Starting Radiation November 2017

Lifechoices

I guess I am pretty lucky my RO gave me 2 large bottles of Aloe Vera and handfuls of samples of Calendula cream and Aquaphor which they want me to use twice a day after every treatment. Seems to be working as my skin isn't hot to the touch or pink or tender after 5 treatments. I guess every RO has their own regiments.

AngelsGal57

Had my mapping session last week and got the call today that I'll be starting RADs next Monday. They said the first time takes longer for setup, which I understand but then they said I'll be meeting with the RO and nurse for about a half hour as well. What's that about?

AngelsGal57, Yes, you are lucky that they gave you aloe... I think I mentioned in a prior update that I had a hard time finding a bottle. Even Whole Foods didn't have what I needed... My local drugstores have their own version of aloe vera, but I was instructed to get 98% or higher "pure" aloe vera. ,I found one at Sprouts, which is a grocery store selling natural foods and has a health & beauty section. I would like to find a travel size to carry around with me. I just finished rads #10, and I think the aloe is helping because I don't have any pink areas or warm areas either. I had a little peeling a few days ago, but it has subsided.

One SE that just started noticing is a pinching feeling under my armpit. It's like a light twinge that comes and goes. I meet with my RO tomorrow so I'll ask him about it.

Ellyn27, I think the meeting with the nurses is to get your scheduling set up, and to go over any do's and don'ts during the treatment. At least that's what my meeting with the nurse was about...

Lifechoices2017, That's the same brand my rads center uses. I actually had a travel size of that, that I bought year ago or so. But it's no longer sold at the same place I got it before at least now that it's fall. Did you purchase it online?

Hi all. I just came back from my "practice run" and thought I would share some info. for women like me who haven't started radiation treatment yet. I am going to be in the prone position, lying down on my stomach with one breast dangling through a lovely little slot. Today was all about getting me in the right position and taking pictures, which took 25 minutes. But the tech said an actual treatment would take less than 15 minutes. They let me keep my pants, socks and shoes on, which is great, and covered me with a nice blanket. They also showed me how the machine works and how much of my chest will be irradiated. Warning: it is a lot! I was glad to get the details because I will now be applying my calendula cream all the way up to my collarbone, over to the middle of my chest, and two inches around the side of my breast. I don't know why I thought it would be a small circle but it is actually a larger square.

I start Monday and am scheduled for all late-afternoon sessions, so will be stopping on my way home from work. I see my RO every Wednesday after that day's treatment.

53nancy-- increased protein is really important in your diet while going thru rads.

I start RADS next Monday as well. They said I would also be meeting with the RO and a nurse for about half an hour, not sure why. I will definitely ask them to show me the exact area getting radiation. I'm so happy this was brought up. Now I have to plan healthy meals for next week and be sure to include more protein. I'm so bad at planning meals. I wish they'd just give me a grocery list and a meal plan for the week!!!

So we need to eat more meat to get our protein during rads? How about eggs, is that good enough?

paulettek-- I have been eating eggs for breakfast each morning during my rads

As 53nancy wrote, I was told to try to eat 90 grams of protein a day during rads.

53nancy-- I am eating eggs and meat for proteins

I am optimistic in that RO told me the new skin is coming in very well. He said I appear to be healing at the same time as getting the last few rad treatments.

And maybe (?) keeping proteins up is why I am not fatigued during rads. Energy level is nearly back to pre-diagnosis

paulettek-- for breakfast I have a 3 egg o

And this was interesting:

During radiation you will need appropriate amounts of protein for cellular regeneration. After all, if you don't make enough red blood cells you will feel weak and tire easily and if you don't make enough white blood cells you will have a tough time fighting off even the mildest of colds.

Most healthy adults need between 45 and 60 grams of complete protein per day, which should account for 10 to 15 percent of their daily caloric intake. Adjustments may need to be made for specific disease states. Check with your nutritionist to see what your protein requirements are.

Protein can be divided into two groups: complete and incomplete. Complete proteins have all essential amino acids in the correct proportion for growth. Sources of complete proteins include dairy products, eggs, fish, fowl and meats. Incomplete protein, otherwise known as low quality protein, lacks one or more of the essential amino acids or contains them in the wrong proportion for growth. Sources of incomplete proteins include beans, grains, fruits, nuts and vegetables.

If you combine two types of incomplete proteins, they can become complementary to each other, creating a complete protein in the process. These complementary proteins are formed by combining legumes and grains, legumes and nuts or seeds and nuts or seeds and grains together.

Should you choose to consume animal products for their protein content, try and purchase products derived from organically fed, hormone free animals. Plant based proteins should be organic as well.

Along with being the only plant based complete protein, soy has many other cancer fighting characteristics, including being a good source of calcium, acting as a phytoestrogen and promoting antiangiogenesis. So, instead of ordering that steak, how about asking for a veggie burger?

PauletteK, yes the higher protein regimen is necessary to help the skin regenerate. My nutritionist told me that there is no limit on how many eggs I eat during radiation, so I will probably do two eggs for breakfast three times a week. My favourite smoothie is one cup water (with three tablespoons of skim milk powderadded for duration of radiation course), spinach and blueberries to taste, one scoop of protein powder (the one I use now is 17 proteins), and one tablespoon each of ground chia, flax and quinoa. My nutritionist says quinoa is a perfect protein.

Hi again. I have been using creams/ointments three times a day and there is no pink skin yet. I am using Lubriderm, Base Glaxal (radiation oncologist was adamant about this), and Calendula ointment. now that it has been approved. First application is immediately after treatment in the morning, then mid-aft and bedtime. Does anyone apply more often, and how has it helped you? Thanks in advance.

53nancy- did you mark your rad treatment as "public" when you added it to your profile