Summer Rads 2014
Comments
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Love the song Lisa!
Congrats on resigning Jhondro. I left my job after 26 years due to retirement. It was a hard thing to do but the right one. My last week I worked 60 hours (both days and coming in during the middle of the night). My boss had no empathy or could care less that his management team was suffering. My husband blames the stress I was under the last 5 years for my BC. I can't say I disagree with him. I went for a retirement party last week and they hinted to me that they wanted me to come back. No flippen way. I felt the stress just being on the campus!
Rett, I rub my breast more than any one person should lol. However of it'll get rid of that area eventually I'll keep it up!
Jbok, a friend of mine lost all of nails during chemo so I suspect your dark spots are actually a good sign that they're just damaged and hopefully won't come off!
Happy Friday ladies, it's a beautiful sunshiny day here in ky. My closest friend is moving to Bartow Florida today. My emotions are low because I'll miss her so much!
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My surgeon had also wanted a mammo after rads...who is our primary care cancer doctor after all the treatment??? I know i need to see my MO for hormone fighting drug...but who does our follow ups??? Surgeon said I will be seeing her every 6 months...is that in addition to MO?? I am confused!! Guess I will ask my RO on Monday about 1) Mammogram after rads....2)who follow up doctor will be...3)tightening of breast which seems to be causing my chording to get tight again...anyone else have this when they lift their arm?? It was all really good while I had a break to heal my burn after 13 treatments and was going to PT...but now at 22 treatments my under arm and all the way to my wrist feels tight when I lift my arm all the way up...I see the chording now too...I guess breast must shrink up causing the chording??? Annoying...have a great weekend without too many side effects and YAY for a break in driving to rads!!! Rosie
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Hello everyone, Glad it is Friday! I have had no skin issues until today and when I woke up my arm pit and surrounding skin was very tender but no redness so when I went for treatment I asked the techs about it and they said yes we are getting you right across your arm pit. About an hour after I left I blistered really bad under my arm so I had to call the RO and got a prescription filled for some meds for that and I think the side of my breast might blister as well as some of my arm because they feel like my arm pit did.
Hope all of you are doing well and have a great weekend!
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Just came home from my 2nd sim appointment. I start my radiation on Monday. I am a little afraid but will keep your words with me and hope it goes easy for me.
The radiation song is fun. Hope I can carry the tune in my head when under the "machine".
So happy for all who are finished. It seems so far away for me but I know I will get there. I got through three months of chemo (Taxol/Herceptin) so I can do 6 weeks of RADs!
Dee
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Debster- How many treatments have you had? I just had #17 today. My collar bone is reddening and a wee bit itchy.
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Rosiesride, I am seeing my primary care Dr., My RO, and my surgeon every three months at this time. The last time I saw my MO was May, and I won't see him again until November. I was under the impression that the MO would be the main Dr. after all was finished. I'm just as confused as you are at this point!
Have a great weekend rest all those who are still receiving treatment. Hope all that has finished, has great fun this weekend!
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jbokland today was number 18 for me. My skin has never turned red or even pink but it has been a little tender at times so I have to say I was very surprised when it blistered today. Have a great weekend!
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As far as follow ups go, I was told I'd see my ONC every 6 months, and my surgeon every 6 months. That means I'll be alternating seeing one of them every 3 months. Once everything is done with my PS I will be seeing him once a year.
Have a great weekend everybody!
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Hey Ladies, thanks so much for the congratulatory wishes. This is such a wonderful community. Here's a warm welcome to the new folks.
Re massaging scar tissue, I've heard that too again and again, I found it definitely helped my surgery scars but I should also try that for the pecs, armpit, etc. now that rads are done (will see what my skin can take!). My PT says massage helps prevent growing scar tissue from latching onto muscles, bone, etc., where it could eventually become irritating or painful.
Re. follow up mammos, both my MO and RO recommended a mammo every 6 months after rads for the affected breast for 2 years, and once a year for an unaffected breast. After two years it's one mammo/year for both of them. Both my RO and MO said that there's no point in doing a mammo sooner than 6 months because the radiation will have caused a lot of changes within the breast and the reading wouldn't be very meaningful. The breast needs to heal and it takes some time. Here are some links:
Medscape article (layperson oriented)
Journal Rad Oncology (specialist-oriented)
But your doc may have specific reasons for timing mammos, I'd say if you're not sure then get a second opinion from a professional. My general follow up will be every 3 months. I'm going w/my MO partly because of the Herceptin & Tamoxifen, but also because I think she did a good job dealing w/me through chemo, I think she's heard it all!
Jhodro - Good for you, I bet this will open up some new doors! Same to Sunshine -
Debster, it sounds painful, I hope it heals quickly.
Have a great weekend everyone -
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jhodro, I think that's just plain disgusting, asking you to change chemo appts. for their stupid meetings. It makes me so angry! I'm glad you were able to resign and get out of there and hope you find something you enjoy and only when you feel ready. BC is stressful enough without co-workers making it worse. I told my boss, who is very nice but only a small fish in a big pond that I will be leaving end of August as I cannot handle anymore overnight or weekend on call. I stress to the point when I hardly sleep even when its quiet . Just hoping it does not cause issues at home as I am the primary income. When I told DH that I have to sort out insurance due to appts. etc. after end date he said - so you will be there until end of September then. I said "Nooooo, I am done" At some point we just have to say "No more. Its just not worth it"
Lisa, I love the song and video. The lady at the RO office who does Reiki has me trying to visualize a peaceful beach and ocean, very relaxing. I will have to mention the song to the techs there!
Sunshine, hope that scarring goes away. As rettemich said, Keep on massaging! I am so glad that only the boosts are left. The skin is starting to feel a bit different, a bit thicker somehow and bit of tightness after finishing 28, need to do that crawl the fingers up the wall stretch more, but for those ladies just starting it has held up well, nothing bad and I have fair skin.
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Rosie - I am dealing with cording now. It started about 3 weeks post surgery. I have been in PT since the day before I started rads. It has helped tremendously.
Jhodro - I am so jealous! I go back to work Sept 1 and have been feeling exactly the same way. I am in retail and it just doesn't seem that important anymore. I have always loved my job and they have been amazing but I am a different person now. Unfortunately we are not in a position for me to leave. I'm sure I'll be fine once I go back. I wish you all the best.
Deb - I hope the weekend break helps.
Dee - good luck on Mon
I will be seeing my MO every 3 months and my BS every 6 months. I feel like I will be seeing my PS for the rest of my life. Apparently there are multiple stages for DIEP revisions. I knew there would be revisions but was not prepared for the # of surgeries that could follow. He originally said he could do a lift of my natural breast for symmetry but I'm not sure I want to go down that road. While they aren't perfectly matched the symmetry is already pretty good. Truth be told, they never matched before so why try to achieve that now.
TGIF has taken on a whole new meaning!!! Happy weekend all.
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aff...my chording was better during PT...I stopped last week cause I am tired of traveling to docs and pt time was 3 hours after I got out of rads...I live 45 minutes from the town where all appointments are so I hated hanging around for PT ...I think it came back cause the rads are making the breast tight and surrounding area...I have been massaging like pt taught me...if it doesn't get better I may go next week...I had #22 today and it feels tight with pulling. Just 3 more whole breast...then hoping only 5 boosts!
Thanks for all the response about who to see after treatment and schedule for mammos...I will inquire about it...and I can't see getting a mammo any time soon after rads!! Soreness...ouch! Rosie
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Rett I was curious about who was driving my follow up train too! My MO told me that her office would schedule all follow ups with the BS and for mammo's scans etc. She said I had enough to worry about so leave it to them. Right now I'm scheduled for MO at the end of August, RO in October, MO and BS December. I'll also have my first post mammo then (eeek!).
Once the new year starts I'm sure they'll give me another schedule. I expect to be on 6 month mammo's and 3 month MO visits. My RO will see me once a year and the BS will also see me once a year. They mentioned alternating a mammo with a breast MRI due to my type of cancer.
Hope this rambling helped!
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Hello, I just finished Rads 2 months ago and over here in New Zealand we are using Mepitel Film with fantastic results. I thought I would attach this so you guys can read up about it. You need to start asking your Rad Doctors if they have heard of it.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/02/14021...
As you can see from my stats I was also Diagnosed with Lobular Breast Cancer earlier this year. I refused to go on Tamoxifen because of a family history of blood clots and uterine cancer. So I have gone onto Letrozole or Femara. Because I hadn't yet gone through menopause I am having monthly Zoladex injections to stop my ovaries from working, this allowed me to go on Femara. I have done quite a bit of research and also read that Tamoxifen wasn't as effective on Lobular as AI's. Just thought I would come in here and make myself known.
With regards to the Mepitel film, it's like a clear film that they place around the breast on areas that traditionally burn, i.e. under the breast, above the breast, the clavicle area and under the arm. I had no burns whatsoever and considering how pale and feckly I am I thought I was really lucky. You don't even know you have it on, fantastic stuff and you guys should all be pushing for it.
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Fizzdon,
I start radiation on Monday and came over here and learned something already!! I will definitely be asking about Mepitel Film on Monday!! If they aren't using it, then I'll be trying to get some. Last time I did rads 3 years ago, I did get some burns toward the end - but it wasn't too bad. This time I'm doing the other breast (left) which I'm a bit nervous about due to the heart.
Are they using it in Oz, too? (I lived in Oz for a year and spent a fair amount of time in NZ, too - beautiful country!)
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I've read some of the posts about follow-up.....just want to add my 2 cents. From experience, I think it's important to do MRIs and mammos.
My first bout with DCIS 3 years ago was self-diagnosed but confirmed with a mammo. (then MRI guided biopsy).
My second bout this year with Stage 1 (different breast) was NOT found with mammo, or ultrasound - but was found with an MRI.
So - be sure to have BOTH mammos and MRIs. They might holler (insurance companies don't like to spend more than they have to) but it's your life. I was sooooo happy that I insisted and fought for an MRI.
I start my rads on Monday. Doing 22 because the center close to me is closing on Sept. 4 for a month - so they are doing a customized plan with a boost at the end. I'm a bit worried since it's on my heart side - anything that I should ask? They aren't doing it completely prone with a mold like my last time around in CA - but a bit elevated to angle it away from the heart. I hope they know what they are doing... my chemo experience was not good here in SC. I trusted my CA docs (3 years ago), though. It's amazing the difference in your approach when you trust your docs.
Irish/Deb
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Long Island - I've been through radiation 3 years ago - and it's a walk in the park compared to chemo. Regarding the tiredness - my new RO (moved to SC from CA) described it really well - she said, consider it like you've been at the beach everyday for 6 hours every time. I don't know about you - but a day in the sun usually makes me a bit tired.
Just like you would during a day at the beach, be sure to hydratre (and lotion up afterward).
Irish/Deb
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I am not sure what my follow up is going to be yet. The MO appt. is on 8/20 and the only thing I have heard so far was from the surgeon who wants next years mammo done at the hospital not my PCPs office. As its ILC I would have thought an MRI would be better but will have to see.
I read something today about protein and osteoporosis. My brain is foggy so not sure where but I think it was a link from this site. It was saying that eating 1.2 g of protein rather than the regular daily requirement of 0.8g for each kilo of weight may help to rebuild lost bone when calcium alone could only help stop loss. Just thought that was interesting for those starting on AIs. I have to say I did not find the Arimidex thread pleasant bedtime reading.
Today one of the techs hugged me as she is out next week and said she would not be around for the party. They are such a great group. I am thinking of a gift box of chocolate covered cookies for them.
anyway , Happy Weekend everybody. As aff said TGIF has indeed got a whole new meaning!
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Louanne, did your MO tell you why they want another mamo? I agree it's probably because if you had extensive DCIS they may want to check and make sure they got all of it. Never hurts to get a second opinion. Keep us posted. Sending gentle hugs to you.
sunshine, I have an appointment with my MO in a few weeks, one of the RO told me follow up in 6 weeks the other (was covering for my regular RO) said 6 months. Don't even know about BS, have follow up with Plastic Surgeon in about 4 weeks. It's all so confusing. Only problem with "team" doctors.
I need to get as much done as possible by the end of the year as I think my dh work is going to jack around with our insurance. IE-less coverage I'm sure.
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Thank you rette! I'll let you know after I see my BS in about 2 weeks. Hugs back!
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Hello everyone-hope all is well. Just checking in. Have completed two weeks of rads so far-9 treatments. Counting down and also ready to get this behind me. I have not had any skin irritation yet. Using CVS aloe gel every night as suggested by my RO. Only see slight tan on my chest, boobs a little pink and I can feel the heat in them. I got sick last week-a very bad cold with some flu symptoms. It was rough trying to work, and keep up with daily rads while not feeling well. I think it is probably partly due to the low immune system. I bought some Zicam Thursday and am finally feeling better, just not yet 100%. Here's to a better week.......
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vettegirl, I hope you are feeling much better this week. The last things you need in the middle of treatment is a cold or flu. Try and get some rest if its possible if you get tired as rads goes on.
Rads goes over so quickly. It seems no time since the beginning and now its 28 down, just 5 boosts left and the Elta moisturizer from the RO has worked well. I checked out the local bakery and will get platters of cookies to take to the staff on Friday. Can't wait to get this phase over with but will miss the staff and the other patients.
Louanne, I hope everything goes well when you see your BS. More hugs!!
Rett, I know what you mean. I have to decide on a cobra or new insurance in the next week or so for when I leave my job at month end. Its worrisome as I cant get in to see MO until 20th and then there are sure to be appointments and maybe tests after the end of this month and no more salary but I need to leave for my health.
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Thank you rette! I'll let you know after I see my BS in about 2 weeks. Hugs back!
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I celebrated passing the halfway mark on Friday. 17 down, 15 to go. I'm seeing these brown spots, size is skin tags. Do they go away? My radiated TE is definitely feeling tighter under near my armpit. I'm slightly fatigued....just like to hit the couch in the evenings.
Hope everyone is doing well!
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Jbok I had numerous freckles and brown spots that popped up but no skin tags. The brown spots went away but it looks like the freckles are here to stay.
Yay for passing that halfway point! It's all downhill from there!
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I hate to whine but I am dreading another 5 treatments this week. My cording is killing me, I have a rash on my supraclav area that I was hoping the 2 day break would relieve, and the area from my armpit to my breast is extremely tight. I started Tamoxifen last Tuesday and I've been waking up every 2 to 3 hours with intense hot flashes. Today my bones are aching so much. My ankles hurt so badly thatcwhen I stood up before I could barely take a step.
I'm sorry to be a downer. I very rarely have complained since diagnosis. I am usually very positive. I have a terrible case of blahs tonight.
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Sorry, Aff, I hope the next weeks go by quickly for you and you get some relief. Debster and Jbockland, I am at 19 now and redness and irritation started mid week for me. Pretty sore today, I have been using Aquifer 3 times a day. I was hoping, having the weekend off would help, but not really. Good thoughts for all of you. Stephanie
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Aff, I am so sorry things are so rough at the moment. Any chance you can get a short break or do you just want to get it over and done with. Is there anything you can get that may help with the hot flashes or pain. I was checking out the Arimidex thread and one lady had been prescibed oxybutynin chloride ER that she said really helped with hot flashes. Also a fan next to the bed and ditching even a lightweight down comforter seemed to help some a bit. They also had a recipe for joint pain using raisins but that was more of a long term thing and I hope things get better for you very soon!
Stephanie, Sorry you are getting so sore. Its just so random, how it affects everyone. Sending good thoughts to everybody too!
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Aff I think you are now being hit with what I call "treatment fatigue". I was the same way. Soldiered on through surgery, ACx4, 12 weeks taxol/herceptin, then rads. And by the middle of chemo it was SO HARD to go through yet another treatment, cope with yet another side effect, "be strong" "be positive". Don't ever apologize for feeling down....the crap we have to go through, it's a wonder we are all not permanently depressed!
Also just want to say to all the ladies who are still doing rads, and maybe having a hard time ... the end is in sight, you can do it, one day at a time !! (PS: two weeks after rads and I am still very fatigued but skin still holding up well)
And here's a laugh for you all...my fair weather friend, who keeps minimizing and trivializing what I have gone through, said YET AGAIN to me today. "Remember, I was nauseated during pregnancy and it was MUCH WORSE than what you went through with chemo, because I was actually throwing up. And I am always tired too (because of going through menopause)" . Wanted to say to her AGAIN, I've been pregnant and I've gone through menopause and it is NOTHING like doing chemo and rads, but I really can't bother waste my breath any more.
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aff, I am sorry you feel so bad and I hope you get some quick relief from it. This stuff is nuts we have to go through.
Stephanie I am sorry to hear you are sore now as well. I was hoping mine would relieve this weekend so when I went back today I wouldn't dread it so much but not the case. But guess I will do what I have to and put the cream on it the doctor gave me.
I have to have a biopsy today on my uterus and I am so annoyed about it. I am so tiered of all this and the being poked and proded and burnt and hurting. I know it has to be done but I can't get my mind around another biopsy! ughhhh
Have a good day everybody! Hugs to all
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