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Medical Forum / Diseases and Disorders / Breast Cancer / December 2006Starting RT next week - what's in store for me?
Well, gang, I'm on to phase 3 of my cure! I start RT next Wednesday and wonder what is in store. Of the 3 people I personally know that have had it recently, 2 of them complained of fatigue as the weeks went on. All three had RT to a small area (all lumpectomy sites - 2 breast, on leg). However I am having RT to the chest wall area where the breast was. Would having it over a larger area result in more of any side-effect like fatigue? (Obviously any skin burn would be over a larger area.) Other questions: - Any one have any suggestions for a cream for the sunburn effect? Is there common salve/cream that should NOT be used in case I get to feeling experimental? - Is there potential for any type of lung congestion? I have asthma but it has been under very good control of late. - If one does have any significant amount of fatigue is there anything that can be done for it? TIA, Marsha > Well, gang, I'm on to phase 3 of my cure! I start > RT next Wednesday and wonder what is in store. > Of the 3 people I personally know that have had it > recently, 2 of them complained of fatigue as the > weeks went on. I was told that whatever else I experienced I'd be tired so I made a list of Things to Do while Sitting Down. I still haven't done them eight years afterwards. I was getting up early (for me) and drivinig a cross the city to the centre and back again, so I wasn't being idle. For one week of the treatment (the week when they gave me a 'rest) I was at a seaside resort demonstrating, talking and standing up most of the day. In the evening Spouse and I clembed 199 steps to the ruined Abbey and down again, I even went paddling in the North Sea at midnight. This in November. Fatigue can happen but it's not inevitable, it seems :-) You might draw a short straw, you might not. All three had RT to a small area > (all lumpectomy sites - 2 breast, on leg). However > I am having RT to the chest wall area where the > breast was. Would having it over a larger area > result in more of any side-effect like fatigue? > (Obviously any skin burn would be over a larger area.) My right breast and axilla were irradiated and I became very sore in that region. VERY sore. I couldn't bear to wear a brassiere My breast was already swollen after surgery and to say I was uncomfortable is an understatement - but I don't like pain. I felt as though I'd been rubbed with a cheese grater. It took weeks to become anything like normal. I tried very gently holding myself over a bowl of tepid water and very gently splashing myself - that was partly to wash away the sweat, I'm a sweaty person. I think the radiation was the worst part of my treatment - but I'd do it again under the same circumstances and from what I'd heard and seen I'd rather have it than chemotherapy. The effect was local, not systemic.. > Other questions: > - Any one have any suggestions for a cream for > the sunburn effect? I used Aloe Vera gel, which was quite soothing but there are different types so ask your doctor or nurse. The hospital prescribed an aqueous cream which was really just an oil/water emulsion with no active ingredient, it felt nice while I applied it - cool - but not for long. I'd advise against hydrocortisone creams on damaged skin but not everyone agrees with me. > - Is there potential for any type of lung congestion? Ask your medical oncologist. I had nothing like that. > - If one does have any significant amount of fatigue > is there anything that can be done for it? Sleep :-) Let us know how you get on. Mary > I'd advise against hydrocortisone creams on damaged skin but not everyone > agrees with me. If the skin becomes very red from radiation its actually the best choice. But the skin must be intact.  Signaturemadiba I wish you luck, I would ask the RT which salve to use. I would guess that the fatigue would be more with the higher dose and I don't believe there is any treatment for the fatigue other than rest. > Well, gang, I'm on to phase 3 of my cure! I start > RT next Wednesday and wonder what is in store. [quoted text clipped - 20 lines] > TIA, > Marsha >> Other questions: >> - Any one have any suggestions for a cream for [quoted text clipped - 9 lines] >> TIA, >> Marsha Hi Marsha, I only got a bit of a rash after the last few treatments. They gave me a diaper rash cream. I used it once but it was really thick and hard to spread, and it hurt to put it on, so I didn't use it. They'll probably tell you to stay away from anything scented. And no anti-perspirant under the affected arm, and wash the area very gently. The sunburned area healed completely. I only had 16 treatments, and it all seemed so easy compared to chemo that I can't remember any fatique other than having to drive to another city and back each day. I didn't have any lung congestion but was told I might have some permanent lung damage from where the radiation was directed. After four years I haven't noticed anything. Keep us informed. Marilyn >>> Other questions: >>> - Any one have any suggestions for a cream for [quoted text clipped - 9 lines] >>> TIA, >>> Marsha Another thing I was told was not to wear an underwire bra. I didn't need one on the affected side because the surgeon gave me a bit of a breast lift when he operated, but I need one on the other side, so I took the underwiring out of one side of all my bras. Marilyn > Well, gang, I'm on to phase 3 of my cure! TIA, > Marsha Marsha- I missed your earlier posts about your dx, but wanted to give you my 2 cents worth. I had a lumpectomy- then chemo, then rads, then more chemo. While daily radiation was a bit of a bother, I had NO fatigue whatsoever- perhaps that's because of the break from chemo and anything felt good.. I was told I would lose about 2% of my lung function due to radiation. I have no problems in that regard now. My breast ( I am large-40 D) became even bigger after rads! Took about 1-2 years to go back to normal size. Still discolored after 5 years. I was given Aquafor for the burn issue. Hope this helps some. Jeannette >"Jeannette" wrote: >> "Mizz Marcia Ryder" wrote: >> Well, gang, I'm on to phase 3 of my cure! > Marsha- I missed your earlier posts about your dx, but wanted to give you my 2 > cents worth. [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > I was told I would lose about 2% of my lung function due to radiation. I have > no problems in that regard now. I'm liking what I'm hearing. > My breast ( I am large-40 D) became even bigger after rads! Took about 1-2 > years to go back to normal size. > Still discolored after 5 years. I was given Aquafor for the burn issue. Thanks Jeannette, I'll copy this to my save folder for future reference. Marsha > > Well, gang, I'm on to phase 3 of my cure! > [quoted text clipped - 13 lines] > Hope this helps some. > Jeannette Unusual that you had no fatigue despite RT of a large breast. They tend to sag somewhat so more lung gets irradiated. Stronger skin reaction too because a higher dose is needed superficially to reach an adequate dose in the center of the breast.. Signaturemadiba > Well, gang, I'm on to phase 3 of my cure! I start > RT next Wednesday and wonder what is in store. [quoted text clipped - 10 lines] > - Any one have any suggestions for a cream for > the sunburn effect? I used a cream that was a RX from my doctor. They call it "Silver Sulfdiaz" this is the generic for "Silvadene" But I did use 99% aloe vera gel at first. The skin was open and weeping in a couple of spots that's the reason for the cream from the doctor. Is there common salve/cream > that should NOT be used in case I get to feeling > experimental? > - Is there potential for any type of lung congestion? I never had anything like that. I have asthma but it has been under very good > control of late. > If one does have any significant amount of fatigue is there anything that can be done for it? I was very fatigued after every treatment. I slept on the way home in the car, good thing I wasn't driving, huh? lol! DH took me to every treatment and then back home again. I'm very lucky indeed, he took very good care of me. I remember that it took about a month or two to shake the fatigue. BuT! prior to dx I was not a very active person, haven't turned into one either 7 years later ;-) Good luck dear, you'll be fine, I'm sure. Just make time to rest everyday and eat right and just do what the doctors advise you to do. There's really nothing to do about the fatigue but to just wait it out. That's what I was told anyway. Take care there dear/God bless annie > TIA, > Marsha >"Annie" wrote: > >> Mizz Marcia Ryder wrote: >> Well, gang, I'm on to phase 3 of my cure! I start <snip> > Other questions: >> - Any one have any suggestions for a cream for [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > vera gel at first. The skin was open and weeping in a couple of spots > that's the reason for the cream from the doctor. Thanks, I'll keep this in mind. I have a follow up with my medical onc the day before I start so I have time to ask many questions. I'll save this to my folder along with the others. <snipped> >> If one does have any significant amount of fatigue > is there anything that can be done for it? [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > treatment and then back home again. I'm very lucky indeed, he took very > good care of me. You are very fortunate. I'm hoping to work throughout this stage and will be driving myself to work. > I remember that it took about a month or two to shake the fatigue. BuT! > prior to dx I was not a very active person, haven't turned into one > either 7 years later ;-) > Good luck dear, you'll be fine, I'm sure. Just make time to rest > everyday and eat right and just do what the doctors advise you to do. > There's really nothing to do about the fatigue but to just wait it out. True enough. > Take care there dear/God bless He has thus far. Thanks, Annie. Hugs, Marsha >"Annie" wrote :> <snipped> > I used a cream that was a RX from my doctor. They call it "Silver > Sulfdiaz" this is the generic for "Silvadene" But I did use 99% aloe > vera gel at first. The skin was open and weeping in a couple of spots > that's the reason for the cream from the doctor. This is a good example why it's best to discuss such things with your ONC , as all of us here do anyway. Turns out I'm allergic to sulfa and guess what's in Silvadene? She proposed the Aloe Vera gel. I'll have to hunt that down this weekend. Won't that be fun in the middle of Christmas shopping? Thanks again for all the suggestions. Marsha > This is a good example why it's best to discuss such things with your > ONC , as all of us here do anyway. Turns out I'm allergic to sulfa > and guess what's in Silvadene? She proposed the Aloe Vera gel. > I'll have to hunt that down this weekend. Won't that be fun in the > middle of Christmas shopping? Marsha, I had no trouble finding the Aloe: Around here the big chain drugstores had it (here's it's CVS, Rite-Aid, Walgreen's, but I know some of the chains are more regional), or the larger health food/supplements stores (GNC is a chain). Walmart might even have it. It's sort of obscure to find within the stores (usually tucked away on some obscure lower shelf, in an unpredictable section), but ask a staff member & make them look on their computer if they act vague (this might be a good point for another hissy fit, if they aren't helpful <g>). Ann T. "A.P. Thorsen" <annthorsendontsendspam@yahoo.com> wrote in message > I had no trouble finding the Aloe: Around here the big chain drugstores > had it (here's it's CVS, Rite-Aid, Walgreen's, but I know some of the [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > their computer if they act vague (this might be a good point for another > hissy fit, if they aren't helpful <g>). :-) Recently (I can't remember why) I wanted a gentle - very gentle - salve and asked Spouse to get me some aloe vera gel. He came back with a bottle of aloe vera which was recommended for sunburn. EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEK!!!!!!! Just make sure you get the right stuff! Mary Hi, Marsha - Comments interspersed . . . . > Well, gang, I'm on to phase 3 of my cure! Congrats! You're in the home stretch. > I start > RT next Wednesday and wonder what is in store. [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > result in more of any side-effect like fatigue? > (Obviously any skin burn would be over a larger area.) Fatigue is fairly common - I had it (though maybe because the RT came after 6 months of chemo . . . ?). Mine was not debilitating, though - kept working, slept extra. I had five field RT - chest, axilla, front & back angles on the supraclavicular nodes, and . . . hmm, forgot the 5th. This was after mastectomy. I don't know whether a larger treatment area causes more fatigue. And I don't think skin burn would necessarily be over a larger area. Skin burn varies a lot by person. Some will tell you that those with pale skin burn worse, but my natural color is a lovely skim-milk blue-white -- I sunburn easily -- and I didn't have much burning from the RT. Some developed in about the last week of RT, kind of like a bad sunburn. At that point, they gave me Silvadene to use, and treatment was soon over, then I healed quickly. It wasn't a big problem. Many people seem to have more problems where there is skin overlap, such as beneath a large breast. > Other questions: > - Any one have any suggestions for a cream for > the sunburn effect? My onc's office told me to use pure Aloe Vera gel right after each treatment, starting from the beginning, but not to reapply it right before treatment. They'll probably tell you to wear non-constricting underwear (there are some cotton camisole thingies that many wear rather than a bra). Cotton is good - let some air get to the area. > Is there common salve/cream > that should NOT be used in case I get to feeling > experimental? As someone mentioned, deodorants are a no-no, and my onc's office told me to avoid anything except that Aloe. I was also advised to use an unscented, mild soap, such as unscented (not regular) Dove soap. > - Is there potential for any type of lung congestion? Remote, with modern RT equipment, in BC radiation, but somewhat dependent on what the radiation fields are in your treatment. > I have asthma but it has been under very good > control of late. > - If one does have any significant amount of fatigue > is there anything that can be done for it? Rest, naturally. Exercise (really - and there's research support for this idea). Good nutrition and plenty of liquids can't hurt. I thought radiation was easy, especially as compared with chemo (duh!). The biggest hassle was the need to be there every day for 6 weeks. I'm betting you're gonna do just fine. Keep us posted, OK? Sending positive wishes, Ann T. Remove 'dontsendspam' from address to reply by email Hi Marsha, I finished 6 weeks of RT after mastectomy on October 20th. I did not experience any fatigue at all from what I can tell. My skin looked horrible - a dark burgundy color but since I had the mastectomy and lymph node biopsy on that side - there wasn't any pain. There were three types of creams that I was told I could use, the first was 100% aloe gel, the second was Aquafor (which is almost exactly in my opinion Vaseline), the third is a new prescription cream called XClair by Align labs. It is a prescription cream which runs about 75.00 a tube. It was not covered by my insurance but my rad onc doc wanted me to use it since I am so fair skinned and they got samples for me. It felt the best of all of the above 3 creams - the only problem is that it will stain your undergarments a beige/tan color which is difficult to remove and with the price of mastectomy bras, camisoles, it was probably the most upsetting part of the whole ordeal is that I ruined a 80.00 camisole! Also, as someone mentioned, no underwire bras and they told me to use a "deodorant stone" which can be bought in most stores. Used it but don't know if it really works since I only sweat a very minimal amount under one arm and practically no where else yet since the chemo (the affected side doesn't sweat at all I think because of the lymph node biopsy - I don't grow any hair under that are either) All in all the 6 weeks breezed past. I hope the same for you. Tamara They said that I would have some lung scarring for life but we have to see if it will cause any problems. > Hi, Marsha - > [quoted text clipped - 74 lines] > Ann T. > Remove 'dontsendspam' from address to reply by email > ... they told me to use a "deodorant stone" which can be bought in most > stores. Used it but don't know if it really works I had one before the cancer, I used to sweat a lot and it didn't work at all. > since I only sweat a very minimal amount under one arm and practically no > where else yet since the chemo (the affected side doesn't sweat at all I > think because of the lymph node biopsy - I don't grow any hair under that > are either) Same here for sweat and hair and I didn't have chemo - but I did have RT ! Just shows how different we all are and how there's no universal standard result for anything - except our joy in surviving :-) Mary >"Mary Fisher" wrote: >> "R. Fizek" wrote [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > > I had one before the cancer, I used to sweat a lot and it didn't work at all. I've not heard of a "deodorant stone". Where do they sell them? (and please don't say "at the stone store") Marsha >>"Mary Fisher" wrote: >>> "R. Fizek" wrote [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] > >Marsha I remember when Mitchum's was the only antiperspirant with alum, but now they all have it. I found some "Tom Smith of Maine" natural deodorant in the pharmacy section of my grocery store but it didn't work. What I ended up doing if I had to go out was carrying a wet washcloth in a plastic baggie and wiping off my armpit once in a while. Not in public, of course. <g> They don't want you to shave your armpit, either, but you can use an electric razor if you do. I bought one, but I was afraid to use it, so I kept using my regular little one, very carefully. I don't know if anyone else developed an irrational fear of appliances during radiation! Don't rub your skin hard when you are washing around that whole area. Be vewwy gentle. And I believe I was told not to use scaulding hot water on that area as well. Marilyn > ... What I > ended up doing if I had to go out was carrying a wet washcloth in a > plastic baggie and wiping off my armpit once in a while. Not in public, > of course. <g> I did the same! > They don't want you to shave your armpit, either, but you can use an > electric razor if you do. I bought one, but I was afraid to use it, so > I kept using my regular little one, very carefully. I don't think I've ever shaved, too idle :-( > Don't rub your skin hard when you are washing around that whole area. Be > vewwy gentle. I simply splashed tepid water over it. It didn't really wash away all the sweat but it didn't hurt and felt good for a while. > And I believe I was told not to use scaulding hot water on > that area as well. As if you would even in 'normal' times! Mary > Marilyn >>"Mary Fisher" wrote: >>> "R. Fizek" wrote [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > I've not heard of a "deodorant stone". Where do they sell them? > (and please don't say "at the stone store") :-) I bought mine at an agricultural show, believe it or not! I can't suggest where to buy them but I've seen them advertised in catalogues which comes to us because we're pensioners and everyone wants to improve our health and make our living easy : Stair lifts, walk-in baths, oil of calendula, magnetic bracelets, magnifying glasses, devices to pick up fallen articles, waterproof covers for wheelchairs etc ... all useful things which so far we've managed to live without :-) I'm sorry I can't help more, try your pharmacy first. I don't like shopping so avoid it as much as possible. Mary Thanks Tamara, See comments below... >"R. Fizek" > I finished 6 weeks of RT after mastectomy on October 20th. I did not experience [quoted text clipped - 22 lines] > They said that I would have some lung scarring for life but we have to see if it > will cause any problems. Hmmm. Something else for me to remember to ask about. Hopefully neither of use will have that. I can ask about the XClair. I don't mind paying for something that works well. The staining is the pits, though. Interesting about the affected side not sweating. Mine definitely grew hair, though. In fact because of the way mine healed I had to buy a little narrow styling razor else I'd be overtaken by the hair. Of course that was before chemo. Maybe it won't come back! Thanks for the well wishes. Marsha >"A.P. Thorsen" <snipped> > Congrats! You're in the home stretch. > [quoted text clipped - 11 lines] > months of chemo . . . ?). Mine was not debilitating, though - kept working, > slept extra. I'm hoping to keep going to work. I love excuses for extra sleeping so if that happens, I'll comply. > I had five field RT - chest, axilla, front & back angles on the supraclavicular > nodes, and . . . hmm, forgot the 5th. This was after mastectomy. I don't know > whether a larger treatment area causes more fatigue. Wow. So many angles. I didn't expect that. No wonder it takes them so long to set everything up the first time. >And I don't think skin burn would necessarily be over a larger area. Skin burn >varies a lot by person. Some will tell you that those with pale skin burn worse, [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] >Many people seem to have more problems where there is skin overlap, such as >beneath a large breast. I'm very fair as well but maybe I'll be as fortunate as you. >> Other questions: >> - Any one have any suggestions for a cream for >> the sunburn effect? > > My onc's office told me to use pure Aloe Vera gel right after each treatment, > starting from the beginning, but not to reapply it right before treatment. My adrenalectomy surgeon's nurse mentioned that for that scar. She also suggested A&E gel which I have been using on that scar. Is it basically the same thing. What would be great is pure aloe gel from the plant. I got sun poisoning once in Miami and my friend lopped of a bit of her huge aloe plan and rubbed it on my back. It healed faster than any sunburn I'd ever had and relieved a lot of the pain as well. > They'll probably tell you to wear non-constricting underwear (there are some > cotton camisole thingies that many wear rather than a bra). Cotton is good - > let some air get to the area. The bra (rather, the prosthesis) issue was what I was really concerned about. I reasoned that if the skin was as sensitive as sunburned skin then that heavy prostesis and bra would be very uncomfortable. I still have my post-surgery camisole that has a very light-weight form. I can go with that. >> Is there common salve/cream >> that should NOT be used in case I get to feeling [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > avoid anything except that Aloe. I was also advised to use an unscented, mild > soap, such as unscented (not regular) Dove soap. I was wondering about deodorants. Apparently all of them have alum. in them now. I was going to check at a health food store for an alternative. The only people I've known that didn't use deodorants (my musician peers in college back in the 70's) and you absolutely did not want to be downwind from them. >> - Is there potential for any type of lung congestion? > [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] > Rest, naturally. Exercise (really - and there's research support for this > idea). Good nutrition and plenty of liquids can't hurt. I've heard that the exercise really helps. I would have exercised more during my recovery and even chemo since I felt so well, however I was limited for quite sometime because of the adrenalectomy incision. I've seen this gizmo at Brookstone called iGallop that looks interesting. But again, I'm not sure if I could use something like that yet since it is supposed to work the abs extensively. Obviously for a hard-core fitness person it would be a sissy machine. However, those people don't always consider some people are limited to what they can do. For other reasons, I can only do low-impact exercise. Also I like the fact that the machine has a small footprint as my house is small. > I thought radiation was easy, especially as compared with chemo (duh!). The > biggest hassle was the need to be there every day for 6 weeks. Every day. Yes, my thoughts exactly. > I'm betting you're gonna do just fine. Keep us posted, OK? Will do. > Sending positive wishes, Thanks, Ann. I'll take all those wishes I can get. Marsha > ... The only > people I've known that didn't use deodorants (my musician peers in college > back in the 70's) and you absolutely did not want to be downwind from > them. I agree. You need to make sure you're clean AND that you change your undersclothes and shirt/blouse daily. A lot of people don't realise that clothes can smell even when they appear clean. I hope you don't think I'm insulting your intelligence, I'm not. Mary >"Mary Fisher" wrote : > [quoted text clipped - 9 lines] > > I hope you don't think I'm insulting your intelligence, I'm not. Nah! My Father has a saying that if you smell yourself, everyone else has been smelling you for 3 days. Horrifying thought. For the time being I don't have to worry because of the chemo. But it will only be a matter of time so I'm trying to be proactive. >>"Mary Fisher" wrote : >> [quoted text clipped - 14 lines] > Nah! My Father has a saying that if you smell yourself, everyone > else has been smelling you for 3 days. I like that! If I remember I'll use it :-) Mary Hi, Marsha - Comments interspersed . . . . >>"A.P. Thorsen" >> Fatigue is fairly common - I had it (though maybe because the RT came >> after 6 months of chemo . . . ?). Mine was not debilitating, though - >> kept working, slept extra. > > I'm hoping to keep going to work. I love excuses for extra sleeping so > if that happens, I'll comply. You shouldn't have any problem. I don't know anyone who wanted to work during RT, and couldn't, except possibly for some who were still having after-effects from the chemo. If you made it through chemo well, it's nearly assured that you can work during RT, as long as you can work around the RT schedule. > hat would be great is pure aloe gel > from the plant. I got sun poisoning once in Miami and my friend > lopped of a bit of her huge aloe plan and rubbed it on my back. > It healed faster than any sunburn I'd ever had and relieved a lot of > the pain as well. Last I knew, you could buy something like that. They were selling food-grade Aloe Vera at health food/supplement stores. I didn't go to that extent for the smear-on stuff, though - just got the gel from CVS (Rite-Aid, Walgreen, whatever drugstore). >> They'll probably tell you to wear non-constricting underwear (there are >> some cotton camisole thingies that many wear rather than a bra). Cotton [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > still have my post-surgery camisole that has a very light-weight > form. I can go with that. That'll be perfect. <snippage> > I was wondering about deodorants. Apparently all of them have alum. in > them [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > back in the 70's) and you absolutely did not want to be downwind from > them. I think this has been said elsewhere on the thread, but the RT tends to shut down the sweat glands on that side, anyway, if the axillary area is in your treatment field. I'm a heavy-duty sweat-er (no genteel "perspiring" for me!), but to this day -- 6 years later -- that underarm only makes the feeblest of efforts, if any. Most who worry about the deordorant thing find it's not a problem. You should be able to continue deodorant on the non-RT side, as long as it's well away from your fields. > I've heard that the exercise really helps. I would have exercised more > during my recovery and even chemo since I felt so well, however I was [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] > exercise. Also I like the fact that the machine has a small footprint > as my house is small. You don't have to get fancy. Walking is good, if you can stand that much impact, and the fresh air is excellent for you. A couple of dumbells & a good book will give you a weight-training routine you can do at home - no impact . . . and that's a good osteoporosis-beater, as well. Swimming would likely be a no-no, as the chlorine is drying. But bicycling should be OK, if you have a bike. Yoga helps with the range-of-motion stuff, too -- there are free or inexpensive classes all over now, at community education programs, health clubs, YMCAs. Around here, there are even yoga classes for cancer survivors! Most teachers I've met, even in regular classes, are willing to work with you to adapt for physical challenges: Just make an effort to talk with them frankly before class. Several of my rowing team started rowing during RT, and that's heavy-duty exercise. They seemed to do fine (no lung effects - it would've been obvious). Take care, Marsha, Ann T. Remove 'dontsendspam' from address to reply by email >"Mizz Marcia Ryder" <wrote : >>"A.P. Thorsen" > <snipped> >> I had five field RT - chest, axilla, front & back angles on the supraclavicular >> nodes, and . . . hmm, forgot the 5th. This was after mastectomy. I don't know >> whether a larger treatment area causes more fatigue. Having had my consultation this morning (see below on cause of delay), she is proposing a four field RT as you had above. Also since mine is on the left chest wall, insurance permitting (or maybe even if it doesn't) possible doing IMRT instead of the "usual" RT. Darn just when I thought I knew all the lingo, I have to go back to Med school for this new field! > <snipped> >>> Other questions: [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] >> My onc's office told me to use pure Aloe Vera gel right after each treatment, >> starting from the beginning, but not to reapply it right before treatmen > My adrenalectomy surgeon's nurse mentioned that for that scar. > She also suggested A&E gel which I have been using on that scar. > Is it basically the same thing. What would be great is pure aloe gel Correction: A&D gel > <snipped> >> I'm betting you're gonna do just fine. Keep us posted, OK? > Will do. Well, my RT is off another week. When I went last week the ONC clinic had sent the referral over with a "no preference" for the RT ONC. NOT. Well I certainly did have a preference. Finally, getting sick of last minute SNAFUs, er..mis-communications, I was able to get through to the ONC clinic and threw a small hissy fit. I was able to secure the RT doctor I wanted for today. So, I had the consolation today and am scheduled for the simulation & CT scan for tomorrow morning. Also gained was the knowledge of how to speak to someone right away at the ONC clinic -- throw a hissy fit! (BTW, if you non-Southerners are wondering, only a true Southern woman knows the difference between a hissy fit and a conniption fit). It was worth it. My RT ONC is fabulous. > BTW, if you non-Southerners are wondering, only > a true Southern woman knows the difference between a hissy fit > and a conniption fit > It is at times like this I realise the truth in the statement that the English and the Americans are divided by a common language! Tim >> BTW, if you non-Southerners are wondering, only >> a true Southern woman knows the difference between a hissy fit >> and a conniption fit >> > It is at times like this I realise the truth in the statement that the > English and the Americans are divided by a common language! 'Hissy fit' is occasionally used here - probably picked up from tv - any ideas what 'conniption fit' is? It might come in handy some time :-) Mary > Tim >>> BTW, if you non-Southerners are wondering, only >>> a true Southern woman knows the difference between a hissy fit [quoted text clipped - 11 lines] >> >> Tim I imagine it is the same thing unless you happen to be a Southern Belle. Look in an online American dictionary, or Wikipedia (just ask Google). Tim "Tim Jackson" <tim@tim-jackson.co.uk> wrote in message news:458170e5$0$8741$ed2619ec@ptn-nntp- >> 'Hissy fit' is occasionally used here - probably picked up from tv - any >> ideas what 'conniption fit' is? [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] > I imagine it is the same thing unless you happen to be a Southern Belle. > Look in an online American dictionary, or Wikipedia (just ask Google). Tim, I want an EASY life :-) I expect you to know everything! What you don't know isn't worth knowing - you must know you have that reputation here <VBG> Mary > "Tim Jackson" <tim@tim-jackson.co.uk> wrote in message > news:458170e5$0$8741$ed2619ec@ptn-nntp- [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] >> I imagine it is the same thing unless you happen to be a Southern Belle. >> Look in an online American dictionary, or Wikipedia (just ask Google). I 'spect we'll have to wait for Marsha, or one of her fellow Southerners, to answer this one definitively. It's nuanced, so I'd be suprised if the dictionaries get it right. I'm from the U.S., and don't know the difference between a conniption fit & a hissy fit . . . but I'm a yankee to Marsha. On the other hand, I'm not a yankee to the *real* yankees, who live well east of me (a-yuh). Here in the midwest, fits are Not Done. In my ethnic tradition, a raised eyebrow is a *very* strong expression of emotion. We're sometimes separated by a common language, even within the country! Ann T. Remove 'dontsendspam' from address to reply by email >> "Tim Jackson" <tim@tim-jackson.co.uk> wrote in message >> news:458170e5$0$8741$ed2619ec@ptn-nntp- [quoted text clipped - 14 lines] > Here in the midwest, fits are Not Done. In my ethnic tradition, a raised > eyebrow is a *very* strong expression of emotion. :-)))))))) > > We're sometimes separated by a common language, even within the country! Ann, we are in England too, to say nothing of Wales, Ireland and Scotland! Mary >>"A.P. Thorsen" wrote : > news:45817e3f$0$763$4c56ba96@master.news.zetnet.net... [quoted text clipped - 18 lines] > > We're sometimes separated by a common language, even within the country! I expect that even among the Belles there would be disagreement on the definitions of those two types of fits (somewhat like asking what the best BBQ is in Memphis.) My favorite reference on the subject (and others) can be found at the following page: users.aristotle.net/~russjohn/literary/arbonics.html Some people think that both are fits that are thrown. IMHO, only a hissy is thrown, whereas a conniption is had. A conniption fit can fit the strict dictionary meaning, being an epileptic type fit. Some believe a hissy fit is thrown over an inconsequential event or matter whereas the conniption fit is reserved for far more serious matters. I don't agree with that distinction. A think the difference is more of degree and intensity. All said, either one should be reserved for only the direst of situations. The rest of the year I just raise an eyebrow. ;-) Well, someone did ask. Marsha >>> "A.P. Thorsen" wrote : >> news:45817e3f$0$763$4c56ba96@master.news.zetnet.net... [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] >>>>> >>>> I imagine it is the same thing unless you happen to be a Southern Belle. > I expect that even among the Belles there would be disagreement on the > definitions of those two types of fits (somewhat like asking what the best [quoted text clipped - 15 lines] > Well, someone did ask. > Marsha Lovely. Maybe you should update the Wikipedia. Now can you do the etymology? I'd love to know where it came from. It sounds like the sort of word one's grandmother makes up when she can't remember the proper one. Tim > I expect that even among the Belles Belles? ... > Some people think that both are fits that are thrown. > IMHO, only a hissy is thrown, whereas a conniption is had. > A conniption fit can fit the strict dictionary meaning, being an > epileptic type fit. Ah - I've been there :-( > Some believe a hissy fit is thrown over an > inconsequential event or matter whereas the conniption fit is [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > the direst of situations. The rest of the year I just raise > an eyebrow. ;-) I tend just to stare, wide-eyed. Got that from a son, it's very effective, especially when accompanied by the chin in the hand. My raised eyebrow (either of them) indicates that I don't understand something which has been said, it's not an expression of disapproval. Bloomin' 'eck! It's not just verbal language which separates us but also gestures ! > Well, someone did ask. Yes, and I'm pleased with the answer :-) Mary > Marsha >> I expect that even among the Belles > > Belles? Now Mary I do believe you are teasing, or emulating that judge who asked his court "what is a tee shirt?" You must have heard of Southern Belles. Did you never see "Gone with the Wind"? It refers to the beautiful young women from wealthy families of the confederate states prior to the American Civil War, and to their modern counterparts who would dream of presenting that image. Tim >>> I expect that even among the Belles >> >> Belles? > > Now Mary I do believe you are teasing, or emulating that judge who asked > his court "what is a tee shirt?" I don't know anything about that judge either! No, I'm not teasing. I've heard of the Liberty Belle but I'm not sure what it is. > You must have heard of Southern Belles. Did you never see "Gone with the > Wind"? A l - o - n - g time ago; at my age you don't expect me to remember it do you? :-) > > It refers to the beautiful young women from wealthy families of the > confederate states prior to the American Civil War, and to their modern > counterparts who would dream of presenting that image. Oh. Thanks. I think ... I only remember one woman and her name (real and fictional) has gone. Oh - Scarlett was it? Mary > >>> I expect that even among the Belles > >> [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] > No, I'm not teasing. I've heard of the Liberty Belle but I'm not sure what > it is. ------------------ http://www.toonopedia.com/libertyb.htm Before my time, of course, but I love comic art. Not to be confused with the Liberty Bell, which is a big bell that sits in a museum in Philadelphia and gets rung every 200 years. I think. Eva >> >>> I expect that even among the Belles >> >> [quoted text clipped - 17 lines] > a > museum in Philadelphia and gets rung every 200 years. I think. Oops! Sorry - I didn't know of the comic but have only heard (not seen written) the ringing one :-) Mary > Eva >>>>>> I expect that even among the Belles >>>>> Belles? [quoted text clipped - 21 lines] > Mary >> Eva And I thought she was a paddle steamer. And an aeroplane, whoops sorry airplane. Tim >>>>>>> I expect that even among the Belles >>>>>> Belles? [quoted text clipped - 24 lines] > And I thought she was a paddle steamer. And an aeroplane, whoops sorry > airplane. Oh - now that rings a bell ... Mary > Tim Another American phrase, usually in the context southern belles. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southern_belle >> I expect that even among the Belles > [quoted text clipped - 31 lines] > Mary >> Marsha > I had five field RT - chest, axilla, front & back angles on the > supraclavicular nodes, and . . . hmm, forgot the 5th. The retrosternal nodes -a 'hockey stick' shape? Havent seen one of those for ages. Signaturemadiba >> I had five field RT - chest, axilla, front & back angles on the >> supraclavicular nodes, and . . . hmm, forgot the 5th. > The retrosternal nodes -a 'hockey stick' shape? Havent seen one of those > for ages. Is your implication that my doc was a little too old school, or that the case is unusual? As background, I did a particularly good job of getting BC - 5 tumors in one breast (largest 3.1cm), one in the other. Only one positive axillary node, though. Ann T. Remove 'dontsendspam' from address to reply by email > Is your implication that my doc was a little too old school, or that the > case is unusual? As background, I did a particularly good job of getting > BC - 5 tumors in one breast (largest 3.1cm), one in the other. Only one > positive axillary node, though. FIVE? Isn't that a trifle excessive? :-) Mary > >> I had five field RT - chest, axilla, front & back angles on the > >> supraclavicular nodes, and . . . hmm, forgot the 5th. [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > BC - 5 tumors in one breast (largest 3.1cm), one in the other. Only one > positive axillary node, though. We tend to 'do' the retrosternal nodes at the same time as the breast is done by adjusting the angles and field sizes. But if any of those five tumors were definitely within the median quadrants or if large retrosternal nodes were seen in CT then the 'hockey stick' field is justified. Electrons do a nice job there as one can adjust the depth of penetration more precisely. Signaturemadiba > I am having RT to the chest wall area where the > breast was. Would having it over a larger area > result in more of any side-effect like fatigue? > (Obviously any skin burn would be over a larger area.) In general, the more volume (as opposed to area) that is irradiated the more tired one gets. > Other questions: > - Any one have any suggestions for a cream for > the sunburn effect? Is there common salve/cream > that should NOT be used in case I get to feeling > experimental? The best thing to use during the 6 weeks of RT is plain talcum powder. Lots of it, often. Keeps the skin dry and cool. Don't use powder where the skin is 'open' ie weepy. Should you have a very red skin when its all over then a) you werent powdering enough b) I prescribe a steroid-containing creme just to be used on that area and only until the reddening is gone -usually goes brown. Local brand: Ultralan. > - Is there potential for any type of lung congestion? > I have asthma but it has been under very good > control of late. No, but seeing you had a mastectomy more lung could be involved. Ask about (superficial) electrons, at least for the boost. > - If one does have any significant amount of fatigue > is there anything that can be done for it? to quote Churchill: "no sports" ie plenty of rest. Signaturemadiba |
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