??? about radiation treatments & clothing

[littlelion1961]

I had a breast lumpectomy and I will be starting radiation treatments after the holiday and am acquiring some of the skin items recommended by the oncologist. In the process I have developed some concerns about under garments; did you use bras? Camisoles? T-shirts?

Any other recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

TIA ~Paula

[LakeMartinGal]

Hi, Paula --

I'm sorry you are having to go through this... mine was 4 1/2 years ago! In some ways, it was the best thing I ever did -- learned a lot about myself, including how to laugh at myself! Something I hadn't learned in 55 years, and I wish I had learned earlier! :o

I used cotton sports bras -- the Champion or Hanes, I can't remember, but VERY SOFT! I also had to use very soft cotton tops with no ridges -- couldn't wear pique at all, because I could feel it too much. I would recommend either something that doesn't touch you at all (but is very soft when it brushes against you), or something snug against your breast that is very soft! I preferred snug. If you are not large-breasted, maybe camisoles or tanks... but stay away from underwires, anyway... I got lymphedema in the breast, and had to have that treated... took a year to get rid of it! The lymphedema folks use high-density foam to pad seams, and a cotton stocking material to put the foam it, but I thought that wrinkled too much, so I just use the foam...

Did you have lymph node excision, too? If so, a bra may touch you where the scar is (why don't doctors think about that when they place the incision? :( ), so you may need a higher or lower cut of the bra -- no lace!!!!! And use the cream that the doctor prescribes!

If all goes well, you will be able to continue most of your activities, but feel free to take it easy! I didn't get the exhaustion until near the end of the 6 weeks, but I did sleep easily! Radiation is much more comfortable than chemo... I was blessed, and hope you are too, that radiation is your only additional treatment! :)

Feel free to pm me if you have any more questions! I would be happy to help in any way I can! :)

[littlelion1961]

Thank you Kay.

I have been very fortunate; no lymph nodes were effected and the biopsy last month removed most of the calcium deposit, sooo my latest surgery was very minor. Most of the time I am very positive and happy about my good fortune but that doesn't mean that I can keep the anxiety at bay. I feel like I am riding a roller-coaster at the moment. I know you understand.

Have a wonder-full day.

Paula

[JulieM]

Paula, I just wanted to send you a hug and let you know all my best wishes are coming your way! I have not experienced what you're going through, but my SIL had a lumpectomy and radiation, followed by 5 years of tamoxifen. She's been finished with the tamoxifen for about a year and a half. I remember her dealing with the painful skin from the radiation. Wishing you a speedy recovery!

Julie

[Robyn1007]

I can't give you specific advise but wanted you to know that you are in my prayers. My beloved aunt continues her treatment currently. She had 8 chemo treatments and had her 13th of 28 radiation treatments today. Although she knows the effects of the radiation will be cummulative, thus far she hasn't had many issues at all, the chemo was much worse. I wish you all of the best as you go through this and hope that you will soon be called a survivor and not a patient.

Robyn

[mst]

I wish you all of the best as you go through this and hope that you will soon be called a survivor and not a patient.



Robyn- that is beautiful. Paula, I wish this for you also. :)

[LakeMartinGal]

Thank you Kay.

I have been very fortunate; no lymph nodes were effected and the biopsy last month removed most of the calcium deposit, sooo my latest surgery was very minor. Most of the time I am very positive and happy about my good fortune but that doesn't mean that I can keep the anxiety at bay. I feel like I am riding a roller-coaster at the moment. I know you understand.

Have a wonder-full day.

Paula
Sounds like you and I had a similar situation, Paula. I didn't have to take Tamoxifen or anything.

The worst is behind you, now, and the radiation will not be bad at all. It's natural to feel the roller-coaster, though... Have you tried the breastcancer.org BB? There are some very wonderful, caring people there who have been, or are right now, exactly where you are. There is also a lot of information about the latest advances in treatment, etc. When I was posting there, I felt extremely lucky in the general scheme of things! ;)

They will probably tell you to use a natural deoderant, like Tom's of Maine, and not to use certain lotions or powders. Depending on your skin type (I'm very fair-skinned) the skin problems may be less for you.

One of the things I did going in was to make up my mind that I wasn't going to have any problems with this. They were doing this to make sure the cancer never came back in that breast, and I was going to help them with my attitude! That worked very well, and while I did have a little irritation -- I'm allergic to the tape they put over the registration marks -- and some fabrics were irritating -- it was nothing I couldn't handle! I sincerely hope you have a similar experience! The hardest part was at the beginning, when I had 3 or 4 men all looking at my breast! I made a joke, but the doctor had a stick up his butt -- guess he just wasn't used to cancer patients joking! He thought he had to tell me that he just had a professional interest in my breast -- duh! :rolleyes:

The tiredness comes toward the end of the treatment. We went to Italy the week after my treatment ended, and I slept 12 hours a night, but was still able to go through Pompeii, and eat myself silly on pasta!

Maybe you could plan a trip for when you're done -- down to a Sandals Resort, or somewhere you've always wanted to go! It did wonders for getting me back to real life, and to stop being so self-involved. ;)

[LHBryan]

((Paula)),
My Mom had a lumpechtomy in March and just started radiation on May 1st. (She postponed it a few weeks due to my brother's wedding in April.) All of her lymph nodes were fine too. She's doing great so far with the treatments and trying to be proactive by using the creams regularly, not wearing deoderant, and making sure she doesn't wear abrasive fabrics. The doctor told her it's essential that she stay well hydrated and drink lots and lots of water every day. She said that's the best advice she's received. She can tell a tremendous difference when she doesn't drink enough water. I know she's never worn underwire bras--just plain lightly padded cotton--but I'm not sure what she's wearing now. She's so "proper" that I assume she's wearing a bra regardless of any discomfort she may be feeling. (She made a comment recently about one my friends going bra-less :rolleyes:, even though she was wearing a camisole.) I, on the other hand, would definitely invest in something supersoft at the slightest tinge of skin sensitivity.

I'll be thinking of you and rooting you and my Mom on!

All the best,
Laura

[Robyn1007]

Laura,

Your mom and my aunt started radiation on the exact same day! How many treatments does she have to have?

Robyn

[LHBryan]

Robyn,
Mom has treatments every weekday for 6 weeks straight. How about your aunt?

-Laura

[Robyn1007]

About the same, every weekday for a total of 28 treatments. It works about to be about 6 weeks.

All my best to her and to your family!

Robyn

[food girl]

Hi Paula,
I have worked in a radiation oncology office for 12 years. I'm the dietitian but I'm pretty familiar with all the stuff we tell our patients. You know every center does things differently as far as what they recommend. Our center basically recommends no deo, no lotions (except aquaphor and 100% aloe and only after your tx for the day) no underwire bras. Lots of women wear a t-shirt under a bra... sounds weird and hot but they like it.

Keep an eye on your underarm and under the breast. I have been the "female presence" in the room during many doc checks and seen some mighty red & weepy underarms and "folds" and the women were totally unaware! It usually is toward the end of tx that you see that. It is odd to me that you absolutely can not tell who is likely to get more red by thier coloring. Sometimes fair people hardly look red at all and olive/dark people get burned up.

Good luck. Eat well, but not too well :p There is no increase in metabolism with radiation to the breast.

Lisa

[littlelion1961]

Thank you for all of your input. Aren’t we fortunate to live in a time when all we have to do is connect to the internet to receive comfort, reassurance and information from our sisters?

Originally Posted by Robyn1007
I wish you all of the best as you go through this and hope that you will soon be called a survivor and not a patient.

(This sentiment is beautiful, thank you.)


KAY the breastcancer.org BB is a great site, thank you for recommending it. I am now hunting down natural deodorant plus I went to Walmart yesterday and discovered that they have a wonderful array of all cotton under garments. I may never wear regular bras again. :eek:


LAURA: thanks for the reminder to keep well hydrated.

LISA: I can picture me walking into Oncology with my bra worn outside my clothing. That would wake up everyone. :D

Today I had my simulation and Friday everything will be checked and then it is a go for next Tuesday. Thank you all again, for helping me with some of my questions.

~~Paula

[food girl]

LISA: I can picture me walking into Oncology with my bra worn outside my clothing. That would wake up everyone. :D

~~Paula

LOL! I can hear you saying "Someone on the CL bulletin board said I should.."

T-shirt, bra...then another shirt on top!! I have seen patients with their wigs on backwards, people who don't bathe the whole 6 weeks because they are afraid of washing marks off, people who wash thier marks off everyday lest we think that they are "dirty" but never, never, never have I seen a bra outside of the clothing!


Lisa

[LakeMartinGal]

LISA: I can picture me walking into Oncology with my bra worn outside my clothing. That would wake up everyone. :D

Today I had my simulation and Friday everything will be checked and then it is a go for next Tuesday. Thank you all again, for helping me with some of my questions.

~~Paula
Paula, I think you are great! Keep your sense of humor, and you will sail through this. Also, practice mind over matter -- decide you won't get any of the uncomfortable side effects, and you can minimize them... it worked for me! Also, to keep your energy level up, a little mild exercise will do wonders. I wish I had done something more, but shopping seemed to be about it... Let us know how you're doing during your treatments, ok? I'm interested! :) ;)

[LakeMartinGal]

Paula, I'm bumping this up to find out how you're doing? By my calculations, you should have almost a week of radiation done... how's it going? :)

[littlelion1961]

Thank you for the inquiry; it's comforting to know that people are thinking about me and praying for me during this time.

The first week is over and I am doing wonderfully, which boosts my attitude. I understand survivors saying that their life changed after going through this. I have become a control freak and this has forced me to lean on friends and family - and professionals; I have learned patience, thankfulness for all things and the art of forgiving myself for not being "perfect". Life is beautiful.

The most recent humorous moment was while I was getting tattooed and set up for the treatments. My husband died last July and every time I attempted to use visualization to stay calm and relaxed, something would remind me of him sooo I would "erase" that visual and try to come up with something else; then I noticed that there was a beautiful light on the ceiling - apple blossoms in bloom with a bright blue sky shining through and I laid there with tears running because it was sooo "pretty". That whole week my hormones seemed be out of control I found myself in odd situations.

After church, I am going to my son's house so I won't be back online until this evening. Have a blessed day.

~~Paula

[Gail K.]

I just wanted to chime in and wish you the best. Also, I am so very sorry for the loss of your husband.
I had a lumpectomy 4 1/2 years ago at the age of 36 (when my boys were almost 3 and 7) and did have one positive lymph node, so I had to have chemo prior to my 6 weeks of radiation. A couple of suggestions -- wear a button-down shirt without a bra to your treatments and then all you have to do is unbutton the shirt and have your treatment (no need to go to a changing room).
Also, after the treatment (if it is in the morning), apply clear aloe vera gel to the affected breast, as well as, in the evening before bed. It may help reduce your chances of your skin turning red.
Good luck with your treatments.

[LakeMartinGal]

Paula, I'm so sorry to hear about your husband... that must make this way more difficult. I'm glad you have support from your son!
The first week is over and I am doing wonderfully, which boosts my attitude. I understand survivors saying that their life changed after going through this. I have become a control freak and this has forced me to lean on friends and family - and professionals; I have learned patience, thankfulness for all things and the art of forgiving myself for not being "perfect". Life is beautiful.
I am happy that you have learned these things, already. I may have already mentioned that, after 50-some years of being very self-consious, I learned to laugh at myself during this time... I never gave the medical folks my nickname, only my given name, which is very formal... that way, this whole thing could be happening to someone else... When I figured out what I had done, I laughed at myself for the first time, and felt a big weight drop from my shoulders.

I guess we can guess who 'the light' was... It is perfectly natural for your emotions and hormones to be out of whack! Had you been taking HRT, and had to stop? Talk about a hormonal nightmare! If you have trouble with hot flashes because of lack of hormones, ask your doctor about Effexor XR. It is an anti-depressant, but has the wonderful side effect of reducing hot flashes. Also, vitamin E, taken with C is good for that...

I am thinking of you, and praying for your speedy and uneventful treatment and recovery!

[Robyn1007]

Paula,

I wanted to bump this up to see how you are doing? Are you done yet? My aunt is finished and starting to get her energy back and I hope you are doing the same.

Robyn

[littlelion1961]

Good morning, Robyn!

I am in excellent shape heading into my fifth week! The doctor even mentioned this yesterday - that my skin looked very good and to continue with my routine. This has kept my spirits up along with all of my support groups. Friends, family, BBers. Thank you.

If there any readers (lurkers) going through this, I have found three things that I think have helped me:

1. Time Off Leisure Bras by Playtex. All cotton and very comfortable.

2. Use baby diapers to pat dry the treated area after a shower. (I like to use diapers for various cleaning tasks and had some new ones on hand.) These absorb the moisture quickly and are gentle to the skin.

3. Stay active. I have been busy enough to keep my mind off of this and yet have the leisure to take a nap when I need it.


Have a wonder-full day. ~Paula

[Robyn1007]

Glad to hear things are going well and you are in good spirits! You're almost there and I continue to keep you in my prayers!

Robyn

[LakeMartinGal]

Thanks for bumping, Robyn -- I was going to do that yesterday, but got distracted...

Paula, I'm so glad you're doing so well! Sounds like you have had excellent support and a great attitude! I'm very pleased for you! :D

[littlelion1961]

The fact that my oncologist is cute, single and only 22 years my senior may also be a positive factor. (If Demi can do it, so can I!) :D

Seriously, thank you Kay and Robyn for your good thoughts and wonderful prayers.

~Paula

PS Did I mention that my oncologist is cute? :confused:

[mst]

Glad to hear that you are doing well.

Cute doctors never hurt. :D My podiatrist- yum! Except for one thing- he is a podiatrist. A man who deals with feet all day? Yech!

[littlelion1961]

[Cute doctors never hurt. My podiatrist- yum! Except for one thing- he is a podiatrist. A man who deals with feet all day? Yech!]


Too funny.

If they didn't have podiatrist as their handle, we would consider them perverts. (For all of the PC, I am just kidding.)

[LakeMartinGal]

If they didn't have podiatrist as their handle, we would consider them perverts. (For all of the PC, I am just kidding.)

LOL! giggle, snort! :D

[LakeMartinGal]

Hi, Paula...

How are you doing? About done with the radiation, yet? I've been thinking about you! :)

[littlelion1961]

I have two more scar boosts - Monday and Tuesday and then I am finished. Yea and hoorah.

I ended up with a burn in my arm pit so I now sleep topless, with my arm over my head, with the pit slathered in Silver Sulfadiazine. :eek: This happened my last full-breast treatment so the positive aspect of this is that I didn't have to lay there at any time suffering the thought of more full treatments and more burns.

I am glad people don't have X-ray eyes to see the contraptions I wear underneath my clothing to protect my skin. :D Do you remember perspiration guards? (I'm not sure of the correct name.) They were little pads on straps; women wore them to protect their clothing back in our younger days. Any way, they would be perfect for someone in my situation and would keep the skin from rubbing; if I would have known this I would have sewn something together. Where's Vera Wang when we need her?

OT: On another thread you mentioned that you were soooo thankful that you found a church home before you were challenged with BC. That is exactly my situation. I left our church twenty years ago and couldn't muster up the interest in attending another. For a year, at least, there was a deep yearning to go back and one day a neighbor said the right thing, at the right time and all of a sudden I was back in a pew. Nine months later David was dead and seven after that I was fighting to survive BC!!!! Thought you would like to know that someone here knows exactly how you feel.

Blessings ~~Paula

[Robyn1007]

Paula,

I'm sorry to hear about the burn but glad that you are almost done with everything. I hope that you recover quickly and can start putting everything behind you. My aunt finally did her first long bike ride last weekend, a little less than a month after her last treatment.

I'm also glad to hear that you have the support of your church family, they can be so comforting in times like these. My prayers contine to go out to you.

Robyn

[littlelion1961]

Kay and Robyn: I thought I would post this here so that any sensitive males would not be embarrassed. :D


Dear Kotex,

I recently noticed that the peel-off strip of my panty liner had a bunch

of "Kotex Tips for Life" on it. Annoying advice such as:

- Staying active during your period can relieve cramps.

- Avoiding caffeine may help reduce cramps and headaches.

- Drink 6-8 glasses of water a day to keep you hydrated and feeling

fresh.

- Try Kotex blah blah blah other products



Obviously the individual behind this was someone who has never

possessed a functioning set of ovaries. Go ahead and tell a

menstruating woman that drinking 6-8 glasses of water will help keep

her feeling fresh. See what happens and report back. I'll wait.

While you're at it, dump out the coffee at work and remove the

chocolate from the vending machine. I garan-friggin-tee that the first

responders will be females who just ovulated.

Look, females don't need or want tips for living on feminine hygiene

products. Younger girls are already hearing "helpful" crap like that

from their elderly relatives. Veteran females have already concocted

their own recipes for survival, many containing alcohol.

Printing out sh** advice while sneaking in ads for the brand that was

already purchased is just plain annoying, not to mention rude, and

enough to send a girl running to another brand. Mostly we'd like to

forget that we even need these products. It's not a fun time, but DO

NOT try to cheer us up by adding smiley faces or bunnies or flowery

cutesy crap to your products or the packaging.

Put the sh** in a plain brown wrapper so we can throw it in our carts

discreetly and have it blend in among the wine and beer. There is

nothing more annoying than having a blinding pink package announcing

your uterine state to everyone in the store.

So take your tips for living and shove them right up your a**.

Ovarily Yours,

Miss PMS

[LakeMartinGal]

Paula, I just 'found' this post! What a hoot, and how right-on! Feeling a little testy, huh? :D

[Valerie226]

Paula, my mother always called those things "dress shields". Haven't thought of them in decades!! I don't remember them being big enough to do much good.

[Robyn1007]

Ha! I missed this one, that's hilarious Paula! How are you doing these days?

[littlelion1961]

I am finished! Party on!

Valerie, I remembered 24 hours after my post that they were called dress shields. My burn was in the crevice and the shields - on strings - were the only thing I could think of that could be secured in place to keep my skin from rubbing together. Desperate people do desperate things. ;) All of that is almost cleared up so the subject is moot.

Once again - thanks ladies for all of your prayers and expressed concern it has helped make this a very positive experience.

Paula

[LakeMartinGal]

Whew! Glad it's over for you! Do you have the fatigue from the radiation? We went to Italy right after I was done, and I think I slept and ate almost the whole time... of course, the Amalfi Coast was a great place to do both! And the climb up several (seemed like hundred) flights of rock stairs to get to the grocery didn't help with the fatigue! Oh! to be back there again, and be able to enjoy it more! ;)

[littlelion1961]

I am fortunate, no fatigue. I am teaching in Bible School this week so I am attributing any fatigue to the little sweethearts - tonight we will have 22 four-years olds. :D Breathe. Exhale. Breathe. Exhale.

[LakeMartinGal]

I am fortunate, no fatigue. I am teaching in Bible School this week so I am attributing any fatigue to the little sweethearts - tonight we will have 22 four-years olds. :D Breathe. Exhale. Breathe. Exhale.
Bless your heart! And God love you! You have more energy now than I ever did for this endeavor... I'm just not a 'kid' person... Loved my own, but... :eek: :o :rolleyes: ;)

[Robyn1007]

PARTY TIME!!!!

I'm so happy to hear that your done and entering the world of survivors! I hope you enjoy the rest of the summer and continue to get good news from here on out from your doctors. Hugs and prayers coming your direction that this is the end of your treatments for goo.

[littlelion1961]

Thank you, Robyn. Give your aunt a hug for me. It is wonderful to come through something like this.

Paula