Starting Radiation October 2017

Pdc,

You are superwoman. Be gentle and strong as possible.

Hi All,

I also started radiation this week, 5 treatments down. I got pretty frustrated this week when my RO told me that the 25-28 treatments that I was scheduled for did not include the additional 5 days of boost. We started out planning for 4 weeks, then 5-5.5 weeks, now it's 6.5 weeks. As frustrating as that is, I have to tell myself those additional treatments might be the ones that end up saving my life.

I'm 5 weeks post-chemo & have been feeling pretty good. I've been tired this week, but during chemo I reduced my work schedule to 6 hours/day & have gone back to about 9 hours/day, so it may be more related to that than the radiation.

I'm using both Aquafor and Remedy skin repairing cream. I've noticed itchiness during the day, but it resolves itself by the following morning.

Dawn

Dodgegirl, thank you for creating this group. I finished Chemo on June 30th, had right MX on 7/28. Got an infection which led to another stop in the OR where PS had to re-open the incision to clean it, drain all the liquid, then change the TE. It delayed start of rad. I start my rad monday 10/9, I’ll have 30 sessions.

Nurse said I can use Aquaphor as soon as dads start, but during dry run test, the radiation therapist said not to use any until after the 2nd week. Ha! She said anything applied will remove all the margkings and the clear stickers. Well, I rather have them redo the markings than having burns rom discomfort. Thoughts? Please advise.

Thanks, MC

Hi McOlivia,

I have 3 tattoos (freckle-sized) that took the place of the clear stickers, so I don't need to worry about erasing the marks. From others I've heard from, I thought this was standard practice. It would seem like they would need to have your markings in place for the whole treatment time, so I wonder why they're not concerned that the lotions would remove them after 2 weeks. I hope you get clearer instructions, we don't need conflicting information on top of everything else.

Hi: Will probably be starting towards the end of October. Last chemo was Sept 30 and I'm still struggling with side effects. Hopefully by the end of October I'll be able to start.

I had my first mapping done on Sept 18. My follow up was Oct 6, seven days after the last chemo. Almost fell off the table because I was so weak in the muscles. Proud of myself for making it in there. All three tattoos are done, can barely see them, didn't hurt. Simulation is complete, just waiting on a phone to say when I start.

When I met with my RO she had never heard of green tea. But then she also had no clue as to which vitamins were antioxidants. She doesn't want me taking any Vitamin E or C. She told me I could use anything I want before, or after my treatments, including deodorant except for Vitamin E. Seems odd with everything I've read here.

I'm getting both sides radiated and lymph nodes on left side. Only 20 treatments. RO said new studies indicate that anything over 16 is overkill. But she's not comfortable with only 16 so she's giving me 20. I'll take that 20!

I've been practicing holding my breath for 20 seconds and so far doing okay holding it for 30 or more.

It's so strange how everyone's RO has different ideas and the way things are done.

Now it's hurry up and wait!

We likely have all heard of the 'overkill' stories...that is my worst fear. My cousin had colon cancer and they literally melted her inside with too much radiation, she couldn't do chemo because of a congenial heart condition, she tried and was affected after just a few treatments so they did extra rads. Our neighbor had throat cancer and rads left him without a voice. Therefore...I would love to see more on this issue...I'm due for 28 rads starting the 23rd.

Anyone have any info on the 'new studies indicating that anything over 16 is overkill'?

I am beginning rads tomorrow. I will have 25 regular rads and 5 boosts. I have my bras, body wash, deodorant, miaderm, cortisone, emu oil and pure aloe gel (refrigerated) ready to go. Sure hope I am not forgetting anything.I will go everyday @ 4:00 so I can still teach everyday. Best of luck to all!

Interesting that everyone’s treatment is different but then each person’s cancer diagnosis is different.

Here’s a link I found to one study but it deals with early stage bc.

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/are-some-breast-cancer-patients-getting-too-much-radiation/

Maybe this is why I’m only getting 20? Nothing was mentioned about boosts either. Does it also depend on the intensity? I realize I really don’t know too much about the radiation side.

Teach 70: sounds like you’ve got everything ready to go. Before you know, it’ll be over.

Hi everyone I will be starting my radiation TX's today. My mapping session was on 9/28 with tattoos put on at that time. Honestly the tattoos, hardly felt it at all. Reminded me some of allergy testing on the skin. My dry run was Friday to make sure everything lined up properly-took about a half hour and rad onc said today should go faster. Originally it was planned to do 25 whole breast and 5 boost but my rad onc informed me at mapping session that the new recommendation was 16 whole breast and 5 boost in the prone (stomach) position.

I go to a large breast center and have to drive 30 mins so the drive will be a bear and hope I can do it every day without someone needing to drive me. I'm also scared of skin side effects since I'm very fair and sensitive to everything. I have a rash on my face still from taxol that won't go away-ugh. They gave me a lotion spray to put on 4 times a day, so hopefully it works.

Wishing everyone minimal SE as we go through this journey.

Good morning to all,

Wishing you all a good week with your radiation therapy sessions. May God guise us all through this ordeal. All is well.

Best, MC

Hello!

I'll be starting rads this month or in early November. I meet with one of my ROs on Friday for a pre-rads check-up. I met with this RO's partner in August right after my BMX for a full physical and to discuss my treatment, so I don't know what this meeting is for. I had to wait for my TEs to be filled before returning for any prep work. As of last week, they're done. But my impression from the receptionist is that this is another full physical exam. Um. I just had blood work for a BS appointment this week. Which means I'll also be seeing my BS this week. The main difference is the expanders are filled. I do take Xeloda, but we knew I'd be starting on it back in August.

33 sessions over 6 1/2 weeks is what the RO said in August. He said to expect radiation pneumonia and some permanent lung damage due to the locations being targeted. It's my left side. The RO didn't think my heart would be in the way, but they need to do cat scans to be certain. If my heart's placement interferes, I'll need to go elsewhere because this center doesn't have the right equipment to avoid heart damage. It's an hour from where I live. The nearest one with more advanced machines is 90 minutes/each way.

I just want to get started. I'm going to need a few days off at the end of the month and a couple more days in both November and (if it goes that far) December for non-cancer-related medical procedures. I know it's not ideal, but that's life. And I want to move forward with my life.

I started out not wanting to do rads at all. But I'm TN and didn't have cPR, so anything that raises my odds of no recurrence is happening. The Xeloda causes sun sensitivity, so my rads "sunburn" likely will be worse. I've already got a jumbo size Fruit of the Earth jug of pure aloe vera (with pump!). I remember the RO saying Aquaphor and Eucerin are good too.I have Tom's of Maine sensitive skin soap (unscented beauty bar with chamomile) and I wonder if that will be good for showers?

I don't want to give up antiperspirant. I've read it isn't necessary to do so, but not all ROs agree. I come from a long line of people who sweat a lot. I don't want to relive puberty, pit stains or BO.

And that's my rambling introduction!

First day posting and have a question. My lumpectomy is scheduled for later this week. I was told that after I heal from that surgery that I will begin radiation. Just wondering about how long that is. And when should I be meeting with the radiology oncologist? Thanks so much.