SEPTEMBER 2009 RADS

Just stopped by to check in and saw that Betsy has drawn the short straw again. That truly, truly stinks. Betsy - You know you are our inspiration; super strong in the face of adversity. Big Hugs !

Hi all-- havent been posting much lately-- but I do checkin on everyone-- Betsy hope you are getting better-- a book deal sounds like a great idea!!! Vegas has definitely changed a lot since 1970 and even the past 10 years -- we were there before all my BC shit and it has already changed more-- a favorite place to kick back--it would be fun to see everyone for sure--and since it looks like Titan you are from Cleveland we might have some things to talk about--I am from Cleve. too-- anyway just thought i would post since i didnt want you guys to think I fell off the face of the earth-- I just seem to still be really tired -- The Arimidex is really making me achey and I am trying to ignore it--just cant get back to myself --they say a year --I dont know maybe i am just impatient--hope everyone has a good week-- see my onc . on friday for blood work --take care all Laura

  

I am not done Herceptin until some time in April so will keep my port until then. That will be a year of treatments it will have seen me through. Will be glad to say goodbye to it but it has been a good friend too.

Whether we bring spouses or not, i'm in. I guess I envisioned it to be just us girls but either way, I want to meet the ladies who got me through this ordeal!

Sounds like it could be h1n1. I hope not but perhaps it is.  I got the regular flu shot but when i asked my GP about getting the h1n1, he said that most people who got the h1n1 flu didn't present with too many severe symptoms and not to worry about it. So i skipped it!  I hope if you DO have it, it is mild and goes away FAST.

But on another topic, why are you not taking the Tamox? Did you make a choice not to take it, but haven't told your doctor yet? I am curiuos what he said. A woman that I know locally just told me she got an upset stomach the first few days so she quit. I didn't know you could do that. (I guess I'm a directions- follower at heart.) 

Feel better soon!

Betsy--I am on Arimidex since Oct.-- i am having some bone and joint achiness and some muscle tiredness but not all the time-- I keep exercising which does help-- but still dont feel like myself yet-- If I take 2 tylenol occassionaly it does the trick-- so trying to hang in there with it-- see my onc this week and will talk to him about it--just dont want to keep changing from one to another-- but I know some people cant take it at all--will let you know how it goes-- Laura thanks for remembering about my wbc's I am concerned about my cholesteral and vit. d level and etc etc etc-- 

I did mine in the morning but it would have been fine to do after work as well.

Occasionally there was a little bit of a wait, so if your company is a stickler for punctuality, it might be better to do after work, so that if they run late, you won't be concerned.

Good luck to you as you go through rads. Did you have chemo? Rads was NOTHING compared to chemo, for me, anyway.

Amy

I wondered about that, too. I used Calendula gel but only put it on at night. After rads, I just put my bra or camisole (which was softer and less irritating) and clothes and went about my day. I usually put the gel on after a shower at night. To be honest, I wasn't very diligent about it and never felt it made all that much difference. My radiology onc said that NOTHING you put on can prevent burning, it can just make it more comfortable.  So since i didn't burn much, I didn't use much. Seemed to work fine.  If you do burn, and if it is uncomfortable, you could put the gel on and tuck a cloth into your bra. I read that some women buy baby wash cloths (because they are very soft) and cut them into the right size. I was going to do that but never had to. 

Chinablue - I am VERY fair, but was one of those ladies who only turned slightly pink toward the end.  I was totally freaked by the whole rad thing, but all turned out okay.

I used aquafor, that's what they gave me.  Even after showering, it's still there.  Amazing.  They should grease cars with that stuff.

Let us know how it goes.   

chinablue - I did mine in the morning so I wouldn't have to miss much work.  Was never a problem but I think it is all individual.  I was albe to just use aloe until I started the boosts near the end.  I would put it on right after rads and again at night.  Would just fan myself a little before putting my bra back on.  I am pretty fair skinned so was worried but no real problems.  Good luck with yours whatever your decide.

The Mirage just sent me a offer on the internet, stay 2 nights, get one free.  Good til April 6.  Rooms during some weekdays, $115 a night.  Depends on when you go.  Some weekends $185 to $295 a night, again, depending on when you go. 

Also, if you don't mind not staying on the strip, there's a place called Southpoint (approximately 4 miles from the strip.  New casino.  Very nice rooms, tons of restaurants, movie theatre, wonderful beds, big plazma TVs on the wall.  $75 a night weekdays, $125 weekends. 

Anyway, we go there quite a bit and stay at both these places.  Those are the only all the ones I know about. 

Go to www.southpointcasino.com.  You can see the rooms, etc.  and look at the prices.  In April, internet special $59 weekdays.  In May, $70 weekdays. 

You  ladies going to Vegas...be sure to book you show tickets ASAP..That way you will get your best seats...any of the Cirque du Soliel show are amazing..I love Vegas...

The frustrations dont seem to end....

Went for my 1st post BC ultrasound today and the doc in charge REFUSED TO GIVE ME MY READING ! 

 It's been 14 months since my last Mammogram and it's "his department's policy" that unless I have a Mammo every 12 months they wont give - or in my case, read - an Ultrasound. I explained that my BS (who also happens to be Chief of BS ) (i) has me on a 3 month schedule, (ii) that I'm supposed to have the Mammo in June and (iii) that because my cancer developped quickly, it was decided to space out my appointments rather than having both Mamo and ultra sound together and then nothing for 6 months). He flat out didn't care.

So, I'm left knowing from the Tech  that both breasts have "cysts" (which is what my BC was originally diagnosed as), could get no reading from the doctor in charge and since my BS is out of town till next week just have to suck it up and wait. AARGH !!!

And, don't you just hate people being in control of you, especially when you don't even know you.  Yesterday I went to the oncologist and actually had a panic attack in his office.  I covered it up, but nevetheless.  Everytime I have to go I am really, really anxious.  And that is just the reason why!!!!!