March 2011 Rads

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  • GirlFriday
    GirlFriday Member Posts: 461
    edited September 2011

    Thank you cmblastic and msjag!  I've never been in a place in life where so much of my rational thoughts get dominated by my fears.  It's an odd experience.  I think Autumn is a tough time anyway, because winter is just so damn long in Maine.  That genetics stuff really frustrates me.  It's no consolation prize to find out you are not genetically pre-disposed because they have this disclaimer that the test could have been done improperly...I need a job like that! And the most common BRCA is so expensive and it's not always covered by insurance.  I figure even if I am BRCA+ it's not really going to change anything because I'll have to monitor my southern girl parts while on Tamoxifen anyway.  I could be wrong, but I think it makes sense for anyone that has BC to have an US of their uterus and ovaries annually.  I think it would limit the silent impact of Ovarian Cancer. But then again...who wants more tests? Blech!

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  • cmbear
    cmbear Member Posts: 1,086
    edited September 2011

    GF--I totally am frustrated by the genetic test thing too. There are other genetic causes for BC besides Brac--but thats the one they have the good test for. Genetic testing is costly and not accepted by most insurances. I find it hard to believe that my dad had prostate, my sister and I both have BC and there is no genetic link.  Don't believe in that many coincidences. But I am with you--all tami patients should be mega screened for all the lady parts yearly--just to be safe.

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  • msjag
    msjag Member Posts: 416
    edited September 2011

    GF, its amazing how our minds work some days.  Today I feel like I kicked it to the curb, yesterday I was wondering if a simple two second headache (maybe from the fat free fudgeicle??) could mean I have brain mets.   I am totally amazed at the power of the mind for cancer patients.  My friends/family are amazing, but you truely cannont understand this fear/anxiety until you live it each day.  If anyone every needs a friendly ear, just pm me, I would be happy to give you my phone number.  I had a friend of a friend, whom I call my radiation coach, who had rads for bc, and we are such close friends now from talking because we dont have to explain alot, we just know.  Our mutual friends think its great how we "hit it off" so well, they dont get it...they cant.  I hope they never will get it!!    I've been walking each day, and it really has given me new perspective on the future.

    Not looking forward to a winter like last one, that's when I had chemo, and couldn't even go for a walk outside...snowstorm after snow storm...ugh!!

    Be well all!!

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  • sandymess
    sandymess Member Posts: 299
    edited October 2011

    Hi everyone, I've missed you all! So sorry not to get right back to you but after the hurricane, I could not get on this site for over a week. Every time I tried to log in, it went to a blank screen. And then of course, I was really busy sewing for my little granddaughters and my Etsy stores.

    Thank you so much for your support and kind words when my husband had his heart attack. He ended up having 3 stents. And now, a month later he is finally back to normal. It took much longer for him to bounce back this time and the cardiologist has no idea why. (He did have a triple bypass 8 years ago, and they think this was 'a good long run' for the replacement arteries. Cardio Vascular disease runs in his family.) Anyway, he got the go ahead to do anything he feels like doing--which is work, but he's been laid off for the last year! We have been following a Mediterranean diet for the last month or so. Hopefully, it will keep us both healthy/ier. Smile 

     He's been out chopping wood for the winter. We heat entirely with wood whenever we can. And it looks like this will be one of those years. A couple of our neighbors got together and gave us close to 3 cords and we already have about 3 more. It's so nice not to have to depend on oil to be warm!

    That genetic testing is really kind of a waste, if you ask me. I had it done and it came out negative for BRCA1 and 2...but then the geneticist said there are probably many more mutations that they don't know about yet. Has to be genetic for me though. My paternal grandmother and 4 of her sisters had it, my mother had it, my father had prostate cancer...gotta be!

    Well, I hope you are all having a great weekend. I'm thinking of you all and wishing you well.

    Hugs!

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  • GirlFriday
    GirlFriday Member Posts: 461
    edited October 2011

    Hey Sandymess!  I've got three cord I have to stack....keep meaning to get to it, and something always comes up.  This weekend will probably be the weekend it happens though!  We've been doing a version of the DASH diet...the except where not all obsessed with salt content...but the 7-9 fruits and veggies is a goal every day. 

    I'm so happy to hear that your DH is doing better.  I've been thinking of you/him every time I drive 95 and pass the exit I would take to go to MMC.  Here's to a better 2012...I think you've had enough for 2011!

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  • marjie
    marjie Member Posts: 1,134
    edited October 2011

    Hi ladies!  Just checking in....catching up on posts.  Glad to see everyone is doing well.

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  • heavenschild
    heavenschild Member Posts: 212
    edited October 2011

    Good news ladies!  My birads marker went down upon ultrasound on the left hand side from 3 to a 2, which means that they are just good ole' cysts.  My surgeon said that she wants to follow me for the rest of my life, I like that kind of stalking. 

    Re:  alcohol.  My surgeon said that the *food* that they found increases the risk for BC is alcohol.  My sister sent me a study that found out if you have a drink a week it's okay, otherwise there is an increased chance of recurrence. 

     Blessings to all, working full time now and it's all I can do to make it through a day, but I do pray for you!

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  • GirlFriday
    GirlFriday Member Posts: 461
    edited October 2011

    Yahoo Heavenschild!  I was hoping your lack of post was because you were busy!  I'm glad your BS is being aggressive with your follow ups!   

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  • GirlFriday
    GirlFriday Member Posts: 461
    edited October 2011

    Clean mammo!  And the best part was I didn't vomit or pass out while waiting for the results!

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  • cmbear
    cmbear Member Posts: 1,086
    edited October 2011

    Yeah for all the good news!! Sure like hearing some good news for a change!!! The next time I see my MO is the end of November. Chest xray and blood work. It's nice having a whole month off and not seeing one--NOT ONE--doctor. The first time since June '10. WOOT!!

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  • msjag
    msjag Member Posts: 416
    edited October 2011

    GirlFriday...HOORAY!!!!!!!  Good news is wonderful!!  My tests got postponed almost a month and I'm not happy about it!  insurance glitch with MRI  ugh!

    Claire, it is nice to have that time off with no md appts..good for you!!!

    Raising my glass to you all!!  So blessed to have you all on this journey, hope everyone is well

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  • marjie
    marjie Member Posts: 1,134
    edited October 2011

    Popping and reading good news....YAY!!

    Claire - I'm not sure what I would do without medical appts LOL!  I'd be in the cancer centre saying "are you SURE I'm not supposed to be somewhere....????"

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  • msjag
    msjag Member Posts: 416
    edited October 2011

    Matje, good to see you!   Are you on the countdown for the herceptin?  Hope all is well with you too!!

     Mammo next monday, blood work all great, mri in april....no other tests scheduled.....so thankful we all made it this far...with many more years to go!

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  • marjie
    marjie Member Posts: 1,134
    edited October 2011

    msjag - It's been a hell of a year that's for sure!!  I am down to only 4 more Herceptin treatments then I am all done.  woohoo!

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  • msjag
    msjag Member Posts: 416
    edited October 2011

    YEAH MARJE!!!   We will celebrate with you when you are done!!! 

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  • cmbear
    cmbear Member Posts: 1,086
    edited October 2011

    Marj, only 4 more tx? For us non-herceptin folks--how much is that in real time, days, weeks????  Will it be an early Christmas present??

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  • marjie
    marjie Member Posts: 1,134
    edited October 2011

    My Herceptin is on the same schedule as my chemo....every 21 days.  I will be done in January.

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  • cmbear
    cmbear Member Posts: 1,086
    edited October 2011

    Wow that seems like forever. Sorry. Does it affect you like chemo? Sorry for the ignorance.

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  • marjie
    marjie Member Posts: 1,134
    edited October 2011

    Claire!! Don't apologize - why would you know! LOL.  Herceptin does have SE's but nothing like the "hard" chemo - nothing that can't be handled by tylenol.  IMO, my hair is growing really slowly and I've heard other women make the same comment while on Herceptin. It can tend to be heart toxic, so I have added cardiologist to my list of "ologists" that I am collecting!  I am back to work full time, other than managing fatigue as I get back into it, I am fine.

    Although it seems like forever, I think it's a little easier to deal with because I don't get so sick with the tx.  It's a bit like having a safety net still....I don't mind.

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  • marjie
    marjie Member Posts: 1,134
    edited October 2011

    OK everyone - here's a question for you.  My radiated boob is now bigger than my "normal" boob.  Does anyone else have this??

    Seems odd to me since pre-surgery, my boob was bigger because of the tumour - but that's all gone.  My onc did tell me that it would change as it heals from the radiation and surgery - almost like having a "lift".  It does feel firmer and sits higher that's for sure, but I started noticing especially when I put my bra on, that its bigger!

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  • msjag
    msjag Member Posts: 416
    edited October 2011

    Marje,  my radiated one def has shrunk and lifted, but it is smaller than the other.  It tends to be warmer some days too.  Are you noticing any redness/soreness? like fluid build up?  Who knows what rads can do.  Sometimes mine is so leathery underneath and other days it feels normal.

    Maybe a call to your rad onc just to put your mind at ease. 

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  • marjie
    marjie Member Posts: 1,134
    edited October 2011

    Yeah it definitely has the warm feeling - radiation has a half life and just keeps on cookin'!  I've had a clear mammo so I don't think I'm worried about a cancer recurrence, but it just seems odd.  I have an appt with my onc in another week or so and I will ask her about it.

    Note to self: Hey chemo-brain, make a list of questions you want to ask the onc! Cool

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  • sandymess
    sandymess Member Posts: 299
    edited October 2011

    Haha! Marjie, I was just telling my chemo-brain to list some questions for my onc appt on Tuesday. Great chemo-minds think alike, I guess. Wink

    Girlfriday, glad to hear about your clean mammo...YAY for you!!! Did you get that wood stacked yet? 

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  • msjag
    msjag Member Posts: 416
    edited October 2011

    Mammoo tomorrow....can't even bear the thought of them squshing and pulling and pushing!!  Chemo and rads .....I know you were enough...just some postive thinking out loud!!!

    Sandy, hope all is well with your hubby.

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  • marjie
    marjie Member Posts: 1,134
    edited October 2011
    msjag - I stressed about my fist mammo after treatment...not so much the results as the actual test itself and you know what??  It was ok - my mind made it bigger and worse than it actually was.  Good luck!!
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  • GirlFriday
    GirlFriday Member Posts: 461
    edited October 2011

    Wood is stacked!

    I met with my BS last Monday...she said two years before your breast goes back to what it will be for the rest of your life.  Swelling, hardening, shrinking...all part of it's adjustment.  You may want to check to make sure you're not having some sort of edema or lymphodema issues...but chances are it's just part of the process.

     msjag:  Good Luck on the breast press!

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  • cmbear
    cmbear Member Posts: 1,086
    edited October 2011

    msjag--hope the mammo went great today--and not too painful. Here's to great results!!

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  • msjag
    msjag Member Posts: 416
    edited October 2011

    Clear mammo, but because I asked a question about my scar/scar tissue and sometimes feeling that it was bumpy and other times its gone, they decided an ultra sound for this a.m.  FINE BY ME!!!   no added radiation, bring it on!!!   The best part was being able to comfort a younger women who came into the room crying to wait for results as they had seen something, I got to say (neverr thought this day would come!) that I had one of the most agressive, had chemo rads, and here I am one year later, she hugged me and thanked me...then we wished we had umbrella drinks!!  Funny, I'm very calm about having the US, feels like extra protection to me, and if by any chance there is something, not going to be, but I will be able to handle it...thanks to all I have learned and all the support from all of you and bc.org.

    Hardly any pain in the radiated side, she was gentlle...the other one..OUCH!!!!

    Have a great day evryone, and thanks for the well wishes!!

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  • cmbear
    cmbear Member Posts: 1,086
    edited October 2011

    Here's to hoping you just have some bumpy scar tissue msjag! Hope the US just puts your mind at ease! I still use the aquafor on my radiated side--there are days I look at the skin and wish I could just scrape it off--there's got to be healthy pink skin under that leathery rads skin!!!

    I leave on Thursday for a weekend cruise with my sisters. I have been so torn about wearing my foobs--haven't worn them all summer. I don't have a bathing suit for my flatness, think it would be funny if I wore my foobs at the pool but not at dinner!! Lets see how many people I could confuse!! Probably will go with out since they take up half a suitcase!! 

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  • Elizabeth1889
    Elizabeth1889 Member Posts: 1,036
    edited October 2011

    Enjoy your cruise, cmblastic.  Bon voyage!

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