March 2011 Rads

Ms Jag I also had a lumpectomy. I wanted a shot at keeping the nip. my RO and oncologist both said the difference in mast and lump with rads is very small. If there is a recurrence I can go mx. Don t worry, you are in the home stretch. Libraylil

doreyme: That's exactly what I've decided. I'm not going to obsess (though I can't help it if it pops into my mind from time to time). But it the BRCA comes back positive and I do have a recurrence, I will definitley do the BMX. What will be, will be, right?

lovemylife: I know I am one who said not to care what others think, but I am also concerned about going out with no hair this summer! So, there you go. Just thought I'd let you know that I understand where you are coming from. You are SO lucky!! I love Charlie Daniels. Don't know how many times I've seen him, but it was always good. We used to take the kids to their concerts when they played at this little beach/picnic area in Massachussetts. Good times!! (Love 38 Special too, but have not seen them play.)

Happy Friday and a good weekend to all!

I had the genetic testing done before I finished chemo and it was neg (I have 3 daughters...that was GREAT news!).  I was told that if I had a lumpectomy, the chances of it coming back were 5%.  If I had a BMX, the chances of it coming back were 3-5%.  Not much of a difference, so I decided to keep 'em!  I also think that most Dr.'s are afraid of the "if it was your wife..." question and don't like to give an answer.  But since he did, I would say to take his word for it.

marjie: Are those kitties direct decendents of Bengal Tigers?  They are incredible! 

msjag:  I have a low grade cancer but I understand the fear.  I'm 37 and I wonder if this BC is just the begining of a life in and out of the surgery center. I've noticed a several women with my type of cancer have had persistent issues, and it nags at me.  I've never been a really religious person, but I'm finding there is a spiritual nature to a BC dx.  I just keep focusing on "handing the fear over"  to the powers that be.  What will be will be.  It's become one of my many mantras.

BRCA testing:  I know I've whined before about this, and I'm actually on the upside of the pit of despair thanks to the above mantra.  I just met with a genetic counselor and a MO that specializes in the genetic aspects of BC.  I gave them my entire family Hx of health, and there is NO cancer of anytype.  They said there is a 12% chance that I may be BRCA+.  I currently have a uterine fibroid that's 3cm, and a complex ovarian cyst that is 3x2x3cm.  This was found 30 days ago, and was my original reason for going to the Dr's...I thought the previously dx uterine issues were acting up after 3  years of silence...then BC took center stage.  So the genetic counselor and the MO, are trying to fit me into a PTEN mutation or Cowden's syndrome very rare 1/200,000.  But it just doesn't fit, I don't have haratoma's, I don't have developmental disabilities, And I don't have macrocephaly, or an abnormally large head, (physically speaking ), and my uterine fibroid is really not concerning me, it's my ovary, but this syndrome is heaving on uterine issues not ovarian issues.  no one in my family has any such issues.  There is an inordinate amount of $$$ going to genetic research for BC...I think that this study that is available thru Cleveland Clinic is one that the Dr's want to be part of, so they are trying to fit me into it.  For instance when she measured my head the tape was really loose. I would never measure anything like that...it's just not accurate.  I know I sound like a conspiracy theorist, and most likely I am, but I have read articles about the $ in genetics and how this $ incentives are shaping the Tx plans for BC survivors. 

Needless to say I have really mixed feelings about the genetic aspects of BC, and the $$$ behind the testing.  I would encourage anyone who is consdering the tests to research thoroughly before you spend big money, and have mixed results. 

25/33:  I'm bright red and the rash is migrating...healing in the original part, and moving around my breast.  I was told this is the hair follicles giving up and dying from the radiation.  If that's true, why couldn't they nuke my arm pit?  Then I wouldn't have to shave!  I also found out that I am 28 reg, and 5 boosts,   Somehow I reversed the numbers.  I think these last three whole boob sessions are going to be a beotch!

Happy Sunday! 

Oh, yes, GirlFriday! And the contrast of the beautiful white snow with the mushy, muddy driveway is JUST beautiful. Lucky, indeed!!

I also have mixed feelings about having the genetic testing done. I am really not convinced of any benefit--to me or to my family. Perhaps the doctor can better explain why I should have the testing done. I guess I'll find out in May when I see her.

Wow, marje, seems like just yesterday that you started this thread.  Good for you being so close to being done, I'm a bit behind due to weather, illness,  hope all goes well with the Hercepttin, after rads, that's it for me, no pill or other drug, due to being triple negative.  I gotta just have faith that the chemo and radiation blasted those cancer cells!

Snow is melting fast in MA, nice to feel spring in the air!

I meet with my MO in early May.  It remains to be seen whether I choose to take it or not. I know it's part of my survivorship plan, but I have mixed feelings.

Marjie and GrandmaBubba,    I too will be done with rads on the same day. I will be getting only 5 boosts so a couple more days of regular ones than Marjie. My RO techs said the boosts are really easy. I sure hope so, because under my arm is burnt to a crisp!

ShooShoo, I will be taking Arimidex for 5 years if i can tolerate it. If not some kind of AL for the next 5 years.

I hope everyone had a good weekend!!!

                                                Pam

Marjie: Now it makes sense. That's what happened this weekend...I "continued to cook". I thought after Friday's tx things would have the weekend to settle down. Friday night was fine and Saturday morning, but by Sunday morning- yikes, so really bad spots. I thought that was so odd, but your explanation makes sense.

Let's get these 2 regulars over. Yep, Ground Hog Day (GrandmaBubb, that is tooo funny, but so true!)

Ginger: My RX for these "preblisters" is called Triamcinolone Acetonide Creme USP, 0.5% Have no idea what the heck that is, but it has sure helped. My skin is major fair and these issues only started on like tx#20 (can't really remember- they gave me this RX way back when one area started to show signs, but RX stopped it) I think the next RX will be silvadine if these places open up, which I think they will after today's zaps. Hope not, though.

Here we go this Monday! Good luck to all you Warriors!

cmblastic

I have also cooked under my arm. had the last tx today and 5 boost to go. My skin was doing okay for 4 weeks and in the last week, I am literally burnt under my arm its dry extremely sore and now peeling. It the same under my breast but not as intense as the under arm area. the rest of my breast is red but the scar like you has not been affected. I find it difficult to sleep have to keep my right arm straight out to air our my underarm. The only good news for the day is I got to toss the cup they put around my breast for the last 5 weeks. It was very freeing. The nurse also recommended Mepilex Lite bandages to put under my arm and breast. very expensive at $32 for 5 but if anything can relieve the pain I'm all for it. Cant wait for the ridge to be over..

Good Luck to everyone and good health!!

Lisa

Woke up this a.m. with scratches on my breast, I guess it must have been bothering me when I was sleeping.  Found the trick to feeling better is getting lots of sleep.  Going to ask for a refill on Ambien and maybe wear a glove at night on one hand like Michael Jackson - LOL!  18/30, red under arm, and tired, but still keeping up with working, cleaning, and cooking.  I think I deserve a vacation afterwards, just not someplace sunny!  Blessings to all. 

26/33:  You all are totally correct about the delayed cooking thing.  I was twice as red Sunday as I was on Friday!  The RO said my skin looks great, but I'm having trouble not scratching at night too!  He encourage me to put the hydrocortisone on first and than cover with Aquaphor.  I didn't tell him that I haven't been using it at all...I think I am to a stage where my Baby Aveeno is just not up to task.  I'm going to pick some Aquaphor up tomorrow!

And for those of you who have diligently not shaved...last night I was reading in bed with my arm up over my head, and my beau said..."There's a mouse in your arm pit!"  I'm happy to say he's still breathing!

My beau said that too, after I suffocated him in a hairy head lock.  He said " I don't know why women shave there anyway...It doesn't matter to me."  I almost felt bad for rendering him unconscious, but then I remembered that early when I asked him what he wanted for dinner he said "Something good" 

marjie: You are so close!  It's not going to happen!  I refuse to believe it!