December 2017 Radiation Group

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  • Neanie44
    Neanie44 Member Posts: 73
    edited January 2018

    Hi Ladies. PMV- Don't know about getting to that finish line so soon. We had a snow day and the dr couldn't make out to the hospital today so my treatment was cancelled. 😞 So much for marking the last day on my calendar. Gigibee- do try the melatonin like Paulette suggested. I started with the 3mg, which helped me fall asleep, but I still woke during the night. The next time I doubled the dose and sleep all night. I've also looked into the Livestong at the Y, but it's over an hour away, so that's not an option for me. I also need to jump back on the bandwagon of exercise to get some of the old me back, so I can start feeling better about me. Glad to hear that you ladies skin is hanging in there.. Gives me hope mine will too. Have a good night all.

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  • lifechoices2017
    lifechoices2017 Member Posts: 242
    edited January 2018

    GOOD MORNING WARRIORS!

    PVM; my skin held up VERY well during rads. I was finished Dec 27th. In the past week I've had flaking/peeling under my arm. No pain just the 'darker' layer of skin peeling away. Ive also had it to peel in my bra line just at the crease of my breast. I didn't realize that was peeling either until I could feel my bra rubbing at it over the past weekend. Its not rashy or anything, just pretty much the skin flaking away each day. Ive continued w/Miaderm, Aquaphor and I added CeraVe; as it was smoother on my skin. I have my dr appts on the 31st so if its still flaking I'll see what other creams they recommend. Again, nothing is paining or anything. Its more so flaking the rads dark layer back to my natural color skin. The RO said that this happens after so it was expected.

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  • Ellyn27
    Ellyn27 Member Posts: 147
    edited January 2018

    PVM - I finished my RADs December 22nd and never had any peeling. My armpit got very "tan" looking and I had a redish itchy patch above my breast. My tan underarm has gotten a little dry but I have been applying the Aquaphor twice every day still and plan to use it until I run out!!! I have the stuff so why not use it up? My itchy patch had turned tan also but even that is pretty much back to normal. I go in about 2 weeks for my RO followup and will see what she says. When I made the appt they made it sound like they will come up with a "plan" for me, whatever that is.

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  • lifechoices2017
    lifechoices2017 Member Posts: 242
    edited January 2018

    Ellyn27; as we keep saying its funny how each physician handle their steps different. My surgeon sent me to my MO before I even met w/my RO. I literally had my prescription for tamoxifen in my hand even before I met my RO. I was informed at the MO appt that Id be scheduled for rads (as I was); but to NOT start taking them until Rads were done. So Im guessing my followup w/them all on the 31st is to see how im doing (post-surgery; rads and by then I'll be on tamox a month; started them Jan 1).

    As I was reading the above post; Im not sure if Im more tired now OR if its just because the weather has been so crappy that I havent been able to get out and do stuff. Im hoping to get back to the Y and get my walking in. Its been snowing and SOOOO cold in VA since the first of the year so going outside right now is totally out of the question. I'll hold on until my appts but come Feb 1 (and pending weather) im gonna have to get back in gear and find some energy.

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  • gigibee
    gigibee Member Posts: 192
    edited January 2018

    Thanks ladies I have not tried melatonin, I will.

    26/30 done today. My period showed up on time again, has ever since I had to immediately stop the pill upon my dx. I am like even radiation can't stop mother nature, like I need another reminder that I am a woman right now, lol.


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  • lifechoices2017
    lifechoices2017 Member Posts: 242
    edited January 2018

    gigibee; HILARIOUS! can I ask how old are you? Im 49 and i had to stop my pills also at the end of Sept. I did have a cycle in Oct 7th; but nothing since (rads started Nov 27) and I haven't had anything since. I knew that it would 'possibly' stop on tamox; but it actually stopped before I started taking them (Jan 1). Guessing im going from perimenopause to menopause (lol)...

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  • gigibee
    gigibee Member Posts: 192
    edited January 2018

    yes life choices,I'm 43, I was feeling old until this dx now I feel young and disadvantaged to have a highly hormonal cancer and have years to go possibly before menopause.

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  • lifechoices2017
    lifechoices2017 Member Posts: 242
    edited January 2018

    gigibee; gotcha! well I was feeling 'young' and lively but these past few days Ive been 49 and tired. lol Again, i think its because we've had snow; schools been out and Ive had cabin fever. Im back at work today and the sun is out so I think once the Vitamin D kicks in and I can move about more it'll be better. And my usual busy weeks of the Y, work, rads, choir rehearsal and church stuff and of course time w/my fella... that's been shifted because of the weather as well so I think my 'couch' has made me lazy! So I guess Im not gonna blame being 49 or the tamoxifen... i just need to get back to my regular activities.


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  • gigibee
    gigibee Member Posts: 192
    edited January 2018

    I feel like I'm in the same place mentally, getting back to our old routines will help us.

    I miss my workouts, I miss not going to a medical place every single day.


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  • lifechoices2017
    lifechoices2017 Member Posts: 242
    edited January 2018

    gigibee; same here. Its like my mental allowed me to go go go because I HAD TOO! But now that I dont have to go; ive gotten SO LAZY! Its like when I leave work I just wanna go home and take a nap (like right now) lol... but Im sure it'll get better. I have to remember that my mind; body and emotions have endured ALOT in the last months and although im a 'warrior'... im reminded that I also need rest!

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  • PauletteK
    PauletteK Member Posts: 2,205
    edited January 2018

    I’m going in for my #28 today, a little down because I found out I need to do bone density CT instead of bone density test. That got me worry . Sounds silly but cancer patients are that way we worry about any little thing now.

    Put in a call to MO and waiting to hear back from him.

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  • lifechoices2017
    lifechoices2017 Member Posts: 242
    edited January 2018

    PauletteK; have you already received your 'rads' after treatment care? Like I was put on tamox... did they select anything for you?

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  • OCDAmy
    OCDAmy Member Posts: 873
    edited January 2018

    Just got back from my 6 month follow up with my BS. He looked at my radiated breast and said...OUCH, how does that feel? LOL. He said it looks like my skin and expander held up and I don't know about anyone else but my scar looks better after rads! It was so strange being there. I was in the same room that I was in when I first met him and he went over my biopsy report and shared all the awful news. I was a mess of nerves and anxiety back then. Today I felt so calm. FU Cancer!

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  • lifechoices2017
    lifechoices2017 Member Posts: 242
    edited January 2018

    OCDAmy we're gonna be anxt and a ball of nerves probably the rest of our lives; BUT... we are troopers and we are winners and our beginning DOES NOT determine our ending! Im so glad to know that you were at a calm this go around. Timing and time is everything.

    Sept 2017 my life was forever changed; Jan 2018 I have a complete new outlook on life. On Sunday my Pastor preached on "DO A NEW THING". You know what, I AM! Im gonna try on that dress that looks awful in the window. Im gonna try that new food that I always thought was gross. Im gonna go some place that Ive never been before...WHY... because Ive been give 'another' chance and Im gonna do a NEW THING!

    Im so proud of all of you ladies. STAY STRONG!

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  • PauletteK
    PauletteK Member Posts: 2,205
    edited January 2018

    Lifechoices, no I haven't received my rads after treatment care package, RO said he will give me instructions on my last day. I'm going to my appointment soon, will see him today.

    I didn't do my walk this morning, I'm saving my energy because I found myself more fatigue now.

    Want to ask the people who is starting Arimidex, did you have bone density CT or just test?


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  • lifechoices2017
    lifechoices2017 Member Posts: 242
    edited January 2018

    PauletteK; oh ok. Im thinking they are doing your bone density scan to determine what meds to give you (maybe).

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  • OCDAmy
    OCDAmy Member Posts: 873
    edited January 2018

    I am curious about the bone density. I was on anestrazole for four months before surgery. When I asked my MO about bone density he said because I was still having periods it was not necessary. I am wondering now that I am not having periods if he will order the test. I would like one to know if it changes over the course of treatment.

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  • Neanie44
    Neanie44 Member Posts: 73
    edited January 2018

    Gigibee - Yay!! Almost done!!! I like all of you, was set on "go" until life slowed down with rads. I wake up everyday and say I will walk today and somehow don't quite have the spirit to do so. Also feel like I'm stuck in a mental state of stagnancy. Woke this morning with unexpected pains in my ankle/foot and immediately, thought - is this bone/muscle pain a SE from the chemo - especially since it was fine last night. Ughhhh!!! Paulette - try not to worry to much - yeah, easier said then done, but I just think that every time we have a new adventure, we wonder - what's the bad news waiting around the corner now. Lifechoices and OCDAmy - if we could just grow up to be as spirited as you two, we would be great. Also, rads cancelled again today because of snow day. So much for keeping on track to the finish line.

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  • CindyNY
    CindyNY Member Posts: 1,022
    edited January 2018

    Today was 16/16, the end! The song playing was "Hallelujah" and made me smile on the table.

    I met with RO nurse afterwards. I can start back with vitamin C & fish oil. Still no normal deoderant or regular shaving, until skin is fully healed. My armpit appears swollen, she said its normal and will go away. Keep lotioning, and I'll see RO for followup in about 3 weeks. If I have any skin eruptions, fever, arm swelling - I'm to call right away. Otherwise, carry on!

    I won't know what AI they'll put me on until 2/6 MO appt. PauletteK- I'm guessing the same as others, they want to know about your bone density. It seems they all involve some kind of bone loss.

    Lifechoices - you have a great attitude! I thank you for sharing. I too am going to say yes to new things, go places others have wanted me to go, travel often... maybe not try new foods, ha! Its a start.

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  • lifechoices2017
    lifechoices2017 Member Posts: 242
    edited January 2018

    Neanie44; trust me everyday 'ain't' easy... BUT by the Grace of God Im here so I can only look up and say thank you JESUS for another day! I've (we've) gone through test, meds, exams, surgeries, pokes/prodding, touching and tears and yet we are still here!

    Im sorry your rads were cxd today; just know that the finish line is still in view and you'll have your toes on the other side of that line soon! In the meantime we stand on the sidelines cheering you on... when one of us wins; we ALL WIN!

    imageimage

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  • Neanie44
    Neanie44 Member Posts: 73
    edited January 2018

    Like you said, everyday isn't easy. Guess, today is one of those days.

    Thank you.

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  • OCDAmy
    OCDAmy Member Posts: 873
    edited January 2018

    Cindy...WOOT WOOT! Congrats on finishing. Yes to new things, I like that! Here is to quick healing.

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  • gigibee
    gigibee Member Posts: 192
    edited January 2018

    Cindy! Congratulations on completing your Rads!

    I have MO appt 2/12 where we will discuss meds and I called yest and added meeting with a dietician there for the same day. I want to clear up some questions I keep hearing conflicting things on like turmeric , soy...with my hormone positive cancer. I will pass any and all info on to the group

    Life choices , I like your try new things idea. Every day we wake up we are gifted with another day,after all of this I won’t take any of them for granted.

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  • OCDAmy
    OCDAmy Member Posts: 873
    edited January 2018

    Saw this quote today and it seemed appropriate: "A woman is like a tea bag - you can't tell how strong she is until you put her in hot water." - Eleanor Roosevelt

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  • PVM
    PVM Member Posts: 136
    edited January 2018

    CindyNY woot woot woot you did it - amazing!!!!!! Perfect song to end your last rad & i am sure you left that place with a big smile on your face & cried happy tears. No more rads now you can concentrate on healing & enjoying life :)

    Paulette everything will be okay don't worry. I think like CindyNY said with chemo & rads we lose bone density so maybe they just want to know exactly what your next treatment plan will be. You have gone through the toughest part chemo & rads so this will be okay. Amy i am not getting a bone density test done either, i think you may be right because we are still having our periods maybe that is why but the funny thing is that i started Tamoxifen a month after being done chemo in Sept & had not had surgery yet.

    Neanie don't be discouraged your skin is just taking an extra day of rest you will be back to get your zapping on. Stay positive we are cheering you on!!!!

    Thanks for the skin update ladies i was wondering what to expect as my under arm area is currently sore & dark, kinda like you said Ellyn27. My incision was on the side of my right breast it was a pretty long scar as my tumor was under my armpit & i had my boosts there & i think the boosts did me in as my skin was holding up before then. I am sure i will peel once it starts to get better. My chest is red its funny i went to visit my work yesterday as i have been off work since April & they all asked me if i had gone somewhere tropical as i had a tan lol Yeah i wish it was a tan from the tropics & not being zapped. lol


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  • PauletteK
    PauletteK Member Posts: 2,205
    edited January 2018

    Cindy woot! Woot! You got to the finish fast!!!

    Finished 28 didn’t get to see RO today will be tomorrow. My energy was good this morning as soon as after radiation I can feel the different. I got tired in half an hour.

    Neanie sorry about your cancellation. Your aches and pains could be the weather, use heating pad it will help.

    I do think it is pre test before AI to get baseline, Now I’m chasing down to make appointments so frustrating


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  • Cindyrella
    Cindyrella Member Posts: 3
    edited January 2018

    I towel dried with no issues and used a mild dove soap daily in the shower. Vanicream twice daily and skin has held up great

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  • PauletteK
    PauletteK Member Posts: 2,205
    edited January 2018

    My skin looks good for now, I got few red spots not sure what is that and praying won’t break up. My collarbone area is all red now. Two more sessions to go. That will be it. Just hope afterwards the next couple weeks won’t be bad. From what I heard, our skin will be continued to burn for few weeks after treatment.


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  • SoniaL
    SoniaL Member Posts: 131
    edited January 2018

    Yay Cindy, congrats on finishing rads!

    Neanie - sorry your treatment was cancelled today, hope you can get back on track tomorrow. I was fortunate to not miss any this week. It snowed here on Wednesday but my appointment was early and I got there and back home before it was too bad. This morning the city was frozen so they delayed me to an afternoon appointment.

    Tomorrow's Friday - yay - we all get a weekend break!

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  • CindyNY
    CindyNY Member Posts: 1,022
    edited January 2018

    I love this forum, just saying. The support is better than anything I could have ever imagined from an online group. But prior to bc I didn't know a tougher group of warriors!

    My chest & underarm, if I hold my arm up (like holding the pegs), is a perfect rectangle of radiated skin. I too have read it will get a little worse before it starts to get better. I think now that I'm done I'll be able to lotion up more often, no more time restrictions.

    Onward ladies!

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