January 2018 RADS group

I really do appreciate that my medical team is open to answering my questions without being defensive.

Today, I asked about the boosts... specifically why. Not why as in clinically recommended (I get that and found research that said boosts result in better LT cancer-free outcomes). But why the scar and how does it work.

In case you were also curious: Scar tissue is harder to zap ... is more likely to hide cancer cells and not be affected by the usual radiation. So, they give a higher dose directly to the scar tissue (for mastectomy). Makes sense

I am not a blogger but an active reader. I finished rads today, having had the typical so-called “Canadian protocol" of 16 whole breast and 5 boosts. I want to thank you all for posting on this thread, as your experiences helped me to manage my expectations. As I started the same day PVM finished, her posts and picture were especially helpful. I hit the gong and am nowmoving on to Tamoxifen!

Congrats GolferTO!

Looking forward to being there too... 8 more ....

Thanks for the warm welcome everyone. I envy those of you who have made it to the finish line or will be there soon.

Quick questions - What is a 'maca' compress? I've heard good things about applying green tea before & after rads and I think I heard good things about maca, but I don't know what it is. Is it tea? Also, can we buy the Glaxal Base, and lotion with lidocaine OTC? The info about applying lotion to the collar bone, neck & back makes sense for those of us with node involvement. I wouldn't have thought of that.

Smashleywnc - I wish the cancer center near where I live offered massages. Lucky you!

Neanie44 - You'll still be getting rads into late February. Be sure to join the Feb group as well. I'm not sure if one has been started yet, but between this wonderful January rads group & the Feb group, we'll know what to expect during & AFTER rads.

Has anyone lost any hair during radiation? I lost my hair twice during chemo. The first time was during Taxatere. It started to grow back but I lost it again a month later when I started Andriamycin/Cytaxon. I hope rads won't cause that again. We all miss our hair... especially when it's cold outside.

Skookum - You had a lot of surgery all at once! Actually, that's a good idea to just get it done all at once, especially if you are healthy. You are so lucky you're almost done with all your treatment. Best of luck to you.

Jen - You're almost finished too! Only 3 more and you're out of there!

DownNotOut - I wondered about what kind of soap to use in the shower. I like Dove products so I think I'll try the Dove Body Wash for sensitive skin. Regarding increasing protein intake to 60-65 grams, I need to look up recipes for high protein meals. We need a recipe board for high protein/low sugar meals and snacks. I loved hard boiled eggs until chemo changed my taste buds. My taste buds are back to normal, but I still can't stomach eggs. Maybe I should try deviled eggs. Unfortunately, it's the texture of boiled egg whites that bothers me.

GolferTO - Congrats on being at the finish line! I, too, will be doing the Canadian Protocol for rads even though I live in Southern California. I wonder why this is not offered to more people? It's safe and more convenient with only 15 session plus 5 boosts.

Paulette - Good to "see" you again! I've been watching your progress with rads. So glad you're doing well. I didn't post messages while on A/C due to mild yuckiness. I took your advice about staying ahead of the SE's and that worked well. I just wasn't motivated to do anything other than read messages on BCO, and watch TV. That reminds me, there is a funny group here at BCO which covers the subject of "BMs" and its remedies during and after treatment. It's hilarious. Start at the end and work your way back. Talk to you soon.

Meg, if you can't eat egg, try protein drink. During radiation I just buy protein drinks some have 33 g per drink. I usually only eat one egg in the morning. I hope that help you.

Taken from my walk.

And I am DONE! My skin is a bit burnt from the boosts but otherwise I am doing ok. Congrats to all who are done. Keep going to all those still in the trenches. I went out to dinner with hubby to a Hatted restaurant. so full and happy right now. Much love to you all x

Congratulations Katie!!! Skin heal fast and you must feel good.

Happy Valentine’s Day to all of you! ❤️❤️❤️🌹🌹🌹

KatieJane777- Congrats! Its nice to have it over with. Take care of you skin, you'll be fine.

Paulette- love the shrub! Clever.

congratulations Katie!  ill be where you are on Friday afternoon! infection underarm getting better. some redness under arm and slight on collar bone also slightly itchy on collar bone. Many more freckles on breast!

two more....and counting

Katiejane, Skookum, Golfer, congrats on finishing!!! So happy for you all!

Skookum I totally have that too. My nipple is so tender and it's definitely peeling too so that is not helping. And my breast where I had my LX is so swollen. So you guys, my weekend sucked but it's much better 3 days later. I was basically megadosing on Advil round the clock, using cold compresses, and essentially cradling my boob with my hand all day. It was weird for sure but after a call to my RO they said some people do get that after boosts. I was pretty much running a fever around 101F all weekend. It was down to 99 today. There is new meaning to "my boob is hot" lol. Lucky me. On the plus side all my skin is peeling away and going back to normal so there's that.

I met my Onc today for a follow up and will be starting Tamoxifen. I'm out of town as of noon so probably will start on the weekend when I get back. Not looking forward to new side effects. I already have hot flashes so maybe they won't get worse. I didn't think to ask if it was better to take in the am or pm so thanks PVM for that suggestion to take it at night.

Hope everyone had a nice Valentine's Day ♥

Udder balm is great for sore nipples. Same thing nursing moms use. fyi

thanks for the encouraging words PMV...4 boosts left

Congratulations to those of you who are finished with rads! You're all done. Best of luck to those of you moving to hormone therapy. I'll be doing that too after rads.

To those of you who are now having boosts, it's interesting to hear it's the boosts that cause the most skin reactions.

PauletteK - That heart shrub looks really nice. You always post great pictures. I especially like your pictures of flowers. Thanks for the advice about the protein drinks. What brand & flavors do you recommend? I'm assuming you bought them at CVS? Do you still think soaking the radiated skin with green tea bags is worthwhile? If so, I'll stock up on that too. I'm glad you're regaining your strength after chemo and rads. You had so much chemo! Has your hair, brows & eyelashes started growing back?