First radiation treatment today
Comments
-
MimiKristin N said:Mimi
I hope your first treatment went well for you. Right now, you will find it is just an imposition. How many do you have to take? My radiation oncologist said don't even try to wear a bra, even though, I am a lil big. So, I didn't and I am not. If you need something, you can find some cute lil camisole's to buy to wear under your clothes if you want to. Or, just go without a bra like I am. After awhile you won't want anything touching that area. So, at home, I wear my husband's big tshirts. And, make sure it isn't something nice because some of the creme's you put on along with any marking they do on you will ruin it. And, before you put anything on that area...ask your radiation oncologist. He sees me once a week to check my skin and to see if I have any questions. I love him! So good luck!
I hope it all went well. I can barely remember mine even though it was less than a year ago. Good luck Jxxxxxxxx0 -
Same thing happened to my husband...Aortus said:I'm such a loving husband
Yeah, I'm such a wonderful husband that I have very supportively eaten like a hog the last five months - to encourage Moopy to keep her weight up. Between April 2006 and June 2008 I lost 50 lbs. But now they're all back. And Moopy looks as svelte as ever.
That said, Mimi, I wish you the very best with the radiation. As Jackie says, you have been an inspiration to us all, and you are once more blazing the way for the Spring 2009 class, this time with rads.
Joe
While I was undergoing chemo, he put on about 30 pounds! Exact opposite happened to me...
Kind regards, Susan0 -
No underwire bras!outdoorgirl said:Did your doctor tell you anything about wireless bras?
mimi,
Has your doctor or anyone told you about wearing only wireless bras while you're going through rads? Mine did because the less irritation on what's going to be sensitive skin,the better. Hey,I saw it as justification for going lingerie shopping!!
Rads will be a walk in the park compared to chemo,but will make you tired.
Love,Patty
Prior to BC, I had been an underwire wearer my entire adult life. Actually, it was my surgeon who told me no more underwire bras, ever. Reason: the underwire may increase the risk for lymphedema.
Kind regards, Susan0 -
Hi, Mimi! How did it go?
I'm so late getting here today, I'm sure you're done with your 1st rad treatment already.
How did it go?
My guess would be that this first appointment may have included final instructions, time for Q&A, etc. ...
Glad to know you're doing so well. Not just surviving, but thriving!
Kind regards, Susan0 -
MimiChristmas Girl said:Hi, Mimi! How did it go?
I'm so late getting here today, I'm sure you're done with your 1st rad treatment already.
How did it go?
My guess would be that this first appointment may have included final instructions, time for Q&A, etc. ...
Glad to know you're doing so well. Not just surviving, but thriving!
Kind regards, Susan
How did your first rad treatment go? I am going to assume ok..lol We all were thinking of you and leaving you good tips and advice. I hope they helped!0 -
Hi Mimi, I didn't opt for
Hi Mimi, I didn't opt for rads so I can't help you out but I just wanted to say I hope it goes without a hitch and I'm so glad to hear you sound so cheerful and getting back out in the world. When one of us feels better we all do to some degree. Best to you.
jan0 -
Dear Mimi,
I hope everything
Dear Mimi,
I hope everything went well for your first rad. I'm sure you will breeze through this part. Just pay attention to your body. I wore big tee shirts, no bra, and elastic waist pants. That way I didn't have to get undressed and it wasn't as cold.
Love and Gentle Hugs,
Donna
p.s. I am so jealous of all you "techies" that are adding such cute things to your postings!
I love it!!!0 -
Day 2
Hope day 1 was a breeze and today is the easiest ever. I slathered lotion that the radiation center handed out like candy. It's already been mentioned Aquaphor. I kept some in my desk, some in the bathroom, some in my car... Glad life is feeling more normal. Have you started your garden? Lynn0 -
MIMI????lynn1950 said:Day 2
Hope day 1 was a breeze and today is the easiest ever. I slathered lotion that the radiation center handed out like candy. It's already been mentioned Aquaphor. I kept some in my desk, some in the bathroom, some in my car... Glad life is feeling more normal. Have you started your garden? Lynn
How are you doing with your radiation treatments?
0 -
Radiation treatments
Well, I had my second one this morning. So far, I haven't been putting any lotions on and I still wear my bra. I am a little concerned about the techs. They often seem confused and have twice made mistakes that I, the no-nothing patient, caught. First, they initially used the wrong planning set-up (I have two set-ups: one for normal breathing and another for holding my breath) and today one of the techs told me to exhale while the radiation beam was still one. I am supposed to hold my breath the entire time so that the beam does not get my heart or lungs. I am concerned that they radiated the crap out of my organs today. What do to??
Mimi0 -
Concerningmimivac said:Radiation treatments
Well, I had my second one this morning. So far, I haven't been putting any lotions on and I still wear my bra. I am a little concerned about the techs. They often seem confused and have twice made mistakes that I, the no-nothing patient, caught. First, they initially used the wrong planning set-up (I have two set-ups: one for normal breathing and another for holding my breath) and today one of the techs told me to exhale while the radiation beam was still one. I am supposed to hold my breath the entire time so that the beam does not get my heart or lungs. I am concerned that they radiated the crap out of my organs today. What do to??
Mimi
Hi Mimi,
I would call the office and tell them you want to speak to the doctor regarding what occurred today for your own peace of mind. You need to know that your techs are knowledgeable and doing what is best for you. If you have a tech you are concerned about I would be sure you are either reassured no harm was done and/or have that tech removed from your team. I am not sure if the problems you are having are all from one tech or not but this sounds un-nerving. As a cancer patient I have learned I must speak up kindly yet firmly for my own well being. Please call your doctor and express your concerns.
Hugs,
RE0 -
I agree with RE. Talk to themimivac said:Radiation treatments
Well, I had my second one this morning. So far, I haven't been putting any lotions on and I still wear my bra. I am a little concerned about the techs. They often seem confused and have twice made mistakes that I, the no-nothing patient, caught. First, they initially used the wrong planning set-up (I have two set-ups: one for normal breathing and another for holding my breath) and today one of the techs told me to exhale while the radiation beam was still one. I am supposed to hold my breath the entire time so that the beam does not get my heart or lungs. I am concerned that they radiated the crap out of my organs today. What do to??
Mimi
I agree with RE. Talk to the doctor. I thought about this a long time before I posted and by the time I got here RE said it all. When I went through radiation, I noticed a change in techs often. Don't know if they were training or what. For me I finally got a new tech that said I should see the doctor. You're paying for the doctor's experience. Voice your concerns.0 -
Hey, Mimi...Marcia527 said:I agree with RE. Talk to the
I agree with RE. Talk to the doctor. I thought about this a long time before I posted and by the time I got here RE said it all. When I went through radiation, I noticed a change in techs often. Don't know if they were training or what. For me I finally got a new tech that said I should see the doctor. You're paying for the doctor's experience. Voice your concerns.
So sorry to learn that your rads, so far, have been disconcerting. I'll just chime right in with the others here... And strongly suggest you speak directly with your rad onc, as soon as possible. Your doctor, not the head rad tech. Go straight to your doctor.
However, since your appointments are in the morning and maybe that means you can't reach your rad onc before tomorrow's treatment... maybe when you register, tell that person you need to speak to "someone in charge" prior to your actual treatment. Like RE said, we always need to be our own best advocate, always on our toes. Just be honest.
Best wishes to you, Mimi. I'll be hoping tomorrow turns out better for you.
Kind regards, Susan0 -
Mimi, I agree with Re and everyone here. I would speak directly with your radiation oncologist. I would ask that the treatments be reviewed and also that any needed re-testing be done to confirm that you were not in any way harmed. That will give you peace of mind. You should not have to worry any more than you already have.mimivac said:Radiation treatments
Well, I had my second one this morning. So far, I haven't been putting any lotions on and I still wear my bra. I am a little concerned about the techs. They often seem confused and have twice made mistakes that I, the no-nothing patient, caught. First, they initially used the wrong planning set-up (I have two set-ups: one for normal breathing and another for holding my breath) and today one of the techs told me to exhale while the radiation beam was still one. I am supposed to hold my breath the entire time so that the beam does not get my heart or lungs. I am concerned that they radiated the crap out of my organs today. What do to??
Mimi
I am sorry for this unexpected and unacceptable confusion with your treatment. It must be so frustrating after the extensive pre-treatment planning sessions you went through. Chemo is supposed to be the scary part.0 -
Oh Mimi, absolutely. I echomimivac said:Radiation treatments
Well, I had my second one this morning. So far, I haven't been putting any lotions on and I still wear my bra. I am a little concerned about the techs. They often seem confused and have twice made mistakes that I, the no-nothing patient, caught. First, they initially used the wrong planning set-up (I have two set-ups: one for normal breathing and another for holding my breath) and today one of the techs told me to exhale while the radiation beam was still one. I am supposed to hold my breath the entire time so that the beam does not get my heart or lungs. I am concerned that they radiated the crap out of my organs today. What do to??
Mimi
Oh Mimi, absolutely. I echo all the others here. The damage radiation can cause is serious.
Don't let them touch you until you are confident they know what they're doing. So you go a day without rads in order to speak to the rad onc, better that then the damage they can cause.
Good luck to you and please keep us posted.
jan0 -
Mimimimivac said:Radiation treatments
Well, I had my second one this morning. So far, I haven't been putting any lotions on and I still wear my bra. I am a little concerned about the techs. They often seem confused and have twice made mistakes that I, the no-nothing patient, caught. First, they initially used the wrong planning set-up (I have two set-ups: one for normal breathing and another for holding my breath) and today one of the techs told me to exhale while the radiation beam was still one. I am supposed to hold my breath the entire time so that the beam does not get my heart or lungs. I am concerned that they radiated the crap out of my organs today. What do to??
Mimi
You need to talk to your radiation oncologist before you have another treatment. And, why are you holding your breath? I have never heard of that. The treatments anymore give the radiation concave, not directly thru you. This is no place to make mistakes..radiation is very serious. It is like having a nuclear explosion in your breast and breast area. And, you have two set-ups? I haven't heard of that either. Anyway...just talk to your radiation oncologist...express your concern and problem This is very serious Mimi.
p.s. and it was probably about my 4th week before i noticed symptons, but, just keep an eye on your skin. and, you really shouldn't be wearing a bra. you don't want anything rubbing against the area they are giving radiation too. i am surprised they haven't told you that.0 -
TreatmentsJeanne D said:Mimi
You need to talk to your radiation oncologist before you have another treatment. And, why are you holding your breath? I have never heard of that. The treatments anymore give the radiation concave, not directly thru you. This is no place to make mistakes..radiation is very serious. It is like having a nuclear explosion in your breast and breast area. And, you have two set-ups? I haven't heard of that either. Anyway...just talk to your radiation oncologist...express your concern and problem This is very serious Mimi.
p.s. and it was probably about my 4th week before i noticed symptons, but, just keep an eye on your skin. and, you really shouldn't be wearing a bra. you don't want anything rubbing against the area they are giving radiation too. i am surprised they haven't told you that.
Thanks for all the replys. I am speaking to my rad. onc. tomorrow. I will stop wearing my bra as of today. I guess I am just tired of all the "special care" required and just want to get back to normal. Not very smart of me. I am holding my breath because the medial physicist thinks it creates better distance between my chest wall and heart. They set me up both ways in case I become unable to comply sometime during my treatment. I will voice my concerns to the doctor tomorrow.
Mimi0 -
I wore my bra the wholeJeanne D said:Mimi
You need to talk to your radiation oncologist before you have another treatment. And, why are you holding your breath? I have never heard of that. The treatments anymore give the radiation concave, not directly thru you. This is no place to make mistakes..radiation is very serious. It is like having a nuclear explosion in your breast and breast area. And, you have two set-ups? I haven't heard of that either. Anyway...just talk to your radiation oncologist...express your concern and problem This is very serious Mimi.
p.s. and it was probably about my 4th week before i noticed symptons, but, just keep an eye on your skin. and, you really shouldn't be wearing a bra. you don't want anything rubbing against the area they are giving radiation too. i am surprised they haven't told you that.
I wore my bra the whole time. Maybe the difference is if you have had a lumpectomy vs mastectomy. It was a soft cotton with no underwire or boning. It was a little irritating at the end and a week or two after but not impossible to wear. I started using the gel and creams from day one. I learned from my pelvic radiation not to wait for signs of redness. Maybe that is why I had minimal discomfort. My armpit was worse than my breast. Go figure. One would think that the breasts and nipple would be the worst. They got red and they did peel, as did my pit. In fact, one day about 3 weeks after I was changing my bra and I thought what is all this brown flaky stuff in the bra. Then I realized it was the peeling skin. It was like brown snow flakes for days and days. I am still brown under my armpit and around the aerola.
Concerning the techs. Definitely talk to radiation doctor. I had different tech each time but they were all good and did the set up right each time. I heard them saying the numbers etc. each time and I watched where the machine was being placed. The only problem I had was the 1st treatment after I was set up, the program crashed. They asked if I could just stay in position while they rebooted. Told me if I did need to move just to do it and they would re-position me. It took a little while to reboot about as long as the simulation so I was fine. I understand why you had two setups but wouldn't they have discarded the one you aren't using to avoid that very problem or are they going to use it later.
I think like all treatments they are done a little differently at each place. I did not have a form made to lay in, just the table and a thing my head rested in. My arm was positioned over my head, holding a bar and then the treatment. The room was cold so after I was positioned they would put a towel on my breast. When I did pelvic, I was never told not to empty my bladder before treatment but many woman have said they were. I didn't have to have a cath for the simulation or use an enema. My high doses were done once a day for three days. Some do once a week. So there is a lot of variants to treatment, just like chemo. But there should never be screw ups and that is what you need to discuss now when treatment is just starting. The effects are commulative so now is the time to make sure it is done right every time. And start using the creams now, every day right after treatment.
Just my two cents. Well, this was long so maybe two dimes.
Stef0 -
Slather that skinmimivac said:Treatments
Thanks for all the replys. I am speaking to my rad. onc. tomorrow. I will stop wearing my bra as of today. I guess I am just tired of all the "special care" required and just want to get back to normal. Not very smart of me. I am holding my breath because the medial physicist thinks it creates better distance between my chest wall and heart. They set me up both ways in case I become unable to comply sometime during my treatment. I will voice my concerns to the doctor tomorrow.
Mimi
I'm a great believer in magic and even though your skin seems fine, I say slather, slather, slather. It gave me a great sense of power, since it was something I could do that was good for me and easy (and I also used the extra to moisturize my hands).
Since I am a bra burner from way back, not having to wear a bra has always been a perk of this whole BC thing.
Glad you're talking to your rad.onc. I was always concerned about heart/lung damage, too.
Lynn0 -
Let us know Mimi when youmimivac said:Treatments
Thanks for all the replys. I am speaking to my rad. onc. tomorrow. I will stop wearing my bra as of today. I guess I am just tired of all the "special care" required and just want to get back to normal. Not very smart of me. I am holding my breath because the medial physicist thinks it creates better distance between my chest wall and heart. They set me up both ways in case I become unable to comply sometime during my treatment. I will voice my concerns to the doctor tomorrow.
Mimi
Let us know Mimi when you talk to your radiation oncologist as to what he says. I have the same tech's all of the time at the Cancer Center and they always align me by calculations that had been programmed into computers from my first initial set-up. Every time I have radiation, they keep looking at these monitors to be sure that the caluculations are perfect. And, the screen has my pic, name and number to double verify it is my set-up. I never move, but, sometimes the calculation might be off just a hair and one of the tech's barely move me 1 millionth of an inch. lol But, it has to be perfect. Radiation treatments are serious stuff, it isn't something for anyone to take lightly. And, I still don't understand the 2 set-ups. But, I guess some are different. And, I am glad to know you put the bra away for now. I know your skin is fine now, but, it won't be further on down the road and you just want to keep it in as good as shape as you can..right from the start. It was like one day I was fine and the next day I was pink all over..lol Just take care of yourself and your skin and get some answers. Let us know what you find out!
This is for you.
p.s. and fauxma..i had a lumpectomy..not sure what you had, but, i was told from the start..no bra0
Discussion Boards
- All Discussion Boards
- 6 CSN Information
- 6 Welcome to CSN
- 121.8K Cancer specific
- 2.8K Anal Cancer
- 446 Bladder Cancer
- 309 Bone Cancers
- 1.6K Brain Cancer
- 28.5K Breast Cancer
- 397 Childhood Cancers
- 27.9K Colorectal Cancer
- 4.6K Esophageal Cancer
- 1.2K Gynecological Cancers (other than ovarian and uterine)
- 13K Head and Neck Cancer
- 6.4K Kidney Cancer
- 671 Leukemia
- 792 Liver Cancer
- 4.1K Lung Cancer
- 5.1K Lymphoma (Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin)
- 237 Multiple Myeloma
- 7.1K Ovarian Cancer
- 61 Pancreatic Cancer
- 487 Peritoneal Cancer
- 5.5K Prostate Cancer
- 1.2K Rare and Other Cancers
- 539 Sarcoma
- 730 Skin Cancer
- 653 Stomach Cancer
- 191 Testicular Cancer
- 1.5K Thyroid Cancer
- 5.8K Uterine/Endometrial Cancer
- 6.3K Lifestyle Discussion Boards