Chemo Graduate

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sparkle1
sparkle1 Member Posts: 242
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
Good morning Everyone

I'm happy to report that I had my last chemo treatment last Wednesday and my last Neulasta shot last Friday (hopefully). This was however the worst round I experienced. I am extremely tired and have muscle aches, dizziness, the big "C" and no taste buds. I'm working today and trying to push through it. I have an appointment with my radiologist on Wednesday. He wants to do another mammography and a MRI before I start my 35 rounds of radiation. Has anyone had to do this before radiation? I also have a "radiation planning meeting" scheduled with the doctor for Wednesday. He is very forthcoming. Can someone share with me some of their experiences with daily radiation? I'm feeling very anxious.

Thanks
Sparkle

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  • cahjah75
    cahjah75 Member Posts: 2,631
    #2
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    Sparkle
    congrats on finishing chemo. I've only had one treatment to date and whether I will have rads is up for discussion. So, I'm unable to help you with your questions about rad. Again, I'm glad the chemo is over. I too get the Neulasta shot the day after. {{hugs}}
    Char
  • Bella Luna
    Bella Luna Member Posts: 1,578 Member
    #3
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    Congratulations on finishing
    Congratulations on finishing with chemo! Hooray for You! You have completed a major hurdle on your road to recovery, SWEET!

    I do remember going through an MRI procedure before starting up with radiation. I want to say that I had a mammogram, too. Radiation left me with a cooper tone tan on my right breast.

    You'll get through this phase too. One step at a time.
    BL
  • VickiSam
    VickiSam Member Posts: 9,079 Member
    #4
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    Bella Luna said:

    Congratulations on finishing
    Congratulations on finishing with chemo! Hooray for You! You have completed a major hurdle on your road to recovery, SWEET!

    I do remember going through an MRI procedure before starting up with radiation. I want to say that I had a mammogram, too. Radiation left me with a cooper tone tan on my right breast.

    You'll get through this phase too. One step at a time.
    BL

    Congratulations doesn't seem enough ... You are a
    WARRIOR!! To be working and going thru Chemo, I can not imagine. Hero now comes to mine. I hope and pray that you get some down time before your Rad's start. Be good and kind to yourself when ever possible.

    Strength and Courage:


    Vicki Sam
  • MAJW
    MAJW Member Posts: 2,510 Member
    #5
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    Radiation after Chemo
    First, congrats on finishing chemo!!!!......that's a H U G E hurtle......I started radiation 3 weeks after my last chemo........During those three weeks, I really took it easy, trying to recoup some energy from chemo.....As for radiation, I, PERSONALLY, found it much easier to cope with. The fatigue from radiation, for me, seemed a little worse, though......it attacks your red blood cells, chemo your white...Also my radiation oncologist said the fatigue is made worse if you're just coming off chemo..The radiation fatigue didn't start until around week #4, so by then I had more energy.....I was fortunate, I didn't burn, got the tan of a life time on the boob, and it did turn really red during the last 7 treatments, which were boosters..radiation to ONLY the tumor site. To be honest, I was more apprehensive of the radiation than chemo, due to late term side effects that can happen (but usually don't!).....I scheduled my rads for first thing in the morning, 8:00am.....for me that worked best.....got it over and done with early and had the rest of the morning to do what I needed to do and then rest in the afternoon. Again, fortunate here that I don't work and had the luxury of resting when needed.....It's normal to feel anxious, trust me.......I actually cried during my first treatment, it's rather scary, the huge machine, etc.........BUT it is over with in less than 5 minutes! My boosters only lasted 45 SECONDS..I prayed during each treatment......kept my eyes closed the entire time, made it go even faster.....After the 3rd treatment, it became "old hat"......It's just tiring to have to do it 5 days a week for 7 weeks.......And yes, I had a breast MRI, no mammo though, BEFORE I started chemo.....I am 10 months out from all treatment and life is pretty much back to "normal." Although I have never been accused of being normal..chuckle chuckle! I still experience some residual fatigue,about every 5 days I hit a "brick wall" but nothing like it was during treatment. Just be sure to use what ever cream they give you FAITHFULLY! I carried it in my purse and put it on after each treatment before putting on my bra and top....wear two piece clothing, so you only have to remove your top.....then I used the cream 3 more times, the last right before bedtime....never use ANYTHING within 4 hours of your treatment. I started with RadiaPlex but then switched to Biofine the last two weeks, I preferred that.....DO NOT USE any deodorant other than what they give you, or advise you to use.....some say they used Aquafor during treatment, I was advised not to use it as it is petroleum based, said it could POSSIBLY interfer with the radiation...but that's just what I was told, so I never used it.....continue the creams after treatment ends, because they say we continue to "cook."
    Congrats again on finishing chemo.....
  • missrenee
    missrenee Member Posts: 2,136 Member
    #6
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    MAJW said:

    Radiation after Chemo
    First, congrats on finishing chemo!!!!......that's a H U G E hurtle......I started radiation 3 weeks after my last chemo........During those three weeks, I really took it easy, trying to recoup some energy from chemo.....As for radiation, I, PERSONALLY, found it much easier to cope with. The fatigue from radiation, for me, seemed a little worse, though......it attacks your red blood cells, chemo your white...Also my radiation oncologist said the fatigue is made worse if you're just coming off chemo..The radiation fatigue didn't start until around week #4, so by then I had more energy.....I was fortunate, I didn't burn, got the tan of a life time on the boob, and it did turn really red during the last 7 treatments, which were boosters..radiation to ONLY the tumor site. To be honest, I was more apprehensive of the radiation than chemo, due to late term side effects that can happen (but usually don't!).....I scheduled my rads for first thing in the morning, 8:00am.....for me that worked best.....got it over and done with early and had the rest of the morning to do what I needed to do and then rest in the afternoon. Again, fortunate here that I don't work and had the luxury of resting when needed.....It's normal to feel anxious, trust me.......I actually cried during my first treatment, it's rather scary, the huge machine, etc.........BUT it is over with in less than 5 minutes! My boosters only lasted 45 SECONDS..I prayed during each treatment......kept my eyes closed the entire time, made it go even faster.....After the 3rd treatment, it became "old hat"......It's just tiring to have to do it 5 days a week for 7 weeks.......And yes, I had a breast MRI, no mammo though, BEFORE I started chemo.....I am 10 months out from all treatment and life is pretty much back to "normal." Although I have never been accused of being normal..chuckle chuckle! I still experience some residual fatigue,about every 5 days I hit a "brick wall" but nothing like it was during treatment. Just be sure to use what ever cream they give you FAITHFULLY! I carried it in my purse and put it on after each treatment before putting on my bra and top....wear two piece clothing, so you only have to remove your top.....then I used the cream 3 more times, the last right before bedtime....never use ANYTHING within 4 hours of your treatment. I started with RadiaPlex but then switched to Biofine the last two weeks, I preferred that.....DO NOT USE any deodorant other than what they give you, or advise you to use.....some say they used Aquafor during treatment, I was advised not to use it as it is petroleum based, said it could POSSIBLY interfer with the radiation...but that's just what I was told, so I never used it.....continue the creams after treatment ends, because they say we continue to "cook."
    Congrats again on finishing chemo.....

    Hi Sparkle--Congratulations on finishing chemo!
    That's a huge hurdle. I finished rads 2 weeks ago. I, too, was very nervous about rads, but they were generally pretty easy. Going every day was a pain--I set mine up just before lunch so I could plan lunches out with friends/family. I also didn't have to contend with the rush hour freeway traffic since I had to drive downtown for my rads (I live in Phoenix). I also said some prayers during treatments--it is kind of scary with the big machines moving around you, but it's totally painfree. After the first couple of treatments, I would try to take my mind to another place that I loved or felt peaceful in--like the beach.

    After about 2 weeks, I noticed more fatigue (I had finished chemo 3 weeks prior). As treatments went on, the fatigue continued. I made sure I rested when I needed to. I really only started getting red about the last week or so (I'm pretty fair skinned). I mainly used Eucerin cream (Aquaphor was too greasy for me) and 100% natural aloe. I'd slather them on whenever I thought about it, but never 4 hours or less before rads. I was told to continue the creams after rads, which I did for about 2 weeks. I never peeled or got blisters. I did not take super hot showers or tub baths.

    I'm sure you'll do great, Sparkle. Good luck to you.

    Hugs, Renee
  • sparkle1
    sparkle1 Member Posts: 242
    #7
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    Thank you for the responses.
    Thank you for the responses. This helps.
  • Boppy_of_6
    Boppy_of_6 Member Posts: 1,138
    #8
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    sparkle1 said:

    Thank you for the responses.
    Thank you for the responses. This helps.

    Congratulations on finishing
    Congratulations on finishing chemo! That is a great milestone. I am starting week 5 of rads, 5 trts. and then 5 boosters left. I am just now getting red, had been pretty pink. Like everyone else has said use the cream they give you or reccomend. I just have a couple of spots that are tender, no blisters. I have not been to tired. I work the school calender so I am just getting back to work, no naps :o( I just go to bed early. Wishing you the best of luck. God Bless
    (((Hugs))) Janice
  • mimivac
    mimivac Member Posts: 2,143 Member
    #9
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    congrats!
    Yes, I, too, had a pre-radiation mammogram and MRI. Rads can change your breast, so the pre-radiation images can help in your future screenings. As for the effects of radiation, I was fortunate. I did not experience any fatigue or burning. I went every morning before work and didn't have to take any time off. I've heard though that taking naps can help a great deal. Good luck!!

    Mimi
  • jo jo
    jo jo Member Posts: 1,175
    #10
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    Sparkle congrad's on
    Sparkle congrad's on finishing chemo...thats so awesome.
  • Kat11
    Kat11 Member Posts: 1,931 Member
    #11
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    jo jo said:

    Sparkle congrad's on
    Sparkle congrad's on finishing chemo...thats so awesome.

    Congrats
    Glad the chemo is over for you. For me that was the worst. Rads was not to bad at all. I was tired durning rads. Having to go every day does not help. I also did 35 treatment with boosters. My skin became red and a little sore towards the last few treatments. Doable however. It only takes a few minutes to get the rads ( like 10 maybe ). It does not hurt at all. Make sure you use whatever lotion they give you twice a day. It will help your skin. If and when you get sore. I wore a men's T shirt. If you have to wear a bra, wear it over the T shirt, this helps a lot. Good luck Your halfway done.
  • sea60
    sea60 Member Posts: 2,613
    #12
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    Kat11 said:

    Congrats
    Glad the chemo is over for you. For me that was the worst. Rads was not to bad at all. I was tired durning rads. Having to go every day does not help. I also did 35 treatment with boosters. My skin became red and a little sore towards the last few treatments. Doable however. It only takes a few minutes to get the rads ( like 10 maybe ). It does not hurt at all. Make sure you use whatever lotion they give you twice a day. It will help your skin. If and when you get sore. I wore a men's T shirt. If you have to wear a bra, wear it over the T shirt, this helps a lot. Good luck Your halfway done.

    I personally found radiation much more tolerable than Chemo
    Aside from the tenderness of the radiated area and some mild fatigue, it was a heck of a lot better than Chemo!

    That whole funky taste thing frustrated the heck out of me. I was not a happy camper when my beloved chocolate tasted like pickled pennies (that's the best way I can describe it). Luckily, you'll regain those taste buds.

    Best wishes for you,

    Sylvia
  • survivorbc09
    survivorbc09 Member Posts: 4,374 Member
    #13
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    Bella Luna said:

    Congratulations on finishing
    Congratulations on finishing with chemo! Hooray for You! You have completed a major hurdle on your road to recovery, SWEET!

    I do remember going through an MRI procedure before starting up with radiation. I want to say that I had a mammogram, too. Radiation left me with a cooper tone tan on my right breast.

    You'll get through this phase too. One step at a time.
    BL

    Congrats on being done with
    Congrats on being done with chemo! That is a huge milestone!

    I only had a MRI before my lumpectomy, to make sure the cancer hadn't spread. I didn't have a mammogram before rads either. I did have a CT scan to help them to set me up with my radiation treatments, but, that was it.

    Good luck to you!


    Hugs, Jan
  • PNinMN
    PNinMN Member Posts: 28
    #14
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    Congrats!
    Congrats on finishing chemo! I finished 2 weeks ago and am going to have surgery soon prior to radiation. Hope your radiation goes well
  • susie09
    susie09 Member Posts: 2,930
    #15
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    Bella Luna said:

    Congratulations on finishing
    Congratulations on finishing with chemo! Hooray for You! You have completed a major hurdle on your road to recovery, SWEET!

    I do remember going through an MRI procedure before starting up with radiation. I want to say that I had a mammogram, too. Radiation left me with a cooper tone tan on my right breast.

    You'll get through this phase too. One step at a time.
    BL

    Congratulations! You did
    Congratulations! You did it!
  • DebbyM
    DebbyM Member Posts: 3,289 Member
    #16
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    Bella Luna said:

    Congratulations on finishing
    Congratulations on finishing with chemo! Hooray for You! You have completed a major hurdle on your road to recovery, SWEET!

    I do remember going through an MRI procedure before starting up with radiation. I want to say that I had a mammogram, too. Radiation left me with a cooper tone tan on my right breast.

    You'll get through this phase too. One step at a time.
    BL

    Another chemo grad!
    Another chemo grad! Congratulations!
  • Kylez
    Kylez Member Posts: 3,761 Member
    #17
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    mimivac said:

    congrats!
    Yes, I, too, had a pre-radiation mammogram and MRI. Rads can change your breast, so the pre-radiation images can help in your future screenings. As for the effects of radiation, I was fortunate. I did not experience any fatigue or burning. I went every morning before work and didn't have to take any time off. I've heard though that taking naps can help a great deal. Good luck!!

    Mimi

    Congrats! Wishing you good
    Congrats! Wishing you good luck with rads!
  • reeseslover1234
    reeseslover1234 Member Posts: 87
    #18
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    Graduation
    Congratulations on your graduation!!! I know I was absolutely ecstatic when I finished mine. I didn't have radiation because I had a mastectomy. Actually, that's why I had the mastectomy, so I wouldn't have to undergo radiation. Hope everything goes well for you. Keeping you in my prayers.

    Reese
  • jackiejhm
    jackiejhm Member Posts: 169
    #19
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    Well,
    I also had chemo first.No MRI in between. And then 33 Rad treatments. The radiation was easy for the first month or so. As I neared the end of the treatments it was not fun. But, it was manageable. Part of my treatment area went under my armpit. It was the most painful. But, i was given a lot of goodies to help with that. Creams, Ice packs, foam padding...more creams. It was icky- but, absolutely do-able! Hey, If I did it- YOU can definitely do this!!! Honestly, once chemo is out of the way...little by little, you'll start to feel like you again. Keep us posted Sparkle! xo, Jackie

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