APRIL Rads Anyone?

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  • eadsla
    eadsla Member Posts: 217
    edited April 2009

    Hey everyone.  I had #8 today.  I'm exhausted.  For the most past, I've spent the past two days in bed zoning out with my laptop.  It's good to read that others are dealing with the faitgue issue as well...and the night sweats...and the sleep aid issues.  How are you all dealing with food prep?  Lately, I couldnt be bothered with making any food, and I know that I'm not eating enough.  It becomes this vicious little cycle.  Too tired to cook but need food to get energy to make food...but just so damned tired.  I remember being wiped out that first week after chemo, but my last chemo was 3/6 so I'm surprised/annoyed that this fatigue thing is still so strong.  At least with the chemo, there was that "third week" in the 21 day cycle that things felt somewhat normal.  I wonder how having the weekend off is supposed to be enough healing time with the rads.

    And I am so blown away at how you all are able to post with such detail and are able to respond to individual comments.  I mean, I am so grateful that you do, but after reading/catching up on a couple of pages, I am mentally spent. Seriously, I'm beginning to think that I'm the only one around who has chemobrain.

    That's one thing I'll say about this site and these message boards...it's hard to be just a "lurker"!

    Catherine

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  • Jane_M
    Jane_M Member Posts: 1,549
    edited April 2009

    I didn't like the idea of taking meds to sleep either, so as soon as my chemo was done I stopped the Ativan.  I've been taking melatonin and I am surprised to say that it works.  I was skeptical, but it works better than any sleeping pill I've taken inclduing Sonata, Ambien, Ambien CR, Tylenol PM and Lunesta.

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  • Juli50
    Juli50 Member Posts: 859
    edited April 2009

    I finally asked, "So how many rads am I having?" I had #20 today and I have to have 16 more. Yell

    Think I'll try the melatonin, Jane. Thanks!

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  • shan1171
    shan1171 Member Posts: 138
    edited April 2009

    Okay,FINALLY, after three trips to cancer treatment center (which is, by the way, over an hour drive from my house) they have me scheduled to start Mon. My expander induced foobies have been giving them fits.....  The only open slot was at 9 in the morning........ick, I am so not a morning person!  They think they will have enough people finishing up this coming week that they can move me to a later time (fingers crossed).

    Busymom & susan- I'm right there with you, five weeks out from chemo...........

    I really can't wait to get this part over with, the trips thus far have not caused any trauma, everyone there is just wonderful........and my rad onc dr is just a doll!  I've got a bit of a crush (even though the man marked my chest up like a dry erase board at a land developers convention)!  Ha!  Nice to have any form of distraction at this point..........

    Being a single mother to an 11 month old dealing with bc and all the wonderful forms of treatment (I think I'm getting them ALL........ha), the fantasy of a man is just about all I can deal with anyway.

    I haven't had any crying spells, but my temper has a hair trigger, and I'm usually very easy-going.......I really hate it!  BC isn't going to get me, at this rate I'm going to have a friggin' heart attack!

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  • eadsla
    eadsla Member Posts: 217
    edited April 2009

    Shan and all the Moms out there:  How do you do it?  I'm in awe of every single one of you.  Lately the early mornig swat in the face that I get from my cat is becoming too much to handle.

    Jane, thanks for mentioning the melatonin.  I had forgotten all about it as a sleep aid.  Need to write that down...hell, I need to write EVERYTHING down these days.

    Went to the dentist today..  Wow, are my teeth messed up!  I should have gone before chemo, but from the minute I was diagnosed, I wasn't going to let anything get in the way of atrting treatment.  Well, now I I've got to have two wisdom teeth pulled, and that's just the start of it.  Almost every tooth had something wrong with it.  Yipes.  My gums were bleeding so much from the cleaning that I had little blood dots on the sleeves of my sweater.  I was wondering that maybe my energy has been so down because maybe I had some sort of infection in my gums?  A friend mentioned this to me, so I pressed the dentist to put me on antibiotics, just in case.

     But you know what?  If I'm going to feel like crap, might as well have as many things taken care of as I can.  I've never had a tooth pulled.  What am I in for?  I'm having the teeth pulled by a specialist, but my dentist said that I should have them do a local anesthetic since both teeth are the wisdom teeth on the same side.  She said it would also be cheaper.

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  • berrypatch
    berrypatch Member Posts: 90
    edited April 2009

    Hello Radiation Friends,

    OMG, I am so EXHAUSTED!  I 've heard of tired with rads, but this is exhastion!  How will I ever get throguh my first week back at work after 7 weeks.  Should be a real adventure.  Got my port out on Good Friday.  I had to get it out on an emergency basis because I developed cellulitis in my arm.  I thought the infection was wiping me out, but now, that is better, so it is definately rads!

    Rads is easy compared to the dreadful chemo.  I have no pain anywhere, my techs are pleasant, and they run "on time".  Funny thing about the exhaustion...really tired, but still cannot sleep.  Wierd!  Well, I took my "nighty-night" pills and they are kicking in.  Everyone have a good Sunday!

    Hugs,   Carol 

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  • fleecewood
    fleecewood Member Posts: 29
    edited April 2009

    Britt

    I am another who did not have chemo. I just finished #10 on Friday- no real se yet- except yawning when I am getting changed.(think its psychological). just starting to get abit pink- using my girls rad cream which is great- and straight aloe.  But did get sleepy driving home last week (like shar1171) I have a commute thats over an hour long. But although its the closest place- I can't complain- I go to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester- and the people are absolutely wonderful.

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  • eadsla
    eadsla Member Posts: 217
    edited April 2009

    Fleecewood, I noticed last week at work that I started yawning.  It then occurred to me that while I have been exhausted and fatigued or unable to sleep to varying degrees since I started chemo in January, I could not recall ever yawning.  But then last week at work, in between heat flashes and cold sweats, I would get these huge teary-eyed yawns.

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  • ajlive
    ajlive Member Posts: 134
    edited April 2009

    Hello!  I also had my lumpectomy on Friday, April 3rd.  This site is great.  I have learned a lot reading through the messages.  Thanks everyone for your comments.  It helps to know what to expect and help prepare for what you will go through. 

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  • busymomof5
    busymomof5 Member Posts: 25
    edited April 2009

    Caligrl, Shan and Susan, Good luck with your first day of radiation. I thought that I was starting tomorrow since that was what I was told. When I went in on Friday for the simulation they told me that they are closed on Monday for Patriots Day. I will start on Tuesday and will go on Sat to make up the day.

    The simulation went fine. I am still amazed at how technical it is. There was a radiation physicist there, I never knew there was such a career! I have to trust them completely. My radiaiton oncologist is the person people come to for second opinions. I trust him completely. He is always so upbeat. The techs are great too. They played Fleetwood Mac for me...very relaxing. Or as relaxing as it can be with one fake boob exposed, my arms above my head in braces and a big machine moving around me, inches from my body!

    I did ask the nurse practitioner about vitamins. She said that multivitamins were fine but to avoid antioxidants because they interfere with what the radiation needs to do. She said that the breastcancer.org site had good, accurate info on radiation. I read through it yesterday and it was helpful. The page on antioxidants was also helpful:

     http://www.breastcancer.org/treatment/radiation/ext_expect/vitamins.jsp 

    Good luck tomorrow. I take Trazadone every night for sleep. It works well and is not addictive.  

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  • shan1171
    shan1171 Member Posts: 138
    edited April 2009

    Catherine.........Lord knows!  Somedays, I'm so tired I just melt into bed......and I haven't even started rads yet!  I'm thinking after feeling like crap, plus the exhaustion of chemo, it can't be as bad?  I haven't been working through this (those ladies truly amaze me), but I swear chasing a crawler/early toddler wipes me out.  At least at work, there are times when I sip my coffee, ignore the phone, and throw my feet up on my desk (much to the amusement of my teamleader)!

    The ole teeth have taken a beating, as well.  I'm having veneers put on my two front teeth...the enamel is so bad my insurance is paying half because the dentist is calling it "major restorative".  I haven't even had a cleaning yet, my oncologist wanted me to wait several months out of chemo to give my body time to build back up.  So, I'm sure it will be more fun and games then........Having your wisdom teeth pulled shouldn't be all that bad.  I had to have four pulled (this after having four permanent teeth pulled for braces when I was twelve).  The experience wasn't exactly fun, but so long as they arn't impacted or anything, they come out pretty easy.

    Busymom - Thanks for the luck!  Patriots Day, what the hell, huh?  Saturday really sucks, I'm sorry about that.

    Fleece - hard candy and really LOUD music..........oh, and coffee (I'm in luck, there is a Starbucks right next to hosp., white choc.mocha grande, mmmmmmmm), lots of it!  All we need is to fall aseep at the wheel...........

    Caligirl & Susan......I'll be thinking of you as I'm layed out like a filet......lotsa love!

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  • DesertRider
    DesertRider Member Posts: 178
    edited April 2009

    Hi everyone,

    Just finished presenting my 3 day leadership seminar - normally I never worry or stress about handling it all myself and I realize (now that it's over) I should have had some help! Anyway it's completed and I can get back to the job of getting rads - tomorrow is #11. That's 1/3 done!

    The good thing about the work - I never thought about BC - wow was that great.

    Hope everyone has a good week on the table. I also have a guy tech that comes in  - he's not that cute tho! 

    Hugs,

    Gail 

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  • shan1171
    shan1171 Member Posts: 138
    edited April 2009

    One down, 27 to go!

    It took them longer to get me all arranged than for the treatment.  The drive is the longest part of the whole thing, but I listened to my music way too loud and sipped on my way too strong coffee, it was kinda nice.  The drive is actually pretty scenic, and just curvy enough to keep me interested.  I hope everyone else is fairing well.  I'm trying to get my muchkin to take a nap.....wish me lots of luck!  There he goes..........he is so gonna win!

    Haven't got to see my perty doctor lately.......oh, well.......

    Shan

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  • Lainey64
    Lainey64 Member Posts: 740
    edited April 2009

    Good morning gals.  I hope everyone had a good weekend.  Mine was pretty good but my day started off really bad.  It was just a sad morning involving some ducks at our complex.  I won't go into details because the last thing I want to do is make anyone else sad.  I cried and cried...  I know there are a lot worse things in the world but sometimes you just see something that is so sad it breaks your heart into pieces.  I'm doing better now but I am having a hard time shaking it. 

    I read all the posts and while I can't remember "who said what" (chemo brain), I can relate to a lot of it.  I decided to stop using the Ativan Friday night.  So instead I took Tylenol PM... not much better I know!  I'm going to go and buy some Melotonin today after work.  Thanks for that reminder.  I used to use it a long time ago and know it works. 

    Today will be the beginning of Week 4 of rads for me.  I'm still feeling fine as far as fatigue goes.  I had energy over the weekend and we went for 2 long walks at the park.  I also took it easy when I needed to and rested when my body told me it needed a break!  I'm not showing too much redness or burns yet and I'm still wearing a regular bra.  It's not bothering me.

    For those of you starting your rads today, I wish you all luck!  Play that music as loud as you need to and drink that strong coffee!

    Love,

    Elaine

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  • julesd
    julesd Member Posts: 17
    edited April 2009

    Treatment 16/33. My skin is the least of my problems right now. I had my first "meltdown" today----in the waiting room at the onc's office.  I  got my first Lupron shot and started on Arimidex last week.  And I feel like *(&*@!!!  My hormones are completely out of whack and I am so irritable, fatigued, and nauseous. And I started my period today.  So what's up with that?!?  I'm going into chemical menopause but I still get my periods?!?!   Anyone else on Arimidex feel this way?  

     I decided to take a sick day and have my own pity party. I am pathetic!! 

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  • kjbell
    kjbell Member Posts: 974
    edited April 2009

    Jules-sorry you are having such a bad day. It does help to vent and here is the perfect place, as we have all had our moments. I hope you feel better as the day goes on. You could be here in upstate NY where it is cold, windy and rainy. So depressing!

    Busymom-I heard the same thing about the antioxidants. I just bought vitamins and not only do they contain antioxidants, they also have soy, a no-no for me. I will read the label before I buy my next bottle, cause my current bottle will be donated to a coworker. (I only took 2 and they were $8.00, can't throw them away)

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited April 2009

    No you are not pathetic! 

    Finished 13/33 today.  No significant se's yet.  A little darkening of the skin and I yawn throughout the day (working).  This morning started yawning an hour after I awoke from 8 hours of sleep.  I fall to sleep easily at night because I start to feel tired mid-afternoon but I also awake 2-3 times at night for a potty break. 

    They still won't allow me to use anything on my skin until they see 'evidence' of irritation.  I was still occasionally doing the bra but now that I see darkening I will switch to cami's full time so as not to start any irritation prematurely.

    Thanks for the reminder about the antioxidants.  Aren't they in green tea so I need to not have any? 

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  • susan13
    susan13 Member Posts: 732
    edited April 2009

    Hello Ladies,

    1 down , 24 more to go!

    How much melatonin does everyone take, for those who are taking it.  I'm back on the ativan cause that is the only thing givng me some decent sleep. Still waking up 2-3 times a nite due to hot flashes, but 2-3 tims is better then 5-6!  I am taking a ton of vitamins and antioxidants, so I guess I need to ask my rad onc. that question. I can't imagine a little pill is going to counteract what the mega dose of radiation is doing to our bodies though!?

    Shan1171-Why were your expandes giving them fits?  I too have expanders, I'm so worried that the rads is going to mess the darn things up. But I got my fingers crossed.

    My only problem at treatment this morning was tht they made me wait a little bit in the waiting room.  Story of my life with appointments!

    Have a good s/e free week everyone!

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  • scarp
    scarp Member Posts: 104
    edited April 2009

    Today must the the waiting game.  I had to wait, too.  4 down and 29 more to go.  I'm pretty lucky that my ride is only about 5 minutes.  I think that was one reason why I chose one hospital to do it over the other.  I haven't had a problem, sleeping thru the night in a while.  I'll take a 1/2 xanax when I wake up and can't get back to sleep.  On occasion, I'll take one tablet of Alka Seltzer pm.  It is the sleep aide that works best for me.

    When I left from my treatment I forgot to put on the cocoa butter in the lot so I'm driving home with my hand down my shirt witht the cocoa butter stick in my hand applying it when I started to notice people in cars looking at me like what is that women doing!

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  • Debbi5108
    Debbi5108 Member Posts: 182
    edited April 2009

    Hello All,

         I guess I am in The April Group if your still accepting new members, I start rads this week had my simulation last week. Had a question how long before you start getting red?? or burnt and is there anything I can do to prepare for this ???? I will be having 30 treatments.

    Thanks Deb

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited April 2009

    Hi Deb, welcome, bittersweet though that may be.

    I think the getting red part is very individual.  Some after only a couple of tx others after 3-4 weeks.  It's been posted that it can depend on how you took care of your skin in the past, whether you are susceptible to tanning or burn quickly.  My rad onc won't let me use anything on the skin until I begin to see signs but others have posted that they are allowed to use various products, aquaphor, biafine, aloe vera, vit e to name a few.  You should ask your rad onc or the techs may also know what the onc normally suggests.

    Hugs.

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  • shan1171
    shan1171 Member Posts: 138
    edited April 2009

    susan  -  My perty rad onc only wants the left side radiated, since that tumor was larger and one lymph involved.  These expanders of mine are mighty perky with a big valley in between (and they won't move for sh@#).  They are trying to just get the left chest wall and not hit the other foobie at all, they are having to go in at an angle and use four beams. 

    I pretended I had been abducted by aliens and they were doing a scan on this "new" lifeform during treatment today. (Okay, I AM losing it, but it was a great distraction!)

    My skin already feels like it did in the old foolish days when I spent too much time in the tanning bed (hot and bothered).  I think I am in for a real fun ride with this new phase of treatment.  Oh, well, if it was a blast, everyone would be doing it! 

    Gonna watch a movie in bed while the babe snoozes (only time I get a chance, if he's awake, he's on the move).  

    Hey Deb.........hate you have to join us, but welcome.

    Lainey......I'm a major softy where animals are concerned, actually had a pet Canadian Goose for a bit - he showed up at our pond tame as a pup.  We ran an add and his owners came and claimed him...what a reunion, wish we had filmed it.  He went running as soon as he spotted them, wings spread wide, like arms for a hug.  What a sight!  So, I'm glad you didn't go into details, but I can imagine the worse, so I understand your distress..

    Until tomorrow.........hopefully I will be singing " A Paler Shade of Pink"..........ha!

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  • eadsla
    eadsla Member Posts: 217
    edited April 2009

    Shan, first off, thanks for the info about having the teeth pulled.  I've never had it done before and I've been asking EVERYONE about their dental history...like a crazed ferret.  One friend told me that it may have been possible that I had an infection that may have gotten into my bloodstream and could have been causing my low energy.  So, after I had my cleaning(which was almost like the dentist scene in Little Shop of Horrors...lol...I had red sprays coming out of my mouth and actually stained the sleeves of my sweater), I pressed my dentist for anitbiotics because of the amount of bleeding I had.  I started taking amoxycillin this weekend, and I've noticed a big difference in my energy levels...and my gums stopped bleeding during brushing.  So, maybe my friend was right about having an infection.

    Jules...big meltdown hug to you.  And what is up with the period coming back so soon, and yet you're in chemopause?  That just doesn't make sense.  You vent here all you want because we all know what it's like to hormonally whacked.  And you're not pathetic. Hardly.  I would be more worried about anyone who went through this and DIDN'T have a meltdown...several, in fact.

    Elaine, big hug to you, too.  Thanks for your discretion in the details.  I have a hard time not losing it when I hear about an animal or a child in pain, so I'm sorry that you had the day that you had.

     Welcome Deb.  These boards are the best.  I couldn't have gotten through this so far without them.

    Scarp...you in the car?  Hysterical and awesome at the same time.  Let 'em look!  Hell, most men have had to pay for a simillar privellege.  I'll bet you made some people's morning commutes a wee bit sassier!

     Patoo, maybe your being a "woman of color" makes a difference in how you will react to radiation.  I can totally see that as I know many black women with incredible skin compared to white women of simillar age. (no disrespect, but every gay black man I know tells me that "black don't crack!")  Either way, I hope you get through this without the need to apply anything.  Now that would be awesome.

     Gail, wow, you led a 3 day seminar?  I am impressed and envious at your stamina.  Wow.  But I know what you mean about having days that draw your focus away from bc.  There are only more of those to come...for all of us.

     Another day of freakish triple digit temps in LA.  I actually enjoyed tooling around at home with my bald head and not feel chilly.  Also think the megestrol I started taking for the heat flashes are taking effect.

    Hey, we're 1/5 of the way through the week!

    Catherine

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  • idaho
    idaho Member Posts: 1,187
    edited April 2009

    Susan13 and whoever else is interested: My red onc. said absolutely no antioxidants during rads, since the rads are oxidizers he doesn't want me to fight against it.  I stumbled across an article that says melatonin is a huge antioxidant.  So I guess I am off of that until rads are over.  I find myself yawning all the time too!  Expecially in the morning! Whats up with that?!! ha ha.  I just finished # 13!  So far so good, my breast feels "heavy" and sore, the skin is red, but doable so far.  Good luck all!  Tami

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  • fleecewood
    fleecewood Member Posts: 29
    edited April 2009

    Hello all

    had nr 11 today- no redness yet- my scar is starting to flatten out- so i guess there are some pluses to the rads- it was a bit "puckered" before. I too, am starting to get some tightness, and heaviness in breast, plus my arm is getting sore- anyone else- with arm problems? Seems much better when I exercise and stretch it alot. Doing more yawning not only before but after the session is over too.  Same 2x a nite potty breaks---- would love a good 5 hours non-stop though

    scarp-  great visual- let them look

    welcome to the group Deb- keep your skin moisturized now- and drink more water if you can

    theres' a great cancer video on utube from freshbrewedlife.com called "stepping into the ring" watch it if you get a chance

    Good luck to all this week- I think about all of you when I'm on the table- believing for the best.

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  • dkerler
    dkerler Member Posts: 75
    edited April 2009

    Hi everyone.

    Fleecewood-- I am having arm pain too. I wished I had mentioned it to my doctor today but I thought that maybe I just slept on it wrong. Now I'm wondering if it has something to do with the rads.

    I had rad #10 today. I'll be 1/3 done tomorrow.

    I have some pinkness but it doesn't hurt. I use 2 lotions 3x a day, Biafine and Betamethasome Dipropionate.

    I was told not to take melatonin but to take either benadryl or tylenol PM. I'm going to try tylonel PM tonight.

    Here's hoping you all have a good week.

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited April 2009
    Totally diggin' the "abducted by aliens" idea! Laughing
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  • busymomof5
    busymomof5 Member Posts: 25
    edited April 2009

    Idaho,

    I am treated at Dana Farber in Boston. My rad onc is the head of the department there and at Brigham and Womens. They gave me a handout when I went for the mapping. It also stated no antioxidants during radiation. They said specifically no high A, C or E and no Selenium. They were very clear about it. I am just taking a multivitamin for now.  They did say that natural antioxidants that come in the food we eat are fine. I love green tea so I am going to ask about that but I am assuming they will say no, which is fine. I can do without it for 5 1/2 weeks!

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  • kjbell
    kjbell Member Posts: 974
    edited April 2009

    I had #17 today and so far so good. No skin issues. Just sticking to the pure aloe vera for now and it seems to be working.

    Have a nice day ladies!

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  • Lainey64
    Lainey64 Member Posts: 740
    edited April 2009

    Hi ladies.  I had #16 yesterday.  Still no real redness to report.  I can definitely tell it has more color than the other side, but no burning so that's good.  I am still feeling good too. I'm not having an problems waking up and I'm pretty perky throughout the day. I've been trying to exercise as much as I can too but I didn't make it there yesterday.  Yesterday was a really terrible day for me so I took half a Xanax last night around 8 p.m. and by 9 I was feeling better so I decided to take the other half.  lol  I went to bed and slept really good.  I have a little envelope of Xanax that my friend at work gave me when I first started all this mess.  I've never taken any until last night.  I'm saving them for when I really need 'em!

    Deb - Welcome to our group!

    Shan - Thank you for your goose story.  I love hearing things like that.  I'm a huge animal lover and especially love the ducks and geese.  Not sure why.  Maybe I was a duck in a past life or something!  Are you singing today? :)

    Catherine - I had my teeth cleaned just before I started chemo.  It might have helped some but I still had to have a root canal done last week.  Ugh.  I'm also feeling some weird pain in other areas of my mouth that I'm trying to ignore. So don't beat yourself up too much about not getting them cleaned.  I think they're gonna do what they want to do! 

    Fleecewood - I'll have to check out my scar tonight and see if it's looking better.  That's interesting.

    Thanks for the info on the antioxidants.  My rad onc didn't mention it.  I guess I'll hold off on the melatonin too.

    Have a great day everyone!

    Elaine

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