The Radiation Room

mamolady

butterflylvr said:

Graduation next week
Cindy you graduate on Wednesday, Jennifer graduates on Thursday and I graduate on Friday. How funny is that?? Oh yeah... big toast/party... On a side note, I stand corrected on my booster treatments. I get my booster markings tomorrow but will resume regular treatments through this week. Boosters all next week... darn more burning under there. Does Aquaphor help at night? I'm looking for other alternatives besides my current arsenal of aloe gel, biafine cream and cornstarch for the skin on skin areas.

Feeling like a lobster,
Lorrie

fireworks!
Hey, we all get fireworks for our graduation that weekend! How cool is that.

Cindy

renee616

mamolady said:

fireworks!
Hey, we all get fireworks for our graduation that weekend! How cool is that.

Cindy

I had my first radiation
I had my first radiation treatment today. Didn't get covered with a "fake skin" thing. Took three zaps at about a minute each. Has anyone else experienced nausea? I am feeling a little nauseous this evening. Anyways the actual radiation was a breeze. now to wait and see about side effects.

Renee

Gabe N Abby Mom

mamolady said:

lymph edema
Any body have mild lymph edema or just swelling of the upper arm during or just after radiation? I am having 2 areas of lymph nodes radiated. The arm pit and the bone area. I am hoping it will resolve after the burn goes away?

Cindy

I had this with my rads. I
Cindy, I had this with my rads. I think you should ask for a referral to a lymphedema specialist. It might resolve after the burn goes away, and it might not. Seeing a lymphedema specialist will help in either case. My last rads treatment was March 23rd, and the lymphedema is still with me. But it's mild because I was proactive about seeing the specialist.

Hope this helps.

Hugs,

Linda

PS. In my case the lympedema might also be from the surgery, bilateral with 14 lymph nodes removed.

Ticky

grams2jc said:

Is it just me?
Just finished my 3rd radiation treatment and must say I find myself uncharacteristically grumpy about it all. I guess since it is 5 days per week instead of 1 day every 3 weeks like chemo my inner Cleopatra can't get into de"nile" and pretend I am fine. Hate it that the techs are having to put up with me. I am trying to be nice, and they tell me they have seen much worse, but that old sarcasm just comes on through. Can any of you give me any wisdom on turning this into a more positive experience for us all? If not this will be a verrry long nearly 7 weeks.

Thanks in advance,

Jennifer

I enjoyed laying down and getting a semi nap in the middle of the day. Getting to rest in the middle of the day is something I never got to do with my hectic work schedule. I just had to make sure I didn't fall completely asleep and move.

Hugs,

Ticky

mamolady

Gabe N Abby Mom said:

I had this with my rads. I
Cindy, I had this with my rads. I think you should ask for a referral to a lymphedema specialist. It might resolve after the burn goes away, and it might not. Seeing a lymphedema specialist will help in either case. My last rads treatment was March 23rd, and the lymphedema is still with me. But it's mild because I was proactive about seeing the specialist.

Hope this helps.

Hugs,

Linda

PS. In my case the lympedema might also be from the surgery, bilateral with 14 lymph nodes removed.

Thanks Linda
Linda, I see her tomorrow! I had 6 lymph nodes removed so who knows which is the culprit, I just hope it gets better.
Thanks,
Cindy

wndringmnd

renee616 said:

I had my first radiation
I had my first radiation treatment today. Didn't get covered with a "fake skin" thing. Took three zaps at about a minute each. Has anyone else experienced nausea? I am feeling a little nauseous this evening. Anyways the actual radiation was a breeze. now to wait and see about side effects.

Renee

Hi Renee
Hi Renee. on the first week I got nauseous. they put the garbage can right next to the table. My challenge was to not throw up during treatment. (not always successful)I am graduating from rads next week, (Friday) with starting boosters this Thursday. I did get used to the treatment after the first week and the nausea went away. Good luck. You can do it.

Marilyn

BMS

mamolady said:

Thanks Linda
Linda, I see her tomorrow! I had 6 lymph nodes removed so who knows which is the culprit, I just hope it gets better.
Thanks,
Cindy

Nausea? From Rads?
I never had any kind of nausea and wasn't even told that was a possibility. I finished all 33 of my rads last Friday, and today just notices a few blisters where the boosters were aimed at the lumpectomy incision site. Just keeping it all "lubed" up.!

Lymphedema can happen from the surgery after lymph node removal. Highly unlikely from radiation.

Bonnie

sinee

butterflylvr said:

Nope not me Cindy, my severe
Nope not me Cindy, my severe burning is mostly below the breast along the incision line. I feel like a burnt lobster.. Small blisters and peeling, last regular treatment is today and 8 boosters start tomorrow. I think before todays appointment I will have the nurse look at my owwie to verify every thing is normal. I can tolerate the discomfort but I don't want my incision popping open. Thank goodness boosts are going to be directed at the top part of my boob and the lower cavity will be left alone to heal. Wow, I didn't expect to get this red though because I tan real easy. Maybe it's because I have tissue expanders and no natural breast material to absorb the treatment, just skin and nodes.

Lorrie

boosters
you are all talking about boosters, my ro has said nothing about them to me. Should I ask? had #12 today, a bit pink, one little blister in the clevage area, and pain under my arm and on my shoulder blade too. so far so good. I seem to be having a good effect with the mioderm cream, I put it on right after the rads, and a couple more times during the day. tired as hell, but it takes to wed. or thurs. to make me that tired. Still managing to get some cleaning done and laundry, just the essentials, saving my energy as much as I can. Love to you all, this has been such a big help, being able to read all of your posts. Sinee/cindy

sinee

butterflylvr said:

Nope not me Cindy, my severe
Nope not me Cindy, my severe burning is mostly below the breast along the incision line. I feel like a burnt lobster.. Small blisters and peeling, last regular treatment is today and 8 boosters start tomorrow. I think before todays appointment I will have the nurse look at my owwie to verify every thing is normal. I can tolerate the discomfort but I don't want my incision popping open. Thank goodness boosts are going to be directed at the top part of my boob and the lower cavity will be left alone to heal. Wow, I didn't expect to get this red though because I tan real easy. Maybe it's because I have tissue expanders and no natural breast material to absorb the treatment, just skin and nodes.

Lorrie

boosters
you are all talking about boosters, my ro has said nothing about them to me. Should I ask? had #12 today, a bit pink, one little blister in the clevage area, and pain under my arm and on my shoulder blade too. so far so good. I seem to be having a good effect with the mioderm cream, I put it on right after the rads, and a couple more times during the day. tired as hell, but it takes to wed. or thurs. to make me that tired. Still managing to get some cleaning done and laundry, just the essentials, saving my energy as much as I can. Love to you all, this has been such a big help, being able to read all of your posts. Sinee/cindy

sinee

butterflylvr said:

Nope not me Cindy, my severe
Nope not me Cindy, my severe burning is mostly below the breast along the incision line. I feel like a burnt lobster.. Small blisters and peeling, last regular treatment is today and 8 boosters start tomorrow. I think before todays appointment I will have the nurse look at my owwie to verify every thing is normal. I can tolerate the discomfort but I don't want my incision popping open. Thank goodness boosts are going to be directed at the top part of my boob and the lower cavity will be left alone to heal. Wow, I didn't expect to get this red though because I tan real easy. Maybe it's because I have tissue expanders and no natural breast material to absorb the treatment, just skin and nodes.

Lorrie

boosters
you are all talking about boosters, my ro has said nothing about them to me. Should I ask? had #12 today, a bit pink, one little blister in the clevage area, and pain under my arm and on my shoulder blade too. so far so good. I seem to be having a good effect with the mioderm cream, I put it on right after the rads, and a couple more times during the day. tired as hell, but it takes to wed. or thurs. to make me that tired. Still managing to get some cleaning done and laundry, just the essentials, saving my energy as much as I can. Love to you all, this has been such a big help, being able to read all of your posts. Sinee/cindy

butterflylvr

BMS said:

Nausea? From Rads?
I never had any kind of nausea and wasn't even told that was a possibility. I finished all 33 of my rads last Friday, and today just notices a few blisters where the boosters were aimed at the lumpectomy incision site. Just keeping it all "lubed" up.!

Lymphedema can happen from the surgery after lymph node removal. Highly unlikely from radiation.

Bonnie

Sinee/Cindy
Check with your radiation techs they can answer the booster question for you. I have 33 treatments my last five will be boosters. All a booster does is zap the area where the tumor was removed, the rest of the treatment field can then begin the healing process. It sounds like you are doing pretty good, my RO said burning can start around the 15th treatment. I have moved on to Aquaphor tonight, I think that greasy goo is making my skin feel pretty darn good. LOL

Hugs,
Lorrie

BMS

butterflylvr said:

Sinee/Cindy
Check with your radiation techs they can answer the booster question for you. I have 33 treatments my last five will be boosters. All a booster does is zap the area where the tumor was removed, the rest of the treatment field can then begin the healing process. It sounds like you are doing pretty good, my RO said burning can start around the 15th treatment. I have moved on to Aquaphor tonight, I think that greasy goo is making my skin feel pretty darn good. LOL

Hugs,
Lorrie

Aquaphor
Lorrie...your question about using Aquaphor at night...yes! I was told to slather it on at night and wear an old t-shirt to bed because it is very greasy and can stain clothing. But having it on for 8-10 hours over night is the best.

As for your "owwie"...cornstarch underneath was what I was told to do.

Go figure that after a week of finishing rads, I have small blisters right along the incision line from my lumpectomy. I just keep lubing it up!

Can't wait to see all the fireworks in the sky for the graduations!!

Bonnie

BMS

BMS said:

Aquaphor
Lorrie...your question about using Aquaphor at night...yes! I was told to slather it on at night and wear an old t-shirt to bed because it is very greasy and can stain clothing. But having it on for 8-10 hours over night is the best.

As for your "owwie"...cornstarch underneath was what I was told to do.

Go figure that after a week of finishing rads, I have small blisters right along the incision line from my lumpectomy. I just keep lubing it up!

Can't wait to see all the fireworks in the sky for the graduations!!

Bonnie

Bumping it up
Just checking on my radiation sisters. How is everyone? Aren't there some graduations coming up?

renee616

BMS said:

Bumping it up
Just checking on my radiation sisters. How is everyone? Aren't there some graduations coming up?

Week Two!
Hi girls!
I am on week two of radiation! Everyone was right! It is flying by! I'm doing great so far and have way more energy this week than last! Could be due to being done with chemo too...Sometimes the radiation waiting room is an interesting place! I got 3-4 hours of yard work done yesterday & I'm giving my living room a good cleaning today. Radiation IS a walk in the park! I know there may be snags the further I get but I can handle them! I hope everyone's doing well with their treatments too! Looking forward to a three day break this weekend for the 4th!
Hugs,
Renee

sinee

mamolady said:

lymph edema
Any body have mild lymph edema or just swelling of the upper arm during or just after radiation? I am having 2 areas of lymph nodes radiated. The arm pit and the bone area. I am hoping it will resolve after the burn goes away?

Cindy

lymph edema
Hi Cindy, Sinee or Cindy here too...I also am having rads in the armpit area, and lower breast, and have swelling in both areas, a dull pain in my upper arm off and on. Mostly I notice the swelling at night. My breast has also become a bit hard around the nipple area, and feels heavier than the other untreated breast. I am also having rads in shoulder and neck area, lymph node area's. I had all nodes removed on one side and 5 showed cancer so I have 13 fields being radiated...on week 4 though and other than some nights of discomfort and some shortness of breath, redness and swelling mentioned above I am doing well. Tired as all get out, so I enjoy that 2 hour nap when I get home from the rads...still driving myself back and forth but really felt tired driving today. Hope that helps you a bit~ what week are you at in treatment? Sinee

sinee

butterflylvr said:

Sinee/Cindy
Check with your radiation techs they can answer the booster question for you. I have 33 treatments my last five will be boosters. All a booster does is zap the area where the tumor was removed, the rest of the treatment field can then begin the healing process. It sounds like you are doing pretty good, my RO said burning can start around the 15th treatment. I have moved on to Aquaphor tonight, I think that greasy goo is making my skin feel pretty darn good. LOL

Hugs,
Lorrie

Thanks Lorrie
Now I am well into week 4 and have 2 weeks to go. Do you know if any one that had a lumpectomy first is experiencing a hardening of their breast? mine seems to be getting firm around the nipple area, I will of course ask the Ro when I see her this week, but just curious if anyone else was experiencing the same thing. All and all I am doing pretty good. Red and a bit uncomfortable, but the cream seems to be keeping it at bay. A tiny bit of blistering or dermatitis really, not bad, not painful. Thanks for starting this room, it has been a tremendous help. and Congratulations to all the grads!!! gives me hope! Sinee/Cindy

sinee

renee616 said:

Week Two!
Hi girls!
I am on week two of radiation! Everyone was right! It is flying by! I'm doing great so far and have way more energy this week than last! Could be due to being done with chemo too...Sometimes the radiation waiting room is an interesting place! I got 3-4 hours of yard work done yesterday & I'm giving my living room a good cleaning today. Radiation IS a walk in the park! I know there may be snags the further I get but I can handle them! I hope everyone's doing well with their treatments too! Looking forward to a three day break this weekend for the 4th!
Hugs,
Renee

Week Two Renee
So glad things are going well for you, keep up the good work! Do rest if you feel tired, and don't overdo it all. As you go along you may notice more fatigue, but maybe not, we are all so different, and I believe our age plays a large part in it too. I have another friend that is young and breezed through radiation, continued her college work and only missed one day...amazing to me...gotta love youth~just DO take care of you and don't overdo it! Oh I said that already, hehehehe. On week # 4 here, doing ok. Sinee/cindy

camul

NJMom10 said:

I have to identify my picture
Every day I have to state my birthdate, identify my picture (a picture of me standing there in my wig and blue gown) and tell them if I'm in any pain. What's funny is there apparently are several pictures of my boob in the system too so when I first go in and they ask me to identfy my picture sometimes that boob picture comes up. And I'm thinking, um, well I don't know whose boob that is actually! Most of the time I'm not sure I want to claim that picture of me in the wig and gown either. It's not very attractive!

I had to state my name and identify....
a picture of my big fat a**, as my rads were to my tailbone and chemo. What a site they got to look at everyday, made me smile!

butterflylvr

sinee said:

lymph edema
Hi Cindy, Sinee or Cindy here too...I also am having rads in the armpit area, and lower breast, and have swelling in both areas, a dull pain in my upper arm off and on. Mostly I notice the swelling at night. My breast has also become a bit hard around the nipple area, and feels heavier than the other untreated breast. I am also having rads in shoulder and neck area, lymph node area's. I had all nodes removed on one side and 5 showed cancer so I have 13 fields being radiated...on week 4 though and other than some nights of discomfort and some shortness of breath, redness and swelling mentioned above I am doing well. Tired as all get out, so I enjoy that 2 hour nap when I get home from the rads...still driving myself back and forth but really felt tired driving today. Hope that helps you a bit~ what week are you at in treatment? Sinee

Hey guys..
Wow I am only two days away from graduation. I must tell you though I wasn't sure if I was going to be able to continue my last three treatments. My foob (fake boob)is a neon red with open blisters just under the breast mound. My external skin is starting to peel all over and it really looks kinda yucky. I did see my Plastic Surgeon today and he said "Yup they are sure doing a number on you down there aren't they?". He wasn't terribly concerned and said I would probably do fine to finish out my boosts. I did get a little time with my RO nurse and she gave me some antibiotic salve and dressings to apply in my non booster areas which is where most of the problem spots are.

I should be open with you girls and tell you that I am probably a rare case for this type of severity. I had tissue sparing surgery when I had my mastectomy in February and it seems where ever there is a "skin fold" on my breast is where the most problems lie. Amazingly it really doesn't hurt as long as I keep it all lubed up. It's when the skin dries and becomes taunt that I can feel the oowie... not to mention cracked skin.

So here I sit at my keyboard, aquaphor slathered all over wearing no bra and two shirts. I wear a tank top over my goopy chest to protect my outside garment.Truly a sight I must tell you.. LOL. Oh well nobody can really see what lies underneath... haahahahahha....

Two more days... I have "Thank You" cakes to pick up before my treatment on Friday. One for here at work and the other for my cancer center. Those girls do try and make your journey an easy one. I'm gonna miss them.

Sinee (Cindy) and Renee, you girls hang in there... *\0/*

Hugs,
Lorrie

Hey Mammolady Cindy - Graduation Day today isn't it?

Maurie

cahjah75 said:

Lorrie
I had 28 rads and finished in Feb. 2011. I went Monday - Friday except when snowstorms prevented travel. On 2 occasions my cancer center opened up on the weekend to do the missed rad. I didn't get a stronger dose on Friday. Each week I saw my rad onc and was weighed. They don't want you to lose weight while going through rads. I also had an xray taken once a week to make sure they were radiating the right spot. It went by quickly. Fortunately I started using cream before I started rads and didn't have any burn til the last 4 or 5. The slight burn I got turned tan and disappeared. I had a little peeling. A week or so later my scars looked fine.
Char

What kind of cream for Radiation
Hi. I'm a newby on this discussion board and just reading this. I have 3 more chemo treatments before the radiation. What kind of cream did you use well before radiation?
And how long does eact treatment take?