Starting Radiation October 2017

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  • DodgersGirl
    DodgersGirl Member Posts: 2,382
    edited November 2017

    catlady72-- first, so sorry for the loss of your mom and MIL.

    Second, glad you are here. 15 of 30. You are halfway through. It is encouraging to read that so far SEs are not too bad. I expect my SEs or pink skin tenderness to start to increase starting next week. RO said he can't tell me what I will experience as we all react differently but I sense that sore, red skin is not too far off. I just finished 8 of 28 and so far don't see any skin changes.

    I am using Calendula oil per my RO an hour before treatments and just before bed. RO says if skin starts drying out or looking worse, I should use aquaphor at bedtime. I am trying the green tea prep 3 times a day including right after treatment.

    Please share your journey, it is so helpful for those behind your treatment schedule

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  • DodgersGirl
    DodgersGirl Member Posts: 2,382
    edited November 2017

    FelineMum-- you talk about learning a breathing technique. Are you treating your left side?

    I sure never expected to have tattoos in my life. At least they are really small!

    I didn't elect to have TEs so not sure what all of that is about. Do you know how long after you finish rads they will be able to refill??


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  • FelineMum
    FelineMum Member Posts: 141
    edited November 2017

    Hi dodgersgirl,

    Yes, I'm treating my left side. My heart's position isn't ideal and apparently this method of not quite filling the lungs and holding for 30 seconds moves the heart enough to take it out of the path of radiation. There's a mouthpiece that measures how much I breathe, when I inhale or exhale (and how deeply for either) and when I hold my breath. I can see it all in "goggles" with a computer screen in them. That part's interesting and helped me adjust my breathing in today's practice session.

    One of the techs said it also helps minimize lung damage. Three areas of my left lung will be radiated in order to reach channels/lymph fluid pathways behind them.

    My TE can be refilled as soon as I finish radiation. It's the non-cancer side TE. Deflating it means it won't receive radiation and the desired areas are easier to target. Until it was filled and I had cat scans, there was no way to predict if it'd be in the way. I do have to wait nine months to replace the TEs with implants. My PS wants my body to heal completely and says studies show 9 months is optimal. That longer doesn't help, but shorter may increase the risk of complications.


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  • LoJo100
    LoJo100 Member Posts: 123
    edited November 2017

    utjoy - I'm sorry for your loss and am thinking about you.


    Today I had treatment #23/28! Only five more to go. This week the skin is a deeper red, and a little more itchy around the port and armpit where it rubs. But, otherwise, not bad. No blisters or major pain or uncomfortableness. I am still able to wear my bra with foam inserts (I had a double mastectomy with no reconstruction) comfortably. I'm using the Miaderm 3-4 times daily. Right after treatment every day, then a few times throughout the day.

    I did need a nap today, but didn't sleep well last night. The hot flashes are definitely a bit more intense these days (radiation?) and they wake me up. So, I can't say the napping is due to fatigue as much as it is due to not getting solid sleep at night. I'm still feeling good, working, walking and seeing friends. So, all-in-all, radiation is going well. Definitely easier than chemo (understatement!)!

    I hope all of you are well. It is hard to believe that the end is almost here. I'll have until the week after Thanksgiving to live with no appointments and no treatments. Week after I get the port removed and will start Tamoxifen.

    Wishing everyone minimal SE's this week!

    -LoJo

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  • DodgersGirl
    DodgersGirl Member Posts: 2,382
    edited November 2017

    FelineMum-- wow, those goggles sound amazing and the help with how to breath, when to hold your breath,etc....technologically amazing.


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  • DodgersGirl
    DodgersGirl Member Posts: 2,382
    edited November 2017

    LoJoo100, Teach70, and others who have finished or getting closer to finishing rads: Question about showers???

    As treatments go one and sling starts to show color changes, is it harder to have the shower water hitting the radiated skin? I was in the shower this afternoon and thought about how showers and sunburns feel and wondered about rads skin.

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  • Teese
    Teese Member Posts: 379
    edited November 2017

    utjoy, I am so very sorry for your loss. I wish I even knew what to say. You are so strong and are such an inspiration to me. I'm so glad you've decided to continue your treatments for yourself and your family.

    Catlady72, you've had an awful year and I'm sorry for your losses. I'm glad you're halfway through, hang in


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  • LoJo100
    LoJo100 Member Posts: 123
    edited November 2017

    DodgersGirl (Game 7!!) - The showers have been fine. Maybe a little more sensitivity, but have been fine with warm/warm hot water so far. I do use Miaderm soap which is for very sensitive skin and I think it helps. I do NOT use a washcloth or loofah or any other scrubbing device on the area. Even the Miaderm bar soap does have some bits to it, so I slather it on my hands then wash the area with the soap on my hands.

    Hope this helps!

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  • DodgersGirl
    DodgersGirl Member Posts: 2,382
    edited November 2017

    LoJoo100- thanks for the info! I use a soap for sensitive skin and have been lathering soap in my hands and using them instead of a wash cloth since surgery.

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  • Teach70
    Teach70 Member Posts: 64
    edited November 2017

    I use Dove extra moisturizing body wash to shower. I use my hands to apply to that area. I try not to allow the water to hit the area directly. I have 12 treatments left and I am just a little pink.

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  • DodgersGirl
    DodgersGirl Member Posts: 2,382
    edited November 2017

    Teach70--- thanks! It really helps me to read about your experiences being so close to finishing rads. Gives me the hope that I can do this!!

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  • Teach70
    Teach70 Member Posts: 64
    edited November 2017

    You can do this!!! We are nearing the end of the journey. I saw my BS yesterday and I do not have to see her until May. That is when I will have a MRI and US. She will be doing this instead of a mammo. Goodluck with your treatment. It will go by quickly. Happy November.....

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  • DodgersGirl
    DodgersGirl Member Posts: 2,382
    edited November 2017

    home from 9/28. I think I felt warmth in the pads after applying green tea after treatment. First time for that. Assume it means skin will soon show pink or tan or something.

    Had PT after rads for cording and ROM after mastectomy in Sept

    Hope everyone is doing well

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  • Teach70
    Teach70 Member Posts: 64
    edited November 2017

    Dodgersgirl, I always have a little warmth after tx. The pink showed after # 16. I noticed last evening a few little zingers in my breast. So far, it hasn't done that today.

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  • FelineMum
    FelineMum Member Posts: 141
    edited November 2017

    My insurance approval arrived today for 30 fractions/treatment sessions of 3D conformal and 8 Boost Phases: fraction/treatment sessions.

    I was told 33 sessions. Does this mean 38 sessions? Why do I feel like I'll be more cooked than the Thanksgiving turkey?

    I'm switching treatment centers (same healthcare system) for a variety of reasons. Like I don't think office staff should have melt-downs that involve hanging up on my plastic surgeon's office because two other calls were on hold. And then start crying hysterically - in front of patients. I'd also never met the RO designing my treatment plan. My face time had been with a 79-year-old retiree permanently filling in for someone.

    TE deflated today. New simulation next week. Fingers crossed.




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  • Teach70
    Teach70 Member Posts: 64
    edited November 2017

    Felinemom, my insurance approved more sessions than I am having. I assume they approve more than needed in case the treatment plan changes it wont require another authorization.

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  • DodgersGirl
    DodgersGirl Member Posts: 2,382
    edited November 2017

    Tonight I don't feel so well. Freezing, shaky, tummy ache, 4 trips to the restroom. Yucky. Wondered if is was rad related but the DH started feeling same way. My mind then went to food poisoning but we haven't eaten the same foods today or yesterday. Must have picked up a norovirus or something similar from the hospital or physical therapy?

    Anyone know-- do they still give rads treatment if you are feeling sick???

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  • Castigame
    Castigame Member Posts: 752
    edited November 2017

    Dodgersgirl,

    Rads tend to have multiple small unknown and unrelated SEs to begin with. You should call up rad place whether you can get rads. Chances are you are likely be told to take one day off. Even though it may be delayed, it is not a bad idea at all to have a long wknd especially anytime about midway point. This will give your body a break. Besides, if you have some sort of bug now, your body will react more by making you work harder next week if you get rads today.

    Please call.

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  • Castigame
    Castigame Member Posts: 752
    edited November 2017

    I say even though no one likes rad delay, breaks at about midway point is necessary for many of us. My body only showed fade pinkish lines at half and bearable fatigue. Fared quite well all and all bc I had a few crucial long wknds for the second half.

    Exactly 15 sessions out of 30, on Friday. The fancy rad machine broke down. I was at the lobby of rad place when I got the call. I was able to hear machine sound. I was busy running errand so I went home.

    #21 fell on Labor day. Another long wknd

    #26 was MO appt also fell on Hurricane Irna. Another long wknd. #27 was Hurricane outtage also. Very long wknd.

    One more silly information is after you are done w rads. Problem is you need about 2 more wks to heal post rads. Your body knows no more rads so it will act up more. The last step is to make rad scars be scabbed. If you can handle, dont put any lotion for about 12 hrs.After you see scabbing, moisturize every 12 hrs. Or when you feel dry scab pain. I think I did that on day 9 post rads.



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  • lifechoices2017
    lifechoices2017 Member Posts: 242
    edited November 2017

    Just reading your post; was just skimming through the topics to see what creams are being used for rads. I have my appts for scheduling next week and just wanted to see what my options are. Glad that you are coming to and end of the 'rads' journey! Gods blessings.

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  • Gigilala
    Gigilala Member Posts: 148
    edited November 2017

    It's Friday yohooooooooooo

    #7 out of 30


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  • DodgersGirl
    DodgersGirl Member Posts: 2,382
    edited November 2017

    Gigilala-- Fridays are wonderful, eh!! Means 2 days of not having to make a trip to hospital for rads!!

    10 of 28 today.

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  • Gigilala
    Gigilala Member Posts: 148
    edited November 2017

    dodgersgirl: oh yes Fridays are wonderful

    How's your skin ???

    Mine is a little bit darker

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  • catlady72
    catlady72 Member Posts: 35
    edited November 2017

    @Dodgersgirl

    Thanks for your response. I am about to complete #17 today, and noticing a bit of "firmness" these days on my right side. Still just slightly pink skin so far. I am trying to lotion more often now just in case. I have to look into the "green tea prep" everybody is mentioning.

    I've been having slight hot flashes since chemo, and I feel like I'm getting them a bit more often these days but don't know if that's just coincidence.

    I managed to keep a good portion of my hair during chemo by using a cold capping system. I've got a lot of new growth on the top of my head now, where I had lost the most, and I'm not tempted to shave the rest of my head to match it which seems crazy. However the straggly hair I have left just annoys me at times, even though it looks mostly normal.

    HOPE you are feeling better!


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  • DodgersGirl
    DodgersGirl Member Posts: 2,382
    edited November 2017

    want to share today's rad adventure.

    At the Cancer Center where I get my rads, you walk into a women's dressing room where you get a gown and head to a changing room. So I did that today. Took off my top half of clothing and tried to put on the gown. I couldn't get the sleeve over to my left arm and wondered what was going on? I took off the gown and found that the bottom of the right side of gown was tied to the top of the left side. There was no way to get the gown on in this condition.

    So I sat down in the dressing room and tried to untie the knot with my Taxol fingers that don't work really well yet. Fail.

    That meant I had to get dressed again and pick up another gown, undress again, put on new gown before treatment.

    Pretty minor overall but I found myself upset that someone would tie a gown like that and leave it tied when down.

    Treatment 10 was completed without a hiccup.

    Ladies-- have a great weekend!!

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  • catlady72
    catlady72 Member Posts: 35
    edited November 2017

    @Teese: Yes it's been a year to forget for sure. I won't even go into all of the details, but I have high hopes for 2018!

    @LoJo: Wow, you are SO close...so jealous for sure! My last session is scheduled for the day before Thanksgiving! I am wondering about the hot flashes and how they relate to radiation as well. I'm 45 and pre-menopausal but my body has been through a lot this year and no cycle since I had my IUD removed in July (which was also during chemo). I had my port removed as soon as I was down with chemo and BEFORE starting radiation, so 3 surgeries so far this year. Honestly chemo wasn't horrible for me either, I had 4 cycles as shown in my siggy.

    Everybody else enjoy our 2 days off from radiation! Back at it again next week for me but the home stretch is coming up fast!

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  • LoJo100
    LoJo100 Member Posts: 123
    edited November 2017

    DodgersGirl - Sometimes the "little" things are the things that trigger frustration! For anyone who may have watched Arrested Development, I have moments where I want to yell out to humanity, "Oh, Come On!" Glad #10 went well, overall. Enjoy the weekend off!

    catlady72 - I talked to a friend who is also going through radiation (a male) and he said he is having hot flashes from it, too. So, we are not alone! Another friend who went through pretty intense chemo ten years ago said I will be happy when I just have menopause hot flashes (I'm 42, and expected to get my cycles back... so, we'll see), because the chemically induced 'chemo-pause' hot flashes are way worse (in her experience... she also got her cycles back, then went through normal menopause and said she was so grateful to find out the chemo hot flashes had been so much worse!). Also, I did cold capping for two rounds, then quit when it wasn't working and on top of that, the 'rules' around it were really cramping my lifestyle. So, anyway, I did actually keep some hair, but had bald spots. I kept it long for a bit, then had a moment and had a friend come over and trim all if down to about .5". Then, after chemo, the hair that was left was growing, and I was getting new growth in, so I went to a local barber and had him shave it all the way down to the length of the new growth (1-2mm). I am personally happy with my choice, and actually think I'll end up being a really short hair lady moving forward. All of my hair feels really soft now (it's a little over .25" now) and I think it is actually kind of cool to be starting with completely fresh hair!

    I hope everyone enjoys their weekend 'off'! I just finished #25. Only three more to go. Skin is tighter and a bit darker, but still feels good (still the itch around the port, but totally manageable). A little more fatigue, but nothing like chemo and not interrupting the things I want to do. It's hard to believe the big treatment phases are almost over! Then a couple weeks off until I get the port out after Thanksgiving, and start tamoxifen.

    Minimal SE's and a good weekend to all!

    -LoJo

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  • Mandeola
    Mandeola Member Posts: 16
    edited November 2017

    Hi everyone.....15/30 done for me today. This week has been the beginning of the skin SEs for me. I have a super itchy spot on my chest....anyone have anything great for itching? I use lavender/calendula balm multiple times a day which has been doing the trick so far but today it's driving me nuts. I also need to look into the green tea prep everyone is mentioning, does it help?? My hot flashes are in full effect - probably the most miz while I'm working - my friend gave me a fan which plugs into my phone - I am fanning constantly which gives myself and my co-workers a giggle. Thanks for the tips and sharing, enjoy a rads free weekend everyone.

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  • DodgersGirl
    DodgersGirl Member Posts: 2,382
    edited November 2017

    Castigame-- no fever this morning and felt ok so was cleared for rad 10 this morning. Thanks for posting

    Tell me more about the scabs. Do you think that is from bolus?

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  • sweetsmilefh
    sweetsmilefh Member Posts: 14
    edited November 2017

    Has anyone else found that radiation is exacerbating other conditions? I had an awful experience today. I have a sensitivity to artificial fragrances. One of the radiation techs had used a powdered shampoo that was scented. I smelled the scent before, but went through the treatment. By the end, my sensitivity was triggered, and I had a full-blown asthmatic reaction, which lasted several hours. (Earlier in the week, when I had a haircut, the stupid owner of the salon was spraying a scented aerosol all over the salon, and that triggered a bad reaction as well.) So even though my sensitivity has been under control for a number of years, it seems to me that the radiation has affected my ability to tolerate artificial fragrances. Read, no longer able to tolerate. Since it's not asthma, asthma inhalers don't work either. So they finally brought over a basin filled with hot water and a blanket, and it helped a little. I had to wait for my DH who was on his way to pick me up. When I got home, I sat in the bathroom with the shower running. The steam is about the only thing that helps me.

    I feel like my whole body has been through the ringer. Slept for about an hour after dinner, and will probably go to sleep again soon. I will definitely need the weekend to recover. I called my RO when I got home. She said she had never heard of such a reaction (I said there was always a first time for an outlier reaction) but she would investigate.

    Wishing everyone else a calm, restful and restorative weekend.

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