The Radiation Room

1235789

Comments

  • grams2jc
    grams2jc Member Posts: 756
    #82
    Strike up the band!!!
    Another week begins as we take our "greasy" chests out to play!

    Wishing the month of June away for all of us,

    Jennifer
  • butterflylvr
    butterflylvr Member Posts: 944
    #83
    grams2jc said:

    Strike up the band!!!
    Another week begins as we take our "greasy" chests out to play!

    Wishing the month of June away for all of us,

    Jennifer

    I have a busy day ahead of
    I have a busy day ahead of me today. My rads appointment is at 10:45 and will meet with the doctor afterwards. I then need to b-line it back to work and drop my car off for an oil change just up the road. After work I am heading back up to the hospital/clinic to check on a friend whom is having bi-lateral nipple sparing surgery today. She was DX'd about a month ago. I wish all my rad buddies a safe tan today and keep my friend Mary in your prayers today.

    Hugs,
    Lorrie
  • BMS
    BMS Member Posts: 127
    #84
    butterflylvr said:

    I have a busy day ahead of
    I have a busy day ahead of me today. My rads appointment is at 10:45 and will meet with the doctor afterwards. I then need to b-line it back to work and drop my car off for an oil change just up the road. After work I am heading back up to the hospital/clinic to check on a friend whom is having bi-lateral nipple sparing surgery today. She was DX'd about a month ago. I wish all my rad buddies a safe tan today and keep my friend Mary in your prayers today.

    Hugs,
    Lorrie

    Hugs
    So sorry to hear about your friend, Lorrie. Sending {{hugs}}.

    I am in my last week of rads. Never thought I would say that. I will be finished on Friday, the same day as my son's 6th grade graduation, so we'll be celebrating on Friday night. I finally feel like I am returning to whatever my normal is! I even went out with a friend on Saturday night for a concert. Yay!

    I have had a minor burn from the regular rads. It blistered just a bit and pealed, but is now healing. No pain, just itchy. Still haven't used the aquaphor samples the nurse gave me.

    Hope everyone has a great day!
    Bonnie
  • TKMomma
    TKMomma Member Posts: 54
    #85
    Boosters
    Interesting reading ladies. I'm down to 11. 8 boosters start next week. Can anyone tell me if the boosters make you feel any different from the other treatments. I guess I'm really asking about the fatigue. Do you notice if it gets worse or pretty much equivalent. That is my biggest complaint - fatigue and no interest in doing much or socializing.
  • BMS
    BMS Member Posts: 127
    #86
    TKMomma said:

    Boosters
    Interesting reading ladies. I'm down to 11. 8 boosters start next week. Can anyone tell me if the boosters make you feel any different from the other treatments. I guess I'm really asking about the fatigue. Do you notice if it gets worse or pretty much equivalent. That is my biggest complaint - fatigue and no interest in doing much or socializing.

    Nothing different for me
    Hey, TKMomma...I have had 3 of my 8 boosters and feel nothing different at all. I get one long (about 25 seconds) zap and I am done. No pink, no fatigue...nothing. I know everyone is different, but I had no fatigue during the regular rads either. Hope yours goes just as easy as mine has!

    Bonnie
  • TKMomma
    TKMomma Member Posts: 54
    #87
    BMS said:

    Nothing different for me
    Hey, TKMomma...I have had 3 of my 8 boosters and feel nothing different at all. I get one long (about 25 seconds) zap and I am done. No pink, no fatigue...nothing. I know everyone is different, but I had no fatigue during the regular rads either. Hope yours goes just as easy as mine has!

    Bonnie

    Nothing different for me
    Good for you Bonnie. I can't stand this fatigue. I just want to lay down and sleep.
  • TKMomma
    TKMomma Member Posts: 54
    #88
    BMS said:

    Nothing different for me
    Hey, TKMomma...I have had 3 of my 8 boosters and feel nothing different at all. I get one long (about 25 seconds) zap and I am done. No pink, no fatigue...nothing. I know everyone is different, but I had no fatigue during the regular rads either. Hope yours goes just as easy as mine has!

    Bonnie

    mistake

    i
  • sinee
    sinee Member Posts: 196 Member
    #89
    wndringmnd said:

    side effect of rads
    does anyone ever feel sick to their stomache while receiving radiation treatments? it's only been a few times that it has happened but that is enough for me to ask.
    thanks
    Marilyn

    Marilyn, reg. side effects
    Hi Maryiln, I actually had my 5th rads today and felt nausea's on the way home...only time so far, but they also did take xray's too. So I was wondering if that made a difference? It didn't last to long, and by the time I was home, 45 minute ride I was better. I was looking around for an upchuck bag in my car as I was driving though...lol...I also had no, and I mean NO energy today...hope tomorrow is better. Did get my Miaderm delivery so I put the cream on right away, and noticed some redness also. Take care, hope it did't last to long for you. Cindy
  • sinee
    sinee Member Posts: 196 Member
    #90
    butterflylvr said:

    I have a busy day ahead of
    I have a busy day ahead of me today. My rads appointment is at 10:45 and will meet with the doctor afterwards. I then need to b-line it back to work and drop my car off for an oil change just up the road. After work I am heading back up to the hospital/clinic to check on a friend whom is having bi-lateral nipple sparing surgery today. She was DX'd about a month ago. I wish all my rad buddies a safe tan today and keep my friend Mary in your prayers today.

    Hugs,
    Lorrie

    Hoping for the best outcome
    Lorrie, Hoping for the best possible outcome for your friend. {{{husgs}}}} to you both. My day was easy today and pleasant, my daughter met me at the hospital and we went for coffee and I enjoyed seeing her photo's from her trip to Germany and Italy. Such fun for her and her new husband too. Felt a bit sick on the way home today, and had no energy when I got home...my day for tomorrow sounds like your day today Lorrie, also busy with oil change and glad it wasn't today. Trying the Miaderm cream, has anyone else used it? smells good and absorbs great, so I am hoping it is effective and can prevent redness or burning....love to you all, so far so good. Oh and the dance recital was wonderful~totally enjoyed myself~and my grand daughter, not quite 2 years old, danced in the aisle for almost 2 hours, this little apple didn't fall far from the tree...she tried so hard to copy everyone that was on stage. Oh what a treat!!! Sinee
  • mamolady
    mamolady Member Posts: 796 Member
    #91
    TKMomma said:

    Nothing different for me
    Good for you Bonnie. I can't stand this fatigue. I just want to lay down and sleep.

    More not always better
    I have been moisturizing like crazy. When ever my chest gets irritated or uncomfortable I add more lotion.
    I got told today to only use a thin layer of aloe and lotion. I my skin is irritated use hydro-cortisone instead. The extra lotion and aloe is making flakes on my skin. It is not my skin flaking.
    I just thought I would share.

    18 down, 12 to go!
  • renee616
    renee616 Member Posts: 181
    #92
    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 am grumpy already and have
    I am grumpy already and have only just been marked to start monday!
  • renee616
    renee616 Member Posts: 181
    #93
    mamolady said:

    More not always better
    I have been moisturizing like crazy. When ever my chest gets irritated or uncomfortable I add more lotion.
    I got told today to only use a thin layer of aloe and lotion. I my skin is irritated use hydro-cortisone instead. The extra lotion and aloe is making flakes on my skin. It is not my skin flaking.
    I just thought I would share.

    18 down, 12 to go!

    radiation/implant
    Has anyone on here went through radiation after having an implant? I had a silicone implant immediately after my mastectomy and start rads monday. My plastic surgeon says theres the possibility of hardening....I guess everyone wasn't planning on my pea sized tumor causing so much trouble when we decided on immediate implant or wouldv'e waited...
    Renee H
  • butterflylvr
    butterflylvr Member Posts: 944
    #94
    renee616 said:

    radiation/implant
    Has anyone on here went through radiation after having an implant? I had a silicone implant immediately after my mastectomy and start rads monday. My plastic surgeon says theres the possibility of hardening....I guess everyone wasn't planning on my pea sized tumor causing so much trouble when we decided on immediate implant or wouldv'e waited...
    Renee H

    Renee, I currently have tissue expanders in place. They aren't implants but the next closest thing. My treatments consist of 3 fields they zap. For the first field the laser is directly above my chest. Second field the laser head rotates to my right side and angles towards my left arm (zaps left breast and lymph nodes). When they do this they apply a "fake skin" layer over my breast area. I asked about this and they said that the laser beam doesn't know what's real skin, so when they apply this fake skin the depth of the laser is shortened. My final field the laser rotates to my left side and zaps my left underarm torso and breast area, again this fake skin is applied.

    This skin is a piece of material I'd say about 12x12 and fits perfectly over my entire left fake boob. I guess it's a little trickier with implants only because they have to be more careful of rupture. My expanders are inflated with saline.. but they too can rupture but if they do I won't have saline oozing out. I am sure you will probably have a similar set up. Keep us posted on how you do Monday.

    Hugs,
    Lorrie
  • wndringmnd
    wndringmnd Member Posts: 44
    #95
    butterflylvr said:

    Renee, I currently have tissue expanders in place. They aren't implants but the next closest thing. My treatments consist of 3 fields they zap. For the first field the laser is directly above my chest. Second field the laser head rotates to my right side and angles towards my left arm (zaps left breast and lymph nodes). When they do this they apply a "fake skin" layer over my breast area. I asked about this and they said that the laser beam doesn't know what's real skin, so when they apply this fake skin the depth of the laser is shortened. My final field the laser rotates to my left side and zaps my left underarm torso and breast area, again this fake skin is applied.

    This skin is a piece of material I'd say about 12x12 and fits perfectly over my entire left fake boob. I guess it's a little trickier with implants only because they have to be more careful of rupture. My expanders are inflated with saline.. but they too can rupture but if they do I won't have saline oozing out. I am sure you will probably have a similar set up. Keep us posted on how you do Monday.

    Hugs,
    Lorrie

    Lorrie
    Hey Lorrie

    Does it hurt to get "zapped"? How long does the procedure take? Do the techs come in to adjust te machine for each area? Thanks in advance for any info.

    Marilyn
  • grams2jc
    grams2jc Member Posts: 756
    #96
    wndringmnd said:

    Lorrie
    Hey Lorrie

    Does it hurt to get "zapped"? How long does the procedure take? Do the techs come in to adjust te machine for each area? Thanks in advance for any info.

    Marilyn

    Getting zapped
    Hi Marilyn,

    I never feel a thing while getting zapped, and yes the techs are running in and out (at least where I go) to add the fake skin, make sure everything is still lined up, etc., etc. They work pretty hard running around, maybe that's why they are all skinny. I just lay there trying to be quiet and good.

    Yesterday they told me they will need me longer right before I start boosts next Friday in order to do some drawings on my skin, wonder if it will be a cute bunny or anything?

    Jennifer
  • butterflylvr
    butterflylvr Member Posts: 944
    #97
    grams2jc said:

    Getting zapped
    Hi Marilyn,

    I never feel a thing while getting zapped, and yes the techs are running in and out (at least where I go) to add the fake skin, make sure everything is still lined up, etc., etc. They work pretty hard running around, maybe that's why they are all skinny. I just lay there trying to be quiet and good.

    Yesterday they told me they will need me longer right before I start boosts next Friday in order to do some drawings on my skin, wonder if it will be a cute bunny or anything?

    Jennifer

    Marilyn,
    Like Jennifer stated, you don't feel anything. It takes approximately 10-15 seconds in the hot spot areas, some zaps are only a matter of a few seconds. It really doesn't feel like anything is happening, but over the weeks you see the redness start to form. You will do fine my dear just keep using the creams or gels they give you. I apply my aloe gel they gave me three times a day, morning after shower, after my treatment and at night.

    My rad techs are be-bopping in and out of the room all the time too. The laser is programmed via a computer just outside the radiation room. When I give my last name and birthdate, I can see my chest x-ray on the computer screen. Kinda cool looking at those tissue expanders.

    Jennifer I have a longer appointment on Wednesday of next week for my extra markings for my boosters. I'm gonna ask for a butterfly and see if they will give it to me.. LOL

    Treatment 21 today and I'm feeling the burn under my boob area. Nothing that isn't tolerable, and I am noticing I am starting to feel a slight itch.. Nothing requiring mediation yet but I have 12 more treatments.

    I got my flip flops on today.. I'm ready for some sun.

    Happy Rad day ladies...
    Lorrie
  • renee616
    renee616 Member Posts: 181
    #98
    butterflylvr said:

    Marilyn,
    Like Jennifer stated, you don't feel anything. It takes approximately 10-15 seconds in the hot spot areas, some zaps are only a matter of a few seconds. It really doesn't feel like anything is happening, but over the weeks you see the redness start to form. You will do fine my dear just keep using the creams or gels they give you. I apply my aloe gel they gave me three times a day, morning after shower, after my treatment and at night.

    My rad techs are be-bopping in and out of the room all the time too. The laser is programmed via a computer just outside the radiation room. When I give my last name and birthdate, I can see my chest x-ray on the computer screen. Kinda cool looking at those tissue expanders.

    Jennifer I have a longer appointment on Wednesday of next week for my extra markings for my boosters. I'm gonna ask for a butterfly and see if they will give it to me.. LOL

    Treatment 21 today and I'm feeling the burn under my boob area. Nothing that isn't tolerable, and I am noticing I am starting to feel a slight itch.. Nothing requiring mediation yet but I have 12 more treatments.

    I got my flip flops on today.. I'm ready for some sun.

    Happy Rad day ladies...
    Lorrie

    Thanks for all the info
    Thanks for all the info Lorrie! Worst case Re: The fake boob....I'll get it redone! I'm a little claustrophobic and panic a little at having to stay in one spot so I'm glad it doesn't take long.
  • BMS
    BMS Member Posts: 127
    #99
    renee616 said:

    Thanks for all the info
    Thanks for all the info Lorrie! Worst case Re: The fake boob....I'll get it redone! I'm a little claustrophobic and panic a little at having to stay in one spot so I'm glad it doesn't take long.

    You won't feel a thing!
    Renee...the rads have been the easiest part of this journey. I have 3 left! I did not have a mastectomy, so I can't comment on anything with implants, but the rads went quickly each day and even the boosters have been easy. Barely any burning.

    Yesterday I met with the RO who said that after Friday (the last treatments) I won't see her for 3 months, and that she will give me the order for my next mammogram.

    You'll do fine!

    Bonnie
  • Kylez
    Kylez Member Posts: 3,761 Member
    #100
    grams2jc said:

    Getting zapped
    Hi Marilyn,

    I never feel a thing while getting zapped, and yes the techs are running in and out (at least where I go) to add the fake skin, make sure everything is still lined up, etc., etc. They work pretty hard running around, maybe that's why they are all skinny. I just lay there trying to be quiet and good.

    Yesterday they told me they will need me longer right before I start boosts next Friday in order to do some drawings on my skin, wonder if it will be a cute bunny or anything?

    Jennifer

    You don't feel anything with
    You don't feel anything with rads Renee. It all happens so fast that it takes longer to undress than the actual treatment. Good luck!
  • Corinna11
    Corinna11 Member Posts: 75
    #101
    TraciInLA said:

    Jennifer,
    Just wanted to say how familiar your experience is to me....I did radiation in November and December of 2009, and also had the 3:30 appointment after work. So I, too, wasn't always in the cheeriest of moods by the time I got there, but also could just go home and crash afterwards.

    And I also got reprimanded for talking too much...and told how inconvenient I was because I was having both breasts radiated...and, at Christmas, when I brought them cookies I baked, one of the techs stood in the waiting area where my girlfriend was waiting for me and talked about how his mother's cookies were better than mine! I mean -- I'm glad you appreciate your mama's cooking and all, but can't you wait until the Cancer Patient Who Baked You Cookies LEAVES before critiquing them!

    I totally should have put laxative or something in those cookies....

    :-) Traci

    LOL!!
    I'm starting radiation
    LOL!!
    I'm starting radiation after my ONCOtype comes back. I'm totally going to remember the cookies and laxatives "treat" for the techs... I'm warning them now....they better be nice!!

Discussion Boards