radiaation vs chemo

confused123
confused123 Member Posts: 251
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
Hello everyone,
Just wondering if it is just me or anyone else more bothered by radiation than chemo. I know I have said it before but for some reason it bothers me more for the fact that it can cause permanent tissue damage and I know that should be the least of my worries. I had double mast and chemo and did not cry about it but can not even talk about radiation without tears, except for once when the doc said she wouldn't make me get the tattoos. I went for mapping today and cried the whole time! So embarrssing! Crying now too, this sucks I am usually a very strong independent person. Sorry to vent. Anyway the people at working at the hospital were great so that was helpful. Also people in the waiting room were great, one lady even came over to give me a hug. I find it so amazing how people can be so nice at ties.

Thanks,
Kim

Comments

  • padee6339
    padee6339 Member Posts: 763
    #2
    Cry it out.....
    Its good to cry, don't be embarrased (sp?) I am new to the site and just wanted to let you know that I am so sorry about the double mast. I only had Stage 1 and a lumpectomy, but was more concerned about the chemo than the rads. I figured I was exhausted already from chemo, that being tired from radiation would just be an add-on. They did tell me that once the breast has had radiation, it can't ever have it there again, and if it comes back, then its the mastectomy. The radiation burned under the breast and when they did the direct radiation on the wound area, it turned beet red and purple. They give you creames, one is called XClair and the other is in a tub, can't remember the name, silver-something sulfa???? They say it helps. The other thing about rad I don't like is that it permanently damages the top of the lung, and makes the ribs in that area very brittle, so be careful lifting. I will keep you in my prayers and good luck!
  • florist
    florist Member Posts: 45
    #3
    Hello Kim,
    I, also have
    Hello Kim,
    I, also have the same feelings about radiation. For some reason it bothers me more than the chemo did. Maybe it's because you are all alone when having it and the machine going over you makes it all more real......Had #11 today out of 32, a ways to go yet. Maybe it will get better, however I don't think so. I, too worry about side effects which could be permanent.

    florist
    Georgia
  • tasha_111
    tasha_111 Member Posts: 2,072
    #4
    florist said:

    Hello Kim,
    I, also have
    Hello Kim,
    I, also have the same feelings about radiation. For some reason it bothers me more than the chemo did. Maybe it's because you are all alone when having it and the machine going over you makes it all more real......Had #11 today out of 32, a ways to go yet. Maybe it will get better, however I don't think so. I, too worry about side effects which could be permanent.

    florist
    Georgia

    Radiation Fears
    I sailed through rads, the technicians were so nice I actually looked forward to seeing them every day. The Canadian Cancer society Volunteers were fantastic fun to be with for the drive there and back. The radiation itself left me a bit burned but with the creams that too was gone within a week of finishing. The actual treatment took less than 5 minutes and i often got in and out before my actual appointment time. I don't think I have any side effects either.

    I wish you luck.

    Hugs Jxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
  • The1percen
    The1percen Member Posts: 135
    #5
    padee6339 said:

    Cry it out.....
    Its good to cry, don't be embarrased (sp?) I am new to the site and just wanted to let you know that I am so sorry about the double mast. I only had Stage 1 and a lumpectomy, but was more concerned about the chemo than the rads. I figured I was exhausted already from chemo, that being tired from radiation would just be an add-on. They did tell me that once the breast has had radiation, it can't ever have it there again, and if it comes back, then its the mastectomy. The radiation burned under the breast and when they did the direct radiation on the wound area, it turned beet red and purple. They give you creames, one is called XClair and the other is in a tub, can't remember the name, silver-something sulfa???? They say it helps. The other thing about rad I don't like is that it permanently damages the top of the lung, and makes the ribs in that area very brittle, so be careful lifting. I will keep you in my prayers and good luck!

    radiation vs chemo
    Pat is right about about only radiation 1 time in one place. My Dad's brother had PC and went through Radiation, went into remission and 5 years later it came back. The VA Radiation/Onco told him they wanted to do it again. There was something about they thought he hadn't finished or something to that effect... at any rate they DID IT and it basically "blew-up" he was dead with-in a year. My Dad had Radiation for his PC and he had complications... He started the fist week on Jan and the first weekend he was hospitalized with Pneumonia. They posponed his next 3 treatments and then after the 2 remaining that week he came home but I had to take him the ER for shortness of breath. They gave him a breathing treatment and sent him home... Back to Pitt and managed to get that whole week in. He came and we were in the TWICE that weekend for the same thing. It is starting to get "a little" frustrating at this point, but we weren't finished. The 2nd day of this round they stopped the rad and ran some tests to try to figure what was going on. He missed the last 3 that week. He came home and managed to get through the weekend. Monday he went back to Pitt and made it through week except now he wasn't ambulatory and was on O2, he came home that weekend and back to the ER once. They are telling him/us that his pulseOX was "fine" He finally finished the rad and came home just to have to go to the ER for shortness of breath. He was now due for his 3 month pacemaker check and the next day they called and wanted him in Pitt ASAP. He saw the Cariologist and found out his pacemaker had quit. Now they SAY there was NO connection but it sure seems like it. Back to the Radiation in one spot, they assured him they would NOT do that to him and that my uncle never should have had that happen to him.
    Sorry for the looooong post, but I am not sure how I will feel if I have to have it. But then I don't want CHEMO either... my brother told me to "just deal with it!"
    I love this board SOOOO much. The people here DO GET IT!!! I pray everyday for them and thank God I found them TOO!
  • cats_toy
    cats_toy Member Posts: 1,462 Member
    #6
    sorry Kim
    Don't worry, radiation is pretty easy, yes your skin gets burned, but it heals and is almost as good as new. If you have any breast tissue left, it is a very good idea to do the rads. They can kill any microscopic cells that may still be hanging around that tissue. all the rads people I dealt with were wonderful, and they will check your progress to make sure it isn't too hard on you.
    good luck and let us now how it goes.
    Cat
  • Christmas Girl
    Christmas Girl Member Posts: 3,682 Member
    #7
    We all feel the same emotions, yet...
    React differently to various things. Totally understandable that you're scared about rads. But, I'll be hoping it will get better for you. Once you're really underway with daily treatments. The set-up/simulation can be frightening - the equipment, the room itself, all can be intimidating. The treatments themselves, though, are a breeze, really. Lasting only for a few minutes.

    Modern techniques and technology pretty much eliminate potential damage from rads. Unlike chemo.

    Kind regards, Susan
  • Moopy23
    Moopy23 Member Posts: 1,751 Member
    #8
    Radiation Risks
    Hi, Kim, my rads start late next week, so I haven't had the experience yet. I did have a thorough discussion of risks, twice. The scariest risks, of damage to organs, is very small. I believe the percentages were about 1 percent. The technology just gets better and better. The simulations are to make sure that the radiation beams are aimed where they should be with as little risk to your organs as possible.

    You might ask your rad. onc. to go over the risks with you again,including the percentages. For me, I am ready to take the very small risk in order to reduce the bigger risk of cancer returning. I am still scared, like you. The machine is frightening. But we have our sisters (and brothers) on this board to reassure us and be there for us. We can take heart from them and know we are not alone in spirit.
  • Jeanne D
    Jeanne D Member Posts: 1,867
    #9
    Kim
    Kim, don't be afraid of rads. If you have been thru chemo, they are so

    much easier. I have had radiation treatments TWICE in my lifetime and they are very doable.

    I had 25 treatments the first time, and, I just finished a month ago with 37 treatments, 25

    regular and 12 boosters. I got a lil burnt, nothing bad. Your radiation oncologist gives

    you creams to use to help with any discomfort. The machines now are so state of the art that

    the old "horror" stories don't happen anymore. You will do fine! Don't be scared of them.

    The radiation kills any stray cancer cells that may be left around, so, that is a GOOD THING!

    Good luck, Jeanne

    And, my skin is like a baby's skin now where the radiation was. It is better than it ever was. :) Just can't tan yet..darn it. lol
  • dmc_emmy
    dmc_emmy Member Posts: 549
    #10
    Kim-just a thought
    When I went through radiation, though it wasn't nearly as tough on me as the chemo, I rode to the treatment center with others and it made the trip there [almost] enjoyable. We even bought lottery tickets (something I had not done before or since) and we were going to split the winnings if we were lucky enough to have the winning ticket.

    You might want to ask the center, or your dr, if they have a commuting van that can transport you to and from rads. You local ACS chapter can also help you make the appropriate contacts.

    I know that, if I had not had the van stopping by my house everyday, I would have no doubt called the center saying, "Sorry, I don't feel up to coming today." I had 36 treatments and, though they were no fun, I did have company and (much like this site) the bond grew quickly between us. It made the third phase of my treatment easier than if I had to go alone.

    dmc
    ps: It's okay to cry, it doesn't mean that you are not an independent and strong women. It means that you are human.
    pps: In case you're wondering, we didn't win :(
  • Noel
    Noel Member Posts: 3,095 Member
    #11
    dmc_emmy said:

    Kim-just a thought
    When I went through radiation, though it wasn't nearly as tough on me as the chemo, I rode to the treatment center with others and it made the trip there [almost] enjoyable. We even bought lottery tickets (something I had not done before or since) and we were going to split the winnings if we were lucky enough to have the winning ticket.

    You might want to ask the center, or your dr, if they have a commuting van that can transport you to and from rads. You local ACS chapter can also help you make the appropriate contacts.

    I know that, if I had not had the van stopping by my house everyday, I would have no doubt called the center saying, "Sorry, I don't feel up to coming today." I had 36 treatments and, though they were no fun, I did have company and (much like this site) the bond grew quickly between us. It made the third phase of my treatment easier than if I had to go alone.

    dmc
    ps: It's okay to cry, it doesn't mean that you are not an independent and strong women. It means that you are human.
    pps: In case you're wondering, we didn't win :(

    Do not be afraid of
    Do not be afraid of radiation. There is nothing to be afraid of. It is just part of your treatment in killing the beast. Probably, at the most, you might get a lil burn and you will be tired. But, just use the creams your doctor gives you, take care of your skin and get lots of rest. And, you will be done in no time! I drove myself a lot to prove my independence and to have some control on something. Good luck to you!
  • Alexis F
    Alexis F Member Posts: 3,598
    #12
    Don't be afraid of
    Don't be afraid of radiation. Look at it as another tool in fighting the bc! It isn't all that bad, just tiring and I'm a lil burnt. But, it will go away. Don't worry!
  • confused123
    confused123 Member Posts: 251
    #13
    Alexis F said:

    Don't be afraid of
    Don't be afraid of radiation. Look at it as another tool in fighting the bc! It isn't all that bad, just tiring and I'm a lil burnt. But, it will go away. Don't worry!

    Thanks everyone

    Thanks everyone
  • mgm42
    mgm42 Member Posts: 491 Member
    #14
    Oh, Kiddo....
    You are strong and you are courageous. So what if there are some tears. If tears get through this, then go for it. You are entitled to feel any way you feel. Don't take your feelings as a sign of weakness. No way. Hang in there. Hugs, Marilynn
  • peb
    peb Member Posts: 23 Member
    #15
    Average time for radiation
    I am new here and could someone explain a time frame for radiation? I read people say I had #11 out of 37. Is it given once a week so that would be 37 weeks or is it a couple times a week?
  • Jeanne D
    Jeanne D Member Posts: 1,867
    #16
    peb said:

    Average time for radiation
    I am new here and could someone explain a time frame for radiation? I read people say I had #11 out of 37. Is it given once a week so that would be 37 weeks or is it a couple times a week?

    Hi Peb!
    It seems that not everyone has the same amount of radiation treatments,

    and, some treatments are different than others too. But, when someone says they had #11 out

    of 37, it means they have 26 more treatments to go. The treatments are given 5 days a week,

    Monday thru Friday. Then, you are off the weekend, then back on Monday thru Friday. I hope

    this explains it.

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