we are all so different!!

heidijez
heidijez Member Posts: 441
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
i am going through radiation right now - my sessions take approximately 45 minutes (or more). i have extreme fatigue and don't trust myself to drive (1 hr. 15 min. each way). rad onc recommended having someone drive me from this point forward after tomorrow, i have three more weeks to go). i am blessed to have people in my life who are willing to do that for me.

one of my friends (who will be the friday driver) came over with lunch for both of us yesterday. she was flabbergasted when i told her how long it takes for my radiation. seven years ago she had a lumpectomy followed by radiation. her radiation lasted a few minutes including getting situated on the table. of course, she got a zap to one place on her breast. in her words, not that big a deal.

i had a mastectomy of the left breast and axillary lymph nodes. the area being radiated is much larger - starting at the center of my chest and reaching around and up into the armpit. since it is on the left side, they are taking measures to protect my heart and lungs during treatment. so yes, it takes a lot longer to zap me. they are also radiating the lymph nodes on the left side of my neck.

my doctor explained that the reason we get fatigued is because radiation is killing the cells in our body - which then fights overnight to regenerate those cells, and then we go back the next day and kill those cells again! stands to reason, more area radiated, more cells killed, and more fatigue.

this journey is all about learning - and yesterday it was my friend who learned - she thought i was being a wimp (which if you knew me you would know that i am anything but!!!) and now she understands that not all breast cancer is the same, and all radiation is not the same.

sorry for the long post, but i felt i had to share.

Comments

  • disneyfan2008
    disneyfan2008 Member Posts: 6,583 Member
    #2
    sorry to hear
    LONG drive and long treatments..I was lucky...10 mins ride (from my job) -I was back to work with in an hour daily...I was not effected by radiation at all...I am one of the lucky ones...no fatigue, NOT tired at all! I am finding out from this site sounds like not ONE OF us have the same treatment or reactions.

    good luck..feel better!
  • tgf
    tgf Member Posts: 950 Member
    #3
    45 minutes?
    I'm also surprised that your radiation takes that long. While my actual appointment ... putting on gown ... getting me "adjusted" for the treatment took 5-10 minutes ... the actual "zapping" only took a few minutes. Don't know that I could lay still for 45 minutes without squirming around and stretching.

    hugs.
    teena
  • carkris
    carkris Member Posts: 4,553 Member
    #4
    tgf said:

    45 minutes?
    I'm also surprised that your radiation takes that long. While my actual appointment ... putting on gown ... getting me "adjusted" for the treatment took 5-10 minutes ... the actual "zapping" only took a few minutes. Don't know that I could lay still for 45 minutes without squirming around and stretching.

    hugs.
    teena

    My rads were in between.
    My rads were in between. ihad chest radiation. but I figure if they take so long they are getting it right. I think most people in life (including myself) are guilty of jumping to conclusions. No Miss Heidi never thought you were a wimp.
  • KathiM
    KathiM Member Posts: 8,028 Member
    #5
    Yup....all unique!!!!
    Back when I had rads, they were just getting the more sophisticated machines....

    The best my rad/onc could do was apologize for the permanent damage to my left lung...

    That's grand to hear such care is being taken now!!!

    Hugs, Kathi
  • missrenee
    missrenee Member Posts: 2,136 Member
    #6
    carkris said:

    My rads were in between.
    My rads were in between. ihad chest radiation. but I figure if they take so long they are getting it right. I think most people in life (including myself) are guilty of jumping to conclusions. No Miss Heidi never thought you were a wimp.

    I can relate, Heidi
    I had a lumpectomy and axillary node dissection on the left side. My radiation took longer as well--there were 11 places where the unit stopped to hit me with rays. I, too, got breast radiation as well as axillary and the lymph nodes at the base of my clavicle. I think I remember that you had a number of positive nodes as well--I had 10. I also had a certain type of rad. treatment that protects your heart/lungs more. I remember they had to fight with the insurance company to get it--it's more expensive, but safer.

    All this made me tired, too, Heidi. And no, you're certainly not a wimp. It's a tough road, but you'll make it Heidi. Mine finished in July and I'm still not totally "normal" (whatever that is anymore!).

    Hang in there.
    Hugs, Renee
  • pinkflutterby
    pinkflutterby Member Posts: 615 Member
    #7
    KathiM said:

    Yup....all unique!!!!
    Back when I had rads, they were just getting the more sophisticated machines....

    The best my rad/onc could do was apologize for the permanent damage to my left lung...

    That's grand to hear such care is being taken now!!!

    Hugs, Kathi

    wow
    45 mins! Mine was maybe 15 in adjust me treat me and out. Sorry you have to do 45 minutes!! I was very tired too. Still am from the xeolda treatment I take daily at home.

    Just remember you are a fighter! Keep on Keepin On!!!!!!!
  • MyTurnNow
    MyTurnNow Member Posts: 2,686 Member
    #8
    Yes, we are all so
    Yes, we are all so different!! If I have learned anything from this board, and I have learned a lot, it is that there are several different types of breast cancer and various treatments depending on your type. This is definately not a "one size fits all" situation. Good luck with the remainder of your rads and enjoy the time you will spend with those that care so much about you.
  • racergirl
    racergirl Member Posts: 50
    #9
    Heidi, thanks for the
    Heidi, thanks for the insight of someone who has been there and doing that. I will be starting my rad in a few weeks, and am schedule for 7 weeks of it. And like you will be getting the full on mid chest to armpit, to lower neck to bottom of rib cage. I have been trying to figure out what I going to do with my work schedule, and you have again helped me, thank you.

    I wish you strength and an sending you comforting thoughts, Patti
  • DebbyM
    DebbyM Member Posts: 3,289 Member
    #10
    tgf said:

    45 minutes?
    I'm also surprised that your radiation takes that long. While my actual appointment ... putting on gown ... getting me "adjusted" for the treatment took 5-10 minutes ... the actual "zapping" only took a few minutes. Don't know that I could lay still for 45 minutes without squirming around and stretching.

    hugs.
    teena

    Nothing wimpy about any
    Nothing wimpy about any cancer treatment for anyone. They are all hard.


    Hugs, Debby
  • ms.sunshine
    ms.sunshine Member Posts: 707 Member
    #11
    racergirl said:

    Heidi, thanks for the
    Heidi, thanks for the insight of someone who has been there and doing that. I will be starting my rad in a few weeks, and am schedule for 7 weeks of it. And like you will be getting the full on mid chest to armpit, to lower neck to bottom of rib cage. I have been trying to figure out what I going to do with my work schedule, and you have again helped me, thank you.

    I wish you strength and an sending you comforting thoughts, Patti

    45 mins wow
    You have educated me. Once again I have learned from the ladies (and gentlemen) on this board.
    I am learning that nothing shocks me anymore when hearing about ugly cancer.
  • VickiSam
    VickiSam Member Posts: 9,079 Member
    #12
    ms.sunshine said:

    45 mins wow
    You have educated me. Once again I have learned from the ladies (and gentlemen) on this board.
    I am learning that nothing shocks me anymore when hearing about ugly cancer.

    Heidi -- You are a strong Warrior .. having
    gone thru so much in such a short period of time. We are here for you, pulling for you and your continued success. Please take care of yourself, whenever possible and find the strength within yourself. I know it's there, because you are a 'WARRIOR' - Sister in PINK.

    Strength and Courage:

    Vicki Sam
  • Kylez
    Kylez Member Posts: 3,761 Member
    #13
    MyTurnNow said:

    Yes, we are all so
    Yes, we are all so different!! If I have learned anything from this board, and I have learned a lot, it is that there are several different types of breast cancer and various treatments depending on your type. This is definately not a "one size fits all" situation. Good luck with the remainder of your rads and enjoy the time you will spend with those that care so much about you.

    For me, having bc was the
    For me, having bc was the hardest thing ever for me. Not only the treatments, but, just hearing those 3 words. Everyone is different however, but, equal in the fact that they are fighting a a dreadful disease.

    I wish you good luck with rads and hope it goes smoothly for you.


    Hugs, Kylez
  • carkris
    carkris Member Posts: 4,553 Member
    #14
    VickiSam said:

    Heidi -- You are a strong Warrior .. having
    gone thru so much in such a short period of time. We are here for you, pulling for you and your continued success. Please take care of yourself, whenever possible and find the strength within yourself. I know it's there, because you are a 'WARRIOR' - Sister in PINK.

    Strength and Courage:

    Vicki Sam

    I have had my whole chest
    I have had my whole chest radiated, both sides. after mastectomy, its shall we say interesting!

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