Anyone start rads in October?

bomber410

Joanne, did you hear any more about RIFs at Verizon?  My friend just told me about her RIF from Verizon after 35 years.  But she's in good shape with the early retirement package.  BTW I work at IBM.  We expand and contract like my weight.  Often times, you get let go from one group and find a job within the month in another group. 

Hang in there. 

Debbie 

Helenhsm

Hi Glow-gals, nice to see all of you here today. ((Hugs)) Thanks, everyone for being so open and honest about what has been going on. ((Layne)) no one likes those *gulp* moments. Some people just have no clue. ((hugs)) What are you going to do to celebrate - wow you are so close! 

((Joanne)) that must have been SO awkward. Yes, I'd trade cancer for a layoff, given your situaton. I pray that you can find peace during this time. ((hugs))

Brenda,  I haven't been moisturizing like I was during Tx, I probably need to do it more. My boob is really brown - it is kind of sad looking. It is leathery, peeling a bit underneath now and fading a lot on the inside. I've been having little pangs of pain now and then, too. Thanks for asking. Leathery forever....eeeeeeek!! (leaves post and applies lotion). lol Congrats on only have 3 left, woo hoo.

Debbie nice to see you here today. You are almost done, hurray!

Asby, I should be getting my Tamoxifen in the mail any day now, I imagine. So I suppose I'll be starting in a week or so. I really don't want to take it, but I said I'd try it, so I will. I am taking some new meds for Chronic Fatigue so maybe I'll wait another week to see what SE I might have before taking Tamox. (Why can't I be healthy... waaa) Ok pity party over. lol  

4tngupnblu

Evenin' GloFriends,

2 more tx's to go--Friday is coming quickly I find I'm trying to remember what it feels like to have deodorant under both arms again!  Little things that we take for granted-

Joanne, I also will be taking arimidex, but I decided to wait til tx's were over to begin.  I've set my starting date at Dec. 1--but not just arimidex, but chantix as well--to quit smoking.  So I feel like I'm jumping from 1 frying pan to the next.  I'm hoping I can find a forum with quit-smoking help to get me thru that part, cuz I've learned that the glo-friends sure got me thru this part. 

I read somewhere that both arimidex and tamoxifen take 4-10 weeks to start causing side effects--and the stories regarding side effects of both are scarey, but there are those that experience no side effects and we probably don't hear about those people--cuz they have nothing to share---so carry a positive attitude forward--to the next phase gals! 

Brenda

joanne_elizabeth

Hi everyone,

Debbie, yes I have heard there are RIFs in 2 weeks and then another 1st quarter in the org I am in - 10% in the US. You are right after 35 yrs you are pretty set. I only have 11 there though. My biggest issue is benefits, my husband is self-employed so I have the health insurance.  Did you know in many states you can't buy health insurance after a diagnosis like this? I didn't realize how bad it was til I saw the movie Sicko.

 My brother used to work for IBM in NY as an enginenerd, but they basically shipped everything to Florida so he eventually left and became a lawyer.  

Thanks to everyone for the supportive comments about the "it is as if someone in the room has cancer" comments.  Seems when you least expect it, you get a eye-opener crazy comment from someone.

Brenda, I felt the arimidex pretty quickly, within the first 2 weeks.  My biggest concern is they have no idea if the joint pain/destruction is permanent. So I joke to people and tell them maybe I won't have bc in 5 yrs, but I won't be able to walk either! It is manageable, but definitely there. 

2 more this week then a day off ! Yes !

Joanne 

4tngupnblu

Hi everyone,

1 more--ta-da!  I'm quite sure I'm going to get weepy tomorrow at last tx.  I was feeling that way a little today.  My tx is at 1pm and I'm thinking of going directly to the florist and having a bouquet of flowers delivered, with a big helium balloon that says Thank You!  Is that corny?  There are beautiful empty counters to put them on and I think they would bring a cheer to other patients as well.  and most of my techs are females......and everyone of the staff has been too awesome...whatcha think?

Brenda

joanne_elizabeth

Layne - sounds like you are making great progress! Your DH sounds as if he is so concerned and caring which is great.  Hope the weeping, etc have abated.

Brenda you lucky lady - one more.  The flowers sound like a nice gesture, I a sure they would like them. I see lots of eats - cookies, candies, etc at the place I go to so I am thinking at the end I may bring some food.

1 today, off tomorrow, 1 sunday and the beat goes on.

Joanne 

ashaby

Hi Layne,

Thanks for your comment on starting Tamoxafin. I guess I'll see you on that page? I think I start Dec 1 or so, too andI'm trying to be a Big Girl. My issue is a mood disorder and I don't want nuthin messin with my meds. But we'll see. I'm having a party to celebrate my friends who supported me thru and want to start Dec off with a bang. Looking forward to your future posts.

B

joanne_elizabeth

Hi everyone,

Moving along here with #23 so 10 left. I think I am the last one of us to finish.

Tried to have a breast MRI done today and couldn't complete it since I got nauseated by the dye.  Ugh,  a different day a different treatment/test!

I think I will get some cookies/candies for the techs when I am done. I don't think I will be emotional except to be glad to be outta the place, hopefully never to return!

I wish there were blood markers/test they could do to see if there are any cancer cells left circulating. It is hard to believe they don't know. Are any of you scheduled for any scans/blood tests, etc after treatment?

TGIF in a big, big way!

Joanne 

Helenhsm

Hi all, nice to see you here today. Layne I have no idea what you are talking about - you sound like a walking medical dictionary. lol You ARE great at catchy names, though - I am very impressed with that!! Glad to hear you are on the boosts and doing well.

((Brenda)) today was your last day!! Woo Hooo!! Yay!! Did you give flowers? That is a great idea. I gave them each a little refigerator magnet/note pad thing and a booklet. I thought about food, but one Tech is quite obese and I didn't want to contribute to the problem, if you know what I mean. You should get flowers for yourself, too!  I got 4 bouquets at my party. Today it is time to throw them all away.

Breanda, thanks for urging me to moisturize. I am starting to peel a bit up closer to my armpit - and that is the most leathery part, so I'm glad of that.

Joanne, 10 to go, you are doin' well. Hope you have a very restful weekend. 

4tngupnblu

Evenin' GloFriends,

I'm done!  I think it won't become reality until Monday, when that alarm I've set at work goes off, and I laugh (or cry) and say-nope not doing that anymore.  It was very emotional to be finished.  I was doing well until the techs came up for a hug and totally broke my self-control.

I hope I surprised them though, because I've never seen any floral bouquets in my 6 weeks with them and I scheduled my delivery for after my tx time.  And my florist was able to make up a centerpiece arrangement of pink carnations with cookies and candy AND a big Thank You balloon. 

Joanne, once you've reached that 10 left mark and then fall into single digit numbers, you won't believe how quickly the time flies.  And Layne during those boosts, it seemed as if they were doing nothing at all to me--it's the take me out to the ball game time!  Home stretch! 

And Debbie will be done right behind me--3 more boosts counting Sunday, right?  And Sandra is getting ready to visit her family and I'm gonna go lube the boob Helen!

Brenda

4tngupnblu

Helen,

Looks like our postings crossed each other-------

I not only gave flowers and cookies and candy---I arrived back at work to discover a beautiful bouquet had been delivered to me! in celebration of my last treatment day!

Brenda

ferretmom

The time has gone by quickly hasn't it?

I have two more regular tx then 8 boosts. Looks like Joanne and I are headed for the finish line.

Will have 4 day break over the holiday, my skin can sure use it.

I adore my team, and plan to bake my often requested Bundt cake and have it delivered with thank you flowers and balloons.

Have appt with the oncologist for tumor marker tests in December.

I plan to discuss with him *again* the pros/cons of Arimidix for my particular case.

Have a good weekend all, I'm re-arranging my sewing/quilt room.

Have not done any quilting for almost 2 months, and I'm having withdrawals.

Helenhsm

Brenda, it looks like we were posting at the exact same time. Funny. Oh I am so glad that you got flowers too!!! Woo Hoo!!

More peeling today due to the more moisturizing.

Ferretmom, you are almost there, I hope you enjoy your 4 days off, that will be wonderful. Wow a whole sewing room - how fun!! My dd is making a quilt - our neighbor taught her. I don't sew myself.  

joanne_elizabeth

Brenda, that is so cool you got flowers as well!  We certainly deserve a couple surprises/treats along the way.

Ferretmom, we are counting them down! I wish I could sew - I have a machine, but that is about as far as I have every gotten! One of these days..

Layne, hope your peeling is getting under control. I tried to wear a bra today and quickly abandoned that idea - a bit too sore right now.

Ferretmom, that is interesting you are getting the blood tests. I have to research them a bit more, but I know my onc doesn't believe in any kind of testing without symptoms for now.

Don't forget - many of us are going in tomorrow - now that will feel totally weird on a Sunday.

Joanne 

4tngupnblu

Good morning gals,

Glad to see this whole gang is headed for the finish line!  And thinking of picking up old activities like sewing and quilting ferretmom.  Signs of life after radiation are beginning!

Helen, I'm glad you are moisturizing and I hope everyone will remember to start aquaphor right away.  I know it's yucky, but that tan line is really just layers of dead skin and the aquaphor just rolls it off easily and voila!  there's normal looking skin under there!  It's purty!

And you know ferretmom, I think I just may follow your lead and make an appt. with my Dr. to discuss the Arimidex pros/cons with him.  Joanne, there are some good articles on this website dealing with tamoxifen and arimidex etc.  And the arimidex is damaging the joint/bones--leaching the calcium from the bones-and that cannot be replaced.  I already have osteoarthritis and am concerned that 5 years from now I may not have bc, but may be disabled instead.  It seems to me that they should be doing a bone density test so there's a baseline to monitor the effects as the years pass.  Surgery, radiation and medication is the standard, but surely there are some exceptions based upon the individual. 

Brenda

joanne_elizabeth

HI everyone,

Another one down today and 9 to go.

I have osteoarthrities as well and do wonder about the arimidex. I asked a doc if this was reversible once you stop arimidex and she said she did not know.  What is the choice though?  Tamoxifen isn't as effective as the aromatase inhibitors for post-meno is it?

I have a dexa scan before I started and asked if I could be put on a bone drug simulatenously, but she said not unless the bone density changes. I try to walk at least 1/2 hour every day to do what I can and take calcium and magnesium and vitamin d.  I also have picture myself in a wheel chair with no bc! 

Please let me know what you find out cause if there is an alternate I would love to ditch this arimidex. My joints esp knees know the difference in a big way.

Joanne 

4tngupnblu

Joanne,

Since your earlier post, I've sat here and read all those posts under "Treatments and Side Effects" and "Hormonal Therapy" and I've been thinking about it all afternoon.  The only alternatives to AI therapy are tamoxifen type drugs, or none.  The best of the bunch for post-menopausal women is arimidex.  I am already taking a bone drug, but it has been years since my first bone scan. 

My surgeon, who prescribed arimidex is 100 miles away and I already expressed my concern about arimidex to him at my one week post-op visit and his reaction was to tell me that I could choose tamoxifen if I so desired.  In retrospect, if I went back to see him again regarding this same matter, I'm sure he would just say the same thing-waste of time.

My inclination after reading all this material on our website is to proceed with my arimidex script and make an appt with my local family doc, who sent me for the 1st bone scan and get a comparison scan done, and try to protect myself with massive calcium dosage and of course quitting smoking.  Doing nothing, after all we have already been through is just not an option!!!!

I also have one bad knee and both shoulders have problems, which wake me all night long, as I am a side sleeper.  Joanne, has your discomfort risen weekly with the arimidex, or now reached a plateau?  I think I need to change my signature from keep on glowing to keep on swimming, swimming--just like Dorie and Nemo!

Brenda

joanne_elizabeth

Brenda,

If you are already on a bone strengthening drug maybe that will be enough to counteract the effects of arimidex.  I am not sure how arimidex compares to tamoxifen post menoupausally though they say the one is better. How much better?

The discomfort has not gotten progressively worse though I have only been on it maybe 1 1/2 months. I got fairly stiff fairly quickly into it and since then I have also added SAM-e to my arsenal of joint pills. Somtimes I am stiffer than others - if I sit too long I am stiff, etc.  Sometimes my knee truly aches, othertime not too bad.  I can manage it, but I don't like it and of course always wonder if this is as bad as it gets.

Joanne 

bomber410

Hello ladies, so much to catch up with.  I've had a busy past few days between work, my boyfriend's surgery for pins removal, radiation and now the start of lymphedema treatment.  I'm trying to type while my hand and arm are wrapped in multiple layers of foam, gauze and a stretch tape.  But that should all be done in a couple weeks. 

I went in yesterday for my third to last boost.  The machine was down so now I'm back to finishing up on Wednesday.  

Congratulations Brenda!!!  Another big woo hoo goes out to one of the Glow girls.  Before too long, we all won't know what to do with our time.  

I hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving.  Typing is going to be a pain the next few days, but I'll try to be on.  This has been a great group.  I cannot believe how fast the time has flown by.  

Debbie 

joanne_elizabeth

Debbie,

So sorry to hear the machine broke down.  Mine did 1/2 thru one treatment for thankfully they got it back up.  Have a good trip to your Dad's. I hope your boyfriend is doing well.

Layne,

Glad to hear your tx is moving along.  I am looking forward to 4 days off this week.  I think tamoxifen is actually good for your bones, bad for your uterus sometimes, but good for bones.  I need to find some stats about it cause I think I would rather take that if the percentages aren't too different.

It is starting to be a bit weird that they cut us loose after rads, I sure wish they could tell us all we are cured! Now that would be the holiday present I want this year.

Joanne 

4tngupnblu

Wow GloFriends!

You've all been busy reading and writing today!  Debbie, I was going to send you a woohoo message for your last tx tomorrow--only to learn I'll have to wait one more day--but it's still all good--2 left! 

Joanne, what is SAM-e ??  I know that tamoxifen causes all those menopausal side effects, and I'm not anxious to do that all over again, so I think I'll try the arimidex--if it makes the joint pain too bad--hot flashes will be back on the table, I guess.

Layne you just gave me a bit of hope.  I just assumed that my knee and shoulder aches are from bone loss, but discovering that your bone scan indicates high bone value and you still have osteo-arthritis pain--makes me re-think my situation, since I've been on fosamax to prevent bone loss.  Sleep Number bed huh?  And more calcium!

I never would have made it through all this without you and I so appreciate each and every one of you and hope ya'll have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Brenda

Helenhsm

Hello to all,

I guess you could say we are all nearing the end as the conversation is drifting toward the next phase. I got my Tamox. in the mail the other day. I am going to wait to take it, as I'm trying some new supps for my CFS. Will probably start taking it in December.

Debbie, you're so close! Layne, coming down the home stretch! Joanne - you can do it!

What are you doing for Thanksgiving this year? We are going to a friend's house. I'm glad to not be having it here. We will still have a bit of cooking to do, for sure. I'm bringing mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, appetizer, my son insists on Jello - so that too. Since I'm gluten-free we'll make a pie or 2 with gf crust. Whew. It'll be fun though.  Hugs to all!

bomber410

You guys, I cannot tell you how on the edge I am emotionally.  I know you know this feeling.  Yesterday, with 3 more treatments to go, I almost opened the water works.  Today the same.  Tomorrow is my final treatment.  I plan to cry  my eyes out when I get back to my car.  I am so ready to be done with treatment and being in the system.  I want my life back!  You know.  The attention was nice for a little while but enough already.  I have to say I really will be okay with being released and on my own.  As it is, each of the docs will want us back every three months for a few years. 

Please take advantage of Thanksgiving and take a moment or several to give thanks.  We're here and we aren't going anywhere - at least not without a fight!  

Debbie 

joanne_elizabeth

Debbie,

That is so great you will be done tomorrow! Congrats to you. I hope you pamper yourself in some way and don't put ALL your energy into holiday fixin's.  I have to make some sides and some pies but at least I don't have to clean too much !

I wish I could cry lately but don't seem able. The only time it hit me recently was a pity party I had in the MRI machine before I got sick and had to get taken out.  I don't like to cry, but usually feel a lot better when it is done.  

I hope your Thanksgiving is great and you are right we need to give thanks we have come this far and know that a year from now we will still be doing fine God willing.

Joanne 

4tngupnblu

Debbie,

I'm not much on crying, but when I had 2 left, I could already tell it was going to be emotional.  I can still close my eyes and see the wallpaper on their wall blurring thru my tears during that last tx.  It's such a happy thing to be done, but all the stress held inside for so many weeks, just bubbles to the surface when they say those words--congratulations you're done.  Makes me cry again.  No way you'll be able to make it to the car before opening up the waterworks, but it's okay, they really do understand what we're going thru. 

I sent my flower, cookies and candy and balloon delivery scheduled after my last tx on Friday and Monday one of the techs popped in at my work on Monday with out-stretched arms to hug and thank me--made me cry some more--LOL 

I'll be thinking about you tomorrow. 

Brenda 

Bren-2007

Hi My friend Layne,

Just knew I'd find out how badboob was doing over here. 

Just want to add one little thing ... you are most certainly strong, loving, giving, kind, empathetic, funny, smarter than the average bear ... BUT calloused ain't anywhere on that list!

You have a marvelous attitude towards fighting this disease.  It's a scary time when active tx ends.  Thank god the friendships we make here keep going, so we can talk to each other through the coming months.  I'm not so sure a big meltdown happens.  Maybe just a few little "gulp" moments along the way. 

Glad to see you're healing up nicely. 

Happy Thanksgiving to all the October GloGirls.

Love,

Brenda in VA 

bomber410

Hello ladies,  Well I'm done.  Didn't open up the waterworks.  I've had too much to do to ready for Thanksgiving.  When I have a quiet and private moment I may indulge myself.  I don't cry often but the release can be very cleansing. 

Brenda, what a great idea to send the gift and thank you.  I really want to do something.  What I may do is bring in a plate of my brownies when I go back in 3 weeks for a check up.  

Layne,  I certainly would never see you as callous.  You sound very strong.  We all are.  We have to be to get through this and all that life has to bear.  

Thank you all for listening to me and supporting me.  This will truly be a thankful Thanksgiving for me.  "Talk" to you all next week. 

Debbie 

joanne_elizabeth

Congrats Debbie! That is an awesome reason to be thankful tomorrow.

Layne, you sound like a very caring person and the upbeat attitude and humor are sure welcome.

I have one more regular treatment to go.  Seems as it gets closer I get more impatient, but it does my heart good to see some of you cross the finish line.

I too am starting to get to the what next I'm scared phase.  Somehow we will all deal with it and stay strong.

Happy Thanksgiving to all of the glo-girls.

Joanne 

ashaby

Dear Oct. Gals,



I finished rads a week ago and initially had a very sore breast; sore like jellyfish got let loose inside. But by the end of the week, it all disappeared.

Now it's Thanksgiving Day and the turkey is smelling delicious. I am so grateful for this site and this page. Altho I haven't contributed alot, I took all your messages to heart.



B

Helenhsm

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!

(((Congrats Debbie))) Woo hoo!! You made it!! Yahooo!

Layne your post almost made me cry. It has been a huge blessing having you and all the glo-gals on this journey with me. It makes such a difference to have people around you who understand and are going through the same things.

 I also want to extend my thanks to all of you for being real - for advice - like remember to lube the boob - for the jokes - it felt so good to laugh - for sharing your experiences - I feel truly blessed!  THANK YOU!

Joanne and Layne I'm still coming back here to check on you and give you a hearty congrats when you're done! ((hugs))