MAY 2009 Rads

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  • Texas357
    Texas357 Member Posts: 1,552
    edited July 2009

    Americanpinay: do you have access to a pool? I've been able to build up the muscles in my surgical arm by using pool weights. They say that the water pressure in a pool is actually a great way to work out your "at risk" arm.

    I'm careful about how many reps I do, but I'm determined to get back to the level and intensity of workouts that I was doing before. Even more since they say exercise trumps just about everything when it comes to staying healthy.  

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  • dkerler
    dkerler Member Posts: 75
    edited July 2009

    I saw my med onc today and he said that he doesn't think it is  breast cancer because the chemo should have taken care of it and he does not think it is lung cancer because it doesn't look like it. He said it just might be a benign inflamation but that they usually don't grow. So in short we still don't know for sure. Tomorrow I see a pulmonary dr for her advice. It could be to try antibiotics for a month or to get a biopsy. In either case I'm trying to get an appointment and a second opinion from Johns Hopkins in Baltimore.

    I feel a little better mentally.

    Thanks everyone for your concern and prayers.

    Debbie

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  • americanpinay
    americanpinay Member Posts: 338
    edited July 2009

    Dkerler...praying for b9 results for you...

    Texas...there is a pool in my complex that I have easy access to but haven't been really taking advantage of...I should, if only for the amount of money I pay on monthly HOA feesSurprised...I think I'll check out a book on water exercises from the library...do you have any recommendation? thanks...Smile

    Ivorymom...not yet...I thought the med onco was going to give me Tamox RX the last time I saw him but because we did the CY test, he postponed Tamox until the test results are back...I was a little bit worried that test results would come back and I won't be a "good" Tamox metabolizer and asked the med onc "what then?"...he said that there are other options (I know that, most of the time, thinking ahead is a good thing but after BC diagnosis, thinking too much ahead may not be good all the time)...I see him again next week...I'm actually getting antsy about the hormone therapy...I want to get started...I guess, if we have to take it for five years, a month or two delay probably won't matter...but still...Laughing

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  • dkerler
    dkerler Member Posts: 75
    edited July 2009

    I saw my pulmonary dr and she said that what she saw on the CT scan is not the nodule from last November. It is something new along with the other in the middle lobe. She thinks it is from the radiation. Just to be sure I'm going to have a biopsy on Monday and getting results on Thursday. The medical term is radiation pnuemonitis. If it is this we wait and it should go away.

    As always I will keep you all up to date.

    Thanks,

    Debbie

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  • barbiedahl
    barbiedahl Member Posts: 119
    edited July 2009

    Debbie glad to hear that it doesn't seem to be something really scary. I will keep up the prayers. It's so difficult to realize that our treatments to save our lives have other consequences on our health.

    Chelev what is you doctor saying about the nausea?

    Debfromohio hope you are feeling better

    I was at a garden club meeting today and met three woman who had been diagnosed with breast cancer in the past year. Is it better diagnosis or what? It seems so odd to me.

    Yesterday I played golf with a woman who was smoking and wearing little pink ribbon socks. I didn't know her so I didn't point out the irony between her fashion and her actions.

    Hope everyone is well. I'm working on my diet, making it better and committing longterm for serious changes.

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  • ajlive
    ajlive Member Posts: 134
    edited July 2009

    Tex357 & Chelev:  Femara or Actonel SE's are kicking in or I have sore muscles from exercising.

    Tex357:  I was on Fosomax and had to quit taking them due to SE's.  Very sore jaw bone.  Was put on Evista after that.  Med Onc took me off it.  Wasn't having any SE's from it. 

    dkerler:  Keeping you in my prayers.

    Debfromohio: Hope you are feeling betting and no delay on finishing rads.

    Genia:  Hope your feeling better.

     Sounds like everyone else is doing well.  Cruise hope all is well.

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  • PrincessKauai59
    PrincessKauai59 Member Posts: 288
    edited July 2009

    Dkerler, It sounds like you're hooked-up with a good doctor now.  Glad to hear they'll be taking a closer look, but sorry you'll have to have more procedures.  I hope you have the best outcome possible with this new challenge. 

     I'm having insomnia, night sweats and lots of hot flashes -- week two of tamoxifen.  It's not that bad.  I'm going to take a week off at the end of August to recouperate a bit.  My PS wants to fix my contralateral breast in November/December (yay!)  Want to get in as good of shape as possible before that surgery.

    Love & Light to everyone, Cool

    "I can't change the wind, but I can adjust my sails"  (not sure who said that -- was it from one of you?)

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  • dkerler
    dkerler Member Posts: 75
    edited July 2009

    I'm having the biopsy today. They had an opening and I grabbed it. Results now on Monday.

    Debbie

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  • Bold
    Bold Member Posts: 692
    edited July 2009

    Good Morning all. I am just checking in. Deb where the heck are you!!!!!!! HOPE YOUR OK! Seriously. I think about you everyday and hope that your feeling well enough to get through this crucial part of recovery.

    I have a hard time at night from my mind wondering to bad places. I can discipline myself during the day but at night ugggg. I hate not having my hair soooo much. I do not even know me. I hate wearing wigs in this heat or a hat for that matter. Time is my friend and my enemy. I am grateful for every minute but wish it was a year from now at the same time.

    Did anyone see so you think you can ance last night. The dance that interpreted breast cancer had me sobbing!!!!

    Love and healing

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  • Deb-from-Ohio
    Deb-from-Ohio Member Posts: 1,140
    edited July 2009

    hmm I swear I just posted on here, musta hit preview instead of submit...anyways, the pnuemonia is about gone, but I think I'm gonna have this croupy, bronchitis sounding cough forever....as for rads, have 4 more boosts to go and I'm done...had my first one yesterday, surprised me..from what I understood, they shoot into your scar, on mine they shot to the left, right on top of the nipple and on the right side..guess is because my scar is under the boob? At any rate, am fine, just totally wore and tired with both the rads and pnuemonia...

    Hugs and love

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  • dkerler
    dkerler Member Posts: 75
    edited July 2009

    I'm back from the biopsy. There were no complications. Now waithing for the results on Monday.

    Thanks everyone.

    Debbie

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  • Bold
    Bold Member Posts: 692
    edited July 2009

    Thoughts and prayers are with you debbie!!!!!!!!!!! I just have a feeling everything is going to be OK!

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  • carolinachick
    carolinachick Member Posts: 387
    edited July 2009

    Bold - I did see So You Think You Can Dance last night.  Wow.  It was so moving - I had tears streaming down my face and would have been sobbing if my daughter and her friend had not been watching it with me.

    The hair thing hasn't bothered me too much, but I do find myself worrying about a recurrence.  I get my BRCA results next month, so maybe that will help.  Or not...

    Debbie - My thoughts and prayers are with you.  I hope you have peace this weekend.  Please let us know when you get the results.

    Deb from OH - The finish line is in sight.  You're almost there!!!

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

    Barbiedahl - my onc called me on tuesday morning, after a bad Monday night with lots of nausea, bone and joint pain so bad I could hardly ride my bike and then get off of it, swelling and headache . . . after I'd decided to stop taking Femara to see if that's what the problem was, and he told me the same thing, stop taking it immediately.  He wants me to call him next week some time and let him know if I am feeling better and we can discuss other options.  I felt better, still some lingering nausea and headache, but the joint pain went right away.  I now have my energy back, rode my bike 4 miles last night, and did some exercises on Tuesday night.  I have an appointment next Wed. with rad onc for post rads followup and I am having an intial consultation with a homeopathic doctor on Friday to discuss estrogen level testing and natural options.

    Otherwise, my rads skin is almost back to normal, still a little tan triangle, and the boost oval, but skin healed up well.  anyone else still really tender?  Only if I bounce too much or when I lay on that side or roll over (have to kind of grab it and hold while I shift), but otherwise feel fine.  Have decided to go wigless and scarfless - did it by accident when I was rushing out of the house yesterday for work, but after running errands after work today without, that's it, I'm done covering it up, except if I'm in the sun.

    Have thoughts running every now and then about recurrance and the fears of that, plus sometimes finding myself wondering if I should have had a bilat mast., since I have very dense, cystic breasts and the tumor was so large.  Woulda coulda shoulda?  Needless to say, if anything comes back (and it had better not!), off they both come.  No question about that!

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

    Debbie, I will keep my fingers crossed for you that it is absolutely NOTHING and the biopsy comes back negative!!  We'll summon all of the good karma fairies to fly around you.

    Deb - glad you are feeling better and you are almost there - this rads road wasn't the smoothest for you - and I hope you get through the boosts with no episodes - it is much lighter rads than the regular tx, so it should be kinder to your skin.

    I missed the dance show - we were watching Amercia's Got Talent, and sorry to say, no, it doesn't all the time!  some really strange people who are up on that stage.  Must be trying to get their 15 minutes.

    Bold, I hear ya - sometimes I look in the mirror and think, who is this person?  This is not the same person from 6 months ago . . . and it's weird and annoying and hopeful at the same time!  I will send the hairy fairies to you to encourage your hair to start moving faster!

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  • PrincessKauai59
    PrincessKauai59 Member Posts: 288
    edited July 2009

    Debbie - - my prayers are with you! 

    Ivorymom, Great to hear that you're SE-free with the tamoxifen!  

    The studies on whether the 2D6 testing is/would be beneficial are mixed I think, at least not ready for prime time.  For certain, we (on tamoxifen) should avoid 2D6 inhibitors (like Prozac and Paxil).  If we have to take something for depression/hot flashes, drugs like citalopram (Celexa) or venlafaxine (Effexor) don't have the interaction issue that fluoxetine (Prozac) and some of the others do have. 

     I'm hoping the hot flashes will subside/lessen, without extra drugs!  

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  • jrgolomb
    jrgolomb Member Posts: 1,236
    edited July 2009

    I just watched so you think you want to dance on You tube.  My daughter found it and showed it to me.  We sat there and cried and hugged.   The youtube  title is Melissa and Ade: This woman's work.  It's about 7 minutes long.  I was struck by everyone's strong reaction to the issue and all I wanna say is I so hate this f-ing disease. 

    Chelev--When did you say you dyed your hair?  I am seriously thinking about it, but will seek out the help of a professional hair dresser and opt for the temporary less toxic dye. I think your hair looks thick and dark.  Love it.  Glad you are feeling better once off the Femara.  

    Debbie---Hope your weekend goes by fast and you get great news on Monday.

    Deb fromOhio---almost there!

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  • Debonthelake
    Debonthelake Member Posts: 244
    edited July 2009

    Deb just 4 more to go!  Yeah!!!.  That makes graduation day on Wed. doesn't it. I know what you mean about be shot with boost on the nipple.  That's where my boost were.  My nipple blistered pretty good but, it healed really fast so within a week I was feeling well.  I'm glad that you are healing from the pneumonia.  Man it's really been a rough haul for you.

     Debbie my thoughts and prayers are with you.  May you stay busy this weekend so that it will pass quickly and may your news be good.

     Chelev I'm so glad that you are feeling better.  I've been working again now for the last 2 weeks.  It's going pretty well.  Since exercise and diet are my Tamoxifen I've been able to make my self get at least 30 minutes of brisk walking in after work each evening.  I only feel anxious when I'm tempted not to exercise.  Other than that healthy anxiety I'm doing very well.

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  • barbiedahl
    barbiedahl Member Posts: 119
    edited July 2009

    Chelev- It was really nice of you doctor to call, I know that's what they are supposed to do, but when you think about how busy they are. It just shows you got a good one!

    Debbie have a peaceful weekend. I will say some extra prayers for you.

    Deb from Ohio Just think about how strong your body is. It's coping with all the radiation and pneumonia and you are feeling tired. I bet a lot of people would find themselves in the hospital. You are so strong!  Almost a graduate. You are almost there!

    We have our God daughter visiting for the weekend. Having two (now grown) boys I can't wait to have my "little girl" visit.

    Have a wonderful weekend all. Rest, and rejuvenate!

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  • Deb-from-Ohio
    Deb-from-Ohio Member Posts: 1,140
    edited July 2009

    Got a questoin for all of you..Did you have to go back to the rads do like 2 weeks after and why?

    Ivory, I'm sorry but I'm having a hard time imagining all you women in the room with me with my dollyparton boob and one hung low hanging out! ROTF;...

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

    Deb-from-Ohio - I am seeing my rad onc next week for a post rads followup.  That's the only return visit I've been scheduled to make.  Maybe because you had such burn issues they want to keep closer tabs on you?

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  • kt57
    kt57 Member Posts: 425
    edited July 2009

    HI Radiators:

    Deb: prayers, prayers and more prayers for good results on Monday.

    Ohio Deb:  You beat cancer, you will beat pneumonia!   Rest and take care of yourself.   I saw my rad two weeks after rads.. skin check and talk about future mammo/MRI.   We also talked about my newly discovered BRCA status and options for future surgery on a radiated breast. 

    Ivorymom: you are absolutely right about not being the same person.. cancer is not all bad....sure puts things in perspective and re-sets the priorities. 

    Have to say, I am anxious to have hair again.... sure is coming in slow.  Ran into a hairdresser and she is going to get some Nioxin follicle stimulator  for me -- she says it will help.  My husband is sweet about it.. he tells me to go uncovered.  He believes uncovering will make it grow faster -- that and pickled pigs feet!!  He really should stay off the internet!!!   No I haven't tried the pigs feet !   Chemo was bad enough!

    Take care ladies...

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

    Meg, you are too funny!!!!

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  • americanpinay
    americanpinay Member Posts: 338
    edited July 2009

    Hi ladies...

    Deb-from-Ohio...glad to hear from you...I saw rad onco three weeks after last boost and will see him again in three months...

    Princess...hope the Tamox SEs subside...

    Ivorymom...piano story is too funny...what is estradiol level?

    Carolinachick and Chelev...I am with both of you on fear of recurrence...I have an achy shoulder blade right now and I can't help but think the worst...it really is a struggle staying positive but we must...I read somewhere that research has proven that survivors with good, positive and healthy attitude do better overall...

    About hair...I hope to get mine trimmed and colored this weekend and retire the wig...Smile

    Take care everyone...

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  • ajlive
    ajlive Member Posts: 134
    edited July 2009

    Hi everyone.  Sounds like all is doing well.

    Deb:  Thoughts and prayers going out to you for good results on Monday!

    DebOnTheLake:  Countdown time!

    DebFromOhio:  I have a 6-week followup with my rad onc.

    Femara Ladies:  Last weekend I started having the bone, joint & muscle SE's.  I purchased some Glucosamine with chondroitin and MSM.  It really helps.  I've got it down to taking every 12 hours with no pain.  I found the liquid form at Walgreens. 

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

    Ajlive - glad you found something to help!  I was on the verge of taking that too - had it ready just in case or rather when the bone pain started.  If only for the nausea!  We'll figure it out.

    Did my first full workout with the Firm "the Wave" exercise piece.  I had gotten it before dx, but it's been sitting getting all dusty for 6 months.  Yesterday I did the 15 min. intro workout and the express Abs workout.   I wasn't sure if it was going to be anything I'd feel, because it isn't that stressful, but OMG, I can feel my ab muscles today!!! 

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  • Texas357
    Texas357 Member Posts: 1,552
    edited July 2009

    Yeah, I've been feeling muscle pains but refuse to stop working out. It's my hand pain that is scary. I'm hoping the Femara-induced arthritis like symptoms aren't permanent.

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  • Debonthelake
    Debonthelake Member Posts: 244
    edited July 2009

    My rad doctor wants to see me in a month and then probably every 6 months.  He says he just wants to be sure that I'm checked regularly.  I guess all of my docs feel that way.  Looks like I'll be seeing my oncologist, my surgeon and my rad oncologist every 6 months and my family doctor at least once each year.  At this point in time I don't mind the attention. 

    Over all I feel pretty peaceful.  I only feel anxiety if I come home tired from work and start to be tempted not to exercise.  But, I guess that is a healthy form of anxiety.  My muscles are a bit sore too.  I tried upping my walk to a slow jog a couple of days last week and that works out a whole different set of muscles.

    Well I'm looking forward to toast Deb from Ohio on Wednesday.  If anyone deserves a big party she's the one.

    Have a nice weekend everyone.

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  • Bold
    Bold Member Posts: 692
    edited July 2009

    Hi all. Sounds like everyone is having an OK weekend. I want to go check out the monster waves hitting the coast today. It has been a great weekend so far. My DH and I start weight watchers this week so. I will be fit and healthy!!!!! God willing. I think you need to be pretty thin to pull off this uber short hair!

    Ohio Deb I have a bottle chillen for weds. Girl we are going to party!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    To funny about the piano!!!!!! I love you guys!!!

    Peace and health 

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  • lisalisa
    lisalisa Member Posts: 824
    edited July 2009

    Hi all!

    I'm back from vacation.  We had such a great time.....I went moutain bike riding and kayaking and lots of crafts in the craft house.  Lots of fun family time too up in the mountains! 

    Tomorrow I see my rad onocologist for my 1 month check up (it hasn't been quite a month yet, but I have surgery the following monday and need to be checked out).  I also plan to start a diet tomorrow.  I have to lose this extra weight!

    Gotta go unpack.....just wanted to be sure to say "hi".

    Lisa

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