Savi radiation treatment

mistymn, I had some redness over the cavity but it went away in a couple of weeks. I don't remember itching but had quite a bit of a tingling/vibrating feeling. My wound took a few weeks to totally heal over but I was told it needed to heal from the inside out and not to worry about the hole actually closing--just as long as you don't get an infection. I think I used to put a gauze pad in my bra for a couple of weeks until it was healing. I had a separate seroma in the incision from the sentinel node biopsy and I remember pain and swelling from that but not generally from the radiation or device itself. It will be a delicate area for some time and you'll probably also have some tingling and occasional sharp pains off and on for some months. That's all normal nerve ending reaction as it heals. I remember that it seemed like week-to-week progress instead of thinking I should notice a huge improvement daily, but kept remembering that if I had gone the traditional 6-7 weeks of rads, I would still be going for treatment and thought the SAVI 5 day protocol was a good choice for me. Perhaps hindsight makes it look a little easier than going through the day-to-day healing process. I'm almost 5 years out from the radiation and memory may make it seem that way!!

grayskies - I’m 1/2 way through treatment and am looking forward to taking a shower in a few days! So far it has been very easy

My healing is going fine. The SAVI hole is completely closed now after only a little over a week. My surgeon today says everything looks good. I have an appointment with a medical oncologist next week so I'll see how that goes. As for the other comment you made about dressings over the weekend ceanna, I had my SAVI in over a weekend and the radiologist and his nurses told me NOT to change them at all on my own and they didn't need to be changed over the weekend.

Another question and request for advice for those who are already past this experience. Two weeks after my SAVI radiation treatment the lumpectomy scar on my breast is turning a bright red and purple. My surgeon didn't seem concerned and just told me to put lotion on it but has anyone used the silicone gel sheets for scars? If not what did you use if anything to help the healing of the lumpectomy scar? My lymph node scar looks wonderful. It is completely scabbed over and looks like a little scratch.

Mistymn, my guess would be the redness is just the healing. I had slight redness over the lumpectomy area from the radiation for a couple of weeks, but it healed nicely. The internal radiation does burn like external radiation, but the skin redness from internal is much less than from external, traditional radiation burns. I know my device scar healed much slower than the lumpectomy surgery wound. I still have slight scars for both areas, but my worst looking scar is from my SNB scar because I had developed a seroma which led to swelling for months. Perhaps you could be allergic to whatever lotion you're using. I used Mederma scar gel (you can't use on an open wound) briefly, but found my skin didn't like it!! I did not use silicone sheets.

mallokg, have you had the device removed today? Enjoy that shower!!

grayskies. How's it going?

grayskies, all the best as you begin rads this coming week. I'm sure the week will go fast. I know I felt that way having to be there for two daily treatments made time go fast! No showering is a bummer, but perhaps you've read through this thread for some of the things others have done to get their hair washed and body showered. Yes, don't press on the area!! LOL!! Please keep us updated. Looking forward to Friday!!

My device is hurting me today. I can’t wait for this to be over. At least I’m done with home bandage changes, since the weekend is about over. And I had an aunt help me wash my hair in the sink last night, which felt heavenly. When my hair is clean, my whole body feels clean. Lol

grayskies, sorry you're having pain today, but glad you were able to wash your hair. It's amazing how the small comfort things make us feel better. It is emotional to know something is in your body, and to do bandage changes yourself, and to know you will be starting rads this week, but in five days it will be out. Hang in there and be good to yourself this week. It is do-able!! All the best for a good, fast week!

grayskies, glad it is going well for you! Yes, the hours between are hard if you're not that close to home. I read, walked, made puzzles, and talked with others--all to past the extra hours. It's still not as much time as when others have traditional radiation for weeks. Hope the remaining days go quickly!! Meanwhile, dream about that first shower!!!

this blasted thing will be out in less than 4 hours!

I’m done. It’s out.

I got strangely emotional as I left. I am crying i the car.

I had the Savi brachy inserted this morning and have a question. Can I use ice pack to help with the pain? Tomorrow is mapping day and then I start radiation on Monday.

Jcann, sorry I don't know. I don't remember using ice or what the current practice is. I hope you found relief from the pain, but ask tomorrow when you go for mapping. The team I had was very helpful for all those questions. Those nerve endings can get a little agitated! Also make sure you ask how to care for your wound over the weekend--I'm guessing your rads will occur next week and you'll have it out next Friday? All the best for reduction in pain and a gentle week as you receive treatment. If you have any other questions, please ask here and I'll try to get back to you in a more timely manner!! All the best, Ceanna

Jcann, hope your appointment goes well today and you have a good weekend before treatment. Please ask any questions you have and we will try to get back to you in a timely manner. Stay safe as you seek treatment during this difficult time.

Jcann, glad things are going well with treatments and you are free of pain. I hope your weekend went well on your own. Just nine more treatments and you'll be free from the device!! You'll be able to enjoy that first shower soon!! All the best. Ceanna