One More Chemo Treatment and Then on to Radiation

kakennedy
kakennedy Member Posts: 37
in Breast Cancer #1

Hey Ladies,

I haven't posted in a bit but need the great advice the pink ladies always provide.  I will finish my final infusion (#12) of weekly Taxol treatments next Friday and will go straight to the Radiology Encologist to have a scan to complete markings for 16 days of radiation.  What should I expect during the inital scan (I can't remember if he said PET or CAT scan)?  Any advice about radiation?  Best in morning, afternoon, early evening?  I've read on here to wear a sports bra for comfort.  Any other advice for bras?  I work so need to look professional and haven't told a lot of coworkers about my diagnosis so want to look "normal" if at all possible.  What side effects should I expect?

Sorry for all the questions.  I am always nervous about the unknown.  

Thanks for your advice,

:) Kathy

Comments

  • Teach76
    Teach76 Member Posts: 351 Member
    edited November 2016 #2
    Radiation schedule

    Congratulations on moving on!   I don't think it really matters what time of day you schedule radiation.  It really depends on what openings they have and the flexibility of your schedule.  I was fortunate enough to be able to wear clothing that was not revealing at the time, so I usually just wore a light camisole.  Now that the weather is turning cooler( hopefully where you are), sweaters are a welcomed friend to those in treatment.

        My best suggestion is hydrate!  I found this helped with my fatigue.  Best wishes!

    Kathy

  • teresa41
    teresa41 Member Posts: 471
    #3
    Radiation

    we are all different i was very tired threw radiation I napped when possible ! I also burnt pretty bad deodorant or strong smelling soaps i was told no on them I had to use cornstarch under my arms ! It seemed like I sweated more on the side radiated ! I wore a soft camisole no bras again I burnt bad my underarm hair on that side never has grown back  that was in 2009 ! I wish you well just rest if you feel the need to !

         Teresa

  • Iris_G
    Iris_G Member Posts: 50 Member
    #4
    Radiation

    When you go for your markings and initial scan, it's painless!  They'll more than likely use tape/permanent markers, which they'll have to refresh during your treatments.  Here in GA, my radiation oncologist set my time for me, and it was the same time each day Monday-Friday.  The hospital is only 7-8 miles from my office, so I would get to work at 6:30 am, work til 9:30, go do my radiation, and be back to work by 10:45/11:00.  I was told to use either Tom's Natural Deodorant or Arm & Hammer Natural Deodorant.  I went with Arm & Hammer and was fine.

    The only complication I had was a pretty bad burn in my armpit, so thank goodness, my bra didn't touch it.  I was prescribed Silvadene cream, which was a godsend!  The all natural aloe just didn't work for me.  I didn't have any fatigue and continued to work through all my treatments, but it varies from person to person.

    Good luck and let us know how it goes!

  • disneyfan2008
    disneyfan2008 Member Posts: 6,583 Member
    #5
    hugs and pixie dust
    Denise

    hugs and pixie dust

    Denise

  • kakennedy
    kakennedy Member Posts: 37
    #6
    Teach76 said:

    Radiation schedule

    Congratulations on moving on!   I don't think it really matters what time of day you schedule radiation.  It really depends on what openings they have and the flexibility of your schedule.  I was fortunate enough to be able to wear clothing that was not revealing at the time, so I usually just wore a light camisole.  Now that the weather is turning cooler( hopefully where you are), sweaters are a welcomed friend to those in treatment.

        My best suggestion is hydrate!  I found this helped with my fatigue.  Best wishes!

    Kathy

    Very helpful....thanks so

    Very helpful....thanks so much!

    :) Kathy

  • kakennedy
    kakennedy Member Posts: 37
    #7
    teresa41 said:

    Radiation

    we are all different i was very tired threw radiation I napped when possible ! I also burnt pretty bad deodorant or strong smelling soaps i was told no on them I had to use cornstarch under my arms ! It seemed like I sweated more on the side radiated ! I wore a soft camisole no bras again I burnt bad my underarm hair on that side never has grown back  that was in 2009 ! I wish you well just rest if you feel the need to !

         Teresa

    Thanks much for your advice!

    Thanks much for your advice!  I appreciate you taking the time to reply.  Very helpful.

    : ) Kathy

  • kakennedy
    kakennedy Member Posts: 37
    edited November 2016 #8
    Iris_G said:

    Radiation

    When you go for your markings and initial scan, it's painless!  They'll more than likely use tape/permanent markers, which they'll have to refresh during your treatments.  Here in GA, my radiation oncologist set my time for me, and it was the same time each day Monday-Friday.  The hospital is only 7-8 miles from my office, so I would get to work at 6:30 am, work til 9:30, go do my radiation, and be back to work by 10:45/11:00.  I was told to use either Tom's Natural Deodorant or Arm & Hammer Natural Deodorant.  I went with Arm & Hammer and was fine.

    The only complication I had was a pretty bad burn in my armpit, so thank goodness, my bra didn't touch it.  I was prescribed Silvadene cream, which was a godsend!  The all natural aloe just didn't work for me.  I didn't have any fatigue and continued to work through all my treatments, but it varies from person to person.

    Good luck and let us know how it goes!

    Great information, Iris!

    Great information, Iris!  Thanks for sharing....I will definitely pick up Arm and Hanner deodrant.  Praying my level of energy allows me to work as well.  I need to exercise too.....I've gained at least 20 pounds since starting chemo!  Urrrrg....as though cancer isn't bad enough.

    :) Kathy

  • kakennedy
    kakennedy Member Posts: 37
    #9
    disneyfan2008 said:

    hugs and pixie dust
    Denise

    hugs and pixie dust

    Denise

    Hugs too!

    Hugs too!

  • VickiSam
    VickiSam Member Posts: 9,079 Member
    #10
    Iris - excellent information!

    thank you for such wonderful and valuable information!

    Vicki Sam

  • LindaWhitby
    LindaWhitby Member Posts: 3
    #11
    Radiation

    Radiation does have few side effects. Some healthy cells die out during radiation. But this is a temporary effect as it can be recovered. My mother-in-law experienced fatigue as one of the radiation side effects. She had her radiation therapy in New York. Now she is recovering smoothly.

  • lisenbysl
    lisenbysl Member Posts: 22
    #12
    I am in the same boat as you.

    I am in the same boat as you. I just finished my last round of Taxol on Nov 4. I'm scheduled to get a CT scan and markings next week. Will start radiation soon after. I was given miaderm cream by my cancer center to use. Praying for us both.

  • 1surfermom
    1surfermom Member Posts: 396 Member
    #13
    Radiation

    Congratulations on almost finishing chemo you are just about  through! I found radiation to be much easier than chemo. Once the mapping is finished the radiaiton sessions are really short. The only surprise I had was that my radiaiton oncologist ordered tatoos for the markings ( it really hurt) so I now have little dots on my chest. I didn't really burn unitl the last weeks of raditation, but I was religious about putting cream (aquaphor) on the radiatied areas. I would put the cream on anytime I was in the bathroom and I carried a tube in my purse. I wore camisoles or cheap cotton bras( Hanes made a soft cotton bra with a front closure that I think I got at Target) during radiation. I hope you can get away with just the camisole because in my experience, your skin becomes pretty sensitive.  Good luck on the last step of your treatment. Love surf.

  • Rhea2
    Rhea2 Member Posts: 8
    #14
    Radiation Difficulty

    Dear Kathy,   I had no problem with the radiation other than a slight redness; however, a surgical implant was used for twice daily for 5 days, internal raidaiton which was connected to the implant.  Each appointment a scan was used to insure the positioning was correct. NO  pain with regard to any of this. Later around the implant incision was a bit of  itching which a creme recommended by the medical team.  All people may not be candidates for internal radiation.  I had 15 radiation treatments and am currently having 12 Taxel chemo infusions. (Half way finished.) They use a pre-med treatment to prevent the side effects and these work beautifully.  The every 3 week infusion of Herceptin on the first treatment surprised the medical team, with my severe allergic reaction. However, now they use pre-meds before the infusion  and all went well yesterday. I'm fortunate to have few side effects, merely thinning of hair.  However, scarves and wig are on standby for use when needed. The medical team suggested cutting my hair a bit, as I had below shoulder length  hair. We cut ten inches off, but not a crew cut. This may come later..using a number 3 or shorter cut, when the balding begins.   This will be done by a professional.  I try to follow the  suggestions offered in the Cancer information or made by the medical team.  Good luck to you.

  • peony
    peony Member Posts: 306 Member
    #15
    Congratulations on making it

    Congratulations on making it this far in your treatment! Feels good to see the end of the tunnel, doesn't it? Best wishes.

  • kakennedy
    kakennedy Member Posts: 37
    #16
    lisenbysl said:

    I am in the same boat as you.

    I am in the same boat as you. I just finished my last round of Taxol on Nov 4. I'm scheduled to get a CT scan and markings next week. Will start radiation soon after. I was given miaderm cream by my cancer center to use. Praying for us both.

    Prayers sent your way also.

    Prayers sent your way also.  Did you receive 12 Taxol infusions?  How many radiation sessions do you have to have?  I will get 16 treatments.  Just the fear of the unknown is scary but I am ready to finish!  Are you have many side effects?  Thankfully, I am not and am even able to get on a plane to travel for my work each week.

    :) Kathy

  • kakennedy
    kakennedy Member Posts: 37
    #17
    1surfermom said:

    Radiation

    Congratulations on almost finishing chemo you are just about  through! I found radiation to be much easier than chemo. Once the mapping is finished the radiaiton sessions are really short. The only surprise I had was that my radiaiton oncologist ordered tatoos for the markings ( it really hurt) so I now have little dots on my chest. I didn't really burn unitl the last weeks of raditation, but I was religious about putting cream (aquaphor) on the radiatied areas. I would put the cream on anytime I was in the bathroom and I carried a tube in my purse. I wore camisoles or cheap cotton bras( Hanes made a soft cotton bra with a front closure that I think I got at Target) during radiation. I hope you can get away with just the camisole because in my experience, your skin becomes pretty sensitive.  Good luck on the last step of your treatment. Love surf.

    Great advice!  Thanks much!

    Great advice!  Thanks much!

    : )Kathy

  • kakennedy
    kakennedy Member Posts: 37
    #18
    Rhea2 said:

    Radiation Difficulty

    Dear Kathy,   I had no problem with the radiation other than a slight redness; however, a surgical implant was used for twice daily for 5 days, internal raidaiton which was connected to the implant.  Each appointment a scan was used to insure the positioning was correct. NO  pain with regard to any of this. Later around the implant incision was a bit of  itching which a creme recommended by the medical team.  All people may not be candidates for internal radiation.  I had 15 radiation treatments and am currently having 12 Taxel chemo infusions. (Half way finished.) They use a pre-med treatment to prevent the side effects and these work beautifully.  The every 3 week infusion of Herceptin on the first treatment surprised the medical team, with my severe allergic reaction. However, now they use pre-meds before the infusion  and all went well yesterday. I'm fortunate to have few side effects, merely thinning of hair.  However, scarves and wig are on standby for use when needed. The medical team suggested cutting my hair a bit, as I had below shoulder length  hair. We cut ten inches off, but not a crew cut. This may come later..using a number 3 or shorter cut, when the balding begins.   This will be done by a professional.  I try to follow the  suggestions offered in the Cancer information or made by the medical team.  Good luck to you.

    So you had your radiation

    So you had your radiation before chemo?  I will finish my 12th Taxol treatment this week.  Will continue every 3 weeks with Herceptin for a year.  I have the same premeds to prevent nausea and an allergic reaction prior to each chemo treatment but they are telling me I won't need the meds with Herceptin only.  

    Like you, I've only had a few side effects.  Just praying this stuff is working!

    Thanks for checking in.  I appreciate your advice.

    :) Kathy

  • kakennedy
    kakennedy Member Posts: 37
    edited November 2016 #19
    peony said:

    Congratulations on making it

    Congratulations on making it this far in your treatment! Feels good to see the end of the tunnel, doesn't it? Best wishes.

    thanks much!  yes, feels

    thanks much!  yes, feels great....just hope and pray, it's working

  • Iris_G
    Iris_G Member Posts: 50 Member
    edited November 2016 #20
    kakennedy said:

    Great information, Iris!

    Great information, Iris!  Thanks for sharing....I will definitely pick up Arm and Hanner deodrant.  Praying my level of energy allows me to work as well.  I need to exercise too.....I've gained at least 20 pounds since starting chemo!  Urrrrg....as though cancer isn't bad enough.

    :) Kathy

    Weight gain!

    Ugghhh...I had just lost close to 50 lbs when I was diagnosed.  Then due to low platelet counts, my onco put me on steroids every day, twice a day, for 2 months.  Immediately gained 40 back since I was so hungry all the time!  Now I can't exercise since I've developed a hernia (pretty big one)!  I'm having surgery for it on Dec. 8th, and as soon as I can get the go ahead from my surgeon, my butt is going to the gym!

  • kakennedy
    kakennedy Member Posts: 37
    #21
    Iris_G said:

    Weight gain!

    Ugghhh...I had just lost close to 50 lbs when I was diagnosed.  Then due to low platelet counts, my onco put me on steroids every day, twice a day, for 2 months.  Immediately gained 40 back since I was so hungry all the time!  Now I can't exercise since I've developed a hernia (pretty big one)!  I'm having surgery for it on Dec. 8th, and as soon as I can get the go ahead from my surgeon, my butt is going to the gym!

    Me too!  Hope to go to the

    Me too!  Hope to go to the gym as often as possible each day after the radiation treatment since I will not be working for the 16 days of treatment very often.

    Will pray surgery goes well!

    :)

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