Starting Radiation in May 2017

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

    Hanging in there - RO never said anything to me about not losing weight, and when weighed each week at RO visit, I was losing weight. This is a new one! Incidentally, some loss of appetite is a frequent SE of radiation treatment and each week the RO emphasized the importance of exercise being helpful. Maybe if you probe why with your RO a little further, you will get a reasonable answer.

    Healing thoughts & gentle hugs to all.

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  • Nancy618
    Nancy618 Member Posts: 374
    edited June 2017

    Hanging in there, that's a strange request....I think that's so they don't have to alter where they are giving the radiation. But I get xrays once a week BECAUSE they said a little bit of weight gain or loss can change their calculations, so THEY change what they do. I think it's really odd that they would expect you to stay the same weight. I, too, am eating way more healthy and exercising more than I did. I've only been doing rad since last week.

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  • Hope88
    Hope88 Member Posts: 55
    edited June 2017

    Hey all,

    I started radiation this week and I've had three sessions so far. After hearing about all the sessions you guys have completed I feel like I am just getting started. So far I don't feel any side effects however I guess that doesn't start until about two or three weeks in. I have felt slight burning sensation at times, but it could just be in my head. The staff is really nice and everything has went smoothly so far. I was still nervous however when I started, but I feel a little better after the third round.

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  • Tappermom383
    Tappermom383 Member Posts: 643
    edited June 2017

    Glad to hear it's going well, Hope!

    I mentioned my concerns about weight gain with AIs to one of my radiation therapists and said I've been trying to lose weight for some time. She said I shouldn't lose more than 10 pounds while doing rads as the plan is partially based on your weight. I don't think she has to worry!

    Had my 9th treatment today. Breast is a little red and I see a slight rash. No itching. Tender to the touch.

    MJ


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  • Nancy618
    Nancy618 Member Posts: 374
    edited June 2017

    Hope88: Glad everything is going well so far for you. I've had 7 treatments so far, and I too have felt a slit burning or tingling once in awhile. Otherwise, nothing noticeable yet. Last night I walked about 2.5 miles in the Relay For Life. My one hip that has been bothering me for a long time, did bother me a bit more, but a couple of extra strength Tylenol when I got home took care of that.

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  • RoseRN1
    RoseRN1 Member Posts: 153
    edited June 2017

    I think I hit the wall with fatigue yesterday. Laid down to take a nap before dinner at 5PM and didn't get up till 10AM this morning. Did get up for bathroom but fell right back to sleep! Feel great today. Listen to your bodies and don't forget to also keep drinking too to keep your skin hydrated!

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  • bravepoint
    bravepoint Member Posts: 404
    edited June 2017

    Hanginginthere - I lost 5 lbs during rads. No one ever mentioned a thing about losing weight. I was never weighed during my 6 weeks of treatment either. They only did Xrays at days 1, 8 and on my first boost, day 26.

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  • Goincrzy8
    Goincrzy8 Member Posts: 387
    edited June 2017

    Bravepoint, my RO weighs each week. Every Thursday is doctor day, she looks at skin, listens to lungs and heart. Vitals taken on that day.

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  • Chloe2
    Chloe2 Member Posts: 40
    edited June 2017

    I'm wondering if anyone else is having issues with pain right under the bottom of the rib cage on the left side. I've been having a lot of pain there. I discussed it with my RO yesterday (I'm going to follow up with my primary care doctor just to be sure there is anything else going on) but the RO said that the top of the colon on the left side receives some radiation that can cause inflammation and pain. Has anyone else experienced this issue? And if so any tips on how to feel better? I had a similar pain prior to a shingles outbreak and thought maybe I was having another outbreak (I have immune issues and have had repeated bouts of shingles) but I really believe this is intestinal related.

    Any insight would be appreciated.

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  • bravepoint
    bravepoint Member Posts: 404
    edited June 2017

    Goingcrzy8 - I was supposed to see my RO every Friday during treatments but unfortunately she was away for 2 weeks out of 6. I wasn't terribly impressed. I did see 2 different ROs during the week that I had a bad skin reaction which was good. None of them ever checked my weight or took my vitals. All they really seemed to want to see was my skin. They always weight me when I see my MO.

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  • LAW193
    LAW193 Member Posts: 69
    edited June 2017

    I never had my weight taken or my vitals checked at all during radiation. The only blood draw I have had since being diagnosed was for genetic testing but they took my vitals/weight before all my appointments with the surgeon. I'm pretty sure I gained 10 lbs since my diagnosis (stress = sugar for me). My weekly RO appointments were just to check my skin. They also xrayed me weekly. It is strange that there are so many many differences in different places. Could it be because i didnthave chemo?

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  • Goincrzy8
    Goincrzy8 Member Posts: 387
    edited June 2017

    Law I did not have chemo either. She wants a CBC ran at least 3 times during the next 7 weeks.

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

    Law, I did not have chemo, either. Rad Nurse weighed and took vitals each week prior to my RO visit. Never said anything about my losing weight. Agree that the divergence between what one RO does vs another seems odd.

    Everyone still undergoing rads, you can do this! Healing thoughts and gentle hugs.


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  • Peetie1
    Peetie1 Member Posts: 73
    edited June 2017

    Last week I completed 7/20. Does anybody else still get nervous when going into the room for treatment? My stomach still does a roll each time I lay on the table...

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  • Tappermom383
    Tappermom383 Member Posts: 643
    edited June 2017

    It's Monday and I'm ready to rock Week 3!!!

    MJ


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  • Peetie1
    Peetie1 Member Posts: 73
    edited June 2017

    You rock Tappermom! I wish that I could borrow some of your enthusiasm! I hope that you have a great week!

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  • Nancy618
    Nancy618 Member Posts: 374
    edited June 2017

    I see my RO every Monday....today was the second time. No weigh in. No examination. Just questions about how everything is going and how I'm feeling. I'm fine except for the lack of sleep, so I can't tell if I'm fatigued from that or the rads. I imagine if/when I get any SEs, she will examine me more.

    I don't get nervous...in fact, #8 today seemed so routine...automatically walked in the room, gave them my name and birthdate, took the robe off, laid down, and it was over and done with quicker than it has ever seemed before.

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  • MexicoHeather
    MexicoHeather Member Posts: 365
    edited June 2017

    Had #10 of 33 today. My skin feels tight, the actual scar seems flatter, so that's a positive.

    I have a friend who wants to drive me to my appointment. Very sweet sentiment, but I don't really need the help. (Treatment location is 4 miles from the house. She is 20 miles away) I told her she can come next Monday, next week, and then we should focus on making some meals ahead. I'm hoping that when she sees for herself what I can do she will stop this.

    Anybody else have friends that don't quite get it?

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

    At least your friend who "does not get it" seems to be trying to be helpful. Its worse when family, friends, and co-workers do NOTHING.

    Sounds like transferring your friend's desire to help into something else helpful (like your meals idea) would work.


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  • Goincrzy8
    Goincrzy8 Member Posts: 387
    edited June 2017

    Mexico, I totally get it. I have one friend who has since day 1 come to dr appointments, and any scans. She is my ride.I can drive myself to radiation, but I let her come by and pick me up and go with me. It makes her feel like she is helping. She will be gone next week and said her husband can come and drive me. I told her I can drive myself. I want to drive myself my appointment is at 8;30 once I am done I am out of house and can then go and do things. When she drives she drops me off at home, and once inside I dont want to leave again....but am thankful for her friendship.

    Celia I am thankful for my friend, my son works, my daughter in law works, my daughter is out of state. So I do appreciate the help because my kids are busy.

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  • Tappermom383
    Tappermom383 Member Posts: 643
    edited June 2017

    MexicoHeather, we're on the same schedule. I had #10 of 33 today also. My two incisions are quite red tonight and my breast is sore. Nothing terrible. I am, however, exhausted. My center is a 20-mile drive from my house; I had to drive myself today and did fine but now I'm pooped!

    MJ

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  • Peetie1
    Peetie1 Member Posts: 73
    edited June 2017

    Today I had 8/20 hypo-fractionated treatments. I am now a little pink and sore. I will be doing 5 boosts at the end, does anybody know what to expect with the boosts? I am looking forward to giving the rest of my breast a break after the 15 whole breast treatments.

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  • bravepoint
    bravepoint Member Posts: 404
    edited June 2017

    Peetie1 - My 4 boosts were with the same type of machine but a cone type apparatus was attached to it. At the end of the cone, they slid in a "plate" that had a cutout a little larger than my surgical scar. It was electron radiation (vs photon radiation for the whole breast treatments) which they told me scatters everywhere so the cone directs it to the specific area. I was in the same position on the table, arm above my head. The boost lasted for 30 seconds. I had the last one May 29th and my skin around the scar has been beet red, itchy, peeling and painful since the weekend. It is looking a bit better today!

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  • LAW193
    LAW193 Member Posts: 69
    edited June 2017
    My experience with boosts was pretty much like Bravepoint's but the first day of it they took a whole bunch of images which took longer than my usual appointment. So maybe be prepared for the first one to be a little longer. My hand fell asleep during it so I was miserable. I think I had positioned it weird that day. The other three days took longer than 30 seconds but were only a couple of minutes. I still had to do the deep breaths for the boost - I can't remember if you have been doing that all along or not.
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  • bravepoint
    bravepoint Member Posts: 404
    edited June 2017

    Yes, they did do Xrays the day of my first boost so it was a longer visit!

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

    Peetie - I had 16 "regular" rads + 4 boosts. Boosts were using same machine & took less time. They are focused on the tumor bed. Since rads on left side, still had to do deep breath holds. Machine moved around 8 times during regular rads to zap different "fields", but only 3 moves for the boosts. Has your RO given you anything for "pink and sore" issues, or recommended any creams? What my RO did: Miaderm, scrip Mometasone Furoate & scrip LIdocaine. Wishing you healing thoughts and gentle hugs.

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  • Peetie1
    Peetie1 Member Posts: 73
    edited June 2017

    CeliaC, Bravepoint, Law193- Thank you for the information! Knowing what to expect does help! I am really looking forward to finishing up my whole breast treatments and moving on to the boosts.

    CeliaC-My RO recommended cleaning my skin with Vashe and applying Calundula 4-6 times a day. How do I know when I need to ask for a prescription?

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  • Nancy618
    Nancy618 Member Posts: 374
    edited June 2017

    I was wondering about the positions for the rad machine today...mine only moves to 2 positions. A little off center to the left from the top and then all the way over to the right side. 9th of 16 regular are done. And I had an xray today too. 4 boosts after that.

    Still only using cornstarch, which I think it strange, but I guess it's working so far. I look a tad pink today and have kind of a prickly feeling in a few spots.

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  • RoseRN1
    RoseRN1 Member Posts: 153
    edited June 2017

    Tomorrow I'll have my simulation formy boost. Will get more tattoos since I currently have my rads prone but boost will be supine.

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

    Peetie - Unfamiliar with the recommended "cleaning", but Calendula cream is good. It is one of the ingredients in Miaderm. Lidocaine scrip - asked for this when nipple was getting ouchy, also used over the SNB scar area & lumpectomy scar area - soothing, slightly numbing. Mometasone Furoate prescribed at first visit (day they did the CTs for planning rads) & was advised to use daily. It is a cortisone type cream - good for redness, rash like "prickly heat". Hope this gives you info you were looking for. PM me if you want.

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