CALLING ALL STAGE I SISTERS

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  • TinaT
    TinaT Member Posts: 2,300
    edited January 2012

    Hi all, just trying to get caught up here.  Traveled over the holidays to spend time with my family.  I had to cancel the trip last year because December 2010 was full of biopsies and medical appointments and that's when my roller coaster ride started.  Since I'm in a holding pattern right now and feeling pretty good I decided to let BC go for a few weeks - took a break from the computer and just enjoyed the time with parents, siblings, cousins, etc.  All good....

    So, belated happy holidays.  Here's to a new year of peace and better health for everyone!!!

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  • stage1
    stage1 Member Posts: 475
    edited January 2012

    The decision to do rads was difficult. Like a lot of us, I was afraid and still am, of long term SE's...since it was on my left side.  I was grade 3, that kinda helped me decide to go thru with it.  I finished in July, and now, just feel a hint of discomfort left.  I almost feel normal.  The fatigue has subsided, mostly. 

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  • SusanHG
    SusanHG Member Posts: 655
    edited January 2012

    Hello Everyone!

    I haven't checked in on this thread in a long time.  Notice many familiar faces from the After Rads thread, but just wanted to chime in about my own rads experience.  Even though my own experience was "trying" to say the least, I would still go through with it if i had the choice right now.  I went through two bouts of cellulitis causing almost immediate fatigue in the first couple weeks.  My skin held out until the boosts and then started to blister at the end (thank goodness).  Now, I am seven months out and have breast lymphadema, but it is under control now and should subide over the next three months according to my RO who I saw today for a check up.  If it is your left breast, make sure your rad onc uses a technique that avoids the heart as much as possible.  Radiation to the heart could cause a heart attack 15 years down the road if the heart is not avoided.  OK I think I've said enough for now.  Remember-time does heal.  Hope this helps!

    Susan

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  • Panmars
    Panmars Member Posts: 299
    edited January 2012

    hawk, I used aloe vera gel ( the clear kind, without the blue or green dye ) and Eucerin Aquaphor Healing ointment. Messy stuff, but they were the only 2 things I was allowed to use. I used them both 3 to 4 times per day, and it made all the difference. I used them for a month following completion of rads, too. 

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  • sheila888
    sheila888 Member Posts: 25,634
    edited January 2012
    Welcome to all New Sisters 
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  • sheila888
    sheila888 Member Posts: 25,634
    edited January 2012

    Maybe because of my HER+ i had all the treatments chemo, radiation, 5 year Femara.

    I wasn't too lucky with radiation my breast was almost roasted and had to put prescription cream to prevent infection. Other than that no SE.

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  • sheila888
    sheila888 Member Posts: 25,634
    edited January 2012

    Annette where are you/ I will call Nancy Grace to report  a missing woman/

    I missed you. Love & Hugs sister ♥

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  • FireKracker
    FireKracker Member Posts: 8,046
    edited January 2012

    OMG the dreaded Rads.How i feel for you.I refused rads,then changed my mind.then waited so long i was past statistics but in the end i did them kicking and screaming...listening to each and ever sista and driving them nuts.yes no.and finally my family begged me and i gave in.I did not have a real bad time.It was not the walk in the park some people say it was.not for me.Im glad I did it.Its hard to follow your heart cause my heart said NO....all my drs said YES!!!! In the end you will know what is right for you.I wish you all the best and please keep us posted.Check out the monthly rads threads and also i have a thread After Rads.lots of good stuff out there.huggggggggs K

    Val we keep missing each other.lol.(((((((Shiela))))))))))

    Sista..............hugggggggggggggs

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  • FireKracker
    FireKracker Member Posts: 8,046
    edited January 2012
    I also need prayers.Im goin to my friend the 27 yr survivor who is not doing well at all.Please say another prayer for Phyllis and one for me too as im scared.real scared.she cared for me during the rads.i dont know how to care for someone who i think just might not make it.Her experimental drug is killing the cancer and everything else.damn this cancer sure does suk
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  • sheila888
    sheila888 Member Posts: 25,634
    edited January 2012

    A candle is lit for Phyllis

    ((((((Granny))))))♥

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  • Judy67
    Judy67 Member Posts: 361
    edited January 2012

    Hey sisters!  Joan, I really like your New Year's wishes.  Granny, I am so sorry about your friend, I will include her in my prayers.  I hope she recovers.

    I'm day 14 from 1st tx and now on "hair watch".   I got a great short haircut last week that I really like so I'm trying to will it to stay in.

    Happy New Year to everyone!

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  • notme583
    notme583 Member Posts: 6
    edited January 2012

    Thank you for your reply, Joan, and to everyone else who replied re: radiation.  I did see that there is another thread devoted to that subject, so will check it out.  Thanks for all of your support.  What a wonderful resource.  I am new to blogging, and to BC, so am in the confused state all around.  My best wishes for you all..

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  • sheila888
    sheila888 Member Posts: 25,634
    edited January 2012

    Judy...i like your hair cut. you are smart doing that.

    I never cut my long hair until it started to fall like pony tails. I was so nervous.

    You sound good no SE from chemo?

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  • sheila888
    sheila888 Member Posts: 25,634
    edited January 2012

    notme....You can post on different threads that interests you.

    We are always here for you. Smile

    ♥

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  • Valjean
    Valjean Member Posts: 1,898
    edited January 2012

    "K" ~ Just you being there for her will give her more strength than you could imagine, hon.

    I will PM you.....

    ♥

    A warm welcome to the new sisters ..... & a gentle hug.

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  • Valjean
    Valjean Member Posts: 1,898
    edited January 2012

    Sheila, ♥

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  • Joan811
    Joan811 Member Posts: 2,672
    edited January 2012
    sherry c, I just got samples and a prescription for X-Claire and I agree - it's good. I hope insurance pays. 
    Tina - happy holidays - we all need a break from BC ...glad you got to enjoy family this year.
    Judy, you look great in your photo.  Chemo is so stressful and unkind Undecided --glad it is usually temporary.
    Granny, It is a special calling to be with Phyllis at this time.  My thoughts and prayers go out to both of you. 
    My last full breast rad tx was today.  I am so red and tender, but the only broken skin is about 1/4" in the crease.  I feel like I've been in the sun for hours - so drained.  My boosts start tomorrow - and I hope my skin holds up.  I have had no problems with rads - not really painful, just annoying.  The fatigue is really taking over. 
    Good night, all.
    Joan
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  • Valjean
    Valjean Member Posts: 1,898
    edited January 2012

    You are almost finished, Joan. You'll get there.

    hugs

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  • sheila888
    sheila888 Member Posts: 25,634
    edited January 2012

    Good Night

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  • Joan811
    Joan811 Member Posts: 2,672
    edited January 2012
    Boost #1 done and am exhausted and feel burning.  Four more....am already tearing up thinking about this journey....and I had a relatively easy one. 
    I had taken a course in radiation last spring, and now I am adding up my doses.  They said I switched from photons to electrons today.  If I figure out what the heck that means, maybe I can create a teachable moment for my students.  Cool
    I hope you are all keeping warm! 
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  • sheila888
    sheila888 Member Posts: 25,634
    edited January 2012

    (((Joan)))

    granny....i'm thinking of you and your friend please update us. hugs♥♥♥♥♥

    (((Val))) one of those nights I will catch you. ♥

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  • duckyb1
    duckyb1 Member Posts: 13,369
    edited January 2012

    Ok, sheila....................still freezing my ass off...............................now I am drinking Carmel Vanilla coffee from my K-cup...................................not my Red Solo Cup....................maybe that is what I need...........

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  • sheila888
    sheila888 Member Posts: 25,634
    edited January 2012

    My house is around 71 but it's not warm enough for me.

    I put Tree lights up it really makes the room 2 degree higher.

    I hate cold.....time for my homemade chicken soup.

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  • Joan811
    Joan811 Member Posts: 2,672
    edited January 2012
    Speaking of the c-o-l-d, Dave Letterman just said the Statue of Liberty is holding her torch under her dress Tongue out
    Wishing a restful night for all...
    Joan
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  • SusanHG
    SusanHG Member Posts: 655
    edited January 2012
    We had a cold day in Buffalo on tuesday.  15 degrees for a high! But, much better today and in the 40's for the weekend.  Feels like a heat wave Tongue out
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  • sheila888
    sheila888 Member Posts: 25,634
    edited January 2012

    Hi Sisters......My Health Insurance it's changing.....I was studying this for the last 1 month which one will cover most of my Doctors well...........

    I need to change My Oncologist which i've been with him since June 2005.

    He still sees me every 4 months a do TM test.

    I didn't meet the new one yet (it's a she) but I know that i won't be going every 4 months which I never understood why I did it all these years. That's a kinda good thing.

    My primary that i really feel bad he was my DR since 1986.

    I already found another one so local i can almost see the building from where I am.

    I will see my DR one more time on the 19th of this month and say my goodbyes Frown

    Oncologist appointment needs to be cancelled since the new health plan takes effect February 1

    DD says sometimes change is a good thing. She is a Social Worker and works with Mentally ill in Hawaii.

    Well Thank You for reading.....i just wanted you to know....this is not a vent

    hugs to all of you

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  • Eph3_12
    Eph3_12 Member Posts: 4,781
    edited January 2012

    Sheila, my insurance changed last July.  I have no coverage for oncology in my area & I have to change my PCP.  I have plenty of chronic things wrong with that require monitoring, not too mention the BC.  I have been a slacker on doing due diligence.  Guess I better figure it out, sooner than later, but I feel for you sister!  The only thing I can say about the new insurance is at least it's insurance & will cover a teeny tiny part AFTER my $3000 deductible-Oyyyyyyyyyy! 

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  • annettek
    annettek Member Posts: 1,640
    edited January 2012

    Hi and happy new year to all! Been missing in action as I was trying to find my brain which I still cannot locate:)

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  • duckyb1
    duckyb1 Member Posts: 13,369
    edited January 2012

    Hi Annetttek.............we missed you.............I would be on the first plane to TX to help you find your brain, but I still haven't found mine, so I 'm sure I would get lost somewhere along the way.............hugs..........while you looking for yours................see if you see mine...............

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  • TinaT
    TinaT Member Posts: 2,300
    edited January 2012

    sheila888 - Change can be good, but it's often also stressful in the midst of things!  I hope you find a good team and that your transition is smooth.

    Eph3_12 - .....same to you!!!

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