Starting 36 Rads on Monday 7/2

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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-

survivorbc09 said:

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 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!