Boo307

I was really confused about all my tattoos, 12 for bilateral treatment of four fields, so I asked the techs.  I couldn't imagine what they were all used for. 

The techs were so nice and patient in explaining each one.  They said the ones half way down my sides are the "leveling" tattoos.  Lights come in from each side of the room and they line up the tattoo on my sides so I am at exactly lined up on the table. 

Then they put a Styrofoam block on the table where I lay and I saw all the lights hitting it!  They line one light from the machine up with my chest center dot, and then slide the machine over and center the machine on the tattoo in the middle of my breast by the nipple.  Then they shine the lights on the radiation field and line it up with the two chest center tattoos and the two on the upper side of my chest.  With that they hit exactly the same area every time.

I thought the tattoos where to outline the radiation field, for treatment use and future reference.  I couldn't figure out why I had them elsewhere as well.  Once I saw the Styrofoam lit up it all made sense!

I hope everyone has a comfortable week.

Betsy

Hello ladies,

I'm also just started radiation.  I had my first two treatments last week and now have a three day holiday.  I have bilateral treatments, so twice the adventure.  So far so good, although after my first treatment, my left nipple has been more sensitive since the sentinel node biopsy/lumpectomy/re-excision.  Immediately after being zapped, I felt a twinge.  Not a good start.  I expected to have no effects for a couple weeks.  I was told all I could use was 100% Aloe Vera and Aquaphor and they are so soothing.

I found some great cotton jersey sports bras at Wal-Mart, 3/$9.88.  I bought two sizes larger than normal and they are so comfortable.  Cotton covers the elastic and fabric covers the mammary fold, so no skin on skin.  It's great to have a a fresh one to change into if it gets sweaty and damp.   It is great to have bras that I don't care about getting greasy with the Aquaphor.

Hope you are all have a good Labor Day weekend.

Betsy

Dx 3-18-08 Left IDC,1.8 cm Stage, 1 Grade 3, node 0/1, ER-/PR-/HER2+ -  Right DCIS  ER+/PR-

Bilateral partial mastectomy - Chemo TC x4 - Herceptin 1 year - Radiation Tx 33

Otter,

Thanks so much for the chart.  It fells good to know someone is keeping track of all of us.  I get to go in every week because I am also getting Herceptin. 

I am feeling so good 14 days out from Tx1, but can't wait to get the next Tx June 11th.  It is interesting waiting for my hair to fall out. 

I went to Look Good - Feel Better last night and didn't realize it would be a class in how to put on makeup.  I do appreciate some the many fine cosmetics I received.

I have had dry skin for the first time in my life.  I found pure lanolin at Wal-Mart (in the baby section for nipple care for nursing mothers!)  It is the best thing I have found to help my dry face.  I think I will also use it for radiation. 

I will feel fortunate if I don't have any delays due to liver enzymes, infection, or whatever else may pop up. 

Boo307

Otter,  Thanks for keeping track of everyone.  You can add me to the list.  My first treatment, Taxotere, Cytoxan, Herceptin, was May 20th and every three weeks.  I'm ten days from the first Tx and feeling great.  What a relief that after getting through the first three days, I felt better each day.

To bring up a delicate subject, I read that the Taxotere is excreated through the digestive tract, as opposed to Cytoxan that is excreated by the urinary tract.  No wonder I have had burning bowel movements.  Its easy to drink a lot and avoid burning urine.  Has anyone come up with a way to minimize burning bms?

Boo

Dx 3/18/08, IDC, 1.8 cm, 0 node, Stage 1, Grade 3 ER-/PR-/HER+