Starting Radiation in May 2017

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  • Goincrzy8
    Goincrzy8 Member Posts: 387
    edited May 2017

    Pretty funny Mexico, lets see if that pops in my head tomorrow

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  • Peetie1
    Peetie1 Member Posts: 73
    edited May 2017

    Hello!

    Today I will have my first radiation treatment. I am very nervous about what to expect! I am glad that I found this website!

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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited May 2017

    Hi Peetie and welcome to Breastcancer.org, and this awesome thread!

    We're sorry you have to be here, but we're really glad you found us. You're sure to find this Community an incredible source of information and support!

    We look forward to hearing more from you as you start and complete your radiation treatment. We're all here for you!

    --The Mods

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  • Tappermom383
    Tappermom383 Member Posts: 643
    edited May 2017

    Best of luck to you, peetie! I assume you had your mapping and simulation. I had my first treatment yesterday - the only way you know anything is happening is an alarm sounds and a red light flashes. My attitude is: The sooner I get this started, the sooner it will be over! My techs are really nice. I was in and out in a half hour.

    Let us know how you do.

    MJ

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  • Nancy618
    Nancy618 Member Posts: 374
    edited May 2017

    Good list to read....I am starting my first treatment tomorrow. I had the simulation today. There was no mention of breath holding. Unless they would tell me to do that tomorrow, but you'd think they would have mentioned it today. I was also told NOT to use any creams on the area at all. Use only cornstarch. Although, they said IF I needed anything, they had samples they could give me. Said there was no scientific evidence that they help. Interesting!

    I'm a bit concerned about the bra....they aren't EVER comfortable for me, especially at the band area, so I'm looking for something else. I looked at the Softees and while they look nice, with warmer weather coming, the long length may intensify my hot flashes, as I have already started on AIs (which is a whole OTHER story). AND the price is prohibitive unless someone has had excellent experiences with them and convince me that I should buy one. I still have my surgical bras and the nurse said I could use those, but they seem a bit tighter than I think I would want.

    Any help with a bra would be greatly welcomed!

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  • LAW193
    LAW193 Member Posts: 69
    edited May 2017

    Nancy- the deep breathing is only if the radiation is on your left side to protect your heart. It looks like yours is on the right so it is not necessary. I think the deal with the creams is they don't heal or protect you from radiation dermatitis but they may be soothing.

    And since someone asked in the April thread, I just looked up the name of the bra that I have found most comfortable: it is called playtex unwinder and if you Google that you can probably find a place to buy it.

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  • Tappermom383
    Tappermom383 Member Posts: 643
    edited May 2017

    Day 2 is done! I asked the radiation therapist about lotion protocol. She said every doctor she has worked with has something different to say. But, since my doctor recommended aloe vera gel, the therapist said it's fine to start using that right away. I have a tube of cream a friend gave me; she had used it (and had the same RO) and had NO problems with her skin. So I'll ask the RO about it when I see her on Thursday (the day she checks in with all her patients).

    I also asked about boosts since my BS had said I'd be having them at the end. The therapist said I'll have 28 regular treatments (like yesterday and today), then have five boosts at the end. The boost is focused on the tumor bed so it can be a higher dosage.

    No films today so my DH was shocked when I walked back out into the waiting room - I was done so quickly! And they've taken me early both days - no waiting.

    Good luck, everyone!

    MJ


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  • MexicoHeather
    MexicoHeather Member Posts: 365
    edited May 2017

    Hi, Peetie !welcome to our salon. You will see there's plenty of variety on what the ROs say to apply, or not apply, to the radiation area.

    Thanks, group, for the bra discussion. I went out right before chemo and bought an expensive cami, but now I can't fit into it. Also I get menopause hot flashes, so all constriction, anything synthetic, is just uncomfortable. I was given the name of another company. I will try to find and post it tomorrow.

    Adios.

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

    if you're small breasted camis I bought at JC Penny's were lifesavers for me and so comfy. I bought them one size larger.

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  • susie_2017
    susie_2017 Member Posts: 155
    edited May 2017

    Hello ladies, I am currently sitting in the waiting room of my RO, first time meeting him and discussing radiation. Feeling overwhelmed right now. Don't know what to expect.

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  • Ruby3813
    Ruby3813 Member Posts: 96
    edited May 2017

    Susie - don't fret. Radiation isn't scary at all. You can do this! Happy

    As for bras, I found the most comfortable thing I can wear at home is a cami/tank with a built in shelf bra. Nothing constructed, but just a soft shelf with a wide band at the bottom. I found mine at Stein Mart, but you can probably find them at Wal Mart or Target. I think they have them on the Hanes.com website too.


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  • Nancy618
    Nancy618 Member Posts: 374
    edited May 2017

    LAW193: Thanks so much for the information on the bra. I've spent an hour just now looking online and I'm just so confused! I also don't want to pay $50 for something that's probably going to get stained. But I googled "playtex unwinder" and it came up with absolutely nothing.

    So many people say they wear no bra, just a camisole with loose clothing over it. Well, it's going to be warm weather before I'm done and the weeks after when we will be at our cottage. I don't think I'll be wearing layers!

    Unfortunately, I am not all that small breasted, so I think camis or tank tops are going to be only acceptable at home. I found some sports bras, but they pull up and not sure with my shape that will be doable! And front clasp closure, I'm not sure if that may be irritating. So, you can see I'm quite conflicted!

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  • Goincrzy8
    Goincrzy8 Member Posts: 387
    edited May 2017

    Nancy I have had 2 treatments, I am using the Genie bra. I found it at Walmart. It can be pulled over hips or over heat. I am not a tiney lady and when I had LMX my daughter bought me 2 and I use my knitted knocker for the left side. I dont want to ruin my good bra's or my prothesis with the Aloe Vera so I am wearing the Genie bra for now.


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  • Nancy618
    Nancy618 Member Posts: 374
    edited May 2017

    Goincrzy8: Thanks for the recommendation. I did find two bras at Meijer today when I was doing my shopping. They are Hanes Cooling Comfort. They too pull up or go over the head. I bought them one size larger and hoping that they will be comfortable. There's NO wide band at the bottom which is my biggest concern. I saw another bra that looks just like the Genie, but I didn't buy it because it was 98% nylon. My onc nurse told me to try to get a cotton bra as it will be more comfortable. The Cool Comfort is 58% cotton 36% polyester and 6% spandex. It feels very soft to the touch and is VERY lightweight.

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  • LAW193
    LAW193 Member Posts: 69
    edited May 2017

    ugh sorry Nancy. Autocorrect changed what I typed and I didn't realize. It is playtex Funwinder. Here are some links:

    http://www.onehanesplace.com/shop/onehanesplace/br...

    https://www.amazon.com/Playtex-Play-Funwinder-Seam...

    I am 34DD and the medium fits me. I also can't wear just a cami with a shelf.

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

    If anyone is on Medicare they will pay for special bras. Check with them first,

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  • Nancy618
    Nancy618 Member Posts: 374
    edited May 2017

    Butterfly: I am on Medicare...but you have to fill out several forms and get your doctor to sign it that it's medically necessary. I guess if I absolutely needed a certain, expensive bra, I'd go through that, but I'm looking for something inexpensive to get me through a couple of weeks.

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  • RoseRN1
    RoseRN1 Member Posts: 153
    edited May 2017

    Loved your description Mexicohealth!

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  • RoseRN1
    RoseRN1 Member Posts: 153
    edited May 2017

    I would try to buy cheap bras to wear to radiation. They marked me up with a sharpie the other day, needless to say my bra has all the black spots. You can find some cheap bras at Kmart or Walmart. I suggest go up a size in width and cup size in case you swell

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  • ILSunrise
    ILSunrise Member Posts: 130
    edited May 2017

    lohoff - I had the unpleasant smell when I was getting rads. It will go away. Sorry you have it too. Hug

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  • Nancy618
    Nancy618 Member Posts: 374
    edited May 2017

    ILSunrise: What unpleasant smell are you talking about? I tried to look back at past posts, but couldn't find anything.

    Also, am I crazy/imagining things? During the first part of my treatment today, I swore my sternum/breatbone area got really warm. Maybe it was just a localized hot flash!

    So I am done with my first treatment....19 more to go! I was surprised it went so fast. I think I was on the table for all of 5 minutes. I drove there, had the treatment and drove home all in 45 minutes.


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  • Tappermom383
    Tappermom383 Member Posts: 643
    edited May 2017

    I don't think you're imagining things, Nancy - I felt warmth during my treatments yesterday and today (#3 today). And tonight my right breast is very warm to the touch.

    I am completely pooped - seems awfully early in the process for me to be so tired. My DH and I go to our theater every Wednesday night to listen to a band (and dance). I have to leave for handbell choir rehearsal but usually go back. Not tonight - I texted him that I was too exhausted - I'm home in my pjs!

    Is anyone else who has just started experiencing exhaustion already?

    MJ

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  • Goincrzy8
    Goincrzy8 Member Posts: 387
    edited May 2017

    Not yet, but I also felt warmth in the breast (2 tx) so far. I am going to increase my walking to keep energy up.

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  • Nancy618
    Nancy618 Member Posts: 374
    edited May 2017

    I've always had sensitive skin and tonight I'm lying here in bed after one treatment, feeling a tingly warm sensation over a small area of the breast that also feels kind of hard. I have to be imagining it!

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  • bravepoint
    bravepoint Member Posts: 404
    edited May 2017

    I felt heat during treatments too.

    Tappersmom38- I was super tired just after the first treatment. I thought it would be cumulative.... I actually feel less tired now after 26/29!

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  • Tappermom383
    Tappermom383 Member Posts: 643
    edited May 2017

    That's encouraging, Gail. Maybe my body just has to get used to it. I had a good sleep last night; already thinking about a nap!

    MJ


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

    Just popping in. About bras, etc. - I found wearing a tank underneath a stretched out bra was most comfortable - needed some support as in the office while undergoing rads & needed to look professional, however, I am only a B cup. Fatigue - Frequent issue with rads, some feel it from the start, some later on & it can also kick in with a vengeance 1 - 2 wks after last rad. Had 20 rads (16 reg + 4 boosts) and fatigue started after 10th treatment, and peaked after last rad. It gets better. Our bodies have been through so much, it's no wonder we feel fatigue! Be gentle on yourself if fatigue is happening.

    Healing thoughts and gentle hugs to all.

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  • Nancy618
    Nancy618 Member Posts: 374
    edited May 2017

    CeliaC: Thank you for the encouraging thoughts! I am about to leave for my second treatment. I actually slept well last night! Woke up at 2 and 5 and was awake for awhile, but fell back to sleep until 8am. That's a real gift for me! I went to Zumba Gold this morning and took it easy with the arm movements. I actually had energy and wasn't drained at the end of class!

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  • GetBusyLiving
    GetBusyLiving Member Posts: 5
    edited May 2017

    Hi ladies! Just a few thoughts since there are some new people ... As for creams, I use Miaderm (amazon) and Miaderm-L with lidocaine. Saving Maderm-L for later when the pain worsens, if it does. I also use aloe. The bras I love (black so there is no staining) is Carefix Alice (amazon!). I am a 36 band size and full C / small D and the XL is comfortable. Since I can't wear deodorant on the treatment side, I make a baking soda paste (just arm & hammer baking soda and a spot of water) and pat it on on lightly It works beautifully!!!! Safe for before treatment too according to my RO and nurse.

    I finished #19 today. I have 25 whole breast treatments, then 8 boosts after for a total of 33. My skin is starting to look like peach fuzz flaking. I hope this isn't the beginning of peeling. I think the skin irritation train is leaving the station. Is there anything I can do to stop this or slow it down? I do have a 3 day weekend because the office is closed Monday

    6 whole breast treatments left. The last one is on my birthday! Hoping the boosts are easier.

    Any tips for the last half of treatments would be appreciated -- especially concerningthis early flaking. : )

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  • RoseRN1
    RoseRN1 Member Posts: 153
    edited May 2017

    i just had #11 today. My nipple and areola are very red and swollen. Started lanolin on just that area as suggested by my RO. It's very greasy but help. Also using Miaderm 3 times a day and Aquaphor at night.

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