SEPTEMBER 2009 RADS
Comments
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Kawee..that is what is so confusing..the BS told me to schedule the mammo...and I see him on Thursday for a follow up from my lumpectomy last March...They said he needs to see the films before he sees me..luckily my right breast is pretty much back to normal or I wouldn't have let them do a mammo! When I tallked to the radiology dept. to schedule..I knew that they couldn't do anything..but I said there is ONE of me and 3 different doctors...I told them they needed to talk and maybe "share" the file because I wasn't having a mammo every 5 seconds! I'm OK with this mammo though....it has been 6 months since the lumpectomy...but...I really don't plan on having another one for awhile...3 to 6 months I think is Ok...I don't even want to feel like $$$ are a part of this and that they just care and want to keep vigilant but sometimes I wonder......actually I'm just tired of needles and doctor vists and mammos and biopsys....but..that is the way it is gone to be! I just turned 50 so I see a colonoscopy in store soon too! YUK! And I need a pap test too!
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TITAN - I asked my rad onco why he orders the mammo, he said it's just whoever gets to you first and he got me first.???? He said they would send him the results. He says it will be a little different in the fact that the radiologist will read it instantly and let me know if it's okay. They won't wait and call you later like they usually do.
Anyway, I'm going to ask the breast surgeon, because the last time I saw her she said I would be seeing alot of her from now on. I thought I would be done with the rad onco. My breast is fine, can't even tell it was radiated.
Anyway, you're right, it is to confusing.
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The number of tests and appointments is mindboggling, isn't it ? I too have a laundry list. More than I saw in several years put together pre bc but I guess establishing a new baseline for everything makes sense. I agree with Titan, "no sense having a mammo every 5 seconds", so either they coordinate or YOU get to decide who takes the lead in scheduling things. For me, right now, it's my surgeon. Since he's going to see me regularly as my new breast doctor, I'm letting him call the shots, esp. since I highly respect him as well as like and trust him. Meeting with a new medonc in 2 weeks so I may get to feel that way about him as well.
And here's a question for anyone: Although I truly like my rad onc, since I'll be seeing my medonc and breast surgeon regularly, what's the advantage to seeing the radonc as well, esp if there are no enduring radiation side effects?
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The last week of radiation boosts I developed a 102 fever for three days and alot of coughing. The third night by husband insisted I go to the ER. They diagnosed pneumonia, possibly radiation induced. I was given breathing treatments while in the ER and anitiobiotics and cough syrup. One week later I had an appointment with my oncologist and coughed while there. She said she thought it sounded like asthma and prescribed Prednisone high dose for three days, and two types of inhalers. She said that sometimes it will resolve itself in six months if radiation induced. Has anyone else had this problem? Thanks for any info. God Bless, Kathy
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My rad onc scheduled my mammogram too for 6 months after rads. Onc seemed to agree with her. I see the onc every 3 months and the rad onc every 6
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PEG911 - Well, that's the same as me, but do you have to see the breast surgeon?
MRSROCKYTOP55 - I didn't, but I know my rad oncologist said it was possible to get pneumonia, but it was treatable.
MTG - That was my question, too. By the way, HAPPY TOMORROW!!! How did the boob cake come out?
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Ok..so I get the mammo 3 weeks after rads..doesn't make sense but I will go with it...just reading all of your different follow ups makes me wonder though...I don't understand seeing the rad onc. past a few weeks though....I would just like ONE doctor directing my follow ups--not 3 of them. I'm planning on going with my chemo onc...(once I get the chance). and I do see him..every 3 months for 2 years...I really can't see what the bs and rad onc can do differently.
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TITAN - My bs works for Marian Breast Center. That's all she does. She deals in breast cancer and breast diseases. It seems to me she would be the one to go to. She gives you a breast exam like you wouldn't believe. You think she's never going to quit. The whole thing makes no sense to me. The rad onco deals in everything. I want a specialist. I'm hoping to eliminate him after one more visit. Like I said, when I see the bs on Tuesday, I'll find out.
I guess whoever we feel comfortable with.
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My surgeon told me after the last lumpectomy that he hoped to never have to see me again. The rad onc and PA at onc both do a good breast exam so I guess I am comfortable with that. It sounds like everyone's follow-up is a little different. I know my secretary had to see the onc every 3 months for about 2 years and then they went to every 6 months.
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Hey Girls....
Congrats to those of you that finished up this past week! And YIPPEE to those of you doing the happy dance this week...I bet you are excited.
Titan - my medonc stated to me very clearly that he was considered the gate keeper at this stage of my care. Although, when I had my port removed my surgeon said I should plan on February to have my next mammogram and they would get a hold of me?? My rads onc said they would schedule a follow up one month out (Nov. 12th) and they would coordinate with the medonc thereafter. The first year someone would see me every six months, after that it would be once yearly. I scheduled an appointment on the 12th with both oncs and hope to get more clarification then. You may be on a different schedule than the rest of us since you are ER/PR neg. Maybe they have to watch you closer since you are not getting the systemic treatment of Tamox or Arimin. Plus didn't you have a mammo right after chemo too? Lucky you, huh!
So sorry to read about the loss of your friend. I will keep her family in my prayers.
Kathy - I did not get pneumonia but had the "rads cough". They did warn me about it as the rads did do some collateral damage to my lungs. Hope you are feeling better soon.
Glad to report I'm pretty much back to normal in size and color. My arm flexibility is back and little or no skin irritation. The black tissue is almost gone and now I'm just looking tan with little or no peeling. It's truly amazing how quickly our damaged tissue improves. I am four weeks out and feeling great.
We had a great trip north. Aprilgirl it was fun meeting you in Winslow. We took the 6:30 ferry into Seattle. The city skyline is beautiful at night and we had the awesome experience of watching lightning light up the city as we approached. It was fun visiting with my friends and family in Seattle.
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Betsy! Glad you had a wonderful trip and was able to meet one of our sisters! Do ya think we appreciate things a little bit more now? I think I do..when we went to the beach and walked out to the ocean for the first time..I just took a deep breath and said Thank you God!....I'm not a very religious person..(different subject, different thread) but at the same time...I was so thankful to be where I was at that time...!
I'm freaking..I think, unnesscarily about this mammo..it is just a follow up from the lumpectomy..but one needs to freak now and then..don't we?????? About the triple negative..I know..supposedly it is not a good thing but my oncs don't seem that concerned...cancer is cancer....everyone goes every 3 months for 2 years...whether we like it or not.
I LIKE IT...because it is what is best for me...but it HATE IT ..because of having to freak out every three months! After this week...I don't go back until Dec. 1...then another mammo in 6 months...maybe 3 if I can talk them into it...don't really want to but dang..these tumors seem to grow fast....maybe they should come up with "in home" mammo screenings...hah...if we had those at home maybe our DH's wouldn't get out of line!
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Tomorrow is my last of 33 radiation treatments. My final thank you gift for the rads team:
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MTG - Absolutely adorable. You're so creative. I'll be rejoicing with you tomorrow!!!!!!
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Kawee - Thanks. More "gross" than "adorable" but I think all will smile !
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Thanks for sharing your cupcakes!!!great job!! congrats ahead of time--
I am now 2 weeks out and like Betsy am healing pretty well-- just tan now--but still tired yesterday I felt pretty good--no nap and did fine until night--today I hit the wall by 3 pm--(I also started on my Arimidex yesterday so dont know if that has anything to do with the fatigue--) but i still am trying to walk 3 or so miles 4-5- times a week and other exercise 2 days a week-- we will see how it goes--
hope everyone has a good week and those that are finishing --Congrats!!
Just found out another friend was diagnosed with BC--and on it goes-- so sorry to say--
Stay strong everyone!! Welcome back from your trip Betsy-- Laura
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MTG - congrats on being done. Your cake is wonderful. I am sure they all loved it and will talk about it for a long time.
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Thanks for sharing the pic of your "boob cake" -- it's great! (Wonder if any baker's with prostate cancer will be taking notes when you walk in with it today? Eeeew! Sorry, my mind went there.)
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M, I can't see the picture, can you post it again? Sorry to be so late coming in to see it, the image says it violates the terms of use! It's just a cake! Congratulations in finishing. I just finished last week and I'm so so happy to be done.
Regarding the follow up visits conversation, I, too was surprised to have to continue to follow up with my rad. onc. so much too, but I think this is because of the potential for side effects that linger. I am scheduled to see my surgeon later in November and also my rad onc later in Nov, and come to think of it, I am scheduled to see my med onc this month too. It's a lot, but I'm not quite ready to let go, also I'm still on Herceptin, so I think they still want to monitor me closely. I think I will have a mammogram in Feb, so that's about 4 months out from rads ending.
My skin still is pretty raw under the fold of my breast. It got much worse at the end of last week, but by yesterday it was feeling just a little better, so I'm hopeful I've had the worst of the burning. I can't wait for that to heal a bit more and then it's off to the gym for me. I can't even count how much weight I"ve gained since my diagnosis in January. First it was about 5-10 pounds of anxiety eating, then it was the 10 during chemo and now the last 5 during rads. I've lost about 3 so far and I'm hoping to get the rest of it off slowly. Ick, the effects of cancer are never ending!
On a more positive note, my kids had an excellent halloween and we had a great weekend! Now it's back to the mad scramble of school and activities! Busy busy busy!
Pam
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Pam - The photo seems to be back now. If you can't see it, I've also posted it on the October Rads site at http://community.breastcancer.org/forum/70/topic/739585?page=12 And I agree re: the weight gain and working out. I've been lazt and indulgent, a bad combination. Going to combine my end of rads vacation with a do it myself spa/fat farm. Planning on going for a few weeks to Florida right after Thanksgiving and working out, walking, swimming and eating right. Can't wait to become ME again !!!
All - They loved the cake, especially the detail including tattoos, nipple detail and my unused Biafine prescription. Between it and the multicolored fireworks I had drawn on my chest, one of the ladies said it was good it was my last day, she'd be scared to see what came next !!!
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Mtg: I signed on to our rads thread and your BOOB cake picture came right up in my face! Yay..you are done! Let the healing begin and get on with your life!
Elimar. you are so BAD!
Just got back from my 6 month follow up mammogram..I am STABLE! YAY! But they certainly don't know me very well now do they???
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Titan, hello pot, this is kettle.....Unstable minds think alike.
Glad you got an all clear today! -
Hey Kettle..this is pot....and I do have to admit..I did conjure up a picture of what a prostate cancer cake may look like! Made my day!
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Okay, ladies...you may think you're being outrageous but believe it or not, the same place that sold me the mold for my boob cake also has penis molds so if you know anyone....
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You girls are so silly!!
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Hello everyone, I just posted some information on another site, but thought it might be more appropriate here, I had 13 chemo's and just finished 34 radiation treatments, I had burning and blistering from the radiation and asked my oncoligist for Silverdeen, turns out I had to use something else because I am allergic to sulfa, and it is in Silverdeen according to her. I had not heard this before, but thought it might be helpful. Congratulations to all who have finished and the ones that are just about done.
Allie
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OMG, my cake was considered Obscene and deleted from Photobucket !!!! That's almost as funny as the cake itself.
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You got to LOVE IT! Oh well..most of us got to see it...! It wasn't obscene..actually I thought it looked pretty realistic...and...is that what these forums are about..BOOBS?
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Geez, I'm so sorry I missed it! Every place I went for a look, it had already been BANNED! You wild child. If you decide to post the photos on some racey porn site, be sure and let us know so we can have a peep..
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Like many great things, your cake has now passed into the realm of legend. For those who missed it, you can probably see it in the video "Cakes Gone Wild!"
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Congrats MTG for getting your cake banned...you and your cake are now famous! Don't quit your day job but maybe you could start making cakes for bachelor parties!
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