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All TopicsForum: Radiation Therapy - Before, During and After → Topic: January 2012 rads

Topic: January 2012 rads

Forum: Radiation Therapy - Before, During and After — What to expect from treatment and ways to cope with side effects.

Posted on: Dec 23, 2011 04:31 AM

Kate60 wrote:

Hi All. Anyone starting radiation in January? If so, it would be great to gain strength in numbers, so do jump in and say hi if you want too.

I am starting 6 weeks mid Jan. I don't know what to expect except maybe that it is a cumulative effect and side effects become more pronounced as more treatments are undertaken.

It would be lovely to share experiences with others undergoing their treatment so feel free to come on-board and we can all sail on this journey together.

 Cheers, Kate

Women are like tea bags. You don't know how strong you are until you are placed in hot water.. Eleanor Rosseveldt.
Diagnosis: 11/16/2011, IDC, <1cm, Grade 3
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Mar 24, 2012 11:46 AM newksmom100 wrote:

I have a question for all of the non-chemo ladies. My hair is naturally thick, course and wavy, but the last few weeks it's been totally unmanageable. I'm at the salon today and asked my hairdresser if rads could be the cause and she said yes and that it would probably take 6 months or so to get back to normal. Has anyone else noticed a change to the texture of your hair?

Julie
Diagnosis: 11/16/2011, IDC, 1cm, Stage I, Grade 2, 0/2 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2-
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Mar 24, 2012 01:47 PM chef127 wrote:

newksmom,

It really doesn't make sense that the rads are responsibled for unmanagable hair. Maybe later when it grows out. The hair that is presently on your head is pre rads? I had a head full of soft curls and since meno the curl is now more like frizz. I condition w every shampoo and use a mousse for curls and then I use a oil based styling gel to tame the frizz. It looks healthier and is more managable with the oil. Give it a try


Diagnosis: 8/2011, IDC, 4cm, Stage II, Grade 2, 1/8 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2-
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Mar 24, 2012 08:09 PM anafoefana wrote:

JBug,

What a relief to have the results come back clean!  I hope you are able to get some rest and that you get calls back from all three of your interviews!  I hope you are not too stressed out and that you can take some time to relax. 

TCH 7/2011- 10/20/2011. Lumpectomy 11/29/2011, 12/5 biopsy results, Dancing with NED. January-February 24, 2012, radiation. Herceptin until June 2012
Diagnosis: 6/10/2011, IDC, 6cm+, Stage IIIa, Grade 3, 0/3 nodes, ER-/PR-, HER2+
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Mar 24, 2012 09:56 PM, edited Mar 24, 2012 10:05 PM by newksmom100

Chef, I forgot to mention that I have very short hair, so most, if not all of the length of my hair is not pre-rads since rads started 12 weeks ago,  I use a leave in conditioner daily since my hair is naturally dry, and still the wave is far more pronounced than it was a few months back.  I will however try your suggestion of mousse as that may just work to tame it a little.  Thanks

Julie
Diagnosis: 11/16/2011, IDC, 1cm, Stage I, Grade 2, 0/2 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2-
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Mar 26, 2012 08:53 PM J-Bug wrote:

anafoefana: I did get 10 hours of sleep on both Friday and Saturday. I am feeling much better. I had to stay up all night catching up on the rest of my work Sunday night, but came right home after a morning appt with dropping off work and got caught up again.

I did get a call back for a third interview with one company for tomorrow. I get my port out on Thursday. I am working hard on keeping balanced and letting go of the stress, as difficult as it is with so much going on. RIght now I am watching OWN tv with an interview with Oprah and Iyanla Vanzant, which has some awesome insights. I am so fortunate that I can work on my contract design work and listen to shows like this while I work. I am still looking forward to GOING to work all the time again though. It will be a much better balance. 

Age 40. Neoadjuvant therapy started July 1st with 4 AC dd / 4 Taxol, bilateral mastectomy on 11/09/11, radiation 1/10/11 - 2/16/11, then reconstruction.
Diagnosis: 6/10/2011, IDC, 6cm+, Grade 2, 0/4 nodes, ER+/PR-, HER2-
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Apr 1, 2012 05:46 PM anafoefana wrote:

J-Bug,

I am glad you got some rest and that you are feeling better.  I hope by now things have settled down a bit.  

I know what you mean about work.  I am fortunate that my job is stable and that my administrators have been incredibly supportive.  When I told my principal about my diagnosis she told me that they would do what ever I wanted to do to make it work.  I had the option of taking a leave of absence, but I decided it was better to work and I am so glad I did. It has been a tough year, not just because of my health, but because I have the most challenging group of children I have ever had. But, I am glad I get to go to work everyday!

Hope you have an job offer!!! Smile

TCH 7/2011- 10/20/2011. Lumpectomy 11/29/2011, 12/5 biopsy results, Dancing with NED. January-February 24, 2012, radiation. Herceptin until June 2012
Diagnosis: 6/10/2011, IDC, 6cm+, Stage IIIa, Grade 3, 0/3 nodes, ER-/PR-, HER2+
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Apr 7, 2012 01:01 PM Ossa wrote:

Today is my first cancerversary, kind of a strange day.. This past year has been so full of ups and downs.. Cried a lot, laughed a lot, puked a lot,ate food with no taste (buds), was upset to loose my hair, was exited to see new hair growth, learned to apply makeup to look like brow and lashes, brows and lashes coming back, most of all I have learned to appreciate life and not take it for granted.. Don't sweat the small stuff.. So appreciate all you ladies you have all in your own way been a great help to me, thank you each and every one.. Have a wonderful easter weekend

Today is the first day of the rest of your life.... NED Dec 2011
Diagnosis: 4/7/2011, IDC, 6cm+, Grade 3, 3/7 nodes, ER+/PR-, HER2+
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Apr 9, 2012 02:50 AM NWArtLady wrote:

Wow Ossa, can you believe everything that you have been through this past year? Here's to many more years!!

Just keep swimming, just keep swimming... ~Dory
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Apr 10, 2012 12:55 PM newksmom100 wrote:

Ossa, congrats on getting the first year behind you.  I can't imagine finally getting there.  Seems like maybe that will bring a little peace.  I hope.

Best to all, hope everyone is doing well.

 (((Hugs)))

 Julie

Julie
Diagnosis: 11/16/2011, IDC, 1cm, Stage I, Grade 2, 0/2 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2-
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Apr 10, 2012 01:31 PM Ossa wrote:

Thank you NWArtLady and newksmom.. Look forward to mid July as I will then be done Herceptin.. Exchange surgery is being done at end of April beginning of May.. Look forward to a "perky" summer

Have a great day

Today is the first day of the rest of your life.... NED Dec 2011
Diagnosis: 4/7/2011, IDC, 6cm+, Grade 3, 3/7 nodes, ER+/PR-, HER2+
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Apr 11, 2012 01:38 AM Ralston wrote:

Ossa... I just realized that we share "cancerversary"... Wow, it feel so surreal. Best wishes!!

DX @ 43 years old S/P UMX with TE on 6/16/2011. ALND on 7/1/2011.LE on 7/20/2011. 4X AC (7/19/2011-.8/30/2011). 12X Taxol (9/14/2011-11/29/2011). Tamoxifen 12/19/2011. Rads began 1/23/2012.
Diagnosis: 4/6/2011, IDC, 1cm, Stage IIa, Grade 3, 1/23 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2-
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Apr 11, 2012 10:54 AM Ossa wrote:

Happy cancerversary Ralston wish you many many more!!!!

Today is the first day of the rest of your life.... NED Dec 2011
Diagnosis: 4/7/2011, IDC, 6cm+, Grade 3, 3/7 nodes, ER+/PR-, HER2+
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Apr 12, 2012 08:05 AM, edited Apr 12, 2012 08:07 AM by chef127

Hello ladies,

It is wonderful to hear of all your triumphs and especially CANCERVERSERY'S. Congratulations!!! Maybe I'll splurge on a slice of cake or even a cocktail in your honor. A great excuse to cheat on my diet. Keep the cancerversity's coming. Lets celebrate each milestone, end of treatment, ned's, or even the start of tx w tamox or AI. Just keep the good news coming so I can eat cake.lol

According to my BS, my boob is still a bit swollan from the rads so I have to wait to see a PS for my rt reduction, but it seems the rads are behind me......cake......

I had a BAD day yesterday with fatigue. I took my Metformin before b'fast and started to feel tired and nausiated and had to lay down. I thought my BG was low. the day was wasted. When I went to take my 2nd dose I realized I took a painkiller that morming and not the diabetes med. I blamed the rads for the fatigue. careless.

Keep the good news coming.....cake and Jack Daniels.

love you all


Diagnosis: 8/2011, IDC, 4cm, Stage IIIa, Grade 2, 1/8 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2-
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Apr 12, 2012 11:46 AM Ossa wrote:

Great idea Chef.. Cake for every Cancerversary and milestone, make sure you post everyone, don't want to miss an excuse to celebrate

Chef hope your day is better today.. Have some cake and JD to celebrate feeling better todayTongue out

Today is the first day of the rest of your life.... NED Dec 2011
Diagnosis: 4/7/2011, IDC, 6cm+, Grade 3, 3/7 nodes, ER+/PR-, HER2+
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Apr 12, 2012 03:35 PM Ossa wrote:

Going for my post rad checkup today..

Today is the first day of the rest of your life.... NED Dec 2011
Diagnosis: 4/7/2011, IDC, 6cm+, Grade 3, 3/7 nodes, ER+/PR-, HER2+
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Apr 12, 2012 03:54 PM chef127 wrote:

Hoping your skin is doing as well as your pretty face. LOVE YOUR NEW PIX!

Let us know how it goes so we can celebrate...........just cake......NO JD for me.

Are you taking tamox or an AI?


Diagnosis: 8/2011, IDC, 4cm, Stage IIIa, Grade 2, 1/8 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2-
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Apr 12, 2012 05:01 PM anafoefana wrote:

Congratulations Ossa and Ralston.  I am fast approaching that date and really looking  forward to being done with herceptin.  I have 4 more to go!!

I don't go back to se the RO until June... is that weird?  Not that I am having any issues.  My skin is back to normal.  I am still having arm pain and mobility issues, but that is happening with both arms.. so maybe it is something else.  I am also having terrible knee pain when I sit for too long.  I have arthritis, and I may just be closer to that surgery. 

TCH 7/2011- 10/20/2011. Lumpectomy 11/29/2011, 12/5 biopsy results, Dancing with NED. January-February 24, 2012, radiation. Herceptin until June 2012
Diagnosis: 6/10/2011, IDC, 6cm+, Stage IIIa, Grade 3, 0/3 nodes, ER-/PR-, HER2+
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Apr 12, 2012 05:17 PM twistedsteel wrote:

My rads area is still very very very tan. Not as much as right after, but there is a clear demarcation still and my scar is still not quite done flaking. I finished the end of Jan. crazy!

Taxol weekly for 12 weeks. A/C every other week 4 times. Uni-MX. Rads 30 times. AI for 5 years. Xeloda for 3 mo's. That's the plan.
Diagnosis: 4/25/2011, IDC, 6cm+, Stage IIIa, Grade 2, 3/12 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2-
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Apr 12, 2012 10:00 PM Ossa wrote:

WOOHOO time for cake chef.. My RO told me she no longer needs to see me.. One less doc to have to see.. She was very pleased with my skin. Told me to keep stretching and massaging the cording I am on Herceptin until July 16 and yes the dreaded Tamox been taking that for almost four months so only four years six months left.. unless I get switched to automatise (sp) in a year and six months.. Side effects are not to bad, achy knees when I get up from sitting for awhile.. goes away quickly once I start moving.. Some cramping in my feet when I wake up in the morning. and my inner child is no longer playing with matches, but making campfires ... Maybe I should try to roast some smores when I have my hot flashes.. I am sure I give off enough heatCool

Time for a glass of red wine 

Today is the first day of the rest of your life.... NED Dec 2011
Diagnosis: 4/7/2011, IDC, 6cm+, Grade 3, 3/7 nodes, ER+/PR-, HER2+
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Apr 13, 2012 02:40 AM Momine wrote:

Ana, I only saw my RO once after treatment, about 3 weeks out, and there are no further visits scheduled.


Diagnosis: 6/1/2011, ILC, 5cm, Stage IIIb, Grade 2, 7/23 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2-
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Apr 13, 2012 06:19 PM chef127 wrote:

Ossa,

I'm happy you kicked the RO out of the equation. Cake is in order. But the red wine is healthier and more fun. I'm not looking forward to seeing my RO. He was aloof and assuming, but the nurse and the techs were great. The facility is near my home and my onco is right upstairs and I would like to stop by to say hello to them. The social worker called me several times and invited me to join a CA support group and a smoking cessation group. The cigs have to go. The RO is really lucky to have such a great and caring staff. I miss them.Cry

Anafoefana,

LOVE your pix. Very pretty. My next appt w the RO is in July. I hope to have a matching set of boobs by then........but really, no one is looking but me. I hope you can prevent surgery for your knees. I think you've had enough. Good luck.

Twistedsteel,

My breast is still a bit on the tanned side but over all it looks normal except for the scar. I do use gentle exfoliant when I shower to get rid of the flaky skin on my Nip area.(Neutrogena)St ives has one too that is less expensive.

Momine, Lets have a toast to you for leaving your RO behind so soon.

Life is good.......Stay well.


Diagnosis: 8/2011, IDC, 4cm, Stage IIIa, Grade 2, 1/8 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2-
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Apr 13, 2012 11:09 PM J-Bug wrote:

So not everyone still has the entire bolus image showing across their chest? Do you guys know if it is supposed to disappear eventually? Maybe it makes a difference if someone is getting treatment to an area that went through a mastectomy - my chest is hard as a rock with no breast tissue or fat. My bolus image is still as clearly defined as it was when radiation finished. Anyone else?

Age 40. Neoadjuvant therapy started July 1st with 4 AC dd / 4 Taxol, bilateral mastectomy on 11/09/11, radiation 1/10/11 - 2/16/11, then reconstruction.
Diagnosis: 6/10/2011, IDC, 6cm+, Grade 2, 0/4 nodes, ER+/PR-, HER2-
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Apr 14, 2012 01:30 AM, edited Apr 14, 2012 01:31 AM by twistedsteel

J-bug, me too. The tan is basically bolus but there is a light tan on my back too. The skin is light pink tho where my skin pulled off onto a Kleenex at the height of rads skin damage. Tight scar. Chest hard. Weird feeling when i flex my pec muscle.

Taxol weekly for 12 weeks. A/C every other week 4 times. Uni-MX. Rads 30 times. AI for 5 years. Xeloda for 3 mo's. That's the plan.
Diagnosis: 4/25/2011, IDC, 6cm+, Stage IIIa, Grade 2, 3/12 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2-
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Apr 14, 2012 07:50 AM anafoefana wrote:

Chef, thanks,  I am hoping the knee pain is related to Herceptin.  Hopefully it will get better. For now, just trying to exercise and rebuild some thigh muscles.  The picture., thanks. I am embracing my silver hair. I think it is going to stay silver.  I have an appt to get my first cut in a few weeks.  I have had to trim the back a couple of times because it was starting to look like a mullet.  I am thankful I did not have to deal with reconstruction.  I almost decided to have a BMX, but am glad I went with a lumpectomy.  

Ossa, hope you had that cake and wine!  Woo hoo!  I am starting to feel like a survivor now that I am in the home stretch.  I am walking in the survivor walk at our Relay for life in a few weeks. What a year this has been.

J-bug and twisteedsteel, I have a tan mark on my collar bone, but my breast area is back to normal.  The collar bone area was the only area that hurt and peeled, so maybe it has something to do with that.  I can see it is fading , but I think it will just take some more time.  I am still using emu oil on it and it is very soft, but dark. The breast area is very tender still and some areas are very hard.  My MO told me that is all very normal. 

TCH 7/2011- 10/20/2011. Lumpectomy 11/29/2011, 12/5 biopsy results, Dancing with NED. January-February 24, 2012, radiation. Herceptin until June 2012
Diagnosis: 6/10/2011, IDC, 6cm+, Stage IIIa, Grade 3, 0/3 nodes, ER-/PR-, HER2+
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May 21, 2012 04:21 PM edoyrest wrote:

Google Coobie bra, they're extremely comfortable and affordable!

Dx 6/8/2011, IDC, 2cm, Stage I, Grade 1, 3/11 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2-

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