Anyone start rads in October?

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Motherbeartosix
Motherbeartosix Member Posts: 101
edited June 2014 in Radiation Therapy - Before, During, and After
Line starts to the right.

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  • 4tngupnblu
    4tngupnblu Member Posts: 62
    edited September 2007

    Hello Motherbeartosix,

    Yes, It is RAD October for me.  Lumpectomy on Sept. 12, meet and greet at Rad clinic finished, and scheduled for markings on Oct. 2, with treatments to begin a few days later.  I'm so glad I found this website, as so far it has prevented meltdown and this first posting is a tearfully emotional acceptance of what is to come.  The summer rad groups got me this far and even tho I have not posted them, I feel they are friends and I know I could use some.  Friends and co-workers don't seem to know how to treat me now.  I will need to continue working thruout treatment.  And I am so lucky-T1 N0 M0

    4tngupnblu

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  • bomber410
    bomber410 Member Posts: 564
    edited September 2007

    I start radiation October 1.  Lumpectomy in April with axillary node dissection later that month or early May.  I lose track.  I completed chemotherapy on September 7.  Now on to the final phase of treatment. 

    I met with the radiation oncologist this past Friday and did the mapping/simulation that same afternoon.  At the close they handed me my samples of Aquaphor and my time slot.  I'm good to go!

    Debbie 

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  • Cathy07
    Cathy07 Member Posts: 22
    edited September 2007

    Count me in! Lumpectomy & node removal in February, 6 months chemo. Today is actually my last day for chemo YEAH!!!! Met with radiation doctor last week. Scheduled for mapping Oct. 10th. Start radiation the following week. Actually, I can't wait to get this started so I can start the new year fresh. I am sure that we all can say this has been a long year!!

    Good luck to all of you on this next step of our recovery journey!!

    Cathy

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  • Clessie
    Clessie Member Posts: 210
    edited September 2007

    I had my lumpectomy Sept.24th, haven`t seen my oncologist yet but Surgeon has told me radiation is next so just assume I will probably start the end of the month.

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  • Motherbeartosix
    Motherbeartosix Member Posts: 101
    edited September 2007

    Well, Clessie, I suppose we'll be starting at roughly the same time. I'll be anxiously reading everyone's accounts. Funny, but I haven't read any of the radiation threads yet. :)

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  • Charlie451
    Charlie451 Member Posts: 69
    edited September 2007

    Hi. I just finished my last chemo (6 of TC) and have an appointment Oct. 5 with radiation oncologist. I had a 2 cm triple neg tumor, right breast, no nodes, clean margins, surgeries in late May and early June. I am a 60 yr old Granny.

    I have read a little on this site about others experiences with rads but still pretty much in the dark about what to expect. I have LOTS of questions. In many ways I am more wary of rads than chemo. Are any of you going to ask about the 5 day external beam treatment? The criteria are pretty strict but there might be a chance.

    I do know that it is a great help to have a group like this.  I participated in the June 2007 chemo group on this site. Great bunch of folks and tremendous support through all.

    Linda

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  • Karyn67
    Karyn67 Member Posts: 1
    edited September 2007

    I had my lumpectomy Aug. 23rd, and set to start radiation the second week of October.  I'm glad I found this site!

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  • bomber410
    bomber410 Member Posts: 564
    edited October 2007

    I got a call this morning from the radiation oncologist.  My WBC is low so they are pushing the start date for radiation off by one week.  I will now start on October 8.

    Debbie 

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  • ksingh0
    ksingh0 Member Posts: 152
    edited October 2007

    Hi! I start rads next week. Dreading it!!!!!



    So worried what it will do for my reconstruction process. I had bilateral mas. with expanders on 8/16. I am half-way through the expansion and have to complete rads before resuming the expansion. Finished chemo in July. Hope I can continue with expanders and implants...I am not a "good" canidate for most of the other flap surgeries according to a few surgeons.



    So glad I found this thread!



    =)

    Kelly

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  • 4tngupnblu
    4tngupnblu Member Posts: 62
    edited October 2007

    Layne,

    I like that---hit it with a sledgehammer until it submits or dies....  I go for marking tomorrow ladies and Geez I'm nervous about it, but thanks to the website I kinda know what to expect.  I'm hoping I don't cry.  I'll let ya'll know how it goes.  The more you know the less there is to fear.

    Brenda

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  • Helenhsm
    Helenhsm Member Posts: 177
    edited October 2007

    Hi Layne, I met you over at the DCIS forum. I started already, but last week was my first week. Will be doing rads all month. Whew. So far so good.

    Brenda, the markings don't hurt, at least it didn't for me. The hardest part was lying still for 1/2 an hour.

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  • joanne_elizabeth
    joanne_elizabeth Member Posts: 499
    edited October 2007

    Unfortunately it looks like I may be in this line. Just got a second opinion today saying I should do. Yikes I thought I was done for awhile after chemo.  Good thing I will have some great companions along the way.

    Joanne 

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  • 4tngupnblu
    4tngupnblu Member Posts: 62
    edited October 2007
    Hello Helen, Hello Layne---you girls did a good job.  Convinced me that marking day was going to be no big deal and it wasn't!  Smile  You were so right!  I warned them that I best not see my boob on some porn website.  I start next Monday and now suddenly I'm not stressing at all.  I can do this!  Thx, Brenda
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  • garnetann
    garnetann Member Posts: 158
    edited October 2007

    Hi,

    I start actual treatments on November 1st, but go for my planning session next wednesday.  I have a question though, do you go continually every day for 33 treatments, or do they give you a break somewhere except for weekends? They already told me that I would have Thanksgiving off, but never said anything about a break like between the regular and the boosts.  I had put my done date as December 18th, barring complications, but maybe I am being too hopeful.

    thanks

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  • joanne_elizabeth
    joanne_elizabeth Member Posts: 499
    edited October 2007

    Hi,

    I got some tattoos and magic marker lines today.  The lines are coming off in the shower - are they supposed to?

    Joanne 

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  • bomber410
    bomber410 Member Posts: 564
    edited October 2007

    Joanne, the lines can wash away.  They just want those little tiny dots.  You are good to go. 

    Debbie 

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  • joanne_elizabeth
    joanne_elizabeth Member Posts: 499
    edited October 2007

    Thanks I was starting to worry a bit !

    Joanne 

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  • Greenjeans
    Greenjeans Member Posts: 19
    edited October 2007

     I had my second lumpectomy on sept 21st. Dr. got really wide margins, suspose to go for a consult with rad. onc. on Oct. 11th. I don't really want to do rads or the tamoxifin. DCIS grade 2 solid and cribiform growth pattern only 6mm. greatest dimension microcalcifications. Estrogen receptor 3+, Progesterone receptor 1+.

    I've had a hysterectomy, will check about removing overies.

    Any thoughts out there, mine being such a small ca.and getting really wide margins, Dr. took out 40 grams of tissue this time ( 34 D size breast) I fell I might be opening a can of worms. I smoke,trying to quit, already have arthritis, have a very physical outdoor job which I enjoy very much, 44yr. old, 2 teenage boys, husband. What do you all think?

    Thanks ,

    Jeanne

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  • joanne_elizabeth
    joanne_elizabeth Member Posts: 499
    edited October 2007

    Jeanne,

    Have you had a sentinel node biopsy?

    I assume you are < 45 ?

    What is their reason for doing rads if you are node negative with 2?  small tumors?

    Joanne 

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  • Greenjeans
    Greenjeans Member Posts: 19
    edited October 2007

    Joanne,

    No to the biopsy, surgeon didnt think it was necessary.

    Only one area right behind my nipple-6mm, very small microcal.

    Got very close on the first lumpectomy, went in and got really wide margins on the second lumpectomy. I'm leaning toward having my overies removed in place of taking the Tamoxifin. Hot flashes I've been having for years, it's all the other side effects, blood clots, liver cancer, ect.

    Jeanne

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  • joanne_elizabeth
    joanne_elizabeth Member Posts: 499
    edited October 2007

    Jeanne,

    From my extremely limited knowledge sounds like the age < 45 is one of the factors for you.  I would ask them directly if there is anything in the pathology that leads them to think rads would benefit you.

     Sorry I can't help more. I went for my 3rd opinion today and the 3rd person said it would benefit me.

    Joanne 

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  • Helenhsm
    Helenhsm Member Posts: 177
    edited October 2007

    Layne, glad to hear your first 'zap' went fine. During my first treatment I got freaked out by the machine buzzing so close to me. I was pleading the blood of Jesus over me and also hoping the Superman might come and rescue me from the evil "machine." lol I mean that giant faces comes CLOSE. Anyway, I'm not scared of it anymore.

    Well I am now 1/3 done. Yay.

    4tn you said - "I warned them that I best not see my boob on some porn website" LOL Very funny! Smile

    Jeanne, I think most oncologist would recommend radiation. Believe me, I didn't want to undergo this Rx. My husband said, what if our daughter had a sickness and we could knock down the chances of it recurring if we did a treatment, would you do it. I said yes I would. Now if it were just me, I might be willing to take that risk, but my husband wants me to do it, and I have peace that it is the right thing to do. I made a list of all the reasons I made this decision, so if I ever regret it, I can look back a remember all that I was thinking. I totally understand your desire not to undergo treatment. I was especailly concerned because I already have Chronic Fatigue/Fibromyalgia, but I am praying that this won't make me sicker. I am putting it all in God's hands.

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  • Greenjeans
    Greenjeans Member Posts: 19
    edited October 2007

    Helen,

     Thank you, I think I will also make a list. Sometimes it's easier to see things in print as a reminder. My memory is not as good as it once was. My boss calles it (Part-timers) LOL.Laughing

    Jeanne

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  • joanne_elizabeth
    joanne_elizabeth Member Posts: 499
    edited October 2007

    Helen,

    Now I am scared that big scary machine comes in close to you?  I am supposed to get port films whatever they are in a week and a half.  How close does the machine come and could you escape if you had to? Is it like a bone scan? I also didn't like that.  Feeling the claustrophobia.

    Joanne 

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  • ferretmom
    ferretmom Member Posts: 103
    edited October 2007

    RAD October, that's funny.

    Got my *freckles* yesterday, dry run on the machine next Monday, actual tx begins Tuesday.

    They gave me Aquaphor cream. UGH......

    Must find one less gooey and greasy.

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  • Motherbeartosix
    Motherbeartosix Member Posts: 101
    edited October 2007

    Well, ladies, I had my appointment with my oncologist Friday, and I'm seeing the rad doc/therapist/whathaveyou on Tuesday at 10:30. The receptionist suggested making my appointment earlier, but I told her that I was going to be fighting the crowds at Tuesday Morning for some new bed linens, and that I wouldn't show up until I got what I went for! DCIS is not going to keep me from redoing my bedroom.



    Anybody want some new, nice Egyptian cotton sheets or matelasse to sleep comfy while you're undergoing rad, be there on Tuesday. Opens at eight! haha

    ( I am not associated with Tuesday Morning. I am not an employee, nor am I a stockholder. :) )
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  • Motherbeartosix
    Motherbeartosix Member Posts: 101
    edited October 2007

    Hey, Layne, thanks for sharing about the Udderly Smooth. I'm going to try to get some tomorrow from CVS to see if I can get a head start. My skin is already dry like alligator skin, or so it seems. sigh



    And, Layne, you might be interested to know that I spent most of the day fabric shopping. I must have twenty-five swatches of fabric from Calico Corners and JoAnn's, and now I'm totally confused.



    But that's just my normal self. Nothing to worry about! haha



    Take care, everyone.

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  • Helenhsm
    Helenhsm Member Posts: 177
    edited October 2007

    "My husband calls it udder butter and I call it boob lube. " You crack me up ((Layne)). You have a great attitude. I'm sorry to hear about your cat. Frown I'm sure it is hard when a pet has been with you so long and suddenly they are gone. Will you get another one? I'm allergic to pets, so we are a petless home.  I haven't heard of the cream yer talkin about. My people recommend pure Aloe Vera and Sween Cream. I use them both. Sween cream I found on the internet, thing you can't get it at regular stores.

    Joanne, the treatments are not claustrophobic. It does come around 9 inches on one side, then the big arm swings over to the other side and, like Layne said you can't see it. Someone on some thread said she named the machine R2D2, that helps me. This is a good robot that will help me get rid of any residual cancer cells. Smile

    Motherbear, I'm glad you are having fun shopping. Those sheets sound nice.  We have a Tuesday Morning, but I don't shop there often. How much are the sheets, my dd needs some for twin size bed. I was at Ross today and found some earrings and a shirt and a skillet. Funny to find all those different things in one store.

     

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  • joanne_elizabeth
    joanne_elizabeth Member Posts: 499
    edited October 2007

    HI everyone,

    Does anyone have a sense of how bad the skin damage is while undergoing this? Not that it would change much. I got the feeling from the nurse it would be hard to wear bras, etc, heard you shouldn't shave so am trying to think of the loose fitting button down the front shirts I own.

    Does anyone worry about the bone (ribs)  weakening side effects of this? 

    Thanks,

    Joanne 

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  • ferretmom
    ferretmom Member Posts: 103
    edited October 2007

    Hi Layne

    The Udder cream is nice, I use it on my hands.

    I'm sorry to hear of your kitty.

    We lost our Moosie last year, same thing.

    I asked the rad tech for LadyBug tats, he said *sure thing, I've been practicing those*.

    So far everyone I've seen has been pleasent and very helpful in explaining the process as I go.

    Best to all our Rad October boobs.

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