Fats1976,
Joining those who are glad to hear your Mom will have radiation therapy.
Just a thought........do check with the radiation oncologist on the "optimal" time within which
to start radiation. Realize it took a lot for your Mom to agree to radiation. At the same time,
in order to get the maximum benefit of the radiation, one would want to try to start within the
optimal time recommended. This optimal time within which to start can be obtained from the
radiation oncologist who knows all the particulars of your Mom's situation.
Where I had my radiation, I did not have any blood tests. (Depending on the type of cancer one is
receiving radiation for, the need for blood tests during radiation can vary. Also, different centers
may have different protocols for breast cancer radiation re: blood work.)
Prior to the actual radiation treatments, there is a planning/mapping session. Arbella described this
on the above April 26 post.
I had posted some Radiation Tips on a prior thread and will re-post them below in case there is any
thing there that might be helpful for you and your Mom.
Your Mother is very fortunate to have such a caring daughter and advocate. Please remember that
it is very important for the caregiver to take care of the caregiver. There was a prior thread for
caregivers......you may find find something helpful on that thread:
http://forum.tnbcfoundation.org/support-infospouse-main-support-person_topic9558_page2.html(See the first post and Jan 3/13 posts in particular)
Not sure if your Mom's tumor was on the right or left side.
If it was on the LEFT side, be sure to ask about the "special breathing techniques" to decrease
risk of heart/lung side effects from radiation when given on the left chest area.
With caring and positive thoughts to you and your Mom,
Grateful for today.............Judy
________________________________________________________________________
CJWatson,
Saw your post on May 9 on another thread and thought I would post here on the radiation related
thread you had posted on. (It was fine that you posted where you did. Since you had also posted
on this thread, opted to reply here.)
CJWatson wrote:
...........Went to see my new radiation oncologist this week and came out of our meeting very optimistic. I have really lucked-out with this top-notch doctor. I will be starting rads as soon as they can get rid of the seroma left over from the surgery. |
Thrilled to hear about your "optimistic" meeting and your "top-notch" doctor.
I had posted some Radiation Tips on a prior thread and will re-post them below in case there is any
thing there that might be helpful for you when you start radiation.
With caring and positive thoughts,
Grateful for today...............Judy
_____________________________________________________________________
RADIATION TIPS.
Pick and choose what sounds helpful. You know yourself best.
If below is different from instructions from your Radiation Center, follow your Center's/physician
instructions/tips until you can discuss with your physician.
IMPORTANT: If you are to receive radiation on the left side, before you begin the actual radiation
treatments, discuss with the radiation oncologist the "breathing techniques' to help decrease risk
of heart/lung side effects from radiation.
If you will have TATTOO MARKS::
Some center use tattoos for markings for treatments, other places use some kind of non-permanent marker.
This is what I learned from my tattoo markings.
The one that was highest on my chest turned out to be the largest and darkest one.........and can easily be seen with certain clothing. Some of the other tattoo came out smaller and lighter . Usually, none of the tattoos can be seen.
This may not be a matter of concern to you. If not a concern, just disregard the following about tattoos.
Depending on the radiation treatment plan fields, this matter may not not even be an issue for you.
Apparently, one can have the tattoo marks removed by laser or other methods after treatment.
It seems some radiation oncologists prefer one keeps permanent markings of the radiation field.
Would suggest to anyone having permanent tattoos that include higher chest fields to:
1. Ask that special attention be paid to the central highest tattoo that might be seen with
certain clothing.
2. Later, I spoke with staff and suggested they review their procedures:
Were some staff able to do smaller tattoos than others.....if yes, what did they do differently?
Was there more updated equipment to make smaller permanent marks?
( I did not question the necessity of tattoo marks to be correctly positioned and to be seen
for the radiation therapy treatment ......just pay attention to size and intensity of color.)
Did the way the tattoo marker was held effect the size?
When more then one tattoo made with the same inking.......
was the 2nd or 3rd tattoo mark lighter?
If your center uses any type of SKIN MARKERS:
Until you find out if any of the markings rub off, wear clothes (or men's undershirt under
your clothes) that if get marked you won't be concerned about.
If you wear your favorite tops...and get markings on it....may take some scrubbing to get off.
The markers your center uses may not come off on clothes.
Just maybe don't wear your best top 1st few times.
Skin lotions and skin pampering from Day 1.
Instructions for skin care per your radiation team.
Avoid lotions/creams with alcohol in them.
Usually told not to put ANYTHING on skin just before and few hours before treatment.
(Follow your center's instructions)
The lotions my center recommended were:
Lubriderm, Eucerin, Aloe Vera lotion and a few others.
My center did not feel the "special more expensive radiation creams" were any better than
non-alcohol skin creams.
Mild soaps..... like Dove, Basis.
I think everyone's skin responds to different creams/soaps........if you have good gentle
products before you start radiation.....check them out with your radiation team.
Knew someone who is blond, blue eyed who used Aloe vera gel after treatment and repeated
it a second time daily. She did not even get pink!!!!!!
This is what I used......
Continued Dove (non-fragrance) soap.......very little soap to radiation area.
After radiation treatment.......applied Miaderm cream.
Later in day: use 1/2 lubriderm mixed with 1/2 aloe vera gel.
(Some people can develop sensitivities to aloe vera.
Initially tested aloe vera gel on non-radiation area.
Decided to dilute aloe vera gel with lubriderm)
Used the lubriderm/aloe vera gel again.
Used miaderm at bedtime.
I had only mild pinkness at end of treatments.
Again, as usual everyone is different in their response to treatment.
Skin moisturizing of radiated areas to continue daily/always after treatment is completed.
My radiation team let me put skin cream on in the dressing room AFTER the treatment.
Somehow I liked to put the lotion/cream on right away........and repeated for 3-4 times/day.
When home, lay on the bed with chest exposed to air for about 1/2 hour........
read somewhere this helped. Listen to a guided imagery for a strong immune system or
relaxing, classical type music thinking positive thoughts like: my skin is healthy etc.
If one had a lumpectomy, think it would be even more important for air to get at skin folds.
Bathing......very lukewarm water.
Towel pat dry very gently from day 1. Tried to never rub or even pat normal.
From Day 1.
Liked a men's cotton T shirt next to my skin. (large size, very loose fit)
On chilly days and when at home, would put a satin pajama top over the T shirt......
the satin felt good on the skin near the chest area.
Continue good Vitamin D levels important during radiation.
Activity/exercise as tolerated.
Healthy diet.
Adequate protein for cell repair.
Saw oncology nutritionist at center for diet review and recommendations.
Affirmations.
Positive affirmations getting into bed. ( Was fortunate......I fall asleep quickly)
If you have any decreased range of motion of your shoulder, consider a few gentle
stretches in the changing room........I actually did a few gentle stretches/movements
in the treatment room walking to the table before I laid down.
I did not have my full range of motion back when I had radiation therapy.
I found it helpful to ask the radiation staff to tell when when the treatment was half
done (even though the total time of treatment is short).
If you can lie in the treatment position without any problem, this may not be necessary.
Needed to get a mind set for why I was doing radiation therapy.
I considered myself cured and healed after chemo and surgery.
Finally, settled on something like radiation was an insurance policy that I wanted.
(Obviously, also recommended by my treatment team and important to TNBC)
If one is not into affirmation, skip the following on affirmations.
Consider what affirmations you might want to say as radiation therapy is being given.
I said: Healing energy.
My treatment plan completely cures and heals me.
After radiation, saw this this phrase which I liked:
"See your treatment as gifts of golden light and healing energy"
If you are into affirmations, you can think of one that would be meaningful to you.....
and you can change if your another phrase feels better as treatment continues.
Think the time during which radiation is being given is a very powerful time for the messages
one sends the body.
After radiation, some people noticed a decreased range of shoulder/arm motion. Sometimes
the decreased range of motion is not noticed until several months after radiation.
If this should occur, ask for a referral to a physical therapist who specializes in post breast
surgery PT. (Sometimes a "regular PT" can be too vigorous and not appreciate the
gentle treatment that is needed post breast surgery/radiation.)
There are also Radiation Tips on the thread on TNBC News/Resources/TIps forum:
http://forum.tnbcfoundation.org/the-radiation-tips_topic3102.htmlIf any questions on the above, please post.
With caring and positive thoughts,
Grateful for today..........Judy
Edited by Grateful for today - May 18 2013 at 5:47pm