Topic: SEPTEMBER 2008 rads group

I had a bilat mx (left side cancer; right side prophylactic) 7/9. I had four doses of TAC before the surgery, another one 8/1, and my LAST one is tomorrow.

I have two kids, too, but they're older, 22 and almost 17. I'm 57 and have one job...that's enough because it comes with a 1-1/2 hour each-way commute. I'm doing my rads near my office for that reason...end of day, only have to leave about 45 minutes early, can still make it home at a reasonable hour.

I'm having four-field area of radiation, primarily focused on the lymph nodes under my arm, around my clavicle, back shoulder, and center sternum. No breast to radiate, so they're going for the next areas the bugger might pop up.

Hi Ladies,

I'm suppose to get a call Monday telling me when to start- will either be some time this week (still need stimulation) or first week in Sept. My treatments will be long-  not looking forward to 7 weeks. I just pray it will go quickly and smoothly - for all of us!!

So I'll be here with everyone

Hi Roberta and Rose!  Glad you guys are on board. It was getting lonley here, LOL. Everything I've head about rads is that it's easier than chemo. I certainly hope so. Chemo was not really bad for me but it was NOT enjoyable. So that should make rads, what? Not fun...but something tolerable.

Hi - I started radiation the end of last week - so have only had two treatments - can I join in too???   Will have 33 treatments in total.    Had 16 weeks of chemo - then mastectomy (right).   Now I am starting the radiation.   There was lymph node involvement so the radiation is quite extensive.   Chemo was HELL - had complications with the mastectomy but you know what - I don't care - it is worth it!   I made it through it and know that the radiation will be the same.   I can do anything for 7 weeks.    It will be nice to have some ladies to talk to through this - I live in a very remote area so no support groups nearby.    The drive to radiation is one hour both ways - I plan to rent books on CD and listen to them during the drive.

Will keep everyone updated on progress!!

 Stephanie

Good Afternoon ladies,

I just got a call for my planning on Wed. and will probably start on Tuesday.

I have PrincessS- I started a week ago using the Aquaphor cream and I just ordered Miaderm lotion.I bought Dove sensitive shower gel soap and cotton sports bras (I'll pick up a cami if needed later). 

Me too Stephanie - I will be working all day and then an hour drive going and coming back. I think that's what going to exhaust me first.

Hi Roberta - I can understand needing a break. Who knows Nancy258 - you might decide to get another tatoo

Have a restful evening everyone.

Thanks PrincessS.  I haven't bought any creams.  They told me they would give me something to put on the night after treatment.  Are the creams you're talking about something that prepares your skin for treatment that you would put on ahead of time? 

That's funny Rose47.  Maybe I can make something out of these dots when I'm done!

 I have to go get some cotton sports bras also.  All my bras are underwire.  The nurse also mentioned this Toms of Maine deodorant that was the only thing beside cornstarch acceptable to use.  I see some places online that sell it.  Does anyone know if you can buy it in regular stores?

Nancy, I've been using Tom's of Maine deodorant for some time now. But my rad onc said not to use anything while in treatment. (That might get a little stinky...September in NY can be hot and sweaty.) It's readily available in my supermarket and drug stores in the NY area.

The instrux from the nurse were to put the calendula ointment on after the rad session. But I will douible check when I start to see if it can be used again before bed, etc. Maybe I'll do a revkat mix...I like the idea of pure aloe in there.

I guess there's no real right or wrong...just what works for you. But I'm going to start out with the rad onc's recommendation and take it from there. 

Hey everyone--I'm due to start either this week or next--I've had the prelim pix done so they tell me they make a plan, then call to get started.  I have 30 tx, underarm up to the suclavicle or whatever they call it.  My chest area is REAL nice to look at these days--sharpie x's covered with clear tape all over, a big incision line thru the middle where the left boob used to be (my nurse sister said its not a scar--its an incision line) and yucky steri-strips and a very bruised right boob from having the port removed.  Anyway, after almost 9 months of tests, scans, chemo, and surgery I'm ready for all this to be over!   

NancyD,

I'm in!! I start next week.  Have my virtual sim on Tuesday, start on Wednesday (I think).  The place I go is minutes from work, but on a highway with horrible rush hour traffic.  So I'm going to leave work at 10 am (ish), rad at 10 30, and go back to work.  I'll stretch my 8 hour shift to a 9 hour shift at first, then if it's too much, take sick time for that hour, then if that's too much, shift the rad to later, say 1230 ish and go home from there.  All designed to avoid the heavy traffic times.  If I have to drive in traffic every day for five weeks, we won't have to worry about cancer as I will be insane........ 

Can't wait to get started so it can finally all be over!!!

Sue

P.S. Got a scrip for steroid cream, twice a day.  Rad onc says okay to add pure aloe vera gel, as I've always had excellent results with it.. 

Good luck tomorrow NancyD!  It's good to get a surprise early start instead of getting put off and waiting like we're all use to!

Hi - I started radiation Thursday of last week - I know most of you haven't started yet so thought I would tell you what has happened so far with me.   First of all - everything has been surprisingly easy and painless.    I went through 16 weeks of chemo and believe me - so far this is a piece of cake compared to that.    When I went for the similation the only bad thing about it was the length of time you have to lie in one position while they take scans, etc.    My doc does not use tatoos so I look like I let my grandson take a marker and draw all over me.    ha ha    I have lines, x's, circles and yes - even WORDS written on me.    They said as the lines fade they will just reapply and then eventually all the marks will fade away.    My doc says to ONLY use the pure aloe vera gel - can buy it at Walmart - I think the brand is Natures Fruit.   Use this twice a day - DO NOT use it prior to the treatment.   I take it with me and after the treatment smear it every place that is being treated.    If this fails to work there are compounds the doc will prescribe for me.  The actual treatment time takes about 10 minutes TOPS!!!     How wonderful because for those of you who had chemo - you KNOW how long that took.    Just a heads up - as you are getting the treatment - I guess everyone is different - depending on the extent of the radiation you are receiving - you will hear a  buzzing noise and that is when radiation is being administered.    Then the machine moves around a bit (it's over your head) and you will hear the buzz again.    My techs move in and out between buzzes - changing some kind of panels on the machine.    You are in the room alone but they can see you and talk to you.    I wish the techs had told me what the buzzing sound was because honestly I wasn't even sure when I was receiving treatment.    The first treatment - I will admit - I cried through it - not big gulping sobs - just quiet ones - we've all been through so much and each step is hard but it's what we have to do to get well.   

Someone mentioned deodorant - my doc said NO deodorant on the treated side.    Use  a mild soap like Dove and don't use a wash rag on the treated side.

So far so good - 4 treatments and no redness.   Really not suppose to see anything like that for a couple weeks, anyway.

4 down and 31 to go.   YIKES - that sounds like a lot - doesn't it??    If any of you have any questions - since it seems I'm the only one who has started treatment - please ask.    I will wait anxiously to see how all of you are doing - keep us posted. 

Shoot, I thought they were starting me early, but they actually just postponed one of the planning sessions a day until tomorrow. Scans and xrays, I think.

Roberta, my onc's using my CT/PET that was done after my neoadjuvant chemo just before my surgery. I don't think I could stand another test, even though the CT/PET was not the worst of them.

Thanks tchmuzik! I have heard it explained before, but you put a good spin on it. Good description.

Hi everyone. Had simulation done on Aug. 19th. They said they would call me to start in about two weeks. Maybe the week of Sept. 8. Want to get going with it. Still have to do herceptin every 3 weeks for a year. Had 1st herceptin treatment this past wed. Bought some aloe vera cream in the health food store. Its 84% aloe. Been using just to prepare for rads,but I don't really like it. Its so greasy. Going to be looking into other creams-maybe calendular or the acuaphor.

I also started a week ago Thursday, round number 7 today, I will be having 28 tx and 5 boosts.  No problems or side effects yet, I have been a little tired but I'm not sure it's treatment related or allergies or just staying up too late...... :)

I would suggest not buying anything in advance until you find out exactly what they are going to allow you to use.  I was told absolutely no bras after the 1st tx, onc really frowned on my prosthesis which was a lightly weighted swim puff.  No creams or gels or deodorant other than 100% corn starch, clean and dry is the goal.  Nothing, including corn starch, before treatment as any residue will aggravate the skin reaction.  When I start having problems they will give me what they want me to use.  I was given no instructions regarding what soap to use although I did go ahead and buy some Dove.

Simulation didn't take too long, maybe 30 minutes on the table.  My only problem was a crick in my neck from having to lay still with my head turned to the side.  The xray machine is built into the radiation machine but on a separate "arm", they will move the arms around you while you lie on the table.  Be prepared for ink transfer from their artwork.  Also don't be surprised if they turn the lights on and off, they use lasers mounted on the walls and my tattoos to line me up in the same position each time.  For the actual treatment a very flexible rubber like mat is laid on my chest "to concentrate the radiation". 

Treatment is quick, I am in and out in less than 15 minutes.  They were able to work with my schedule, I go to work at 6:30, leave for treatment at 8:15 and am back before 9:00.  This meshs with my daily routine perfectly.  On Thursdays I see the radiation onc, I Wednesdays I have a CBC drawn. 

Wow, Lauren, I can't believe you're already past the halfway mark!  I hope my time flies as quickly as yours has. Starting Tuesday.