MIDDLE-AGED WOMEN 40-60ish

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  • 3rdtimenow
    3rdtimenow Member Posts: 256
    edited July 2014

    Thanks, Barsco, so far so good. Has anyone been given any advice on nutrition during rads, what might help or hurt? I have been reading conflicting things. I have an appointment with a nutritionist on Thurs. So far green tea and honey, having a cup now. Stephanie

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  • lovewins
    lovewins Member Posts: 881
    edited July 2014

    3TA...praying for your strength, I know He will provide.

    FBN...sorry you are in so much pain....please let your nurse know what you are going thru.  It's okay if you don't have a brave face all the time, I had to learn that too.  It takes a lot of energy.  I hope you are feeling better.

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  • barbe1958
    barbe1958 Member Posts: 19,757
    edited July 2014

    3rd time, make sure the nutritionist knows you are getting rads as some stuff can contraindicate the benefits of the rads!!

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  • Eph3_12
    Eph3_12 Member Posts: 4,781
    edited July 2014

    LOVE the topper E!

    FBN, girl you need to let the doc/nurse know how you are feeling.  Their job is to get you thru chemo and they don't want any more bad press.  My folks were very accommodating in helping me.  I think it was round 2 (maybe 3) of T/C and my right hand swelled up and had like blisters all over.  It was determined that because they had reduced the steroid dosage that round in an attempt to lower my blood sugars or something (it's been 5 years! Thank the Lord) that my skin had reacted so for the next round(s) they didn't do a reduction & I didn't have that problem again.  They will do what needs to be done & if they don't scream until someone does!

     

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  • 3rdtimenow
    3rdtimenow Member Posts: 256
    edited July 2014

    Thanks Barbie, yes I have been reading about that, all very confusing. I also have been on a weight loss diet and now they tell me not to lose more than 5 lbs, during treatment. ThumbsDown

    1 down 32 more to go.

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  • elimar86861
    elimar86861 Member Posts: 7,416
    edited July 2014

    kathec, You haven't been around this thread long enough to have been let in on the not-so-secret-secret.  Once you are under the anesthesia, the actual probing is handled by highly proficient aliens, aboard a mothership.  They have years of experience, dating back to the 40's when their "practice" began with mainly desert clientele.  I can't seem to say this enough (as it seemed a miracle to me) but when you wake up, your butt doesn't remember a thing.

    image  Rare photo of top docs on the "Human Procedures" board.

    Seriously, while a perforated colon seems to be frightful possibility, be more afraid of the pre-cancerous polyps that may be lurking in there just waiting for a chance to kill ya.  Statistically, that is a more likely scenario.  Both you and BF need to nip any little lurkers in the bud a.s.a.p.

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  • Momine
    Momine Member Posts: 7,859
    edited July 2014

    Eli, uhm, surely you mean: "nip any little lurkers in the butt ...."

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  • luvmygoats
    luvmygoats Member Posts: 2,942
    edited July 2014

    Ah Eli I forgot about the alien probing. Shows you what a good drug propofol is.

    Yes, let's nip them in the butt so to speak.

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  • elimar86861
    elimar86861 Member Posts: 7,416
    edited July 2014

    FBN, This is what they mean when they say chemo has cumulative effects.  While Taxotere may actually be worse than fluorouracil (5-FU,) don't forget you had to take the Taxotere on top of those three round of the 5-FU.  Just about everyone reaches that point where they "hit the wall."  But I do agree with all the others that you mention all your SEs and overall feeling to the docs/nurses, because many of the SEs can be managed; or they may decide to lower your dosage slightly.  I am glad that you are using the cold packs on hands and feet.  I hope you don't come away with any permanent neuropathy (which Taxotere is known for.)  You have two more round left, so the finish line is in sight now.  The good news is that you do begin to rebound within a week of two PFC, although it takes the body much longer to fully rebound from all the poison.   Finally (if you like it) try some watermelon.  I don't know what it is, but it is one food that retains it's natural taste in the face of chemo. 

    Barsco,  You know if the virtual horses do make a virtual mess, all the more reason for the stable boy to show up.  

    HnS,  I saw that poodle/horse mash-up too when I got the horse image.  Too funny!

    Ddgm1003, welcome!  How is your radiation going so far?  Looks like you are a few weeks ahead of 3rdtimenow on that.  I won't lie...about 1/3 of women do get a more serious skin response with blistering, but that means that 2/3 (the majority) get by with only the minor rads burn.  I liked the 100% aloe gel (from WalMart) for moisturizing because it had a cooling effect when it was applied.  With a moisturizer, just remember it goes on after and never before rads.  Also, expect some fatigue.  Rads will make you sleepy tired (not the weak-tired like chemo.)  I took naps.

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  • Brwneyedgirl
    Brwneyedgirl Member Posts: 113
    edited July 2014


    elimar thank you for the insight. Lucky me I only have 20 rads to do.  16 full breast and 4 boosts.  As I was talking to some other ladies at the ROs office yesterday it appears that their protocol for stage 1 is to do less days.  I need to ask if the dosage is higher because there are fewer days.  I will put that on my list for my visit with the RO next week.  Sleepy tired I can handle, that overwhelming fatigue was awful at the end of chemo.

    Have a great day everyone.

     

     

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  • elimar86861
    elimar86861 Member Posts: 7,416
    edited July 2014

    D-1003, I believe the full dosage (for the ~6 wk. protocol) is 50gys.  I think when you go the quicker route, you get higher daily fractions, but overall it ends up being 40gys.  But do ask and let us know. 

    I hope some Canadians chime in here because they have the ~3 Wk. protocol.  I am not sure what the total gys are on that.

    I haven't kept up with all the rads news lately.  For good reason.  If I read stuff where the standards change to shorter exposures/lower dosages, I have a tendency to feel p.o.'d(*) at having gotten the super-sized amount. 

    (*) (That's the standard abbreviation for pissed offded, right?)

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  • elimar86861
    elimar86861 Member Posts: 7,416
    edited July 2014

    Looked at the calendar 5 minutes ago.  July 9th!  Got my BC out 5 years ago today.  My 5th Cancerversary.  

    image  ...to ME!  Gotta keep on rolling...

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  • heartnsoul76
    heartnsoul76 Member Posts: 1,648
    edited July 2014

    Congratulations Elimar!  That is great news!  Does it seem like time flew by?

    I do not know exactly when I had my lumpectomy, in fact my diagnosis date is just an estimate.  I'm going to ask my BS next time I see him so I can celebrate properly, sometime next summer.

    I mean, I think this calls for some wine or sangria (which I have a peculiar hankering for at the moment).  Mmm, sangria and salsa and chips.

    Whatever you do, do something!  And to think you almost missed it!

    image

    (feeling retro today) :)

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  • elimar86861
    elimar86861 Member Posts: 7,416
    edited July 2014

    Are you suggesting a toast?

    image

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  • cakes
    cakes Member Posts: 157
    edited July 2014

    elimar ~ congratulations! I'm still not sure what day to call my cancerverary but decided to celebrate the month of July to cover all bases. LOL! This is my one year. Cheers Dear and yes, this calls for a toast! The beverage of your choice. 

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  • heartnsoul76
    heartnsoul76 Member Posts: 1,648
    edited July 2014

    Haha, yes let's have a toast... here's to raisin bread and how beautifully it toasts up and how yummy it is when covered in all kinds of gooey, buttery, bad-for-you deliciousness!

    And we'll wash it down with a big pitcher of some dad-gum sangria!  (I swear, I'm going to have to go get some tonight)

    And then we'll toast you, too. :)

    image

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  • elimar86861
    elimar86861 Member Posts: 7,416
    edited July 2014

    Haven't had Sangria in a long time.  Have to say that pitcher looks delightfully refreshing!!!  

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  • cakes
    cakes Member Posts: 157
    edited July 2014

    Happy Happy elimar!  I am definitely in heartnsoul7! 

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  • jbokland
    jbokland Member Posts: 890
    edited July 2014

    Hi Ladies,

    New to this board, but demographically fit right in! 

    Footballnut- The Percocet may be giving you more problem than benefit.  The codeine can really mess with you.  Have you tried or talked to your doc about NSAID or an alternative paid med?

    Started rads today,(well had my dry run) and officially start tomorrow.  I've been prepping the last 2 weeks by moisturizing with a natural bee's honey/jojoba wax.      Has anyone heard of the benefits of turmeric or curry during rads?

    I'm commemorating my day. I remember seeing this idea on the boards and  I ran out for a pedi right before my appointment :

    image

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  • macatacmv
    macatacmv Member Posts: 1,386
    edited July 2014

    Happy to see the five year mark pass by, eli!!!! 

    bars, did ya get thru your CT scan?

    kath, it's a piece of cake. And you truly do not remember a thing about the alien probing. Kinda like childbirth, it's the only way to keep us coming back for more.

    hang in there, fbn. Hey, did ya watch the world cup or not that kind of foootball nut? I'm a great one for distraction from unpleasant bodily feelings.

    that goes for the rad ladies, too. I found cool wash cloths and aquaphor soaked tee shirts helped with the heat. (and I had my rads in the winter)

    eph, I miss you chiming in as often. But I am glad your life is busy enough that you don't hang out here as much as you used to. 

    j, lol about the pedi! did the techs get a chuckle? I've got one toe nail that has not recovered yet, needs some disguising. (edited to add this)

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  • 3rdtimenow
    3rdtimenow Member Posts: 256
    edited July 2014

    Congrats!

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  • 3rdtimenow
    3rdtimenow Member Posts: 256
    edited July 2014

    Hi Jbockland, I started yesterday, I have read about tumeric and have added it to my diet, organic kind. I am going to a nutritionist tomorrow, I will update with any advice.  Cute pedi, Stephanie

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  • elimar86861
    elimar86861 Member Posts: 7,416
    edited July 2014

    jbokland,  welcome!   Haha, what an appropriate pedi! 

    Now there are three of you ladies just starting rads.  Something tells me a fourth might be along soon.

    image

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  • Eph3_12
    Eph3_12 Member Posts: 4,781
    edited July 2014

    E--Yay for excision day!!

    I checked the books-5 years ago today was my 1st chemo day!

    Thanks Mac for the shout out.  I'm here usually every day but don't usually have time to do much but read.  I follow about 5 or 6 threads faithfully.

    Headed out of town tomorrow eve for the weekend, so won't be on for sure for a few days!  Y'all have a great time.

    jbokland-love the nails!

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  • lovewins
    lovewins Member Posts: 881
    edited July 2014

    image  Congrats!!!!!!

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  • lovewins
    lovewins Member Posts: 881
    edited July 2014


    imagecongrats!!!!!

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  • elimar86861
    elimar86861 Member Posts: 7,416
    edited July 2014

    I would like to say that I did something celebratory to mark my 5-year Cancerversary milestone, but that didn't happen.  Two out of three (male) family members offered a weak "Congratulations" before going back to what they were doing.  Kind of makes me wish I had just forgotten about it myself.  I think my family considered me "cured" after the first 6 mos. anyway.  Funny, because I don't consider myself "cured" at five years.  Still, it is a nice milestone on the road to reaching 10, 15, 20 years.  That's why I used the picture of the road sign.  I am still enroute, rolling on.

    THANKS to those of you who shared in this latest milestone of mine!   

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  • macatacmv
    macatacmv Member Posts: 1,386
    edited July 2014

    here's to being glad our "roads" intersected!!!

    image

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  • luvmygoats
    luvmygoats Member Posts: 2,942
    edited July 2014

    Forward we march. Happy 5th Cancerversary Eli.

    image

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  • elimar86861
    elimar86861 Member Posts: 7,416
    edited July 2014

    I like that combination, mac!

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