a bit scarred about starting radiation tomorrow
I have had chemo and a left side mastectomy and now I am suppose to start radiation tomorrow. For some reason I am very unhappy about the thought. I can't help felling that I should not go. I am not one to take medication I am very sensitive to it, it always affects me different then what they expect. I was told there were only mild reactions to the radiation and people who had chemo first don't seem to be as tired, but I read on here about some pretty bad reactions. I also am driving myself there? Is that a bad idea?
Comments
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I didn't have chemo, but, Icarkris said:I had a horrible time with
I had a horrible time with chemo and radiation was very doable. I was meticulous about the creams. My biggest side effect was fatique. It is a bit surreal at first and a little anxiety producing, but you get used to it quickly. Hugs.
I didn't have chemo, but, I had rads. I never doubted whether I should do them, as, I knew that rads killed any stray cancer cells. I got fatigued, and, I got really dark pink, not burnt, but, tender. But, in a couple of weeks after I was done, my skin looked great. Just keep your creams on and start from day one with them, if your rads oncologist says it is ok. That, to me, is the secret.
Good luck,
Angie0 -
Fear..Angie2U said:I didn't have chemo, but, I
I didn't have chemo, but, I had rads. I never doubted whether I should do them, as, I knew that rads killed any stray cancer cells. I got fatigued, and, I got really dark pink, not burnt, but, tender. But, in a couple of weeks after I was done, my skin looked great. Just keep your creams on and start from day one with them, if your rads oncologist says it is ok. That, to me, is the secret.
Good luck,
Angie
Of the unknown...I think it's only natural to be scared about the unknown...I had chemo and 33 radiation treatments...if you can do chemo...you can do radiation! As stated above, use the creams given to you, religiously! I carried mine in my purse and from day one, as soon as the treatment was over, before I put my top back on, I slathered on the cream! Then used it 3 more times daily..the last after my shower before bedtime..just NEVER use anything within 4 hours before your treatment..it can interfer with the radiation...I was also given a special deodorant to use..one that. Does not contain aluminum. Use a mile soap, Dove for sensitive skin is what I was told to use...no hot water on the radiated side..no underwire bras..
I didn't even turn pink until week# 4...I even questioned, if it was working! But we're all different..I did turn really red after the 7 boosters at the end..it was tender but I really had no serious issues with rads...I was really tired and told just the opposite of what you were told...that the fatigue is compounded if you've undergone chemo...as all the fatigue is cumulative...it was a different kind of fatigue from the chemo..more of a weary tiredness than just feeling tired and crappy with chemo...and it did take me almost a year to regain my stamina...I was lucky, when I was tired, I napped.. For me, going 5 days a week for 6 1/2 weeks got really old, really fast! The actual treatment takes less then 5 minutes, took longer to undress! Just my top.. I also NEVER looked! I jokingly told them from day one....treat me like a blind person...As soon as the rads techs left and I heard the door close, I shut my eyes... I then prayed for my daughter's best friend who had just been dianosed with bc.. After a few days, I could tell how much time was left just by hearing where the machine had moved to...I was really surprised how fast those 6 1/2 weeks flew by! I never questioned doing rads...I wanted everything and anything they could throw at the bc! Wanted no regrets down the road..
Look a it as the last step of this journey, to regain your health!
Peace be with you0 -
PS..MAJW said:Fear..
Of the unknown...I think it's only natural to be scared about the unknown...I had chemo and 33 radiation treatments...if you can do chemo...you can do radiation! As stated above, use the creams given to you, religiously! I carried mine in my purse and from day one, as soon as the treatment was over, before I put my top back on, I slathered on the cream! Then used it 3 more times daily..the last after my shower before bedtime..just NEVER use anything within 4 hours before your treatment..it can interfer with the radiation...I was also given a special deodorant to use..one that. Does not contain aluminum. Use a mile soap, Dove for sensitive skin is what I was told to use...no hot water on the radiated side..no underwire bras..
I didn't even turn pink until week# 4...I even questioned, if it was working! But we're all different..I did turn really red after the 7 boosters at the end..it was tender but I really had no serious issues with rads...I was really tired and told just the opposite of what you were told...that the fatigue is compounded if you've undergone chemo...as all the fatigue is cumulative...it was a different kind of fatigue from the chemo..more of a weary tiredness than just feeling tired and crappy with chemo...and it did take me almost a year to regain my stamina...I was lucky, when I was tired, I napped.. For me, going 5 days a week for 6 1/2 weeks got really old, really fast! The actual treatment takes less then 5 minutes, took longer to undress! Just my top.. I also NEVER looked! I jokingly told them from day one....treat me like a blind person...As soon as the rads techs left and I heard the door close, I shut my eyes... I then prayed for my daughter's best friend who had just been dianosed with bc.. After a few days, I could tell how much time was left just by hearing where the machine had moved to...I was really surprised how fast those 6 1/2 weeks flew by! I never questioned doing rads...I wanted everything and anything they could throw at the bc! Wanted no regrets down the road..
Look a it as the last step of this journey, to regain your health!
Peace be with you
I drove myself everyday!0 -
you can do it
I'm just about finished with my rads, only 1 to go, and I had chemo too before surgery. Yes, I got and get tired but nap with my kittens when I need to. I also drove myself every day. Get some men's white cotton undershirts/t-shirts to wear as time goes on. They protect your clothes from the cream and help to protect from rubbing. Use your creams faithfully. I have a nasty burn on 2 ajoining fields but the creams have helped and they tell me it will get better soon. Oh yeah, turn those shirts inside out to avoid the seams rubbing. You can do this sister!0 -
we are all different
but with that said..I was very fortunate-I had NO SIDE Effects of radation at all. I did not burn, chap etc...just tanned when all said and done. I was not tired or fatigued. (they would ask if I was fatigued-I'd say I am not sure what is it? They said IF I HAD to ask....I was not.
I worked full time, radiaton on my lunch hour and after works for 3 of 8 weeks I packed up friend house who moved out of state of 45 yrs on stuff alone.
SO point behind this story...SO I am hoping you and others have it like I did...but I THINK I am a rare one....so maybe a happy medium ...good luck..
Denise0 -
MJAW said it right - fear of
MJAW said it right - fear of the unknown. I had 36 radiation treatments. I scheduled them for around 2:30 - 3:00 in the afternoons. I'd go to work in the morning and drive to radiology. The first time you go they set their markers, little tatoo dots that stay with you forever. My only reaction was about 3 weeks in, the skin under my breast started to get red and crack and water. The radiation oncologist recommended something called Domeboro Solution. You can get it at any drug store. It helped me a lot. Going to radiation got to be a nice trip for me, the ride was relaxing, and you see the same people every day. When one finishes there is a lot of celebrating, then welcoming new ones to the waiting room. The experience for me was not unpleasant, but there were times when it was very draining physically. It just made me tired, but able to work and maintain as normal a life as we have now. Hopefully it will be like that for you too. You are in my prayers!
Hugs - Pat0 -
I agree
I also had left side mastectomy that was doable,but for me the chemo kicked my butt and now as of today I've done #25 of radiation I'm beginning to turn very pink and really dark under the arm but it's like every one had said put your creams on i do as soon i go get dressed and it does get a little messy but being alive and messy works for me lol. good luck when i joined the board everybody helped me through everything.my Dr's. only would tell me i guess the most important things. HUGS MOLLYZ0 -
I'm weird!padee6339 said:MJAW said it right - fear of
MJAW said it right - fear of the unknown. I had 36 radiation treatments. I scheduled them for around 2:30 - 3:00 in the afternoons. I'd go to work in the morning and drive to radiology. The first time you go they set their markers, little tatoo dots that stay with you forever. My only reaction was about 3 weeks in, the skin under my breast started to get red and crack and water. The radiation oncologist recommended something called Domeboro Solution. You can get it at any drug store. It helped me a lot. Going to radiation got to be a nice trip for me, the ride was relaxing, and you see the same people every day. When one finishes there is a lot of celebrating, then welcoming new ones to the waiting room. The experience for me was not unpleasant, but there were times when it was very draining physically. It just made me tired, but able to work and maintain as normal a life as we have now. Hopefully it will be like that for you too. You are in my prayers!
Hugs - Pat
I burned very bad - and being allergic to Sulfa Drugs I could not use Silvadene/Sulfadene - it was the Domeboro soaks that finally got me healed up - just before I was to be sent to a burn unit. You can get Domeboro at any pharmacy - you will probably have to ask for it from 'behind the counter' but it does not require a script for it.0 -
that the Rad room had no door on it. Nope - you walked in through a big opening (probably 8'tall and at least as wide). The room was round and domed and somehow it keeps all the 'rays' inside without an actual closeable door. After first TX I told Hubby that i was so surprised - he thought I was Nuts to be surprised. He had been one of the Electricains that wired it when built so he already knew that it didn't need a door due to the configuration of it. 'Tupid me! (LOL) All my experiences with X-rays/radiation had been with Sons and Hubby when they hurt themselves and I had to take to ER and all those 'rooms' had had huge doors on them.
I drove myself to all Rads (all Chemos too). Rads started 1 week after last Taxol and I felt better ever day.
Susan0 -
Update
Thanks so much. It went pretty good. I was a bit nervous, but the nurses were very nice and explained everything. I must have looked a bit upset when I was done because when I saw my Dr he said someone give her a hug she looks like she needs it. (my mom always said I could not hide my feelings, they show all over my face.) My sister surprised me and came with me then took me and my kids to lunch.0 -
What a great sister! And, Isunshine0406 said:Update
Thanks so much. It went pretty good. I was a bit nervous, but the nurses were very nice and explained everything. I must have looked a bit upset when I was done because when I saw my Dr he said someone give her a hug she looks like she needs it. (my mom always said I could not hide my feelings, they show all over my face.) My sister surprised me and came with me then took me and my kids to lunch.
What a great sister! And, I am so glad that it went better than you thought. Like all said, it is the fear of the unknown. Wishing you good luck with rads.
Hugs, Megan0 -
The first one is alwaysMegan M said:What a great sister! And, I
What a great sister! And, I am so glad that it went better than you thought. Like all said, it is the fear of the unknown. Wishing you good luck with rads.
Hugs, Megan
The first one is always scary, but, now you will continue and soon you will be a rad grad. Keep us updated as to how you are doing.
Good luck,
Debby0 -
well ONE more first isDebbyM said:The first one is always
The first one is always scary, but, now you will continue and soon you will be a rad grad. Keep us updated as to how you are doing.
Good luck,
Debby
well ONE more first is over.....0 -
Sending you my good luckdisneyfan2008 said:well ONE more first is
well ONE more first is over.....
Sending you my good luck with rads too! And, keep your creams on, if you have some.
Hugs, Leeza0 -
Hopejnl said:Sending you my good luck
Sending you my good luck with rads too! And, keep your creams on, if you have some.
Hugs, Leeza
Hope it gets even less scary as time goes by.0 -
sunshinelaughs_a_lot said:Hope
Hope it gets even less scary as time goes by.
just checking back to see how things are going...
Denise0 -
Thank youdisneyfan2008 said:sunshine
just checking back to see how things are going...
Denise
Thank you for asking. I am doing ok Just feeling a bit run down. The 60 mile round trip with two kids everyday is getting a bit hard and its only the 7th day. And to top it all off I maxed out my mileage reimbursement through the American cancer society. (I had no idea there was a cap). I am still getting red and my dr just says that it can't be the radiation (really?? I just have it in the radiation area) I did get some help from the nurse (she told me to put on special care cream by Bard) but I was upset that he just dismissed my issue as a rash. I only see him once a week and have heard the other dr there is worse at listening. I talked to my oncologist and she said that she saw the red and that he WILL slowdown if I stare getting too red and if he does not listen to me she will talk to him. Sorry I vented a bit
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Hoping the Bard will helpsunshine0406 said:Thank you
Thank you for asking. I am doing ok Just feeling a bit run down. The 60 mile round trip with two kids everyday is getting a bit hard and its only the 7th day. And to top it all off I maxed out my mileage reimbursement through the American cancer society. (I had no idea there was a cap). I am still getting red and my dr just says that it can't be the radiation (really?? I just have it in the radiation area) I did get some help from the nurse (she told me to put on special care cream by Bard) but I was upset that he just dismissed my issue as a rash. I only see him once a week and have heard the other dr there is worse at listening. I talked to my oncologist and she said that she saw the red and that he WILL slowdown if I stare getting too red and if he does not listen to me she will talk to him. Sorry I vented a bit
Hoping the Bard will help you. I am puzzled too as to why you are so red so early. I wonder if you are getting a stronger dose or something?
Hugs,
Leeza0 -
Has anyone ever had reconstructive surgery before Radiation?jnl said:Hoping the Bard will help
Hoping the Bard will help you. I am puzzled too as to why you are so red so early. I wonder if you are getting a stronger dose or something?
Hugs,
Leeza
hi, I had an implant put in immediately after my mastectomy, Now after chemo's done will probably have 6 wk's of radiation. My PS said it may harden! I had cancer in 1-2 lymph nodes and I don't think they were expecting that. Has anyone went through radiation with a silicone implant? Renee0
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