December 2009 Rads Group

adrienne2

BonnieSF, I'm so glad to hear that your peeled area is starting to heal and that your underarm burn is almost gone. And... best of all, you are finished!!! Congratulations. 

Somanywomen, your rash is almost gone -- good deal. I don't know anything about when side-effects of Arimidex show up. I'm happy that you're having no trouble so far.

AngelsAbove, congratulations on completing #23. How great that your side-effects are minimal.

Veggy, too bad about having to re-do the 4 treatments -- that sux. I don't blame you at all for wanting to scream -- I would, too.

Me: The area under my breast is quite a bit darker today, but it's not hurting, and nothing has started peeling yet. I'm still able to walk to treatment, and I'm not feeling any fatigue. I feel very lucky at this point, but I know that things can change suddenly.

I met with my doctor today. The treatment plan for the boosts that will start next Monday isn't done yet, so I'm not sure if I'll be treated with electrons, protons, or some kind of mixture, or if the beam will come from the front or the side. She'll chose whatever will do the best job with minimal damage to my heart and lungs. 

I am sending good wishes to all of you.

adrienne

21 down, 12 to go. 

steeny107

Keep going Ladies

My sail fish tourny had a bigger turnout than last year.  I am feeling so alive so what if I have stage 4 cancer I can do anything.

xox

adrienne2

Michelle, I'm delighted that you are feeling so zestful. I truly believe that you *can* do anything. 

You said "My sail fish tourny" -- is this something that you organize? If so, many congratulations on the big turnout!!!

Have a great day in that Florida warmth (I hope the weather is good).

adrienne 

somanywomen

To all...this is crazy, but typical for today's world!!!!

Finished 30 rads and was never asked for co-pay.....Got a huge bill yesterday for co-pay for each day of rads...Since co-pays are not used towards deductibles, it will be almost $1000. out of pocket just because the Cancer Center I went to for rads put each rad through as done at doctor's office visit instead of outpatient where no co-pay would have been necessary....My rads were done at center and not in a doctor's office, I barely saw my Rad doc the whole time!!!

This is just another unconscionable way for them to get more $$...Did anyone else get billed co-pays for each rad treatment????

adrienne2

Somanywomen, ouch. That's an unpleasant surprise, for sure. Maybe you could ask them to bill it differently, as an outpatient service?

adrienne 

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somanywomen

Adrienne, heidi...Cigna says it's the way they billed it as if it is a doctors office....Cancer Center says that they are considered a doc's office because they are free standing...It's always about the $$$$, rep from Cancer Center says she will call my insurance...don't know what that means and haven't heard back....There's a girl on recent topics that has to beg others for Arimidex, as she can not afford the $300.+ a month, it's just a shame that we live in America and along with dealing with an illness, also get charged the ridiculous amounts for the treatments/meds we need...

Michelle, sounds like you had a super weekend of fishing fun!!!

Been on Arimidex, one full week, with no noticible se's....knock on wood!!!!!

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somanywomen

You got that right!!!..heidi..............Where is the preventative reasoning in all of this!!!!..I saw streaming across CNN (I think it was CNN) that 1 in 5 teenagers have high cholesterol just a few days ago....I believe that so much of the rise in BC and how many more younger women and men are getting this and other preventable illnesses in the recent years is the government not taking control and being responsible for what is allowed in our foods, meats, body products, esp., the over use of pecticides, hormones and synthetic estrogens (BPA, in just about in all can goods and plastic) !!!!!..

Over 80% of soybeans in U. S. has been genetically altered (by Monsanto) so they can use the deadly chemical roundup on them...Where is the conscience of these big companies for what they are doing to all of us and future generations???....Monsanto also made the chemical "Agent Orange"!!!!

Cgirl

Somanywomen, a little late to joining the group, but I finish my 30th treatment this Thursday. I experienced all the physical discomforts and pain that many members described. For what it is worth, my insurance company told me before treatment began and even before I made my first appointment with the rad.doc. (Who was ""net work") that under my plan each treatment was considered an individual service. E.g. 25.00 x 30 or $875.00. Of course that was on top of all the other deductibles and co pays.

Trust me; I tried all powers of persuasion and reason including the fact that I am physically being treated at a hospital or at the "cancer center" at the hospital. The insurance company said it did not matter.  They did not care how the facility billed it was seen as outpatient treatment and done individually for each session. They referred me to the plan my company enrolled us in (of course the plan changed only a few months before my diagnosis).

They also charged me two co=pays for the MRI -preformed pre-surgery of the two breast.  All in all, like you Radiation co- pays are about $1000.00.

somanywomen

Cgirl, welcome....In my case I was completely blindsided, no one ever mentioned a copay with rads, they even gave me a plastic card that I would just zip through the doors to rads....Made it so easy not checking in and waiting or anything, so when I got this bill I was shocked!!..I still had not heard anything back by the end of today and will wait a few days and call....I doubt I will get anywhere, but that was a sneaky way that this Cancer Center socked it to me after the fact!!!....My clothes dryer is dying and I would like to  spend money on something besides copays this year, it would be different if we could at least use the copays towards our deductibles.....I hate to bring in the mail these days!!!

mimi1964

Hey Ladies - It's been a few days since I checked in, but I'm still having a terrible time with the raw area under my breast and the Silvadene cream I had at home is all but gone and of course my rad onc has not offered to give me anything other that told me to use that damn cream they gave me in the beginning.  The compression boosts will be finished tomorrow Thank you GOD!!! Though after the first one it wasn't too bad except for today, which was a little painful.  The Rad Onc came in today and marked my breast around my incision for the other boosts that I think most all of you got.  He drew a odd shaped area approx 2 cm. around the incision (which mine happens to be on the edge of my aerola and it incumferences my entire aerola and nipple and the greater right side of my right breast.  That just means that my nipple will get more BURNT!!!  I was really angry and that is putting it mildly.  I have definitely not handled this part of rads the way that many of you have.  I think I am becoming more down and depressed.  I am so sick of being burned inside out, of hurting and not being able to live my life, having to worry about what I can't wear!!! This totally SUCKS!!!!!!!! And I hate it... I hate my breasts!!!!  They are currently just bringing me misery.  Sorry... I am really having some major depressing days here.  I just don't know what to do to get through this.  I only have 6 more txts to go... one compression and the 5 other boosts.  But when you are in pain and know there is more coming, it's hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

somanywomen - I haven't gotten a bill from rads yet.  I have 2 insurances so I'm hoping that I got out without having to pay anything.  But that is hoping for a miracle.  I already have one 2500.00 + bill that I've got to battle with the hospital or insurance company or both over.  

Adrienne - glad you are still doing well.  Hang in there.  I hope you do not go through what I have or some of the others.  

Hugs to you all

Renee

Cgirl

Somanywomen, OMG, I can so relate we too had  major and minor unexpected house repairs You must feel broad sided with the copay bills shame on them for NOT mentioning even the possiblity of a co-pay.

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somanywomen

Cgirl, started last August with backroom flood, had to rip up newly laid laminate (still haven't replaced), then bad boob news in Sept, then son's car needed new engine, then my car needed motor mounts, then hubby's car needed something, now need new dryer...It has been one thing after another, but as long as no more bad health news I try to grin and bear it!!!!

Renee, it does suck!!!!....sorry you are still burning, and docs won't offer cream, you know they have some....so unfair what we are put through trying to get this bc out of our bodies..... 6 to go and it's over and you can start healing.....

mimi1964

Thanks somanywomen!! I'm trying to hang in there.  I've meant to mention this before, I had a best friend that moved to Merritt Island when we were going in the 8th grade (long time ago).  I did catch up with her about 17 yrs ago when we took our kids to Disney World.  Her mom and dad are now divorced.  I'm not sure if her mom still lives in the area or whether she and her husband (I assume she is still married) do either.  I wish I could track her down.  We were the best of friends in Jr. high.  Oh well.  I haven't tried facebook... maybe?

Take Care

Renee

angelsabove

COMPLETED #25 This morning.......7 more left.....Hope everyone is doing well....

MAY GOD BLESS US ALL 

adrienne2

Welcome, Cgirl. Congratulations on being almost done with rads!!!

To all, I'm sorry to hear about the insurance problems. It seems so unfair that having treatments span the end of the calendar year increases the amount you have to pay.

Renee, I'm guessing that by now you are done with the compression boosts, and I am heaving a sigh of relief for you. I know this sucks. Being in pain can make pretty much anything suck. Has your doctor refused to give you pain medication?

Angelsabove, you are almost done. Hang in there.

Me: The burning sensations are getting worse, and are now lasting all evening and all night. I've been awake since 1:00 a.m. because of them. I have almost all of my Oxycodone left over from my surgeries, and today I got an OK from the nurse to use them as needed. I definitely can use a good night's sleep tonight, so I'm taking at least 1/2 pill if I'm in pain at bedtime.

To all: I hope that each day will be easier than the one before.

adrienne

23 down, 10 to go

mimi1964

Adrienne - Yes, I am soooo done with those compression boosts!!!!!!!! Finished up a little before 4 central time.  LOL!  I have a nickel size area that has dry peeled up on the lower underside of my breast just above the crease and it was pink and raw and it has burned and re-burned again and again all week for all 5 compression boosts.  That is one cause of much pain.  I did call a pharmacy friend and get some more Silvadene cream since I had run out of it.  I slathered it on when I got home onto my entire boobie.  Anyway I'll let you know how the other boost go tomorrow.  and no he won't give me pain meds I have told him several times I am in pretty bad pain about a 7 out of 10 and he just tells me to use the cream he gave me and the cornstarch.  I tried the cream this morining but I am not so burnt and raw that the cream burns when I put it on... so no more cream for me. 

I have some Percocet I guess I will have to start taking it.  It is left from my daughters c-section.  Gotta do something or I won't be able to go on working for another week or so.  I was actually comtemplating taking off next week the pain has gotten so bad.  I thought if I took off till I finish I won't have to wear a bra or clothes just p.j.'s and I might get o.k. 

Renee

steeny107

Hi all

Ok I am a week out since finishing my rads.  My under arm is still red raw, I thought it would be looking better by now?  Any one else got the same problem.

The Dr told me to put Silvedene or however you spell it on 3 times a day.  But in my opinion it keeps it too moist and that is why it is not healing. Please ladies tell me what you guys think.

And I have not received a bill yet either another one to add to the pile. 

 Adrienne

I am sorry your having pain, pop those pills.  Thankfully I am numb since my surgery so I dont feel too much.

I am the director of the sailfish tournament which we do once a year.  Normally I am the program coordinator for special needs adults but we do the tournament to raise money.

I had so much adrenaline pumping it was great.  Of course now I am exhausted. And the weather was pretty chilly and windy 65 cold for us but good for sailfishing lol.  How many more Adrienne 9  nearly done yeah

xoMichelle

chinablue

Hi Ladies,

I am going to start radiation (28 treatments) in February.  I need to decide whether to do it before work or after work.  Any advice? 

somanywomen

chinablue.....Some of us got through with not-so-bad se's and if you read through the posts from beginning to end you will see that a lot had some pretty bad se's....I was lucky and never had the tiredness and could have worked right through them, and some had horrible se's that had to endure work along with the se's....I guess it depends on what type of work you do and with me I would always choose to do med treatments earlier (before work) than later when you are even more tired!!!...If you are going to suffer, you might as well get paid for it...good luck, hopefully your se's will be minimal.....

adrienne2

Renee, congratulations on moving on to the last phase in your treatments. I hope the remaining treatments won't be hitting that area under your breast, so it can heal up. 

I don't understand why your doctor won't give you painkillers, unless he's part of an HMO and he's trying to save them money. If it were me, I'd ask why he won't. Maybe there's some medical reason, but if not, I'd insist on them if I were in as much pain as you are.

Michelle, I'm sorry that your underarm isn't healing faster - ouch. I was told that my skin may get worse for a week or two after ending rads, so maybe that's why?

I enjoyed reading about your sailfish tournament. I can just imagine you out on that boat, with the wind in your face and a big smile. 

Chinablue, I don't have any advice regarding before/after work rads, but I do want to welcome you to this thread. I can tell you that for me personally, I like having rads early, just to get them out of the way, so I don't have to think about them for the rest of the day. Not that I ever actually quit thinking about them for very long  

Me: After worrying about Tuesday's burning sensations and getting permission from the nurse to take my Oxycodone, it turned out that I didn't need it yesterday. I had virtually no burning sensations, and only occasional minor pains, so all I took was my ibuprofen. I can't remember if I told you, but the doctor said I can take up to 3 ibuprofen (600 mg total) at a time, three times a day, and I've been doing that. Apparently, it was enough yesterday. Yay! My body's reaction to rads seems so unpredictable...

To All: I hope your pain lessens, and that you get healthier every day. If you're still taking rads, you're one day closer to being done.

adrienne

23 down, 10 to go. Today will be #24. 

kmf

Hi - I'm on the Jan. Rads start board but actually started late Dec.  I have 12 sessions to go so I'm actually farther a long than most in my Jan. group and I have a question for those who are at my level or ahead.  I have a burned place under my arm and just got the Silvedine cream for it, which helps a lot.  My chest is very red, a slight bit itchy, but not bad.  Is there any hope that I will plateau at this level, or does the worsening ocurr at the same progression as it has up until now?  Will the Silvedine keep the existing spot from getting much worse?  I  really can't take a break from this and I'm afraid my skin is breaking down faster than I'd hoped. I really didn't think I'd be this crispy until next week.  Thanks for any insight.  Karenanne

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angelsabove

COMPLETED #26 this morning. Today we started what is known as boost. I have 6 more to go. So far so good. Skin pretty red and some soreness......Still got that ITCHY thing going on. Still prefer this over the six months of CHEMO.....I hope all of you are doing well. I took kids to school, stopped at cancer center and did rads. I then went and did grocery shopping....UUUUGGGHHH so expensive. We do the WHOLE FOOD thing. LOL.....Well I am now doing laundry and gonna plan a (special) dinner for my hubby and kiddos. Better get back to the MOMMA duties...LOTS OF LOVE LADIES....

Oh Yea.....I wonder HOW long after radiation our skin heals...... 

kmf

Hhfheidi:  Thanks for this.  I don't feel like I'm a whole lot more red on my chest this week than I was last week -- things seem to tone down a bit over the weekend -- so that's why I was hoping I can maybe maintain at the level I'm at.  You give me hope that that can happen and that's what I'm going to concentrate on!  Power of positive thinking, you know.  Karenanne

Jules824

Hi, Hope everyone is doing ok and hanging in there. Ive been down in the dumps. My cousin who helped me thru my stuff has had a reoccurance of cancer after being clear 2 years. It really got to me. Shes 45. I just got so upset and dont feel like posting much but I AM praying for you all every day.

But.... I just wanted to check in and tell you and try to help all of who I can..I saw Dr Oz do a show on poisons in food. He said go for young fish (due to mercury in older fish). Salmon tested lowest while Albacore tuna tested highest for mercury even though its good tasting, albacore is older thus more mercury.

Next, eat fresh or frozan veggies not canned because canned have plastic linings inside that are poison to us. Try to look for organic veggies of course, IE they have no pesticides.

Lastly (and my dad has stayed away from this for years and evidently is right). Check plastic jugs. "To be safe they should have a triangle on the bottom with a 7 in the middle of the triangle". If not the "toxins" in those other plastic jugs without the triangle 7 on the bottom are known to cause breast cancer, prostate cancer etc. ANd never microwave in plastic. Another words plastic containers are no good for us unless the above kind.

I realize this can sound a bit paranoid and how far must we go? But I believe Dr Oz's show is right and I am going to try to stay away from all of the above and listen.

Somanywomen. I am glad for the book and am following it by doing what it says. Thanks again so much for the recommendation.

Take care gang, and keep the faith.

((HUGS TO ALL))

Jules

somanywomen

Jules..I saw Dr. Oz and have been taking all of this anti-cancer research very seriously now for months...Don't eat anything out of cans, back to mostly whole foods and minimal meat...The meat I do buy is hormone/pesticide free and as many organic veges, fruits as possible....I can use one chicken breast and make a full flavored meal..chick and brown rice...chick stew, etc....so since I am using more veges and less meat the cost is not so bad and we eat so much healthier...This also gives me a feeling of having some control over bc...The book is simple and very direct (it is just one of many that backs up the anti-cancer foods), I keep referring to it to make sure I haven't missed anything...I also don't heat anything in plastic and have replaced most containers with pyrex glass...I don't feel that it is paranoid, I feel it isbeing extremely smart!!!!

Oprah also had a show yesterday that was very health conscience, I believe that eating as healthy as I have the last couple months made my rads more tolerable...Angelsabove, I am also healing very fast!!! I finished rads on Jan 14......

Cgirl

Chinablue

Personally I found the afternoon appointments to be perfect. I finished my 30th treatment tonight. (Celebrated by going to dinner at Morton's with my partner we have not been out this later in 7 weeks) Anyway originally I selected morning appointments thinking I would get in and out and have the rest of the day to work. Quickly learned that it did not work for me.  For some reason I was always running late. In fact the traffic at that time sucked, all those school buses I never saw before and when I got there it was way too stressful.  I never got in and out like I thought I was going to be able.  

For example, x-rays, blood work or weekly appointments with the rad doc sometimes did not get to the office until 10 or 11. Luckily the second week I switched to the last appointment they had and it worked out great. 

In fact, the last appointment allowed me to get treatment and go home to rest.  It forced me to take time for myself. One woman's opinion, good luck, and time does fly by.

BEST to all,
Diagnosis: 8/19/2009, 1cm, Stage I, Grade 2, 0/1 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2-