Starting Chemo in December 2013

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  • keepthefaith
    keepthefaith Member Posts: 2,156
    edited June 2014

    Holli, sorry you are having problems! My skin under my arm turned very dark brown.  The rest was just red toward the end of tx's, but never really gave me a lot of pain. I hope you can get it resolved and it doesn't worsen. Are you using calendula cream at all? I think you may have posted about it earlier and I meant to respond. It is California Baby or Miaderm that has calendula in it. 

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  • missy6758703
    missy6758703 Member Posts: 218
    edited June 2014

    i've done 13 treatments and i don't have any redness yet but i'm sure its coming....the turning black would be scaring the shit out of me! I can only imagine its very painful! I am so sorry you are going through this!!! 

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  • count_it_all_joy
    count_it_all_joy Member Posts: 130
    edited June 2014

    oh, holli, ouch!  I'm sorry, that sounds really uncomfortable for this early on, and given that you've just had the weekend off.  If you don't see your dr. until Tuesday (just guessing, it seems to be a common dr. visit day), maybe you could go a little early today and see the nurse.   the woman I talk with every day while waiting was just given a week off for her skin to heal, because she came in last Monday with bad skin issues.  I know that's a catch-22, because we all want to finish as soon as possible and enjoy the end of summer.  take care, and let us know what happens.  

    Mary

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  • jbokland
    jbokland Member Posts: 890
    edited June 2014

    I was deported today in the docs office.  There was nodiscomfort, once the lidocaine was used.  10 minutes!

    image

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  • aff
    aff Member Posts: 279
    edited June 2014

    jbokland - congratulations! Mine was removed during my MX/DIEP surgery. It was wonderful to wake up without it!

    Holli - so sorry you are having such a tough time with rads

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  • missy6758703
    missy6758703 Member Posts: 218
    edited June 2014

    jbokland, you are brave! I think i want to be put out! My MO hasn't mentioned me getting mine out any time soon so GOOD FOR YOU!!! :)  Every little step is a step closer to being DONE!!!

    Michelle

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  • chicopeach57
    chicopeach57 Member Posts: 166
    edited June 2014

    Saw RO today and had first targeted treatment to the scar area, will have 5 more of those then back to the old treatment for five more, 10 total left. My skin is really red with the nasty rash, starting to get breaks in the skin, it feels dead.  She said it is due to so much sun damage, which makes sense since the part of the boob that had a bathing suit on isn't that way.  I'll have time to heal some.

    I asked about calendula cream and she gave me some samples of Miaderm, would like some feed back on it. She usually does't prescribe it because it is too hard to find here in Georgia.  Think I'll check Babies R Us this afternoon for it.

    Holli, that sounds bad, my Mom had colorectal cancer and her butt got a deep purple, almost black look to it by the time they were done.  It looked painful.

    Baseball game was fun, though a bit disorganized, hopefully it will be better next year.  Did a lot of standing, waiting, then walking up and down levels.  Not good for some of us.

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  • keepthefaith
    keepthefaith Member Posts: 2,156
    edited June 2014

    jbokland, congrats on getting de-ported! Love your pics! Mine was under general anesthesia in OR bc they said there can be complications with bleeding since it is "connected" to main arteries or veins I guess...anyway, I know it feels good to be rid of it. YAY!!!  I saw someone with a port scar the other day...I pay no attention to mine. I think, in time, it will fade. 

    I think Miaderm has to be ordered online...California  Baby can be found in the baby section at Target. I used CB....it is a little cheaper and you don't have to wait for it! My RO said I did really well and that's all I used, except the cornstarch baby powder on my chest bumps(rash)and my fold. 

    chico, I hope you get some relief with the CB. 

    Have a great week, ladies! Keep the SE's under control.

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  • missy6758703
    missy6758703 Member Posts: 218
    edited June 2014

    Chico, here is a link for what I was given by my RO and i use a blow dryer set on cool temp and dry the area then cover it all with straight ol' corn starch in the yellow container in the baking section!  I use a makeup brush to put it under my boob and under my armpit area.  I haven't seen the other kinds that are mentioned for the Calandula creams/gels in my area but my RO just gives me this and its also available at the health food store in our supermarket. 

    http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_c_0_13?url=se...

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  • RHGSR
    RHGSR Member Posts: 774
    edited June 2014

    Jodi- Finding Nemo is on the Disney channel at my house. I thought of you. Just want to remind you to ... "Just keep swimming!"

    image

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  • RHGSR
    RHGSR Member Posts: 774
    edited June 2014

    did get good news today... BRCA is negative. So happy for my kiddos. My vit D levels are normal.  And my hormone levels show me to be post menopausal. Having a bone density test in a few weeks before starting the Lupron/aromasine. 

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  • Crazywabbit
    Crazywabbit Member Posts: 563
    edited June 2014

    I walked over to RT today, On Mondays I go at 9:30 AM (T through F  I go at 3 PM). Only 0.55 miles over and the way back I walked around the neighborhood to make it total 1.5 miles.  I was going to walk last week but by 3 PM it was either raining or too stinking humid to walk.  Hopefully this week will be better weather.  I drape the end of my headscarf over any exposed area neck and upper chest while I walk to keep the sun off. Feels so good to walk over and back. Just wish I could take the dog with me.

    Too much birthday celebrations yesterday. My MIL and SIL were up to visit, MIL turnes 85 today and DH turns 60 on Wed.  We went out to dinner and then I bought a big carrot cake with cream cheese icing for their BDs.  SIL gave my husband  big boxes of goodies from Costco. Brownies, Peppermint Patties and Llindt Truffles.  Too much junk food around the house now. I really have no appetite for it now, Hope that lasts a while.

    Holli, great news about the neg BRCA results. 

    JB- glad your port came out so easily.  I am going to try to keep it for 2 years for the Zometa infusions and blood draws.  I was talking to someone whose son had bone cancer and treated almost 10 years ago. No recurrence, He had his port removed after 3-4 years and he still has it in his sock drawer.

    Chicopeach- hope the chnage to the boost gives some other areas time to heal a bit. 

    I was talking to a woman I know from the Breast Cancer Support Group. She was leaving RT today, her last day.  She said she got a little red but never anything bad. She followed the ROs instructions and never put anything on her skin. She has some aquaphor they gave her today in case it got worse before it got better.  I have aquaphor and California Baby ready just in case.

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  • DJJ
    DJJ Member Posts: 229
    edited June 2014

    Jbokland, Woohoo!! No port.  My MO said I could have mine out if I really wanted to and do my targeted therapy by vein.  But then she said my veins suck so she doesn't recommend it.  So I'm keeping it for another 7 more months.  Plus I hate that HUGE IV needle. 

    Holli, sorry you're having problems.  I just did 10 today and I notice that my underwire is hurting.  I'm cutting the wires out of an old bra now :-) Great news about the BRCA!!!

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  • DJJ
    DJJ Member Posts: 229
    edited June 2014

    Cancer patient? Where?? I don't see a cancer patient!

    image

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  • jbokland
    jbokland Member Posts: 890
    edited June 2014

    Happy canoer!  Good for you DJ!  Great pic!

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  • Lisaj514
    Lisaj514 Member Posts: 719
    edited June 2014

    DJJ, nope don't see one either! Nice!

    JB, congrats on your deportation!

    Holli, sorry about your troubles. I'm getting nervous now. Have had 8 treatments, now 5 days off then lots more! Good luck. Keep us posted and any suggestions.

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  • Crazywabbit
    Crazywabbit Member Posts: 563
    edited June 2014

    DJJ.  You really look like you are have fun kyacking With that  great smile

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  • kimie06
    kimie06 Member Posts: 215
    edited June 2014

    hi ladies just checking in from the concrete jungle also known as Toronto

    I had rad treatment number 27 of 30 today.  I am seeing the end.  I am feeling ok just a little fatigued the boob on the other hand looks as though its had the snot knocked out of it, and my underarm isnt pretty either, its really dark and starting to peel, but, none of it seems to be all that painful definatley looks worse then it feels. 

    DJ love the pic.. and dont you just hate the term cancer patient.  As a universe can we not come up with a better term.

    Jodi - hope things are going well,  I follow your FB so I see all the updates there

    missy - keep your chin up girl... 

    yay for ports exiting the premises..:)

    oh I had a big weight lifted today, last week I had a brain/head MRI as I was having this nagging little pain in my head/neck... ALL CLEAR, had myself convinced it had gone to my brain..:( such an awful feeling, how will I ever move on from every ache, pain, twinge, etc.  I guess I will just have to drink more wine. 

    I am done here on Thursday and I FLY HOME on Friday, I cannot wait to get in my own bed, snuggle with my boys and kiss my dog...lol...

    xo

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  • Jodi040812
    Jodi040812 Member Posts: 383
    edited June 2014

    kimie- you made it!  We are definitely two of  kind in rads.  I can't believe this time next month I will still be in this apartment.  Trying to take it day by day.  Having the kids has helped, but they make me tired on a normal day.  Reading that you are going home Thursday gives me such a boost.  Hard being away from home, but doable.

    Holli-  thinking of you too!  Praying your skin rebounds!

    Too tired to wrote more sorry!  I'll be back soon though!

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  • oranje_mama
    oranje_mama Member Posts: 260
    edited June 2014

    Hollli, so glad for the BRCA news!  Have you seen any improvement in your skin?

    DJJ, I do NOT see a cancer patient in that photo either :)  I'm also keeping my port for the rest of the year.  

    Kimie, you're almost there!!!

    Just had rad #7 this morning.  I'm still swimming :).  Smearing my boob with aquaphor first, so far so good.  I am using Weleda Calendula Body Cream 2X per day.  It is lanolin based.  I know that I'm not far enough in to be seeing much of a reaction yet.

    How are you all doing on the fatigue front?  I feel like I'm doing much better, but there's still a long way to go.  I did my first Masters swim practice last Thursday and I was feeling the aftereffects all weekend long.  I've been swimming all along but more leisurely and swim practice has me doing some sprints.  I start out strong, but fade fast.  Stamina is just not there.  I was feeling a little down about it today, but then realized that just 6 weeks ago, I would have been winded from climbing the stairs up to the pool.  I am making progress.  It's like my hair.  I just want this all to go faster!!  But hair is coming in too.  sloooowly

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  • keepthefaith
    keepthefaith Member Posts: 2,156
    edited June 2014

    great pic, DJJ!

    oranje, good for you for keeping up the swimming. I am feeling much less fatigued, but think I require more sleep, if that makes sense. 

    Holli, happy to hear the good news on your BRCA test. I know that's a relief. 

    kimie, glad your MRI went well also! You are almost to the finish line. Whoo-hoo! I'm sure your family can't wait for you to get home!

    Barbara,  I don't have the taste bud problem any more... Everything at your parties sounded yummy.  Chocolate is a weakness for me and not something I intend to give up any time soon! 

    My Tamoxifen hasn't been problematic, although I am starting to get light night sweats. Not enough to keep me from going right back to sleep, so far. 

    Have a great week, ladies. Keep up the good work!!! Y'all are aaaawwesome!

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  • RHGSR
    RHGSR Member Posts: 774
    edited June 2014

    thanks ladies!! 

    DJJ- you look marvelous!! I love how active you are. You inspire me. 

    So I am now peeling. I can post a photo of my under arm if anyone wants to see, but it is pretty graphic.  Should I post it?

    Doing Domboro (sp?) soaks and using aquaphor and lidocaine.  Dr. Visit is tomorrow. We will see what he says. 

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  • missy6758703
    missy6758703 Member Posts: 218
    edited June 2014

    I would love to see pictures of how anybody is reacting to the rads. 

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  • count_it_all_joy
    count_it_all_joy Member Posts: 130
    edited June 2014

    Holli - yep, I'm all about the pictures, too.  there is something about being able to look at my own skin and say "oh, that looks like Holli's (or Kim's, or …) , and she did X" that is very reassuring for me!  So far, I am just a little pink, so not much to show that can't be described by "I am pink".   ;)

    djj & orangemama - kudos on the exercise!!  I finally joined a local gym here, and my daughter and I are going several times a week. She is 13 and doing more then me!  I'm just content to walk a few miles on the treadmill, knowing I am walking much faster than I would outside in this heat without a machine timing me!

    keepthefaith - I get your description.  I do feel stronger than I did, but heaven help me if I don't get my sleep.  Last night was my first night off tamazepam since I was in chemo.  Didn't sleep well, and wondering how that will be after a few nights.  I did take melatonin… may add in some magnesium tonight, since that makes me sleepy.  gotta get my own sleep pattern back!

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  • kjfromca
    kjfromca Member Posts: 283
    edited June 2014

    Hi ladies - just catching up on your posts.  I met my older brother yesterday.  He seems like a great guy and we look similar as I have such short hair.  He has no knowledge of bc on our father's side of the family.  So, no bc on either side of the family and neg. BRCA, hopefully that means my daughter will never have to go through this.   

    Holli - So glad to hear that you are BRCA neg.  Also, I used those soaks under my arm and it worked well.  Make sure to blow dry.  

    Oranje - How are the job interviews going?  Swimming is such great exercise.  Last time I got into the pool, I got extremely tired just treading water, it pulls my chest muscles where the TE is and hurts.  

    Kimmie - Happy dance for you as you are finishing tx and going home with a clear MRI.... Awesome !

    DJJ - What a great pic.  

    Jbokland - Congrats on the port removal.  If my brain isn't too foggy, I remember something about a wedding date coming up.  When is it?  

    Keepthefaith - I am not having any issues with the Tamoxifen either so far.

    Hugs to all you awesome ladies, have a great day.

    Kim

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  • count_it_all_joy
    count_it_all_joy Member Posts: 130
    edited June 2014

    kimie - just noticed you go HOME tomorrow.  congratulations!!  I hope there are things about this time that you'll remember fondly.   :)

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  • RHGSR
    RHGSR Member Posts: 774
    edited June 2014

    ok ladies. You asked for it. It doesn't look so bad as it does gross. It's under my arm. It hurts but I'm tolerating it. You can see where the "black" skin turned grey. Today is "doctor day" so I will show him and see what he says. My sweet hubby told me I was like a caterpillar under going changing into a butterfly. What a sweet man :0)

    image

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  • missy6758703
    missy6758703 Member Posts: 218
    edited June 2014

    Oh Holli, that looks so painful!!! How many have you had so far?? :(

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  • RHGSR
    RHGSR Member Posts: 774
    edited June 2014

    after today I have 14 left. I'm having 36 total. But I think the ones toward the end just boosts. So hopefully I don't have to much longer with the full radiation. I see the doctor today. So I'll update everyone.

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  • chicopeach57
    chicopeach57 Member Posts: 166
    edited June 2014

    OMG Holli, that looks soooo painful.

    DJJ - you look great!

    Kimmie - what a great day Friday will be.

    Here is my pic, been using a lot of lidocaine.  It is getting better.

    image

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