January 2018 RADS group

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  • DownNotOut
    DownNotOut Member Posts: 99
    edited March 2018

    Guess what? I RANG THAT BELL today!! I have been feeling so busy with work & kids & dinner & house, and this crazy itching is not better, but I don't care because I am finished and can heal at my own pace from here on out! I'll stick with my diluted vinegar soaks for the itch - it's really the only thing that helps even though it does not change the actual rash. My husband and I met with the RO today who gave me a Rx for a stronger steroid cream and she said to give it 4-5 days and it should be going away. She also recommended a Keto diet which is high fat, low carb but not like Atkins because it doesn't really focus on protein (? sounds really similar to me but she said it's different). They are doing research on decreasing Type II Diabetes and also the recurrence of cancers with low carb diets and so I guess I'll give it a try and decrease my BMI a little while I'm at it :) She gave me a book list so I'll let you all know what I think when I've researched it a bit more.

    KimPossible, your last day is tomorrow, right? Gosh, so close!

    I'm really feeling for you who have underlying issues like RA and fibromyalgia. Prayers and gentle hugs to you.

    Skookum. Sorry you're having such bad skin issues. The cold cabbage leaves worked wonders drawing some heat out of my breast and I wish it was helping you that way too. Ice packs are out, but maybe a cool washcloth would help at night? We can do some palliative measures, but our tissue has to heal on its own and from the inside. I'm so sorry for you and hope you are feeling better.

    PVM - great to hear from you!


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  • GolferTO
    GolferTO Member Posts: 7
    edited March 2018

    Down: so glad to hear you are done, especially after all the delays you had! WhooHoo! Thanks for starting this thread and keeping it going. Best wishes on your next steps

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  • gigibee
    gigibee Member Posts: 192
    edited March 2018

    congrats Down!!!! Happy for you

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  • BellWAMissy
    BellWAMissy Member Posts: 17
    edited March 2018

    Down- YEAH for you!! Kim- same for you. I finish on Friday!!

    So sorry for everyone with skin problems. I started to breakdown, especially on the nipple. The doc had me start the aquaphor. I layered it with the lotion on first then the aquaphor. Was really amazed at the difference in a really short time. Not sure if it was because I caught it early or maybe God had mercy on me since I dealt with the infection for so long. 😉

    I keep hearing "x more days and you are done". Part of me wants to scream "but what about the next step?!" I know people don't realize the ongoing journey cancer is. When I share there is now 5 years of tamoxifen to go, they are surprised. Then they make the stupid comment "at least it's only a pill". I'm freaked out by that pill. I have poly cystic ovarian syndrome. I'm predisposed for uterine cancer already and then add the increased risk with the tamoxifen. Am I trading the decreased breast cancer risk for increased uterine cancer risk? Ugh!!! Just set up an appointment with the gynecologist that diagnosed me. Will get his take on things before I meet with the MO.

    After fretting all weekend about this I decided to go to the movies. If you are looking for a funny movie, I'd recommend "Game Night". Rated R, but mostly for language and some minor gore and some sex talk. Laughed a lot, which is what the 'doctor' ordered.

    Thanks for "listening".

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

    DownNotOut- happy for you! To have started this thread, and be side lined for what felt like forever, you've got to be overjoyed its done. Onward warrior!

    Congrats to those too who are finishing soon. It is so sweet to be done and see the light at the end of the tunnel. HUGS!

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  • PVM
    PVM Member Posts: 136
    edited March 2018

    Woot Woot Woot Down so glad that you are done & got to ring that bell especially since you started this thread. I am sure you cried those happy tears to be done & now is time to recoup & take care of yourself. Treat yourself to some TLC time as your skin/body recoups, you deserve it :)

    For all the other ladies that are about to finish or still going through rads you got this stay strong. The scars that we have gotten from our battle show how hard we fought & won. There is light at the end of the tunnel, continue to stay positive. I am about a month & half post rads & my skin has healed & now its my soul that is slowly healing. Be good to yourselves, wishing you all healing.

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  • OCDAmy
    OCDAmy Member Posts: 873
    edited March 2018

    Way to go Down! Took forever for you to get started so I am sure you are relieved to be finished!

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  • HersheyKiss
    HersheyKiss Member Posts: 550
    edited March 2018

    DownNotOut, a big shout out to you ... yippee!! :-D

    Kim, I'm thinking today was your last treatment day. So VERY happy for you!

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  • Mama1416
    Mama1416 Member Posts: 26
    edited March 2018

    Congratulations to everyone finishing radiation! It feels good to move on. I have been done for two weeks now. Started Tamoxifen shortly after. Here's a question for you all.....Did anyone have thyroid issues during or after treatment?

    My onc called last night to tell me my TSH level is low. She wants me to get a thyroid panel done now. I'm really scared! My first thought was cancer. She said it is most likely unrelated and not to worry (right!)



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  • Skookum
    Skookum Member Posts: 45
    edited March 2018

    yes... downnotout! Great job. Now let’s heal together!

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  • Skookum
    Skookum Member Posts: 45
    edited March 2018

    It is the soul that has to heal now. It sometimes feel like hat will never happen, but I know I’ll laugh and someday go through a day without even thinking about C

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  • Smashleywnc
    Smashleywnc Member Posts: 13
    edited March 2018

    I’m jealous of all you ringing that bell. I still have a week to go!

    Im still struggling with fatigue. I can’t complain, however, as my skin seems to have tanned rather than burned. It’s red all over the treatment area but it doesn’t hurt. My areola turned brown, peeled and is now a very bright pinkish red! Thankfully, my nipple isn’t always “at attention” anymore. I guess walking around smelling like bad BO from the fresh aloe is worth it now.

    I BellWAMissy - I feel you about the Tamoxifen. I dread it immensely. I saw my MO today and she recommended 10 years! I’m having a hard time getting on board with it.

    Nellie - sorry your oncotype snuck up on you like that. I hope the chemo wasn’t too horrible.

    Mama- I tested my thyroid right before rads so I’ll let you know if anything changes.

    I’m starting PT next week to get better range in my shoulder on my radiated side. It’s sore and it’s because my muscle near the joint is getting hit with rads. 😞

    Did anyone notice an uptick in hair loss with rads? I’m definitely losing more hair

    Did anyone notice a scratchy /phlemy throat? I’ve had it almost the whole time.


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  • Smashleywnc
    Smashleywnc Member Posts: 13
    edited March 2018

    PS - DownNotOut you might want to read the Metabolic Approach to Cancer. I'm consulting with Dr Winters in May.

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  • HersheyKiss
    HersheyKiss Member Posts: 550
    edited March 2018

    Smashleywnc, my RO said that throat irritation is a common side effect from radiation. Mine resolved very quickly while I was receiving boosts. Hang in there! You are so close to the finish line!

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited March 2018

    I wrapped up my last radiation treatment and hopefully ALL major treatments on Thursday. I was so happy! It has been a long 10 months, but I am grateful to be on the other side of major treatments. Now to endure 10 years of Letrozole and hopefully have no major set backs along the way! God is good! I am grateful for His mercy through this. Grateful to these boards as an outlet to learn and know that I am not alone in this journey.

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  • JenRuns
    JenRuns Member Posts: 350
    edited March 2018

    congrats ❤️❤️

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  • MountainLife
    MountainLife Member Posts: 20
    edited March 2018

    Hello there! Hershey and Smash - can you describe what your irritated throat felt like?? I am in the February group and Friday was my 10th treatment. I noticed yesterday that something was definitely weird with my throat and just a few minutes ago I tried to swallow a piece of ciabatta roll and I think it's still in my throat, lol. Trying to drink hot tea to wash it down. Or maybe it already went down and what I'm feeling is just it being irritated??

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  • gigibee
    gigibee Member Posts: 192
    edited March 2018

    KimPossible, congratulations , here’s to an easy transition to Letrozole!

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  • HersheyKiss
    HersheyKiss Member Posts: 550
    edited March 2018

    MountainLife, that swallowing reaction is what I experienced. My RO referred to it as "spasm irritation." It resolved as quickly as it developed once I moved from whole breast radiation to boosts. I hope it quickly resolves for you, too!

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  • HersheyKiss
    HersheyKiss Member Posts: 550
    edited March 2018

    Kim, three cheers for you! Hip hip hooray! :-D

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  • MountainLife
    MountainLife Member Posts: 20
    edited March 2018

    Thanks Hershey for the reply! Spasm sounds like what's happening because every time I swallow this tea it gets a little less weird feeling. I guess I won't be eating the taco's I planned for today because I love the crunchy shells. Hate to get that stuck in there, ha! Congrats KimPossible for finishing :)

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  • klvans
    klvans Member Posts: 258
    edited March 2018

    What exactly causes the throat irritation? Is it that radiation is hitting the lung or throat area?

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  • MountainLife
    MountainLife Member Posts: 20
    edited March 2018

    I will mention it to the rad tech's on Monday and then to the doctor on Tuesday at my weekly appointment. I can't imagine having to deal with this through 20+ more treatments. Can anything be done about it, like turning my head more to the side?

    I've been reading stupid Google so I'm diagnosing myself with esophagitis, but I'll still ask about it on Monday.

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  • HersheyKiss
    HersheyKiss Member Posts: 550
    edited March 2018

    klvans, the radiation can ricochet off bone to other areas (such as the shoulder and throat).

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  • klvans
    klvans Member Posts: 258
    edited March 2018

    A rad tech friend of mine suggested I ask for a thyroid guard during radiation. I'm going to talk to my Dr. about it.

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  • Georgia1
    Georgia1 Member Posts: 1,321
    edited March 2018

    DownNotOut, finally catching up with your good news! Congratulations!

    And to all of you, hang in there and feel good about the victories you have won to date. I'm on week ten of Tamoxifen with minimal side effects. Wishing the same for you.

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  • MountainLife
    MountainLife Member Posts: 20
    edited March 2018

    Klvans, thanks for that info. This is miserable!

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  • Towardshealth17
    Towardshealth17 Member Posts: 47
    edited March 2018

    Down,

    Stopped back in to thank you again for starting this thread, it helped during some dark days. Congratulations on finishing your Rads. My RO was right on target when she predicted that my skin would feel significantly better about 11 days after my last treatment.

    I started my AI Letrazole about a week ago and am dealing with nausea and stomach discomfort. I tend to be very sensitive to all medication and have been doing lots of reading. Wearing SeaBands has helped as has chewing ginger gum and aromatherapy. More challenges but I want to hang in there for the benefits.

    Congrats to all of those finishing up your treatments and hang in there it does get better as your skin has time to heal.

    You ladies are breast cancer warriors! 🤗🌸

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  • Smashleywnc
    Smashleywnc Member Posts: 13
    edited March 2018

    So happy for you KimPossible.

    MountainLife - for me, I notice the throat thing the most during the week and it subsides somewhat on the weekend. Mostly it feels scratchy or also like I need to clear my throat and it gets worse right after my treatment for a few hours.

    I'm terrified as to why the throat thing happens - the radiation really shouldn't be scattering up there. Also, we shouldn't need a thyroid guard unless we're just being lied to about the accuracy of the beams. Not happy to hear some techs are recommending it and I haven't heard a word about it. :(

    I'm still doing well skin wise EXCEPT they put on new stickers for the boosts and I had a reaction to one of them - I think the skin was pulled to taught or something? So when the nurse removed the sticker because it was bothering me, it peeled off some of my skin! So now I'm scabby there and it is on the border of the place where I'll receive the boosts next week. Great.

    Georgia - so glad to hear you are tolerating Tamox so far. I dread it the most of all the treatments.

    TowardsHealth - I hope your nausea subsides on the AI - it is my most feared side effect because I know I won't be able to tolerate nausea for long.

    Next week is my last week! I'm not sure I'm going to ring the bell. I'm not sure why, but it just seems really awkward - like "Hey, yay! I just subjected my body to a shit-ton of radiation whoo-hooo!" Agggh. But I'll probably do it anyway.

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  • BellWAMissy
    BellWAMissy Member Posts: 17
    edited March 2018

    I finished yesterday and after reading on here about ringing the bell and getting certificates, I was expecting something to mark the end. It was rather anti-climatic. A few of the techs said "today's the last day" type of comment and when I came out, one tech was there and said a local business had donated heavy socks (they were heavy athletic socks) and I could pick a pair to celebrate the end of treatment.

    Then I went to talk to the nurse. Seems it's a different one every week. This gal was very "yup your skin is pink. Looks good. Keep putting on lotion". I said that I had a rash under my arm. She looked and said "yup, it's a rash. Keep putting on lotion". When I mentioned itching, it was the same answer. I wanted to choke her!!! Isn't she supposed to help? She did finally offer "if the itching is keeping you awake, take oral Benadryl, not cream. It will probably make you tired though". Duh!!!

    Next step though. A month off and then I met with the MO about tamoxifen.

    Congrats to everyone finishing up and all those done, may your healing be rapid.

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