Winter rads 2014-2015

Myt64, what an inspiring quote. Love it.

thanks Coyote for updating all, now that I've finish I pop in every now and then. Going to move over to Bottle of Tamoxifen-I will be starting tomorrow.

Best of luck to all my sisters and thanks for the support!!

Coyote, thanks for keeping the list updated. I was so happy when I saw the smiley face next to my name.

CassieCat, if I am not on tomorrow. I want to say Congrats and high five.

thank you coyotenv. Your creation of this group and efforts to keep us going made a huge impact on my life. I relied on all of you for support, guidance, friendship and a lifeline. Without your creation, I would not have weathered this storm as well.

Many months of hell made easier.

You're an angel and I thank you so much!!!

BIG hugs to you my friend.

Thanks for the generous words and kind thoughts.  I can't take credit for starting the topic... our friend ILCMom did that and ran into some issues that pulled her away. I wish her the best of health and a complete recovery from this malady.... and of course the same for all of us! 

I'm headed up to St. George to the oncologist office to get this port flushed... yeah, it's still with me.  I will have tests and scans in May and, God willing, get it removed when those show that I am NED.  I does continue on...

Quiggy ~ I have not had the courage to watch the show. I just cannot do it.  The reality I live is about all I can handle. There are certain mental aspects of all of this that surprise me.  Apparently, there is an element of PTSD that affects us.  It shows up more in multiple timers.  I've found that I really don't want to leave my safe little home cocoon (studio is included in that ... and probably more than my actual house/home)  I get very anxious about leaving.  This is not especially unusual.  I'm not sure if there is anything I should do about it.... I'm content in my space - my "comfort zone" as it were.

CassieCat - I hope all has gone well today.  I'm "Smiling" for you!

Farmerma, I love your dog! He reminds me of Miss Molly, a very lovable and loyal lab that I loved. She was black also, and always knew when to buddy up. I really miss her. We were beach buddies, and when my friend decided to move on, she went with him. I miss her way more than I miss him. Dang dog napper!

Dogs seem to know what we need sometimes, more than we do. He will get you through. I am so glad that you are almost done! I hope the boosts are quick. I had zero issues from the boosts, and the skin is looking really good. I am out of rads three weeks on Thursday. You got this!

The dog is beautiful!  Hope he hangs on a while longer.

I have 3 more regular and 7 boosts left.  So far only a rash in the middle of my chest above my breast and left breast turning pink, doesn't really bother me except for the itchy rash.  RO said to use Benadryl spray but it doesn't really help much.  Not using anything on my breast so far and holding up well.

Congrats to all who are finishing.

Coyote, you have certainly been through a lot. I hope you get good news, and with it some peace, in May. Thank you so much for keeping this list together and for offering so much support to everyone here.

I personally find the Ken Burns special to be riveting, although also sad—but also hopeful. I'm so grateful to have gotten my dx at a time when so much more is known about this disease, or many diseases. We don't have to suffer from the well-intentioned but ill-informed practices such as ultra-radical mastectomies that earlier generations of women did. Flip side, of course, is that probably our granddaughters will be able to say the same thing, and view our treatments as medieval. It remains a very tough disease, but science marches on. As a non-scientist writer who often writes about science, I find the story to be pretty fascinating, and I've learned a lot from this program. But I can certainly respect those who can't bear to see it.

Farmerma, your dog is so very handsome, and such a sweet expression. I have lost many dogs, most of them to cancer, and it's a very hard thing. I wish for you many, many more good days with him. What a year for you, I'm so sorry. I've had a bit of that same kind of year, in a different way, so I know somewhat how you feel. We are also taping the program, as my husband is an early bird and can't manage to stay awake that late. Maybe I will watch the whole thing again with him at some point.

WheelyGirl, I have your exact same scenario, with the itchy rash in the same place, and overall pink on the left breast. The boost area, right around the nipple, was the last four treatments (ending just 2 days ago), and it's pinker still but not itchy, luckily. A little tender. I'm still using Miaderm on the whole breast, and 1% hydrocortisone with aloe on the itchy parts. I need to find that cortizone cooling relief gel! There were times today that it was so itchy in that one spot that I could hardly keep from racking my fingernails over it! I'm now a week out from the regular treatments, hoping the itchy rash and redness start to subside soon. But really, it hasn't been too bad, and I'm mighty glad my skin didn't break down. Armpit is totally fine, just kind of tan. I hope your last treatments fly by.

Coyote. I think it is not only normal but also wise to want to nest when under assault. Especially if home and hearth (and studio) are happy, reassuring places. Also introverts can be very sociable but gather strength and energy from time alone. I know I am like that. You have supported us here and you do whatever supports you.

CassieCat, congratulations!!!

Cassiecat, Hooray! You're done! Doing the happy dance for you.

Farmerma, your dog is beautiful. I'm glad it looks like you'll have more time together. I have a 12 year old black Irish setter/ black lab mix. My husband and I have decided he is much more of a comfort dog than service dog! Enjoy your time together.

Coyote, may you do whatever brings you the most peace. Hopefully your news in May is good. It is so true that cancer changes us forever. Take good care.

For those of you so close to done, we're waiting for you with smiles and happy dances!

coyotenv, I understand. I've never been a social animal but since all this, I've withdrawn from everything except the things and places I have to deal with. My home is my safe place. I'm glad your home or studio bring you comfort. I don't know if you should do anything and if you did, what it would be. Maybe sharing here IS doing something??

I hope you get the port out and get the NED news!!

Maybe we all have PTSD from this journey, how could we not? It's a hell of a thing to go through! My heart goes out to you and others who've faced this more then once.

Sending you gentle hugs and a promise that you're not alone; we're here for each other.

Kayfry, I too have a long drive. Almost 3 hours round trip. It is down a lovely winding mountain road. I try to treat this as a job. It has first prlority right now. We will all get through this. God is with me all the way. Love, Jean

Great that you're done Kay. I hit the halfway point tomottow. 3 weeks to go. Love, Jean

Jean, I hope those weeks fly by for you. Mine seemed oddly to go both quickly and take forever.