Starting radiation

taraHK
taraHK Member Posts: 1,952 Member
in Colorectal Cancer #1

I will be starting radiation for my shoulder (right) and neck (c1-c6) -- do reduce pain. I've been having quite acute pain in my shoulder, shooting down arm - but it's inconsistent (usually just at night). I also have hip pain bu not doing anything about that now -- it's not too bad and also that area has been radiated before, so more complicated...

I go to hospital Tuesday for 'planning' (measuring, etc). Not sure when treatment will start, but it will be 5 days in a row -- hopefully 6-10 May  -- that's it.

I'm thankful this is getting arranged so quickly. I'm thankful the hospital is so close to my house. I'm thankful I'm already on sick leave from work so I have less appointments to cancel....How else can we get through other than counting our blessings....I sure don't know...

Comments

  • maglets
    maglets Member Posts: 2,576 Member
    #2
    Tara

    Bless you Tara.....what a wonderful spirit you have....just reading your post this morning calms me....scanxiety  off the map here.

    thank you Tara.....hope that mapping goes smoothly......mags

  • PhillieG
    PhillieG Member Posts: 4,866 Member
    #3
    I just completed a radiation

    I just completed a radiation treatment called IGRT for a lymph node above my lungs (possibly the remaining Spot O' Cancer inside me). It was 3 treatments over last week, M-W-F, and the actual treatment was roughly 10 minutes long but the time I was being scanned was 45 minutes the first dose, 30 for the second and third doses. They even played music of my choice during treatments.

    You said that you've had this done before Tara but I'm going to explain how my process went for others who may have this option.

    The prep wasn't bad at all but you have to remain very still for about 1 1/2 hours while they make an upper body form using something similar to that insulation that is in the spray can that's mixed then put into a large plastic bag which you lay back on, then it hardens. I had to keep my arms raised so they could target the tumor. Since yours is in your shoulder it may be different.

    They'll also likely give you 6 or so small dot tattoos (2 on the chest then 2 on each side of your torso) which they use to align lasers that make sure you're in the correct location For the treatment.

    All that bothered me was that my arms went numb and some soreness in my chest due to stretching everything which hadn't been stretched out much before.

    I hope that everything goes well for you and that you get relief from the pain Tara. As miserable as cancer is, I'm thankful that there's the technology that can target areas which makes it a bit easier. Sounds like you are too...

    -phil

  • Chelsea71
    Chelsea71 Member Posts: 1,169 Member
    #4
    PhillieG said:

    I just completed a radiation

    I just completed a radiation treatment called IGRT for a lymph node above my lungs (possibly the remaining Spot O' Cancer inside me). It was 3 treatments over last week, M-W-F, and the actual treatment was roughly 10 minutes long but the time I was being scanned was 45 minutes the first dose, 30 for the second and third doses. They even played music of my choice during treatments.

    You said that you've had this done before Tara but I'm going to explain how my process went for others who may have this option.

    The prep wasn't bad at all but you have to remain very still for about 1 1/2 hours while they make an upper body form using something similar to that insulation that is in the spray can that's mixed then put into a large plastic bag which you lay back on, then it hardens. I had to keep my arms raised so they could target the tumor. Since yours is in your shoulder it may be different.

    They'll also likely give you 6 or so small dot tattoos (2 on the chest then 2 on each side of your torso) which they use to align lasers that make sure you're in the correct location For the treatment.

    All that bothered me was that my arms went numb and some soreness in my chest due to stretching everything which hadn't been stretched out much before.

    I hope that everything goes well for you and that you get relief from the pain Tara. As miserable as cancer is, I'm thankful that there's the technology that can target areas which makes it a bit easier. Sounds like you are too...

    -phil

    Hi Phil
    Are you still on the
    Hi Phil

    Are you still on the Erbitux and Irenocan throughout this new treatment? Hoping you're on a break.

    Chelsea
  • Chelsea71
    Chelsea71 Member Posts: 1,169 Member
    #5
    Good luck with the radiation,
    Good luck with the radiation, Tara. Your attitude is remarkable. You're an inspiration to us all.

    Chelsea
  • PhillieG
    PhillieG Member Posts: 4,866 Member
    #6
    Chelsea71 said:

    Hi Phil
    Are you still on the
    Hi Phil

    Are you still on the Erbitux and Irenocan throughout this new treatment? Hoping you're on a break.

    Chelsea

    Chelsea

    I've been off the treatment for a few weeks. I meet with my Onc on May 8th to talk about what's next. I tend to deal with things one step at a time and not to project what may or may not happen. My goal is still to get off chemo and to not have any cancer in me and the radiation was part of that.

  • devotion10
    devotion10 Member Posts: 623 Member
    #7
    Yes, do count those blessings.

    At ten years plus out from your diagnosis you have had a great deal of them and it is my hope for you that they continue. I always heard people speak of treating cancer as just a chronic condition … your experience exemplifies that.  You continue to utilize your options and you continue to live life fully.  Yes, count those blessings, get that radiation done, and plan another great vacation in the future.  You know how to hang tough.  Best to you Tara. -- Cynthia

  • annalexandria
    annalexandria Member Posts: 2,571 Member
    #8
    Good luck, Tara-

    I hope you get a ton of pain relief from this.  You always sound so upbeat, despite everything you've gone through.  I really admire that.  Keep us posted on how it goes~AA

  • Annabelle41415
    Annabelle41415 Member Posts: 6,742 Member
    #9
    Treatment

    Wishing you the best possible outcome that this new treatment will do for you.  You have been through a great deal and just hoping that this does the job.  Hope you get some relief from the pain as well.

    Kim

  • lesvanb
    lesvanb Member Posts: 905
    #10
    Blessings to you Tara

    May the radiation bring you relief!

     

    For your reading pleasure:

    by Mark Nepo

    http://threeintentions.com/2013/04/28/getting-closer/

     

    Leslie

  • AnnLouise
    AnnLouise Member Posts: 276 Member
    #11
    PhillieG said:

    I just completed a radiation

    I just completed a radiation treatment called IGRT for a lymph node above my lungs (possibly the remaining Spot O' Cancer inside me). It was 3 treatments over last week, M-W-F, and the actual treatment was roughly 10 minutes long but the time I was being scanned was 45 minutes the first dose, 30 for the second and third doses. They even played music of my choice during treatments.

    You said that you've had this done before Tara but I'm going to explain how my process went for others who may have this option.

    The prep wasn't bad at all but you have to remain very still for about 1 1/2 hours while they make an upper body form using something similar to that insulation that is in the spray can that's mixed then put into a large plastic bag which you lay back on, then it hardens. I had to keep my arms raised so they could target the tumor. Since yours is in your shoulder it may be different.

    They'll also likely give you 6 or so small dot tattoos (2 on the chest then 2 on each side of your torso) which they use to align lasers that make sure you're in the correct location For the treatment.

    All that bothered me was that my arms went numb and some soreness in my chest due to stretching everything which hadn't been stretched out much before.

    I hope that everything goes well for you and that you get relief from the pain Tara. As miserable as cancer is, I'm thankful that there's the technology that can target areas which makes it a bit easier. Sounds like you are too...

    -phil

    Similar experience....

    Phil explained it so well that I don't have much to add....had SBRT on lung and abdominal wall. Very similar experience to that of Phil...lung was MWFMW and abdominal wall was MWF. Best of luck to you on Tues. and I hope your treatments happen quickly...~ Ann

  • Moesimo
    Moesimo Member Posts: 1,072 Member
    #12
    Sending hugs to you!!!!!

    Tara,

    You are amazing!!! I wish you all the best as you begin your treatments. You are an amazing woman. I hope that you will find relief soon. I am sending hugs and prayers. Hang in there. You are an inspiration to all. 

    Love,  Maureen

  • taraHK
    taraHK Member Posts: 1,952 Member
    #13
    lesvanb said:

    Blessings to you Tara

    May the radiation bring you relief!

     

    For your reading pleasure:

    by Mark Nepo

    http://threeintentions.com/2013/04/28/getting-closer/

     

    Leslie

    Thank you

    Leslie -- thank you. This is a beautiful poem (brought a couple of tears to my eyes!). I haven't read his books but will look out for them...

     

    Tara

  • Sonia32
    Sonia32 Member Posts: 1,071 Member
    #14
    Send you..

    love and hugs from across the pond...you are and always have been one tough cookie

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