Winter rads 2014-2015

Coyote, Just beautiful work.

I empathize with those experiencing side effects and being told, "oh it's not the radiation..."  my SE's have, overall, been minimal however I have had pressure type headaches and just general unwellness since my last chemo (October).  One of my chemo nurses (I still see them as I get Herceptin every 3 weeks) said it may not be listed as a specific side effect of a particular treatment but just think of what your body has been through in the last 7 months...

So although a side effect may not be listed as being caused by a specific treatment I think it is reasonable to assume that the trauma that we have been through causes MANY side effects.  Be persistent with your doctors until you get the answers you need. 

On that note - As I mentioned, I am on Herceptin and wondered if anyone else is experiencing pressure like sinus issues?   Of course I was told it is not a SE of Herceptin (lol) any info would be greatly appreciated.

I'm about to start Tamoxifen and am soooo anxious about it- more than I was about chemo or rads...

Good Afternoon Birdgirl11, Thanks for all the info and tips. I appreciate it. I see the RO on Friday, but the rads may be refused at this time to start chemo, again! The MO is concerned about the mets in my abdomen and wants to start soon since the Taxol response wasn't good, and the breast tumor grew back and fast. The mets are very small and the MO wants to get them now before they start growing. So one thing to prevent the original breast tumor from coming back, but another to shrink the mets. Another round of run, worry, and wait and see. So I hope to have a better plan in place on Friday. I'll see how long that plan works.......geez it's exhausting!

For everyone in the polar vortex freeze - stay warm. For everyone on a nice warm sunny beach - please invite us! The wind chill here is -15.

Coyote- your work is fantastic!

Gongshow-yes, headache is a side effect that some of us have experienced with Herceptin. Check out the latest posts on "Taxol/Herceptin" blog. Congrats on finishing rads!

Beachbum- so sorry to hear The Taxol hasn't worked well for you. I'm sure they will find something that will in their bag of tricks!

Jlynn- feel better!

{{Hugs}}

Nancy

Beachlady...congratulations on finishing up your rad treatments. Sounds like you had quite the end of treatment celebration.

Beachlady28 so delighted for you. What a difference a support person can make. My husband and I feel that "we" have cancer.

beachlady28

I'm so glad you have a wonderful and supportive husband. It really does make a huge difference. You definitely desired the roses. My husband has also been great. He takes care of our 4 yr old playing with her, making dinner every night and getting her ready for bed nightly. He does all this while I lay on the couch struggling with my nausea. It's been like this for the past month. It sounds like we are both blessed.

Congrats again on finishing this hurdle.

Way to go, Beachlady - you made it!!! (theme to Rocky playing in the background)

To those still doing rads - keep putting one foot in front of the other and you will get there! I

What a kind and thoughtful guy!! 

My guy is accompanying me to my first rad treatment tomorrow.  He insists even though I tell him that he doesn't have to. 

I attended my first yoga class (in like forever) last night, and I am hoping that SE's don't prevent me from going on a regular basis.  I didn't buy a monthly pass or commit to more, so I guess I can see how it goes. Anyone have any suggestions for keeping active?

Gongshow16, YES to your question about sinus pressure! I am on Herceptin every three weeks until next August. The pressure makes my teeth throb ( my dentist ruled out dental reasons which was good news,) and I have headaches from time to time. I had not tied the pressure to Herceptin, but it is not something I usually deal with . I had Herceptin along with Taxotere, Carboplatin and Perjeta for 6 treatments, but the Herceptin didn't continue at that point initially because there were questions of heart damage and I had further tests. The cardiologist cleared me to return to Herceptin in December. Since it had been 3 months I was given a 90 minute loading dose. I noticed over the next few days that the neuropathy in my feet and hands had gotten worse, though it is slowly getting better again. A SE? In my mind, yes! On another note, my first rad treatment was delayed for a week. The RO was concerned that my surgical site wasn't quite healed enough. It has been 11 weeks since surgery. Then yesterday I saw the surgeon and she said she wouldn't have called it that way, that she sees my site as healed, that the RO's area of concern is a scab which will soon drop off. So, I had my simulation on the 5th and am slated to start the real deal next Tuesday, the 13th. I'll be glad to get going finally! I read about boosts from some of you and did not know what they are...I do now ! I'll be getting those at the end of treatment

Hope everyone is getting through this cold weather without hardship! In SC this morning it is 18 degrees.

Okay CoyoteNV...I'm attempting to post these pictures...we'll see how it goes lol. Some of the pictures aren't the clearest but at least it gives an idea of what I do. The welcome picture & the the gingerbread man are painted on roofing slate. The house with Santa's reindeer is cut wood & the disk spins when the music box is wound...plays "Santa Clause is Coming to town. The snowmen are wood candle holders and the calendar is wood...My daughter & 2 yo granddaughter love Winnie the Pooh so I painted 4 seasonal pictures (have a winter & easter picture to do yet). Takes a lot of time to do but I love doing it.

Seriously thinking of backing out. I'm supposed to start Monday. Maybe it's just nerves. I don't know. I've never been sold on having the RADS as I am in the "gray area". I don't know if it's my gut telling me not to do it or just my fear. Could use some encouraging words or stories

Saltygirl - wanting to back out is prety normal, I think. We've all had those moments and days. I read somewhere that radiation can reduce chances of recurrence by up to 70%! Between that and the chemo, you will be in a very good spot indeed! Keep reminding yourself that this is an investment for the years to come.

Is it scary? Yes. Is it fun? No. But you can make it through one day at a time.

Hugs to you!

saltygirl- you can do it- I had 30 rads including 5 boosts and I made out just fine! My skin isn't too bad at all. Like someone else said it's an investment in your future!! Good luck!

Rads# 20 today.. going out this morning at 9 degrees wasnt too brilliant.but its done.

Congrats to the finishers..and as for good hubbys.. I am pleased for you all..and yes.. a bit jealous!!! Im glad you have that lovely support :-)

My hubby is no help (unless there are people to impress at the time). The cancer for me halted my 'college/job/get out plans too.. I work with a womens shelter for my 'situation' hee at home.. im a bit stuck right now).and he presented with with a chart of 'how much cancer is costing me;

I've gone solo pretty much all the time through this.. (and looking back for the 13 years.. have always done that)

Sally.. I hear you.. I can remember my first time actually going in...and I got through it okay but admit to bawling my eyes out afterwards in the changing room because I was 'having' to do this. (25% chance of recurrence here without it...9% with it). and a lot of that 'pre' stress came out