Starting Radiation May 2018

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  • lckaff
    lckaff Member Posts: 6
    edited May 2018

    Nat blue, I am with you on the small spaces and the MRI, I totally freaked out when I had to do the face down one...and I have had them before and was fine, but face up....and good luck with the surgery....for me it wasn´t as bad as I thought.

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  • nat_blue
    nat_blue Member Posts: 30
    edited May 2018

    Thanks for the good wishes, Ickaff.

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  • JosieO
    JosieO Member Posts: 314
    edited May 2018

    Hi nat_blue,

    Interesting process for you. First i’ve Heard of something like this. Please do post again-i’d Like to hear how it wraps up for you. Best wishes with your upcoming surgery

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  • star2017
    star2017 Member Posts: 827
    edited May 2018

    Ickaff, I can see how swimming, with chlorine and other chemicals potentially irritating the skin, would be problematic, where other exercise would not. The doctors recommend 30min of activity/exercise a day. The RO did say to avoid actually trying to lose weight during radiation.


    nat_blue, I'm sure it feels good to be done. Wishing you good healing.

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  • lckaff
    lckaff Member Posts: 6
    edited May 2018

    I know that the exercise shouldn´t be excessive, swimming just is my favorite form, as my knee is messed up, and even walking seems to make it worse, but I will hang in there...right now I don´t really have get up and go to get out there...Hope everyone is doing alright....

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  • nat_blue
    nat_blue Member Posts: 30
    edited May 2018

    Thanks for the good wishes, JosieO. Yes it's a new way for the radiation. The hope is that it will reduce the radiation dose as well as improve final cosmetic outcome. The idea is that the radiation is of the tumor and a small area surrounding it versus the tumor cavity and an area around that. It also has both the imaging and the treatment in the prone position, which my understanding is new for partial breast with MRI imaging for planning. There is also some biomarker study and cell study which may have implications long in the future.

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  • JosieO
    JosieO Member Posts: 314
    edited May 2018

    nat_blue,

    Wow-lots of new things going on with you. You are probably going to contribute a lot by virtue of these studies. Please keep us posted, and continued best wishes

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  • star2017
    star2017 Member Posts: 827
    edited May 2018

    so sore and achy and tired today. I had a busier day than normal, and I’m feeling it this evening. My legs in particular are sore. I guess this could be radiation fatigue or just residual weakness from chemo and surgery and life. It’s hard to pinpoint the cause of things these days.

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  • Dodgerick
    Dodgerick Member Posts: 72
    edited May 2018

    Tomorrow is my last day of radiation! Yay! I'm a little sad to be leaving my radiation waiting room friends, but glad to be moving on! Ready for the skin to heal and get my implants in 2 or 3 months (so ready to get rid of these expanders)! Good luck to you all!

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  • JosieO
    JosieO Member Posts: 314
    edited June 2018

    YEA, Dodgerick,

    Congrats on finishing, so very glad for you, and continued best wishes

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  • star2017
    star2017 Member Posts: 827
    edited June 2018

    congrats, dodgerick! Very happy for you!



    I had treatment 9 of 30 today. So far the skin looks good, just occasionally sensitive. I am feeling tired by afternoon. Much less stamina than usual

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  • JosieO
    JosieO Member Posts: 314
    edited June 2018

    Hi Star,

    Don’t be hard on yourself-you are doing well.

    Look at what your schedule consists of every day. Find a way to:

    1) eliminate something that can go to the side for a bit

    2) create 15-30 minutes of free time, put your feet up and relax.

    I had a bit of a “boo-boo”. Went outside over last weekend, forgot to put on sunscreen. Got some blisters around the base of my neck, scratched them, created some red blotches and scabs. Doctor told me to be careful, don’t forget the sunscreen. Bought a higher SPF sunscreen, put it next to my keys (will see it when I go out). Aloe vera took the sting away; just have to wait for the blotches to fade.

    Words to the wise...

    Best wishes-stay positive.

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  • nonomimi5
    nonomimi5 Member Posts: 434
    edited June 2018

    Congrats Dodgerick! Now go out and watch some ball games!

    Star2017 - I finished 3 of 16. I am tired by afternoon as well, with a headache right now. My skin looks ok but my breast looks like it is shrinking.

    Mimi

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  • Olesya
    Olesya Member Posts: 114
    edited June 2018

    Hello, my dear ladies.

    I am finishing my 20 rads: 16 full breast and 4 boosters. I have 2 more boosters of radiation to go , and the effects starting to show: fatigue, moodiness. Skin is holding up, though, which is nice.

    Today I sent my 2 yo.daughter to the farm, because after doing some housework in the morning( vacuuming, laundry, swiping) by noon i was completely wiped out! My hubby is at work, so I couldn't find energy to keep her at home and deal with going to bed regiment.

    2 more....

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  • JosieO
    JosieO Member Posts: 314
    edited June 2018

    Hi Olesya,

    Wow - you are almost finished! Good for you!

    Glad to know your skin is holding up.

    Keep telling yourself that you have come a long way and once you finish you’ll be able to rest a little more, space out your schedule (with no radiation appointments), and start enjoying life again.

    Will be here to congratulate you on your last day

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  • Simbobby
    Simbobby Member Posts: 140
    edited June 2018

    How long do your sessions last?

    I have completed 8 of 30. The first six Sessions took 15 minutes from car back to car. However, the last two have taken 45 and 50 minutes.

    It has taken the therapists much longer to position me before they start the very brief treatment.

    The treatment itself takes about four minutes.

    It is very hard for me to hold the position this long due to the lymph node disection on my right side. No problem with the left.

    Anyone else have this problem? I do go to weekly physical therapy to increase my range of motion but this is a killer

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  • JosieO
    JosieO Member Posts: 314
    edited June 2018

    Simbobby,

    Gosh-that sounds difficult! I wonder what is going on?

    Can I ask a few questions for clarity?

    -are you lying on your back (supine) or prone (on your chest)? I’m guessing that it’s harder to lie still on your back, but that sounds like it shouldn’t take that long to position you

    - do you have tatoos to guide the technicians to position you, or do you have marker spots covered with a clear material? should be pretty quick as long as you don’t have to be re-marked

    - lastly, is your body cradled by a type of rigid foam

    Here’s how mine goes-I have permanent tatoos, and when I come in, I lie down on my back, in a mold of my body that makes it easy to position my neck and shoulder. Then they move my torso around a bit, prop up my legs under the knees, and make sure my left shoulder and elbow are as flat as possible. I would say 5 minutes max to get in position. Then they turn the machine and i’m underneath and lying still for about 10 minutes. Once they had to stop and re-position my left shoulder, but nothing more. I also had lymph node dissection on the left, but it has not bothered me.

    How does what I have described compare to your experience?

    I would suggest that if you feel comfortable with the technicians, you might try to ask them, saying things like “is my positioning ok?”, or “do I need to move in some way?” This might give you some kind of clue. Worse case, I would ask your radiation oncologist when you meet with him.

    I’m thinking if they knew that you are uncomfortable, they would either explain or help you get more comfortable.

    Hope you can get it solved-good luck!




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  • AlohAnn
    AlohAnn Member Posts: 4
    edited June 2018

    Hello Ladies -

    Just checking in. I had my 10th session of 20 today and all is well. Only small issues if they're even that. After the 8th session I spent the weekend with a slightly itchy rash under my breast. Instead of support wire bra I wore a sports bra through the weekend to no avail. Sunday I gave up and used Hydrocortisone cream and all was immediately better. Chatted with the doc who said nothing unusual and recommended the Hydrocortisone.

    He and the nurse also warned me on the Friday session that with my pale skin tone and colorless nipples that the late stages of radiation are going to be a bit more irritating than a slight rash. I started the mild “sun burn” showing on the 8th session. Right now I have no complaints except for the initial rash. When questioned about creams Doc said he was not an advocate of creams or gels unless you’re having a more significant problem. His stated philosophy is that the creams and gels often add to the sunburn effect. Much like the good old days of sitting on the lifeguard stand with baby oil slathered all ver you for that golden lifeguard tan. But I digress.... sorry. Summary, he recommends no creams, ointmpments or gels Unless you have a problem, not before.

    So, I mowed the lawn, lawn tractor, after the appointment and was a bit tired but no more than if I had commuted to DC, worked a 9 hour day, and commuted the 1.5 hours home. So far, so good. Number 11 tomorrow. On the downhill run now.

    Oh.. my radiation table..l a cold steel slab with small angel donut for my head and a knee brace about at my thighs... I’m tall. No body molding table for me. Dang it!

    Congrats to all the finishers’

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  • star2017
    star2017 Member Posts: 827
    edited June 2018

    Simbobby, and others,

    I have three little dot tattoos and several marks covered by clear stickers so they don't wash away easily. I lie on a mold of my body that helps me get my arm in position. I had my surgery and lymph node removal on the treatment side, but that was back in October, so it is mostly healed. The treatment side holds the little button I push when holding my breath, and that side occasionally falls asleep, so that has been a problem on longer days.I had a prophylactic mastectomy on my non-treatment side, and during the first week that side was a bit more uncomfortable, but it's gotten much better.

    Most of the time it takes about five minutes to get me in position and another five to do the treatment. Once a week they rescan, so those days are a little longer.

    Treatment 3 was different. Once critical mark had washed away and they could not get me back in position. Ultimately they had to completely rescan and mark me (not the tattoos but the marker marks with stickers) and it took forever (an hour I think). Unfortunately that was the one day that I really needed to get out on time, so I was a bit panicked.

    Since then tho it's been fine. I think you should ask them about why it's taking longer than expected.

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  • Simbobby
    Simbobby Member Posts: 140
    edited June 2018

    Hi Josie,

    I lie on my back, I do have tattoos, and I have the hard foam mold form.

    In my first six sessions, my procedure and experience was identical to what you described. It has just been the last two sessions. I actually met with the Radiology Oncologist after yesterday's session and I like him a lot. He was already aware of my issues and HE started the conversation by apologizing for the difficulty I'm having but said it was a "big surgery" (double mastectomy, tissue expanders, 26 lymph nodes removed on left side plus a major nerve that the lymph nodes had attached themselves to.)

    His goal is precision and will work with me as best they can. They took films yesterday to further assist in the lineup but he explained there are many nuances involved. So, I am going to power through this. I guess I should be grateful they are being so meticulous. Today, I'm going to try taking a muscle relaxer before treatment to see if that helps with the pain.

    Thanks so much for responding. Only 22 more to go

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  • JosieO
    JosieO Member Posts: 314
    edited June 2018

    Simbobby,

    Thanks for responding and letting us know the latest. I was really glad that the Radiation Oncologist reache out to you. It does show that he is concerned and wants to make sure they do the absolute best job for you. That’s a sign of a good doctor.

    I hope things do get better and that they can make you more comfortable.

    “Powering through” shows you have the right attitude-stay positive.

    Keep us posted. Wishing you the best.


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  • Char105
    Char105 Member Posts: 35
    edited June 2018

    Hello everyone,

    Well today was number 9. Yesterday they did another simulation for the 4 boosts at the end. Right now I am having the prone treatments and the boosts I lay on my back. Starting to get a little red and itchy. Not sure what to expect on the boosts since I haven't had to lay on my back yet. They did do a mold for arm and head placement. Guess they put that on the table right before you come in for treatment. I'm hoping the last 7 full breast goes well. The boosts are only to the scar she said.

    Hope everyone is doing well.

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  • Dodgerick
    Dodgerick Member Posts: 72
    edited June 2018

    Good morning everyone! I’m nine days out from my last radiation treatment, nobody told me that my skin would continue to “burn” after the last treatment! Ouch! But it finally feels like it’s starting to heal! That’s really good news!

    Have you seen all the advertising the genomic tests (like the ONCOTYPE DX) have been given recently in the news? I’m so thankful that my oncologist pushed the insurance company to let me have the ONCOTYPE DX, it’s saved me from chemotherapy with a score of 17.

    Blessings and good luck to everyone finishing up on theirradiation treatments!

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  • MimosaGirl
    MimosaGirl Member Posts: 3
    edited June 2018

    Hi everyone,

    I've completed my 22 session about a week ago. Overall, it wasn't bad at all. My skin damage was minimal (just brown, no itchy, little dry) and I did feel fatigue, but just went to bed early and I was fine in the next morning. I was using Miaderm lotion for the entire time with Aquaphor on top of it 3 times a day. It worked well for me. If you are going for Miaderm, I recommend to purchase 2 Miaderm at the beginning with a good discount to purchase 2. I saw some multiple discounts on Amazon and Ebay at the beginning, but I wasn't sure if I need 2 (and they are not cheap...) I ended up buying 2 and I'm still using. My RO suggested to continue using Miaderm for about a moth after the treatments until skin color returns normal. Good luck to everyone!

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  • JosieO
    JosieO Member Posts: 314
    edited June 2018

    Hi Dodgerick,

    Although I’m not yet finished with my radiation, I had read enough other posts to be aware that one’s skin can still be itchy and inflamed. Everything I read said keep using your lotions and creams, but that it does get better.

    Yes, isn’t it a good feeling to know that your oncologist had your best interests at heart? My surgeon did as well-forever grateful to him. But if the test said I needed chemo, I would have just bucked up and did it. I think the recent media coverage of TAILORx is going to help awareness and enable manymore women to get tested.

    Best wishes to you moving forward.


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  • JosieO
    JosieO Member Posts: 314
    edited June 2018

    Hi Mimosagirl,

    Glad to hear your skin is doing well. I use both Miaderm and Aloe Vera, and except of a small red area that started with a bad sunburn, my skin is also good. I did buy two tubes of Miaderm directly from the manufacturer, and fully expect to use them both, so second your good advice,

    Best wishes to you going forward

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  • AlohAnn
    AlohAnn Member Posts: 4
    edited June 2018

    Hello All..

    Treatment number 14 just ended. The itchy rash that started beneath my breast on #8 and was thought to have peaked on #11 actually continued further up my chest. It looks like it’s beginning to slow an dry out now. The good doc still recommends Hydrocream for the rash and to stay away from moisturizers or lotion if possible. If not, remember to wash as much off before treatment. He still contends that most any lotion, particularly gels, has the potential for increasing the sunburn effect. Much like baby oil as a tanning lotion in the 70s. I continue to mostly follow the instructions. Otherwise, there is a sunburn effect which is definitely felt when scratching the rash; a reminder not to scratch! Also a dark evening and hardening of the nipple and a bit of swelling. As for the fatigue it’s limited and somewhat of a hot or miss. Cleaned gutters and pressure washed a cabin and deck this weekend with no great difference in tiredness afterwards. Tired but I don’t believe any more so than had I done the same tasks without radiation. Admittedly I could be fooling myself! In short, not too bad. Two more regular and four boosts to go. IKm going to have one very well tanned boob soon!

    Hope everyone has a great week at “the spa”.

    Aloha! Ann

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  • star2017
    star2017 Member Posts: 827
    edited June 2018

    AlohAnn! You're so close! Hope the irritation eases up soon.

    MimosaGirl, congrats on being done! Woo!

    Dodgerick, I'm glad the skin is slowly doing better.



    I had treatment 15 of 30 today. Halfway through! On Friday, my skin looked fine, only slightly pink. After today's treatment, the pink has deepened, and there are lots of spots, like my pores are getting burned/irritated. I'll certainly point this out to the doctors/nurses, but I imagine it's normal. Is this how your skin looks?

    So far I've been using Aquaphor and Aloe. I'm wondering if I need to give the Miaderm a try.

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  • DearLife
    DearLife Member Posts: 1,183
    edited June 2018

    Hi Star

    I had red spots as well. Not everyone gets them but they are irritated hair follicles. Looks like measles!

    I finished rads two weeks ago and the red spots are finally fading and blending into a tan. My skin didn’t peel but the doc said to watch out for infection if the spots broke open. Didn’t happen though.

    A couple of times I used a saline compress when my skin felt sensitive. That helped. I am still using a water based lotion on my skin.

    I hope the second half goes quickly and you don’t have too much discomfort. It’s very liberating when it’s all over!

    Best wishes to you and all the other maids of May ❤️.

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  • star2017
    star2017 Member Posts: 827
    edited June 2018

    dear life, thank you so much for the quick response! It does look like it’s the hair follicles. Thank you. Oddly it doesn’t feel any different. I don’t feel more uncomfortable

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