furoate for irritation & it worked well - seemed to work better than over-the-counter cortisone cream. Also was prescribed Lidocaine ointment for ouchy nipple area & incision area from sentinel node biopsy. Since you are in Ontario, Canadian doctors may do things differently. I am a big baby about pain and ask for everything I could get to avoid it.

    WenchLori - Sounds like the Silvadene helped your poor underam.

    I am happy to be 1 week post-radiation today. Fatigue and loss of appetite, which are pretty normal, but skin is still doing great.

    Hugs and healing thoughts to all.


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  • Oasis2016
    Oasis2016 Member Posts: 52
    edited March 2017

    Hello ladies,

    I'm from the Feb rad thread and now approaching my last 3 treatments. Did 22 out of 25. Breast, armpit and side are all very red now but the neck and chest are ok. So far nothing is broken yet. I hope my skin can tolerate the last 3 zap. Have been lathering with miaderm, QV cream and night aquahor. I think I will add green tea today.


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

    Misslil, wishing you the best for your rads journey! They didn't tell what the game plan was for your treatment? Make sure your RO keeps a close eye on your scars from surgery. My DBMX was done last July and my RO was very concerned about my scar opening up. I didn't have any problems with it thank goodness! The pain from the boost took me by surprise last night! OUCH!

    Leslie, yay! Halfway there is a wonderful feeling! I'm glad they are keeping on their toes for you! Rads is bad enough without them adding to it.

    Java, so nice to have your RO clinic so close to you. I drive an hour a day to spend 20 minutes at my RO's clinic. I didn't have any real skin problems until after treatment #15 or #16. I'll be keeping my fingers crossed and prayers said that you continue to have smooth sailing!

    Oasis, your down to your last 2 treatments too! It sounds like your skin is holding up wonderfully. YAY!!

    My DH will be escorting me to my final 2 treatments. I've started to take pain meds for the pain. Which is not fun no matter how good the high is that I get from it. DH took one look at my armpit and ran and got his camera. The looks he gets on his face are priceless! I should be taking his picture instead. All I can tell him is this to shall pass 👍🙏

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  • misslil
    misslil Member Posts: 260
    edited March 2017

    thanks Lori. So far I'm just seeing a little bit of pinkness, but very early (3 out of 28 sessions done, woo!).

    Given everything, I won't be too shocked if I develop more SEs than when I breezed through radiation the first time through.

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

    Misslil, praying that round 2 is also a breeze!

    I'm sitting at The Radiation Center of Bloomington IN waiting to get my last treatment. I'm so excited about being done but I'm sad as I'll miss all the new friends I've made. Including other friendly patients, families and all the wonderful staff. I'll be back to update everyone on my healing nag process as I'm told it's just as important as the treatment process. My turn!

    Healing hugs to All 🤗💜

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  • VLH
    VLH Member Posts: 1,258
    edited March 2017

    Yay, WenchLori!!!

    Lyn

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

    Another Yay, for you WenchLori! On to letting that skin heal up!

    My last one - they insisted I ring the bell 3 times, which was accompanied by applause & cheers - Also received smiley face cookies and a certificate of completion. A little too much folderal for me. Rad Techs were great, and although I did not say this, sincerely hope not to have to be there again.

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

    I also rang the bell three times, got my graduation certificate and my beads. I didn't care for the added attention but the staff was thrilled by it all. I love the saying on the plaque tho (Ring, bell, ring loud and clear! My treatment is over and I'm outta here!)

    image

    FU with RO on 4/20 for a skin check. I'm glad I can put my silvadene on and not have to wash it off and cause more irritation to my raw spots. FU with MO on 4/12.

    Healing hugs to All 🤗🤗

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  • misslil
    misslil Member Posts: 260
    edited March 2017

    congratulations Lori!

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

    Beautiful photo! Congrats on ringing that bell and let the healing begin! Aren't you glad to see the end of March? Hugs and healing thoughts.

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

    Beautiful photo! Congrats on ringing that bell and let the healing begin! Aren't you glad to see the end of March? Hugs and healing thoughts.

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  • Leslie2016
    Leslie2016 Member Posts: 316
    edited March 2017

    congrats WenchLori!!! Another step done!!!

    I hit the half way point today! So far my skin is pretty good. Hope it continues!

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  • VLH
    VLH Member Posts: 1,258
    edited March 2017

    I didn't see a topic for those starting radiation in April so set one up. I'll try to remember to share the link tomorrow or those interested can search for "April 2017."

    https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/70/topics...

    Lyn

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  • Sorella
    Sorella Member Posts: 107
    edited March 2017

    Ruby3813, I am starting radiation tomorrow so looks like I fit in the April group too (though I couldn't find one ) Thank you all for the info. Wish none of us had to go through this but glad we can support each other. My biggest worry is that my surgical area is still painful 6 months later and this will be further trauma to the area. I am so sick of pain! Still looking for that perfect bra! Suggestions appreciated. Good luck ladies!

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  • VLH
    VLH Member Posts: 1,258
    edited March 2017

    I set up an April group, Sorella.

    https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/70/topics...

    Lyn

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  • Oasis2016
    Oasis2016 Member Posts: 52
    edited March 2017

    Yay Lori! Finally done with the rads. I did my last rad today too. RO said the skin will get redder in the next 2 weeks, so lather with lotion and potion. I soaked cotton pads with ice green tea to sooth the breast.

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

    Thank you everyone!

    Celia,I can't think of a better way than to start April with the ringing of a bell!

    Leslie, continued prayers that your skin remains trouble free 🤞My skin feels better already! Looking forward to not having to wash with a washcloth every night to remove all traces of the creams before treatments in the mornings. The peeling is continuing to spread out a little farther every day but I can handle it.

    Lyn, thank you for the link to April Rads, I've added you to my favs so I can continue to follow your progress and give you my full support.

    Sorella, it's been 9 months since my tissue expanders placement and I still have sensitive areas. Radiation has left my skin a total mess but so far no hardening of my TE. As for bras I couldn't find one I liked or fit my TEs properly so I haven't worn one. I'm sure I'll hear about it from my PS on my next visit. I'm in enough pain/discomfort why add to it? I'll find good bras after my TE exchange.

    Oasis, I'll be starting the green tea soaks this morning. I'm hoping it helps

    Healing hugs to All 🤗

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  • VLH
    VLH Member Posts: 1,258
    edited March 2017

    I hope the healing process goes smoothly, WenchLori!

    Lyn

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  • Ruby3813
    Ruby3813 Member Posts: 96
    edited March 2017

    Hi Ladies!

    Sorry I haven't been around for awhile, but I'm so glad to hear you all are getting near the end of your treatments and some of you are finished! Congratulations!

    I had my first treatment on Monday 3/27, then they had a machine go down on Wednesday, so I didn't have one. Fortunately, they're going to get me in tomorrow, so that will be #5.

    I've been using the green tea spray that my RO gave me, as well as Calendula Gel (Boiron from Amazon), and the Mometasone Cream the RO prescribed. Spraying the green tea in the mornings, at noon, then go for my apt, then spray again at night (you can have the green tea on your skin during the treatment). I'm using the Mometasone Cream before bed and using the Calendula Gel before I go to work. So far, so good, but I know they say side effects don't normally show up for a couple of weeks. Fortunately, I'm only getting 20 treatments, so maybe the side effects will stay away.

    Wishing you all the best and congrats to the ladies who are finished!!

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

    Ruby - Glad you popped in - had been wondering how your rads were going. Sounds like you are doing well with your skin routine. Keep your routine up. I made it through 20 treatments with no burn and here's hoping the same for you.

    Oasis - They said my skin would get redder, also, but so far it has not and its 10 days after my final rad. I have kept up with using creams.

    Sorella - Not sure what type of surgery you had. The lumpectomy scar where tumor was removed was fine, but the sentinel node biopsy scar was the one that was more troublesome. That are was still somewhat painful when rads started.

    Everyone who is done - keep on healing. Will be following the April 2017 group, to keep up with those from March who are not yet done and share any wisdom.

    Hugs!

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  • javamama
    javamama Member Posts: 119
    edited April 2017

    I've done two weeks of my five weeks of treatment. I'm getting chest wall radiation in addition to super-clavicle. I can feel tightness on my chest wall. No skin changes. Just irritation deep inside. Weird.

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  • Leslie2016
    Leslie2016 Member Posts: 316
    edited April 2017

    I'm down to 4 boosts left this coming week. Radiation is being much kinder to me than chemo was. No major issues. Looking forward to being done and moving on with life.

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  • Butterfly1234
    Butterfly1234 Member Posts: 2,432
    edited April 2017

    That's wonderful news! And encouraging. I'm beginning sometime next week.

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  • javamama
    javamama Member Posts: 119
    edited April 2017

    I went ahead and got a yoga video for breast cancer. I want to make sure that the is chest wall pain doesn't turn into my muscles contracting and staying that way from radiation. I think I'm going to do some breast cancer yoga and talk to my MO about getting another scrip for physical therapy and have a therapist help keep my pecs loose.

    My hair is growing back at a crazy rate. The cold capping really kept my follicles alive. But it's making my head itch like crazy. lol

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  • Leslie2016
    Leslie2016 Member Posts: 316
    edited April 2017

    butterfly, just keep putting the cream on. I put it on after my shower, after rad treatment and before bed. I don't know if that's why I've done so good with SE's, but hey, it can't hurt!

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  • Butterfly1234
    Butterfly1234 Member Posts: 2,432
    edited April 2017

    OK will do. Thanks a bunch for your reply. Gonna keep on moisturizing!

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  • javamama
    javamama Member Posts: 119
    edited April 2017

    Met with the RO today (I meet with him every Monday. All the patients have a standing Monday appt.). Asked about the chest wall pain. He said it's probably from increased activity from feeling better post chemo. He's probably right. He said if it was the 4th or 5th week of chemo instead of 2 weeks of chemo he might've thought different, but as it stands now, it's not the rads. And he said to keep doing more stuff. The more activity the better.

    He said I'd probably have skin changes soon. At least, a square brown area even if there's no skin compromised.

    I love my RO. He ROCKS!. He inquired if I was making sure to hold my breath during treatments. And inquired into how the techs were treating me and if I was comfortable and everything. So. Awesome.

    Here's the link to the yoga video for breast cancer survivors and going throughers. I think I'll start doing yoga everyday to keep my muscles loose. Yoga for Breast Cancer DVD

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