Getting Through Radiation

I can’t speak to a MX because I had a lumpectomy. I also had radiation - 33 treatments in all. I scheduled all my appointments first thing in the morning. I didn’t want to wait around all day to have the treatments. I did take time off from work though because I had a stressful night job that also involved traveling quite a distance from our house.

I had very manageable side effects which were slight burning and fatigue halfway through the treatments. My MO advised me when the fatigue hit not to fight it. I tend to be an Energizer bunny so I took her advice. I was tired but not overly tired.

Good luck!

Diane

Hello everyone. I wish you all the very best in your treatments.

I am wondering about the utilization of the ASCO 2018 guidelines as well.

Due to my age (38), I was first offered to go through 25+8 boosts (50 grey + boosts) conventional scheme of radiation (in line with ASCO 2011 guidelines). When I asked about the recent guidelines, radiation oncologists have discussed the issue on the board and agreed to give me the 16+4 boosts (42,5 grey + boosts). Is there anyone around my age and profile that went along with the shorter hypo fractioned radiation therapy? I would really appreciate your input as the treatment is supposed to start tomorrow in the afternoon . Yet I still do not have a peace of mind whether I am doing the right course or not since there are not many studies on the late side effects of this scheme on young breast cancer patients under 40.

I did the shorter Canadian protocol (20 total) in 2016 but that was not an option this time around because of chemo, so did the 33-session protocol. It's the same amount of radiation, just a little more concentrated when given over a shorter duration. I only remember two days I felt like I had fatigue in 2016--days when I just had to get off my feet for a few hours. I had typical (but not terrible) skin impacts both times. They're very short appointments--in and out in about 10-15 minutes. Chances are if you'll be fine.

I initially used just aloe vera but added Miaderm. I would take it with me and apply Miaderm right after my daily treatment. Because my radiation took place in the early summer, I kept my Aloe Vera in the refrigerator and would apply it whenever I came in from the outside. Liked the cool sensation. I never really used Aquaphor because I did think it was too sticky. A fair number of women posting here also used Miaderm and/or calendula with good results. Apply it as often as you think of it, but generally not before your treatment. (I put a heavy amount on right after my evening shower, nothing until after my treatment early morning the next day) I used one tube of Miaderm for seven weeks of treatment

Search around on the site, you’ll find a number of comments on individual experiences.

Best wishes to you going forward.

While I was using Aquaphor, I wore men's thin cotton undershirts under my bra to keep the grease off. They also protected my clothes from the ink marks put on by the technicians. But it's also a good idea to get a couple of cheap Target or Walmart bras to wear for the duration.

thanks, AliceB and Ingerp

I bought a couple of front-close bras but found them difficult. It wasn't that hard to pull a jog bra over my head. I was just wearing S-M-L-sized bras so didn't change the size.

I got skin side effects starting day 2.5. I didn't want to wear any bra - I just wore a soft cotton tight chemise. Now I'm done and back to work, I'm wearing the bra over the chemise until my skin heals up along the bottom where it started to blister.

Everyone reacts differently. I have sensitive skin and I started getting quite pink during my first week. (I am doing 16 + 4 boosts) I'm in my last week of treatment now and am very red and am also sporting a rash of some sort. At my treatment today, my oncologist told me I will probably continue to get worse for the next week or so after I finish treatment, but then it should heal pretty quickly.

I have used aloe, cortisone (for the rash), miaderm, and aquaphore. I can't say it prevented my skin issues, but I think it has soothed the pain somewhat. I can't imagine trying to wear any bra right now. But, I do wear soft cotton tanks. They also help protect my clothes. I'll probably wear them under my bras before going back to normal.

This has really been an experience. I have a family member who has sensitive skin, very similar to mine, that sailed through her radiation a few years ago with very few side effects. It's not very predictable. However, even though I'm not having an easy time, I'm still glad I am having this done. I don't ever want this cancer to come back.