Summer Rads 2014

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

    Jhodro, I remember being where you are, and now I'm done, it does go faster then you think, best of luck! Hugs, Stephanie

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

    Jhodro, I remember being where you are, it goes faster then you think, Best of luck to you. Hugs, Stephanie

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

    Jhodro, It goes faster then you think, I remember being where you are and now I'm done. Best wishes, Stephanie

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  • Sunshineinky
    Sunshineinky Member Posts: 461
    edited August 2014

    Yay Stephanie!!!!! So glad you're done!

    Jhondro it'll go so quick once you hit the halfway mark!

    I asked my MO about red wine (heart health benefits) and she said that in small amounts it's ok! So, I plan on continuing to toast you ladies with my 3oz of red wine!

    I think those studies are interesting.  I've never had a beer or hard liquor in my entire life.  I only discovered wine in july of 2013 at my daughters wedding shower at a winery.  I was diagnosed 3/27/14.  I doubt I had consumed one whole bottle in those nine months.  

    Yes, I'm a skeptic at what causes our cancers.  Right after I was diagnosed my mother in law sent me a study on how deodorant causes it to.  She has literally quit wearing any of it!!!! 

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  • ncollett
    ncollett Member Posts: 862
    edited August 2014

    I just wish I could get started on my Rad and quit having surgery lol 

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  • mripp
    mripp Member Posts: 106
    edited August 2014

    Whoo hoo Stephanie!

    Izzysmom- sounded like a great day out and the garden must have been lovely! Love the pic!

    I saw PT and she did lymphnode drainage massage and showed me an at home technique. It was very relaxing! I have some mild swelling in upper arm, and of course, breast rad area. #24 of 33 today. Started Aquafor for that darn red itchy stingy area. 

    I'm going to Wine & Jazz Festival tonight and 35th class reunion Saturday, but it'll be virgin drinks for me! TGIF!!

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  • lyzzysmom
    lyzzysmom Member Posts: 654
    edited August 2014

    Nancy, I hope you can get on and get this all done soon. At least once the rads does start it will go quickly. I cant believe I have been done 2 weeks.

    You know, I think they don't really know what causes most cancers.  I too have always been a very light drinker, probably averaging way less that one drink of some sort  a week.  I just intend to eat sensibly (most of the time),  try to keep up my exercise program but still have treats! Whats life without an occasional treat, whether it be a glass of wine, a cookie( or 2 or 3...)?

    It was interesting talking to my MO this week. We tend to hang on every bit of info we can get and I was concerned about interactions with Tamoxifen, notably my OTC Unisom Sleep gels which I really need, the only non Rx that help me. He looked up the interactions list, which I knew it was on, and its ingredients and told me not to worry about it, especially given my low Oncotype dx. He also mentioned  people taking SSRIs for depression with it even though they are listed too. He was obviously up on all the research based on his various comments but my feeling was that he was basing my treatment on what he knew rather than all the whatifs and maybes and opinions of particular researchers. I think I will just go with the flow. He said you'll know its working if you get any side effects anyway...Lol

    Happy Friday Everyone!

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  • ohiofan
    ohiofan Member Posts: 206
    edited August 2014


    I have been finished with rads for awhile now, and will not see my MO for another month.  I think he wanted to see if any early se's would resolve after 10 weeks.   I'm beginning to write down any questions I have...if I don't I'll forget every one!

    I read in the Johns Hopkins newsletter that bone pain can be relieved by using electroacupuncture for those on Tamoxifen.  Anyone ever hear of this?  Not for me....I'm on Al. 

    I think some cancers are caused by a virus that lies dormant until something triggers it.  Genetics, too.  I had colon cancer at 38 followed by my father, uncle, mother, and husband.  DD had a polyp at 25.  Three aunts and 6 cousins on Dad's side have polyps. Definitely something going on here!

    I noticed that my hands (actually cuticles) looked great during rads and aren't looking so nice now.  Aquaphor!  A little dab and they are much better. 

    Best to all!

    Ohio

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  • RaiderGirl
    RaiderGirl Member Posts: 419
    edited August 2014

    I wish I could find the article that completely debunks the deodorant as a cause of BC.

    As for wine, I have a glass every single day of my life. I asked the MO if this is a ritual that should end...he said naw , you'll probably live longer and better because of it.

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  • RaiderGirl
    RaiderGirl Member Posts: 419
    edited August 2014

    Wow thats scary. Are the novices? I hope the experience got better.

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  • Swissmiss
    Swissmiss Member Posts: 111
    edited August 2014

    Ok, today I completed treatment 12 of 33, and I am so very tired all of a sudden.  And my bones ache!  Is this a common occurrence, or perhaps not even related to radiation?  

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  • Lisaj514
    Lisaj514 Member Posts: 719
    edited August 2014

    swissmiss, yes you're about 3wks in so ya, there's the fatigue factor showing up. And the aching in your bones and joints is probably still from the taxol. My joints started aching more during rads but it's not from that as it's localized to the breast. Doc said left over SE from chemo.

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  • Rosiesride
    Rosiesride Member Posts: 513
    edited August 2014

    aff...I am glad to hear that cause I am worried about side effects...I was going to wait until next weekend to start as I am going on a short trip this weekend and start teaching Monday....next weekend is a 3 day long one so I was gonna start then.

    My calf muscle has been swollen and tender for a week now...called doc ....now at er to get ultrasound on leg...always something! Rosie

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  • Sunshineinky
    Sunshineinky Member Posts: 461
    edited August 2014

    Rosie did you start tamoxifen? The reason I ask is I'm having that issue with muscle pain and lumps in my legs.  My pcp is certain they are not blood clots and he has no idea what they are.  I'm having them ultrasounded on Tuesday!

    Hoping yours is nothing! Keep us updated! 

    Swissmiss rest when you feel you need to.  That fatigue from rads is sneaky but I promise it gets better once your finished.  I wasn't tired every day but by Friday I was exhausted.  My techs said it was the accumulative rads given to me over the week.  

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  • jbokland
    jbokland Member Posts: 890
    edited August 2014

    I start tamoxifen next week.  Mo has advised me to take a baby aspirin with it to decrease risk of blood clots. 

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  • Blessedteacher37
    Blessedteacher37 Member Posts: 314
    edited August 2014

     My last post with you folks...I am 2 months out from the last radiation treatment. My skin looks better this round ; I credit using the Aquafor from Day 1 for that. The itchy red area was the first to show improvement. One other thing I learned from this round...the Crystal roll on deodorant worked great for me...it's lavender scented.  I used Tom's the first time..it was ok but I like the Crystal better. 

    Just wanted to encourage you ladies who are having to go through this. It does get better..rest as much as you can...that helps too!

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  • charusa
    charusa Member Posts: 107
    edited August 2014

    Congratulations to all of you that finished this week and I hope you really enjoy the weekend and do something special for yourselves to mark the occasion!!!! I finished 10 of my 33 today. I come home everyday and try and complete 1 or 2 tasks like maybe clean the bathroom or mop the kitchen floor so I feel like I did something then I lay on the couch and watch some TV until I fall asleep for an hour or so. I had gotten into a terrible routine after surgery where all I did was lay in bed and sleep in and I mean sleep in....11, 12 or even until 1...I rationalized the longer I stayed in bed the less I ate...LOL. Now my rad schedule is 10am which is not that early but I am using what is called the DART program for transportation. It only cost me $4 each way. They pick you up an hour before your scheduled appointment and you have to tell them a head of time (all appointments have to be made 24hrs in advance) what time to pick you back for your return and the minimum time is 45minutes. So for 15 min. appointment I am gone sometimes 3 or more hours. They pick up other passengers so sometimes I am riding around for a while. I am a slow goer in the mornings and like my 2 cups of coffee and crossword puzzles so I get up at 6:30 to have time to do that, shower and dress. I am not sure if I am tired b/c of rads this early on or because I got so used to sleeping for so many hours and now getting up so early. Either way it is nice to be back in a routine even if it is for rads it gives me something to do. 

    Hope everyone enjoys their weekend off!!!

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  • Rosiesride
    Rosiesride Member Posts: 513
    edited August 2014

    sunshine...I did not start tamoxifen yet...I have it and was reading the side effects...it described symptoms for blood clot and this weird lump in my leg and pain fit the description so I think I freaked.. I called my nurse and she said I should go to ER if I wanted n ultrasound. 

    Soooo, 6 hours later and millions of squirmy germies, I had the ultrasound done and it's clear...no blood clots but he thinks it may be a deep hematoma.  Relieved as I am going on an overnight trip to myrtle beach with my sister! So all is well...until next time! Ugggg....Rosie 

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  • lyzzysmom
    lyzzysmom Member Posts: 654
    edited August 2014

    Rosie, I so hope everything has gone well at the ER and you can have a peaceful weekend.  It sounds like you are having a similar issue to Sunshine. Hopefully you can both get this sorted out quickly!!  

    JB, it sounds like your MO has the right idea with the baby aspirin. I bought some and immediately lost the bottle so will get some more!

    Mari, You are on the home stretch, sounds like a busy, fun weekend ahead!!

    Ohio, I started taking Biotin as soon as rads were done as its supposed to be good for nails, hair and skin and expected to be put on AI. Got Tamoxifen instead but will continue, along with calcium + D and K. 

    BlessedTeacher, thank you for your encouragement!! I love lavender. I think I will try the Christal. I have always like the song Don Henley "The Boys of Summer", I will always think of our little group as the the Girls of Summer!! Wishing you the very best of health!!

    Well, I am confused as I have to make a big decision by Monday. I had decided to retire in 3 weeks. I was looking forward to it although it was a bit scary - no salary, paying for health insurance especially after BC Dx. Today my boss offered me 3 days a week and no more on-call which has been a huge cause of stress for years. I realized I am so blessed to find myself in this position but have to decide what to do . I have not had good concentration recently. It also messes up DHs paperwork for his medicare supplements if I keep changing my mind. He is on my work insurance so I promised him I would make final decision over the weekend, pre side effects....

    I think I will pour a little drink and sleep on it.

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  • lyzzysmom
    lyzzysmom Member Posts: 654
    edited August 2014

    Rosie, I missed your last post! Thank goodness it is nothing serious although a hematoma sounds nasty. Enjoy Myrtle Beach with your sister!! Tha'ts somewhere where we hope to get to one day.

    Charusa, the rads can make you feel tired even early on. It definitely helps to keep moving.  If I was sitting  I might fall asleep but its usual to need a nap for an hour or so and sometimes the fatigue just hits you.  There were some days when I was not at work that I spent a lot of time in bed but having to get to rads before 9 am got me up and about and I started exercising and that helped a lot. Walking or any sort of exercise helps with the tiredness and getting enough protein for energy and drinking plenty of water helps too.  You have a nice weekend! It seems like a long time when you start but it does go over quickly and your nearly 1/3 done!

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  • ncollett
    ncollett Member Posts: 862
    edited August 2014

    Rosie have fun in Myrtle Beach and I am glad everything turned out ok for you. lyzzysmom I'll be praying for you. Those are hard decisions to make especially when you have a diagnosis like we do and other things going on in life.  

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  • Louanne
    Louanne Member Posts: 101
    edited August 2014

    jbok, thanks for posting about the alcohol. I used to have red wine every night for years. My cholesterol was high, and also my blood pressure. Thought I was doing something good for myself. All of my Drs. said it is good for you. Trying to take care of yourself one way, leads to other problems. I think too much of any one thing isn't good for you. Everyone needs to find the right balance for themselves, it isn't so easy!

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  • rettemich
    rettemich Member Posts: 369
    edited August 2014

    Just got through catching up with the posts. First off if I miss anyone I apologize in advance.

    Rosie, That photo is Just a Hoot!!! Love the car!!! So glad your back with all your kiddos. Glad to hear your ultrasound was good. NOW go enjoy yourself!

    Nancy, yep the gift that keeps on giving. ScaredHope your rescission goes well. We are in your pocket with you.

    jbok, NICE Toes!!!!! LOL They have me taking a baby aspirin as well.

    Izzy, what a wonderful day. The Orchids are So beautiful. Good luck with your decision, that's a tough one. Do what is best for you.

    Stephanie, Woohoo!!!!! Done, done and done!!!!!!!

    jhodnro, I will start going faster. The first week is getting into the routine.

    Trina, The fatigue is completely normal. The bones aches, from what I have read could be from the chemo. I think the rads jump start them. MY opinion only. 

    Speaking of leg cramps, ok don't laugh, well ok laugh, I get toe cramps. Yep wake up at night and have to walk around the house just to get my toes back into position. Weird.

    2 months out, can't believe it. My skin looks great but my nipple is still swollen and extremely sensitive. I still get pains in that area too. 

    Congrats to all who have finished, a glass to wine tonight for all.

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  • mripp
    mripp Member Posts: 106
    edited August 2014

    So what else can I use for the "sting" in the red rash area besides Aquafor and hydrocotisone? It is bothering me at night alot, which affects sleep. I'm using  600mg ibuprofen and can't tolerate antihistimines which give me nightmares. Suggestions welcome!

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  • Louanne
    Louanne Member Posts: 101
    edited August 2014

    Off topic: I'm having a problem with my life insurance. It was raised 2 months ago by an extra $25 a month. Just mine, not my husbands. Now they have been calling my husband for an appointment to speak to both of us, about MY policies. Has any of you ladies had any problems with life insurance? I want to be prepared for this meeting.

    Hope you are all having a great weekend!

    PS:  mripp, have you tried aloe? I used the plant leaves.

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  • ohiofan
    ohiofan Member Posts: 206
    edited August 2014


    rett,  I get toe cramps, too!  Do your toes head in different directions?  They hurt a little, but I have to giggle when I see them!  It is strange!

    Louanne, that is interesting.  Maybe he just wants to see if you want to change your paperwork or raise your amount while you can. I couldn't change my policy for a number of years after I had colon cancer.  Keep us posted.

    Ohio

     

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  • Rosiesride
    Rosiesride Member Posts: 513
    edited August 2014

    louanne...i had the opposite problem where my husbands increased....long story short:  I learned that when we signed up back in 1994, mine was on a 15 year schedule and his increase for him was at 20 years...so the reason was due to how we originally signed up.   Maybe your issue has something to so with that?  Rosie

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  • DeeC
    DeeC Member Posts: 102
    edited August 2014

    Three more weeks and I will join you at the finish line!

    Dee

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  • Louanne
    Louanne Member Posts: 101
    edited August 2014

    Thanks Ohio, I hope it is something simple like that. Am I being naive? How would they know about the cancer if they do?

    Rosie, I'm  6 months older than my husband, that could have something to do with it. We didn't purchase these policies until 2009, so we are at the five year mark. 

    Thanks for your responses ladies! What a wonderful group of people we have on this forum!

    Dee, I'm counting down the days with you! It will go by fast!

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

    Mripp, I kept my aloe in the fridge and applied it before bed and slept with nothing on and the fan blowing, hope you get relief soon. Dee, be done before you know it.

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