Radiation Time!

Options
rene9
rene9 Member Posts: 214
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
Hi, today was my second appt with the radiation onc. and I had a scan done. My arm behind ny head was not bad at all. I will start next Tuesday for 5 1/2 weeks. For some reason I am not nervous and scared to death like I was with chemo. I'm so busy watching for my hair to grow back, radiation is not phasing me...at least not yet.


rene9
«134

Comments

  • pattimc
    pattimc Member Posts: 431
    #2
    Options
    Radiation
    Radiation is NOT a walk in the park, but compared to chemo it was much easier for me. I did end up burning some at the end and I was extremely tired. Just be sure to use your creams and rest when you are tired.

    Congrats on finishing chemo! Is radiation it for you? If so, you're almost there!!!

    Patti
  • MyTurnNow
    MyTurnNow Member Posts: 2,686 Member
    #3
    Options
    Congrats, Rene, on finishing
    Congrats, Rene, on finishing chemo. One down in the journey through treatments. Like Patti said, be sure to use your creams while going through radiation. I also had some very pink areas at the end, but all in all it was do-able. Good luck and let us know how it goes. Take care.
  • greyhoundluvr
    greyhoundluvr Member Posts: 402
    #4
    Options
    Congratulations!! I will be starting a couple of weeks behind you so you can pave the road for me! I hope it is smoothe sailing....
  • GayleMc
    GayleMc Member Posts: 311 Member
    #5
    Options
    greyhoundluvr said:

    Congratulations!! I will be starting a couple of weeks behind you so you can pave the road for me! I hope it is smoothe sailing....

    I just finished treatment 21
    I just finished treatment 21 with 12 to go. The last 8 will be boosts right to the tumor area. So far, I'm a little sore and I tire in the afternoon but for me it is much easier than chemo. I followed all the DR's orders about creams and took all the advice I could get from this site. As we know, everyone is different, but your attitude is great and I'm sure you'll do fine. Congrats on finishing chemo!!!!
  • rene9
    rene9 Member Posts: 214
    #6
    Options
    pattimc said:

    Radiation
    Radiation is NOT a walk in the park, but compared to chemo it was much easier for me. I did end up burning some at the end and I was extremely tired. Just be sure to use your creams and rest when you are tired.

    Congrats on finishing chemo! Is radiation it for you? If so, you're almost there!!!

    Patti

    Hi
    Hi Patti, after radiation I will have my port removed, then I will have my expander exchange I guess in a few months. I'll also take tamoxifen for 5 years. I think I'm done with the biggest part of my treatment. Chemo just really got the best of me. I am so glad that is over!


    rene9
  • rene9
    rene9 Member Posts: 214
    #7
    Options
    GayleMc said:

    I just finished treatment 21
    I just finished treatment 21 with 12 to go. The last 8 will be boosts right to the tumor area. So far, I'm a little sore and I tire in the afternoon but for me it is much easier than chemo. I followed all the DR's orders about creams and took all the advice I could get from this site. As we know, everyone is different, but your attitude is great and I'm sure you'll do fine. Congrats on finishing chemo!!!!

    Hey-
    Yes, I will do exactly what the doctors tell me to. I was told to get some corn starch to use as deodorant. I will use the creams religiously. I haven't quite figured out a good time to go everyday. Mornings or afternoons? Is one better? Thanks for all of your great advice ladies!


    rene9
  • natly15
    natly15 Member Posts: 1,941
    #8
    Options
    Congrats Rene on completing
    Congrats Rene on completing chemo. I'm in my 5th week of rads and starting to feel fatigued. I have some discomfort under my arm and on my breast but although this is a bit tiring and I'm red, sore and itchy, rads are much easier for me. Chemo put me on my butt and so far I'm hanging in physically much better with rads. I have 10 more to go and then I will be officially done. Rene I hope rads are as easy for you as they have been for me. You've come a long way pink sister. Hopefully you are nearing the end of treatment. I get treatment at 11 am each day and then I'm ready for a nap which many days I dont take.
  • 2Floridiansisters
    2Floridiansisters Member Posts: 384 Member
    #9
    Options
    natly15 said:

    Congrats Rene on completing
    Congrats Rene on completing chemo. I'm in my 5th week of rads and starting to feel fatigued. I have some discomfort under my arm and on my breast but although this is a bit tiring and I'm red, sore and itchy, rads are much easier for me. Chemo put me on my butt and so far I'm hanging in physically much better with rads. I have 10 more to go and then I will be officially done. Rene I hope rads are as easy for you as they have been for me. You've come a long way pink sister. Hopefully you are nearing the end of treatment. I get treatment at 11 am each day and then I'm ready for a nap which many days I dont take.

    Congratulations!
    You're gonna make it, you can see the light at the end of the tunnel!!!
  • CarrWilson
    CarrWilson Member Posts: 111
    #10
    Options
    Hi Rene
    We are on a close schedule. I have my simulation tomorrow, not looking forward to having my arm above my head for so long. You give me courage, and we will be finishing about the same time. I am also not too nervous, just wanting all this to be done and get on with my life. I will be looking for your posts.

    Good Luck and best wishes! I am watching the top of my head for little sprouts too!

    - Carrie
  • carkris
    carkris Member Posts: 4,553 Member
    #11
    Options
    CarrWilson said:

    Hi Rene
    We are on a close schedule. I have my simulation tomorrow, not looking forward to having my arm above my head for so long. You give me courage, and we will be finishing about the same time. I am also not too nervous, just wanting all this to be done and get on with my life. I will be looking for your posts.

    Good Luck and best wishes! I am watching the top of my head for little sprouts too!

    - Carrie

    I was nervous my first day
    I was nervous my first day of rads sort of hypervigilant, In no time I was zoning out. the hardest part for me was the drive. I had an 90 minute commute both ways. but I always had drivers. I had a rough go with chemo, and radiation was a breeze. just red. I have very light skin but evidently resilient skin. I did slather aquaphor on, and started prior to treatment. which I guess they dont always like. Best wishes for an uneventful rads course.
  • sbmly53
    sbmly53 Member Posts: 1,522
    #12
    Options
    And drink lots of water!
    I did rads in the morning, which worked very well with napping in the afternoon. Listen to the Docs and Techs, and let them know asap if you have any questions or concerns.

    Take care,

    Sue
  • Kylez
    Kylez Member Posts: 3,761 Member
    #13
    Options
    MyTurnNow said:

    Congrats, Rene, on finishing
    Congrats, Rene, on finishing chemo. One down in the journey through treatments. Like Patti said, be sure to use your creams while going through radiation. I also had some very pink areas at the end, but all in all it was do-able. Good luck and let us know how it goes. Take care.

    Congrats on finishing chemo!
    Congrats on finishing chemo! That is great! Do as the others said, use your creams from day one and get lots of rest. I will bump a thread on Radiation questions and answers to help you. Good luck!
  • rene9
    rene9 Member Posts: 214
    #14
    Options
    CarrWilson said:

    Hi Rene
    We are on a close schedule. I have my simulation tomorrow, not looking forward to having my arm above my head for so long. You give me courage, and we will be finishing about the same time. I am also not too nervous, just wanting all this to be done and get on with my life. I will be looking for your posts.

    Good Luck and best wishes! I am watching the top of my head for little sprouts too!

    - Carrie

    Hi Carrie!
    When I had to hang on the bar right about even withthe top of my head, it wasn't bad at all and it was quick. I go in at 11am Tuesday, so I may continue to stick with this time. At first I was thinking it may be best to at 3. I have the weekend to make up my mind though. I'll keep in touch and you do the same!


    rene9
  • laurissa
    laurissa Member Posts: 773
    #15
    Options
    Hi rene
    Chemo was much worse for me. With rad you won't have the sick and "out of it" feeling. You will get tired. I did burn the last week of it. That was 3 weeks ago, I'm done with treatment and feel very good. Good luck, you'll get through fine.
  • GayleMc
    GayleMc Member Posts: 311 Member
    #16
    Options
    laurissa said:

    Hi rene
    Chemo was much worse for me. With rad you won't have the sick and "out of it" feeling. You will get tired. I did burn the last week of it. That was 3 weeks ago, I'm done with treatment and feel very good. Good luck, you'll get through fine.

    Laurissa, when you burned
    Laurissa, when you burned the last week were you having the " boost ". I'm curious as I start 8 boosts next week. So far I have not burned but my skin has turned color have very little pain. You won't scare me with your answer, I like to be informed. So glad you are feeling so well. Thanks.
  • rene9
    rene9 Member Posts: 214
    #17
    Options
    GayleMc said:

    Laurissa, when you burned
    Laurissa, when you burned the last week were you having the " boost ". I'm curious as I start 8 boosts next week. So far I have not burned but my skin has turned color have very little pain. You won't scare me with your answer, I like to be informed. So glad you are feeling so well. Thanks.

    Boosts?
    What are boosts? Does everyone get them? They have not mentioned boosts...


    rene9
  • DianeBC
    DianeBC Member Posts: 3,881 Member
    #18
    Options
    rene9 said:

    Boosts?
    What are boosts? Does everyone get them? They have not mentioned boosts...


    rene9

    Boosters are radiation
    Boosters are radiation treatments that are different than your regular radiation. They are given to the tumor area and just some of the surrounding area too. They are given at the end of your regular rads. The amount varies from person to person. I think everyone gets boosters at the end of their radiation treatments anymore, but, I could be wrong.

    The following was on breastcancer.org

    The amount of radiation you receive to the breast area depends on factors such as:

    * the size of the cancer
    * the surgical margins of resection
    * the "personality" of the cancer
    * whether lymph nodes were involved
    * the type of surgery you had

    Your doctor will prescribe a total dose of radiation. The total dose is broken up into daily doses, which are also called fractions. The basic unit of radiation is called a rad or centiGray. Generally, you will receive 180–200 rads or centiGrays during each daily session:

    * For radiation to the whole breast and/or lymph node areas, the usual total dose is about 4500–5000 centiGrays over 5 weeks. Your doctor may then recommend an additional 1000–2000 centiGrays over 1 week delivered as a boost, targeted to the area where the tumor used to be.
    * Partial-breast radiation with external beam or internal radiation usually involves a total dose of 3400 centiGrays given over 1 week.
  • KayNYC
    KayNYC Member Posts: 495 Member
    #19
    Options
    rene9 said:

    Hi
    Hi Patti, after radiation I will have my port removed, then I will have my expander exchange I guess in a few months. I'll also take tamoxifen for 5 years. I think I'm done with the biggest part of my treatment. Chemo just really got the best of me. I am so glad that is over!


    rene9

    I am 6 txs away from rad grad next week
    Dear Rene,
    I am close to the finish line with radiation treatments with 6 left of 21. Next week they are all boosts. I am red and the skin looks like it does after a sunburn, kind of an uneven, dirty looking, red- tan color. I do have some lymphedema in my arm although it isn't too bad except at the end of the day when I have to remove my watch and bracelets. I am trying to get an appt with physical therapist that specializes in lymphedema treatment. So far there are waiting lists and the first available appt at the end of July.
    The radiation treatments have not been bad. I have had some sensitivity of the nipple and redness with puffiness but nothing bad. I am working full time and exercising regularly. I am using the Hydrophor (aquaphor) and 100% aloe gel several times per day (never within four hours of a treatment).My Onc, the nurses and the techs say that my skin is good condition. I have been using Dove soap but don't use a wash cloth or scrubby on that breast.I wear a sports bra to the office but if I am uncomfortable, I change over to the camisole. I use the camisole on weekends-sort of a vacation for the "girls".I haven't suffered from fatigue, so far so good.
    All the best as you draw near to the end of your treatments and rad graduation.
    Hugs, K
  • KayNYC
    KayNYC Member Posts: 495 Member
    #20
    Options
    laurissa said:

    Hi rene
    Chemo was much worse for me. With rad you won't have the sick and "out of it" feeling. You will get tired. I did burn the last week of it. That was 3 weeks ago, I'm done with treatment and feel very good. Good luck, you'll get through fine.

    Boosts
    I have the five boosts next week. I was told that this is the easiest part and that my skin will get less red next week since the rad will be all focused on the scar/operative area, not the entire breast.Did you get the burn before the boosts? I am red with enlarged pores. So far, the skin is holding up well. A little itching at night but is is relieved when I apply the aloe vera gel.
    Hugs, K
  • KayNYC
    KayNYC Member Posts: 495 Member
    #21
    Options
    rene9 said:

    Hi Carrie!
    When I had to hang on the bar right about even withthe top of my head, it wasn't bad at all and it was quick. I go in at 11am Tuesday, so I may continue to stick with this time. At first I was thinking it may be best to at 3. I have the weekend to make up my mind though. I'll keep in touch and you do the same!


    rene9

    morning person
    I have to get to the office by 9 AM so I scheduled for 7:15 or 7:30 AM. It gives me time to ease back into the office after my treatments and enjoy a cup of green tea. I work until after 7 PM so the later appts were not an option. Mid afternoon is our busiest time in the clnic so that wouldn't work although it was the first appt that they offered me.Guess what ever works for your schedule is the best one for you. Keep in touch.Get plenty of rest and drink plenty of fluids, rads dry you out.
    Hugs, K

Discussion Boards