Winter 2015-16 RADS

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  • Twnkltoz
    Twnkltoz Member Posts: 215
    edited February 2016

    happy to say I felt much better over the weekend and even today after treatment. My energy level is better, and my stomach settled down. Phew!

    18/30 done. I can't believe how fast this is going. Thinking about throwing a party when I'm done!

    I was also triple negative. My path report after surgery came back squeaky clean. Between that and the rads, I'm not going to worry about recurrence. I'll watch it and get all my mammograms and what not, but otherwise I'm going to have faith. I can't live in fear.

    My hair took a couple months to have enough length and color to really show up, and just recently to look like I could be wearing it like this on purpose. Here I am last week, 15 weeks pfc:

    image

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  • KateB79
    KateB79 Member Posts: 747
    edited February 2016

    Twnkltoz, look at that HAIR! Yay!

    I'm triple-positive, too. . . .

    So, today I pulled into the parking lot at the zaps place, when my phone started to ring. Guess what? No zaps today, because the computer that controls the Kitchen Aid is down. The tech made a big deal out of me making the most of my DAY OFF. I celebrated with a thick coat of Miaderm and a cup of coffee. :)

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  • DurhamGirl
    DurhamGirl Member Posts: 100
    edited February 2016

    Here is my fuzzy head--it's definitely thin and soft (and with more gray than before!). My hair before was VERY thick, so we'll see what happens. I'm just 3 weeks from my last taxotere, but it was growing in a bit before that last infusion. My eyebrows have also thinned quite a bit, but I guess they're not going to fall out entirely at this point. I'm not yet going out without a hat, but that's more because my head gets really cold!

    image

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  • Tessio
    Tessio Member Posts: 46
    edited February 2016

    Love the pictures Durham girl and twnkltoz!!

    My hair is in about that stage too. Super soft and more gray. Yea hair!!

    I had #16 yesterday. My original Rad dr was back and told me that the lump in my throat was a side effect! My skin is also turning pink a bit too fast, I'm using cabbage leaves, special care cream, and emu oil on the weekends. My doc will check my skin again on Thursday and possibly recommend no more bolus and possible shorter treatment..... My tissue expander is very tight right now too.

    Rads are going better than expected personally, the fear was a lot bigger for me. After this afternoon's session, I will be 1/2 way done!

    Blessings!

    The cookies were beautiful too.

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  • justmaximom15
    justmaximom15 Member Posts: 264
    edited February 2016

    I'm doing the DONE WITH RADS happy dance!!!!! Woohoo!

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  • keepwalking
    keepwalking Member Posts: 147
    edited February 2016

    Justmaximom - Yay!!! Congratulations!

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  • JerseyGirl22
    JerseyGirl22 Member Posts: 342
    edited February 2016

    Congrats to everyone finishing!!!! Whoohoo! I missed yesterday due to machines being down... so 21 down today!!! Yay! 4 more regulars and 5 boosts!

    As for hair, mine is about 3/4 of an inch and "kitten soft" as my daughter calls it... It was white when it first came in, and now its iron and salt colored.

    Kate, how are you making out on Tamoxifen? Any side effects? Anyone else, side effects from Tamoxifen? I'm still on the fence... ugh!

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  • HappyHammer
    HappyHammer Member Posts: 1,247
    edited February 2016

    Justmax- CONGRATS!

    Durham, Twnk and Tessio- we have the same hairstyle :) Mine is darker than it was and growing in sideways- literally- but, at least it's growing! II haven't worn a hat in about a month. Hugs to all!

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  • KateB79
    KateB79 Member Posts: 747
    edited February 2016

    I'm not starting the Tamoxifen until after rads, much to my MO's dismay.

    Turns out I'm getting my zaps today after all. They called and want me to come back at 3:00. Ugh, fine, okay. Better now than later!

    I have that haircut, too. :)

    Justmaximon, YAY!!!!! Woo-hoo!!

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  • etnasgrl
    etnasgrl Member Posts: 650
    edited February 2016

    Well ladies....I'm finished! I had my last treatment yesterday!!!
    It was such a great day! My husband and sister-in-law, (who is also my best friend), came with me to watch me ring the bell. The nurses and techs LOVED the cookies that I brought them and one of the ladies actually cried, which made me cry! LOL!
    Anyway, I rang that bell and everyone....nurses, techs, my RO, the people in the waiting room....clapped and cheered. (That was VERY emotional!) My RO gave me a handmade wash cloth, (she made it herself!), explaining that she gives one to each patient who completes radiation. She said I can use it to gently wash off all the marks and tapes. How incredibly sweet!!!
    Afterwards, we went to Olive Garden for lunch. Oh....and my husband gave me 6 pink roses, wrapped in pink ribbons for my last treatment. I am SO blessed!

    Heart

    Tomorrow, I have an appointment with my MO to get on Tamoxifen. But, that's it. I'm out of active treatment. Four months ago, I received the devastating news and thought my life was over. Now, it's back to "normal". (Whatever the heck "normal" is!) I'm a bundle of mixed emotions....happy, sad, anxious, hopeful....I don't know what to do with myself or what should come next.

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  • JerseyGirl22
    JerseyGirl22 Member Posts: 342
    edited February 2016

    Kate, that was my decision, too. For me, I didn't want to start anything new while doing rads and herceptin together...

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  • KateB79
    KateB79 Member Posts: 747
    edited February 2016

    Congrats, etnasgirl!

    JerseyGirl, it wasn't really my decision--I deferred to my RO on that one. I was ready to start; I already have the bottle o'Tamoxifen in the medicine cabinet. He just wanted me to hold off so that we know what's causing which side effect (as applicable).

    I soooooo do not want to go back this afternoon for my zaps. But today is 9/25, so there we go.

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  • Peabrain
    Peabrain Member Posts: 268
    edited February 2016

    image

    11 weeks out, I am weaning myself off my beanie because it's giving me hat hair. (And its 80 degrees here.) I had a trim at the sides so some hairs are shorter than others and it doesn't look so much like I've been treated for lice. And I waxed the brows because they were seriously wonkety and out of hand. I was already salt and pepper, and I'm not sure yet if the ratio is saltier. The reading glasses are courtesy of chemo, but it's ok. They give my DH and I something new to share.

    My favorite waiting room fish wasn't there this morning. I hope she's ok

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  • Brimton
    Brimton Member Posts: 87
    edited February 2016
    Hi Everyone
    Just want to pop in and say 1.) You guys look great rockin your short hair! And 2.) Congrats to everyone finishing!
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  • justmaximom15
    justmaximom15 Member Posts: 264
    edited February 2016

    Thanks everyone and congrats to you too etnasgirl and I understand the "what is normal" feeling. It's been 2 weeks shy of a whole year since I had the mammogram that changed my life. I'm like what do I do now???

    JerseyGirl2, I've been on Tamoxifen since the first day of January. The only side effects that I've noticed is hot flashes. They aren't as bad as I've heard them described though.

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  • morelandks
    morelandks Member Posts: 51
    edited February 2016

    image

    Beanie-induced hat head has been showing up for me too Peabrain! Here I am, 8 weeks out from my last Taxol dose, and occasionally going capless despite my resemblance to something that should appear in a Star Trek episode . . .

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  • HappyHammer
    HappyHammer Member Posts: 1,247
    edited February 2016

    Peabrain- way to rock the 'do! I just got back from having a "trim". My hairdresser trimmed nape of neck and evened the areas around my ears so they didn't look so crazy. It was nice to schedule another trim for 6 weeks out- positive thinking that I'll need it, haha.

    Etna- way to celebrate your rads journey. What a sweet idea that your RO gives a handmade washcloth. SO thoughtful.

    Kate and Jersey- I too waited to start Arimidex after ending rads and waiting for skin to heal some as per my RO.

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  • 6feetover
    6feetover Member Posts: 320
    edited February 2016

    You ladies look fantastic!!! Hilariously, my hair's growing in the exact opposite direction; some of it's even growing sideways. Urff! *Rolls eyes*

    etnasgrl: CONGRATS!!! (Same to all those I've missed!)

    morelandks: This is going to sound nuts, but you look familiar. I lived in Chicago for quite awhile (moved back to my home state of CT in 2008); did you ever hang out at Neo?

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  • HappyHammer
    HappyHammer Member Posts: 1,247
    edited February 2016

    Adarkadapte... your hair sounds like mine...I have a "faux-hawk" and some of the hair on the sides seems to growing towards the other side instead of down. Weird but am hoping it will settle when a bit longer and heavier.

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  • Brightsocks
    Brightsocks Member Posts: 159
    edited February 2016

    Tomorrow I will be starting my first rad treatment. Is there anyone else starting? My emotions are all over the map about going in since I can't stand a dental Xray I will keep my Mind open to thinking this treatment is to help me and not hurt me.

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  • marijen
    marijen Member Posts: 3,731
    edited February 2016

    Sailorgirl15 and everyone

    RO offered anti-anxiety drugs for the nausea. I guess that means she thinks it's all in my head? I thought it was good news when she agreed the radiation could cause nausea, although she's only had one other patient in 8 years that had this SE. At this point I'd rather wait and hope it goes away.

    Anyone here know if Medicare covers acupuncture for radiation? I'm thinking not since they don't offer it in general.

    I asked about taking Letrozole during radiation. RO wants me to continue with it but it can cause additional swelling with the combination so if that starts to happen she will take me off it until radiation is over. Thought you people might be interested in that little nugget. Haven't seen anyone else post it. Now I'm wondering IF there is increased swelling would that trigger LE?

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  • morelandks
    morelandks Member Posts: 51
    edited February 2016

    adarkadapetedi - I've lived in Chicago since 1995 bit don't remember ever being at Neo - thanks for reaching out

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  • HappyHammer
    HappyHammer Member Posts: 1,247
    edited February 2016

    Marijen- my MO gave Ativan as a first line anti-nausea...don't think they are suggesting it's in your head.

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  • marijen
    marijen Member Posts: 3,731
    edited February 2016

    HH Ativan is anti-anxiety. She offered Ativan then said I wouldn't be able to drive and she also offered a drug that's scary to me. So how is everyone else on Ativan and still getting to their appointments. I told her I wouldn't take it until I'm done driving anywhere for the day. Have to wait until next week. I'm trying out something safe I have here in the meantime - it's like benedryl.

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  • JuniperCat
    JuniperCat Member Posts: 658
    edited March 2016

    Brightsocks: The first two treatments for me seemed endless, most likely because I'm having accelerated high-dose 3 week "prone" treatment. A specific area on my skin turned bright pink after the first treatment but seems to be okay now. Today was my third day and the whole process seems much better. You'll find that so many of these posts here will be helpful and encouraging!!! Make sure you get cream to apply to your skin.

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  • Twnkltoz
    Twnkltoz Member Posts: 215
    edited February 2016

    @etnasgirl congrats! What a great day!

    @moreland wow your hair looks great!

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  • Brimton
    Brimton Member Posts: 87
    edited February 2016
    BRIGHT SOCKS into the dreaded third week. So far so good. Talk to your techs. They will help you. Visualize your happy place or as I do death rays to all cancer cells! The sim can be a bit difficult longer and you must lay totally still. We will be here for you.
    And HYDRATE it helps a lot I think. My techs play rock and roll for me. And I visualize myself dancing as the cancer cells die!!!!
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  • Martini
    Martini Member Posts: 30
    edited February 2016

    Brightsocks. I had , my first treatment today. Took around 30 minutes today but will only be on the table 15 next time. Relax and breathe. Best luck tomorrow?

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  • Martini
    Martini Member Posts: 30
    edited February 2016

    LMN. Yes!!!! Congratulations!

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  • mdoc524
    mdoc524 Member Posts: 336
    edited February 2016

    Welcome Welcome Brightsocks - so sorry you are here but so glad you found us - we are an awesome group here to support each other through ..there are a few starting Rads this week too! It is perfectly OK to be emotional and my advice would be to make sure your Techs know that right upfront so they can help get comfortable and talk to your RO about it - he/she may give you something to calm nerves if they have not already.. I echo all the other comments - use your cream - stay hydrated and keep us posted on how you are doing and if we can help... do you know yet how many treatments you will be having..

    WooHoo - Happy dancing for LMN, Justmaximom and etnasgrl - Congrats!

    KateB - thanks for the perspective .. I am onboard with staying positive and not living a life of worry ... The lymph node thing gets me I think because they only took the 2 that had cancer and tap dance around when I ask how many other nodes could have been positive.. just have to find my happy place on it

    Marijen - totally aware that recurrence can happen with Mastectomies - was just my personal choice to have that surgery instead of lumpectomy. I get 2 specific Zaps to my Clavicle Nodes and from what I understand it kills cancer cells and can damage normal cells but normal cells have the ability to heal and rebuild where cancer cells do not. Also I took Ativan all thru-out chemo for anti-nausea so even though it's primary use is for anxiety it is definitely used for nausea and it works! There are 2 other Anti-nausea drugs they give you during chemo which cause horrible constipation so I got the Ativan and never looked back. Hope your nausea gets better.

    DurhamGirl - so many hugs to you! I do hope it gets better for you - always let your techs know if you are that uncomfortable - don't feel bad - it's their job to make you comfortable!! And don't feel bad about being emotional - it is perfectly OK - does not mean you/we are any less of a Warrior :)

    Diane - so with you on the back pain - hope yours gets better - mine is left shoulder - hurts so bad I can't use my arm - could not pull car door closed - right in the joint and I know it is from holding arms up in the air! I have a compromised neck that has caused shoulder issues so I know I will need PT soon! 22 more to go - can't imagine! Last week RO told me to try and stretch it and take Ibuprofen - need to go to primary to have it checked. Again - hope yours gets better

    Brimton - Funny - I too say a little prayer for everyone here in our awesome group as the machine is zapping away!! As far as being strong thanks - I have worked in customer service for 25+ years and mix-ups like that absolutely infuriate me and normally I would be screaming but I have tried to mellow that part of me and nicely challenge when something is not right but inside I was steaming .. like all other 33 appointments were there and I scanned my card in and was sitting in their que but since my appointment was not in the system they did not come out and see me to find out why I was there... ok I am over it LOL

    Suz-Q - thanks & so with you on Mammo's and Dense Breasts. I got that letter for 3 years in a row and wish I was more proactive with my OBGYN to discuss more options and I did not. I was blown away that after I felt the lump the Mammo, Ultrasound and BTW the MRI only showed something less than 1cm - I saw the MRI - all you could see was all the dense tissue .. my BS said she could easily get it with lumpectomy and after my BMX she said I would not have had clear margins with the lumpectomy since the tumor was much larger than what the MRI showed ... scary! I read an article on a new screening coming out for those with dense tissue - it was on FB so I will try to find it and share

    Kimmer - found your post about hair funny that you kept your lashes and brows and questioning leg and armpit hair .. I lost my brows and lashes and my leg and armpit hair grew back first and have had to shave a few times now and I am only 6 weeks out of last Taxol - funny how different! I just started to noticed dark hair strands in the back of my hair this past week - fingers crossed

    Twnkltoz - glad you are feeling better- great pic- you are beautiful!

    JerseyGirl - I too am waiting to take hormonal meds -MO was the one who said after Rads .. Chemo put me into full menopause at 46 .. no period 6 months now. Since cancer was 90+% estrogen positive OBGYN is taking ovaries out in next 2 months so I will go on Arimidex instead of Tamoxifen ..

    Peabrain - love love the pic - you too are beautiful! I too just got new reading glasses courtesy of chemo .. amazing what it does to the eyes!

    morelandks - Wow you have so much hair -awesome! And you too are beautiful - love the Star Trek reference! Question - how do you get your hair to stay down? My top just stands straight up even after wearing the hat ...

    You all have inspired me to start taking the beanie off - hoping sharing makes me more comfortable with my white hair! I have 9 year olds and feel like I look like their Grandmother.. my normal hair before dx was dark brown long thick and curly ... but so excited that over the last few days a shadow of eyebrows have formed and teeny-tiny eyelashes can be seen with magnifying glass :)

    image

    Hugs to all!

    Mary

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