MAY 2009 Rads

ddlatt

bold - as always, my docs don't agree on anything. my med onc said absolutely no swimming! my rad onc said of course swimming is okay even in a public pool with chlorine as long as the skin is not broken and as long as i get no sun at all on my radiated area. (there are no markings with tomotherapy radiation, so i don't have to worry about that.) ask your doc specifically why you can't swim and what the results would be if you do. or did he already explain his thinking? please share. sometimes i think it's just a case of CYA for these docs. i'll be finished with rads this coming thursday, and i plan to swim soon after that, but only in the early mornings before the sun is blazing. i keep my chest well moisturized with aquaphor (it's much thicker and longer lasting than aloe vera gel), so i'm not worried about drying out the skin.

have not been nauseated or tired during radiation. i'm annoyed because i had initially planned a long trip to paris right after treatment ends, but my doc told me i'd be too fatigued after radiation to walk much every day. and now of course it's too late to get the same flights and hotel rates. grrr. but i'm still going, probably later this fall.

i finish rads july 2 and will go on my first vacation since diagnosis (last sept) on july 15, down to texas to see my mom and then a few days with a friend to the swamp at caddo lake, one of my favorite places. in august, a week of road trips for my photography. then a week at the ocean in sept. hopefully paris in october. and once snow falls in nevada, i'm going to L.A. to visit my oldest son. i am going to finally do all the traveling and road trips i kept saying i wanted to do but kept putting off because of work or whatever. i'm so freaked out about possible recurrence - i want to stop postponing fun. 

Texas357

Chelev: I had some nausea, and was told by the radiology nurse that it could happen. So relax about t that, it's totally normal.

DDLATT: I'm also more than a little freaked about the future. Trying to focus on living healthfully and joyfully. Maybe all the good stuff will crowd out that worries.

Bold

ddlatt: I know what you mean about the recurrence but I have said this to you  before you with all you have done have less chance of a recurrence that most people of getting breast cancer in the first place. Please relax and enjoy life. I You deserve to have the fun that you have been postponing one way or the other. I would rather have your dx than mine. You look so beautiful in your pic. what is in your hand?

Well I have to ask cruise to change my date as the city of hope is closed on Friday for the 4th. Sooooo I will not finish now until the 16th of July. I still do not know what I am going to do about the hormone therapy. I am meeting with the new med onc on the 7th of July and now I have research alternative methods as well. Will keep you posted on that. It interesting how they encourage us to loose as much weight as we need but the hormone therapy makes you gain weight. ugggggg!

I was so tired yesterday I could barely function. Today energy level is up and I feel much better. Hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend!!!!

jrgolomb

Hey Texas, did they say why/how some people get nausea during rad tx?

Bold--glad your energy is up. 

ddlatt--I understand why you feel it is time to have some fun.  I like you have put off having fun trips because of work and all that.  Sounds like your trips are going to be a blast. 

Looks like we are going to have a storm around us and wouldn't ya know it, I want to get some stuff done around the yard.  Nonetheless , I am so glad I have two days off from rads.

Cruise4life

Morning Radettes...it's SUNDAY.....

Just popping in...

ddlatt...GO and Travel ...."we can't control what we can't control"...we can only control what we can...and life is living...We all need to wear those clothes we have set aside for that "special occasion" or call that someone who has been on our minds but we were too busy to stop and call...or buy that something that you have always wanted and said maybe another time...but could afford...or saying to yourself...I will save it for a rainy day....STOP NOW...Let's not putt things off anymore....ENJOY!!!!!

Bold...I was also told swimming is okay and have said it many times on this thread.  The only issue would be if you have any open sores...(like me)

AlohaGirl..So good to hear from you again...CONGRATS on completing Rads...Not sure why you are experiencing your queeziness.  You may want to check with your Rad doc. 

STAY COOL RADETTES....It will be a HOT one today!!!!

ddlatt

bold and cruise and jrg - thank you!  bold, i'm holding my camera in my hand in the photo. it's a self-portrait in the mirror.

PrincessKauai59

Happy Sunday Everyone! 

Texas, I was told no swimming / hot tub for the clorinated/brominated issue too.  You're lucky to have the salt water pool!  I'm going to start back in swimming as soon as my skin heals.  I have some arm/hand swelling which got a little more bothersome these last few days after Rads ended.  My sleve and glove arrived last week (oh joy...) so I'm wearing them some.

DH and DS are off at a group camp event with our friends; I decided to stay home due to my skin/ burn issues.  I'm starting to heal-up, just one open area left at this point.  Skin feels so much better now, but still have a ways to go.  

Went on a long (~4 miles!) walk in a trendy shopping area today - fun to look & browse at my leisure. Hot 'cause I had on a turtle neck to cover the burns.  I stopped for lunch at a place that made the most wonderful homemade lemonade with mint and crushed ice.  It was incredible.

Love & Light, 

 

KM47

All done!! I'm now officially radiant -- all 25 sessions completed. I was suprised when they told me my skin might get worse over the next few days before it starts getting better. But they did say it should be settled in a week or two so that's good. 

They asked if I would be celebrating the end of the treatment, but it's odd that I don't really feel like I'm at the end because I've still got nine months of Herceptin (not to mention five years of Tamoxifen!). Still, once the skin is settled I do plan to celebrate with a run in the hills (although with my loss in fitness it might be more like a run/walk).

Love to all,

K.

Puppers

A huge CONGRATULATIONS to everyone who is finished!!!

I don't know if anyone else has or will notice this, but my energy level dramatically increased after the regular radiation treatments and on into the boost treatments.  My last regular radiation was on a Friday, and by Monday after my 1st of the 6 boosts I felt as though someone had flipped a switch turning my energy "ON".  Almost felt like I was on caffeine but with no caffeine....=) 

Overall my skin was ok, but the area of boost treatments is now really angry red and burning like fire - it doesn't help that the band of my bra (under my breast) is right on the boost area.  Lots of days I'm just wearing a tank top instead of a tighter bra .  I'm sure over time the skin in that area will heal.

I began Arimidex yesterday, so far so good, but the oncologist said to look out for fatigue, hot flashes, and kind of flu-like symptoms.  He encouraged me to just stick with it and the side effects, if they happen, will improve - so I will!!!!

Trusting God for a non-recurrent future - Lisa

Debonthelake

Happy Sunday Breast Friends,

I really liked that one.  I agree.  The one good thing we can take from this experience is to live life to it's fullest.  No one knows how long they've got.  We've just been given a wake up call.  Do those things that your heart desires.  Celebrate every minute of every day.

My big 10 count down starts tommorrow.  My SIL brain tumor is a breast cancer mets.  She'll be starting rads to her brain soon.  Keep her in your prayers.

AlohaGirl

Thanks, everyone, for sharing your experience with queasiness, etc.  Facecrafter, I think you may be onto something, especially since I felt fine until a little bit after the ice cream.  I have noticed since starting rads that things that would normally tire me out but would be manageable (like working late) wipe me out right now.  Probably the same thing with food.  Never a great idea to eat so much sugar, plus alcohol and fat, but perhaps right now my body is busy recovering from the radiation and can't tolerate things that normally it could.   Hard to say.  In any event, I will stay away from the booze and try to be more thoughtful about what I am eating for the next couple of weeks (at least).  Also trying to get more rest since I am so tired today.  I decided to cancel dinner with friends tonight and stay home and eat leftover minestrone and watch TV.  I feel like a restful night at home is what I need, especially since I expect tomorrow to be a busy work day.

Cruise, I hope you are coping OK with the heat.  My mom said it was 108 in Sacramento today.  I think I got out in the nick of time!  It is hot and humid here in Hawaii of course, but in the 80s, not the 100s. 

KM47, my doctor said the same thing about skin getting worse for a week or two after finishing rads.  So far, my armpit is definitely getting worse (it started hurting the last week of rads but it seems like it is increasingly sore and wakes me up at night more and more) but I have a feeling it may be part of the healing process.  Skin is really really tight and sore and wrinkly like an elephant.  I think maybe it is getting ready to peel as soon as the skin underneath is ready.  Overall, not too bad for me, though, and I figure my body is processing the radiation and healing as fast as it can, so I just need to take care of it and try to help it along.   

Deb, I'm so sorry about your SIL and I hope rads go well for her.  Congratulations on getting to the last 10!

I hope all of you are having a good weekend and are recovering well!

PrincessKauai59

Congrats KM47!!  Yea!

Deb, I offered a prayer for your sister-in-law.  Hang in there for your own last ten; it'll soon be over.  Keep hydrating and moisturizing!

Bold

Good Monday all!

Deb your sister is in my prayers. Cancer soooo sucks!!! We need a big break through NOW!

I have just started getting a little itchy this weekend. I have 13 more to go. Seems like a lot huh?

Cruise I just wanted to thank you again for our list. You are wonderful. I hope this week is a good one for all. I know that I have a 3 day weekend to look forward to. I pray we all do well and keerp the party going for those of us that graduate this step in out wellness.

americanpinay

Good morning ladies...hope everyone had a great weekend...

KM47....CONGRATULATIONS!!! Celebrate the end of RADS!!! I think I know how you feel...with hormone therapy ahead of us (and in your case, Herceptin for nine more months), it doesn't feel like this is the end...but you know what, we need to celebrate milestones...BC or not, I don't think anyone can afford to postpone JOY...

DEBONTHELAKE...will keep your SIL in my prayers...

MARGO1...five years on Tamox and some night sweats...amazing...2X cancer survivor...wonderful...you give me so much hope...

CRUISE...tomorrow's the day...

ALOHA...also had a couple of queasiness episodes during rads...

DDLATT...love your travel plans...enjoy...

IVORYMOM...nice to hear about the wonderful weekend with your sister...may she have many more "eight years" to come...

PRINCESS...hope your arm/hand swelling goes away...

Be well ladies...

barbiedahl

Hi Raddettes,

I was swamped last week and then away for the weekend, missed Chelev last day! Yeah for you! It must feel great not to have to make the trip to treatment. I'll be there soon!

Americanpinay-I haven't noticed any side effects from the Tamox, and I've been on it since May 5th. I'm sure at some point the hot flashes will start again but it's just nature taking it's course.

I met with my rad doctor for the last time today. She is so kind and was really happy with the way my skin has held up. She did suggest that I moisturize really well at least until the end of July and August if I can. She said to avoid all sun, cover up not just use sunscreen.

Cruise I hadn't heard about Dr FitzGerald passing. I thought about her often while I was going through treatment. Can you imagine doing your own biopsy? What a strong woman. I'd love to read the book, but I think I might wait a little while, it's just too soon for me to revisit care and treatment.

Last week during a golf lesson I hit the ball so far even the pro said "wow" I answered "it's just nuclear power" and I'm my own night light!

This 4th of July will really be independence day for me!

I just want to say what a great group of ladies you all are. This thread is always so positive and upbeat. Even when there have been hard days, everyone seems to have a solidly can do attitude. I appreciate being able to share this journey with you all.

Hugs

Debonthelake

Well this was 10 for me.  Yeah, I love the count down.  Skin is still holding up well and my energy level improves weekly.  I haven't had queasiness exactly but I have had several episodes of orthostatic hypotension ( I get dizzy if I stand up to fast).  This has been my favorite thread too.  So, supportive and upbeat even when going gets tough.  Thank you all so much.

ajlive

KM47: Congratulations!!!!!

I finished my last treatment today and begin one of five boosters tomorrow.  Saw rad onc today.  He said skin has held up great.  Just a bit of pealing.

lisalisa

I have ONE MORE boost to go.  Tomorrow.  My machine was replaced on Friday and they re-calibrated it this weekend.  sure hope they got it right LOL!

So, tomorrow I get my DIPLOMA!!!  I saw the rad onc today and he took me off the silvadene as my skin is looking good!  back to aloe and aquafor for tomorrow and the next 2 months or so.

I just made an appt with my endodontist to look at an old root canal.  It may need to be re-done before I start Zometa.  So, that's on Wednesday.  can't wait to have all of this done!

lisalisa

KM47 - CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!  so happy for you!  how will you celebrate?

justannie

Hi everyone, I cannot believe I start the second part of my rads this week, I will be through on 7/15.  I just today developed a nasty rash on my breast after my dr. saw me, but put some hydrocort on it and it feels better.  I am finally getting a handle on my breast cancer.  I was out of control and I really don't have a support system that is physically close to me.  It is all email and phone.  My daughter comes and helps me with the things I cannot do right now.  I am still tired and still overweight.  But I can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel, and learning how to live my life instead of worrying about dying.  I wish you all good luck and a long and happy life.

jrgolomb

Congratulations KM47---You are done!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Weeeeeeehaw~!!!!

Debonthelake---I am at the countdown as well!  9 more to go!!!!

Justannie--I am glad you can see the light at the end of the tunnel.  Good luck and please keep us posted! 

One more for Lisalisa....!!!! 

Bold

good job KM47!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Now Partay!!!!!!!!!

Lisa can you believe it? Tomorrow will be the end of the worst!!!!!! It all good!!!!!

jrgolomb

You are so right ivorymom.  TOAST !!!!

PrincessKauai59

Cruise, Lisa and Genia - - tomorrow is your grad from Rads day!!

 I started back to work "full-time" as of today, no longer modified duty - - it's busy.  

Aloha, Congratulations on finishing!  I had a little nausea at the end ad for a few days afterwards too.  At one point, earlier in therapy for about a week or two, I had tenderness in my mouth, but I didn't know whether to ascribe that or the quesiness to radiation therapy.  

My skin is so much better.  I now need to remind myself to keep putting creams on it, back to aloe and "California Baby" calendula cream.  Still using some Biafine or Silvadene on an open area.  I wish my regimen had been a little more systematic, but this seems to be working & healing now.  

Love and light!

Bold

Its almost 12:00 west coast so most of you are in bed. most likley not sleeping. I just wanted to be the first to say......WHOOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!! CRUISE, GENIA AND LISA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Have a wonderful day and week and life!!!!!! You made it through the hardest part of your treatment!!!!!!! I am soooo jealous!

barbiedahl

KM47missed a yippe shout out to you yesterday for being done! All this cyber toasting has left me either tipsy or hungover.

Genia, Lisa, and our fearless list keeper Cruise well done! Finally off the barbecue and onto enjoying the rest of the summer.

Princess hmmm my mouth was a little sore too I wasn't connecting it to rads. Mine is my cheeks where was your mouth sore???

justannie I was surprised at how fast it all went by, hang in there.

I'm off for my third to last treatment. It is still raining here in the NE and the long drive seems even longer in the rain. I've got a friend coming with me today and we will be ladies that lunch after wards. 

Thrilled for everyone who is done and waiting to join the ranks!

Anonymous

Yeah to KM47 - you are done, isn't it great!!!!

Cruise, Genia and Lisa - you ladies have had some difficulties with skin and equipment (?!!!) but today you are joining the graduates club - welcome to survivor land!!!

Everyone is doing so well, and almost to the end of this long road - I hope you all have easy treatments, especially those moving into the boosts, they are definitely the nice slide down to the finish line.  Congrats to everyone!!

Genia

WOOHOO....I'M DONNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNE!!!  They asked me yesterday if I wanted to come in at 7:30 this morning and I told them YESSSS.....so I've been there and am home now.....and a very happy camper indeed.

To those of you who have finished.....congrats.....we have made it through another hurdle in this cancer journey.  I can finally see the light.....just have Herceptin and Tamoxifen left to do.  Shouldn't be that bad.....I've had 4 Herceptin tx's already.....so I have 8 more to go.  Tamoxifen if 5 years and I'm hoping I don't have SE's from that.

Can't wait to hear from you.......Cruise and Lisa!!!  

love ya girls

Genia

Cruise I forgot about my Herceptin....if you don't care can you add that one too.

Thanks sweetie......Genia

jrgolomb

Yeeehawwwww!  Genia!  Let the cyber toasts begin!  Clink!  and next Cruise!!  Clink clink!!!  and lisalisa  clink clink clink!