Fall 2013 Rads

LisaSp,

I had 6 rounds of taxotere and cytoxan every 3 weeks. I had a 3 week break between ending chemo and starting rads. Some of the se's did go away. My taste buds came back about 4-5 weeks later, my hair started "sprouting" 3 weeks. The only se that lingered for awhile was the aching bones in my thighs, back and arms. I finish my last rad TODAY!!! The aching bones stopped about 1-2 weeks ago. I can't say that rads has exhausted me. I have been fortunate to stay with my daugher during the week so I am not driving so much. I encourage you to stay "greased up" during rads, drink LOTS of water, and rest when you need to rest. Best of luck to you!!

Thank You Canuck46,

Big celebration tonight with the family! Trying to find a new normal and new boobs!!!

Have a great day!

Hi LisaSp

Glad to know your poster would be recognized with the humor it was meant in your house. Humour helps a lot with cancer - especially where kids are concerned.

And I loved the way you said "all the help our loved ones can manage reasonably."

Hugs

RainyDay - Yes, we live very close. I am having my treatment at Evergreen - had number 3/26 today. Which hospital are you at? I also have a left sided cancer and am holding my breath during the treatments to move my heart away from the treatment field. It's been going well so far - the breath holds aren't as long as I had originally been told so it's very doable! You can do it!!!

MsP - Thanks for the overview of what to expect. It's nice to have a general idea of when to expect the discomfort and redness to begin.

Cakes and VWbordelen - Congrats on being done!

Imamom - Thanks for the information! Since we're having the same fields done, I'll probably follow your progress as to what I should expect. It looks like you're a couple of weeks ahead of me. I hope things continue to go smoothly for you!

you guys make me smile! Congrats to all those who are finished, a welcome to those beginning - and a special hug to those that have to do chemo AND rads!

Just did day 11 - getting darker under my arm but only a light pinkness everywhere else. What I see changing really is the soreness!

I am doing left breast but I got lucky and they were able to radiate mine without holding my breath and still avoid the heart and esophagus. My tumor was at 5 o'clock near the chest wall. I have completed 6/25 and so far no pink. I saw my PS yesterday and he likes the looks so far. I did chemo then my BMX and now rads.

Someone asked about hair regrowth; finished chemo June 23rd and My hair is about 3/4 inch long and very thick. My hair was light brown and grey before chemo but it is growing in a very dark brown and grey.

I am praying for good tissue response so I can have my DIEP early next year instead of 9 months out.

I hope everyone else has good responses with little to no SE's we deserve a break.

A young man got to ring the bell this morning. He must have had 10 family members with him in the waiting room. So much fun to watch that family celebrate the end of his rads with him. I just love family affairs.

Hi there sisters. 4 down 26 to go. Wow sounds a lot but I guess tom will mark a week out 6 I hope it breezes by and I dont get worst. Basically its fatigue that hits me adter radiation so im conked out by 9 or so. My vitamins really help. Thanks to my cousin that recommended it to me. Advantage of sleeping early is atleast Im able to be up by 6 and go to the gym MsPharaoh! I keep thinking of what u tell me about d lifting of d weights n exercising that beats d fatigue and so far it helps alot along with the vitamins that Im taking.

IMAMOM thank God I live in a country where labor is cheap. Well not as expensive as the US atleast. Since my husband cant leave our business and and has to cover for me he found me someone who drives me for these 6 weeks atleast. I have my sister and sister in law and really they did come with me the first two days but I felt like such a burden Ive always been so independent so I told them that till d fatigues not too bad Id like to go on my own. My sister has small kids and works as well. But I take my inspirational books and it helps pass my time. The doctor and d radiation technician were so kind that they switched me to a new timing so Im first up and I get to beat the traffic of d city too.

SophiaMarie see I told u! And you were stressing and getting yourself worked up. Im sure our family n friends will surely understand us and be extra sympathetic too.

Canuck46 thank you I believe that if there were no problems or struggles in life then there is no life. I just tell my friends n family that God loves me too much and he just goes on throwing different tests my way as a challenge and do you know what I tell him? I shall pass this test also and climb that one step closer to you.

My friends always tell me I should write a book or a soap opera on my life because its never quiet always something happening. But its ok God loves me toooooo much and if he has given me this sickness this problem then he will help me win this over too. So when Im on d rad table I just close my eyes and speak to him and have a conversation with him and before I know it, its over:))

Dont give up hope ladies he will guide and help all of us thru this! Lots of loves to all of you.

Vwbordelon...woo hoo! Congratulations on fulfilling your radiant duties! I hope you have a wonderful dinner with your family. Will you miss the "pajama parties" with your daughter? Being with her was comforting, I'm sure.

Lav....you are awesome. Love your attitude and insight.

Cider8 so nice that you were able to be with your family for the weekend. It makes a big difference.

I don't have children at home and so I am not experiencing problems with getting the help I need. My husband is a true hero. But many times I think the adults who report to me at work are the biggest babies. I have several employees who are so argumentative and helpless. Ever since I told them that my medication could make me SNAP at any time, they have been so cooperative. So if you can't reason with people, scare the bejeezus out of them!

A sweatshirt that says DON'T MESS WITH ME might be all it takes. Had 31/34 today. Soon I will be fully radiant. Love and hugs.

MsP

rrefresca - so sorry you are suffering. Can't your RO do better than just pain meds? If your body is telling you to rest, listen to it. Remember to eat protein and drink LOTS of water. Please take care.

Kirklandgal..I am going to the Providence hospital cancer partnership in Everett. My approval for the breathing part is supposed to be appoved by tomorrow morning.Looks like I will start next week. Thanks for the info on the breathing. We can do this!! Please let me know how you are progressing. Take care!

O Heck Itiswhatitis - you have been through so much.

Hang in there. One day at a time. Sorry to hear about your Mom. Your attitude is amazing and very beautiful. I am not religious but I can't find another way to describe it except to say that your kindness blesses your Mom and it blesses you.

What a lot to be dealing with all at once.

Try to get some quality rest time for yourself if possible.

Sending hugs.

Rrefresca. Oh my goodness! I am so happy your doctor is acknowledging your pain and making adjustments. You are having a bad time. I hope that you are able to find the balance between pain relief and zombie avoidance. I am definitely becoming more fatigued but I'm still doing ok. Your radiance will still shine through the bed covers, so rest and care for yourself.

Itiswhatitis. You ARE gonna make it, Hun! I am sorry to hear about your mom. I know exactly what you mean about your feelings for your mom. (((((hugs))))))

MsP

Imamom - try to reschedule things a bit so you get some help post rads as well - Let people know in advance you will need to take it easy for at least three weeks. That way they will think you are a Rock Star if you recover quicker. :-)

Also - re the spa for your birthday - Enjoy enjoy enjoy. I hope you allow yourself to take a break from thinking about anything cancer related. Including us. You have a "get out of jail free" card for 2 days.

Lorrie,

So sorry about your mom - and I totally understand your feelings of loving but not liking. Had a similar relationship with my mom and sat with her during her last hours. You'll be glad you did....but boy is it tough! My thoughts are with you.....

Annie

Wow ladies what can I say everyone is moving along with so many hurdles.

Lorrie hang in there with your mom. My mom is in a nursing home with later stages of Alzheimer's and no longer recognizes me. When we were diagnosed (yes both of us the same day) I had to make the decision to put her in nursing care while I did the treatments. We are only treating her with an AI because she couldn't handle any treatments mentally. she still could talk and yell at me but had maybe 5 minute memory. We had a different relationship she lived with me the last 7 years and I took care of her. I am so glad you get to let her know you care. I have to just hope mom somehow knows I still love her even though I get no reaction from her. She doesn't talk anymore and doesn't even answer to her name. I thought cancer was bad but I definitely do not want Alzheimer's.

Lisa I am so sorry to hear about more delays in beginning chemo. I do agree with waiting though, each nick I got took 2 to 3 times longer to heal while I was on chemo. My prayers are with you. Delays are discouraging but sometimes necessary. I got lucky with my infection the PS was able to open me back up on day 10 after surgery and scrape out the infection put in new drains and I was able to have the drains removed 7 days later.

Imamamom I am getting 25 treatments and no boosts. Happy birthday and enjoy the spa and your husband.

To everyone else my thoughts are with you as you move along to the finish line.

Today is #8.