Starting Radiation in May 2017
Comments
-
Rose - I like the "drink a lot" advice! I've had two boosts so far - three more to go! My redness in the non-boost area seems to be fading a little. Still itchy (but, dare I say it? Not quite as much). Tried to put my bra on the other day but it was a no-go. Have to find more shelf bra tanks - they're comfortable and offer enough support for my small breasts. Guess I'll have to go and try on new bras one of these days.
MJ
-
Rose thanks for the advice "drink a lot" you don't have to tell me twice. I have been wearing a genie bra during this and I need to buy a couple more. They are getting nasty with the Aloe Vera gel and aquaphor. The area under my are is really red, so today I aam home with no bra a tshirt and lotioning up every couple of hours. I cant let this get any worse, I am almost to the end.
-
SJI, I finished rads June 13. I have never been as exhausted as expected. However, I recently was going up and down stairs at my son's and was rather shocked at how much more difficult that was than the last time we were there visiting which was before this whole nightmare began. I have been through a full year of this "fun" from a lumpectomy last August, 16 chemo treatments which dragged on forever due to missing 7 treatments due to health issues. So chemo didn't end until April and then 31 radiation treatments. I have tried to walk through it all sometimes more successfully than others but definitely have lost a lot of muscle tone. Hopefully I can regain some by doing water aerobics and exercise.
-
5 more treatments, spoke to RO today and told her I was going to be taking a trip and flying. I asked her about lymphedema and I do not have it now. She said if I am flying I should have a sleeve, so she is sending me to see a lymphedema specialist before I leave. So I hope it comes soon
-
32 down - one to go! Saw the RO today (regular day). I'll get an appointment to see her in four weeks. She'll also schedule my mammo. She said I can expect the fatigue to continue for 5-6 weeks but that my skin shouldn't get any worse (it's not bad). I may notice some blood vessels along my scar, which will be normal. Nothing came up about a sleeve for me so I'm going to just put it out of my head (I'll be flying next week).
I see the MO next Tuesday. Checked in with my local pharmacist (who is a friend); she can get Teva anastrozole for me - said they charge more but she'll eat the extra cost (hardly seems fair). In exchange, I'm going to switch my mail order scrips to her (as long as the $0 co-pay still applies).
And then I see my surgeon next Thursday. Doctors, doctors, doctors!
108 down the hill where I go for my treatments; 88 up here on the mountain. But still hotter than we're used to!
Happy Thursday, all!
MJ
-
TAPPER PROB oops no sleeve for you as you had 0/3 nodes, I had 12
So happy your are done tomorrow.
-
Hi everyone. Tomorrow is the last radiation treatment. It was 28 and 5 boosts. Basically it looks like somebody put a hot, rectangular cookie sheet on half my chest. The shoulder is getting weak since the boosts started, however I started rebounding for exercise and I enjoy it.
I'm taking a driving vacation for 2 weeks. I've been in captivity for about 8 months, so I need a break.
Next up: Ovary removal. Because this just goes on and on...
-
Tappermom and MexicoHeather-Congratulations on finishing rads!!
-
And I am DONE!!!! When I walked into the treatment room, Lisa - the therapist who's been with me from Day 1 - said, "This is a special day!" That prompted a happy dance from me. For the five boosts she taped a wire onto my incision, then took a film of it (since the scar doesn't show up by itself). She removes it before treating the area. So when she came in to remove the wire, she said, "Last one - cue the fireworks!!" Well, no fireworks - just the usual flashing red light.
When I met with the nurse, she gave me a certificate of completion. I have an appointment with the RO in a month. Supposed to keep up the lotions meanwhile. The nurse said my skin should have recovered by that appointment.
Yesterday my RO gave both me and my DH big hugs. Today Lisa hugged me. Everyone in the waiting room cheered.
I'm glad I had the nurse bring my DH into the exam room yesterday so he could hear what she said: "Don't expect to wake up Saturday morning feeling like yourself. The fatigue will last for about 5-6 weeks." Not that I'm going to milk it, but I'll respect it.
So come Monday, I don't have to go down the mountain (where it was 115 today - 95 up here). I've heard that some people cry (relief?) but not me - I was all smiles. Stopped at McDonald's (where we never eat) for a celebratory mocha frappe. Tonight: a reggae band on stage in our village.
But right now it's nap time!
Best of luck to everyone as you finish up. Another chapter closed.
MJ
-
Congratulations, MexicoHeather! I know what you mean about the hot cookie sheet imprint. Enjoy that driving vacation - hope you get to see lots of great sights. I'm flying to Denver next week to spend a long weekend with my 14-month-old grandson (and his parents). Can't wait to see them. I'be been going every other month since he was born but had to miss June because of treatments.
If you happen to drive cross-country, come say hello!
MJ
-
Congrats Tapper and Mexico. Both of you enjoy your vacations.
-
So happy for you Tapper and MexicoHeather! I have my first treatment tomorrow. A little nervous
. They said they will give me deodorant and cream, so I hated to go buy lots of things and then not need them - but then worried I won't have what I need. I want to buy one of everything ! Have any of you used the Plexxus body cream? Just curious. I have plans with my children right after my treatment - I should be fine to go, right? Counting on it ! Thanks so much for all of your advice and help! -
Every RO seems to recommend a different lotion or cream. Mine suggested aloe vera gel, which I used. A friend bought me Emprizone, which she had used and which my RO approved. And week by week the RO gave me new samples to address issues I was having (sore nipple, really sore SNB incision). I had bought some Tom's natural deodorant but after a few treatments didn't use any on the radiated armpit (still not using any). I did use it under the other arm although regular deodorant would have been fine. I'd say get the samples the RO gives you and then buy more of your own.
You'll be fine to do something with your children right afterwards. The treatment is quick and you feel like yourself afterwards. I started to get pink about a week into treatment and my fatigue started pretty quickly (by the second week).
Best of luck to you. I found the treatments themselves to be no big deal; the drive back and forth got old real fast but the seven weeks went by quickly.
MJ
-
Tapper - thank you. My son has a friend visiting for 2 weeks, so we have lots of things planned. praying I can keep up
. my drive is only about 15 minutes, thankful for that! I asked for the earliest they had, so we could have most of our day to do what we wanted. I am feeling great after LX and it is sorta depressing to have start something else, but the sooner we get started - the sooner I will be finished. -
Congratulations to everyone who has finished!
-
ML1209 - Let us know what creams, etc. they give you. So many differences between the ROs and what they recommend/prescribe and we can give you some feedback. During rads, I used Tom's deodorant with tea tree oil on non-rad (right) underarm & nothing on rad side. Sending you uplifting and healing thoughts as you start your rads. You can do this!
All those done with rads - Congrats and uplifting and healing thoughts also coming your way.
Gentle hugs to all.
-
Radiation burns axillia?
I finished rads and armpit is burnt peeling and moist, I'm using mepitel film on my rad burns both with and without the absorption pad. The absorption pad has the film between the pad and your skin so the pad won't stick. This stuff with the pad is comfy. You can wear it for a week or more and it is designed to be put on burns. It breathes.
I wore the plain clear Mepitel film all during radiation treatment with around 7 day wear times.Prevented friction and kept me from scratching it raw.
You can see pieces of the clear film next to the one with the pad in the armpit photo. I only needed the product with the absorption pad after rads were finished ....I got a pretty bad hot hurting peel going in my armpit. This is not something you will be putting on daily as changing it disturbs the wounds.
Long wear time is the design. Read the instructions for removal, it does come off okay but there are tips on pulling it one way then the other...
anand reduced reactions
they do this Mepitel in New Zealand google Mepitel Film for breast cancer radiation.
Buy at CVS in USA...eliminates need for creams. The one with the white pad is for after radiation if needed. I'm wearing a bra over the pad it is a nice cushion. no problems.
The last photo shows a patch of the clear film barely visible on my shoulder protects me from itching it. It is a lot like tagederm but way stronger and less sticky. You can shower with it.
-
Here's some good news for those of you completing your rads. I had my last boost on Friday. I noticed this morning that my redness has greatly diminished; I realized I hadn't had a whole breast boost for over a week. My rash is almost gone and with it the itchiness. My final three stickers came off yesterday; they did take a small piece of skin with them so I'm putting antibiotic cream on that spot.
I'll keep putting my lotions on my breast, as directed by my RO. But I'm feeling much better. Could be psychosomatic but I feel less fatigued today, too!
I see my MO tomorrow; he has my DexaScan report so we'll see what that says. I think he also has my Oncotype report. Then I see my surgeon on Thursday. My reward: I'm flying to Denver Thursday afternoon to spend a long weekend with my 14-month-old grandson (and his parents).
Hope everyone is doing well!
MJ
-
CeliacC - all went well. Very quick. I was told to ise cornstarch for deodorant and they will give me cream on Wednesday. Not sure how I fell about waiting. I am slightly pink after first treatment. I will ask why we are waiting tomorrow. My nurse did say they do rec Aquaphor .... interesting. Do you have the recipe for the essential oils you used? I went to a class tonight on es!ntial oils. My MO suggested it that I go. Would love to make my own recipe, but would be so exoensive if I had to by each oil. I did do the green tea bath 3 times today and soaked in epsom salt bath tonight. I will let you know what they give me on Wed.
Tapper- enjoy that sweet baby!!!! So glad your skin is healing!
-
Tapper so happy for you. Hopefully the relief of not driving down the mountain helps with the fatigue. I have 3 more to go. Had some blistering over the weekend, and Dr said to continue with the creme and in a few days will be better. Enjoy that grandbaby, I am spending 3 days with my grands hanging out by the pool in Las Vegas with my son and daughter in law and my Daughter is coming from Oregon.
Called my boss, need to see if there is even a job available as she has totally cleaned house since I have been off. I need her for my insurance.
Good luck other ladies who are finishing up.
-
Sorry about your blistering, Goincrazy. Hope it clears up soon. Are you out on disability? I'll think good thoughts for your job. That would totally s**k if you lost your job (and insurance) on top of everything else. I know you're looking forward to that Las Vegas getaway. Be sure to slather on the sunscreen! I may go to the pool with my grandson and his parents this weekend; fortunately there's a cabana so I can stay out of the sun.
Heading down to the MO soon. Step by step!
MJ
-
Hi May group? Does anyone sew? I have unilateral mastectomy and now in radiation. RO said no bra until December. I would like to make some shelf bra camisoles into mastectomy camisoles with pockets, but could use some tips. I have a couple Amoena zip camisoles, but I don't want something so thick. The other pocket cami's I found were not made of cotton, so I think just making my Hanes Camisoles with pockets would be the best solution for the next 6 months.
I know it is a long shot to find someone who sews.
-
Just got back from the MO's office. I knew he had had a test run on my tissue but didn't know which one. Turns out it was a MammaPrint. It came back Low Risk - "97.8% of Low Risk MammaPrint patients who were treated with hormonal therapy alone are living without distant recurrence of breast cancer at 5 years (DMFI - distant metastasis free interval)." So he said unless I'm uncomfortable with that 2%, he sees no need for me to have chemo. Since the report states "no potential significant chemotherapy benefit," I agree!
I also got my DexaScan report. My lumbar spine T-score is -1.8 so I do have osteopenia (WHO guidelines are between -1 and -2.5).
The MO sent in the prescription for my Arimidex. I'll start taking it next week, after I get back from my daughter's. I forgot to ask him about medication to combat bone thinning (Fosamax or Prolia) but I'll see him in a month and can ask him then.
So it's good news for me - I've put the surgery and radiation chapters of the treatment novel behind me and am moving on to the hormonal therapy epilogue. BTW the MO expressed surprise at how red my treated breast is; I told him it's actually faded quite a bit (I finished last Friday) and the rash I had is pretty much gone. I think my skin did very well through the 33 treatments.
Hope everyone else is doing well!
MJ
-
Tappermom, congrats on finishing rads!
-
Anyone use MPM Radiaplex gel? That is what my RO told me to use today. So far so good. 3 down, 22 to go.
Celiacc - could you gove me recipe for the essential oils you used?
Prayers and hugs all around ......
-
ML1209 - Not sure whether aromatherapist will give out recipe, but will ask at class next week & look back through my notes to at least provide the different essential oils used. It was quite a mix of things in organic almond oil.
-
For ML1209 - see 5th bullet below for essential oils
For All - below is excerpt about creams, etc. from lengthy post on pg. 2 of this topic.
In Alpha Order (Lots of things out there, have tried to include ones that seemed to work for various topic responders)
- A&D Ointment - At night only. Use old night gowns – greasy, sticky stuff. Have to shower in mornings to get it off, or it would still be there for treatments.
- Aloe Vera Gel – Naturopathic, find one as "pure" as possible (Amazon, Whole Foods, etc.).
- Aquaphor (Personal RO Recommended, not used, but others have used) – Greasy, Petrolatum Based (like Vaseline) - RO advised to use only at night, wear an old shirt over & be sure to "wash off" next day.
- Calendula Gel (Ruby3813, used before work) - Homeopathic, Paraben-free, Boiron Brand (Amazon, Whole Foods, or similar)
- Essential Oils (Personally used) - Special recipe blended by my aromatherapist (therapeutic grade german chamomile, roman chamomile, frankincense, mellaleuca a/k/a tea tree oil & lavender essential oils) mixed in an organic sweet almond oil base. Applied before bed to radiation field & massaged into soles of feet.
- Green Tea Spray (Ruby3813's RO Recommended) – Spraying in the mornings, at noon, then go for treatment, then spray again at night (you can have the green tea on your skin during the treatment). I believe "recipe" is two green tea bags to one cup of water, let steep, let cool, put in sprayer bottle & keep in fridge (no preservatives, so have to pour out the old & re-brew) – I also saw this somewhere on the internet.
- Lansinoh (Loveyt222) – 100% pure Lanolin, used for breastfeeding mother, which she actually used 20 years ago.Asked RO why & she took part in a study that had excellent results. Applied 2x daily. It is VERY thick – can run tube under hot water to thin out so it spreads easier. Developed mild redness by end of 3rd week & continued to use until 2 weeks post treatment.
- Lidocaine (Personally used, RO Prescribed) – Soothing when nipple, lumpectomy/SNB scars & radiated areas were ouchy.
- Lindi Skin Cooling Roller & Soothing Balm Website:http://www.lindiskin.com/shop/by-concern/radiation... - Person who used bought 2 cooler rolls, but felt 1 should be enough – Can be cut to size and also re-used. Balm not greasy at all.
- Mepitel (Wildplaces) – Silicone like product, which apparently may protect skin from blistering - stays on - you are meant to try and not get it wet. Apparently, it is a New Zealand product and provided you manage to keep it on you have good results.
http://www.molnlycke.com/news-media/press-releases/a-world-first-preventing-skin-reactions-during-radiation-therapy/#close - Miaderm (Personally used, RO Recommended) – Developed by ROs – More info available on internet – I used 4x daily, about a tube a week – Very smooth, spreads easily, non-greasy, no unpleasant smell – Worked extremely well on my very fair skin – Not cheap, at between $32-$36 a tube on Amazon (free Prime shipping), but was willing to pay whatever to prevent skin side effects. Continued to use for 3 weeks post treatment. RO and Rad Nurse both impressed how well skin did.
- Mometasone Furoate 1% (Personally used & Ruby3813 also used, before bed) - RO Prescribed, steroid cream – Good for "rash", irritation – Scientific articles discuss its benefits.
- Silvadene (WenchLori used) – Prescription cream, for more severe skin effects, along with large Telfa pads & was recommended to get some white t-shirts to wear.
- Slings – See website: Lots to Live For – Adjustable single slings, double slings & pads to help "cushion" area under breast from rubbing against skin – I used single one & it seemed to help – May not work for those with very large, pendulous breasts.
- Some other things: Emu Oil (smelly); Castor Oil (my RO recommended in lieu of Aquaphor, very greasy, did not use); and Vanicream Moisturizing Skin Cream (free of dyes, lanolin, fragrance, parabens & formaldehyde)
-
CeliacC -thank you!
-
Happy Dance I AM DONE!!!!! What a relief, my skin is peeling and itchy, but nothing I can't handle. The Nurse Navigator came and saw me today, she has been a godsend for me. I don't know how I would have made it through all this with out her. I am off to Las Vegas with my kids and grandkids.
Hang in there ladies we can do this
-
Hi everyone. I am one week out of Rads. Only the armpit area is irritated. Aquaphor is helping. The travel has been harder than I thought. I am tired. Athens, GA heat is getting to me. (Take this post as a radiation and post chemo hair update and just how red my cheeks can get.)
Categories
- All Categories
- 679 Advocacy and Fund-Raising
- 289 Advocacy
- 68 I've Donated to Breastcancer.org in honor of....
- Test
- 322 Walks, Runs and Fundraising Events for Breastcancer.org
- 5.6K Community Connections
- 282 Middle Age 40-60(ish) Years Old With Breast Cancer
- 53 Australians and New Zealanders Affected by Breast Cancer
- 208 Black Women or Men With Breast Cancer
- 684 Canadians Affected by Breast Cancer
- 1.5K Caring for Someone with Breast cancer
- 455 Caring for Someone with Stage IV or Mets
- 260 High Risk of Recurrence or Second Breast Cancer
- 22 International, Non-English Speakers With Breast Cancer
- 16 Latinas/Hispanics With Breast Cancer
- 189 LGBTQA+ With Breast Cancer
- 152 May Their Memory Live On
- 85 Member Matchup & Virtual Support Meetups
- 375 Members by Location
- 291 Older Than 60 Years Old With Breast Cancer
- 177 Singles With Breast Cancer
- 869 Young With Breast Cancer
- 50.4K Connecting With Others Who Have a Similar Diagnosis
- 204 Breast Cancer with Another Diagnosis or Comorbidity
- 4K DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ)
- 79 DCIS plus HER2-positive Microinvasion
- 529 Genetic Testing
- 2.2K HER2+ (Positive) Breast Cancer
- 1.5K IBC (Inflammatory Breast Cancer)
- 3.4K IDC (Invasive Ductal Carcinoma)
- 1.5K ILC (Invasive Lobular Carcinoma)
- 999 Just Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastasis
- 652 LCIS (Lobular Carcinoma In Situ)
- 193 Less Common Types of Breast Cancer
- 252 Male Breast Cancer
- 86 Mixed Type Breast Cancer
- 3.1K Not Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastases but Concerned
- 189 Palliative Therapy/Hospice Care
- 488 Second or Third Breast Cancer
- 1.2K Stage I Breast Cancer
- 313 Stage II Breast Cancer
- 3.8K Stage III Breast Cancer
- 2.5K Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
- 13.1K Day-to-Day Matters
- 132 All things COVID-19 or coronavirus
- 87 BCO Free-Cycle: Give or Trade Items Related to Breast Cancer
- 5.9K Clinical Trials, Research News, Podcasts, and Study Results
- 86 Coping with Holidays, Special Days and Anniversaries
- 828 Employment, Insurance, and Other Financial Issues
- 101 Family and Family Planning Matters
- Family Issues for Those Who Have Breast Cancer
- 26 Furry friends
- 1.8K Humor and Games
- 1.6K Mental Health: Because Cancer Doesn't Just Affect Your Breasts
- 706 Recipe Swap for Healthy Living
- 704 Recommend Your Resources
- 171 Sex & Relationship Matters
- 9 The Political Corner
- 874 Working on Your Fitness
- 4.5K Moving On & Finding Inspiration After Breast Cancer
- 394 Bonded by Breast Cancer
- 3.1K Life After Breast Cancer
- 806 Prayers and Spiritual Support
- 285 Who or What Inspires You?
- 28.7K Not Diagnosed But Concerned
- 1K Benign Breast Conditions
- 2.3K High Risk for Breast Cancer
- 18K Not Diagnosed But Worried
- 7.4K Waiting for Test Results
- 603 Site News and Announcements
- 560 Comments, Suggestions, Feature Requests
- 39 Mod Announcements, Breastcancer.org News, Blog Entries, Podcasts
- 4 Survey, Interview and Participant Requests: Need your Help!
- 61.9K Tests, Treatments & Side Effects
- 586 Alternative Medicine
- 255 Bone Health and Bone Loss
- 11.4K Breast Reconstruction
- 7.9K Chemotherapy - Before, During, and After
- 2.7K Complementary and Holistic Medicine and Treatment
- 775 Diagnosed and Waiting for Test Results
- 7.8K Hormonal Therapy - Before, During, and After
- 50 Immunotherapy - Before, During, and After
- 7.4K Just Diagnosed
- 1.4K Living Without Reconstruction After a Mastectomy
- 5.2K Lymphedema
- 3.6K Managing Side Effects of Breast Cancer and Its Treatment
- 591 Pain
- 3.9K Radiation Therapy - Before, During, and After
- 8.4K Surgery - Before, During, and After
- 109 Welcome to Breastcancer.org
- 98 Acknowledging and honoring our Community
- 11 Info & Resources for New Patients & Members From the Team