Winter 2013-2014 Rads

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  • lindacam
    lindacam Member Posts: 161
    edited December 2013

    I will start Tamoxifen on Jan 2nd.  I dont like to drive, it makes me sleepy :(.  DMX end Jan.

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  • SallyS70
    SallyS70 Member Posts: 947
    edited December 2013

    linda, 4 hours round trip had to be very tiring.  Congrats on being finished.  I hope you will get some rest.

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  • MinusTwo
    MinusTwo Member Posts: 16,634
    edited December 2013

    Lindacam - wow, 4 hours?  I think I would have moved for 6 weeks.  Congrats on finishing.  Did I understand you're having mastectomy next - after rads?  I haven't heard of that before.

    MO & I agreed today to cancel last A/C chemo this week.  I get 4 weeks off, except for lots of scans & tests, and then I should get the OK to start rads.  And start the Herceptin back up again.  So now I have a timeline to follow all of you - early February.

    Thanks to everyone for your posts.  It really helps to know what's coming.

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  • lindacam
    lindacam Member Posts: 161
    edited December 2013

    yes minustwo the drive was not fun but moving there not an option..I still have kids at home and Christmas and running a business.

    My tumor was multifocal, growing fast and 2 lymphnodes involved.  So we did everything before MX.  A different way to do things as they wanted chemo right away.  I had not heard of it before either.

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  • MinusTwo
    MinusTwo Member Posts: 16,634
    edited December 2013

    Lindacam - You are one brave lady !!  Be sure to let us know the date when you get closer to surgery so we can hold you in our thoughts.

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  • lindacam
    lindacam Member Posts: 161
    edited December 2013

    Thanks minustwo.  Should be in 4 weeks and we are using Alloderm with immediate reconstruction.  I live on Vancouver Island, British Columbia.  Where are you from?

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  • MinusTwo
    MinusTwo Member Posts: 16,634
    edited December 2013

    Lindacam - I love Vancouver Island.  I was raised in No. California and we went up the coast more than once.  Now I'm in Houston, TX.  It's warmer but I miss the Pacific Ocean.   We all get so wrapped up in our treatments.  Please remind us a couple of days before your surgery!!

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  • lindacam
    lindacam Member Posts: 161
    edited December 2013

    I will.  I grew up on the island and love it.

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  • lindacam
    lindacam Member Posts: 161
    edited December 2013

    Forgot to mention that both of my tumors and lymphnodes are gone to feel them.  We are not doing scans as the DMX is coming up.  It was so good to feel them disappear.

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  • candi07
    candi07 Member Posts: 188
    edited December 2013

    Lindacam congratulations!

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  • Cari3047
    Cari3047 Member Posts: 25
    edited December 2013

    Congrats Lindacam! I am also scheduled to start Tamoxifen when I finish rads.  Please keep me posted on how you feel on it.  I'm scared about the SE's I've been reading....  Still not sure if I want to take it or not.

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  • hobbesla4
    hobbesla4 Member Posts: 72
    edited December 2013

    Lindacam,

    So excited for you that rads is over.  Will keep you in my prayers as you prepare for upcoming surgery.  Best of luck with everything.

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  • SallyS70
    SallyS70 Member Posts: 947
    edited December 2013

    Hi all ... hope everyone has a nice day and a fun, safe New Year's Eve.

    Does anyone know if Aquafor stains cotton clothing?

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  • Holeinone
    Holeinone Member Posts: 2,478
    edited December 2013

    Sallys70, I have no idea, I am using DermaPlex with Hyaluronic acid gel...

    Only 6 zaps down...skin is tight, or my armpit incision is tight, sore....a lady that goes in right after me, today is # 32 for her, she showed me her skin....Yikes ! Looked painful...like the time I fried myself at the beach, age 16...

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  • Moving-Forward
    Moving-Forward Member Posts: 11
    edited December 2013

    Hi all: 16 out of 31 treatments as of today. First half done! 

    Aside from continued darkening of my skin (see my previous post) which now includes my entire breast, it's been smooth sailing so far. I am still using Miaderm which I recommend (see my previous post).

    My 7 year old son came with me today to hang with the techs and see where I go for treatment. They let him announce on the intercom each time I had to hold my breath. When we were done he told me "You did great mom". Warmed my heart!

    Wishing everyone a Happy and Healthier New Year as we continue on our journeys. We can do this!!!

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited December 2013

    Wow, so much activity since I've been away.

    lindacam, Congratulations on being done with rads! Wish I was done - I haven't even started. What a great accomplishment.

    Just checking in after being gone for awhile. I think about you ladies everyday and I hope to be able to contribute more once I start my radiation.

    Happy New Years Eve!! For anyone going out tonight, please drive carefully. Here's to a great 2014 free from side effects.  :)

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  • LanaM
    LanaM Member Posts: 142
    edited January 2014

    Happy New Years Eve all! Congrats Lindacam you are now officially a radiant lady! I had 11/33 today and tonight I'm having some discomfort on my radiated chest. It's hard to describe - it feels heavy which is weird because I had MX with no reconstruction so there's really nothing there (except my dog ear or dog flap as I call it). Everyone have a great night and if you go out to celebrate drive safe!

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  • Cari3047
    Cari3047 Member Posts: 25
    edited January 2014

    es, Aquafor stains cotton. I seems just like really expensive Vaseline to me! But I guess it seems to be working so far.

    Today was my 9 of 18 so I'm half there! Skin red and bumpy.

    I saw this on Facebook and thought it was interesting about how everyone has cancer cells in their body, We are just the unlucky ones who's immune systems were too weak to fight it. http://premaseem.wordpress.com/2012/12/19/how-to-...

    Hang in there Holeinone,  I didn't have chemo, so don't know how bad it is, but hear it's miserable and rads are suppose to be nothing in comparison, so hopefully your worst is over. I couldn't find anything definitive about how fast tumors grow, but I guess it really doesn't matter.  It did and dealing with it!

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  • SallyS70
    SallyS70 Member Posts: 947
    edited January 2014

    Cari ... Thanks for letting me know that Aquafor stains cotton.  I will wear clothes that I can part with when rads are over.

    Happy New Year everyone.

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  • lindacam
    lindacam Member Posts: 161
    edited January 2014

    Happy New Year all.  I am a radiant lady!

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  • TeamKim
    TeamKim Member Posts: 568
    edited January 2014

    Happy New year, Radiant ones!   

    Moving, you gave me such a smile with the story about your son on the intercom -- so precious!  My DS is home from college -- he has been such a great supporter throughout, and even bought himself a baseball/breast cancer "win the battle" shirt that he wore to class on each of my infusion days during chemo.  Means so much to have the support of the ones we brought into this world.

    Cari, sorry you are red and bumpy -- hang in there -- halfway through!!  

    Lana -- 1/3 of the way through.... Keep plugging away!  

    Holeinone -- Keep going, and don't get scared off by someone else's SEs.  Remember we all react differently, and rely on your team to help you through it.

    Sally -- good question about the Aquafor.  I am thinking that all the clothes I wore from surgery recovery, through chemo bad days, through rads will probably not be among my favorites after I get out of this rabbit hole!  This gives me another good reason to pick up some cheap stuff to wear.

    Went shopping yesterday, and I got some inexpensive cotton tank tops at Old Navy -- stocked up for the free boobing days ahead, lol!

    Be safe tonight, and here's to a healthier, happier 2014!!

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  • wyo
    wyo Member Posts: 541
    edited January 2014

    HI to all and looking forward to 2014.  I don't remember who asked about Tamoxifen- there is a whole huge thread on here somewhere discussing it as well.  I have been on it for a month now so feel that is adequate time to comment on start-up.  I was also worried about side effects so will just lay out my experience

    I am not more hungry- if anything less hungry and sometimes nauseous so take it before bed

    I am not constipated- no changes

    No muscle aches, no cramping, no hair loss/thinning- though it is early days. 

    Here is the kicker- I would love to say No period but alas my period came right on schedule and really was no lighter or shorter than without tamoxifen- I am 52 and still have regular periods that I would be very happy to say goodbye toThumbsDown

    My oncologist told me before starting that about half her patients have side-effects and the other half take it like its a vitamin with nothing noteworthy. 

    For what its worth

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  • Moving-Forward
    Moving-Forward Member Posts: 11
    edited January 2014

    Wyo - Thank you so much for your post on Tamoxifen. It was comforting to read about your experience so far on the med. I will be starting Tamoxifen in February and I am scared to death about it. I know it's importance, and I know everyone is different in terms of their reactions/side effects to the med, but from reading the posts on the discussion board "Bottle 'o Tamoxifen" I am extremely nervous.  Please continue to keep us posted. 

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  • Cari3047
    Cari3047 Member Posts: 25
    edited January 2014

    Yes, Wyo, thanks for posting about Tamoxifen.  I am scheduled to start it February also, Moving-Forward and am so scared of all the negative things I'm reading!  Will definitely check out Bottle 'o Tamoxfen.

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  • desalonde
    desalonde Member Posts: 41
    edited January 2014

    Hi, I am due to start RADS next week and I am petrified by reading all the potential side effects which will affect quality of life if they occur. Lots occur 5-10 yrs out so wonder if there is any close follow up and awareness in medical community. I have found thus far that my medical providers greatly minimize potential problems from treatment itself ( lumpectomy, sentinel node dissection) and even express surprise and are not good source for solutions proactively nor when these have occurred. This has increased my mistrust and fear. I really need others who are going or have gone through similar so we can help each other with solutions and support.

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  • smrlvr
    smrlvr Member Posts: 422
    edited January 2014

    Cari, thanks for,the link to,the article about nutrition and the immune system.   Very interesting.  If you read the book, Anticanceer, it has the same info in more detail.  Good way for,planning after going through all this.

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  • 70charger
    70charger Member Posts: 963
    edited January 2014

    Only 2 rads left!  I will be done active treatment on Friday!  Follow up with NP on 16th.  Have apt with nurse for post rad skin care. They do not allow any creams. lotions etc during rads. Hope I see her Thur or Fri, not sure when yet.  Met with RO he is making follow up visit 3-4 months from now, then file is sent back to GP. There is a light at the end of this dark tunnel. Been taking Tam for 3 weeks now, no se's. Lingering se's from Chemo are getting better.  It is a slow progression. But it IS better.

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  • Cari3047
    Cari3047 Member Posts: 25
    edited January 2014

    Desalonde, like you I was petrified of rads long term effects and fought it kicking and screaming.  It wasn't until my RO told me I had a 80% reoccurrence rate without them that I gave in and even then was angry, scared and down right mean to the poor rad techs because I didn't want to be there.  Only now after my 9th treatment am I calming down a little.  It's normal for us to feel this way.

    smrlvr, I have had it pointed out to me on FB that the John Hopkins part of that isn't true, but the rest of it I have read in several other places.  I haven't read the book you mention by have the Gerson book.  I'm juicing 2-3 times a day and drinking pea protein shakes and eating organic salads and nuts and seeds every day.  That a long with exercise is keeping me sane and feeling better.  The days that I eat regular, I feel like crap.  Trying to stay gluten free, dairy free and sugar free.

    Congrats 70charger for being almost done! Good to know you're not having SE's from Tamoxifen!  Gives me hope!

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  • desalonde
    desalonde Member Posts: 41
    edited January 2014

    Hi RoseCal, Your description of yourself reminds me of me. My dx came in 10/21 biopsy after "routine" mammogram. But I worry they missed it 10 mos before and that causes me great grief in mind. I am so very anxious, read voraciously, and ask lots of questions that my docs seem minimally prepared to answer and are irritated by at times. It's been hard. I am feeling so traumatized by this and hard to manage but have to work and care for myself and bills etc. I had surgery 7 weeks ago now and due for rads next week.

    The RO is planning whole breast rads of 5000 in 28 sessions and then 1600 boost in 8. Anyone have any experience with that. I am so scared of serious short and long term SE, I almost want to cancel and take my chances....

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  • desalonde
    desalonde Member Posts: 41
    edited January 2014

    Thanks for that reply Cari 3047. I am really challenging for my RO I can tell. He hates my questions as if I am challenging him or something but I am scared and need to understand my options. I know I have to do this. Just wish I could wake up from this nightmare. Not eating right and not exercising and lots of time alone as I work from home when not traveling for work.

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