December 2017 Radiation Group

Goodddddd Morning WARRIORS!

PVM... we dance today!!!!

PVM... WOOT WOOTTT!!!!

OCDAmy; I have a followup w/my MO/RO and surgeon on Jan 31st. When I told my RO that I had them all the same day he said 'thats good for the first followup as we all want to make sure that all is well'. He then said that it won't be that way in the future because my MO may only want to see me in a year after the first initial followup; my surgeon said she may want to see me every 3-6 mths; and unless I have an issue with my skin, it could be 6mths to a year before he (RO) sees me again.

I totally understand that. My copay is the same ;-(... but i guess thats a 'small' price for what we've had to endure. I actually looked at my billing the other day for some of the sessions and I could only THANK GOD that I have insurance. I'll find out on the 31st what my future followups will look like and will report back.

PauletteK; yeah my deductibles and all will also start over 2018; of course w/my work they changed our insurance companies (Anthem to Cigna) so I went into panic mode at first because although I knew all of my sessions would be over as of Dec 27th; i wanted to make sure that all of my facilities and physicians are listed (especially w/me having follow-ups so soon). Panic subsided as I found out that ALL were covered (thank you Jesus)!

I usually go online to see whats billed; pending etc... so far the only thing left open are my last sessions in Dec (13th-27th)...everything else has been submitted and covered. I know that I'll have to go back to pay 'all' of my co-pays because they don't ask for payment when you come in for rads. They wait until everything is done; they submit the bill to the insurance co and then I'll get whatever I have to pay last.

My first sessions in Nov (for mapping and the first 3 zaps), I have YET to get a bill. When I called last week just to make sure that the rads office had sent in everything for the year. The rep said that the Nov bill should be coming to me by the end of this month; and that my Dec billing probably wont get to me until mid to late Feb.

I paid all other co-pays (appts, surgery, MRI, etc) as I went so Im glad to know that the only payments that I should have now will be for my zap sessions.

Again...as I continue to say; in the midst of protecting our health, making sure we eat right, get rest, drink water, keep the skin moistened...you name it. We still have to make sure that 'we're covered'! I thank God continually for providing for me and putting in place ALL of the provisions and resources that Id need.

I hope you get that invoice taken care of. Im already believing that it was their error; and at NO expense to you!

thanks so much ladies for the good wishes & support means alot 😀 Paulette your almost there we shall cheer you on Monday woot woot.

Amy I have a follow up with my RO in March he said as my MO will be the main person he won't see me very often. I have tests scheduled 1st week of April & then the week after have an appointment with my MO & BS. I guess they will tell me how often they will see me. My skin is holding up as best as it can. My breast is red esp around the nipple & it's tender. My under arm is dark & I have a feeling once it starts to heal it may peel. The area is tender & when I do my stretches i can feel it pulling & my skin tender. They told me to keep applying cream as my skin may be at its worst in 2 weeks. They also mentioned doing saline soaks if it gets bad.

I hope all goes well with you ladies & your insurance & all gets covered & so forth. It's mentally draining to have to worry about insurance when your going through so much. Big hug ladies 😊

After my last rad the MO nurse will review with me what I need to do & not do. Said they'd tell me when I need to call them right away....that didn't sound good! But I'll see my MO 3 weeks out, unsure how often after that.

BS wanted to see me in March, but I'll be in Florida god willing. BS said May is fine. I also see my GP in May.

MO sees me about 3 weeks after last rad, on 2/6. She'll be prescribing an AI, and possibly other scripts. I'm not sure how long I'll be taking meds before she'll want to see me again. We figure I can fly back from FL if she needs to see me before May. Or get bloodwork done down there with results sent to her if necessary. I'm trying to cover all bases and still get to Florida house for some reprieve from upstate NY weather.

First boost .... 4 zaps! It was fast, they took one x-ray then started zapping. I didn’t even listen to the music, just focus on the zapping. Skin hold up well, tender around nipple also, should be fine.

Gigibee.... we will do our dance together soon!

Going to see my surgeon next Friday then my family doc, then my MO. Guess I will see my RO tomorrow then I have to schedule my appointment to see him.

I’m starting to think about life after treatment soon.

Gigibee...... lets go! We are going to meet in the finish line!

I did my 2 miles walk today, I feel good and took some pictures while I walk. Let me share with you God creations.

PVM Congrats on finishing your RADs. For all you others getting closer and closer to finishing, hang in there, you got this!!! I encourage all of you to keep up with your lotion, even after RADs, until your skin heals. Keep eating protein. Also, check and see if your hospital has a cancer survivor program or check with the American Cancer Society for any programs/freebies they have. I've been going to exercise classes 3 times a week now at the cancer survivor center near me, all free. I also signed up for a 6-month weight-loss for wellness program and tomorrow I'm getting a free 30 minute chair massage. Next month the American Cancer Society is hosting a "look good feel better" program at my hospital where they give you free makeup products and show you how to use them. You can check their website for locations. Now that my RADs are over, I'm finding it helpful to be around other women that have had a similar experience. We don't talk about it, but we know we have all been there. If you find you need/want to talk about it, there are also support groups you can attend. Check out whatever resources are available to you.

Finished #27, 3 more to go .... yay! Skin is holding up, am I Red!!! Just like a lobster now. Also I'm getting a little itch, I just can't believe how red my collarbone Area became.

Nothing here is free I afraid, I keep my walking pattern up and now I'm trying to go back to my old path 2 miles, up and down hills around me neighborhood. After radiation planned to take yoga and tai chi classes. I can look into Amy suggestions YMCA LiveStrong. But I don't think YMCA is close by me, but if it is free, I'm willing to drive.

Amy, I’m so tired now, when is the energy returns?

Paulette I am also RED and itchy. We've got this, I can see that finish line in the distance. NO stopping us now. I am going to get on the treadmill now and listen to a podcast. After I will stretch and do some meditation and breathing.

Gigibee, Teese and I compared notes, both of us said radiation is more tiring than chemo. When I did taxol I nap in the afternoon for half an hour I will be totally recharge, with radiation, I slept an hour long and I’m still tired. What’s up with that?

Yes I can see the finishe Line also. My nurse friend just called me and reminded me that I will feel more tired the next few days. She told me don’t push for my exercise, take it easy until I reached to my finish line.

Gigibee have you try melatonin? It works well for me on sleep.