Starting 36 Rads on Monday 7/2

Attygirl
Attygirl Member Posts: 121
Getting nervous and anxious.
«1

Comments

  • MAJW
    MAJW Member Posts: 2,510 Member
    I understand....
    I certainly understand your anxiety, as we all do...fear of the unknown......but honestly radiation is nothing to be afraid of...I am assuming you've had your simulation done...that does take time but your actual treatment will be over in less 4-5 minutes...it takes longer to "set you up" than the actual treatment...you won't feel a thing, I promise....I've had rads 3 times...if your radiation oncologist hasn't given you any creams please ask for them......on Monday, ,as they are prescription strength.....for me, I think that's why I didn't burn but some do, everyone is different....I used them faithfully ...as soon as I finished before I put my shirt on I applied it..carried it in my purse, and then 3 more times, but NEVER within 4 hours of a treatment.... What I did was keeping my eyes closed....as soon as I laid on the table....worked wonders and I just let my mind go somewhere else..usually I prayed and it would be over before I knew it...plus you only have to take off your bra, if you're wearing one and your top...they had gowns in the dressing rooms...

    Do you have anything to take for anxiety? If so you might want to take it....unless it makes you drowsy and you're driving yourself....once you get used to the routine, I think your anxiety will lesson with each treatment....but remember everyone is different and we react differenty to our different types of treatment...

    I wish you the very best and keep posting...
    Hugs, Nancy
  • missrenee
    missrenee Member Posts: 2,136 Member
    MAJW said:

    I understand....
    I certainly understand your anxiety, as we all do...fear of the unknown......but honestly radiation is nothing to be afraid of...I am assuming you've had your simulation done...that does take time but your actual treatment will be over in less 4-5 minutes...it takes longer to "set you up" than the actual treatment...you won't feel a thing, I promise....I've had rads 3 times...if your radiation oncologist hasn't given you any creams please ask for them......on Monday, ,as they are prescription strength.....for me, I think that's why I didn't burn but some do, everyone is different....I used them faithfully ...as soon as I finished before I put my shirt on I applied it..carried it in my purse, and then 3 more times, but NEVER within 4 hours of a treatment.... What I did was keeping my eyes closed....as soon as I laid on the table....worked wonders and I just let my mind go somewhere else..usually I prayed and it would be over before I knew it...plus you only have to take off your bra, if you're wearing one and your top...they had gowns in the dressing rooms...

    Do you have anything to take for anxiety? If so you might want to take it....unless it makes you drowsy and you're driving yourself....once you get used to the routine, I think your anxiety will lesson with each treatment....but remember everyone is different and we react differenty to our different types of treatment...

    I wish you the very best and keep posting...
    Hugs, Nancy

    Try not to be scared
    I know--fear of the unknown can be really strong. However, I'm with Nancy--it was so much easier than chemo for me. I know there have been several recent posts about severe redness/burning with rads, but please know that many of us (including me) got through it with just some pinkness towards the end.

    In the beginning, the 33 sessions seemed like eternity, but then I changed my way of thinking and thought--I'm going to treat this like going to work every day--but, I only have to work 15 minutes--and I get to lay down!

    You're going to do great--just use those creams/ointments religiously and rest as much as you need to.

    Hugs, Renee
  • LoveBabyJesus
    LoveBabyJesus Member Posts: 1,679 Member
    Do not fear..
    Hi - You will do great! For me radiation was very easy compared to chemo. I had 21 sessions (with boosters). All you need to remember is to use sunscreen, use the creams/lotions Doctors recommend, and use them daily -- also try to wear comfortable clothes. Remember everyone is different. The breast will heal with time and each day after treatment will be a better day for you.

    Radiation is less than 5 minutes. It's quick and the entire treatment will go super fast. You'll see!

    We'll be here to help answer any questions or concerns you may have.

    HUGS. And you can do this!!

    XOXO
  • Attygirl
    Attygirl Member Posts: 121
    Thank you all so much!
    I couldn't sleep then remembered I posted this earlier and hadn't checked for responses. They each were just what I needed to hear and I feel much more at ease, so thank you! I know I will be fine.
  • NancyJac
    NancyJac Member Posts: 91
    I mostly agree
    I agree that the rads themselves are nothing to be anxious about. However, the time it takes, how wide an area is irradiated, the side effects, and what you take for those side effects vary for each of us, just like with chemo. There are no universal "rules" for how long it takes, what creams (including suntan lotion) you should and shouldn't use and how long before rad to avoid them, etc.

    I have 5 more rads to go. Each of them has taken between 20-30 minutes. They irradiate me differently on alternate days. One even days I wear what they call a bollis (sp) which is basically an adhesive half vest that goes over my chest and underarm area and it is basically like a huge ice pack. They tell me this directs more radiation toward the skin level (I had inflammatory breast cancer). I also have what is call the breath hold method, meaning I have to hold my breath during each radiation burst. That is to protect my heart and lungs during rads. At this point with just 5 more to go, I have some burning, especially around the edges of the areas they are irradiating and I have just been using an over the counter lotion on it. My RO's only stipulations were that I not use any creams or lotions that contain vit E or other antioxidants (they can mitigate the effect of the treatments, no perfumes of any kind, and to not use any creams, lotions, deodorants, etc. for at least 6 hours before treatment.
  • DebbyM
    DebbyM Member Posts: 3,289 Member
    missrenee said:

    Try not to be scared
    I know--fear of the unknown can be really strong. However, I'm with Nancy--it was so much easier than chemo for me. I know there have been several recent posts about severe redness/burning with rads, but please know that many of us (including me) got through it with just some pinkness towards the end.

    In the beginning, the 33 sessions seemed like eternity, but then I changed my way of thinking and thought--I'm going to treat this like going to work every day--but, I only have to work 15 minutes--and I get to lay down!

    You're going to do great--just use those creams/ointments religiously and rest as much as you need to.

    Hugs, Renee

    You can do this! One good
    You can do this! One good tip is to start using any creams your rads oncologist gives you from day one.

    Good luck, Debby
  • debi.18
    debi.18 Member Posts: 850 Member
    NancyJac said:

    I mostly agree
    I agree that the rads themselves are nothing to be anxious about. However, the time it takes, how wide an area is irradiated, the side effects, and what you take for those side effects vary for each of us, just like with chemo. There are no universal "rules" for how long it takes, what creams (including suntan lotion) you should and shouldn't use and how long before rad to avoid them, etc.

    I have 5 more rads to go. Each of them has taken between 20-30 minutes. They irradiate me differently on alternate days. One even days I wear what they call a bollis (sp) which is basically an adhesive half vest that goes over my chest and underarm area and it is basically like a huge ice pack. They tell me this directs more radiation toward the skin level (I had inflammatory breast cancer). I also have what is call the breath hold method, meaning I have to hold my breath during each radiation burst. That is to protect my heart and lungs during rads. At this point with just 5 more to go, I have some burning, especially around the edges of the areas they are irradiating and I have just been using an over the counter lotion on it. My RO's only stipulations were that I not use any creams or lotions that contain vit E or other antioxidants (they can mitigate the effect of the treatments, no perfumes of any kind, and to not use any creams, lotions, deodorants, etc. for at least 6 hours before treatment.

    Wishing you luck!
    Wishing you luck tomorrow. As some of the others said, for me rads were a breeze compared to chemo. I used fresh aloe and it worked wonderful. Follow all the instructions they give you as far as creams, etc. Let us know how it goes tomorrow.

    Hugs, Debi
  • Angie2U
    Angie2U Member Posts: 2,991
    Attygirl said:

    Thank you all so much!
    I couldn't sleep then remembered I posted this earlier and hadn't checked for responses. They each were just what I needed to hear and I feel much more at ease, so thank you! I know I will be fine.

    Rads are not easy, but, I
    Rads are not easy, but, I know you can do them. Get lots of sleep, use your creams, be gentle with your skin and make sure your rads oncologist sees you at the least, once a week.


    I will bump a post up that has lots of good tips for you.


    Hugs, Angie
  • debsweb18
    debsweb18 Member Posts: 191 Member
    Becomes part of your daily routine.
    Good news, I only had to work 8-2 so I could make my appointments. Bad news, 86 miles from home to work to drs to home. Good news, missed evening traffic! I first felt burn under my arm and developed rash on my chest and back during the last 2 weeks. My skin tends to be sensitive. I couldn't stand aquaphor sp? by itself so I mixed it with aloe-not as greasy. The dr mixed it with lidocaine once. My skin healed beautifully. Only have a tan square on my back shoulder. Just don't scratch the rash if you get one!

    Once, due to the stretch of my arms over my head and nerve endings repairing themselves, my breast started having spasm-like feelings on the way home. It probably won't happen to you, but if it does, don't let it scare you. It's the unknown that's the worst.

    You'll do fine. Just use the time to take a short nap!

    Good luck!
    Deb
  • Kylez
    Kylez Member Posts: 3,761 Member
    NancyJac said:

    I mostly agree
    I agree that the rads themselves are nothing to be anxious about. However, the time it takes, how wide an area is irradiated, the side effects, and what you take for those side effects vary for each of us, just like with chemo. There are no universal "rules" for how long it takes, what creams (including suntan lotion) you should and shouldn't use and how long before rad to avoid them, etc.

    I have 5 more rads to go. Each of them has taken between 20-30 minutes. They irradiate me differently on alternate days. One even days I wear what they call a bollis (sp) which is basically an adhesive half vest that goes over my chest and underarm area and it is basically like a huge ice pack. They tell me this directs more radiation toward the skin level (I had inflammatory breast cancer). I also have what is call the breath hold method, meaning I have to hold my breath during each radiation burst. That is to protect my heart and lungs during rads. At this point with just 5 more to go, I have some burning, especially around the edges of the areas they are irradiating and I have just been using an over the counter lotion on it. My RO's only stipulations were that I not use any creams or lotions that contain vit E or other antioxidants (they can mitigate the effect of the treatments, no perfumes of any kind, and to not use any creams, lotions, deodorants, etc. for at least 6 hours before treatment.

    How did your rads treatment
    How did your rads treatment go?


    Hugs, Kylez
  • Angie2U
    Angie2U Member Posts: 2,991
    debsweb18 said:

    Becomes part of your daily routine.
    Good news, I only had to work 8-2 so I could make my appointments. Bad news, 86 miles from home to work to drs to home. Good news, missed evening traffic! I first felt burn under my arm and developed rash on my chest and back during the last 2 weeks. My skin tends to be sensitive. I couldn't stand aquaphor sp? by itself so I mixed it with aloe-not as greasy. The dr mixed it with lidocaine once. My skin healed beautifully. Only have a tan square on my back shoulder. Just don't scratch the rash if you get one!

    Once, due to the stretch of my arms over my head and nerve endings repairing themselves, my breast started having spasm-like feelings on the way home. It probably won't happen to you, but if it does, don't let it scare you. It's the unknown that's the worst.

    You'll do fine. Just use the time to take a short nap!

    Good luck!
    Deb

    You can do the rads and we
    You can do the rads and we are all here to cheer you on! It takes longer to undress than for the treatment. Be gentle with your skin, get lots of sleep, keep your creams on and don't rub your body like you normally do when you take a shower or bath..be gentle.

    Good luck,

    Angie
  • DianeBC
    DianeBC Member Posts: 3,881 Member
    Angie2U said:

    You can do the rads and we
    You can do the rads and we are all here to cheer you on! It takes longer to undress than for the treatment. Be gentle with your skin, get lots of sleep, keep your creams on and don't rub your body like you normally do when you take a shower or bath..be gentle.

    Good luck,

    Angie

    Hoping that you're doing
    Hoping that you're doing well so far with rads!


    Hugs, Diane
  • Megan M
    Megan M Member Posts: 3,000
    DianeBC said:

    Hoping that you're doing
    Hoping that you're doing well so far with rads!


    Hugs, Diane

    Wishing you good luck with
    Wishing you good luck with rads! I hope they go fast for you! Focus on taking good care of yourself!


    Hugs, Megan
  • Noel
    Noel Member Posts: 3,095 Member
    Megan M said:

    Wishing you good luck with
    Wishing you good luck with rads! I hope they go fast for you! Focus on taking good care of yourself!


    Hugs, Megan

    Just saw this post and am
    Just saw this post and am hoping that you are doing well with rads. Post to update us as to how you are.


    Good luck!
  • Attygirl
    Attygirl Member Posts: 121
    28 Down...8 more to go
    Hello...here's my update:

    After 28 whole breast rads I am about to start 8 boosts today. Rad Onc says he might cut that down to 5 boosts if my skin continues to suffer. I am terribly burned now and have been for the past week. The burns are painful and uncomfortable. Now using the generic for Biafine called PruTect. Used Aquaphor throughout and I'm sure that I would be worse off now if I hadn't.

    The fatigue has been unlike anything I've ever felt before. At one point, about 3 weeks in, I felt like I hit a wall...like I had been hit by a truck. I didn't want that to be my story, so I kept it moving and did things with family and friends. But I didn't push and I make sure I get lots of rest. I am on sick leave from work so I don't have that to contend with, thankfully. And my hubby has driven me to all but a few treatments. I am also not doing much around the house except keeping up with the laundry.

    So, all in all, this has been rough but doable for me. I fear it may be darkest before the dawn and I am not looking forward to the coming week, but I know this will all be behind me soon!

    Thanks for all of the support and concern!
    -Pam-
  • Kristin N
    Kristin N Member Posts: 1,968 Member
    Attygirl said:

    28 Down...8 more to go
    Hello...here's my update:

    After 28 whole breast rads I am about to start 8 boosts today. Rad Onc says he might cut that down to 5 boosts if my skin continues to suffer. I am terribly burned now and have been for the past week. The burns are painful and uncomfortable. Now using the generic for Biafine called PruTect. Used Aquaphor throughout and I'm sure that I would be worse off now if I hadn't.

    The fatigue has been unlike anything I've ever felt before. At one point, about 3 weeks in, I felt like I hit a wall...like I had been hit by a truck. I didn't want that to be my story, so I kept it moving and did things with family and friends. But I didn't push and I make sure I get lots of rest. I am on sick leave from work so I don't have that to contend with, thankfully. And my hubby has driven me to all but a few treatments. I am also not doing much around the house except keeping up with the laundry.

    So, all in all, this has been rough but doable for me. I fear it may be darkest before the dawn and I am not looking forward to the coming week, but I know this will all be behind me soon!

    Thanks for all of the support and concern!
    -Pam-

    Rads are hard! You are
    Rads are hard! You are almost done though! Good luck with the boosters and Biafine and Aquaphor saved me too!
  • survivorbc09
    survivorbc09 Member Posts: 4,374 Member
    Attygirl said:

    28 Down...8 more to go
    Hello...here's my update:

    After 28 whole breast rads I am about to start 8 boosts today. Rad Onc says he might cut that down to 5 boosts if my skin continues to suffer. I am terribly burned now and have been for the past week. The burns are painful and uncomfortable. Now using the generic for Biafine called PruTect. Used Aquaphor throughout and I'm sure that I would be worse off now if I hadn't.

    The fatigue has been unlike anything I've ever felt before. At one point, about 3 weeks in, I felt like I hit a wall...like I had been hit by a truck. I didn't want that to be my story, so I kept it moving and did things with family and friends. But I didn't push and I make sure I get lots of rest. I am on sick leave from work so I don't have that to contend with, thankfully. And my hubby has driven me to all but a few treatments. I am also not doing much around the house except keeping up with the laundry.

    So, all in all, this has been rough but doable for me. I fear it may be darkest before the dawn and I am not looking forward to the coming week, but I know this will all be behind me soon!

    Thanks for all of the support and concern!
    -Pam-

    Congrats on the 28! If you
    Congrats on the 28! If you are terribly burned, I am sure your rads onco will only give you as many boosts as he feels you can handle. Sometimes they even stop treatments for awhile so you can heal and then start again when your skin is in better shape so you can finish them.

    The fatigues is awful and you will be tired for awhile after rads. Sometimes it takes a year to get over. We are all different so that will vary.

    Soon you will be done! Focus on the finish!


    Hugs, Jan
  • Megan M
    Megan M Member Posts: 3,000

    Congrats on the 28! If you
    Congrats on the 28! If you are terribly burned, I am sure your rads onco will only give you as many boosts as he feels you can handle. Sometimes they even stop treatments for awhile so you can heal and then start again when your skin is in better shape so you can finish them.

    The fatigues is awful and you will be tired for awhile after rads. Sometimes it takes a year to get over. We are all different so that will vary.

    Soon you will be done! Focus on the finish!


    Hugs, Jan

    I remember feeling so tired
    I remember feeling so tired that it was all I could do sometimes to even go for my treatment. Thank goodness my husband always took me as I am not sure I was safe to drive. I did start taking naps during the day and that really helped me. Good luck!
  • jnl
    jnl Member Posts: 3,869 Member
    Kylez said:

    How did your rads treatment
    How did your rads treatment go?


    Hugs, Kylez

    Almost a rad grad! Can't
    Almost a rad grad! Can't wait to celebrate this milestone with you!


    Leeza
  • Alexis F
    Alexis F Member Posts: 3,598
    Megan M said:

    I remember feeling so tired
    I remember feeling so tired that it was all I could do sometimes to even go for my treatment. Thank goodness my husband always took me as I am not sure I was safe to drive. I did start taking naps during the day and that really helped me. Good luck!

    We will all be waiting to
    We will all be waiting to RING the bell for your graduation! And, be sure and still get lots of rest when you are done as rads are cumulative.


    Hugs, Lex