June 2012 Radiation Rads

Hi Nancy, do you have a link to the Yoga poses that help? I am a couple of rad treatments behind you. Sore and burning and fullness on the affected side, hurts to sleep on that side, and fatigue is setting in...

Thanks,

Iniah 

Denise, I think a better question might be "Did anyone not get emotional as the approached the end of rads.  I know I certainly did and I'm not generally an emotional or moody person.  I've always kind of raised my eyebrows at people who get all "pms" so, yeah, it's been a revelation.

Is it part of the livestrong program Nancy?

Denise-you are so right about the emotional feelings.  My first two weeks were so difficult.  I never had anxiety until all this.  So much to deal with-pain, emotionally and really learning who counts in your life.  Lots of surprises both good and bad. 

I have 3 more treatments and guess what comes to mind is "then what" ??  I will go on to enjoy each day in a way I never did before. I certainly have a new view on life.  I have always been postive but this journey puts so much more in perspective.  I am sooooo excited to be done and so nervous at the same time.  My tears have turned to those of happiness and all I can do is move ahead. No looking back.  Should we start a thread for those of us coming to the end of treatments?  

Thank you all for your support-- Have a Great Day!

Loveforlife - Congrats!!



Over the weekend I felt so weak. On Sunday my doc called with my lab results, my hemoglobin was 7.8, normal is at least 12.5. I needed a blood transfusion. Monday morning I had to cancel my rads, however turned out I didn't need to because I just sat at the hospital (different one) waiting for them to cross match my blood. I went home at the end of the day with still no match, they had to search nationally as I have unique antibodies due to my clotting disorder. Tuesday I got zapped then went to the other hospital for 2 units. I still didn't feel the best and was very nervous I wouldn't be able to have my endometrial ablation because my chest hurt so bad, but they were able to do it yesterday after my rads in the morning, I was a mess pre-op, crying and worried they wouldn't be able to proceed. They ordered more blood so they said I was in the safest place to be, so I relaxed a little. The medical team was excellent, all we're aware to not touch the left arm so all blood draws, IVs and blood pressure done on right side. I got 3 more units of blood and home by 4 pm!! I feel 100% better today! I have color back in my face. I did notice my breast is starting to get bright red. 5 more regular treatments and 8 boosts left. I can't wait for the end of July!!

Neeners - I really was hemorraghing blood during my periods since I was diagnosed with BC in April. I told all my doctors this, told them I was out of breath just climbing the stairs (Big sign of anemia) for months and no one thought to test my blood counts! My biopsy came back negative for uterine cancer, so the ablation should stop the massive periods! I'm just so happy I'm not going through ultra tampons and maxi pads every hour today!!!



How's your boob? :-)

Lagata - I had a uterine ablation in October 2011 - four weeks before being diagnosed - because my periods over the previous few months had gotten so heavy and unbearable.  The doctor said, "Oh, you're probably premenopausal and they get worse then."  He did a uterine biopsy just to be certain, everything looked good so I was happy to have the ablation (haven't had a period since then).  Funny - your story and mine makes me wonder if our periods changed so drastically *because* of our BC?

Thanks. I need to check with our Y and see if they are doing anything similar.

 

Nancy - I did wonder the same thing, asked my MO, no opinion there. Mine also could be due to a new bloodthinner I just began a month before so am trying to get that changed now. I even asked my hematologist about it at the beginning, but he discounted it. My gyno said I may still have lighter periods due to my needing to be on blood thinner. I'm glad yours was a smashing success!!



Neeners - happy that you're hanging in there! Almost done!

Awoke with chest pain, suffered through until my rads were done at 11. Proceeded to the ER and underwent all cardiac tests. Have a slightly damaged heart from my prolonged anemic state. Am admitted, awaiting to see if there is further damage. I should be out tomorrow. I'm so discombobulated, I believe I have 11 more treatments.

Lagata thinking of You & Hoping all the other testing comes back ok! Sending comforting thoughts your way!

Oh no Lagata.  I am so sorry you're going through all of this.  Sending you positive thoughts and prayers and gentle hugs.  

Thank you everyone! Looks like I won't go home until at least Monday. I had an acute cardiac event. The good news is that there are no PEs, echocardiogram, and CT scan came back looking good. My cardiac marker enzymes came back elevated in each of their 3 draws, and my EKGs had changed so they are going to do another test to see if I have a clot in an artery. As I have a blood disorder that can trigger cardiac problems, that's how they're treating me. A round of steroids via IV for 3 days, then they opted for a CT reconstruction scan vs a catherization.



I hope I can go downstairs on Monday morning for my radiation! All the hospital staff is acutely aware of my BC and are very sympathetic. Surprisingly my right arm is holding up well with the IV line, blood draws, and blood pressure readings.



Thank you again my BC sisters! Keep fighting the good fight. I admit I cry a couple times a day. I want to get back to working out, and just cleaning my house. DH has been magnificent though.



Have a great Sunday!

Diana, I am so sorry that you are having to go through all this heart stuff as well as the BC stuff :-(



Regards Jenn