Any April/May 2012 rad girls out there?

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  • Kelloggs
    Kelloggs Member Posts: 965
    edited June 2012

    Congratulations Linnyhopp!  I can't wait to join you...#25 today, then only 3 more before my 7 boosts. 

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  • ashla
    ashla Member Posts: 1,581
    edited June 2012

    Hi kelloggs....



    I'm just a wee bit ahead of you with rads...had my 30th today. Doing 27 and 7 boosts.

    I've hated every minute of rads but so far the boosts have been a breeze compred o the regular treatments.

    I followed Omaz advice and so far my skin is intact altough cooked to medium rare.



    Hope you're still on the upswing with your incredibly good news. For some strange reason for me at least, the joy of good news never last as the sadness and fear of bad news does!



    7 more Herceptin to go.



    When do you start your oral meds?

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  • ashla
    ashla Member Posts: 1,581
    edited June 2012

    Kelloggs..



    Just noticed you've already started tamoiphen.

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  • Kelloggs
    Kelloggs Member Posts: 965
    edited June 2012

    Ashla - yes, I started Tamoxifen the same day I started rads.  I am soooooo over all of this too, can't wait for rads to be over.  The treatments are not that bad and my skin is holding up pretty well but the fatigue is bad.  I don't think I fully recovered from chemo fatigue before I started this.  On top of that I don't sleep anymore thanks to hot flashes all night.  It's been one hell of a year and I am ready for a break!

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  • LovesDogs
    LovesDogs Member Posts: 95
    edited June 2012

    linnyhopp -

    Congratulations on finishing - isn't it a wonderful feeling?  Do something fun to celebrate.

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  • ashla
    ashla Member Posts: 1,581
    edited June 2012

    You younger ladies have so many more changes to deal with than I have. I tell my docs that I failed menopause so I had to go back and do it again...with a vengeance.

    I had my sleep changes , hot flashes and night sweats etc years ago so although it is worse with chemo, I knew what to expect .



    I thought I might avoid rads fatigue but it hit me last week like a ton of bricks suddenly.

    We'll be hitting the one year mark within days of each other!

    Rads are our friend!

    Xoxo

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  • Kelloggs
    Kelloggs Member Posts: 965
    edited June 2012
    wow - I never thought of myself as a "younger" one but I have been called that several times since BC....guess that's the only perk. 
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  • Cindyl
    Cindyl Member Posts: 1,194
    edited June 2012

    Yeah Kelloggs, kind of makes a nice change from the eye dr saying stuff about "at your age" you need to expect bifocals...

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  • Andimom03
    Andimom03 Member Posts: 162
    edited June 2012

    Hello all.  Sorry I have been so inconsistent with checking in. This certainly takes over your life! My last rads tx is TOMORROW!  I thought I would be done on Monday with a 30th treatment, but they told me this past Monday that I was only having 28 total.  Wow!  I didn't know that and am so thankful to be almost done. When you see the end in sight, it almost seems harder. Yes, I cried! The nurse said, "These are good tears, right? Some women have a tough time ending things."  I said, "ABSOLUTELY! Let the healing begin!" I know it's not all over yet - skin has to heal, start 5 years of Tamoxifen, plenty of doc visits and reconstruction ahead, but I will be glad for a summer free of treatments. Hang in there, all of you still looking ahead. And congrats to you, Linnyhopp! 

    Listen for the bell ringing tomorrow, around 10:15...hubby is coming to meet me there and a freind is driving me so she can be there too. SO tired right now, skin is peeling and so itchy in 3-4 spot (under breast, under arm, shoulder blade and upper chest), but it will begin to heal soon.  Have you all been told the skin reaction can peak AFTER treatment is done, by 1-2 weeks?  And the fatigue lingers?  But at least no more daily treks...

    Andi 

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  • linnyhopp
    linnyhopp Member Posts: 567
    edited June 2012

    Thanks, again, to all for the kind words.  I actually couldn't believe I could go straight to work today.  It felt good not to have to get dressed twice this morning!  My husband bought me flowers for "graduation" yesterday and I also got some nice treats from my friends.  So thoughtful of everyone.  I got my certificate of completion from the techs and lots of hugs.  My RO even called me personally to thank me for the treat I brought for the department.  My niece does "custom" cupcakes and they all had thank you designs on them.  I am glad they were enjoyed by the crew at the rads department.  It isn't an easy process for us, but they truly did their best to make me feel I could make it through.  Hope you all have/had that same type of experience.

     Andimom ~ You can bet I will be thinking of you tomorrow morning at 7:15 (PST) when your bell rings.  So happy for you!

    I have to start Arimidex next week.  Yes, I am one of the "old" ones...besides I went through menopause at 42! Kind of nervous about starting the new drug, but trying to keep in my mind it's just another part of the journey to being healthy.  Take care and hugs, again, to everyone!   Linda

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  • Califgirl12
    Califgirl12 Member Posts: 92
    edited June 2012

    I walked out my front door today and a beautiful humming bird flew up to me and twittered around for a good long time. He kept on turning side to side and looked at me with his big black eyes. I took it as a wonderful blessing that today is going to be a fabulous day and I will always cherish the wonderful gift of life that the creator has given me.



    I am done -done- done!!!! Gonna go celebrate tomorrow at Disneyland with my family ( we have annual passes.). I want to have a Monte Cristo Sandwich in New Orleans Square.



    I meet with the MO for Tamoxifen in about 2 weeks. Gonna work on getting regular Excercise and improving my diet. All of that went to the wayside while battling the fatigue and getting my skin beat up during RADS.



    Thank you ladies for your invaluable support and advice! I wish you all good blessings in your journey.



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  • ashla
    ashla Member Posts: 1,581
    edited June 2012

    To Califgirl and all the others who have finished rads.......way to go brave ladies.





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  • linnyhopp
    linnyhopp Member Posts: 567
    edited June 2012
    Califgirl ~ Congrats!  Wish I could drive up from Escondido to join you at Disneyland.  Have a blast and enjoy that Monte Cristo sandwich...yum!
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  • mamglam
    mamglam Member Posts: 178
    edited June 2012

    Congrats Califgirl!  A celebration to Disneyland sounds fun! 

    Good luck Andimom03 for tomorrow!

    I hope all of you are doing well and are recovering well from your treatments.  I have been finished for 5 weeks now and am still dealing with some issues.  Last weekend, I woke up and found that under my arm (not the armpit) more towards the breast, with swelling and painful to put my arm down.  I decided to wait to see the RO then because I did have an appt. scheduled for today.  The RO examined the area and said that it looks like an infection and put me on antibiotics.  She will reassess next week and may ultrasound the area if the swelling and pain continues. I have had a rough time post radiation!!

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  • Joanne_53
    Joanne_53 Member Posts: 1,477
    edited June 2012

    mamglam - so sorry you are dealing with so much .... hope things get better ...

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  • Cindyl
    Cindyl Member Posts: 1,194
    edited June 2012

    Done for two weeks.  Skin is healing really well, still red but not bad.  Still tired but...

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  • luvmygoats
    luvmygoats Member Posts: 2,942
    edited June 2012

    Andimom - Yes, I was told breakdown and fatigue would peak about (and emphasis on about) 2 weeks after ending rads.  Fatigue has improved but then maybe not getting up at 5:30 am has something to do with that.  WINK!  I finished boluses 2 weeks ago today.  Think underarm might still peel a little.  Little individual blisters (brownish) peeled under breast but skin was not terribly tender under there after peeling.  It was time for that dead skin to go.  I never put a washcloth on to wash only used my hand good and soapy.  Still peeling a little but mostly toward edges where not burnt.

    Had 1st visit back with MO today.  Interesting.  He bounces back/forth between Armidex and Femara.  Last pt got Arimidex, I got Femara.  I'm maybe a little happier about that.  Course generic.  Looked up price on my pharmacy insurance index.  I think it was 3 month supply brand name Arimidex was something like $1300.  Can't find it now on there course now I have my script in hand.  Had my bone density which shows osteopenia.  He was concerned but gyn. dr. saw it too and said it was unchanged from last years.  MO wanted me to to start Fosamax and I politely declined.  Suggested Prolia which I bet is very expensive even with insurance.  Go back in 3 months for recheck and labs.  Maybe I'll have made a decision by then.  In meantime Oscal here I come with a vengance (not been too faithful about taking it).   Only mentioned hot flashes, some (very little emphasis on this) joint pain,  bone density changes and effect on liver function tests.  And he KNOWS I'm a nurse.  Also seems now it's not just for 5 years but didn't really give a stop date.  Wait and see.

    Anyone else been offered Prolia for bone density?

    'Nother question - When you have repeat mammogram, do they do both sides or just BC side?  Sure would feel better seeing how quick this developed if they would do both.

    SO glad to be done b4 heat has set in and it has been HOT here in Texas already.  Big storms and lots of rain today.  In MO's office for almost 1 3/4 hours for a 10 minute visit.  No more late afternoon appts for this girl, no sirree! 

    Super congratulations to all who have finished.

    Andimom - enjoy your bell ringing.  My rad office has one, too.  Gathered a small group around me but it was early about 8 am.  I didn't have anyone there just me by my lonesome.  Then went on to work.

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  • Andimom03
    Andimom03 Member Posts: 162
    edited June 2012

    luvmygoats, I would have cheered for you and given you a gentle hug.  Sorry you were alone.  Cheering for you from PA!

    As far as fatigue...I've been tired since November...  :)

    Andi 

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  • MOT
    MOT Member Posts: 130
    edited June 2012

    congrats to linnyhop, califgirl, wiskris and andimom and anyone else I missed -- YOU ARE DONE or ALMOST DONE !

    I finished my 25 + 5 today -- was out of the facility by 8:15am with my graduation present -- a purple logo mug filled with candy -- unfortunately back to work.... my underarm took it the hardest and will probably peel, the rest is just red and sore. Getting sharp stabbing pains along with dull aching at times in the BC breast but luckily my skin is holding up. Will see my MO next week and I'm supposed to start Arimidex -- but what is Femara? I'll have to look it up. I don't really like the side effects, esp heart attack on Arimidex. Plus I also have osteoporosis at one joint and osteopenia at another according to recent DEXA.

    So happy to be finished and to get on with my life! Best wishes to everyone -- Smile

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  • Sandyland
    Sandyland Member Posts: 262
    edited June 2012

    Yay for everyone who is finishing up!  Andimom, Linny and whoever else wants to join us...we'd love to have you over on our Tamoxifen thread "Staring at my Tamoxifen Rx" under the Hormone Therapy forum.  We talk about all kinds of stuff, not just Tamox :)

    SAN

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  • Andimom03
    Andimom03 Member Posts: 162
    edited June 2012

    That sounds great, Sandyland.  I start Tamoxifen next week...onto the next phase!  I know I have a couple of weeks where things will potentially worsen, but at least the constant visits will be done today. No more adding insult to injury.  :)  Listen for the bell!

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  • Kelloggs
    Kelloggs Member Posts: 965
    edited June 2012

    Congratulations to all who have finished!!!!  Time to celebrate and enjoy the summer!

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited June 2012

    Hello eveyone, Sorry I have been MIA. My last treatment was May 18th. I am healed and back to hot tubbing with my DH. I will say that the first week after treatment ended was the worst, peeling, sore, painful. Now I am dealing with some swelling, which I am doing my lymph massage to alleviate. I wear a swell spot at night, which is helping a lot. Tomorrow morning I am leaving for my Casting for Recovery fishing trip and am very excited. If you have never heard of this program here is the link..

    http://castingforrecovery.org/

     I have a follow-up with both of my oncologist's next month, which I hope is uneventful. Now I am working on getting the energy back and losing the weight I gained over the past 9 months.

    Congrats to all that have recenlty finished and to those about to. To those still on the table, hang tough it WILL get better I promise.. LOTION LOTION and drink your water!!

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  • RuthieG
    RuthieG Member Posts: 34
    edited June 2012

    Today's the day... last treatment at 3 pm CDT!

     I just went and picked up an assortment of "bundtinis" - little mini bundt cakes from this place by me that makes them - for the staff.  They have been wonderful.

     I started boosts on 5/30, and my fatigue and skin have both improved so much in the last week and a half!  Except for a peeling nipple (the boost is right there) I'm feeling pretty good!

    Headed to Disneyworld in an RV for family vacation next week... the timing worked out after all.  I'm feeling very blessed and giddy today!

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  • mamglam
    mamglam Member Posts: 178
    edited June 2012

    Congrats to all who have now finished rads and moving on to healing physically and mentally.  Good nutrition, exercise and overall good attitude is in the books for me!!  Wishing you all well.

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  • Andimom03
    Andimom03 Member Posts: 162
    edited June 2012

    So tired but so thankful today was my last. My husband came (he was at my first tx and my last) with pink roses. My sister was there and one of my best friends drove me.  Little did I know that she had planned to take me out for lunch afterward!  We got in the car to head home and she suggested a celebratory cup of coffee!  Told me to sit back and let her drive. We ended up at a little cafe where 2 other friends were waiting for me with more roses, a gift and balloons! I cried! It was a lovely way to celebrate. Of course, I am more red tonight than ever and that will continue for a while, but that's okay. Some people seem to think that I'm done now...that I'll be all better really quick. I know I'll improve but I also know it will be slow!

    God bless all of you still in the midst. You are not alone. Have been so thankful for all of your kind words, encouragement and wisdom. I love reading some of the back and forths. Could you IMAGINE what it would be like if we all gathered in person! WOW!

    Andi 

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  • Joanne_53
    Joanne_53 Member Posts: 1,477
    edited June 2012

    Andi, what a party -- how wonderful you had such a celebration --

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  • Califgirl12
    Califgirl12 Member Posts: 92
    edited June 2012

    Hi Luvmygoats

    I went all by my lonesome too to my last appt. I didn't want to bring anyone because I thought I might have a melt down. I hate crying in public. Turns out I was on delayed reaction. I broke down in my car today in the Trader Joes parking lot. It was very cleansing. I think I was just so relieved to finally be done and moving on.



    Congrats to all who crossed the finish line.

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  • Joanne_53
    Joanne_53 Member Posts: 1,477
    edited June 2012

    Califgirl --- you are entitled -- relieved to finally be done and moving on -- exactly - long journey ....

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  • Andimom03
    Andimom03 Member Posts: 162
    edited June 2012

    Califgirl, I did the same thing once I was home. Still feel choked up at times already this morning. Good tears, not fearful. Cleansing, relieving. Enjoy the beautiful day...at least it is here!

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