I Started RADS Today...

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emamei
emamei Member Posts: 146
in Breast Cancer #1
I had my first radiation treatment today. The radiation therapists, I had two, started off by making additional markings on my skin to check the mapping guidelines set previously, took three x-rays of the area, and then calibrated the radiation machine to start radiating me.

This will be the routine for tomorrow and Friday and I will be getting a third tattoo on Friday as well. I will have four beams of radiation each time. The area being radiated is on my left, where my breast was, just below my jaw (to get the lymph nodes in my neck), down to above my waist, including under my arm, from the middle of my chest around to the back of my shoulder. My treatments will be between 20 and 30 minutes long each time.

The radiation therapist went over all of the anticipated side effects with me again this morning, with an emphasis on the fatigue and skin irritations, possible skin breakage, my lymphedema etc., So, no new information there.

The radiation therapist did mention that I may begin to feel the fatigue today. I have found I'm light headed since the treatment this morning, but I've been fatigued for so long, more so in the last couple of weeks, with a migraine headache, it's hard to tell if it's all due to the radiation treatment. My understanding, from what my oncologist has said, I'm receiving an aggressive dose of radiation each time. I will try and find out the specifics when I talk with her next.

I'm nervous about the RADS, just given the fact that I've had the worst of all side effects so far through chemo, post-op infections, etc., I will be having the treatments until the middle to end of August.

On another note...my mother-in-law has been calmed down for now thanks to two awesome women I have grown very close too over the years, my husband's aunt (who is my MIL's SIL and has known her for more than 42 years) and a good family friend (who has know my MIL for more than 25 years). Both of these wise ladies have set on a path of advocating and interceding for us with my mother-in-law. Thank God. We're all hoping she can be brought to reason.

Any words of encouragement and advice regarding the RADS would be greatly appreciated. I went out and bought myself a summer hat, a light cotton scarf/shall thingy to cover my neck while in the sun, water based cream to moisturize, Dove soap and baby shampoo for the shower. Am I missing anything?

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  • TKMomma
    TKMomma Member Posts: 54
    #2
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    I did not have chemo but
    I did not have chemo but just finished seven weeks of rad. Yes my experience is was fatige. Rest when u can. Dont worry about chores, etc. it really wasnt that bsd. I was told to use aqufour. It geloed. Dont stress ur self out. Just take time to relax and rest.
  • LVG
    LVG Member Posts: 128
    #3
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    Your description of today's
    Your description of today's events were awesome. I can't offer any assistance, as I was too busy getting a better understanding about your process. I haven't heard about using the Dove soap. I've been using baby shampoo throughout chemo. I begin radiation this Friday myself and had not much of an idea of what to expect - until I read your post. Thanks! Had my markings last week and will f/u there tomorrow. I've already lost one of the little markers they put on me - it fell on the floor and I'm not sure which spot it came from? Anyway - again, your information is great and I'm surely going continue to think of you with encouragement and will follow your progress (to help me along).

    Bless you
  • irish9085
    irish9085 Member Posts: 4
    #4
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    Think positive
    I just went through 5 weeks of radiation treatments and just wanted you to know that redness and peeling won't necessarily happen. I never experienced any redness or peeling whatsoever! My doctor was so surprised. She didn't even have me schedule a two week follow-up appointment, a first in her experience. I told her I'd call if for some reason it showed up later. My last treatment was June 9th and still -- nothing.

    I'm not saying this is common, but it just goes to show that it can happen.
  • MAJW
    MAJW Member Posts: 2,510 Member
    #5
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    irish9085 said:

    Think positive
    I just went through 5 weeks of radiation treatments and just wanted you to know that redness and peeling won't necessarily happen. I never experienced any redness or peeling whatsoever! My doctor was so surprised. She didn't even have me schedule a two week follow-up appointment, a first in her experience. I told her I'd call if for some reason it showed up later. My last treatment was June 9th and still -- nothing.

    I'm not saying this is common, but it just goes to show that it can happen.

    Rads....
    Wishing you well... I have never heard of each treatment lasting20-30 minutes...I,like most ,where in and out in less than 5 minutes...
    Just take good care of the radiated skin...I used Dove soap but never let the shower water flow directly on the breast area...be faithful with what ever cream is prescribed...many have used Aquaphor...I was told NOT to use it until treatment was over as it is petroleum based and it can interfere with the rads....but to each his own...and never out anything on the radiated area within 4 hours of treatment...
    Wishing you an easy time...
  • New Flower
    New Flower Member Posts: 4,294
    #6
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    MAJW said:

    Rads....
    Wishing you well... I have never heard of each treatment lasting20-30 minutes...I,like most ,where in and out in less than 5 minutes...
    Just take good care of the radiated skin...I used Dove soap but never let the shower water flow directly on the breast area...be faithful with what ever cream is prescribed...many have used Aquaphor...I was told NOT to use it until treatment was over as it is petroleum based and it can interfere with the rads....but to each his own...and never out anything on the radiated area within 4 hours of treatment...
    Wishing you an easy time...

    wishing you luck
    wishing you luck with your treatments. After two week in radiation I did take nap every afternoon. Please focus on yourself and keep positive attitude. It seems that counseling has been very helpful.
    I am glad to hear that your mother in a law situation has been temporary resolved. Vicki gave you a very good advice, I hope you will consider her experience.
    HUgs
  • disneyfan2008
    disneyfan2008 Member Posts: 6,583 Member
    #7
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    I'll be thinking of
    I'll be thinking of you...it's just over 3 yrs since I finished my radiation! The DATE I remember well...I did the happy dance and got my diploma.

    I was very lucky I DID NOT get any side effects at all, no burning etc or tired, fatigue...I wish you the same...

    keep us updated..

    I did mine on my lunch hour
  • NJMom10
    NJMom10 Member Posts: 176
    #8
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    I finished radiation 4 weeks ago
    My last rad was on 6/8. I did get very red and peel and was uncomfortable for the last 2 1/2 weeks. I used Aveeno cream 3 xs per day and was given an antibiotic cream during the last 2 weeks. I wore very soft bras to work and just cotton t-shirts at home. My breast did swell and become red during the 5 weeks but that began to subside right after the rads stopped. About 2 weeks after rads, my breast was becoming normal size and color.

    One word of warning for after care. I currently have a pretty serious infection in the radiated breast. My docs haven't actually said why that happened, but I think it may be because I jumped the gun and began wearing underwires 2 weeks after rads were done. Apparently bras can restrict the fluids in the breast from flowing in and out of the body and then can become infected. I was unaware of this. Felt so good and normal that I tried to act a little normal and...well I'm on antibiotics now and hoping they don't admit me to the hospital. So just a little forewarning. Don't give up those tshirts and soft cup bras too soon!! Good luck with it all. Barbara
  • renee616
    renee616 Member Posts: 181
    #9
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    NJMom10 said:

    I finished radiation 4 weeks ago
    My last rad was on 6/8. I did get very red and peel and was uncomfortable for the last 2 1/2 weeks. I used Aveeno cream 3 xs per day and was given an antibiotic cream during the last 2 weeks. I wore very soft bras to work and just cotton t-shirts at home. My breast did swell and become red during the 5 weeks but that began to subside right after the rads stopped. About 2 weeks after rads, my breast was becoming normal size and color.

    One word of warning for after care. I currently have a pretty serious infection in the radiated breast. My docs haven't actually said why that happened, but I think it may be because I jumped the gun and began wearing underwires 2 weeks after rads were done. Apparently bras can restrict the fluids in the breast from flowing in and out of the body and then can become infected. I was unaware of this. Felt so good and normal that I tried to act a little normal and...well I'm on antibiotics now and hoping they don't admit me to the hospital. So just a little forewarning. Don't give up those tshirts and soft cup bras too soon!! Good luck with it all. Barbara

    week three of rads!
    Might as well add my Rads experience so far! I'm coming to the end of my third week. Felt very tired the first few days...now...not too bad. A little itchy around my port area, but Dr has so far advised NOT to use anything unless he tells me too. I did hear something about Dove soap because its mild. A good thing for sensitive areas. I am completely done in less than 5 minutes as well. My whole time in office has never been more than 1/2 hour. Good luck Girls!!!!!!!!!!!!
    Renee H
  • Megan M
    Megan M Member Posts: 3,000
    #10
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    MAJW said:

    Rads....
    Wishing you well... I have never heard of each treatment lasting20-30 minutes...I,like most ,where in and out in less than 5 minutes...
    Just take good care of the radiated skin...I used Dove soap but never let the shower water flow directly on the breast area...be faithful with what ever cream is prescribed...many have used Aquaphor...I was told NOT to use it until treatment was over as it is petroleum based and it can interfere with the rads....but to each his own...and never out anything on the radiated area within 4 hours of treatment...
    Wishing you an easy time...

    Use lots and lots of your
    Use lots and lots of your creams! And, good luck!
  • BMS
    BMS Member Posts: 127
    #11
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    renee616 said:

    week three of rads!
    Might as well add my Rads experience so far! I'm coming to the end of my third week. Felt very tired the first few days...now...not too bad. A little itchy around my port area, but Dr has so far advised NOT to use anything unless he tells me too. I did hear something about Dove soap because its mild. A good thing for sensitive areas. I am completely done in less than 5 minutes as well. My whole time in office has never been more than 1/2 hour. Good luck Girls!!!!!!!!!!!!
    Renee H

    Aveeno
    Throughout the whole 33 rad treatments, I used Aveeno body wash and Aveeno Daily Moisturizing lotion. Both helped and I had minimal blisters and peeling. I am three weeks out from rads and my nipple and lumpectomy scar area just finished peeling. All of the swelling has gone down and I am feeling more normal.

    Good luck with the rads and always know those who have been through it are here for you.

    Bonnie
  • grams2jc
    grams2jc Member Posts: 756
    #12
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    Good luck!
    Tomorrow I will have my 33rd and final rads test. WOOOOOOOHOOOOOO!! I have more energy than I have had in quite some time, my energy levels have continued to increase but do find that I need a nap on the weekends and am not really energetic after 8 hours work and the 2 hour round trip to rads trtmt, I think the fatigue has been less than with chemo. My RO says nothing but PURE aloe gel until you start getting really red and then start with the Aquaphor. If needed they can get you Silvadene or another rx med for your skin. They also said nothing but Dove Sensitive skin body wash on that area.

    You said where your breast used to be, and that's what I have also. Because I didn't have a breast they put a layer of "fake" tissue on me to create the depth needed to get to the chest wall. They also told me that this can cause more skin issues. Adding to that was my very fair skin....so I am 8 days later finishing my trtmts than origainally planned. Don't make my mistake and expect that original stop date to be the absolute, that way you won't be too upset if you have to take a break, and you can be thrilled if you are done on that goal date.

    Glad to hear that your MIL is calming down. You don't need the added stress.

    Thank heaven for good friends and family members who can go to bat for us.

    Take care,

    Jennifer
  • CAchick
    CAchick Member Posts: 277
    #13
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    I had chemo and rads, too
    Hi, I had chemo T/C four infusions, then a rest for three weeks, then 35 rads with four "boosts" at the end. I am a very fair skinned redhead. I had some redness at the site, but no blisters, open areas, or peeling. I used Dove soap. I worked the whole time- had rad treatments on the way to work in the mornings. You will be tired. Rest as much as possible...
    No other real problems with the treatments...
    BEST WISHES to you!
    Sybil

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