The rectangle on the bottom of the machine is the x-ray plate.
One of 2 change rooms. The other is to the left of that. The exam rooms are in front of the nurses' desk, you can see one of the doors.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Radiation Treatment Center, Lansing, Michigan
The rectangle on the bottom of the machine is the x-ray plate.
One of 2 change rooms. The other is to the left of that. The exam rooms are in front of the nurses' desk, you can see one of the doors.
After 26 Radiation Treatments 05/31/2008
These pictures were taken Saturday morning, after 26 radiation treatments. The whole breast field was done after 23 treatments, and I've had 3 treatments with the smaller field that focuses on the wound bed. Most facilities refer to these smaller fields as "boosts", but the dose of radiation is the same, 2 gray, for me. The smaller field is identified in a previous posting labeled Radiation Markings 05.22.2008
Unfortunately, though, my skin has finally started to break down.
This picture shows pretty good the top of the radiation field under my arm, above the axillary incision. The incision has turned a reddish purple, and the lymph fluid is collecting above the incision in the armpit, and in the shoulder and back under the shoulder blade. This picture looks like there is fluid around the back near the bottom of the ribs; and that may be, but some of it may be just plain fat. It's discolored around the areola, too, and the area of breakdown is under the breast.
This shows the discoloration under the arm, and how full the breast tissue is around both of the incisions. Ike, the lymph specialist, is able to massage these areas and move the fluid out so that the incisions lay nearly smooth.
Straight on, the redness under the breast. The areola and nipple are really full. The nipple itself is prickly, as is the areola directly below.
Almost able to see the entire square of the radiation field.
Under the breast, the area of breakdown. In the fold, the whole top layer of skin has come off. It is shiny/smooth/moist, and I keep it slathered with the aloe vera/elta cream mixture. It doesn't hurt too bad, only when the ointment is gone and/or when the tylenol/motrin wears off.
Unfortunately, though, my skin has finally started to break down.
This picture shows pretty good the top of the radiation field under my arm, above the axillary incision. The incision has turned a reddish purple, and the lymph fluid is collecting above the incision in the armpit, and in the shoulder and back under the shoulder blade. This picture looks like there is fluid around the back near the bottom of the ribs; and that may be, but some of it may be just plain fat. It's discolored around the areola, too, and the area of breakdown is under the breast.
This shows the discoloration under the arm, and how full the breast tissue is around both of the incisions. Ike, the lymph specialist, is able to massage these areas and move the fluid out so that the incisions lay nearly smooth.
Straight on, the redness under the breast. The areola and nipple are really full. The nipple itself is prickly, as is the areola directly below.
Almost able to see the entire square of the radiation field.
Under the breast, the area of breakdown. In the fold, the whole top layer of skin has come off. It is shiny/smooth/moist, and I keep it slathered with the aloe vera/elta cream mixture. It doesn't hurt too bad, only when the ointment is gone and/or when the tylenol/motrin wears off.
Monday, May 26, 2008
After 22 Radiation Treatments 05262008
Monday May 26, 2008
Pictures today after 22 radiation treatments. The first one shows where the radiation field is under the arm, and the fullness in the breast. That fullness is probably lymph fluid, and after a therapy treatment with Ike it looks less full. The second picture shows no cording!!, also thanks to Ike. The armpit looks full to me, especially above the incision and towards the back.
This next picture shows the change in color under the breast, and the bottom of the square of the radiation field. Can you see the tattoo at the bottom?
These two pictures show how the breast is changing, "drawing up". Is that what they mean when they say "perky"?
Overall, the skin is holding up pretty good. It's a little prickly sometimes, especially on the nipple, and sometimes underneath the breast. The breast tissue is sore/tender in the woundbed primarily, and lets me know, but the whole thing is tender when poked at lightly. I am taking 400 mg of ibuprofen (motrin) and 1000 mg acetaminophen (tylenol) in the morning, and sometimes a couple more times throughout the day/evening for the nagging discomfort.
The breast itself feels better with a bra on. I wear a 100% cotton sports bra, 2 sizes bigger than usual, that closes in the front with 6 hooks and eyes. I only close the bottom 3, as the top is too much pressure on the breast tissue. At home, though, I've just been wearing a cotton tee shirt. Of course, I'm putting aloe vera on the radiation field, at least twice a day, if not more. It's a little itchy and prickly. I am mixing about equal parts of Fruit of The Earth 100% Aloe Vera Gel with Elta Cream. It makes a creamier base than just the aloe alone, and seems to be working well for me, so far.
I also have intermittent nausea underlying my general discomforts. I have the compazine and zofran leftover from chemo, and have used the compazine a couple of times.
I enjoy a nap, sometimes two; I usually rest for 30 minutes or so, but have slept an hour and a half once. That surprised me.
I have taken these pictures for myself, to photo-document the changes, and posted them to help ease other people's fear of this whole process. I hope it does. Let me know!! Thank you for stopping by.
Pictures today after 22 radiation treatments. The first one shows where the radiation field is under the arm, and the fullness in the breast. That fullness is probably lymph fluid, and after a therapy treatment with Ike it looks less full. The second picture shows no cording!!, also thanks to Ike. The armpit looks full to me, especially above the incision and towards the back.
This next picture shows the change in color under the breast, and the bottom of the square of the radiation field. Can you see the tattoo at the bottom?
These two pictures show how the breast is changing, "drawing up". Is that what they mean when they say "perky"?
Overall, the skin is holding up pretty good. It's a little prickly sometimes, especially on the nipple, and sometimes underneath the breast. The breast tissue is sore/tender in the woundbed primarily, and lets me know, but the whole thing is tender when poked at lightly. I am taking 400 mg of ibuprofen (motrin) and 1000 mg acetaminophen (tylenol) in the morning, and sometimes a couple more times throughout the day/evening for the nagging discomfort.
The breast itself feels better with a bra on. I wear a 100% cotton sports bra, 2 sizes bigger than usual, that closes in the front with 6 hooks and eyes. I only close the bottom 3, as the top is too much pressure on the breast tissue. At home, though, I've just been wearing a cotton tee shirt. Of course, I'm putting aloe vera on the radiation field, at least twice a day, if not more. It's a little itchy and prickly. I am mixing about equal parts of Fruit of The Earth 100% Aloe Vera Gel with Elta Cream. It makes a creamier base than just the aloe alone, and seems to be working well for me, so far.
I also have intermittent nausea underlying my general discomforts. I have the compazine and zofran leftover from chemo, and have used the compazine a couple of times.
I enjoy a nap, sometimes two; I usually rest for 30 minutes or so, but have slept an hour and a half once. That surprised me.
I have taken these pictures for myself, to photo-document the changes, and posted them to help ease other people's fear of this whole process. I hope it does. Let me know!! Thank you for stopping by.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Radiation Markings 05.22.2008
Today, Thursday May 22, 2008, after the radiation treatment (#21 0f 30) Ron told me to "hold tight--we're going to do the simulation for the boost treatments." Boost treatments are not really increased dosages of radiation; it's a reduced field size with the same dosage. Why it's called "boosts" I don't know.
So, here's the markings. Dr. DeBiose included the nipple, because he believes that if it's ductal cell carcinoma, all ducts run to the nipple, so include it in the narrower field. Interestingly, the doctor, the nurses, and the technicians all said that female radiologists exclude the nipple. (Because of the burns?? I don't know...)
I agree with Dr. DeBiose in including the nipple. We also agreed that if the nipple doesn't "hold up" we can change the field at any time. That is the other marking just above the nipple, on the edge of the areola.
So, here's the markings. Dr. DeBiose included the nipple, because he believes that if it's ductal cell carcinoma, all ducts run to the nipple, so include it in the narrower field. Interestingly, the doctor, the nurses, and the technicians all said that female radiologists exclude the nipple. (Because of the burns?? I don't know...)
I agree with Dr. DeBiose in including the nipple. We also agreed that if the nipple doesn't "hold up" we can change the field at any time. That is the other marking just above the nipple, on the edge of the areola.
Sunday, May 18, 2008
After 17 Radiation Treatments
These pics were taken Saturday morning, 5.17.2008, after 17 radiation treatments. The first one is the regrowth of hair on my head. The next one, I was trying to capture how thin my eyebrows are, but the photo doesn't reflect it too well. I don't have too many of my original eyelashes left, either. They came out this past week. There do seem to be very short hairs growing in, though.
My left eyebrow is mostly gone, as are the eyelashes.
This is the cording that Ike/Eeka has been working on in Physical/Lymphedema Therapy. On the first picture you can see the cording in the armpit, and also the shadow about 3 fingerbreadths up from the elbow, like a dimpling. It's sore and tender, sometimes more than others. The next picture is another of the cording in the armpit. That feels like it is pulled really tight. It is better now, after 2 weeks of therapy. Ike says that will go away with treatment.
This first picture shows the pink skin below the breast. The nipple is prickly most of the time, and sometimes itchy, too. Ike has been working on the incisions, too. She says there are adhesions under the skin and has been trying to release them. I think the breast incision in the picture on the right looks much better than prior to therapy.
Comparison views, standing straight, and the one on the right, I'm leaning forward just a little. It's obvious that the left breast is smaller. And there's a shadow of pink under the left breast.
My left eyebrow is mostly gone, as are the eyelashes.
This is the cording that Ike/Eeka has been working on in Physical/Lymphedema Therapy. On the first picture you can see the cording in the armpit, and also the shadow about 3 fingerbreadths up from the elbow, like a dimpling. It's sore and tender, sometimes more than others. The next picture is another of the cording in the armpit. That feels like it is pulled really tight. It is better now, after 2 weeks of therapy. Ike says that will go away with treatment.
This first picture shows the pink skin below the breast. The nipple is prickly most of the time, and sometimes itchy, too. Ike has been working on the incisions, too. She says there are adhesions under the skin and has been trying to release them. I think the breast incision in the picture on the right looks much better than prior to therapy.
Comparison views, standing straight, and the one on the right, I'm leaning forward just a little. It's obvious that the left breast is smaller. And there's a shadow of pink under the left breast.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
After 12 Radiation Treatments
These are pics taken Saturday morning, after 12 radiation treatments.
This is the cording that Ike/Eeka has been working on. She believes it is an inflamed lymphatic channel. There is also puckering near the elbow, but I couldn't get a good snap of it. She has also been working on the incisions, and in this picture, it looks a little smoother...
The left breast is drawing up, obviously. I see just a little color change under the left breast.
Here are both incisions. The color change is slight under the breast, but there. Also, I've felt small, rashy like bumps midline, just below the tat and onto the breast a little. It doesn't itch or anything, yet, I can just feel them. Ike/Eeka said it is folliculitis, as the little hair roots are affected by the radiation. I also see fullness above the axillary incision. That may be some of the fluid that Ike has been working on.
This is the cording that Ike/Eeka has been working on. She believes it is an inflamed lymphatic channel. There is also puckering near the elbow, but I couldn't get a good snap of it. She has also been working on the incisions, and in this picture, it looks a little smoother...
The left breast is drawing up, obviously. I see just a little color change under the left breast.
Here are both incisions. The color change is slight under the breast, but there. Also, I've felt small, rashy like bumps midline, just below the tat and onto the breast a little. It doesn't itch or anything, yet, I can just feel them. Ike/Eeka said it is folliculitis, as the little hair roots are affected by the radiation. I also see fullness above the axillary incision. That may be some of the fluid that Ike has been working on.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
End of Radiation Week 1, 7 Treatments
Pictures taken after the first full week of radiation treatments, total of 7 treatments.
Taken 5/3/2008
My dose of radiation is 2 gray; these pics are after 14 gray received.
See the discoloration under the breast? And the fullness in the armpit. The axillary incision looks dark to me, and the aereolar incision is puckering.
In these two pics, you can see the difference in size.
Taken 5/3/2008
My dose of radiation is 2 gray; these pics are after 14 gray received.
See the discoloration under the breast? And the fullness in the armpit. The axillary incision looks dark to me, and the aereolar incision is puckering.
In these two pics, you can see the difference in size.
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