JULY 2018 Radiation?

Hi jerseymom12!

I saw my RO this morning and had the CT scan. Instead of markers, she did tiny tattoos because I have a problem with surgical tape. I can barely see the dots and no restrictions on bathing or swimming (plus my adult tattooed children have gotten a kick out of knowing I now have tattoos). I had reconstruction surgery almost two weeks ago and am scheduled to start radiation treatments on July 18. The plan is for 30 treatments.

I too have that nagging feeling of concern but I'm trying not to focus on it. Our daughter is getting married in September and I'm hoping the side effects will be minimal so I can focus on the big event. I'm glad to be through with chemo and have been told that radiation is easier than chemo.

I've talked to several people who have gone through radiation and it seems everyone reacts differently. I think a key is to communicate with your RO and staff.

Try to stay positive!

Kathy

I thought I would start radiation in June, but here it is July and I haven't started yet. I had the simulation on June 29th after a couple weeks wait while the doctor had vacation. Dr. said he would call me in 2 weeks, but if it is longer, don't worry, they won't forget about me!!! Seriously! I am just tired of waiting. I am scheduled for 33 rad treatments. I am 8 1/2 weeks post lumpectomy surgery. I just want to get started so I can get finished!

TrailDweller ..I remember you from the June radiation group. I also was supposed to start rads in June. My Dr delayed it due to waiting on Oncodx score. The unexpected high score led to more tests. I had SLNB yestrday. I will be starting either chemo or rads this month. I hate being in limbo land! I'm ready to get going as well..

i understand your frustration as i was diagnosed as needing open heart surgery on February 11th and diagnosed with breast cancer on February 14th. My heart surgeon wouldn't touch me until i saw the breast surgeon and that appointment was scheduled a month out. Breast surgeon wouldn't touch me until i had my heart fixed. Frustrating. Then we finally make it to the RO. Thinking we were on the home stretch we were thrown for a loop when she wanted to wait another 3 weeks for the genetic testing to come back in case I had to have a mastectomy? What the heck? I should have been given that test way back in February while in the decision making process. Not at the home stretch. I so no. I want to proceed. This whole ordeal has been wait, wait and wait some more. All 46 items in the genetic test were negative.

My surgery is in a week so Im not sure if my radiation will begin this month or next. Hope its ok to hang here. 😊Is a CT scan standard before radiation and can you go swimming while getting radiation treatments?

Thanks!

some say swimming is okay if you rinse off right away. My RO says no chlorine. I choose to not take a chance. I'm staying ou of a pool for awhile. Mine is only 20 treatments. I can wait. I was pretty clise to 8 weeks out after surgery. 1 month heal time and the rest seems to take a month til you get to actual radiation.

I'm right there with you. I began radiation in June. Today was my 10th session. I'm having 19 sessions. The last 4 are the boost. So far, so good. I am not burning yet. If I make it through this week without burning, I don't think the boost part will be bad. I was a crying mess on the first day. This has been very easy so far. I have been exercising, eating right and getting enough sleep. I felt good enough to go to the beach this past weekend. I didn't get in the sun, but it was a nice getaway. I put aloe from the actual plant on me at night. I also use Cera Ve cream. I put that on after my session. I also use this Vitamin E cream I found in Sam's. It's in a yellow jar and is very thick. I slop that on before bed. I was happy my rad oncologist suggested using tape with marks instead of tattooing me. Even the thought of the tattoos that I didn't want made me cry. This has been, so far, the easiest part of this whole tx phase.

Hi there!

I started radiation on July 5th. I'm scheduled for 6 weeks (35 treatments). They're all whole breast/lymph node targeted.

I actually consulted with a different RO before the one I am currently seeing. I liked the first RO a lot, but that hospital, which is where I had chemo every 3 weeks, is an hour drive from home.. The amazing treatment and team is worth the drive every 3 works, but to go there 5x a week for radiation was going to be tough. Since I'm not working, I decided to get my radiation at a closer hospital and save some gas money.

The first RO decided on a slightly different treatment plan for me. He was going to do 7 weeks of radiation, 5.5 weeks of which would be whole breast and 1.5 weeks of boost radiation. On the other hand, my current RO opted for only 6 weeks, all of which would be whole breast (so none targeted to the tumor site). Having been given a different timeline and plan from the first doc, I did ask her about her reasoning.. I was comfortable with her response though and consequently started treatment. Per both RO's, I only required 3 small dot tattoos.. not tape or marker. Therefore, no restrictions on bathing or anything like that. The possibility of radiation burns, peeling skin, and open wounds does, however, put us all at risk for infection so I was urged against swimming in ponds or lakes. I was told ocean water and chlorinated pools would be safe to swim in.

I've had 3 treatments and so far, so good. No skin reactions yet, but I am expecting to see something after the next full week of treatments.

I just completed day 14 of 19 sessions. Just a little pink. No burning yet. I've had mild sunburns that were worse. I have one more whole breast dose and then begin 4 Boost doses. So ready to be finished! I cried the first day, but I've weathered it well so far. Worried somewhat about late effects and fibrosis. Trying not to worry much.

I started today. I am all marked up with sharpie marks and little clear stickers. I don't like the stickers as they will interfere with aloe or other moisturizer. I would almost rather have little dot tattoos!

Hi Ladies- I am one week and one day in, and I am exhausted! Anyone else have this going on? I think I'm alright; I'm still working and I had a good weekend with my family, but I am wiped. I'm just hoping it doesn't get worse!

I start radiation tomorrow. I've had the simulation and been tattooed (which itch, by the way) and had at least eight meltdowns on that day alone, five more since then, which was a week ago. For whatever reason I am more freaked out about radiation than chemo. Chemo was a breeze. Well, not a breeze, but I knew what to expect because of the Chemo Teach and everyone expected me to have side effects. With radiation, all the nurses and doctors say "piece of cake, easiest part". I feel like they are just brushing any potential side effects aside and that if I do have side effects, I won't be "doing it right".

Plus I'm just over the whole cancer-thing after months of chemo, a lumpectomy and another lumpectomy because the margins weren't clear.

Saying a prayer for you Pattimills2017

Any update from the doc re the bleeding