Summer Rads 2014

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  • mortmain
    mortmain Member Posts: 63
    edited August 2014

    Thank you, Stephanie:

    I understand that each decision is individual. Sounds like you've had a rough road with all those recurrences. I hope your continued contributions to the ongoing conversation means you continue to have appetite for the fight.

    Erin, thank you for the information on your friend. 

    This discussion board is such a good resource. 

    Very best wishes to all!

    Amy

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  • mripp
    mripp Member Posts: 106
    edited August 2014

    I am wondering about boosts. Did you get more skin effects in the boost area during or after the rad Tx?

    I've also had whole body achiness and joints aching twice now after rad. Had #14 of 33 Friday and last night slept terrible with aching. Does anyone experience this?

    Izzy, glad healing is going well and you'll get back to normalcy in life. 

    Sunshine, sounds like you're getting back in the swing of things. So happy for you!

    Welcome to the newbies! These boards will help and encourage you immensly. We're all here for each other (((hugs)))!!!

    Mari

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  • CoastalXPat
    CoastalXPat Member Posts: 83
    edited August 2014

    Mortmain, I was very interested in internal or intra-operative radiation and investigated possibilities before my surgery. I found the same thing as you, that it went against the standard of care only because of my age (I'm in my 40's). I did know one Dr who was willing to put me in a clinical trial for intra-operative rads, but he warned me that they didn't know much about the long term stats for people in my age group. I asked both him and another onc why age should make a difference, and they both said that it was because 1. tumors in younger women tend to be more aggressive, and 2. younger women need to think very carefully about the very-long-term effects, i.e. 25, 30, 40 years or more.

    In the end I decided against the clinical trial & found a place that would do external beam radiation over 4 weeks instead of the typical 6 or 7 (they give you a higher dose over the 4 weeks). My decision was based on a mostly intuitive feeling that the external radiation would be more aggressive, and might work better against chances of a recurrence. Btw in my case it really worked out because we didn't know about my grade 2 or HER2 status until after the surgery (the biopsy was wrong).

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  • Sunshineinky
    Sunshineinky Member Posts: 461
    edited August 2014

    Mripp- I actually healed during boost.  I thought that I'd have issues since it was targeted but I had none! Hopefully you won't either.  

    As far as fatigue, I'm a month out and just when I think I'm good the fatigue, the hot flashes, the night sweats all slap me in the face.  However, most days I'm great! 

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  • jbokland
    jbokland Member Posts: 890
    edited August 2014

    imageAfter treatment 22 of 28.  I just got out of my car and think my seatbelt aggravated it a bit.   Not bad though.  

    The fatigue hit me this weekend for the first time. BLECH!

    Enjoying a glass of wine outside on an amazingly comfortable Orlando evening. 

    God, can't wait till this shit is done!!

    Cheers, my sisters!

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  • Louanne
    Louanne Member Posts: 101
    edited February 2015

    Hi everyone, hope you are enjoying your weekend! We finally made it to the beach sending a few pics of the beautiful super moon. I was waiting in anticipation. Glad to say I wasn't disappointed. Also over a month out of rads, and starting to gain my strength! Thanks to all the wonderful ladies on this list!

    image

    image

    .

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  • 3rdtimenow
    3rdtimenow Member Posts: 256
    edited August 2014

    Wow jbok, you're doing great. I have no idea how to post pics, but I am beet red about 5 by 5 inches under the arm and 3 by 5 or 6 inches under the breast. Itching like crazy. Here's to being done soon, yay for us. You're welcome, Mortmain, good luck with your decision, planing treatment and waiting for it to start is the toughest part, I think. My docs did not agree, so I had to do 2nd opinions and everything was held up, very frustrating.  Hope everyone had a nice weekend. I rested during the day and some  fun evenings, I saw a stage production of West side story with my daughter, dinner at a great new restaurant with friends and then saw Jersey Boys. Loved it. Nice to get on with life again. Just took the mom's to church and dinner today then we all took naps, lol, ready to tackle week 6. Hugs to all. Stephanie

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  • Sunshineinky
    Sunshineinky Member Posts: 461
    edited August 2014

    Louanne so glad you made it to the beach! 

    Jbok we may be flying down to a friends condo soon at Cape Canaveral. The last time I was there last July I though the heat would kill me!

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  • ncollett
    ncollett Member Posts: 862
    edited August 2014

    Louanne thank you for sharing the beach pictures! They are beautiful! Very peaceful and healing. My stitches are starting to come undone from my sentinel node biopsy site and am very sore on my left side today. I think I am still swollen. Probably going to call the BS in the AM.

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  • 3rdtimenow
    3rdtimenow Member Posts: 256
    edited August 2014

    Ncollette, sorry you are having problems tonight, yes best to talk to the BS asap and get it under control, maybe just the healing process. Stephanie

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  • aff
    aff Member Posts: 279
    edited August 2014

    jbok - my sentiments exactly! People keep asking me how I'm doing and my standard answer is 10 more, 9, more, 8 more, 7 more, 6 more...and I will be done with all this shit! I could forward you about 20 texts that all say that same thing. I just want to get this week started and done...I can't wait!

    Hope everyone had a great weekend!

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  • Sunshineinky
    Sunshineinky Member Posts: 461
    edited August 2014

    Nancy it amazed me how much that little sentinal node incision hurt! My surgery was in April and the back of my arm and underarm are still numb.  Hopefully it's nothing major but baby it till you see the BS. 

    Congrats to all that finish this week! I'm a firm believer in celebrating joyous occasions and finishing rads is one of them!!

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  • Lisaj514
    Lisaj514 Member Posts: 719
    edited August 2014

    cheers to you too jb, looking good, just little redness, not bad! Like the hummingbird earrings. 6 more? Done next week then?! Yipee!

    Aff, done soon too? Also whooo hooo!

    Beautiful pictures louanne

    Thirdtime, you've been busy socializing, sounds great! You'll be done soon too?!

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  • 3rdtimenow
    3rdtimenow Member Posts: 256
    edited August 2014

    Sunshine, the numbness never left, still numb from 13 years ago on left and 3 years ago on the right. Once the nerves are severed that's that. No big deal though.  Since the mastectomy I have large areas of the breast that are numb as well. The biggest issue is having phantom pains and itches. The pain is better but the itching drives me crazy, sometimes the nipples itch so bad, but they are not there, just the nerves. Stephanie

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  • Louanne
    Louanne Member Posts: 101
    edited August 2014

    Thanks Sunshine!

    Nancy, thanks so much definitely healing. The node incision is very painful. I still cannot wear a full bra due to the irritation. Calling the BS is a good idea.

    Thanks Lisa! The pics and the words you posted on your last day of rads were truly inspiring.

    jbokl, you look good! The fatigue is like hitting a brick wall, good thing it does eventually go away.

    Stephanie, so glad you had a great weekend. I had the opportunity to see The Jersey Boys during the winter when we had a few feet of snow dumped on us, we couldn't make it.

    Not sure how much computer time I'll have during the rest of the vacation. Sending all of you healing thoughts.

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  • lyzzysmom
    lyzzysmom Member Posts: 654
    edited August 2014

    Mari, Like Sunshine I think the healing started during boosts last week although some bits got a bit worse until the last couple of days. The boost site is just a round deep pink area around the surgery scar, not bad. Just the occasional zingers generally. My side has been a bit swollen  Not sure if the rads aggravated that . Will mention when I see the MO if it stays that way. Its not bad. I thought at first it was just an extra bit of back fat LOL!

    JB, Those pesky seatbelts. Looks like the rest is doing well though and only 6 to go! I too love those earrings, so pretty.

    Louanne, I love the photos. Peace and tranquility. I want to be on that beach like now!

    Stephanie, It sounds like you had a fun weekend. you must only have around 8 left? Are you having boosts? if so then they will at least give the other bits a rest and chance to start healing soon.

    Nancy, Yes that little SNB scar hurt more than the main incision. Just take it easy until you see the BS.  (((Hugs)))

    The fatigue I am finding is sporadic. Sometimes during the day my eyes will just get really heavy and want to close but much better when out and about doing something. Its worst when trying to sit at the computer and concentrate on work. Hopefully it will get better over the next couple of weeks. Just as well there are no more work deadlines, hopefully EVER! The last one was 7/28 and I had to check everything I was doing 3 or 4 times as I didn't trust myself to not make mistakes.

    Congratulations everybody who is finishing this week and for those just starting it really does go over quickly.Can't believe its all done and I don't have to set the alarm for Monday morning!

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  • Rosiesride
    Rosiesride Member Posts: 513
    edited August 2014

    wow girls!  Seems like a lot of us are finishing up!  I am done with boosts on Wednesday...going to celebrate with my sisters and my twins at the Tea Room downtown Wilmington...special day!!  Then hubby nd I will probably go out to eat or something special!!  Really can't believe this journey is coming to a close...sunshiney days ahead for all of us!! Rosie

    image

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  • 3rdtimenow
    3rdtimenow Member Posts: 256
    edited August 2014

    Louanne, if you get a chance, see Jersey boys, it was great, if you liked the 4 seasons.                                           Izzysmom, I will have 8 more to go after today, congrats on being done.                                                                            Rosie, have a great day on Wed. Hugs to all, Stephanie                                                                             

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  • 3rdtimenow
    3rdtimenow Member Posts: 256
    edited August 2014

    Sorry the last post is so messed up, don't know why I can't tab correctly on here.

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  • edwards750
    edwards750 Member Posts: 3,761
    edited August 2014

    I saw the Jersey Boys and loved it! Also saw them at the Orpheum theater here. Big big 4 Seasons fan. Frankie Valli had an incredible voice. They had so many hit records. Have their CD which I turn up full blast when driving. Probably violating the noise ordinance but don't care. Love them! 

    Diane 

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  • vettegirl
    vettegirl Member Posts: 235
    edited August 2014

    Hello everyone-hope you all are doing okay.  Congrats to those finished or finishing this week.  I have three weeks behind me, 4 weeks to go.  Do number 15 today.  Like all of you-I am so ready to be done.  I am pink but not burnt yet.  My node incision is very sore-almost has like a boil on one end-will show the RO today.  See the MO on Thursday and also get my herceptin and have rads that day.  Also doing a double rad on Friday as I am going out of town next week so doubling two days and have to drive back and forth three days-some vacation, but I will do what I have to do.  Let's get this week on the road.....

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  • mripp
    mripp Member Posts: 106
    edited August 2014

    Louanne, great pics! I really wanted to stay up for the Supermoon. But, nope, I slept through it! I thought I'd wake up (like I do almost every night), but didn't! lol guess I needed sleep!

    Jbok- looks like your skin is doing better and hope it is better everyday. Thanks for the pics all of you. Helps us in the mid-point what could possibly be in our future (the good and the bad!)

    Sounds like some had some fun weekends. Those are the best, keep it up!

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  • ncollett
    ncollett Member Posts: 862
    edited August 2014

    image

    I tried to see the super moon last night and couldnt see it because we had too much cloud cover here in the Indy area. I am looking forward to getting started with my radiation and other therapy. Also looking forward to spending time with my daughter this coming Saturday at the Miranda Lambert concert.

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  • charusa
    charusa Member Posts: 107
    edited August 2014

    Congrats to all of you that have finished or are on that final lap getting ready to finish this week! I just had #1/33 so I am just starting but it feels good to say that. I have gotten so lazy the last couple of weeks I think the worst part is having to get up and fully dressed everyday!!! So I was told I would be seeing the Doctor every Monday, which is no problem but I got weighed and even with my walking I gained another pound....so frustrating...

    Sometimes scrolling down on the posts I look for the "like" button like Facebook!!! I think I will start keeping  a notebook next to me so that I can remember who and what I want to comment about. My brain is not functioning like it used to and my eyesight is a bit worse since chemo so I am too tired and confused to go back and look for things. Just want you all to know that I read every post, celebrate with all that is sharing good news, praying for those who are having a hard time and trying to remember a response if I think I can add/help someone asking a question. Sometimes I still feel like the "newbie" b/c this whole process has been kind of surreal and looking back seems like I don't remember it being so long ago I walked out of that hospital with a mountain of literature about breast cancer and referrals in my hand not quite grasping the reality of what was coming....

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  • aff
    aff Member Posts: 279
    edited August 2014

    #23 of 28 today...down to the final 5! 

    jbokland - I'm a bit redder than you but still consider myself pretty lucky.

    Here I am after today. This is the worst of it. My foob is only slightly pink. All my freckles and moles are definitely darker and I have a bunch of new skin tags under my arm that are slightly irritating. 

    image

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  • Debster
    Debster Member Posts: 82
    edited August 2014

    I love the pictures of the beach thanks for sharing! Glad to hear so many of us are on our last few days of this. I talked to my RO today about my coughing and I am having some pain in my back right on my ribs. She said we would definetly watch this and if it got worse I am to come see her before next week at our scheduled appointment. I will have my last full breast zap tomorrow and then I am down to 5 boost and then done! can't wait.

    Glad all of you had such a good weekend and are doing so good with your treatments.

    jbokland and aff my skin looks just about like yours. red but not unbearable.

    ncollet enjoy your time with your daughter. We like Miranda as well I am jealous.

    Take care everyone,have a wonderful night. Hugs!!

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  • jbokland
    jbokland Member Posts: 890
    edited August 2014

    aff.  Your skin looks good!!! All those freckles and moles are a trip, huh. 

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  • Lisaj514
    Lisaj514 Member Posts: 719
    edited August 2014

    Aff and jbokland, me too with the darker freckles and moles and new small skin tags under my arm. I'm 2 weeks post rad and they seem to be drying up and getting scabby. Maybe they'll fall off. The old sun damage is really evident now. 

    I'm speaking tomorrow morning at the kickoff breakfast for ACS  making strides walk. I modified that long letter/post when when I finished radiation and will "read" it. I hope I dont get too choked up. She said there have been times when someone couldn't complete they're speech and wondered if I wanted someone up there with me for support and just in case. Why did she have to say that and put the thought in my head? Wish me luck...and strength to get through it dry eyed.

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  • 3rdtimenow
    3rdtimenow Member Posts: 256
    edited August 2014

    Same here,  Diane, big fan, I saw a stage production in Vegas last year. I especially loved the last scene in the movie. Stephanie

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  • 3rdtimenow
    3rdtimenow Member Posts: 256
    edited August 2014

    Good luck, Lisa, you'll do fine. Was supposed to have my set up for boosts today, but the plan wasn't ready so they will do it all by computer. Was hoping that since I had a treatment that I wasn't supposed to have today I would be done a day sooner, no such luck. I am really red and itching like crazy. RO said we'll take care of this. Take Ibuprofen and I will order you some silvadene. With my luck, I can't take either of these, bleeding problem with the Ibuprofen and allergic to sulfa drugs, which is main ingredient in silvadene. So no help there, just keep doing what I'm doing which doesn't help much. Can't wait for this to be over. Stephanie

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