SEPTEMBER 2009 RADS

BetsyBuzz

Waddle...waddle...waddle... it's a duck walk.. ya know and I can totally relate. I am not use to packing this amount of weight around. I am not happy about it. I worked out in my garden for about an hour today and my chest hurts like he!! tonight. I have an appt. on Tuesday to see my bs. I am bringing my dh cause he is wondering what the heLL too!  Mtg...I am going to ask some pointed questions. I really don't want any more antibiotics. Enough already.

Today is the one year mark from surgery. I guess I'm feeling a little pissy. I thought life would be ok by now and it's not.

Titan

Ah Betsy...it just seems to never end....!!  We are going to put out a garden also but it is way too early for us to do that here yet..I'm excited for asparagus, sweet corn, cantaloupe, tomatoes..My DH said he could get some organic spray for the bugs and I'm excited for that also. I'm glad your dh is going with you...we all need an advocate sometimes....

ccbaby

Titan...what organic sparay are you going to use?

kawee

Betsy, Finally.  Is that supposed to take away the infection?

Just got back from Las Vegas.  My stamina is shot.  By the time we got there (8 hr. drive), I was so tired.  Tired the next day.  Felt pretty good yesterday, then came home today.   Really tired tonight.  Anyone else notice their stamina not near what it used to be?

What is with this weight gain?  I haven't even started my Tamox yet.  So, it's not that. 

Titan

Cristy..I don't know what it is called but I will find out and let you know...

Just my opinion.but I think that the weight gain starts with chemo...they tell you to eat whatever you want...so we are like...yes!  And then the emend and the other drugs make us hungry..by the time that is over we are used to eating and so it continues on....we think we need to eat because a sign of  cancer is losing weight...and we don't want to do that.......it's tough..I guess we just need to eat somewhat healthy and exercise and not worry about it too much...even though it may be a little tough to look in the mirror or to zip up those jeans!  

lollys

Hi Ladies!! haven't been on the site for a while but miss you all so thought I would check in-- Betsy I really hope you get some answers about your chronic red boob situation!! Kawee Iwas in vegas 2 weeks ago and was really exhausted too --the exhaustion is somewhat random lately--some days no problem others I cant move after 8 pm-- I am back at work 3 days a week and trying to work out but the bone and joint aches are always there--they say to keep moving!! I am on arimidex so guess it is expected-- as far as the weight --I am constantly battleing that too-- lost weight on chemo but gaining now very easily if I eat anything fun or fattening I put on the wt immediately I feel like I am retaining fluid and really need to watch my salt or else I feel puffy in the morning-- I am staring to see a little lymphedema in my right arm (I had 30 nodes removed!!) so really need to watch the salt-- probably willstart using my sleeve-- at least until it gets warm outside--I am only 5 foot I need to watch it-- then I think put things into prospective is the weight that important in the scheme of things-- I guess with double mastectomies and a not so good implant.and a puffy upper arm self image is somewhat important--plus I too was blond (highlighted) all my life and my hair grew in an ugly mousy color so we dyed it reddish brown- so now I have red curly hair-- so guess the only thing we have control over is eating--but we are here!! I too am coming on to 1 year since surgery (March 20) wow feels really weird remembering everything--when I say it is a year people say wow--but now one really understands like we do--well thought I would just check in with you all and put in my 2 cents worth  didnt want you to forget about me--and couldnt forget about any of you --you have all been there this past year for me and I thank you all--will promise to keep in touch!! Lolly

lollys

I will try to post a new picture of my red curly hair soon!! 

Titan

Lollys..do you talk fast?  I think I read your post without taking a single breath.....

My surgery was March 20th too!

BetsyBuzz

Funny Titan, I found myself holding my breath and reading Lolly's post faster and faster. Lolly, good to hear you are doing ok. I was starting to worry about you.

I was like Lolly on chemo, I lost weight and got down to eating very few things. Everything burnt as it went down. So I didn't eat alot...maybe I'm making up for lost time. I know we are not all on tamox...but I think that has a lot to do with it for me. Plus, I am not regularly working out which adds to packing on the pounds.

They took a biopsy today of my tissue. They just want to rule "everything" out. They still feel it's radiation induced fibrosis with lymphedema in my chest instead of my arm. I am being referred to a lymphedema specialist. My BSGI was non-conclusive. They noted general inflammation but could not rule out cancer. Again they did more ultrasounds, same results. Lots of inflammation but no source. My dr. was pretty sure it's not cancer. I'll know more by Friday or early next week.

ccbaby

OK, since we are sharing the date of March 20th, I didn't have surgery then, but I did start chemo that day..it is hard to believe it was a year ago.

kawee

Betsy, what kind of biopsy?  Hopefully not the same kind we all had in the beginning.  To me that was worse than the surgeries.  Brutal.  Hurt like you know what.

lollys

you guys are so funny--I guess do talk fast and when I write on the  computer it is just one big run on sentence!!!--Betsy keep us posted--will be thinking of you!!

Titan

Well..lollys..that was a short post..I didn't almost pass out when I read it,,,you KNOW we are just messing with you..I talk fast too! 

 Ok..March 20 is not a good day for us..but that was last year ,,.this Friday will be much better,

Betsy...good luck with that biopsy,..hopefully this will be the last one for  you in a long time and things will be OK..I'm sure you are getting tired of this crap...you have had to deal with way too many se's......for one person....and keep in touch with th results.

BetsyBuzz

Well...still no results other than one sore boob. They had to put in 2 stitches so I know they got a good tissue sample. They targeted the lumpectomy area...and yes Kawee, it hurts like hell even a couple of days after the procedure. TG I still had some pain pills I left over from surgery. They've come in handy. 

Titan - I am freaking tired of this!!!! I keep thinking, soon I will get a break. But I feel like I have a little black cloud following me around. I caught another cold...so I'm feeling totally sorry for myself tonight. Whine..whine...whine.

I'm hurting right now...so signing off.

Betsy

peg119

BetsyBuzz - hang in there.  You have had a tough row to handle.  Hopefully things will start to get better now.

kawee

Betsy, I'm soooooo sorry you have to go thru this.  But, I just have a feeling everythings going to be okay.  And a cold, double misery.  Let us know!!! 

Titan

Betsy..are you taking vitamin supplements?  What are you taking?  I seem to pick up something new every time I go to the store..my latest purchase has been flax seed and thistle....fun stuff...flax seed is supposed to be good for keeping cancer cells from forming a tumor and thistle is for a healthy liver.......don't know if it works or not but why not try it...I keep thinking that is what cows eat....well..with my weight gain..I may be getting close...I need some new spring clothes because my clothes now are a little tight,,,I'm freaking about what size I will have to get..no more size eight for me!

BetsyBuzz

Titan- I'm taking 2000 iu Vit. D, 1000 iu calcium, 800 iu's Vit E (part of my RIF drug therapy) and use flax seeds in my cooking. Occasionally I take a Vit B...but they always make me want to puke...I hate the after taste. I've just started taking an aspirin every couple of days too. Studies have indicated it helps with reducing bc reoccurance. Only problem, the studies didn't define standard useage. These are in addition to my bp meds, tamoxifen and trental (RIF drug).

I'm getting serious about weight loss. I can't stand how I look or feel. I no longer will accept using my sore breast as an excuse. I've got to get off my fanny and start working out. Plus...watch my portions. Any one else interested in accountability on this thread? Maybe I need to start a new diet thread. Goals for the week..work out 2x at gym, walk three days...report on diet etc? Maybe there is already one out there?

kawee

The thing is, us older ones get a handicap.  It's alot harder as you get older.  Excuses, excuses.

I got a card in the mail.  Time for my mammogram.  My breast is so sore.  During my last breast exam, i complained to the Dr. about it.  She said it's from the radiation, and some women have it for years.  I know the mammo gonna hurt like he#@.  I can't even push on it from the side with my arm without it hurting.  Betsy, I'm sure yours is alot worse. 

Anyway, when I complained that EVERYONE I go to checks my breasts, she said, "you might as well get use to it, we're going to have our hands all over you for the next year."  My daughter says to take a pain pill (I've still got some too) before I go.  I might.

lollys

Betsy I hope things are ok for you-- like I said enough is enough!!!the weight thread is not a bad idea-- just got back from wine country (Sonoma) great weekend but way too much eating-- no exercising-- and stretch pants (gives more room to eat) so going to try to get on the stick tomorrow-- tired though and now we are home with no food in the house so guess it is out to dinner again--lets all just do it!!!(easier said then done) but we can!!!have a good week all!

BetsyBuzz

Just checking in...I went walking twice today. Took the day off and I'm dead tired but got lots of chores done and enjoyed my day. I scheduled 4 physical therapy sessions with a lymphedema specialist today, starting in April. That's the next course of action for me. I still don't have the results from the biopsy. I know they won't start PT until they rule out infection.

Kawee - be sure to tell the tech that does your mammogram that you are sore. The tech I had in early January was wonderful. It wasn't bad at all. So don't worry too much. But on the other hand, the ultrasound tech was not so careful. Ultrasound's use to be such a breeze...not any more they are very painful now. Did your dr. say what "it" is? Pain...post radiation, did they mention lymphedema or post radiation induced fibrosis? I'd ask more questions...

I've decided to cut out all white foods...and focus on the Mediterranean diet. My goal this week is to work out at the gym twice and walk three more times. I'm not walking fast...as I need to build up some endurance. It took me a year to get this out of shape...I need to allow myself time to build back up to a more normal fitness level. I am starting to do nightly sit ups...I can only do ten now. My goal 100 by August. That's what I told my dh. He laughed. But I'm serious.  

echosalvaje

So Betsy, last September at the Race for the Cure when I couldn't find you, my daughter and I were walking along the street when many of the 5K runners were coming past and I told my daughter as I was shuffling along, "next year we're gonna run the 5K."......You IN?

kawee

Betsy, the oncologist said lots of women are sore, and it can last for years.  I am going to ask  my Rad Onco when go this month, he'll be able to shed more light on it.  The thing is, my other breast is sore, they always have been.  Not as sore, but I think (again) Lupus has something to do with it.  My whole body is sore, but I'll check it out.

I have to have a H1N1 shot tomorrow.  Yuk.  Has anyone had it, and are there side effects?  My Dr. said if you don't get it and get the flu, you will really wish you had, because it's very nasty.

How long does it take to get a biopsy back anyway, Betsy.  Good grief.

peg119

I had the H1N1 when it first came out and had no side effects at all.  It didn't even give me a sore arm like the seasonal flu shot does.

echosalvaje

I too had H1N1 shot and seasonal shot back in November. No effects whatsoever.

I was  DE-PORTED yesterday....one more thing to bring some closure to this cancer gig! Time to get high behind some dedicated FITNESS!!

BetsyBuzz

Mary...congrats on being DE-PORTED!

Not sure I will run in the 5K...have they determined the date? I've never been a runner...sounds whimpy...but it's the truth.

Kawee- I too had an H1N1 with no SE's. Like Peg said...my arm didn't even hurt. It truly was a non-event for me.

Titan

I did not have the h1n1 shot...dr. said I didn't need it....Yay!  I did get the flu shot..

Yes..Betsy..how long does it take to get your results back...?  What did they tell you?  Since you are "special" it really shouldn't be more than a couple of days.

Yay Echo on your de-portation!  I bet that feels so good! 

kawee

Okay, ladies.  I finally took my first tamoxifen (kicking and screaming) this morning after breakfast.  My stomach hurts, heartburn, bloating, and burping.  Will that go away after awhile?

Thanks for the info on the H1N1.  I cancelled by appt. for the shot, but listening to all of you, I'm going to make another one.

Can you all tell how I feel about meds?  Think I'd be used to it.

echosalvaje

kawee, I take my Tamox in the morning after breakfast with all my other meds ( vit. D3, fish oil, multi-vit, aspirin ) and don't ever notice anything. Also, I can't say that I have had any noticeable SE's from it. Maybe a little bit of joint pain, but moving more seems to help that. Any hot flashes had already begun from chemopause.

Betsy, I am not a runner either but I figure if I can do a few spurts of jogging mixed in with walking it will make for a good fitness goal. I thing the Race for the Cure will be in Sept. again.

AmyIsStrong

I take mine at 9pm. I was told that it can help reduce SE's because you have them when you are sleeping. I haven't noticed anything.