Hi All,

Thought I'd start a new thread.
The old one was getting rather long.

I have a question, because I refuse to go online, and search anymore--too scary:
When you're having radiation, I understand not everyone has side-effects, but today my Radiologist asked me quite a few questions. Now, I'm waiting for them to happen---(I know....typical me)
He asked me:
1) Are you having breathing problems?
2) Are you tired?
3) Are you having skin problems?
4) Is your appetite o.k.?...etc.....

I guess the breathing question, is the one that disturbed me. I hadn't heard that was a side-effect. I'm being radiated on both collarbone areas, and down into my chest some. So far, so good, I guess, although I am tired today, but I think it's because I overdid it this weekend with fall cleaning (fingers crossed).

I must admit, radiation (so far) is much, much easier than chemo. I hope I can continue to say that throughout treatment. I have 14 more to go....
Thanks for any input. It always helps just to "talk" here.
S.

Dear Singer,
Your radiation oncologist just asked about the breathing as the radiation can cause some lung tissue irritation which can cause some shortness of breath.
Along with everything else he asked you it is just a precautionary measure to see how you are reacting to the radiation.

Not to worry just the standard questions.

Glad to see to see CC post. Wish she did not have to have all these delays.

Take Care.

Love
Linda

Well...
Wouldn't you know...
The reason I started this thread, was because I "did" have an issue with breathing last week, but I didn't think to tell the doctor. I feel like such a whiner..
It started last Friday. I woke up with a slight tightness in my chest. So, I took a half a Benadryl, which helped immensely. I don't know if this is a radiation side-effect, or if it's allergies. I have 3 cats---and Heaven knows, I probably shouldn't. Anyway, I detected it a bit again today. I mentioned it to the tech, but no one was there to answer my question about what I should take. I'm waiting on a call from the radiology nurse, to see what I should do.
Then, I came home---had stopped to get some humus and garlic pita chips---when I swallow, there's a place (about where I'm getting radiated) where it feels like it almost gets stuck. Great. I thought I was getting by so easy. None of this is easy, is it?
So, now I'm wondering, is it allergies or radiation...or both?
They should call me soon, but when will this all end? I pray very soon.
One thing I'm going to do, is kick the cats out of the bedroom. They have a tendency throughout the night, to congregate on the bed (all 3 of them) and leave me very little space to sleep, anyway. They're not gonna like it....oh well...so be it. I've known for a long time, that I was a "little" allergic to those critters....but, I love them so much.

I just hope it is allergies, but how can you tell?

Hope Don is doing well today.
Yes, I know---CC has had a very rough time. I wish I could do more for her.

I hope the nurse calls soon. I'll be back...
love, S.

I didn't even realize I posted my last response....uh oh....I think I'm losing it.

The nurse called, and yes, she said the feeling in my throat is a side effect of radiation, but usually people feel it later. Leave it to me. So, I double-up on my Prilosec, eat soft foods, and take Benadryl when I think it may be allergy-related. If it gets worse, there's something they can prescribe. Thank God it's not sore, just bothersome---like "the elephant in the living room," if you know what I mean. The nurse said, chances are, down the road I'll experience sore throat. Even at that, this is still, by far, easier than chemo.

I went to a wig shop this afternoon. I think everybody has a "cancer story," or at least some burden to bear. The lady that was there, opened up to me about her past breast cancer & also told me that she'd had a stint put in....98% blockage! I think God lead me to her today. I was starting that "Why me, Lord" thing that I have a tendency to do, and then, here was this lovely lady---so sweet and accomodating---and had such kind eyes---I thought, "OK, I'm here for a reason, and it's not really to buy a wig, I already have one"....although, I did buy a hairband that has hair attached. You wear it under a hat. I don't even know if I'll ever wear it....I just wanted to buy something from her, she was so sweet. God bless her for sharing. It "snapped" me out of it. What an angel to share with me like that.

OK, so I'm counting down....13 more.

Thanks for letting me vent.
love, S.

Hi Singer, sorry i've not spoken to you in ages. my computer broke and just got fixed today. have you seen a psychologist yet? i know that one of the chemo drugs, the bleomycin, gave me breathing problems so they stopped giving me it. i guess the radiation is no different. are you having any other side effects from it? i hope you are well. i missed speaking to everyone when i didnt have my computer!

amanda
xxxxxxx

Hi Amanda,
I missed you, too.
I was wondering how you've been.
Are you still doing well?
How's life "after treatment" treating you?

I just finished half of my radiation treatments today. 10 more to go.
I've been having allergy problems, which I think are due to my cats, and probably my lowered resistance from chemo & radiation. I've put new hepa filters everywhere, and am limiting the critters to just a few rooms. I think I also heard where a vaporizer in the bedroom during sleep, would help. I'll try that, too.
Most of my issues are breathing & throat related. Benadryl helps a lot. I think I may have to, at some time, just eat soft foods. It just feels like it gets stuck. At times, it's very uncomfortable, but the good news is, I only have to repeat this one more time. I pray :angel:

I have a psychologist appt. Monday. I think I should keep it this time. I cancelled the last one, thinking I could do it myself, but I have too many issues at hand and need guidance. I just am so scared of antidepressants (for me, that is). I've seen some adverse affects on people in my family, plus every time I try them, I just can't sleep. So, I'll go the "talking" route for now.

Glad to see you back. These computers are touchy sometimes.
Love,S.

Yay, I'm so happy oyu are half way through! i have a severe phobia of big machines (such as the CT machines) even xray machines i get an eyemask and sing to myself so its not as loud. so i would've freaked out if i was told i needed radiation.

i was going insane not having my computer. not just because i couldnt get online but i couldnt type any essays or anything! i am doing great. i was thrown a HUGE party for my 22 nd last weekend and had such a good night. I was wearing this huge red ballgown and my hair is finally long enough that i've straightned it and it's like a little pixie cut!

definatly good to speak to the psychologist. i told them firmly that i didn't want pills, especially after what happened with the valium and i felt so down i seriously thought about taking all the pills i had and going to sleep. and it had nothing to do with the treatment, they had prescribed me valium to take twice a day (for no reason) and it brought my mood so low that i was constantly bursting into tears and when someone asked me why i was crying i didnt know. i just felt like crying. so i refused to take antideppressents! but it helped speaking to someone neutral who isn't upset or angry with what you say.

xxxxx