December 2009 Rads Group

Lots of HUGSSSSS to you Veggy, it's so hard to think positive when we have these unexplained reactions but after all, our bodies have been put through a lot...I still have some pain and a hard ridge under my lump side...Also still have a small seroma that want go away...So let's just hope yours is just a reaction to all your body has been through and that's all.....My surgeon says that the radiation will play a number on us for many years to come....Of course if you go the the radiologist, they will probably say that the surgery is the cause of your pain...At any rate, I hope you get a very simple answer and all is well....Let us know........More HUGSSSSS...Jewly

Just part of our New World, I even got a second opinion this month on a cyst that showed up in my mammo/us, even though I was told it was okay, I guess we will never take anything for granted again...I question every new pain, I guess I always will......Now you go Monday with a positive attitude and come out with a big smile on your face......Hugs and Positive Thoughts.........

HUGS, Veggy! I know what you mean about how we worry now about things we never gave a thought to before. It's hard to keep a balanced perspective. Try to keep your thoughts positive as you approach the appointment - it can only do you good. Plus, if there is something that needs to be found, it's good you're going, so it CAN be found. Knowledge is power!

Last time I saw my surgeon, I told him that I still had pain in the BC breast. He shrugged and said, "Well, yeah, sure you do." That helped me regain perspective.

Good luck!! and be sure to let us know how it went and how you're feeling.

Bonnie

Veggy I totally understand where you and all the others are coming from.  Worrying about every little ache, pain or abnormal lump, bump, etc is normal when you've been diagnosed with cancer.  It will be a part of your life for a while to come, but I promise it does get better with time.  I guess because I  have been there and done that before I don't let it control me as much as I use to.  Hope things get better for you {{{{{Hugs}}}}}

Renee

She said, "You'll like it." Today's appointment was my first of eight boost after 28 full rads. Before getting on the table, I asked the techs to explain exactly what was going to happen today. After telling me about the procedure and explaining that it was only one exposure, she said, "You'll like it." What a poor choice of words. I told her I would never like it; I hated every second I'm in the building.

A friend I'd known for 24 years died of cancer at this hospital last week. His funeral is this afternoon.  

What a relief!!...........Been checking for your update and that's great news...They sure never tell us in the beginning that the rads and surgery recovery could go on for years....I still can't sleep on my lump side, but feel we have to get answers and never take anything for granted...Bet you're going to sleep well tonight!!!!...Jewly

Not to sound weird, but I check myself about 3 times a day or whenever I feel a twinge of pain. Its hard not to make sure it isnt the cancer coming back. It was cancer. I'm always scared. Its the new me. Anyway I am happy its only scar tissue. I had a small glass of wine that night to celebrate. Next appointment is in February.

Jewly the only thing my Rad Onco does is examine my breasts (both of them) and do labs... that's it.  However, my Med Onco does the same thing, examine the breasts and do labs.  The only difference in the labs that they do is the Rad Onco does the CA 15 (or whatever it's called - no CEA)  the Med Onco doesn't see a need for it.  They share notes and send them back and forth as far as I know (at least the Rad Onco sends the Med Onco his notes).  I have to see the breast surgeon every 6 months at least for now.  He may change that when I go back if my mammo is all clear since it will be a year.  I don't know.  Anyway I changed my appt with the Rad Onco to Dec. 6th.  My mom told me to go she said you don't want to make him mad and he won't treat you again if you need him.  I probably wouldn't use him again anyway and would go elsewhere.  As I've said many times I don't like him!!!  I think he over treats his patients.

Renee

Yikes, Veggy! What a terrible dream! Your worries came out in your dream. Do any of your doctors know about your anxieties? Seems that along with treating cancer that the treatment plan should also include something for anxiety. The entire time I was in treatment, and afterwards for a while, I was getting acupuncture and also personal coaching, which is kind of like therapy, but geared toward making an action plan in the here and now. It REALLY helped with my stress. Also, I had a prescription for Ativan, which is an anti-anxiety medication that I would take when I was freaking out. Sounds like you could use a prescription or some stress relief program, too. Another thing I did was take an 8-week course called Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction. I HIGHLY recommend that program. It's based on a program from the University of Massachusetts Medical Center, and is now offered all over the country. It's really something. Very, very useful. This nightmare shows that you definitely need something to help wtih your stress and anxiety.

I was just re-reading your earlier post - your doctor yelled at you for checking your breasts too much!?!  Wouldn't it have been a BIT more effective if she had shown some compassion and asked about your anxiety?! For crying out loud!!!!

Good luck with all this, and I hope you can get some stress relief going. Stress is not good! What kinds of things have you done in the past that have helped if you were worried, stressed or anxious??

I'll be thinking of you and sending peaceful thoughts your way,

Bonnie

Valerie, that dream was just awful!! I would have probably awakened myself screaming.  Lucky for me I hardly ever have dreams that I remember anymore. 

Finally got the call today from the Mammography lab to schedule my appointment for my full first post treatment mammo.  I've had the unilateral mammo several months ago, but this is the first bilateral mammo I've had.  It's scheduled for Nov. 23 at 11:15 and then I have my follow up with the breast surgeon.  The lady I spoke with today told me they could call the preliminary results over to the surgeon since I was coming before my appt.  That made me so excited I about did a happy dance at work.  LOL!  I told her that I was really happy that I hated the idea of having to wait for a week to get the results.  So, I'm keeping my fingers crossed and praying that there will be great results.

Renee

Jewly, you go lady!! That is the only way to look at life in the face of what we have fought so hard to overcome the last year.  Live life to it's fullest, don't sit around and let it pass you by.  I know it's hard burt I am trying.  I work way too much, but there has to be food on the table.  I am getting frustrated with myself for not doing and spending enough time on me!!  Have fun on your trip!!!  Oh yeah take lots of pics to post when you get back.  :=)

Renee

Veggy thanks for the good thoughts.  I really hope you stop having those "terrible" dreams soon!  I am so glad that whatever I dream I never remember it so therefore... I don't really dream.  hahaha!

Renee

Woo Hoo way to go Veggy!  Jewly hope you are having a good vacation!!

Bonnie I miss you...

I'm doing the Happy Dance with you! That's wonderful news!

Here's a great big (((((HUG!!!!!)))))!