Radiation February 2019

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  • KerLyn
    KerLyn Member Posts: 35
    edited February 2019

    The start of my final week is today!! I'm praying for you ladies facing a bad weather outlook the next few days, I am also.....looking like tomorrow will be a challenge for me in my part of PA. Of course...last week for some of us and Mother Nature is trying to stand in the way! Let's do this!

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  • Jen2Mom
    Jen2Mom Member Posts: 47
    edited February 2019

    Ugg, everyone here at school is so sick! My husband just left for urgent care (wife diagnosis: bronchitis or maybe pnemonia) and my daughter is hacking....I feel like I want to walk around with a mask on all day and one of those hazmat suits!!!! In all seriousness though...If you are just doing radiation (no chemo) how compromised is your immunity??? Is a mask necessary in a school of germy kids (or maybe at home with germy family members?)

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  • Vivian4
    Vivian4 Member Posts: 32
    edited February 2019

    Hi everyone,

    I had my fourth session today and 29 to go. My right breast is being treated. Interestingly that breast is doing well but the area above my other (left) breast is developing a reaction. It looks like a sunburn. I am wondering if the aim of the beam is wrong or if the techs are doing something wrong. I hate the idea of going back to my RO with these questions. We had a rough start with him. I am afraid he will again think I am questioning his competence. Maybe I am...

    My armpit around the incision area feels tender. I've begun having pain on my right hand as if I have arthritis. Is this normal? There is also a dull pain in my right arm all the way from my shoulder to wrist. Has anyone had any of these symtoms this early in their treatment? Thanks.

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  • KerLyn
    KerLyn Member Posts: 35
    edited February 2019

    Jen2Mom- I was wondering the same thing!! I feel like I swallowed a bird...throat and chest all weird and tickley, runny nose...for like 2 weeks! My RO told me to try an allergy med. today. I was wondering about immunity though. I read it doesn't compromise immunity but then why do we all feel so run down???

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  • santabarbarian
    santabarbarian Member Posts: 3,085
    edited February 2019

    Just had my first of 28 Proton Radiation sessions today.

    I am really impressed with the center I chose. They are a well oiled machine of efficiency and fabulously nice people. No waiting at all. I like that they made a foam mold for me to lie in, so I am able to relax, and I don't have to strain to hold the position. The whole treatment was max 20 mins and 3/4 of the time was repositioning the machine for multiple angles.

    As far as I know the SEs of proton rads are very similar to regular rads, skin issues and fatigue.

    We'll see how it goes!

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  • Prissy
    Prissy Member Posts: 23
    edited February 2019

    OTMom and FaceForward - It really stinks that the weather is playing such havoc with your final day(s) of treatment! I'm pretty sure I would be in tears if this was happening to me! PLEASE keep us posted! FaceForward - maybe it is a blessing in disguise for you though. Sounds like your skin could use the rest.

    Jen2Mom - I can't imagine our immune systems aren't compromised during radiation treatment. I would certainly be wearing a mask at home and sanitizing constantly in your situation, especially with it being both your husband and daughter. And I would consider it at school as well if they would allow it. That's a heck of alot of crud to be around! Praying you stay well through it!

    Mymomsgirl and Kerlyn - you are both so close to the finish line as well! I am glad you all aren't dealing with weather issues!

    Piksie - you have a lot on your plate, going through this cancer journey along with having active boys. Hope you will listen to your body and rest when needed - even at work. :0) My husband and I will be visiting his family in San Diego the week after I finish rads. This trip was planned long before I knew the dates of radiation treatment. Kind of wish it was a bit later in the spring, but hopefully I will feel good and not be too tired or sore.

    Vivian4 - my most uncomfortable area is my sentinel node scar at my armpit. It is the most red and that's where my zingers tend to hit. I had joint pain in my left thumb but that has gotten better as I have gone through treatment. I think our bodies are dealing with a lot and each of us react differently, some more than others - and there really isn't a "normal". Just be gentle with yourself, mentally and physically during this time. We are all here to support each other!

    Santabarbarian - I'm glad your first treatment went so well!

    Beach5 - welcome and so sorry you are dealing with mouth ulcers.

    Egregious - love that you continue to check in on those of us going through February radiation! Thanks for your encouragement!

    Hang in there everyone!


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  • Heather2018
    Heather2018 Member Posts: 32
    edited February 2019

    I receive my last treatment tomorrow! Good thing because I'm itchy and sore - a bit fatigued after treatment as well. And boy is my nipple sensitive in the worst way...

    You are all in my thoughts- keep pushing!!

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  • kec1972
    kec1972 Member Posts: 269
    edited February 2019

    Hi All,

    Well, I’ll be joining you all on this journey as I have my first rads on 2/20. 3 weeks, plus a one week boost to the tumor spot. Anyone else have this 4 week schedule? Hugs to all, Kare

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  • KerLyn
    KerLyn Member Posts: 35
    edited February 2019

    YAY Heather! My "breast friend" at radiation that has treatment before me is finished tomorrow too! I will be celebrating with her for the 3 minutes we have together waiting and I will be sure to give an extra "WOO-HOO" for you!! Its been nice geting to know and hanging out with her half naked under gowns.....anyone else making friends at radiation? I kind of enjoy the time, I've learned so much and I will forever remember some of the people and their stories. One in particular was an older couple. He was in a wheelchair, and she just doted on him. She spoke soft and sweet to him, he never said a word. She was rubbing his back, and wiping his mouth every few minutes. We started to chat while he was getting treatment and I was waiting, she and I started to talk and I told her it was my anniversary. She said she and her husband would celebrate their 50th in June and thats all she wants, for them to have that. She told me all about her past anniversary celebrations, and y'all....I could hardly keep it together. It was maybe my second day in and I just thought "Barb and Gene WILL see 50 years together and I will too dammit". So, if you are the praying type, add Barb please.

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  • OTMom
    OTMom Member Posts: 121
    edited February 2019

    I'm done! We got hit with an afternoon snowstorm, so I called and moved my appointment earlier in the afternoon so that I could make sure not to miss it. Everyone in the radiation department was really sweet and congratulated me and I totally teared up walking out. Then I came home to flowers and the kids gave me hugs and I did cry. I'm peeling and itchy and sore. I'm afraid I'm developing raynaud's in my nipple as a result of radiation. I have it in my fingers and toes and when I was outside with a group of kids today the pain in my nipple was agonizing. But it's done and i have a few weeks to rest before we do anything else weird to my body. I simultaneously want to celebrate, cry, and sleep for weeks.

    Hang in there, everyone! Each day is one day closer.

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  • egregious
    egregious Member Posts: 240
    edited February 2019

    OTMom - YOU DID IT!!!

    WOOHOO!!!!!!!

    Wishing you well in the next stage of your recovery. Congratulations!


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  • Dani444
    Dani444 Member Posts: 522
    edited February 2019

    OTMom- WAY TO GO!!!!!!🎊🎊

    So glad you were able to get it done before the snow storm! Congratulations and I wish you the best as you begin to heal from this part of your treatment! Well done.

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  • Prissy
    Prissy Member Posts: 23
    edited February 2019

    OTMom - Congratulations!! So glad you were able to move your appointment and be done!! What a sweet celebration with your family!

    Heather2018 - you are almost there! Woot Woot! I hope you celebrate today!

    kec1972 - So sorry you are in this group but you will find lots of good info here. There are several who are doing a four week regime, including me. I have 16 whole breast treatments and 4 boosts to the tumor bed. Feel free to ask questions - someone on this thread has probably got the answer. Go ahead and start moisturizing and hydrating NOW - don't wait til you start rads!

    KerLyn - my radiation buddy finished yesterday and I got a bit teary for her! While we were waiting she talked about she was going to ring the bell and then how she was going to celebrate with her family. I can't wait to do that! And I just prayed for Barb. :0)

    I have been one of the fortunate ones. I'm pink and sore, but no breakage of skin or peeling so far. Just 8 more treatments and I'm done. One day we will all get there, one day at a time! Happy Hump Day!





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  • Elephant
    Elephant Member Posts: 88
    edited February 2019

    Hey kec1972: I have almost the same schedule as you: 16 regular sessions (3 weeks and one day) and 5 boost sessions. I start the day before you: 2/19.

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  • Heather2018
    Heather2018 Member Posts: 32
    edited February 2019

    Wow, Kerlyn. Such lovely people we meet on this journey! It's a humbling experience - everyone has their own special story. ❤

    OTMom - Congratulations!!! Well done! I hope you heal quickly.

    Prissy- thanks for the support!!! 😍

    You'll all be in my thoughts as I ring the bell today!


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  • Vivian4
    Vivian4 Member Posts: 32
    edited February 2019

    I am about to scream. I had my first regular visit with my RO today. I went there with the pictures of my healthy breast getting red. His response was "how many of those 100 lotions you bought did you put on your skin?"

    I don't put any lotions on the healthy side of my chest.. And only 99% pure Aloe Vera and Aquaphore on the radiated side, as he instructed... And the redness is not on the treated side anyway. He totally dismissed my concerns that my healthy side might be exposed to some radiation as well.

    I asked him to explain what is happening in my body--medically speaking--at this stage of the treatment. He answered: "Nothing. Nothing is happening in your body. Everything is happening in your head."

    Hmmm.. something must be happening... otherwise why am I getting this radiation?

    Meanwhile I don't know why my "un-radiated" side (left) is redder than the radiated side.

    image

    By the way, the total visit was 4 minutes... And I am so sorry that I am venting...

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  • Jen2Mom
    Jen2Mom Member Posts: 47
    edited February 2019

    congrats to those of you that are finishing up! I am 17/30 and last night I really started getting pink and becoming very uncomfortable, especially below my breast and down into my stretch marked tummy. I was so uncomfortable and grouchy towards my family last night. Trying to conserve my look forward to my date night with hubby tonight..he bought tickets to the big screen showing of Dirty Dancing, one of my fave films...now if only I can stay awake during it!

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  • JoE777
    JoE777 Member Posts: 628
    edited February 2019

    I'm hoping that everyone washes off any lotions or creams before radiation so you don't fry.

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  • Vivian4
    Vivian4 Member Posts: 32
    edited February 2019

    Congratulations to all those who are done with their treatments! You are an inspiration to all of us... This is such a milestone! I whole-heatedly wish that all this soon becomes a faint memory for all of you.

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  • KerLyn
    KerLyn Member Posts: 35
    edited February 2019

    Vivian-this is the place to vent! I would have asked the same question! I've asked some crazy questions...we ALL have, we are NOT doctors, so we do NOT know. Thats WHY we ask....I think the doctors forget that sometimes. If we knew the answer....do ya think we'd ask??

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  • santabarbarian
    santabarbarian Member Posts: 3,085
    edited February 2019

    If I was you Vivian, I'd get a second opinion

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  • HPFULL
    HPFULL Member Posts: 247
    edited February 2019

    OTMom congrats congrats on finishing 💕💕💕 celebrate

    Facefoward hope you get to finish soon 🙌

    KerLyn 1 more day! Yay. I too enjoy the 3 minutes in the waiting room getting to know people and their stories

    Welcome to the newbies

    Jen- Date night sounds fun.

    Vivian- I had the same tightness down my arm to my wrist. I started boob Physical therapy and it has helped so much. Maybe you could ask your breast surgeon about this? I had to really press to make it happen, but am so glad I did.

    I am on 17 of 33. I am superitchy and tired but doing okay. Lots of rain headed our way in CA so it soup and Netflix and naps.

    Hoping you are all doing well. Sending a big hug.

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  • Vivian4
    Vivian4 Member Posts: 32
    edited February 2019

    Thank you SantaBarbarian and KerLyn for your support. I am considering that option. It is hard to change doctors after starting the treatment. Also he is the only breast specialist in this hospital. At this point, though, I can accept any RO with any specialization over this person. I wish I lived in a big city with many options. I will talk with the department head to see what can be done.

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  • Salamandra
    Salamandra Member Posts: 1,444
    edited February 2019

    Vivian4,

    That is absolute crap. I'm so sorry you have to deal with such an asshole. I found my RO a little paternalistic, which surprised me after my (female) MO and SO described him in such positive terms. But yours makes him look like a peach, so I think they must have been evaluating him on relative terms!!

    For what it's worth, I also got flushing at the beginning of the radiation. It was all the way across my chest, looked like a deep flush or a sunburn or something. The doctor said it was a thing that could happen but it wasn't hurting or bothering me so he wasn't concerned. I think it was a bit more even than yours though.

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  • FaceForward
    FaceForward Member Posts: 44
    edited February 2019

    Yesterday, I RANG THE BELL!!! Can't believe I finished on time with all this crazy weather but I did it! DH told me he would move mountains and ford rivers and whatever else he needed to do to get me to that last appointment and he did it! We set records here with the snow & ice. We've had days of totally crappy weather. Hubby bought tire chains for his 4 wheel drive truck. My appointment was at 11:45 and we're about 20 mins from the hospital. He had me in the truck at 9:00 am. Without the chains, we never would have made it down the first ridge. Then there were trees down in a few places. Most of them we could get around but for 2 of them he had to stop. He went to the back of the truck and waa-laa, magically pulled out a chain saw. Talk about being prepared. He's my hero! We got there with enough time for me to stop by the Safeway and buy a tiramisu cake and a thank you card for my team. We were still very early but since so many patients had cancelled yesterday, my techs took me in right away. After all this time and all the stressing to just get there, I was in & out before I knew it. I rang the bell, gave hugs all around, got all misty eyed saying goodbye and was out the door. I got back in the truck, buckled up my seat belt, took a deep breath and promptly broke into tears. What a roller coaster these last few months have been. I woke up today and had no where I had to be. It was a relief and an odd feeling all at the same time. Hubby insisted I do nothing today and so far, I've managed to follow directions. LOL! He's even making dinner tonight. Tomorrow I'm off to the Bone Health and Osteoporosis Center. Then I have another appt scheduled on the 28th when I check back in with my MO. That will be decision time for my AI's. Guess I'll be visiting that board more frequently now. Trying not to stress too much about that right now. My freedom may be short lived but I'm going to try to savor it nonetheless. :)

    Vivian - Sorry, but your doctor sounds like an ass. How arrogant of him to dismiss your concerns as being all in your head. I can't imagine going thru all this and having to deal with an attitude like his at the same time. Who cares if he thinks you're questioning his judgement? How dare he question YOUR emotions,YOUR judgement and YOUR concerns. It's his job to explain what they are doing to your body, why they are doing it and, to answer any questions you may have. This isn't the dark ages. We all need to be fully involved in our own care. If there's anything at all that we want to question, we need to do just that and any doctor should be more than willing to provide us with answers. Geeze, I'm irritated on your behalf just reading about it. :) I hope you can either escalate your concerns or find a doctor you can at least have a consultation with and get some input from them. Wishing you well and please keep us updated on your progress.

    Congrats to those of you who have recently finished or are about to finish! I think of all of you often and take inspiration from your strength.

    Keep on fighting fellow warriors!

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  • KerLyn
    KerLyn Member Posts: 35
    edited February 2019

    face forward!!!! CONGRATULATIONS!! And oh my goodness your story gave me goosebumps! You married a GREAT GREAT guy! Wow! I’m all misty eyed, so happyfor YOU!

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  • Dani444
    Dani444 Member Posts: 522
    edited February 2019

    Faceforward- WAY TO GO!!!!!! So happy for you!!! Holy cow, I had tears when I got to the chainsaw part of your story. How sweet!!

    Vivian- Lordy, I agree with what others have said. Your MO is a total ass and I am sorry he treated you with such disrespect. I hope they can get you in to see a different RO. At least to just check that redness. Do you have a nurse navigator at your center? Maybe she could help advocate for you.


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  • egregious
    egregious Member Posts: 240
    edited February 2019

    Hey FaceForward,

    SO HAPPY FOR YOU!!!

    YOU DID IT!!! WOOHOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Wishing you the best of luck in your path ahead.


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  • santabarbarian
    santabarbarian Member Posts: 3,085
    edited February 2019

    FaceForward, I hope you tell your husband that a whole bunch of women worldwide now think of him as a prince!

    Congrats on being DONE!!

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  • Prissy
    Prissy Member Posts: 23
    edited February 2019

    FaceForward - I am SO HAPPY that you got to ring that bell!! Woot Woot! I too, am misty eyed just reading your post and how your husband really came through for you. What a great guy! Enjoy your freedom - no matter how long it is!

    Vivian4 - your RO sounds like a real jerk. This is the place to vent. We are here to support each other in the hard times and celebrate the good ones.


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