SEPTEMBER 2009 RADS

Oh, I love the pictures. I have been topless since this all started. I just couldn't wrap my head (joke here) around a wig in the hot humid summer. My hair is starting to come in, but it's thinnest on the top.  I don't have a recent picture, I'll see if someone can take a picture of me.

MTG, I'm on Femara, and am considered pre menopausal - because I was prior to chemo. I'm 45 now and the chemo ended my cycles, but since there is a decent chance they would come back at some point, my doctor has me on Lupron injections (every 10 weeks, administered by my chemo nurse) and Femara. I could have done Tamoxifen, but chose this route instead. I'll be on it for 5 years, just like Tamoxifen.

I survived the weekend with the in laws and thankfully, they pretty much stopped talking about people dying. I failed to mention in my previous post that my father in law had lymphoma about 8 years ago, so he definitely has cancer on his mind when he sees me.  It ended up being a really nice visit in the end, so I'm grateful they came to visit. Mostly grateful so my kids could see them, but also grateful for the cooking my mother in law did over the weekend.

This is my last full week of rads. I have 7 more to go. I'm very hopeful my skin holds up and there are no delays during the last stretch of treatment!

Pam

I know what what you mean about the "hang out" aspect. I'm reading pages and pages of old posts trying to glean some facts re: tamox side effects and options but getting much more chat. Then again, I remember doing the same thing thru the rads pages trying to find out what creams and lotions women used. I guess it's the nature of the animal and, if I had to choose, I prefer getting to know the September rads group to just having the facts.

The only side effect I am having from Tamox is hot flashes.  They seem worse than they were before.  The onc gave me a script for Effexor (sp) which is an antidepressant and it is prescribed at a very low dose.  It is supposed to help with the hot flashes and not interfere with the tamox.  Apparantly the other antidepressants interfere with tamox.  I haven't got the script filled because I hate the idea of taking another medicine and am trying to see if I can just cope with the flashes.

Well, it's been almost 3 weeks since I finished.  Is anyone out there tired?  This is different than the tiredness from Lupus.  With that, I was tired, but not sleepy.  Since radiation after I'm busy awhile I get so tired and sleepy.  I just feel like I need to nap everyday.  Anyone else?

BetsyBuzz & MTG, I haven't started the Tamox. yet, however, when I mentioned that I would soon start that, my Gyn doctor said that he liked to do yearly uterine biopsies on women taking the Tamox.  The way he described it, it sounded only a little more invasive than a PAP smear.  I would imagine it would be early detection of abnormal cell growth, before having any bleeding or symptoms.  Just mentioning it, in case you would like to bring it up with your doctors.

kawee, I'm still pretty tired & napping (2 wks out of Rads.)  

hi all--still tired too more so than last week --trying to be patient hoping for that to subside--I am freaking out though abut this arimidex that I have to start --will see my doc next week--everything I read seems negative--he even said 50 % of people cant take it-- fatigue depression bone pain joint pain osteoporosis --I already have fatigue and bone and joint pain --everyone out there seems like they are on tamox-- is anyone on or going to start arimidex?--the threads on it are really negative I cant read them they upset me too much-- sorry for going on and on but I have had a positive attitude all the way along and looking forward to getting my life back and it looks like I will be in for another big hurdle--this is really the first time I am feeling so negative-- help !!! Laura

THanks kawee--I will let you know what my onc says too--fosamax is for osteoporosis so not sure if that is what you are thinking--i know there is another med besides arimidix called femora with is another option--just not sure--I spoke with someone today who is arimidex and said she isdoing fine==so i am going withthat philosophy - I am 61 and post menopausal also so we will see how it goes--will keep you posted--

I started back on my vit d but not anything else yet--not usually a vitamin taker except for C (a lot of good that did for me!!!) but might start a multiple vit--and will see what my calcium and vit. d levels are again and start on some calcium--before this i never took anything maybe a tylenol once in a while--so much for healthy living!!! 

THanks all for the input--I will let you know how I do once i try it--a friend of mine switched to femara also and tolerates that better-so maybe there will be options--they used to use only tamox on everyone since there were no alternatives--pre or post menopausal--my mom at 80 years old was on tamox for 7 years-- but just dont know--will keep you all posted!! Laura

Tsotis - Congratulation on your last day! Isn't it a great feeling?

I am 2 weeks out from rads and the burn in my boost area is becoming more tanned than burned as well. I never had much fatigue but I am feeling even better now. Started Tamox about 2 weeks ago and  I don't feel any SEs at all (so far). I hope it continues this way.

 This really has been quite a saga. For me, the rads were the easiest part. But even so, I'm glad they're OVER!!!

Everybody who is getting close to the end - keep pushing on. You will make it!!!

 Amy

ok, getting close to rads end but have just been so ready for it to be done that I've gone completely off the wagon for the last two weeks - chocolate, baked goods, cheese, chinese foods, bread and bagels, and the list goes on !!!! I've eaten foods that I haven't had in over 6 months and have probably gained 10 lbs. Last night I got into the Halloween candy. When my brother asked if I at least had a costume on, I answered , yes, Lady Godiva.....aah the costume ideas that rads gives us. Only one more day till the weekend ! Horray !!!

Lolly's - you're 100% right ! Plus there are about 1,000 restaurants in a 2 block radius so lots to choose from. I figure I'll go back to a healthy diet on Tuesday, the day after I finish normal rads and start my boosts. Until then, I already have decided that a cheesburger and mexican food (with Margarita) will be on my menu in the next few days. I know I'll pay the price but being indulgent is definitely fun !!!!

tsotis--you have said it all!!

Betsy have a great vacation--I agree with MTG!!!

so am i crazy for not going to see my close friends's dad in the hospital tonite because I am paranoid about the germs--still feel like I am runned down and didnt want to take the chance--my daughters even thought i shouldnt go unless I wear a mask and i  didnt want to do that-- I am a nurse and usually am around a lot of sick people ( although I have not worked for 8 months) so i am not usually germophobic but right now I am--feeling like a crapy friend--I have a lot of guilt--anyway --hope everyone has a good weekend--  

lollys-  I didn't even go visit my brother in the hospital a few weeks ago when I was still doing rads and I didn't even have chemo.  I am a nurse also but did not feel it was worth the risk.  My brother understood that as I am sure your friend does.  I am still working and do public health so at this point I think everyone needs to be a little germaphopic.  Congrats to those who got done this week and for those of you going on vacation I am jealous but wish you all fun times.