Starting Radiation November 2017

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  • Linwentz
    Linwentz Member Posts: 133
    edited November 2017

    Good cleaning tips! Thanks Dodgergirl! And yea! to you for almost completing rads

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  • OCDAmy
    OCDAmy Member Posts: 873
    edited November 2017

    Had my first of 28 today. Took a little longer but they got me lined up quickly in my body mold. It too was uneventful but for some reason I started to cry. I felt so alone in that big room with the heavy door shut and that huge machine rotating around me. I guess because for all of my chemo infusions someone was always with me. This is something you have to do alone. They were all very nice and explained everything. Gave me warm sleeves to wear and warmed the bolus which I'll have for every treatment.

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  • AngelaJL
    AngelaJL Member Posts: 94
    edited November 2017

    Well, my radiation machine is *still* down, so it's been 6 days since my last treatment. I'll have to miss tomorrow's, too, and then - until they get it fixed - they're relocating my treatments to another facility, which is a 55-minute drive one way, rather than an 8-minute drive. The radiation team said they'll pay for my gas! I'm not sure how that works. Do I get to way overcharge them and then negotiate with them for a lower price? :D

    At this point, I'm concerned about what they'll need to do to make up for a week of missed treatments. Hopefully I'll get answers on Thursday.

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  • Georgia1
    Georgia1 Member Posts: 1,321
    edited November 2017

    Hi Ellyn and all. My friend hated Aquaphor, and used Celandula CREAM during the day and Calendula OINTMENT at night since it is richer and more soothing but also greasier. I've seen the Boiron brand of both at Walgreens. So just an option.

    Had my second RADS tonight at 5:30 and I swear the radiation itself was only three minutes! Looking forward to seeing my RO tomorrow so I can ask her a few questions.

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  • Brightness456
    Brightness456 Member Posts: 340
    edited November 2017

    OCDAmy, I cried the first few times too. Then again I had two friends with me for each chemo and cried every time too. It’s the feeling of vulnerability that gets to me, and you’re right, you’re all alone andmthe machine is whizzing around you. It goes against the way our life is supposed to be I’m used to being strong and independent and helping others, and I don’t like being a patient so I cry. I actually haven’t cried for the last several radiation treatments, so progress I suppose...

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  • Linwentz
    Linwentz Member Posts: 133
    edited November 2017

    AngelaJL I am so sorry that your treatment is being disrupted. You cracked me up though with your bit about overcharging & negotiating for gas.

    OCD Amy it was poignant what you wrote about feeling so alone " In the big room with that heavy door shut and the big machine rotating around..." I know exactly how you felt. I find it hard to explain to friends and family not only the medical aspects of what I am going through but the emotional piece as well. Yet here, on this site, we all get it. Thank you so much for sharing

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  • lifechoices2017
    lifechoices2017 Member Posts: 242
    edited November 2017

    Brightness456 and OCDamy, well i must be getting early effects, as I start tomorrow for 20sessions and out of nowhere I find myself on the sofa in tears... I've gone to every appt since Sept 15th alone... my sis attended the surgery consult but all others just me and the Drs... I guess I too want to feel strong and not vulnerable...but I guess the anxst and getting started tomorrow just took it's toll and the tears began to fall. But I'm better now...as i was crying my 7yr old great niece happened to call and she was singing a song on the radio that she and I always sing in the car together...it was I Will Trust In You Lord... that was so on time and well needed. I'm single; dating a wonderful man and I have the best support team ever...but I'm so thankful for you ladies. With you and my daily journal that I write in I'm staying focused and this too shall pass. My countdown starts tomorrow and I Got This!

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  • 53nancy
    53nancy Member Posts: 497
    edited November 2017

    Linwentz, thanks for the info re: sponge and washcloth. I have been showering with my back to the shower head and it just isn't the same. I would love to go have a soak in the tub but don't know if I should do that. Am so achy and sore today, but more in my muscles. Some pinkness in my breast today, but just slight; felt a little pain this morning after treatment but once I put the cream on, it made a difference. Is the cortisone cream a prescription? I want to see about getting that ahead of time, as I understand that the itchiness, etc. continues on for a while after treatment ends. I am so glad to see that you have the end of the tunnel in sight; you will be finished next Friday. I have nine more treatments; three this week, four next (Friday, the machine is having maintenance done on it) then two days the week after. There are no boosts for me.

    Teese, wishing you all the best in your treatment course; it will seem like a long time, but I find the time is going surprisingly fast. But I am on a shorter course, and you are on a longer one; so sorry it has to take you over Christmas. Sure hope you get through without difficulties; I am really pushing to keep the proteins high and hope they help with the skin care.

    DodgersGirl, I have a dumb question; is the dead skin flaky looking, different colour, etc? When you say healing phase, are you talking about your surgery or your rads?

    I am more tired tonight, but I hope it is just lack of sleep and not fatigue yet. Wish I could stop my brain from working during the night. But I'm headed to bed soon; it seems we plan to just go for treatment, then come home again, and yesterday we ran into friends and had coffee together, and then more friends who wanted to have coffee together. Today it was my SIL need to talk out her troubles; it doesn't usually bother me, but today I found it tired me out. So hoping for a better sleep tonight. Hope you all get a good sleep, too. Hugs.

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

    53Nancy-- healing skin from rads. Even though I have 2 radsleft, my skin is starting to heal. For me, I apply Calendula ointment with a pad and as I apply it, dead skin is left on the pad. And when I use sterile gauze pads with water/hydrogen peroxide, dead skin is on the pad.

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  • 53nancy
    53nancy Member Posts: 497
    edited November 2017

    OCDAmy, all the best with your rads.

    AngelaJL, so sorry that you are missing appointments. It means a longer stretch for you.

    Brightness456 and lifechoices2017, I think everyone's heart here goes out to you, because we've all had the tears. Out of all my family, I have one niece who keeps in touch to encourage. I don't know where I would be without her, My hubby listens to me talk, though he doesn't understand a lot of it, but has had his own experiences with waiting for heart surgery with several cancellations. He rarely cries but he did then, and I will always remember that. I have some friends who ask how things are going, but it is very true that you need to know firsthand what it is like and I appreciate all the encouragement I've found here

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  • Teese
    Teese Member Posts: 379
    edited November 2017

    lifechoices, OCDAmy, I had my first session too and felt fine till the tech asked me how I was feeling. Right then out of nowhere tears started, but I got it quickly under control. However, just as OCDAmy described, when they left the room and I was all alone I felt a fear I hadn't expected. Then the tech spoke over the intercom and said I could call them at any time and they would come right in. It was just what I needed to beat down the anxiety. She was so nice and not the least bit surprised by my fears, so I felt many must feel the same way.

    Anxious for this to fly by and be over

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  • IntegraGirl
    IntegraGirl Member Posts: 147
    edited November 2017

    OCDAmy, I cried the first time too. The whole thing is completely overwhelming and it's yet another assault on our bodies that no matter how much research we do or questions we ask, we don't really know how it will impact us. The entire treatment plan is a complete Shitshow with just variations of awful. I am emotionally done.

    I finished radiation treatment today at 9:15 am. Now, back to the Xeloda program....

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

    Integragirl-- so sorry rads was a difficult experience for you but Woot Woot on finishing today!!!

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  • IntegraGirl
    IntegraGirl Member Posts: 147
    edited November 2017

    Thanks DodgersGirl :). This entire year has been a difficult experience. I do love that phrase....

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  • OCDAmy
    OCDAmy Member Posts: 873
    edited November 2017

    I'm glad to know I'm not the only one who cried and glad to know we can share that with each other. IntegraGirl, shitshow is right! Congrats on being done. I can't wait for that day to come

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  • IntegraGirl
    IntegraGirl Member Posts: 147
    edited November 2017

    You'll get through it OCDAmy and your last day will be here before you know it. It's like eating an elephant: one bite at a time. I had a sheet with all my appointments and I would cross one off every day until last night when I ripped it into pieces :).

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  • Milkweed93
    Milkweed93 Member Posts: 41
    edited November 2017

    I had my first today, and I got through it. I'm not super happy with my tech. I asked him a question about what I need to wipe off because I'm coming in at the end of the day and he was so rushed and dismissive. I didn't feel like he was listening to me at all. He is a replacement while the regular one is out on maternity leave. And I was supposed to be able to talk to my RO today, but she had to get on a conference call. I was on the table for 30 minutes while they took pictures/x-rays and did the first treatment, and I was cold. No one offered me a blanket so I think I need to bring my own next time. I was not a happy camper. I'm so glad to have this board to share our stories and SE's and help each other. Thank you all! My radiated breast is definitely warmer than the other one. I'm going to use Aquaphor tonight, but Calendula cream tomorrow, and lots of aloe.

    IntegraGirl - lol, shitshow is right, amen! Congrats for finishing :) Amy - hugs and I feel you! Angela - I think they do tack on missing ones at the end of the day. My tech said sometimes they make you come in twice in one day if they miss, so one in the earlier morning and one in later afternoon. It just has to be 6 hours between. I hope this isn't the case for you!

    Well off to start my new bedtime routine!

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  • lifechoices2017
    lifechoices2017 Member Posts: 242
    edited November 2017

    Good morning all...5:45am... Thank God for a good nights sleep. Off to work in an hour; first rads at 11am .... 20sessions and the countdown begins! Everyone have a Wonderful Wednesday...

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

    lifechoices2017-- best of luck today and throughout your treatments

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  • OCDAmy
    OCDAmy Member Posts: 873
    edited November 2017

    Best of luck lifechoices. Let us know how it goes for you.

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  • 53nancy
    53nancy Member Posts: 497
    edited November 2017

    lifechoices2017, thinking if you today and hoping you do great during course. And congratulations to those who have finished. May the upcoming weeks keep on gettong better.

    I have number eight today, which puts me at the halfway point. :) :


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  • lifechoices2017
    lifechoices2017 Member Posts: 242
    edited November 2017

    THANK YOU ALL... Im nervous; anxious, emotional all wrapped up in one BUT I know that this is a beginning to a soon to be end of rads. #WINNING!

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  • lifechoices2017
    lifechoices2017 Member Posts: 242
    edited November 2017

    53Nancy; 1/2 way there...AWESOME!!!! Can I ask what your SEs are so far?

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  • lifechoices2017
    lifechoices2017 Member Posts: 242
    edited November 2017

    IM BACCCCCKKKK... left work @ 10:30; got to appt at 10:46... had my 1st of 20 sessions; all went well! Appt was at 11am; went right back; undressed/robed; prone position on the machine and they had to make sure of my 'fit' since it was my first session. Remarked my tattoos w/markers for the rad beams; did xrays and I was on my way back to work at 11:48... back in the office at 12noon ;-)

    I meet w/my RO every Thursday so my session tomorrow will be about the same. All thereafter will be in/out (prayerfully).

    I did find out the 'exact' areas that are being treated. Just above my boob; and just under the fold and if you were to touch your bra line right under the arm; about there down the sides. I have my nodes scar toward the front of my armpit so it'll probably hit just near that spot but NOT under the arm. The techs said they just wanted to make sure they covered that area (even though my nodes and margins were clear)... but she said doing this will 'hit' any nodes 'creeping in that area and behind the breast'. I feel pretty good.

    I Miadermed... lol... this morning after my shower (630am) again at 9am (2hrs before my session) and again when I left...and I'll Aguaphor tonight. This has been my process for the past week (prior) to my sessions so im hoping it does my skin well.

    To all that are completed; 1/2 way there OR not yet started WE GOT THIS!!!... Im finding that although this part of my day is not the normal routine BUT I try to make EVERY OTHER ASPECT of my life 'the same normal'... if one thing has to be out of sync; I cant allow EVERYTHING to be out of sync. Staying focused and prayed up and before I know it i'll be DONE!

    CONTINUED PRAYERS OF SUPPORT for each of you!

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  • Teese
    Teese Member Posts: 379
    edited November 2017

    Had session 2/30 today, practically the same easy experience as you had lifechoices, in and out in under 20 minutes. Yesterday was emotional, but today not at all. Just as you described I'm concentrating on the rest of my day and it's normalcy, the stop at the radiation center is so quick and actually pleasant as everyone there is very nice.

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  • lifechoices2017
    lifechoices2017 Member Posts: 242
    edited November 2017

    Teese...YEAHHHH!!!! for you...

    Yeah, the receptionist told me today that on my upcoming 'visits' that I dont have to check in; i can just go to the back 'disrobe' and go to the waiting area. I'll have to stay 'robed' after my sessions on Thursdays to meet w/my RO; but all other sessions i get to walk in/out... GO ME!

    I live 40min from the facility; but only work about 10-15min; so the rest of the week i'll go to work; rads and back to work ... next week i get to come to work; rads and HOME! that'll be a treat as then I can leave lotioned and 'braless'!

    SO happy that your first couple of days went well; WE GOT THIS... let the countdown continue!

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  • AngelsGal57
    AngelsGal57 Member Posts: 145
    edited November 2017

    Hi AngelaJ

    Angelsgal57 here. We are on the same track and have the same response so far. I have 9 treatments in the book and tomorrow marks my halfway point. I have been putting the aloe vera on my underarm and slathering my right boob after treatment and before bed. I am feeling some tenderness but not sure if that is still nerves from my surgery 4 weeks before beginning rads. No pink skin or peeling yet.

    I was feeling very emotional yesterday. I think that is the hormonal response of a menopausal women going through a very BIG journey. Its ok to not feel ok with what you are going through. It is a huge life change to go through cancer treatment and we are allowed to have days where we just don't have the energy, physically or emotionally to say "I've Got This" so we share with our friends here and in our immediate circles and they can speak it for us, and carry us through those days. You are going to make it. This is just one moment in time on the time line of your life. There will be an end to it and you will come out the other side of the journey with your faith stronger, and your story to tell others who are starting their journeys.

    Love and prayers heading your way from sunny CA!


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  • AngelsGal57
    AngelsGal57 Member Posts: 145
    edited November 2017

    Good to hear you are on the home stretch! I am at the halfway point. so far zero pain, or pink skin or rash. Praying this is the way it will be. I am very optimistic but don't think that will always be the case. Everyone has such helpful advice for all the possible SE's. So glad I found this site.

    Angelsgal57

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  • lifechoices2017
    lifechoices2017 Member Posts: 242
    edited November 2017

    Angelsgal57 great words! And im pre-menopausal @ 49yrs old; but this is my 'hormonal' week and yes, yesterday was emotional for me too. I guess just my mind consuming how far Ive come and this being the last lap of my journey (and then tamoxifen). So yes MOST DAYS ... I GOT THIS... but since Sept 15th; i have had moments of 'got nothing'. lolololol. Im truly thankful for my support team and prayer warriors and for this outlet of strong women. Expressing fears, strengths, weakness, pain and yes a few jokes along the way.

    I remind myself that oddly enough this 'could' have been worse; so im thankful that I at least get a 'fix'... so many dont have that option. Its hard some days but truthfully MOST days im at 100%. Its just those 30sec or 5min moments that get in your head and you are like am I really in this place. You say YES I AM and then say 'but i will NOT STAY IN THIS PLACE'...

    My scripture for each of us; and especially personal to me: Romans 8:18... For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

    We have yet to see all that God can and will do in our lives so with that I press on.

    As always, continued prayers of strength, healing and peace for all!

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  • AngelsGal57
    AngelsGal57 Member Posts: 145
    edited November 2017

    It is true you have to go into that treatment room by yourself. Not sure if you are a woman of faith or not. I just pray and think of my family and all that I am thankful for and the time goes by quickly. You are never alone if you stay on this board. We are all in this together.

    Positive thoughts and prayers going your way.

    Angelsgal57

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