July 2010 Rads
Comments
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Spendy, so sorry to hear you lost your Mom so young.. the heart tattoo is cool
Let us know/see what you end up doing! -
Congrats to all that are done today or this week, this part of the journey is done for you...:)
Spendy, I'm so sorry to hear about your mome, so young, just not fair...
Well I have 2 more after today, THANK YOU GOD....I will not know what to do with myself in the AM before work...I guess try and SLEEP...LOL
Ya I was pretty upset when he said "NORMAL" again to me, that was it, I just had to say "Is that the only word you know, and how is everything NORMAL" well I just got the look. Going to order a cake for the girls, they are very nice. This one girl cried with me when I told her I lost my sister on Father's Day, she was so kind to me that 1st day as I was crying my eyes out over my sister and being scared the 1st day at Rad. But soon it will be over and done with.
Still waiting on the x-ray from my chest, hopefully the cough is NOTHING.
This weekend we are taking my mom out for lunch for my Birthday which is Monday, 51 and feeling 91 at the moment. Then the 15th is my 3rd wedding anniversary, so Jim and I are going to just hang out. We are going to the bed and breakfast the end of the month to celebrate all of this, can't wait, it will be nice and cold up in Lake Geneva, and the leaves are turning so it should be really pretty..
Oh, My medical Onco is waiting 4 weeks to start the PILL, he said he wanted to give my body and me a break from all this and try and catch up on my sleep, hopefully he is right in his thinking...
Ok ladies TGIF, have a great weekend
Julie
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Happy birthday early Julie!! When do you think you'll know about your chest x-ray? Oh - and happy anniversary early!
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Hi Ladies and congrats to all of you who are finished with your rads. I will just be starting mine in the next week or two and picked this thread as I felt you would have to most experience in telling me what I can expect at each stage. I have a question regarding working while doing rads. I will be doing 7 weeks and am hoping to be able to work, however I am concerned as I have an hour drive to work each way and getting up early for morning rads and then getting back later at night, I am not sure I will be able to do it. I do have an opportunity to take some sick time and was wondering if it would be better to work a week or two then take a week off, work a week or two take a week off, or just limit myself to a 4 day work week during those 7 weeks. I don't know how it is going to affect me and am just curious as to what you ladies with your experience feel would be more beneficial. I am grateful for all these great threads of support.
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Marie....
Based on my experience, I would plan sick time for the last week of rads, or immediately afterward. I had a ton of energy, and it was increasing as I recovered from chemo until that point.
I drank a lot of chai lattes in the afternoon (with cookies) which helped keep my energy levels up.
Looking back, I think a 4 day work week would have been what I would have needed in your situation around Weeks 4-9. Then it was over one day. (I do consulting so I could adjust my schedule, and unfortunately, I wasn't busy. So was sweating the financial portion too.) - Claire
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Thanks Claire, I think that is what I will go ahead and do. I appreciate your advise.
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HI: I worked through all my 7 weeks but then I only work part time, but I also go to the nursing home each day for 3-4 hours to see my mom....For me it took my mind off of things...
Since I only have TWO more yes TWO more boosts left (doing the happy dance)I do find myself tired this past week and a little sick to my stomach, but the 6 weeks were not bad whatsoever. Breast is sore, tender,red but again not bad.
For me its this COUGH I have, still waiting on the x-ray of the chest, he never called me Friday so I guess it was AOK..hummmmmmmm
I myself would take the time off laster into Rad, the beginning is really not bad whatsoever, at least not for me.
I wish you the best of luck in your journey, REST, drink a lot of WATER, eat well...
Take care and god Bless
Julie
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Hi Marie,
I would agree with what others have said. The first few weeks are not bad. It's the last couple weeks that it gets hard. Also, be sure to eat LOTS of protein - it really makes a difference on your level of fatigue. I had trouble eating enough meat (don't like it that much) and the dietician told me to drink Boost, which helped.
Good luck to you!
Karen
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Thank you ladies, I will take your advise and also plan to take more time off at the end when I will need it. Also how much protein is a lot? I am not a big meat eater and also watching my weight ( I am doing weight watchers) I still need to loose a few more pounds. I will look into the Boost but not sure what kind of servings of protein I should be having. After all too much can put a strain on the kidneys can't it? Also what are the best sources, other than meat? Again thanks for all your information and encouragement. Go for my simulation and tatoos tomorrow, should start rads next week. Can't wait until it is all done. Wishing everyone a restful evening.
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Hi everyone.
Finally on Friday I am DONE. 28 session and 8 boosts. My friend took me and the kids out to the park and had a nice celebration lunch. It was a lot of fun. I decided to give the gals at the cancer center a little basket of goodies, like cookies, popcorn and bars. It was sad leaving but also a big relief to be done with this part of the treatment. Not sure what Monday's going to be like since my kids start school and I'm hoping that I can start getting my life back to "Normal" or what I can make of it. Good luck to those that are finishing this week.
I'm just sore, red and parts are a bit painful, but with all of the lotions, I'm hoping to have it clear up sooner. At least now I should be able to get a little more rest with the kids in school.
Have a nice evening ladies. Need to grab some sleep/
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I'm DONE!!!! Hip Hip Hooray!!!
My skin looks great, but I am very tired. I think I'm more tired now than when I was going to treatment every day. Or maybe my expectation was that I wouldn't be tired at all. Either way I'm just thrilled to know that tomorrow morning I will NOT be zapped and my skin will continue to get better and I can stop slathering my skin - and eventually wear a bra again. It wouldn't be so bad if I had young perky breasts, but these old things are hanging down around my knees by now. I am of an age and a size that I really should be wearing a bra.
So on to the next phase. I see my med onc at the end of the month and will most likely start the dreading T in October.
CONGRATS to everyone who is finishing up.
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Big Congrats to all that are done, FINALLY....
I am done TOMORROW and counting down the hours little by little. Making a cake and cookies for the girls, they are great, Dr. not so great....
I also start the PILL FROM HELL in October, but not the "T" Pill the "A" pill...I guess a pill is a pill...LOL
Ok, off and running to the SPA and then home to celebrate my 51st birthday...
Hugs to all Julie
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Congrats to Julie and Marilyn
and to everyone on this site. You all have been so helpful and supportive. I'm glad that I found this site and that Kim started this trend. It's nice to know that there's others out there that are dealing with the same things as me. Thank you.For me it's now a recovery process for my skin to heal and dealing with the emotional aspects of this entire journey. I'm glad that I will have some time to recoup before starting the pill in Oct.
Hope everyone is doing better and Julie "happy birthday"
Patty
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Congratulations to the last rounds of finishers!
OMG -Karen - It sounds so risqué to say you have tattoos in "hidden places" hahaha.
I am now about 4 weeks out and my skin is probably 90% back to "normal".
The one area where I am finding some issue is my actual pectoral muscle. It seems like any activity or exercise causes me to have muscle spasms and makes my muscle really hard and clenched. Is anyone else experiencing this? I am trying to get back into my normal exercise routine (I am normally very active - working out with a trainer, yoga, running, etc.) but all of it seems to over work my pec muscle.
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Hi all,
Happy Birthday Julie! Hope it's been a wonderful day!
Marie - I was told to eat a serving of protein with every meal. Quite frankly, I couldn't do it, which is why I ended up with the Boost. I did feel better when I ate more protein, but I'm not much on meat and there's only so many nuts and beans a person can eat! Your center will likely have a dietician on staff - you might want to ask to meet with her/him and get some good advice about diet. I know they will tell you that they do NOT want you to be losing weight while going through treatment. Your body really needs a tremendous amount to help heal - radiation is a significant assault on it.
Patty, Marilyn, and Julie - Congratulations to all of you!
I hope everyone has a wonderful week!
Karen
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Okay, I want to congratulate everyone who is done.
I have been busy catching up and I lost my entire post, I want to scream, this is the third or fourth time this has happened.
Claire thanks for the great advice re life changes and protein.
I found some books scared me a bit with too much info, a fine line between knowing enough which I need to do and not too much, I feel like I am under a bit of a shadow but want to be in the sunshine which we haven't had much of this year.
I had my followup mammogram and it was good today, yeah, I was pretty worried how it would feel, but it was okay.
Kim I thought your description of fatigue as loss of stamina as bang on, I am trying to keep up with walking, but need to get back to my weights.
Good luck on the tattoos, I don't know if I want to see another needle at this point but I like the idea of marking it, I was considering diamond hoop earrings LOL
Brenda
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Hi Ladies!
I have missed all of you! Last week was something else! I felt terrible - don't know if it is SE's from rads, Tamoxifen or a combination of both. I am guessing that is a combination of the both on top of the stress of school and activities starting again. I still don't have my "get up and go" back. My skin is looking better. Still some swelling, redness and soreness but less than last week. My skin doesn't hurt, it is just flaky so I'm still slathering on the cream but not as much as before. I haven't worn a bra yet but I think I could do it without issue now.
Spendygirl and Sonia - Not long after my surgery I thought seriously about getting a tattoo (I've wanted to get one for a number of years) when this was over and then I got my rad tattoos - they hurt!! So then I rethought the whole tattoo thing. LOL! I also have no idea where to go to get one either. But if you lived near me I would go with you and maybe actually do it! Let us know what you decide to get!
Julie - Happy Birthday! I hope it has been a good day! I laughed so hard when I read your story about the rad onc and you asking if "normal" was the only word he knew! Too funny! I think it is good that your med onc is having you wait to start the "pill". I started 1 1/2 weeks post rads and as I said earlier, I don't know if what I am experiencing is related to "T" or rads. Any news on your chest xray?
Patty and Marilyn - Congrats on being done!!!!!
Julie, are you the last one to finish? Will everyone really be done tomorrow?!
Hugs to all of you! I couldn't have gotten through the rads part of the journey without you. Thanks for making it easier to get through!
Kim
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Brenda,
Just saw your post. I love the idea of diamond earrings!
Glad you had a clear mammo!
I have lost posts here as well and I find I get nervous if I write a long one!
Kim
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Happy Birthday Julie!!! It is definitely a week to celebrate for you.
It's so nice to know that everyone is done - as of tomorrow. I will miss you all and your posts. My skin is almost done with the peeling and looks almost normal - though I do feel intense itching at times - especially at night. I am quite nervous that now we are all done you will all disappear into different threads and i won't be able to find you. I feel scared to be alone with my worries and it is a comfort to put them out here and have people respond. It's so weird that it's all over and you have to just go back to living. I guess I'll get back to NORMAL sooner or later.
Brenda - diamond earrings - yay!!! Good for you.
I wish you lived near me Kim, boy would it be nice to have any/all of you around - but that said Vancouver is a bit of a ways away from your corner of the USA.
Take care all,
Sonia
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Happy Birthday Julie!!! It is definitely a week to celebrate for you.
It's so nice to know that everyone is done - as of tomorrow. I will miss you all and your posts. My skin is almost done with the peeling and looks almost normal - though I do feel intense itching at times - especially at night. I am quite nervous that now we are all done you will all disappear into different threads and i won't be able to find you. I feel scared to be alone with my worries and it is a comfort to put them out here and have people respond. It's so weird that it's all over and you have to just go back to living. I guess I'll get back to NORMAL sooner or later.
Brenda - diamond earrings - yay!!! Good for you.
I wish you lived near me Kim, boy would it be nice to have any/all of you around - but that said Vancouver is a bit of a ways away from your corner of the USA.
Take care all,
Sonia
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Hi Sonia,
Seeing this thread "end" is bittersweet - I'm glad this part of the journey is over for all of us but I too will miss checking in with everyone. Personally, I don't think this thread has to "end" though. This is the place we can all still meet and catch up with each other. I know I will continue to look for new posts here. I hope others will too! We have such a great group on this thread!
Kim
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Good morning all:
I feel the same, I will miss everyone so much, this thread was a great relase for all of us. We should start a JULY KEEP IN TOUCH THREAD...hummmmmmmmmm...Wonder how we can do that...As I won't be on the "T" pill, it starts with an "A".....
X-ray of the chest was normal, no suprise, only word I have heard for the past 7 weeks is NORMAL...LOL I do go for the CT of the heart on Thrusday hopefully that will be NORMAL...:)
Today is my LAST DAY, can't wait, won't know what to do with myelf in the AM b-4 work...Guess clean the house and do laundry...LOL
Birthday was ok, was sad in many ways as my sister Sue (who died on Father's day) always made a big deal out of birthdays in the family, so in many ways I was just not up to my Birthday this year....
Congrats to all that are done, we made it....Breast is in good shape, sore, a little red, some mild pain but nothing I can't handle. I think the nipple is the worst.
Ok, off to my final day at the SPA...
Hugs to all
J
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Sonia, I feel the same way that is why I wonder if they can start a thread like I said above, it was so nice to vent and share or worries with each-other....
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Kim / Sonia - I agree we don't all have to go "away". I always see old threads pop back up on the "most recently updated" list. . .just last week I saw "Anyone starting rads in Aug 09" circle back through!
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I think we should use this thread as our place to keep in touch and talk. I don't think there are any rules that say we can only talk about rads in the rad forum. We should just continue to use this thread to communicate.
Julie - join us in the September "T" thread. I know the meds are different but we can still support each other through whatever SE's or just emotions we have to deal with.
Kim
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Julie - Congratulations on being done!!!!
We have all made it through this part of the journey! Group hug!!!! Kim
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Congrats to all you guys!!!! You are really done now.
One of the things I was warned about was a feeling of "let down" following active treatment. I solved this one by training for and participating in cycling events.
I would recommend a special treat for all of you. Something to look forward to, and more than a dinner out.
It took me about two months to get to the point where I woke up one day and said "it's over". So hang in there if this doesn't happen immediately.
I started Arimidex the same week as radiation, so was well into that by the time rads were over. For those of you sweating this step, most patients do just fine. You hear the horror stories on the boards.
As a point of reference, the worst it is for me is slight metallic taste, some additional achiness in my knees (no bargain going into this experience and helped by Aspercreme), and elevated AST if I take it prior to blood work. Just got my first bloodwork back, and cholesterol readings are where they were a year ago, so I dodged that one. Minor, minor hot flashes which are more a reminder that I need to keep hydrated than anything else.
My focus in the eight weeks following radiation was rebuilding my stamina and body. Now, I am on to the rest of my life and career so picking up where I was interrupted a year ago. A slight change in direction but I think a healthy one.
And of course hair. I look just fine with uber short, but can't wait for enough to keep my head warm and toasty. Haircolor is a must here.
So have a wonderful next phase of your life. So much to celebrate!!! - Claire
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Claire,
Thanks for your posts. It is comforting to hear from someone who has come out the other side.
Kim
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Hi everyone! I've been a little under with a WICKED period, they're much worse since T. But anyway, I had every intention of posting some of the things you all have said. I don't want to lose touch with anyone! I know I'll keep checking here daily, hopefully you all will also. My skin is doing so well I can't stand it! First trip back to the cancer center tomorrow since rads. I wonder how that's going to feel?
This is the only place I can share what I'm about to say. I don't want to unduly worry anyone around me - and really, only you will understand. Since finishing rads, I've become almost obsessed with thoughts of recurrence and/or mets. I find myself constantly researching statistics, prognosis for my stage, etc. I'm not quite sure how to get over this part. I'm very busy at work all day, so that distracts me during the day. But the minute I get out of there, it's almost all I think about. Anybody else the same?
Hope everyone's skin is doing well and energy returning. Cyber hugs to all.
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Hi all,
Brenda - congrats on doing your first post-treatment mammogram! I think my doctor wants to wait 6 months post-radiation, but I'll find out next week for sure.
Kim - I'm sorry you had a bad week - hope this week goes much better for you.
Sonia - I agree it would be a shame to lose track of one another. We certainly can keep using this thread to check in. We also could use Facebook for those who are on it.
Julie - Happy Birthday and congrats on being finished with radiation - HOORAY!
Clarie - thanks for the input. I'm a little over two weeks out and am shocked at how deconditioned I have become - very little stamina. Oh, well, the cool weather is coming soon and I can start taking nice long walks.
Looks like we have all made it! We should all get diamond earrings
Karen
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