Starting radiation treatment in April, 2020

Hi ladies. I have started my radiation (April 9). I will have 15 whole breast and 5 boosts. My first two treatments and simulation have been a bit longer than normal due to tweaks in my settings. They assured me that next week will go much faster. My arms almost reach their limit overhead at the end. I had shoulder surgery a few years back and I feel it! I have 5 light blue tattoos and drawings all over my right chest. Have a great team that do my radiation. Warm blanket and music.
I am still working and will be going in the am before work. I hope I don't get too tired as this goes on. Ive been working ever since I recovered from surgery and hope to continue.

How is everyone doing? I’m done with my first week and am not a fan of radiation. I know it’s quick and painless but I just feel like a piece of meat laying on that table. The techs are very nice but it’s still awkward to me. I’m constantly looking at my skin just waiting for awful burns to show up as well. Anyways, vent over! Hope you are all doing alright.

Hello everyone, I finished four sessions this week, 16 to go. I feel like I have a tiny bit of swelling where my surgery was and the tech agreed. It's not painful though. I've been using Aquaphor and wearing old t-shirts with bralettes or old stretched-out bras. The Aquaphor in the spray can is great! I've also taken a couple of afternoon naps, but that might just be because my schedule is upside down since I'm working from home these days. I'm taking daily morning walks with my neighbor, doing some body weight strength training, and added yoga.

Finally met my medical oncologist and radiologist today. I instantly loved both of them. They gave me lots (maybe too much at one time). The oncology nurse and technicians also gave me lots of information and were very caring. I feel more at ease since I met and feel comfortable with all these. I also have the simulation done. The more info I get isn’t helping much though. It’s good to be prepared though.
My radiation therapy should start within the next two weeks.

Finally met my medical oncologist and radiologist today. I instantly loved both of them. They gave me lots (maybe too much at one time). The oncology nurse and technicians also gave me lots of information and were very caring. I feel more at ease since I met and feel comfortable with all these. I also have the simulation done. The more info I get isn't helping much though. It's good to be prepared though.
My radiation therapy (partial breast therapy, 5 days, twice a day) should start within the next two weeks.

I got a call today that I have my set up appointment on April 21, not sure when I'll get started. I have to do 16 treatments. I just want to get it started, as the sooner it's started the sooner it'll be done.

Hope you are all doing well.

katej128, I've noticed that my breast feels more sensitive, especially at night. I told the techs and the doctor that it reminds me of the full feeling I got years ago when I nursed my kids and they all said it looks a little swollen to them. I have light skin, and the treatment area now has a faint tan that matches the parts of my arms that get regular sun exposure. It also looks a little bruised over where the tumor was. I've been up past midnight the last two nights, so I don't think the fatigue has kicked in yet! I'm leaving for appointment #8 of 20 in a few minutes and I can't believe how fast this is going.

hello everyone! I am two weeks into my radiation, with a round of 20 doses. It’s crazy, I count to 18 seconds on each side. It is scary going in right now, but they call me when I am in the car and I go straight back to the radiation room. No waiting room. I am not getting very many side effects, but After last week I have a aching booby and my nipple is going crazy. A little redness. Other than that it has been pretty easy.

I am using coconut oil and Aquaphor, and I am juicing. Celery juice and cucumber juice to try to hydrate from the inside out. Does anyone have any tips of what they’re doing to help? I heard stretching can help does it help? My oncologist didn’t mention this.

Hugs to you all!

toria1212 - I had my simulation and mapping yesterday. I was there for a total of 2 hours, and it wasn't bad at all. I had a consult with the RO, an exam, then I was on a table where they placed a form under my back to get proper positioning. They took photos, marked my body, and then I opted to receive the four permanent 'tattoos'. They are the size of a small freckle, and it wasn't too painful at all. They gave me a smock that I will wear for treatments, and I also opted to join the clinical trial for the Mepitel film. (To qualify for the trial , you must be receiving the 30 treatment plan and have large (D or better) breasts) It will be placed on half of the radiation site to see if/how it protects my skin. I did a lot of reading on here and I ordered the Calendula cream for myself too. I also read to drink lots and lots of water.

I was a bit emotional, as I really don't want to be doing any of this - but chose to again be grateful for my 'lessor sentence'. Now the RO will plug in all the numbers, etc and I will be called back (probably Monday) for a dry run - where they make sure all the measurements, mapping and machine match up. If all is well - radiation should start on Tuesday of next week.

I took a pack of post-it notes and made myself a little 'countdown' booklet - 30-1. At the facility I will be going to, you ring a bell when you finish radiation as well, and my husband and I have a plan to drink a bottle of good champagne

toria1212 - Well, when we got married 2 1/2 years ago, a long-time family friend gave us a special bottle of Dom Perignon ($$$$) - we decided no better time than when i finish radiation to pop that very special cork!!

I am also praying for you and your safety. I know you will feel so much better when you get to the other side of surgery. Hopefully we will be coming out of all this COVID craziness and you won't feel as anxious. It was unnerving at my RO appt, but since I work in the healthcare system, I felt okay and that they were keeping me as safe as possible.

There is a thread on here somewhere called 'Crazytown', which I think I am going to have to join also, because at 3am my mind goes wild. By morning, I have myself diagnosed with all sorts of new problems.......

Hang in there and stay positive!

striveforhealth I'm glad you are making good progress. My radiation is being delayed, but I’m still checking in to see how the group is doing. I’m thinking of everyone as you power through the side effects. I’m cheering you on

I finished 14 of 25 yesterday. Originally I thought I would have to do 30 but my doctor told me this week that I’m only doing 25! I was so happy to hear I’d be done a week earlier.
My skin is doing alright - a little pink in spots and my scar is getting darker. Fatigue comes and goes but when it comes it really comes! Hope you all are doing well.

I had my first 2 treatments today. I’m only doing partial breast radiation. I am so tired but can’t sleep. I thinks it’s stress. I also have a very bad back and laying flat without moving for so long is killing it. Woke up after about 3 hours sleep. Maybe I can get a couple more before I have to get up. I am inawe of everyone going through this for weeks. Keep it up! Hugs to you all.