December 2017 Radiation Group

My follow up appointment with the RO was set for three weeks - although nothing was said about a "care plan". I seem to remember being told at my initial consultation with her that I would have to follow up with the RO a couple of times per year for a few years. I can't imagine why that would be necessary though. Maybe to monitor the beginning of any long term side effects?

Rhyfelwr - When I was first diagnosed I researched to the point of having so much anxiety over the what if's that I had to get Xanex. Now I've managed to moderate my behavior and am taking it one step, one day at a time. It's the only way I can manage. I cry sometimes and that's okay. As you said, this is HARD and not in our control.

I wish you ladies all the best.

I'll be canceling my upcoming rads, was to start 12/26. My Oncotype score came back a 19 & my MO and RO agree I should have chemo. They say not aggressive type, but mild not lose all my hair type. I'll also deal with a 6 week schedule instead of a 3 week a month or so after completing chemo.

I'm having my own crying jag on & off. But I've read your posts I know I'll get through it. Just felt like the wind was taken out of my sails.

Cindy sending you a virtual hug & like Paulette said please don't get scared of chemo you will & can do it. It is totally doable & you shall be fine. Stay strong & you shall see how fast it goes by. Please keep us posted on how you do & you will see all will be good.

Hi Paulette. I think scheduling the mammo in mid-Feb should be safe. Best wishes!

Cindy, I left you a note on another thread and also feel free to PM me.

Hugs to you CindyNY - I hope the SE are minimal. Chin up - you're a strong woman! One day at a time - you can do this.

PauletteK, good morning...today at 230pm my last whole breast and I have no SEs... maybe a little darker skin, but no rashes, flaking or irritation. Like I'm amazed at how well my skin has held up but I thank God for His cover of protection. I pray too that yours continue to go well.

On another note, as I'm leaving my dentist appt I get back in the car and I just cry... we always update records for the upcoming year and I had to write down Breast Cancer on my records. It's like it all came to life all over again. I'm thinking it's just an emotional day to be on #16 knowing how far I've come... as I showered this morning, I'm looking in the mirror and just thanking God for my skin, my health, my mind, and life!... and I cried..uggghhh...

I know that they are tears of joy and praise and I know that I'm healed... and I'm grateful.

It's a good day and I will rejoice!

Hello Lifechoices,

Angelsgal57 from the RADS board. I finished with my treatments last week and have no visible skin reactions. There is a lot going on under the surface though. I believe since I started RADS 4 weeks after surgery and there was a lot of moving tissue around with that it must be pain that has effected the surgery areas. I am slowly feeling better, gaining strength and preparing for 1 month off work to recover from all of the years treatments.

I will be trying Letrozole during my time off to see if I will be able to tolerate it. At least I will be at home and not trying to work through it.

take good care.

Angelsgal57

Just wonder how many of us still doing radiation? Sure looks like many people are going to finish this year. So happy for y’all!

PauletteK and gigibee thank you for your kind words. I made it through the rest of the day, MO tears... go me:)

My rads will be done next Wed Dec 27th.

You know I asked the tech about 'the bell' and he said that he thinks they have one at this facility, but they don't use it all the time. He said there are some that come in as I do for 'curative' care but some with palliative care and although the bell is a reward for some, it's a deterrent for others... soooooo I'm probably not gonna be ringing any bells BUT you can best believe I'm gonna dance all the way out the door!

On another note, my mom went with me to my session today and waited with me in the rads waiting area. She snapped my gowns and watched me undress...im sure she felt some kinda way, but she didn't say anything. My tech's came out and they were like, your daughter is a very wonderful and lovely lady...that made me smile. I didn't ask her how she felt, but I was juat glad to have her there, especially with today being my teary eyed day.

My appt was supposed to be at 230, got there at 205, they took me back at 210...i was dressed and out at 223... Mom was like, that was quick. She said I didn't even get to finish my seek and find. Love her:))))

Tomorrow, boost #1 of 4... Almost There!

Continued prayers ladies for your rads, and any SEs..

Thank you ladies, I’m happy for the ones who finished and I can use your supports !!!

I joined January thread and I won’t finish 1/22 if nothing goes wrong. So far my skin is holding up well, only little pink after rads next morning skin goes back to normal. Hoping it will hold up well.

PauletteK - I finished last Wednesday. I finally seemed to have turned the corner on SE too - what a relief. Starting meds in January. I hope things go smoothly for you.

Are they checking your blood pressure? Mine would skyrocket after getting a treatment and I was dizzy and lightheaded. I didn't experience shortness of breath so I can't offer anything.

Hi Readhead, I’ve had a few occasions of shortness of breath. My Radiotherapist said it wouldn’t be to do with the rads too. It started on my 3rd week of rads and it’s happened 3 times now. Because I’m left BC, where they have to zap is 2mm away from my heart so I have to do the breath hold technique to inflate my lungs away from my heart. Do you have to do the same? I’m wondering if the radiation is slightly clipping the side of the lung?

Anyway, I’m on my last one tomorrow and that’s me done!! 15 whole breast and 5 Tumour boosts. My boob does look like a huge red beach ball, I’m using the hydrocortisone cream which is helping and I’ve found a spray Aveeno moisturiser that means I don’t have to rub the sore skin at all. My radiotherapist said it would get worse for a couple of weeks, peek then start to heal. She’s given me some great low tax dressings to use if it does get bad.

I read on some of your posts about the cost of the Radiotherapy in America. How do people do it without insurance? We are very lucky over here to have our NHS where all our treatment is free. They always seem to get bad press over here, but the treatment I’ve recieved since diagnosis has been absolutely outstanding...they’ve saved my life!

I’ve been on Tamoxifen for just over a month now. Only a couple of SE, heartburn and nausea with a funny taste in my mouth. I’ve found by taking it just before bed, I sleep through the nausea and feel ok by the morning.

Hugs from over the pond ladies x

Hi Paulette - thought I would drop in and give you some moral support and a huge (HUG) - you are amazing. Going every single day must be difficult. Do you drive yourself or have someone take you?  are the creams working?  Take care of yourself!  Looks like you have a good group to be with in the Dec Rads group.  

Good luck everyone!