June 2017 Starting Rads

dcdrodgers - I agree with you about the daily slog being like another job!

Hi Carolina Girl. I'm a Carolina Girl too - just NC :-) I'm on the same time frame as you. I just finished 3rd rad treatment yesterday. I wish I could help you, but I haven't had any pain. I'm not feeling anything from the rads at this point. There are some wonderful ladies on here with lots of knowledge and I'm sure someone will chime in soon to offer you some advice. I'll keep a check here to see how you're doing. Guess we can compare rad notes. What a club huh??? Best of luck!!! I'm sure I'll "see you" around!

Vixxyn: My diagnosis is just about identical to yours.

I didn't need chemo, my oncotype was 11. The MO was sure I wouldn't benefit from chemo and the oncotype test wasn't necessary but said I could have it for confirmation.

ILC is tricky and it took multiple tests - 3D mammograms, ultrasound, MRIs - and something else I forget - to get a full picture.

I'm down to my last two radiation sessions. I'm having 20 sessions which include four boosts. The only glitch I've had with rads was an infection which responded quickly to anti-biotics. It showed up on a Friday, radiation was cancelled for that day. With the break for the weekend, it was three days without rads. I think that helped the infection clear up quickly. I was back for rads on the following Monday.

I used aquaphor and aloe vera gel. Sometimes at the same time and other times just one at a time.

Overall I didn't find radiation to be a problem, except for the fatique. I'm looking forward to the end of that.

Hope your test results are good.

Hang in there, this is an unexpected journey we all are on.

Hi Folks,

Thanks for welcoming someone who'll likely start Rads in mid-July! Tappermom383, good to see you. Thanks for the suggestion. I'm reading through the May and June threads and see if someone has started a July thread. ML1209, looks like we'll be starting within a week of each other!! I'm sending good wishes to all who are going through this. It's comforting to read posts of those who've made it through a substantial portion of treatment and they're doing well.I'm sure it feels good to get to the finish. Hmm…do folks ring a bell or have some other ritual to recognize that they've finished radiation?

I'm hoping that others could provide feedback about a few questions.Here's what I think might work but am seeking advice before I buy anything.

• I have very large breasts so I find bras help, especially since surgery.I understand that during RT, we should go braless as much as possible. Is that correct? We can wear wireless, though, but should try to find seamless cups? I can't wear sports bras because I am recovering from reduction surgery and they shmush the breasts together.
• For the night: To support my breasts and to avoid skin-to-skin contact, would it help to take short sleeve t-shirts, cut them up the front, and tie them under my breasts? Do others do that? Any other suggestions?
• For the day, especially for work: After RT, apply creams; wear sleeveless camis or sleeveless men's athletic t-shirts over the cream; put a bra OVER the cami or tank top; and put a shirt OVER that? Any other suggestions, especially for someone with large breasts?
• Cushioning for irritated skin: Cut old t-shirts into strips to cushion irritated skin, especially under the breast fold?
• Tops: Should I buy some inexpensive tops a size larger because I might have extra layers (cami/tank under a bra, and if skin is irritated, I would also need gauze or nursing pads)??
• Fabric: Is it important that our bras and any camis or tank tops be 100% cotton? Is there some "wicking" fabric that helps repel moisture?

I'd appreciate any suggestions. I've already learned a tremendous amount from the forums.I have my eye on some inexpensive products: a specific cami, packs of men's sleeveless athletic shirts, inexpensive short-sleeve lightweight t-shirts at crafts shops.Before I buy things, especially ones that I would have to cut, I want to make sure I understand what would work! Thanks so much!!

CarolinaGirl - I sometimes have brief pain. Seems to be related to the stress of holding the arm on the surgery side in one unnatural position during the treatment. Also, I have developed some cording, which can cause discomfort. Again, probably related to the radiation treatment.

Regarding pain in chest after treatment...did not have it, but I did have a hot sensation inside my chest for hours after the first few treatments. Of course they told me impossible for the rads to cause that, but I know what I felt. Sometimes during treatment I would also get a weird zing sensation through the breast.

SouthernIllinois

The first one will take a little longer. I didn't have to hold my breath, just breathe regularly. You have to put your hands over your head in forms like this:

Or they will make something for you out of plaster of paris. I found my forms like this were not that comfortable and I brought 4 pieces of left over fleece from a project and put it on the foam. The foam my doctor uses is much older and in not as good shape as this picture. I have to turn my head to the side. I just practice staying calm. I doesn't hurt yet for me (I just finished 10). But this fleece makes a big deal of difference for my comfort. Wear shorts even if you have a dress on, I have to take off my gown, but not my shorts.

I put on aloe vera 3 times a day every day. I have a prescription cream, but I'm waiting later in the treatment to use it.

Blooming - yes! here we go! keep me posted.

Tappermom - was today your last one??????

Tappermom - almost there though!

I had my ct with mapping today. My appt was at 8am and I was finished by 8:40. Not bad at all. I will be lying on my back and they made a mold that fits around me. Since I had a complete pathological response from chemo, I will have whole breast radiation - 25 treatments, but no boost. Is this common? Also, the nurse last week told me that swimming would be fine. Today I was told that I could only go waist deep. My markings are not permanent. Bummed abt this as it is summer - want to have fun with my kids. I will be starting in July - but not many on that thread yet, so may hang out here for a while.

Thankful for any advice as always!

Day 12 out of 24/25. Half way there! Breast feels like it is radiating its own warmth from the inside out. Not painful, just noticable. And the fatigue hit for the first time this afternoon.

ML1209 - My treatment is basically same as yours. I was told fewer treatments because no scar tissue is involved.

Mepitel film use for radiation skin protection.

Mepitel film, for reduction in radiation reactions..it is what they use in NZ. Not mepilex not Mepitel one and not Mepitel from Amazon! Cvs is the only place I found with the right stuff. It is like tagederm but it is not tagederm.

I live in USA and im using Mepitel film. So far I'm glad I've stuck with it. I'm starting to get very itchy after 20 rads..the film is protecting me from myself. Plus no creams needed. Film sticks great from 7 to 10 days. Only problem is in the USA you can only get 4x4 squares. The only place I've found to buy is it at CVS. Don't but on Amazon they did not send the right product. There are a few snags in trying to find the right stuff. I talked to the Mepitel rep and the larger pieces are reserved for ongoing radiation Mepitel trials at the Mayo Clinic in ROC

https://www.capesmedical.co.nz/media/radiotherapy-...

http://www.molnlycke.ca/en-CA/news-media/wound-car...

Application of film:
https://www.breastcancer.org.nz/sites/default/file...

Get a discount at CVS if you print a copy of the link below and present a register...you will need 6 pieces if you are radiating armpit and superclavical. You will need to replace approx one a week for radiation and two-4 weeks past.

http://www.cvs.com/shop/health-medicine/first-aid/...

Feel free to message me with questions. Don't overlap the film or stretch the film. If anything stretch you skin so the film has room to relax over it when skin relaxes. there is a video on how to apply it. You might need to show your RO a few of these links to convince them it's okay.

Hugs e

Luvusu

I also had 14/33 (or 38) today. I have a mild looking burn, light pink. But as of today it feels more like a moderate burn. Only today did my skin hurt all day. I have been using prutect 3 times a day for my skin. It is prescription and supposed to help with healing.

I'm 14 of 25. My center is also closed for 4th of July. Looking forward to Friday as I'll be on treatment #17 by then. I'm having some tanning/darkening of the skin on the radiated side, but RO says since the skin is not dry we'll continue on with treatment. I continue to use the Miaderm and Aquaphor, but I'm going to be bumping it up to 3 times per day instead of 2. Implant is still holding up with no signs of hardening etc. Hoping to make it through all 25 treatments without any delays and that the skin discoloration will resolve itself after treatment is over.

Happy Independence Day!

~Dee

16/33 today. Lefty is dark pink. So is the axillary area which us also being treated. I also have a red rash now on my chest. I'm not surprised by that since I had major skin issues throughout all of my treatments and after surgery. Nothing is very painful- just discomfort at this point.

The aloe is my friend. Aquafor- still using it but I like the pure aloe better. Soft stretchy bras when I go out. Braless at home.

How's everyone else doing