JUNE 2018 starting RADIATION

Mimi - thanks so much!

Tld2017 - good thoughts for you too

I started my radiation on May 22nd, so I thought I would join the June group, since I just discovered the radiation thread.

I am happy to say that I have completed six radiation treatments, which I have on my lunch break. At my run through I was told that they determined that I would not have to hold my breath after all!! I was also told that I would only need 4 weeks, rather than 5 to 6 weeks! I was so happy about this! My breast is already getting red. My dr didn't give me any advice, never said anything about whether or not to use deodorant, or if I should stop taking Tamoxifen or when I should start to use lotion. She won't tell you anything, unless you know to ask about something. I

One of my biggest problems is with my employer! I have been fighting with my employer since April to get schedule accommodations in order to have my treatments without having to use a ton of leave. They are telling me that my foot condition (plantar fasciitis) and my cancer are connected somehow!! They said that I needed to get an update on my medical condition from my podiatrist before they could make a decision. I went to the dr, brought them the paperwork which stated no more than 2-3 hours of standing/walking daily. The HR department then proceeded to ask me how long I spent walking to and from the workplace!! I don't walk to work. I told them that I didn't understand what information they wanted. I tried to convince them that the two conditions have nothing to do with one another. The head of HR told me - "Your documentation and requests need to be looked at together to understand the full impact and reasonableness for accommodation. I'm sorry but all of your medical needs and/or accommodations do have bearing on each other when we're making decisions. We need to look at it holistically to understand how to move forward and how they affect each other." I felt like asking them, when did my foot suddenly become connected to my boob!?! I am supposed to be having a meeting with HR and the department manager on Monday in order for them to give me their decision. I have asked to have a union rep present at the meeting. I have never in my life dealt with such an awful employer!! I do not need the extra stress. I tried to tell them that stress is detrimental to the healing process, but they don't seem to care. I now have a lawyer on stand by, even though my treatments only last until June 22nd.

1 done, 19 to go! My arms are sore from today’s. After this first one it shouldn’t be so bad.

Mrsmcg, I am so sorry you’re dealing with such an insensitive employer. I am sending you good thoughts to try to help in some way

This is the place to come Pumpkin, vent all you need to. Hugs! I'm wondering just how the fatigue is going to be. Have you had to take any breaks? I thought a "break" was like one day...found out it could be half a week today. Not thrilled....

Woohoo, I'm starting radiation tomorrow!!!!

I haven't actually been able to ask my MO for his reasoning yet, but he has apparently decided that the TAILORx trial results are in favor of doing so (despite my being in the under 50 grey zone) instead of postponing again in order to do chemo. He said to start tomorrow.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed he's not proposing some wacky switch-a-roo but I never thought I'd be so happy to join the ranks of the irradiated, burnt, and tired!

Hi Ladies, Can you share your experience with the boosts? My RO wants me to get 5 Accuboosts at the beginning of my 6 weeks of rads and I don't know what to expect. I will be starting the last week in June. Thank you in advance for any advice or tips!

greeneyes81 no breaks except of course the weekends which I swear by Sunday something kicks in.. tiredness kicked in by week 3 like clock work... use your aloe and lotion... tip... don’t forget to get up underneath I have some open wounds there now and they don’t feel good!! Good luck!!

Hi,

I hope everyone's treatment is going well this week. I just had my 8th treatment today. As soon as I got on the table the computer went down and was laying there for a half hour while they rebooted the system.

Welcome Chelsea

That's great news Mac58 hope your treatment goes well.

Tomorrow is my first radiation treatment. I'm very nervous. The condition of the breast afterwards,I understand, varies considerably from person to person. The intensity of side effects also vary. I feel like I am jumping into the great unknown.

Today was rehearsal and the last tattoo - small navy blue dot for body alignment. Please send cyber-hugs and tell me it will be all right. I've completed chemo, two lumpectomies (second was a week later to clear one margin successfully) and now radiation.

Sending you all big cyber-hugs and wishing you enduring remission, little discomfort, and a cosmetically acceptable results.

Tonight I will watch a Netflix detective thriller and hope to forget about tomorrow and the month ahead.

So glad you are here.

Emalyn

Emalyn - you’ve completed chemo girl!! This will be super easy for you.. but as with anything else the unknown is scary!! My only advice is stay on top of your lotions. Especially up underneath.. this is going to go by quick. I won’t say painless cause by week 2 or 3 you will have a burn but you got this!!! The treatment itself is painless though... good luck stay positive and take it one day at a time..

MAC58- I did my simulation last week and it was quite easy - the most painful part was getting my tattoos, but it was like a slow sting and I was able to power through it.

I was wondering if anyone in the group had a BMX like me before rads? I'm getting radiation in the armpit, chest and below my clavical and just wondering what it will be like with no breast left. I'm also wondering if anyone had particular issues with the area around their incision? My incisions aren't smooth and flat, but rather more like rolling hills, so I'm wondering if there is something I should be keeping an eye on?

I hope everyone is doing well! I have had a lot of anxiety too. The treatments themselves are nothing compared to the rest of it. I’m trying to follow what my medical team tells me and keep up good spirits as best I can.

I didn’t have BMX, but it does seem weird getting radiation on my lumpectomy scar and putting cream or gel on it

Thaks guys, wasn't too bad, miss Melissa you were right about the tattoos, ouch! My tech is a super nice guy and I asked him about lotions. They already gave me a lotion to use but what he said is do t use it until you have to, cause putting the lotion on before your skin is needful of it can cause it to burn as well. Anybody else get told this

miss....I had a single mx last August and now rads. I’m only on #7 today. So far just fine. I’m using all the stuff the center gave me lotion wise. The sports bra is getting to be too much so I switched to some soft cami’s I got at Costco.

Have FUN. Be the joy in those peoples day....all will be well. If we stress...it’s just stress. I tell every person hi, laugh join the party!

The cancer center can be the happiest place on earth if you bring your joy.

Hi Pumpkin...did the open sore force you to take any breaks? I have had a bunch of tiny pimples pop up, RO says its normal but don't tough them. It makes me really nervous getting an open sore. They look so painful! Hoping your armpit holds up!