Starting rads next week
Hugs,
Lorrie
Comments
-
Be sure to take
a wrap or sweater with you--they keep the rads room quite cold.
I was told no deoderant or creams of any kind before treatment. Each day after treatment I would slather on the aquafore, cover my breast with a paper towel and apply Tom's deoderant and then go to work.
When I got very red and sensitive, I bought a leaf of aloe at the grocery store and would cut a piece and slice it open and apply it to my breast several times a day.
I got a bit fatigued on my 4th week, but never had open sores or any other extreme problems. My RO said that we only hear about the few people who have bad reactions, most people do fine. I did and I'm sure you will, too.
Good luck--soon it will be just a memory.
JoAnn0 -
I hope all goes welljoannstar said:Be sure to take
a wrap or sweater with you--they keep the rads room quite cold.
I was told no deoderant or creams of any kind before treatment. Each day after treatment I would slather on the aquafore, cover my breast with a paper towel and apply Tom's deoderant and then go to work.
When I got very red and sensitive, I bought a leaf of aloe at the grocery store and would cut a piece and slice it open and apply it to my breast several times a day.
I got a bit fatigued on my 4th week, but never had open sores or any other extreme problems. My RO said that we only hear about the few people who have bad reactions, most people do fine. I did and I'm sure you will, too.
Good luck--soon it will be just a memory.
JoAnn
I think I was told no deodorants etc..and I JUST applied after my treatment daily..I DO know for sure I COULDN"T shave/ but radiaton took care or hair for quite some time.
I was fortunate I did not have any side effects at all...no burning, fatigue etc..GOOD LUCK TO YOU>>
Denise0 -
Good luck and hope it goes
Good luck and hope it goes by quickly for you!
Nancy0 -
Good luckBioAdoptMom said:Good luck and hope it goes
Good luck and hope it goes by quickly for you!
Nancy
Hey Lorrie, good luck with the rads. I just know that you are gonna sail right through this and do great. I have my dry run next week so I'm right behind you. We will have to compare notes
Hugs ,
Dawne0 -
Thank you Dawne, we willTexasgirl10 said:Good luck
Hey Lorrie, good luck with the rads. I just know that you are gonna sail right through this and do great. I have my dry run next week so I'm right behind you. We will have to compare notes
Hugs ,
Dawne
Thank you Dawne, we will definitely hold hands and compare notes through this process. My last treatment will be July 1st. I guess I get blessed with 33 rounds. Oh well it'll add to my summer tan. LOL.. Good luck to you my friend.
Lorrie0 -
Great Attitudebutterflylvr said:Thank you Dawne, we will
Thank you Dawne, we will definitely hold hands and compare notes through this process. My last treatment will be July 1st. I guess I get blessed with 33 rounds. Oh well it'll add to my summer tan. LOL.. Good luck to you my friend.
Lorrie
You have an awesome attitude about this. I haven't really given it much thought. I just don't want to burn, but a tan would be nice 0 -
3 weeks down and so far no problems
Dear butterlfylvr,
I've just finished 3 weeks of 6 1/2 weeks of treatments (33 I think), and so far no real issues. My skin is just getting a little pink and the area under my breast is a little irritated and itchy. (I'm pretty well endowed so the skin from breast rubs against my chest wall skin.) I think I might be a little more tired than usual but it's kind of hard to tell because after surgery and chemo, I just fell a little more tired anyway!
I bought very soft cotton tshirts from banana republic outlet sales and soft cotton cardigans from Old Navy. Also bought non underwire bras from Kohl's. I slather on Aveeno cream in the early morning, then after treatment and again at night after my shower after the gym. My rad group recommended nonaluminum deoderant...I'm using Tom's. I also "go free" as my rad therapist told me, as often as possible. It helps your skin get less irritated.
As with chemo, this is much easier once you get started. The anticipation seems to always be worse than the actual treatment. At least, so far that's been the case with me. Good Luck!0 -
Wishing you the bestNJMom10 said:3 weeks down and so far no problems
Dear butterlfylvr,
I've just finished 3 weeks of 6 1/2 weeks of treatments (33 I think), and so far no real issues. My skin is just getting a little pink and the area under my breast is a little irritated and itchy. (I'm pretty well endowed so the skin from breast rubs against my chest wall skin.) I think I might be a little more tired than usual but it's kind of hard to tell because after surgery and chemo, I just fell a little more tired anyway!
I bought very soft cotton tshirts from banana republic outlet sales and soft cotton cardigans from Old Navy. Also bought non underwire bras from Kohl's. I slather on Aveeno cream in the early morning, then after treatment and again at night after my shower after the gym. My rad group recommended nonaluminum deoderant...I'm using Tom's. I also "go free" as my rad therapist told me, as often as possible. It helps your skin get less irritated.
As with chemo, this is much easier once you get started. The anticipation seems to always be worse than the actual treatment. At least, so far that's been the case with me. Good Luck!
Everyone is different - hope you don't have problems. I got tired and eventually got really red and blistered. Many people keep "cooking" even after it's all over but it's worth it in the long run. Be good to yourself! I tired to take myself out to a special breakfast at least once a week (my appt. was 8 am).
Sending prayers that you do well!0 -
I've just finished 3 weeksNJMom10 said:3 weeks down and so far no problems
Dear butterlfylvr,
I've just finished 3 weeks of 6 1/2 weeks of treatments (33 I think), and so far no real issues. My skin is just getting a little pink and the area under my breast is a little irritated and itchy. (I'm pretty well endowed so the skin from breast rubs against my chest wall skin.) I think I might be a little more tired than usual but it's kind of hard to tell because after surgery and chemo, I just fell a little more tired anyway!
I bought very soft cotton tshirts from banana republic outlet sales and soft cotton cardigans from Old Navy. Also bought non underwire bras from Kohl's. I slather on Aveeno cream in the early morning, then after treatment and again at night after my shower after the gym. My rad group recommended nonaluminum deoderant...I'm using Tom's. I also "go free" as my rad therapist told me, as often as possible. It helps your skin get less irritated.
As with chemo, this is much easier once you get started. The anticipation seems to always be worse than the actual treatment. At least, so far that's been the case with me. Good Luck!
I've just finished 3 weeks of a 6 and 1/2 week program also! Not as bad as I thought it would be. I am sporting a bad rash under also. Tried 2 different scripts to no avail Am now using an athletes foot over the counter cream. Nice I can now say I have athletes boob!! Does the Aveeno help your rash?
I wish you lot's of luck on your new adventure!! Hopefully it will all go easy for you w/o any complications!!!
angela0 -
Thank you ladies,robang13 said:I've just finished 3 weeks
I've just finished 3 weeks of a 6 and 1/2 week program also! Not as bad as I thought it would be. I am sporting a bad rash under also. Tried 2 different scripts to no avail Am now using an athletes foot over the counter cream. Nice I can now say I have athletes boob!! Does the Aveeno help your rash?
I wish you lot's of luck on your new adventure!! Hopefully it will all go easy for you w/o any complications!!!
angela
For your helpful tips and well wishes. I had a mastectomy and my tissue expanders are fully inflated so going braless won't be an issue for me. My girls have never been so perkier. I too am hoping my progress will be as well as some of yours. You gals are the best.
Thanks again,
Lorrie0 -
Good luck Lorrie! I wasBioAdoptMom said:Good luck and hope it goes
Good luck and hope it goes by quickly for you!
Nancy
Good luck Lorrie! I was told only non aluminum deodorant. The only one I found was Tom's of Maine. But, I really didn't need one on the side with rads, as, the rads kill your sweat glands under your arm. Or, they did for me.
Sue 0 -
Starting radiation treatment and working from home
Just a suggestion, if its possible to work from home, take that opportunity as soon as possible!
I have to deal with dc traffic and the thought of getting up for work, getting work ready, having treatment, driving to work wore me out.
It's funny since I don't even think about deodorant since I'm mainly home.
I love being able to get out of bed, jeans, tshirt, no make up, pony tail and out the door. When I get home, I can start working and conserve energy.
It also gave me a better situational awareness of my energy level and space out the cooking, cleaning and laundry.
I hit a wall after 20 days and I knew it was time to slow down since I had a routine and wasn't trying to look for other excuses.
I realize everyone is not that lucky, but my company and work (consulting) was supportive.
I'm going through this alone (but by no means lonely) so conserving energy is important.
Bottom-line, start working from home from day one if you can!0 -
Thank you Marlene, my jobMarleneElla said:Starting radiation treatment and working from home
Just a suggestion, if its possible to work from home, take that opportunity as soon as possible!
I have to deal with dc traffic and the thought of getting up for work, getting work ready, having treatment, driving to work wore me out.
It's funny since I don't even think about deodorant since I'm mainly home.
I love being able to get out of bed, jeans, tshirt, no make up, pony tail and out the door. When I get home, I can start working and conserve energy.
It also gave me a better situational awareness of my energy level and space out the cooking, cleaning and laundry.
I hit a wall after 20 days and I knew it was time to slow down since I had a routine and wasn't trying to look for other excuses.
I realize everyone is not that lucky, but my company and work (consulting) was supportive.
I'm going through this alone (but by no means lonely) so conserving energy is important.
Bottom-line, start working from home from day one if you can!
Thank you Marlene, my job doesn't allow me to work out of my home. But I am very fortunate to work for a man who is very caring. I never worry about Dr.'s appointments as my boss Ken says he will work around me. I will definitely listen to my body when time comes and I feel blessed to have two very important men backing me up (my boss and my husband). I am one very lucky woman...
Thanks,
Lorrie0 -
Lorrie
my rads onc said I could use whatever deodorant/antipersperant I wanted. However, I could not have any deod or cream on til after rads done for the day (just like when you have a mammo). My breast surgeon said I could only use deodorant after 2 months. He said to avoid anything with aluminum so I did until I was done with rads. I now use antipersperant.
Char0 -
I am going to err towardscahjah75 said:Lorrie
my rads onc said I could use whatever deodorant/antipersperant I wanted. However, I could not have any deod or cream on til after rads done for the day (just like when you have a mammo). My breast surgeon said I could only use deodorant after 2 months. He said to avoid anything with aluminum so I did until I was done with rads. I now use antipersperant.
Char
I am going to err towards the side of my pink sisters (the experts) and not use deodorant during my treatments. Tomorrow is my dry run and my first zap will be Tuesday. You gals gave me such great advice and I am ready to get the ball rolling.
Thank you all,
Lorrie0 -
Hey, Pink Sister...butterflylvr said:I am going to err towards
I am going to err towards the side of my pink sisters (the experts) and not use deodorant during my treatments. Tomorrow is my dry run and my first zap will be Tuesday. You gals gave me such great advice and I am ready to get the ball rolling.
Thank you all,
Lorrie
Hi, Lorrie...I just had rad #10 yesterday. So far so good. It's been the easiest thing I've had to do so far through this journey. As for deodorant, I was told it's okay but to use anything without aluminum in it. I go each day at 3pm (get to leave work early) so I use deodorant each morning and I slather on Aveeno Daily Moisturizer. As long as the lotion is used at least 4 hours prior to treatment, it's okay. After treatment I use more of the Aveeno. I have the Aquafor ready if I start getting pink. So far, nothing.
I have #11 today and I was told 6 - 6 1/2 weeks or 30-33 treaments, so I am about a third of the way done. Let me know how it goes!
{{hugs}}
Bonnie0 -
The site I went to gave you
The site I went to gave you little pink "Superwoman" capes to put on and nice heavy terry cloth robes to wear. Each had our own locker (lockable) assigned to us to put your 'stuff in while you were 'being nuked' and to leave your cape and robe in overnight. There were plently of capes and robes on the shelf and you could get a new one each day but I didn't - I got new ones once a week - didn't make sense to me that I needed a new set every day when all they were on for was sitting in the waiting area, then go to the machine - get nuked and then back to the dressing room. The room was cool but not cold - I get cold easy anyway but they had heated towels and blankets to keep you comfy.
I think what surprised me the most was that there no was closeable door. The door was probably 8' high and 10' wide and no closeable door of any form. It was explained that the room is round and designed so that nothing can escape even with the open door area. The room was larger than I expected and completely round and domed - had nice looking artificial plants all around the line between the wall and dome so it was kind of prtty and relaxing.
I know every site is a bit different but thought I'd pass on about mine.
Susan0 -
Hey gang...Rague said:The site I went to gave you
The site I went to gave you little pink "Superwoman" capes to put on and nice heavy terry cloth robes to wear. Each had our own locker (lockable) assigned to us to put your 'stuff in while you were 'being nuked' and to leave your cape and robe in overnight. There were plently of capes and robes on the shelf and you could get a new one each day but I didn't - I got new ones once a week - didn't make sense to me that I needed a new set every day when all they were on for was sitting in the waiting area, then go to the machine - get nuked and then back to the dressing room. The room was cool but not cold - I get cold easy anyway but they had heated towels and blankets to keep you comfy.
I think what surprised me the most was that there no was closeable door. The door was probably 8' high and 10' wide and no closeable door of any form. It was explained that the room is round and designed so that nothing can escape even with the open door area. The room was larger than I expected and completely round and domed - had nice looking artificial plants all around the line between the wall and dome so it was kind of prtty and relaxing.
I know every site is a bit different but thought I'd pass on about mine.
Susan
I had my first treatment today, piece of cake. Susan I had to chuckle upon reading your description of your radiation clinic. I want a pink cape.. The ceiling in the Radiation room where I go has a blue sky with clouds. Suspended from it is a bunch of white criss-crossed boards giving you the effect that you are in some type of cabana hut relaxing and looking up at the sky. The only thing missing is my margarita glass.
@Bonnie I was wondering how you were doing girl, glad to hear you are sailing right along. I have 33 treatments too, so I will be behind you every step of the way. We must keep in touch. Other then that I am on my way and I really enjoy the staff who is currently working with me. Those green laser cross beams on the walls can freak you out when first entering the room tough, and Susan you are right. Now that I think about it, there are no doors. Just me in there lying with the girls exposed for the world to see. LOL.. Kidding there are walls that you need to maneuver around to get back to the laser bed. It was definitely an experience, but you girls took the scariness out of it.
Thank you all,
Lorrie
Oh and yes.. I do have my first coating of lotion on. (stuff they supplied)0 -
Yay!butterflylvr said:Hey gang...
I had my first treatment today, piece of cake. Susan I had to chuckle upon reading your description of your radiation clinic. I want a pink cape.. The ceiling in the Radiation room where I go has a blue sky with clouds. Suspended from it is a bunch of white criss-crossed boards giving you the effect that you are in some type of cabana hut relaxing and looking up at the sky. The only thing missing is my margarita glass.
@Bonnie I was wondering how you were doing girl, glad to hear you are sailing right along. I have 33 treatments too, so I will be behind you every step of the way. We must keep in touch. Other then that I am on my way and I really enjoy the staff who is currently working with me. Those green laser cross beams on the walls can freak you out when first entering the room tough, and Susan you are right. Now that I think about it, there are no doors. Just me in there lying with the girls exposed for the world to see. LOL.. Kidding there are walls that you need to maneuver around to get back to the laser bed. It was definitely an experience, but you girls took the scariness out of it.
Thank you all,
Lorrie
Oh and yes.. I do have my first coating of lotion on. (stuff they supplied)
So glad you made it through the first one. So far, this is a breeze. All I have right now is a hint of pink. My facility is also a "no doors" room. It's round and has pictures on the ceiling of the blue sky and lots of trees, so it feels like you are laying in the grass staring up. Not too cold, but they always ask if I want a blanket. Thankfully, the hot flashes are keeping me warm!
Keep us all posted on your progress.
Bonnie0 -
How are rads goingbutterflylvr said:I am going to err towards
I am going to err towards the side of my pink sisters (the experts) and not use deodorant during my treatments. Tomorrow is my dry run and my first zap will be Tuesday. You gals gave me such great advice and I am ready to get the ball rolling.
Thank you all,
Lorrie
How are rads going Lorrie?
Angie0
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