July 2012 Radiation

Rads completed on 8/20/12  (One week post rads)

Isabelle2 - I'm still here. I plan to stick around and watch my BC sisters cross the finish line. I'm waiting for you so that we can have a huge celebration when everyone is done.

TAB55 and Karen - It's nice that you two finish on the same day. I'm watching you from the podium, waiting for you to join those of us who are done.

Madelyn -  I'm glad you popped in to visit us.  I remember when I was in your shoes.  The end seemed so far away.  Please believe me when I say that it goes by quicker than you can imagine.  You are right about this thread, we care for each other and express it often.  I wish you the best as you progress through treatment.

I'm still doing great.  I only see a slight pinkness in my former really red spot.  The rest of my breast is back to normal color.  I have completed 4 full days of school and don't feel any extreme tiredness.  I was concerned about full-time employment vs. my relaxed days of summer vacation.

Isabelle2: Your grandaughter is beautiful and generous.  You must be very proud!

Madelyn: You are more than welcome.  I still follow the Chemo July 2012 group, since I had planned to start chemo then until I was saved by my Oncotype DX score.  I think that group is very supportive and compassionate.  I just wish you all could have escaped chemo too.  I think you'll find radiation to be a cake walk compared to chemo, and there will be lots of encouragement for you too.  {hug} for you.

Tab - Thanks for the checkered flags at my finish line!  It must have been such a blessing to have such a wonderful turnout at the celebration of your brother's life. 

Belinda - you are down to single digits! YAY!

Isabelle - I'm sorry you are so tired.  I know you are frustrated by that.  Be kind to yourself and rest when you need to.  I think you will recover faster once treatment is over if you take it easy now.  It must be hard to have your son and his family so far away.  I have 1 son and 2 daughters, and there is just something special about a son.  Your granddaughter is a very special young lady to cut her hair and donate it.  That is just so sweet. 

Madelyn - We've all been where you are, in the beginning states of treatment, looking into the distant future for the finish line.  I just thought about one treatment at a time.  First the 4 A/C's, then the 12 taxols.  For me the 4 A/C's were the hardest.  Taxol was so much easier. I'm glad you are reading many threads and picking up tips and information.  I learned more on these boards than I did in any doctor's office!

Babette - so glad you are doing so well and that the transition back to work has gone smoothly.  I can see my "tan" fading as well.  I'm surprised how quickly that is happening.  And I also feel good.

Karen - sorry your treatment got cancelled for tomorrow.  I know you have such a tight time line with the wedding.  You are not being a baby, it's hard to have a plan and have it changed.  It seems like I read about someone (on another thread) who took time off between WBR and boosts. (and I had a week off in the middle of WBR) is that something you would consider?  Asking to do the boosts after the wedding?  (or do you just want to get finished?)

Julz - thinking about you and wondering how you are doing.

I've worked all through treatment, working about 30-32 hours per week.  Today I told my supervisor I will be coming back full time next week.  I'm not looking forward to that, but thought the time was right.

Take good care of yourselves...

Kjiberty, I cried when the machine went down, and my rad finish date was postponed. It all takes a toll, especially in your case, when u are getting ready for the wedding. I felt ridiculous to be so upset over it, but I think the hardest part of rads is the emotional part of going in every day, and when that gets interrupted I felt lost. I felt fine once I got back on course.

Apparently I finished my regular rads today and start my boosts tomorrow.  The folks at the center have trouble counting.  The tech told me 6 boosts which would have me only at 31 not 32 (changed from 33) so I will confirm tomorrow, but just not sure why it is so hard to count!  I went back to work after she said that and recounted and sure enough that would give me 31 not 32, so someone is using new math!

My boob is very tanned and warm to the touch.  Underarm is tender, but not really painful, just aware I've had something done.  Hope this is all I get as far as skin issues.  I have been very tired last few days.  I come home from work and plop my butt on the couch and try to stay awake till 9!  Such a party animal! 

Karen - good for you to squeak! I'm so glad it worked out for you to finish on Friday a week before the wedding! YAY!!



I had a follow up with my MO today. He started by going over my labs (everything looks good) then went on talking about a spot that was removed..... And I said I haven't had anything removed.... he had the WRONG CHART!! We can never let our guards down! Karen I'm so proud of you that you advocated for yourself and got your needs met. (don't get me wrong, I did have a LX in December, but he was talking about a spot recently)



Also got my script or tamoxifen and an appointment for a mammo in October...uggghhh!

Karen - that is wonderful news!  We are back on the same schedule!

Congrats for finishing with the rads a whole week before the wedding. So glad for you.

I got to swim with Flipper's son today as my post rads celebration. It was awesome!!!!

Hurray for all that have the finish line in sight. You'll be here on the podium in no time.

Isabelle - Maybe seeing that light at the end of the tunnel is lifting your spirits. :-) You're almost there!

Thanks for the well wishes, ladies.  

Onvacation:  Same exact symptons--again!

Tab55:    on the wedding wishes!  It's going to be an fun and interesting wedding:  they are incorporating both Christian and Jewish traditions into the wedding.  We are sooo excited.  I can't wait.     

Kim, I don't know how to do that, but when I do get them, I will ask for advice.  You are too sweet!

Kijiberty- My one son and his wife incorporated some Jewish traditions into their ceromony as well. People that weren't there or don't know the sentiment behind their choices always say the same thing -  I didn't know she was Jewish. I tell them she's not, but then always ask them if it would matter if she was. A real subject changer. lol

Isabelle - I bet the grandbabies are adorable! Can't wait to see pics.