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Starting Radiation Wednesday

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Breast Cancer
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Posted 4/4/2005 10:39 PM (GMT 0)
Hello Everyone,
Well, the "no chemo" news was great, but now I must start radiation on Wednesday. Someone said to be sure to let you know, and you would all be with me that day. So, please send lots of prayers and good thoughts my way...I am scared. I guess the part that is scaring me, too, is that I have such a hard time raising my arm into the position they want. The "simulation" was horrible, and I almost couldn't stand the pain. I am doing physical therapy, which is helping a lot, but the pain in my arm and under the arm is constant. I have talked to one other person who is having this experience.... how about you others? I will let you know how I do.
Love, Jean in WA
Posted 4/4/2005 10:56 PM (GMT 0)
Dear Jean,
yes, the arm positioning can be most uncomfortable and painful sometimes too. But it is really important to get that range of movement back so look on the positioning as additional physical therapy - that might help you put up with it.

You eventually get very used to the correct positioning and the actual radiation is over very quickly. Just be sure to do all the skin care suggested - I was given a bg pot of special moisteriser (sp!) BTW you might like to programme a holiday at the end of all the radiation - you can be quite burnt at the end of it all and something to look forward to is also good - I worked all the time thru radiotherapy, but was a mess at the end - my boss made me take a few days off before my programmed holiday.

I'll be with you (as will all the others!)
Cheers from down under
Kath
Posted 4/5/2005 12:10 AM (GMT 0)
Jean, I think that each day it should feel easier...by placing your arm 'in position' each day, you are stretching it and helping it along. I did not have the pain you describe, but that is one advantage to doing chemo....I had a few months in between surgery and rads.

I was reading on a local hospital's website today that they are studying a new procedure to irradiate only part of the breast (instead of the whole thing) and for 5 days, instead of the current 6 weeks. Exciting stuff!

Good luck, and keep doing your stretches and PT. And remember to rest if your body tells you to.

L&H,
Lori
Posted 4/5/2005 2:27 AM (GMT 0)
Jean,
I just want to send well wishes your way. I'll be thinking of you on Wedsnesday.
Michelle
Posted 4/5/2005 3:12 AM (GMT 0)
Jean you can do this.  I know the positioning is painful but just keep thinking of getting rid of any bad cells that may still be hanging around.  And as Kath said it is done very quickly.  The simulation takes a long time to get you set up.  But when you go in for your actual treatment you will be surprised how fast it is over.  I'm in my third week and I count during the actual treatment time and it totals just over 1 minute.  It takes them only a minute to two to position you and then they leave the room to start.  All told from the time you lay down to the time you get to move your arm again it will be less than 5 minutes.

 

Now keep in mind everyone reacts differently to treatment but I have had 11 and have no sign of burning.  I'm using a lotion called Biafine, from what I've heard it works the best.  I needed a prescription for it after I used the first small tube they gave me at the clinic.  It's expensive stuff too but so far so good for me.

What time is your treatment?  We will all want to be there with you for this.  I'll be holding your hand.  You'll do great!

Hugs and love, 

Posted 4/5/2005 4:07 AM (GMT 0)

Hi Jean!   As everyone has said, the radiation doesn't take long. It will actually take you longer to undress and put the gown on than the actual treatment will. I have had loss of motion in my shoulder since the radiation. The one thing that I do every day in the shower is walk my fingers up the wall of the shower. With the hot water, it makes it easier to use the shoulder. I used gel pads that I got from the rad onco on the area that was radiated. They were wonderful. The only side effect that I had while in radiation was being tired. Watch for those pink feathers tomorrow. We will all be there for you.

Hugs...deb

Posted 4/5/2005 4:08 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you ladies...I will be having the first radiation treatment at 3:30pm on Wednesday. Then all the following treatments will be at 1:20pm. My husband will be with me for the first one, so I asked for a later time so he wouldn't have to miss so much work. I wrote down the cream that you suggested Mia. Thank you. I have been using aloe vera gel, but I do have sensitive skin, so the prescription cream may be best. I will ask. Gosh, wouldn't it be wonderful if the radiation treatments could safely be limited to one week instead of six. I will have to look into that, even though it is too late for me. I can't tell you how much it means to know that you ladies will be "at my side", and I will think of you as I go through the next few weeks. We had planned to go to a reunion of some high school friends in July, so now that I don't have to have chemo, and just radiation, we can make it. Something to look forward to!
Love to you all, Jean in WA
Posted 4/5/2005 12:59 PM (GMT 0)
Jean, the information I read related to the possible shorter duration was for Beaumont Hospital..I think in their news section. Still under study, but exciting anyway.

I used an aloe gel that I got from the drug store, called fruit of the earth. I had no real problems, but all of us will react differently, regardless of what creams to use. Be sure to ask the doc about some options.

The rad is over so fast, when you come out, your DH will say "that's it?" and you'll smile and nod. You'll only have to hold your arm in position for maybe 30 seconds at a time, so it is much easier than the simulation.

Lori
Posted 4/5/2005 6:52 PM (GMT 0)
Jean, I did not have rads, but I will be thinking of you tomorrow at 3:30! L&H, Gail
Posted 4/6/2005 3:02 AM (GMT 0)
Jean,

I also will be thinking of you tomorrow. Keep that chin up! You will be amazed at how fast these next few weeks will go. We will be here for support and also to celebrate once you are thru with the rads.

Hang in there sweetie! (-;
Hugs,
Deb
Posted 4/6/2005 3:30 PM (GMT 0)
I added this to another topic about supporting me today, but thought I would copy it here, so you would all know how much your being there means to me. Love, Jean

My Dear New Friends,
Thank you so much for your support. I am sititng here crying as I read about Becky's passing, and feeling so sad for her family. And then I saw the note about supporting me today. You are so wonderful! I know it will be OK, but aren't we all afraid of the unknown. I have the aloe vera gel all ready to go, and my sweet husband will be taking me. Pray my arm will cooperate....
Love, Jean in WA
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