Anyone start rads in October?

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  • joanne_elizabeth
    joanne_elizabeth Member Posts: 499
    edited October 2007

    Hi everyone,

    Thanks for all the very helpful info. I don't get films til a week from Wed so I have too much time to worry about this all, wish I could get started bu they said it takes a long time for the physicists to figure out the radiation parameters.

    I agree if this prevents a recurrence then great, whatever it takes.  

    Hope everyone is well, will have to look for the udder stuff! 

    Joanne 

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  • Helenhsm
    Helenhsm Member Posts: 177
    edited October 2007

    Joanne, I didn't come to the rads board until I started, so that I wouldn't freak myself out. It really is a mind game. Of course there are things that could go wrong, but I do take comfort that this is a highly researched area and they are very precise about where they aim the beams. My Rad told me that the beams go across my breast so there is no/minimal damage to other body parts.

    Layne, I'm glad you have other cats to enjoy, but I understand that each cat has their own personality, eh? So you miss them when they're gone.  

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  • Motherbeartosix
    Motherbeartosix Member Posts: 101
    edited October 2007

    Awe, Layne, it's not corny. I have six kids (4 left at home), and my furbaby is - well - my baby! She sleeps in our king size bed. Actually, she's probably the main reason we went to a king size bed from a queen. haha



    She's just what I always wanted - a furbaby that is totally spoiled for me, but loves the children. In fact, she will sit in the foyer with her little head resting on the windowsill and wait for the last of her children to come home. It's so cute. Once the last teen has arrived home, she's ready to snuggle with me.

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  • garnetann
    garnetann Member Posts: 158
    edited October 2007
    I am also an information junkie.  Sorry, can't help it. Laughing  Anyway, anyone who has info please pipe up.  I am full of questions.  I go for my setup on wednesday, they said I would get tattooed. Do you have the simulation the same day?  Am I understanding correctly when I read lower stage cancers receive lower doses of radiation, resulting in less side effects?  I have little boobs, is there a difference in radiation and/or SE with small or large ones?  How do they decide how many treatments to give you, I read a lot of different numbers from like 25 to 35, some with and some without boosts.  Also, if your nodes were clear, do they still do your armpit?  If they don't do your armpit, can you still wear deoderant?  What about deoderant soap instead of deoderant if they are doing your armpit? 
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  • bomber410
    bomber410 Member Posts: 564
    edited October 2007

    I go for my first treatment today.  I had the consultation and mapping/simulation all in the same visit.  With mapping and simulation come the tattoos which are very tiny penpoints and really did not hurt when applied.  I don't know about dosage relative to stage of BC.  I was told to wear no cream on the breast before hand and to use either Ivory or Dove soap.  Basically to stay away from any deodorant soaps and most deodorants except something like Tom's of Maine.  BTW I am using Jean's Cream (http://www.jeanscream.com).  It was strongly recommended a number of places on these boards as well as from women I know in my area.

    We shall see.  

    Debbie 

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  • Charlie451
    Charlie451 Member Posts: 69
    edited October 2007

    Hi all,

    I saw the rad onc a couple of days ago. Garnetann, I should have asked about the rad dosage question and also the small boobs and SE question. I hope I can remember to do so when I go for the local boob CT  scan and markings in a couple of weeks. My rad onc was really impressive, she is from the Mayo Clinic. She made me understand the process so that it is not so fearsome.

    Even though any cancer is a beast we are so lucky to be able to get these treatments.

    I love the cat stories.  I miss my old Siamese cat. He ruled the house. I have too many big dogs now for a kitty.

    Hope you all have a good week.

    Linda

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

    Oops!Surprised 

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

    Hi Layne,

    Well drat!  It won't give me time to write before posting, nor let me edit.  Anyhow, I have cats everywhere-3 inside and a bunch outside that I can't let go hungry.  And a rescued great dane in the house!

    I just got my first zap today and it was no big deal, just get it done.  They told me that I wouldn't even know they had done anything the first week or so, but I already notice I am pink and my skin is warm--kinda worries me that I'll be one of those that end up with blisters.  How is your skin after 5 Tx?

    Brenda 

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

    Oops

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

    What are port films?

    Brenda

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  • joanne_elizabeth
    joanne_elizabeth Member Posts: 499
    edited October 2007

    I think they are films they take the second visit where they do a simulation to be sure they are getting it right before they start the actual radiation. I get films in a week, and more tattoos!

    Joanne 

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  • bomber410
    bomber410 Member Posts: 564
    edited October 2007

    Hi all,  I had my first treatment yesterday.  It included a few films.  I asked what they were for.  They said to show the rad onc. to be sure they were right on the money.  I will also see the rad onc once a week during the treatment. 

    I also learned there is no avoiding knicking the lung as they radiate the whole breast including the chest wall.  Mine is the right side lumpectomy with axillary dissection. Fortunately, the heart is a non-issue with rads.  

    Debbie 

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

    Hi Debbie

    I didn't have a simulation like some of the others, but now I think I probably had these films yesterday also, as it took about 30 min. for the first treatment and they said something about checking to see if they were on target.  Mine is also the right breast and they told me the same thing, that 1 cm. of the lung will be treated and further told me that as a smoker, I had a greater chance of lung cancer after radiation.  They advised me to quit as soon as radiation is over.  Chantix and Arimidex, here I come in a couple of months.

    Were you pink and sunburned after your first treatment? and the skin hot to the touch?  I am scheduled for 28 and 5 boosts, so 1 down 32 to go.  Looks like you and I are on a matching schedule starting out and counting the days to the finish line.

    Brenda

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

    Layne,

    It's worse than "Crazy Cat Woman"---I live in a rural area and there are strays everywhere--and I've spayed all the females to try and cut down the population before I go broke buying cat food.  My daughter had to have a picture of me and the multitudes clustered on the porch at feeding time.

    It just concerned me that I was pink and hot after just one treatment, especially since they told me that I shouldn't notice anything til next week.  And I'm not one of the large breasted ladies!  Perhaps I'll ask them today.  Although, I guess it doesn't matter, if I'm going to be one that blisters and peels, it's still gotta be done!

    Brenda

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  • ferretmom
    ferretmom Member Posts: 103
    edited October 2007

    Will have the first zap today, then 33 more. I need to ask about Thanksgiving and the Friday after as I just *might* want to do something besides zapping the boob.

    Brenda. I hope you do not get too sore since you reacted on first treatment. How do you feel today?

    I too was told I would probably not notice anything till the end of the second week. Interesting that we are all so different, eh?

    We have just one kitty now, but have lots of other critters.

    I volunteer with animal rescue groups, a huge love in my life.

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  • garnetann
    garnetann Member Posts: 158
    edited October 2007

    Hi all

    I have 2 dogs, one is a stray we took in and the other one is a shelter dog.  They keep my spirits up and make sure I stay active since they insist on being walked every day.  I keep reading how exercise is the best thing for fatigue, and the funny thing is that I am so tired and sore from the taxol, but I still make myself go to step aerobics and walking dogs and really do feel better afterwards.  My husband has some udder balm, that is used on dairy cows. It is great stuff on dry hands, I wonder how it would do on boobs?  It has lanolin, aloe vera gel, and vitamin A, D, & E.  I am anxious to get my dr. appt over tommorow so I can have all my questions answered. 

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  • bomber410
    bomber410 Member Posts: 564
    edited October 2007

    I'm sure the udder balm would work great.  It has all the right ingredients.  With that stuff, it all depends on the consistency.  It can be a bit like thick vaseline.  Trader Joe's sells a version that is creamier and easier to spread.  I opted to go with the Jean's Cream.  It was strong recommendation.  But the clincher for me is that it is a local company that produces it.  So I figured what the heck, support a local business - Peabody, MA.  And Jean's Cream has the Aloe Vera and Vitamin E - similar ingredients to the udder balm. 

    For my first zap yesterday, I didn't notice any warmth to my skin and felt nothing during or after the treatment.  It was pretty uneventful.  I hope to keep it that way.  :-)

    As far as I know, Thanksgiving will be a day off but the next day will be a treatment day.  I also asked about doing a treatment late one afternoon and early the next day and was told no problem.  I will have to do that to accommodate a schedule conflict in a few weeks.

    The good news is that we are on the home stretch with all of this.  I know that it will be hard to face life without a team of specialists watching one's every move and providing that sense of protection, but I think I am ready.  I'm ready for BC to not be the center of attention.  

    Debbie 

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  • joanne_elizabeth
    joanne_elizabeth Member Posts: 499
    edited October 2007

    where do you get Jean's cream?

     I got some udderly something cream which describes how to put it on cows!

    The onc also said to use plain aloe vera.

    Thanks,

    Joanne 

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  • bomber410
    bomber410 Member Posts: 564
    edited October 2007

    You can order Jean's Cream from http://www.jeanscream.com.  I also found it at the hospital pharmacy.  This link shows retail sites for purchase - http://www.jeanscream.com/html/retail.asp.

    Debbie 

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  • joanne_elizabeth
    joanne_elizabeth Member Posts: 499
    edited October 2007

    Thanks so much for the Jean's info! I love your avatar!

    Joanne 

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  • joanne_elizabeth
    joanne_elizabeth Member Posts: 499
    edited October 2007

    Hi Yes it is udderly smooth from cvs.  Seems to have all the right stuff in it.

    You have to keep your sense of humor - I had a mast in April. Today I got a script for a bilateral mammo from my surgeon's office.  

    Joanne 

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  • garnetann
    garnetann Member Posts: 158
    edited October 2007

    Layne, I must have a sick sense of humor too.  And please, no disprespect to Joanne, but I can just picture this and it gave me such a chuckle. thanks

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  • dville
    dville Member Posts: 55
    edited October 2007

    Hi, I'm coming along for this ride too. Finished chemo today and go in for markings in exactly 1 week. You can get the Udder cream at Walmart also--a big jar for $4 or $5--or a small tube (on a completely different aisle) for $3. Ask a clerk where the big jars are. I've heard it's enough to get you through treatment.



    Debbie M.

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  • Charlie451
    Charlie451 Member Posts: 69
    edited October 2007

    I can't believe I spent $28.00 for Jean's Cream online only to be told by the rad onc not to use it or anything but what they give me. I wonder what that would be? I'm sure I can use the Jean's Cream before I start or after I finish rads. Maybe if I smear it on my head my hair will grow.

    I have 6 dogs- all females, spayed. All except two were foundlings my daughter brought home. Most are border collies, shepherd/border collie mix, a hound, and a chow. They have their own little doggie community. We live in the country so there's plenty of room. I don't want to risk a house kitty with the dogs even though they stay outdoors.

    So great to be moving on with treatment. I think we have a pretty good group going here.

    linda

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  • Helenhsm
    Helenhsm Member Posts: 177
    edited October 2007

    Wow, this sure has been a busy place. I had a lot of reading to catch up with. I think I must be the only non-pet person in the group. I grew up with cats and we loved them, but I'm allergic to cats and dogs and with Chronic Fatigue I don't need an extra something to take care of, or I would possible have an outdoor pet.

    I had Tx number 11 today, I'm noticing some pinkness, the Rad Dr said to put Aloe Vera on 4 xs a day! Whew, don't know if I can remember to do it that many times. Will have to put it on my calendar. I'm feeling a bit tired, but don't know if that is my normal CFS or the Rads. We shall see. 

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  • Motherbeartosix
    Motherbeartosix Member Posts: 101
    edited October 2007

    Well, gals, it looks like I have a lot of catching-up reading on this thread, as well!



    I'm going in for my scans and tats today, and I start rads on Monday!



    The nurse indicated that I wouldn't be there for very long. I thought this process took a couple of hours?



    Jo

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  • Motherbeartosix
    Motherbeartosix Member Posts: 101
    edited October 2007

    Hey, I think Octoboer Glow Girls is cute. I'm a "Glow Girl!" haha



    As for myself, I was thinking this is going to be a "Red October" for me. I burn easily! :)

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  • bomber410
    bomber410 Member Posts: 564
    edited October 2007

    Mother Bear, the initial meeting with scans and tats took no more than one hour.  Then for me, my first rad session included a couple films and more moving and tweaking my position adjustment so probably took 20 minutes.  I had my second session yesterday.  It was much faster since I knew where to put my butt on the board and had assumed the position with only minor tweaks.  So your longest session is the mapping/simulation where they do the tattoos.  2 down and 31 to go. No redness or warm breast so far for me.

    Debbie 

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

    Hello all,

    Fur Family!  What a hoot!  Never heard that term before.  I have a fur family and "Glowing" friends-Laughing I got a gorgeous T-shirt in the mail from my daughter yesterday with embroidered butterflies and the body of the butterfly is a pink ribbon and its says: "Pink's not a color...it's an Attitude"  A new motto!

    #2 treatment went a little quicker and I told my handlers that they fibbed to me that I wouldn't notice any effects for the first week--and the room got silent--and no one replied.  They just went on with their business, but I discovered last night that bad boob was no pinker and wasn't warm, so maybe I'll just tan not burn!  I too am told to put nothing on the skin at all.  Were ya'll given permission to use Udder Butter? 

    Jo, my initial CT and measuring took 1 hour on the dot.  Just make sure to get as comfortable as possible. 

    Thanks for listenin', Brenda

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  • joanne_elizabeth
    joanne_elizabeth Member Posts: 499
    edited October 2007

    Layne,

    Dont worry about the jokes! I like bc jokes, but mostly among bc people.

    I chuckle every time I think of my bilateral mammo - would like to see the tech's reaction when she cant find my boob.  And they thought they used to have a hard time with my little ones !

    Joanne 

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