July 2010 Rads

Options
1…1112141617…38

Comments

  • GurleeGirrl
    GurleeGirrl Member Posts: 13
    edited August 2010

    I'm advice seeking - I have a wedding to go to this weekend and was thinking about getting a spray tan done.  I asked my nurses - they said they wouldn't do it, however when they asked the doctor, he said there is no reason not too.  I have 5 more rads left (boost sessions).  I have started peeling slightly in my armpit, but was planning on covering the whole area affected by my rads.  I guess I was just looking for some opinions.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • rocknesmom
    rocknesmom Member Posts: 39
    edited August 2010

    Hi Ladies!

     What a relief to read all your posts. Even though I finished one week ago, I am still waking at 4:00 every morning to all the SCARY thoughts. If I have even a twinge in my healthy breast, I worry about it for hours - "What was that? Have I felt that before? Did I have that in the other BEFORE??" Sheesh! 

    I'm also struggling with the fact that my girls are both back to college now, and I feel so guilty that their summer was spent watching me itch and sleep! Frown I would love to have them back home for another month so I can be NORMAL (don't we HATE that word?).

    Congrats to all of you who finished this week! For those still enjoying the spa, stay strong! It's almost over!

    Kim, last night was the first night that I didn't itch or have pain from the raw patch under my arm, and that was 7 nights after the last treatment! Hopefully, I am mending!

    Take care, everyone, and remember that WE ARE STILL HERE!!  YAY!!

    Linda 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Houndmommy
    Houndmommy Member Posts: 377
    edited August 2010

    GurleeGirrl - I can't give much advice.  I guess if the doc says it is okay and you are felling good then I guess go for it and enjpy your tan and the wedding.  I am 2 days post rads and if I had to get dressed up or God forbid wear a bra right now I think I'd lose it - big, baggy and braless describes my wardrobe these days!  I think it is great that you feel good enough to get dressed up!  I am so itchy that I'd scratch the tan off, lol!  Seriously though, my only concern would be that the tanning solution would further irritate my skin or be a problem with the rest of my rads (and it sounds like doc gave you the go ahead so no worry with that).  So if irritation isn't a concern , go for it!  Good luck and have a great time at the wedding! 

    Linda - I am sorry you lost the summer having fun with your girls.  Maybe you could plan a fun weekend together or something special during the holidays when they are off?  Glad you had a itch free night at last!

    Kim

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • marilyn7
    marilyn7 Member Posts: 86
    edited August 2010

    Hi everyone - I have 8 more zaps to go.  1 full breast and on to the boosts.  My skin is hanging in there, but I have some peeling in the armpit.  Like Brenda - I hadn't really paid attention to it in the beginning, silly on my part as I lost 18 lymph nodes, I just didn't think it was being radiated.  I have some chaffing and pain where my arm and breast continue to rub.  Onc wants me to slather 3 times a day, but I'm still working FT and while I'm quite comfortable going to work without my wig, I think sitting at my desk with my greased up boob hanging out would be frowned upon.

    I've been on cloud nine thinking about finishing.  My strength is coming back, I'm able to do a pretty good walk every day. Now if my hair would just start to grow, I'd be in heaven.

    I'm a bit anxious about the after effect.  It seems like everyone here has gone through an itchy phase.  I wasn't expecting that.......

    My follow up schedule is that I'll see my med onc once a year and my surgeon once a year, but at 6-month intervals.  They work as a team and share notes / records so if anything is amiss, they will bring in the other doctor right away.  This goes on for 5 years - then I don't know what happens.  I saw my GYN the other day for my annual and assumes that my surgeon will handle my annual mammograms from here on out.  What I don't know is how often I see the rad onc.  I'll ask her on Tuesday.

    I am so happy for the weekend - it gives my poor skin a break - not to mention sleeping in!!! Although my insomnia is creeping back.  I have Ativan - and I'm not afraid to use it!

    Happy Weekend everyone.  I am so happy for everyone who is finished and look forward to joining you 8 business days from now!!

    Hugs, Marilyn

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • changes
    changes Member Posts: 622
    edited August 2010

    Hi all,

    I was working on a post and it disappeared - weird.

    Sonia - I had the exact same people on my wall - plus David Cassidy!

    Kim - We apparently are wearing the same wardrobe - LOL! I am so looking forward to being able to wear a bra again.

    I am actually doing pretty good skin-wise. The boost area is kind of nasty looking (especially where I had to peel off the stickers - skin came with it), but the rest of my breast isn't looking half bad. I am having some rib pain, that started following a coughing fit last night. I really hope I have not cracked a rib. I know they are prone to breaking easily for the next couple years.

    Has anyone read the book Anticancer? I bought it last night. It is an excellent book - research-based and focuses on what you can do to reduce your risk of cancer, with particular emphasis on diet.

    To those of you still going through treatment - hang in there - an end is in sight!

    Hope everyone enjoys a treatment-free weekend!

    Karen

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • bailey1958
    bailey1958 Member Posts: 199
    edited August 2010

    Hi Everyone,

     Nice to hear you're all getting through. I had a full day out today and didn't reapply till tonight and actually can say i wasn't really itchy - YAY!! Things are getting better but my skin is still really dark.

    Linda, I feel sad that your girls are both away for school and you are feeling so bad. I know how you feel - mine travel for their work and couldn't spend a lot of time with me through this - they both have been feeling really bad - my sense is your daughters were probably really glad they could be there to support you all summer.  It will be thanks-giving before you know it and you also have the rest of forever to spend some fun and quality time with them,

    Karen, I also had David Cassidy - in fact loved him too. I have read the anti cancer book - really liked it and found it very helpful. Have you read Crazy Sexy Cancer Tips? It is written by a very inspiring much younger woman than me but it is a delightful, laugh out loud at spots, very good book. Lighter somehow but just as good. I also have read some others i would recommend if you are interested in others.

    Here's my story of the day: 

    I was out trying on some new clothes for the start of the school year (work in a school) and the sales clerk was adjusting my top as i came out of the change room and saw my scar and radiation sunburn - she looked horrified and said "did you just have surgery?" followed immediately with "do you have breast cancer - my husband is a radiation oncologist." I felt horrified and said "yes actually" - she looked overwhelmed and I said " I am a bit uncomfortable with a lower cut top - kinda feeling like I want to cover up my scar until it heals" and her response to me was "I think you have more serious things to worry about than that" I actually didn't know how to respond in the moment (radiation brain) and left the store even though I really liked two things but couldn't pull myself together to buy them. Sometimes people are just so helpful at helping contribute to those crazy scary worries I can think of on my own without any help from them. My DH who was waiting for me was horrified. 

    Hang in there dear cyber friends,

    Hugs to you all,

    Sonia 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • MagPag
    MagPag Member Posts: 98
    edited August 2010

    Hi, you guys are making me smile with your Teen Beat heartthrobs!  I loved them all too and plastered my walls with them (Davy Jones of the Monkees was my fav) and listened to their 45s over and over.  Donny (and Marie) were actually pretty entertaining in concert.  They have so much energy and look great.  They did a lot of their old songs and a lot of dancing (really played up the whole Dancing with the Stars thing).  Had a lovely dinner with some friends and played some slots in the casino, which I never do.  Even stayed over with them and continued our visit this morning.  Very fun to something different.

    Wishing you all a great weekend and only pleasant thoughts during our 4:00 am break.  xoDonna.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Julie50
    Julie50 Member Posts: 227
    edited August 2010

    Brenda-Yes it has helped a lot with stress, sleeping, hot flashes etc, I love it.

    Congrats to all who are done or almost done. I will be finished on 9-14 seems like months not days...

    I hope everyone has a great weekend and enjoy the time away from the Spa.  

    Been very busy with mom, she has a bad infection that abx's don't like, so not sure what will happen so I' ve been with her all week.  Pretty beat up and very tired, tomorrow I'm taking the day off and just watching t.v. with a nice tall glass of WINE.

    I wish everyone well and a pain free weekend

    Julie

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • eileenr56
    eileenr56 Member Posts: 135
    edited August 2010

    Hi,  I have a really silly question.  Has anyone noticed their hair falling out.  Not in big bunches, but more than it used to be.  I wasn't sure if it was from the radiation or from the anesthesia from surgery.  I seem to recall that happening to me when I was a kid and had surgery.

    Maybe it's always been like that and I'm seeing something that isn't there.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • bennybear
    bennybear Member Posts: 326
    edited August 2010

    Hi  all,

    Linda, Sorry to hear about the 4 am fun,  seems I am in on that too   must be our new normal LOL.

    Karen, I read anticancer and really liked it as well.  I didn't know that about the ribs,  another hide the lines???   YIkes.

    Marilyn,  you made me laugh out loud,  greased boob and all,  that is how I felt,  trying to hide in my room from my boomerang adult son.  

    Kim,   I loved your clothing advice,   I bought so many no support light bras and now I am finally able to wear real bras it is SO nice.  

    Donna  glad you had a break,  that helps a lot.  

    I find I am having good days and bad days seem to be in rotation,  I find the idea of dealing with anything else overwhelms me very easily.  I have found I have been very worried about going back to work,  then the next day I seem okay. 

    If anyone has found a good book about the emotional fall out,   I would be interested.   I really appreciate everyone's honesty and openness in dealing with this,  It really helps when I read things on how we all are struggling. 

    Sonia,  I couldn't believe your experience,   wow,   I don't even know what to say.   It kills me that people make statements about what we should worry about,  seems we do enough on our own.  

    Julie,  I am thinking of trying the acupuncture, but it scares me a bit. 

    Hope you have a good worry free,  not too itchy weekend,

    Brenda

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • MagPag
    MagPag Member Posts: 98
    edited August 2010

    Hi,

    Julie, sorry to hear about you're mom.  Hope she can fight off the infection.  I bet she's strong like you and will get by this soon.  Glad you've scheduled some rest this weekend to get your healing time in.

    Eileen, yes I've noticed my hair thinning.  Mostly in my part.  I plan to ask the med onc about it next week.  I had a period a couple of years after I had my son where my hair really started to fall out.  Had a ton of tests and nothing was found.  So the docs said it was likely a delayed hormonal reaction after pregnancy.  Now I think it's related to stress.

    Brenda, I'm going to do some research on the emotional challenges to find some good reading.  Some of the psychology stuff is way too deep and I think finding something that's good and readable might be tough.  There has to be a way to get a better ratio than 50% good days.  Or in my case getting to more than 50% of each day being good.

    I can't seem to find importance in much of anything and find myself screaming in my head to people 'I don't care about xxx, don't you realize I have BC!'  as if everyone should understand my inner struggle.

    Sonia, that comment was appalling.  Sorry you had to deal with her.  There is nothing you could have said and leaving hopefully made your point.

    Hang in there everyone, this too will pass.  Best to you for an itchless weekend.  Donna.   

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Chicago1018
    Chicago1018 Member Posts: 147
    edited August 2010

    Karen - I read anti cancer and really liked it.  I've been making some changes in my diet and routine based on some of the principles in the book.  Trying to eat more organic - less "franken food" as I call it.  I guess it is one of those things like chicken soup for a cold. . .it can't hurt! 

    Kickon2it - You described the feeling really well.  You go from feeling freaked out about all of this to feeling like you can take on the world.  Suddenly getting angry because the line at the grocery store took too long seems really, really trivial.

    Kim - I know what you mean about talking to your husband.  I am so incapable of filtering at the moment that I talk about my surgery, my radiation, my future fills, what my breasts will look like when they are finally reconstructed and every side effect I have along the way.  I feel bad for dumping on them but I have been doing this for so long I can't throttle the outpouring of words sometimes.

    Marilynn - I too have ativan and am NOT afraid to use it.  :-)

    Sonia - I am horrified to hear the story you told about the woman in the store.  At one point or another I saw a post on here that chronicled the dumbest things people have said to you and I think your story definitely deserves a place on there. 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • raincitygirl
    raincitygirl Member Posts: 3,143
    edited August 2010

    eileenr56 - Of all days to see your post - I just stood in the shower wondering for the second day in a row, why I seem to have so much hair coming out.  I looked on the floor near where I comb and noticed still more.  I had surgery last Thursday and I honestly think this started then.  I sure hope this isn't stress-related hair loss, like alopecia!!!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • spendygirl
    spendygirl Member Posts: 231
    edited August 2010

    Hi ladies - final boost tomorrow.  I am so excited I can't stand it!  I identify with all the feelings and emotions some of you are having.  So happy to have you all to share with.  One thing that has been on my mind lately is that we've had surgery, some have had chemo, then radiation.  That's a full time focus on our health and cancer.  After rads, what do we do with that time and energy?  Maybe I'm worrying about nothing and things will fall into place.  But the biggest thing on my mind and I'd love to hear if anyone else is feeling this way, is the fear of recurrence and/or spreading.  I'm determined not to live in fear, but I'd be lying if I said it wasn't on my mind.

     My skin is such a mess, I can't wait to start healing.  Has everyone decided what T thread you're going to?

     Big hugs to everyone.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • bailey1958
    bailey1958 Member Posts: 199
    edited August 2010

    Hey Everyone,

    I was away this weekend to visit with my kids - it was so nice to have something else to focus on besides me and cancer. I feel like where ever I go I meet someone who has had cancer and has recovered, moved on and has years behind them. It makes me feel better and then the fear of re-occurence and mets enter my brain just like what you said in your post Spendy.  I am hoping that when I return to work, I will think less about that. That said, it pretty much is always somewhere close by, haunting me like a ghost. Glad to hear everyone is nearly done! Very little itching left but still quite dark and now white in spots - looks like a bad case of pigmentosis or whatever it's called when you have some areas of your skin that doesn't have pigment. Spendy, there is a September thread for "t" that Kim has started. Just three of us on it so far. Hope we can all be in one place.

    Have a good sleep tonight and best wishes for the week ahead.

    Sonia 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • changes
    changes Member Posts: 622
    edited August 2010

    Hi all,

    Sonia and Spendygirl - your posts were SOOOO comforting to me. I had a great day yesterday - almost felt back to normal. Found myself making future-oriented plans for the first time since diagnosis. Today, my mood absolutely crashed and I have walked around all day absolutely convinced that the pain I have in my right shin is mets. I've tried reasoning with myself, tried keeping myself busy, tried going to bed early hoping to sleep it off. Finally got up and got on this site, and there your postings were. It's nice to know I'm not the only one worrying about this. I don't fear recurrence in general: I know I can handle it if it is a local recurrence to a breast. But Stage IV frightens me and I don't know that I could handle that. No matter how much I tell myself that it is very unlikely I would have mets (I'm stage 1, grade 1), still I worry over every little ache and pain. I think it's just going to be an emotional rollercoaster for awhile.

    Thank you all for being there!

    Karen

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • changes
    changes Member Posts: 622
    edited August 2010
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • bailey1958
    bailey1958 Member Posts: 199
    edited August 2010

    If you're still up Karen - here is a gigantic cancer free hug from one who has recovered to another!

    Sonia 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Houndmommy
    Houndmommy Member Posts: 377
    edited August 2010

    Karen - Love the Donny picture - too funny!  Like you, I can't wait to be able to wear a bra again.  I never in a million years would ever think I'd hear myself say that!

    I am still itchy and red.  I did have a couple of good nights over the weekend so I thought maybe things were improving but then last night I was up again rubbing every lotion and potion I had on my skin trying to get the itching to stop - Ugh!  My dilema is that I am supposed to start "T" but I don't want to while I am so itchy.  I don't need hot flashes on top of this!  Oh yeah, and a new thing with the itching is that I now have intense pain with the itchiness sometimes.  It is at the skin level so I imagine it is related to the itchiness.  I'm sure it is "normal".

    Julie - how are you doing?  How is you mom?  Is the infection getting any better?

    Eileen - you  mentioned your hair falling out - are you on "T"?  Thinning hair was one of the common SE's noted on the paper that came with my bottle.

    Sonia - I can't believe what that clerk said to you!  I would have been speechless.  I agree that you should post it on the "Dumb things people have said to you" thread. Glad to hear you had a nice visit with your kids!

    I read the book Anticancer right after my surgery.  It was a great book and I just recently started to review it so I can start making some of the changes he suggested. I liked that he had good backup for what he wrote and it wasn't a wierd "diet" book but things that make perfect sense.  So much of what he wrote I have heard about but now I have all that info in one place.  I would highly recommend it if you haven't read it (although it seems most of you have).

    Sonia - I will be looking for the Crazy Sexy Cancer Tips book  and I would love to hear about any other book suggestions.  Right after my dx someone loaned me a book called Thanks for the Mammogram that made me laugh out loud in places and another one called Reconstructing Natalie (this was a fictional story about a young women with BC.  It was fun to read, nothing heavy, just fun for the most part.)

    Spendygirl - there is a Septempber "T" thread.  Last I looked it was getting a bit buried so you may have to scroll down a bit to find it.

    Spendygirl, Sonia, Karen - I too worry about the cancer coming back. I have had some really rough nights worrying about a recurrance and about mets especially because my case was "complicated" as I have been told by my docs and because the "ball" was dropped and I was initially told my margins were clean when in fact they weren't.  This resulted in my rads starting much later than they should have.  So, despite the fact that I am done, I have found it very difficult to celebrate being cancer free because I feel like there is still some rogue cancer in me somewhere.  I am at high risk for a recurrance.  Right after my surgery I felt incredible relief and that my cancer was gone.  It is those darn messy margins that stress me.  I have to learn to live with it.  I think the best things we can do are take our antihormonal meds, go to our follow up appts, eat right, excercise and have as much fun as possible.  Actually I have read in several places how important exercise is in regards to keeping cancer at bay. 

    Speaking of which, I need to get out and walk before it gets too hot.  Have a great day and hang in there!  We will all be okay!

    Hugs, Kim

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • changes
    changes Member Posts: 622
    edited August 2010

    Hi all,

    Sonia - thanks for the cyberhug!

    Kim - you're right about doing what we need to take care of ourselves. I wish there was some way they could test for those rogue cancer cells. If they had some definitive test and could assure me that it's gone, I would feel SOOO much better. I'm trying to drown any rogue cells in cabbage soup, flavored with garlic, pepper, and turmeric (all allegedly anticancer foods). Rounded out with green tea!

    Spendygirl - are you finished with radiation today??? If so, congratulations!

    Have a nice evening everyone,

    Karen

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Houndmommy
    Houndmommy Member Posts: 377
    edited August 2010

    Karen - can you give me your cabbage soup recipe?  That sounds great!  I have been drinking my green tea (2-3 cups) daily and I even found the Japanese type recommended in the anticancer book.  I bought several new cookbooks since being dx'd in an effort to find interesting new recipes.  We ate fairly healthy before I was dx'd but I am trying to step it up a notch (or 2 or 3). 

    Spendygirl - congratulations on being done!

    Good night my friends!

    Kim

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • changes
    changes Member Posts: 622
    edited August 2010

    Kim,

    I should issue this disclaimer - I am a terrible cook! I basically just threw into a pot everything I could imagine putting in one pot that was listed as an anticancer drug. This included about half a head of cabbage (the most I could fit into the pot), a large tomato, a bunch of carrots, some chicken bullion, a little V8 juice, a clove of garlic, some turmeric, and black pepper. I started out kind of light on the turmeric and black pepper, but the soup was kind of bland, so I added more. I added the V8 juice because of the blandness, also and it did seem to help. I just let it simmer until the cabbage was cooked. Next time I think I'll add in onions, too. I'm planning on making myself some kind of healthy soup once a week and taking it to work during the week for lunch. The will reduce my temptation to run out to fast food restaurants or eat cafeteria junk.

    Karen

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • rocknesmom
    rocknesmom Member Posts: 39
    edited August 2010

    Kim, I am right there with you on the fear of it recurring. This is my second big bout with cancer, but my third type of cancer, so I am so afraid. Not sure how to get past that!

    I would also love the cabbage soup recipe, Karen! Sounds so good! I am looking forward to cooler weather in the fall, and lots of good vegetable soups!

    I am SO envious of you bra-less women! I am still so raw that I need to go braless, but since I had a mastectomy I feel like I am REALLY obvious! I am staying home a lot more so I can wear my Red Wings hockey jersey to avoid the rubbing of the bra and prosthetic breast (which is hot and weighs about 20 pounds - ok I exaggerate, but it IS heavy!).

    My best moment this weekend - I was shopping in a local grocery store Sunday, and it was my first venture out of the house without my wig. My hair is about 1/2" long. This wonderful woman came up to me and said "Is that on purpose?" I noticed that her hair was short, as well, and said "No - yours?" She said "finished chemo in March." "I told her I finished chemo in June and rads one week ago" and she HIGH FIVED ME!!! It made me cry! She was a 2-time survivor and was so positive!!  She made me feel so good! Like I met an angel in Meijer!!!  

    May we all meet angels in our daily lives from this day on.....

    Stay strong, everyone!

    Linda 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Chicago1018
    Chicago1018 Member Posts: 147
    edited August 2010

    Linda - I love that story.  I feel like I got so many knowing looks from women passing me on the streets when i had a head scarf on.  Like the were like "chin up" when they saw me.  I always liked that

    Eilieen - I noticed the tamoxifien says it could cause thinning hair as well.  Are you taking it at the same time as rads?  It was the first side effect listed on my bottle!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • NotAgain2015
    NotAgain2015 Member Posts: 223
    edited August 2010

    Congratulations Spendygirl for finishing today!

    Karen - hang in there, I know what you mean about wondering about any pain or twinge....and thanks for the Donny O pic - what a hoot!!!

    Linda, loved your story!  Same for yours Chicago...  love the strength and sharing in that.

    Eileen, I'm with you on the hair thing - happened to me too and seems to be stopping now that I'm 2+ weeks post end of rads.  I'm guessing it's stress.  Of course the rad onc said it wasn't the rads..

    Hang in there everyone.  I'm going to miss meeting here. 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • bailey1958
    bailey1958 Member Posts: 199
    edited August 2010

    So glad you're through Spendygirl - let the healing begin - Yay!!!!

    Linda - your story made me teary!

    Kim - like Karen with her cabbage soup disclaimer - I am going to recommend some books but please look through them first as they may not be a good fit for everyone.  

    When I was first diagnosed I read two books that really helped/changed my feelings about what was happening to me "What Matters Most - Living a More Considered Life" by James Hollis PHD. I found the book very powerful and it helped me a great deal with my fear. The second book I was very impacted by was "Close to the Bone - Life-threatening Illness and the Search For Meaning" written by Jungian Analyst, Dr. Jean Shinoda Bolen.  There were parts in the book that I found profound. She describes cancer as a liminal experience - something that changes us, initiates us into knowing something at a body level we never knew before and that when we have these experiences we are changed at a soul level. It has a lot of mythology, goddess, archetypal language in it so it isn't a book that will speak to everyone. 

    The books about food and diet that I have found very helpful are:

    Foods That Fight Cancer - Richard Beliveau and Denis Gingras. They are Canadian Cancer Researchers.

    I love this cookbook - The Cancer Fighting Kitchen by Rebecca Katz with Mat Edelson.

    Hope you are all feeling ok - I really am growing to love you guys - hopefully we can stay connected Lickon2it and will meet on the tamoxifen thread too!

    Sonia 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • LoveCranes
    LoveCranes Member Posts: 39
    edited August 2010

    Hi everyone,

    Congrats to those that have just finished.  So envious.  I still have another 8 more to go and with the holiday coming up, I should be done by Sept 10.  I already did my boosts, so it's just the full breast rads now.  I just can't believe that my collar bone of all places is peeling and really sore.  

    Julie50 - I hope all goes well with your mom.  I understand what you are going through and how tiring and tough it can be with your mom in the hospital.    I know it can be tough emotionally.  (((big hug)))

    I totally agree about the emotional roller coaster.  I have some good days when things are bright and I can see the end of the tunnel....but other days when I start to worry about the what if...and it just keeps me awake.   I guess I'll just take it day by day.

    Hope everyone is healing fine and hope the itching stops.  Take care,

    Patty

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Julie50
    Julie50 Member Posts: 227
    edited August 2010

    Congrats to all that are done and over with this part of the journey. Let the breast heal..

     A lot going on here so I will read and respond this afternoon.  Someone got my SS# and has been applying and racking up $$$$ big time, so have to met with the police this AM and then go to SS office to find out what I have to do...I can't believe someone would do this, but its the world we live in, shame on them...

    Mom is doing ok, pretty much the same, I see her each day after the "spa" and work.  Getting tried very tired.

    I also worry about the Cancer coming back, I try hard to put it in the back of my mind but somehow it comes back each day...

    Breast is tan big time, but doing ok, nipple is very sore hurts like heck to even look at it, Dr. saw me yesterday and said "NORMAL"...At that point I said nothing...I'm sick of the word NORMAL...LOL

    Saw the Heart Dr. due to my sister dying the way she did, he wants me to go for a CT scan of the heart plus my Rad is on the left side so he said to play safe and check out that all is AOK...

    Linda, I never wear a bra, but then mine are very small, my god a pimple is bigger then my breasts..LOL  I say I'm a "B" cup but really a A..LOL

    Linda, what a wonderful story, what a nice woman....

    Ok, ladies off the the police department, spa, SS office, work, then mom, I someday want a "NORMAL" life...LOL  Ok just had to say the word.

    Hugs to all

    J

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • LoveCranes
    LoveCranes Member Posts: 39
    edited August 2010

    Just checking in again before I go to the 'spa'.

    Julie50 - that sucks that someone would rack up $$ and take your SS.  I'm so hesitant in putting that number on all of the dr's forms or any form for that matter because I'm not sure what they're going to do with that info or where they are going to put it. 

    Also if your nipple is sore, then you might want to ask your dr for a sample (if they have) of the Vigilon.  It's a 4x4 path (primary wound dressing) and you can cut it down to 4 to 6 squares.  What I do it cut one of the squares down to 6 squares (anything smaller and it moves around too much for me).  Then one of the nurses cut me out a few gauzes that stretch out and put it on as a tank top.  It looks funky because once it's stretched out for me it looks like that fish net stocking that I have under my shirt.  This seems to hold the gauze in place.  It feels cool and keeps the nipple moist.  It's helped me out a lot.   I'm going to ask my dr to see if I can place a piece of gauze on my collar bone area since that area is really red and sore.

    Eileen - I notice it recently too that my hair seems to be thinning out.  It just seems like more than ever before.  I didn't have chemo but with the surgery, pills, rads I'm not sure what's causing it or maybe just getting older. 

    As for dr's visits, I'm going to ask my rads onco to find out how long I need to go to her.  I only went to my med onc twice, once for the initial and second for the results of the oncotype dx test.  Since I didn't need chemo, I didn't go back.  As for the 'pill from hell' my BS said that he would monitor me and prescribe the pill.  So I'll be going to him for the next 5 years.  If I remember correctly it was going to be every 3 months for the 1st year then every 6 months then once a year.  I liked my BS and his office is in the same general area of my OB/GYN.

    Thanks for the book recommendations.  I'm going to check out a few of the books from my library.  I'm really interested in that cookbook Sonia recommended.  I've been trying to find good recipes that would help my body. 

    Just like others, I'm terrified of a recurrence.  Sometimes I wonder if I should have had a mast vs a lump.  I also feel like a wimp because every little pain that comes on, my first thought is did it come back....what if....Some days it just drives me crazy, but other days what I'm going through is so far behind in my mind that I can go on a few hours of being "normal".  So does that make the rest of my like 'abnormal'.  :)  I guess so. 

    Hope everyone is doing fine and take care.  Need to get ready to go to the 'spa' and get my tan.

    Patty

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Julie50
    Julie50 Member Posts: 227
    edited August 2010

    Hi Patty:  Thanks for the tips on the nipple, today my breast is burning so bad I want to scream, its so red it hurts....:(

    Yes I'm very upset about what has happend with my SS# it has taken me over 6 hours today with phone calls etc, this is just not funny and can ruin a person for life...Always something.

    I hope you have a good nite and sleep well.

    Hugs

    J

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories