2012 sisters

Miranda,

No weight loss here with tamoxifen and no appeitite change .... hot flashes are wicked.

Rads -- I used Glaxol Base cream -- slather it on day and night ... avoid 2 hours before treatment.  Also used cornstarch in a stocking for a powder puff for under breast to keep dry.  I did have a bit of skin breakdown but nothing too serious -- polysporin was advised by my RO. 

No but I will ask my PCP when I have my next appointment. 

Mirandasw-coming from one 35 yo t another, I think there are a multitude of factors. 1. The tamox I believe does affect your hormones( I am not on that but on femara). 2. Maybe trying too hard to reach the big "O". I know this because of my femara, just because your hubby is ready for the big climax and you are wanting to as well so that he doesn't think you aren't into it. I still have issues with reaching the big "O", too much on my mind, maybe in the wrong position, implant insecurities. So the stress is always there. If you have kids maybe not wanting to wake them up. My hubby and I make it a point to get out of the house without kids once every three months. Dinner, movie, and a hotel room make all the noise you want. Don't be too hard on yourself I think most of us all have the same issues. Good luck with the "O".

Miranda, I was going to say the same thing ... It works against the tamoxifen.

Well, damn it!!! (about the black cohosh).  It helps, so of course its contraindicated. Not supposed to start Tamoxifen till the end of the month. I really dont even want to take it. Dont know what the point is. I have no more breast tissue. I have heard it can cause other cancers later. Not sure POSSIBE benefits are worth all the risks and side effects.

Hubs does not pressure me. I want to want to do it. So we do sometimes. We are really good at sex stuff and ALWAYS have a lot of foreplay. Lubing hasnt been too much of an issue, but we have stuff for that anyway. I can enjoy things and get just on the brink of the "O" but then it just doesnt actually happen. Hubs will wait for me but eventually I just tell him to go ahead since it is appearant I wont actually 'O". Its very frustrating for me.
A lot of things are. Since I just finished my 6 rounds of Cytoxin and taxol, my muscles are achy all the time. I have gained 25 pounds. My pants are too tight. I cant exercise like I used to as my muscles have become weaker and sore and fatigue is here. Food still doesnt taste right. Cant "O". WTF.

Sorry. Didnt mean to complain.

For those going thru the Tamoxifen hot flashes... I've been on Tamo since the end of November and have noticed that the flashes have dwindled down to almost non-existient by now.  I had wicked bad joint pains as well, but rode them out with tylenol and they passed after a month or less.  
Miranda... even tho you don't have any breast tissue left, the tamoxifen will help prevent it from showing up elsewhere... bones, brain, lungs, liver... news that no one wants to get.  From the way it was explained to me the cancer cells will float around in your body trying to find someplace to make a new home.  The tamoxifen will starve them of their favorite food of hormones.

Miranda and everyone else, there are a couple great sites to check before using herbs, supplements, and extracts, etc. In no particular order:

U of Maryland alt med data, click on "Herb" or "Supplements" - http://www.umm.edu/altmed/

Sloan-Kettering's Cancer Center - http://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/about-herbs-botanicals-other-products

Miranda:  Slight burn toward the very end.  Start prepping your skin NOW!  They gave me Miaderm.  Ask what they recommend.  I bought it, and then they gave it to me.  Great stuff. Also, aquafor mixed with olive oil.  Have Fruit of the Earth Aloe (can be purchased at Wal-Mart) on hand.  Prep, prep, prep, and keep lubricating.

Was looking for quotes at the end of the day for some positive inspiration... Found something that made me think of all of you - the home we've created and the family we've built on this site:

"Hope is like a road in the country. There never was a road; but, when many people walk together, the road comes into existence." ~ From the National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc.

Mmm,congrats to you, Miranda. It's a good milestone to reach.I did not have radiation (the one benefit of a BMX) but I bet others can chime in with ideas.

mlinthicum....oh please don't be afraid of radiation treatments...the worst part is the daily trek there and the time it takes to set you up. I'm not sure as to what SE you are referring to.....most of us end up with no SE and some of us, like myself went through a bad week after finishing .....saline solutions and cortisone took care of that. My suggestion is that you sit down with your RO and express your fears and take it from there.....Good luck with your decision.

Mlinthicum, I have had 25 of 33 treatments. You can find some horror stories on these boards about skin problems from rads, but for most of us this really is just like a sunburn. The fatigue can be a problem, and I' m really struggling with it. But a nurse told me it is usually easier for people who have not had chemo. The rads will probably just be a little blip in your life. Have the radiation. You had a lumpectomy, and it will lower your chances of recurrence.

Scottiee1, What do you mean about saline solutions and cortisone?

Did you wear a bra at work or was that too irritating?

Mlinthicum, you should be able to wear a bra, and you can wear a t-shirt under it if that helps. But check with your doc or a nurse at your radiation office and see what they say.