Sept 2011 Rads

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  • Ceeztheday
    Ceeztheday Member Posts: 403
    edited October 2011

    I'm finally done, done, done! I can hardly believe it. There were times when I felt like this day would never come. Thanks to everyone for the information and inspiration! Since my RO was in the 'ignorance is bliss' school of thought, the information was especially helpful to me. All of your stories and funny tales have helped me when I was really down, and it was great to have somewhere safe to rant. Good luck to everyone with finishing treatments, upcoming surgeries, assorted challenges, and exciting new adventures! I'll be checking in just in case I can lend a hand (or heart). Hugs to everyone.

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  • Ceeztheday
    Ceeztheday Member Posts: 403
    edited October 2011

    MostlySew-You really hit the nail on the head. I look forward to the day that we ALL can put the tiredness behind us!

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  • tamcathtech
    tamcathtech Member Posts: 42
    edited October 2011

     I am so glad I joined this group!!

    Ceeztheday--CONGRATS and enjoy that cruise!

    SAB and Kll22 --Double CONGRATS

     StephN -- I also am overwhelmed at times that I am a "cancer patient" so surreal...it happens so fast once you are diagnosed! I had no pain or burns with my boosts I wish the same for you!!

    Dogeyed, so sorry it was your turn for the "down" day, I also had to add to my chronic depression meds when I got my diagnosis..just need them to get through the day to day!!

    Justmejanis--praying that your burns heal quickly, hang in there!!

    MostlySew--You took the words out of my mouth "I AM TIRED" (of it all and then some)

     There are times when I dont want to be this strong person that cancer has caused me to create in myself, but I believe as we continue our journey through this fight we will be better stronger women in all aspects of our lives, WE CAN DO THIS, KEEP HOLDN ON!!

    TWO more to go....

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  • katehudson25
    katehudson25 Member Posts: 2,467
    edited October 2011

    Congratulationsceeztheday. It took about 4 weeks for my breast to completely heal with no more redness or itchiness.

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  • Ceeztheday
    Ceeztheday Member Posts: 403
    edited October 2011

    Thanks tamcathtech (only 2 more...hooray) and thanks Kate (hope your back feels better soon)!

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  • stephN
    stephN Member Posts: 284
    edited October 2011

    Ceeztheday, congrats on finishing!!! Woohoo! So happy for you!!

    I don't have a surgery date scheduled yet, Janis.  I actually have a decision to make...minor surgery and chemical menopause or major surgery and surgical menopause.  I can't take tamoxifen unless I do one or the other because of a pre-existing condition.  (My kids are young enough that I want to do everything I can to lower my risk of it coming back.)

    BTW, I know we've been sharing tips about getting through this.  I wasn't able to use the cream the RO uses normally and they had no other suggestions.  I've been moisturizing with pure shea butter and it's really soothing.  

    I've also gone braless the entire time.  I wore tank tops under my clothes as long as I could, but when my underarm started getting red, I stopped wearing those except when absolutely necessary.

     Tomorrow is Friday!  TGIF!  Hope everyone has a great day and a restful weekend!!

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  • stephN
    stephN Member Posts: 284
    edited October 2011

    Thanks for the good wishes, tamcathtech!  Two more...you can do it!

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  • Ceeztheday
    Ceeztheday Member Posts: 403
    edited October 2011

    Ladies, a question for you, does anyone take vitamin D3. I bought some today, 5000 IU, but don't know if that is too high a dose, too low??? Any info will be appreciated.

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  • ksmatthews
    ksmatthews Member Posts: 812
    edited October 2011

    ceeztheday, I take vit d3 5000 iu a day.  That is what my dr suggested b4 I was dx, now that I am done with treatments they told me it was ok to start again.

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  • Ceeztheday
    Ceeztheday Member Posts: 403
    edited October 2011

    Thanks ksmatthews and CONGRATS on being finished! What a great feeling.

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  • justmejanis
    justmejanis Member Posts: 1,847
    edited October 2011

    steph, okay I gather we are talking hysterectomy.  I can tell you I had a totaly hysterectomy when I was 42.  I had suffered from terrible heavy bleeding and I had big fibroid tumors.  The plan was to just remove the uterus, but I signed to take it all if they found other problems.  Long story short, I had big cysts on both ovaries, severe endometreosis, and the fibroids.  They took everything.  Guess what?  Easist surgery I have ever had to recover from.  Seriously, once all that heavy bleeding was gone it was such a relief and I recovered so quickly.  I have had several surgeries, and this was a breeze!  My tendon surgeries took much longer to recover from and were so much more painful!  I had a good size incision and it bever bothered me at all.  For me, that part was easier and freeing as well!  Just food for thought since I went through it.  Best of luck with whatever you decide to do.  We'll be here for you!

    Ceeze....couldn't be happier for you!!!  I take Vitamin D3, but mine is 2000 IU per day.  This is just what my doctor recommended.  Sounds like others take more s you should be fine.

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  • katehudson25
    katehudson25 Member Posts: 2,467
    edited October 2011

    I am very happy for you ladies that just finished, but personally I am very depressed tonight. Going through cancer all alone without a signifigant other has been tough for me. I just bought a bottle of Chardonnay to drown my sorrows. We all have so much in common it would be great if we could neet one another. Anyone else living in the Los Angeles area?

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

    katehudson:  We all have bad nights.  I am sorry this night is a bad one for you.  I cannot even imagine how difficult it is to go through cancer alone.  I do not live near Los Angeles, but I can still send you hugs.

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  • katehudson25
    katehudson25 Member Posts: 2,467
    edited October 2011

    Thank you Elizabeth1889, your support makes me feel better.

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  • SAB
    SAB Member Posts: 1,498
    edited October 2011

    I get down there every once in a while...but for now (((Kate))) I hope that will help!

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  • SAB
    SAB Member Posts: 1,498
    edited October 2011

    Katehudson--Have you checked with your medical group (St. John's right?) to see if there is a support group near you?  

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  • MostlySew
    MostlySew Member Posts: 1,418
    edited October 2011

    Hey Kate,



    Sorry you're having a down night, but glad you could reach out to us. This is a difficult thing to go thru, and it seems several of the women have had supposed "mates" abandon them during their treatment. Divorce/separation is always hard, but harder during illness. Just remember you're strong, you're beautiful and you've got a great smile..in short, you've got a lot to give, a lot to accomplish still in life, and many more things to learn. You've got great friends here on-line and you're going to come out of all this, including the divorce a better, stronger, more lovely person.



    And, in the ,ean time,

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  • Ceeztheday
    Ceeztheday Member Posts: 403
    edited October 2011

    Janis-Thank you. I will be thinking of you on Tuesday. Hugs.

    Kate-We all know about the low times. I hope tomorrow is a happier day for you.

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  • katehudson25
    katehudson25 Member Posts: 2,467
    edited October 2011

    Yes Sab St John's is where I had my surgeries and radiation. There is a cancer support group near me, but I am not depressed about cancer. I am depressed because I am separated from my husband. I can hardly talk about that when others in a cancer support group might be stage 3 or 4 and concerned about life or death matters, when my problem is a matter of the heart.

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  • MostlySew
    MostlySew Member Posts: 1,418
    edited October 2011

    Oops , hit the wrong button.......to finish,



    And, in the mean time, gentle hugs to you, and throw one back for me while you're at it!

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  • katehudson25
    katehudson25 Member Posts: 2,467
    edited October 2011

    Mostlysew how sweet of you. You have truly made me feel so much better. I only wish you the best and a million hugs for you.

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  • katehudson25
    katehudson25 Member Posts: 2,467
    edited October 2011

    Thank you ceeztheday. You know how it goes there are good days and bad. Normally I am very strong and resilient, but today I let things get the best of me.

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  • DivineMrsM
    DivineMrsM Member Posts: 9,620
    edited October 2011

    Whenever I check this thread now, there's always one or two of us completing our rads, and that's great to hear.  I, too, was told the radiation effects last for up to a month after treatment stops.  Right now I feel okay, a week and a half after finishing, so I'm curious to see if I feel any different a month after treatment.

    katehudson, we all have our down times.  This is an emotional roller coaster we're on.  Sometimes it's good to break down and let it all out.  Here's some lyrics from "The Warrior is a Child" byTwyla Paris, a Christian singer.  These words came to my mind when I read your recent posts. 

     Lately I've been winning battles left and right 

    But even winners can get wounded in the fight 

    People say that I'm amazing 
    Strong beyond my years 
    But they don't see inside of me 
    I'm hiding all the tears

    They don't know that I go running home when I fall down 
    They don't know who picks me up when no one is around 
    I drop my sword and cry for just a while 
    'Cause deep inside this armor 
    The warrior is a child

    Hang in there.  And God bless.

    Wishing all of us a good weekend. 

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  • dogeyed
    dogeyed Member Posts: 884
    edited October 2011

    KATE, I personally think you should go down to Central Casting and get to work, lady, you are so lovely in your pic, it would help you get thru being separated.  I, too, was separated, and I felt rejected and lonely, the house was so quiet, so I started plunking on a guitar my brother bought me, and I took a swing type dance class, and began to paint.  You can fill your days so that when you DO finally come home, the peace isn't a sadness no more.  But still... whilst in the midst of parting ways, I thought why wouldn't he come back to me?  Of course, six years after all that, which was a looonnng time, I found me a much better fellow, been married 25+ years, and he is some kinda sweet to me.  So, too, will you.  Anyway, sticking to my own advice, my old guitar bit the dust, so this week I finally ordered a new 12-string, just so I can play it when I get done with rads, as a reward.

    JANIS, that pic was fabulous.  STORMY, you comforted me with your crying, too, and lunch with your daughter sounds so pleasant.  SEW, I think your "I'm Tired" ought to be on a banner wrapped around the Empire State Building, so all us ladies will KNOW it's okay to be, well, tired of the whole dang thing.  TAM it's good to hear you did the same thing I did, ye olde depression pills helped.  You know, you said cancer gave you strength, and it reminded me of the saying how diamonds are made from extreme pressure, so true.  I'll have to wear my sunglasses on Monday to protect my eyes from your shine when you finish rads.  DIVINE, oh, you appeal to the poet in me, that beautiful song, "The Warrior is a Child."  And as for you, dear one, from all the way back to chemo days in February, I've loved your quiet measured way of talking to all us sisters, it's the same way husband talks to me.

    ALL, just a little update.  I indeed saw my rads doc yesterday, and told her how I was feeling painful, etc., and she did not offer me pain meds.  Oh, I cried and cried.  And here I've been telling everyone else to get those drugs, by golly.  I feel like taking a picture of my ugly scar and fire red skin and telling our local paper to stick it on the front page as a punctuation mark on breast cancer month, and put underneath it, "Would you give this woman some pain pills?"  Hahaha.  Oh, I'll get thru, my cancer doc would give them to me in a heartbeat if it gets worse.
    GG

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  • MostlySew
    MostlySew Member Posts: 1,418
    edited October 2011

    Hi Dogeyed,

      What an absolutely beautiful, heart touching post.  Thank you for posting it.  And, I'm so glad you have ordered yourself a new 12 string guitar.  I played the guitar for years, and finally had stopped, so about 10 years ago I donated my old 12 string to the local Teen Club they'd just opened up in town.  I should go down and see if they're still using it!  What a great gift to yourself.  I've been wondering what I should do to celebrate the end of this thing, and perhaps I'll just join you and order myself one too.  Or, maybe a new sewing maching (except I truly don't need one!)...

        Hugs to you Dogeyed, and I'm sure sorry that rads Doc didn't give you any pain meds.  I believe I'm getting some today from mine, or at least some sort of topical which will help!  I LOVE the idea of posting a picture in the paper with your headline.  It reminds me of when we didn't give any pain meds to our animals after surgery.  What kind of cruel is that?  BE SURE to call your cancer Doc today though...don't want you without any help for the weekend!

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  • katehudson25
    katehudson25 Member Posts: 2,467
    edited October 2011

    Thedivinemrsm the lyrics to The Warrior is a child are amazing. I love it and it cheered me up. Thank you so much.

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  • katehudson25
    katehudson25 Member Posts: 2,467
    edited October 2011

    Ann329,Mamav,Dogeyed and Jenny12000 thank you all so much for your support. It means a lot and I feel much better today.

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  • SAB
    SAB Member Posts: 1,498
    edited October 2011

    Divine I love those lyrics.  

    Kate, you are such a lovely person, it is time to go and have some fun!

    Dogeyed, so you ever wonder if that doctor has ever been in pain?   

    First morning that I didn't have to go to rads right after dropping my DD off to school.  Going for a walk instead. One more step towards normal... 

    Who's finishing next week? 

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  • stephN
    stephN Member Posts: 284
    edited October 2011

    Kate, I'm so sorry that you are feeling down.  Loneliness is tough, especially when you are facing something that other people don't always understand.  Hugging you from here!

    Dogeyed, I'm so sorry you are in pain and don't have meds to help!  I've been living on ibuprofen. 

    SAB, a normal day!  Sounds wonderful!  I won't finish next week.  I have one day the next week.

    Janis, you're right about my surgery.  I don't want to highjack the thread away from radiation talk, but I've been turning this over and over in my mind.  The oncologist says there's some benefit to waiting but the idea of taking a shot in the stomach every three months for the next five years is not that appealing to me.  Anyway.

    Divine, love those lyrics!  Thanks for sharing! 

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  • katehudson25
    katehudson25 Member Posts: 2,467
    edited October 2011

    Sab and Stephn thank you so much for your support.

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