anyone starting radiation in September

245

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  • krd
    krd Member Posts: 5
    edited September 2007
    Hi Ladies, I would like to join your group. I have had 4 rds and will finish Oct. 11. Cynthia you and I have the same stats. 3a etc. Have you started Femara yet? I did last week.

    Is anyone eating flaxseed? There is a tread on this and is very interesting.
    Hugs to all we are one our way to good health

    Kathy
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  • playwriter
    playwriter Member Posts: 316
    edited September 2007
    welcome Patti! all the cool chicks are on this thread.
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  • Cynthia1962
    Cynthia1962 Member Posts: 1,424
    edited September 2007
    Hi Kathy,

    I'll be starting on Tamoxifen as soon as I'm done with rads. I'm not taking flaxseed right now, but I'm going to check out the research when I have time.

    How are rads going for you? I have my dry run this Thur.

    Patti - Hi and welcome! You sure have been through a lot. I hope things go smoother for you now.

    Take care all,

    Cynthia
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  • pmarsh34
    pmarsh34 Member Posts: 108
    edited September 2007

    And I truly believe that I have had it pretty easy. Some people go through so much more than I have! I'm glad to be getting some hair back.

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  • ducky1
    ducky1 Member Posts: 320
    edited September 2007
    Morning all!
    The summer is officially over for me as we went on our last camping trip. That's ok as I am almost ready for "part II" of this journey. I am hoping that by the time I fly home Thurs. that I will be feeling like myself but am going to call the hospital as am worried about the germs on the plane (OMG.. I am becoming a hypochondriac!!..never was before!!) Guess it is cause this is wk. 2 after chemo when my neutrophils plummet.
    Patti, it doesn't sound like you had it easy at all!! Go girl!!
    Hey, I like that "cool" girls only are on this thread..hehe!
    When I saw my rad oncs., they didn't want me to put anything on the site that was being zapped. Guess I'll have to wait and see how my skin likes all this..:)
    take care
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  • playwriter
    playwriter Member Posts: 316
    edited September 2007

    ducky, get one of those N(something) masks for the plane. They're not the regular surgeon's mask, but the kind with a filter.

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  • pmarsh34
    pmarsh34 Member Posts: 108
    edited September 2007

    Okay, so the news is good.  I had my hysterectomy/oopherectomy yesterday.  I got home early this morning and am feeling quite well.  The mass was determined to be a teratoma.  The surgeon called me this afternoon with the final pathology.  Benign, benign, benign!

    I was also told by the doctor this morning that I was the poster child for post-operative!

    Praise God!!!!!

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  • Cynthia1962
    Cynthia1962 Member Posts: 1,424
    edited September 2007

    Patti - so glad everything went well for you.  I hope you have a restful weekend.

    I had my rad dry run yesterday and start the actual rads on Monday.

    Best wishes all,

    Cynthia

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  • SusieSwan
    SusieSwan Member Posts: 111
    edited September 2007

    Hi Ladies,

    I'm starting radiation tx on Monday, 9/17.  Last chemo was 8/17 and they want a full month before this starts.  They are having me use Aquapho salve daily and starting before treatments.  I'm really fair complected so I'm worried about burning.  I will start a year of Herceptin after rads and 5 years of tamox also after rads.  I'm 41 and in chemopause now and if periods come back I'll do ovarian supression or maybe a hyst....looking forward to communicating with all of you through our rads!  Oh, I'm 28 whole breast and 8 boosts so 36 tx total :-(

    Susan

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  • playwriter
    playwriter Member Posts: 316
    edited September 2007

    welcome Susan!

    i've had 10 rads tx so far. so far, no burning, itching, whatever. i use sween cream on the affected breast, and crystal deoderant. i think i'm going to have 32 or 33 tx total.

    i'm 45, finished chemo 7/11, also in chemopause. why are you going to do ovarian suppression or a hyst? i'm tripneg, so i never thought about either of those things, but i also haven't had my BRCA test yet....

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  • weet
    weet Member Posts: 65
    edited September 2007

    Hello Ladies, Well I finally got started with my treatments last Fri. after quite a few delays.Had # 2 today and sure easier on the arm when it only takes a few minutes. I will see the radiologist on Wed. I think I will be getting 25 treatments but not sure.I am taking Arimidex and just had a bone density test so they will know if it causes detoriation over time. I am so glad to be in this final stage of treatments, it will be wonderful to get past continous hosp visits...

    Hope everyone is doing well.Kiss

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  • SusieSwan
    SusieSwan Member Posts: 111
    edited September 2007

    Play,

    I'm 90% ER and 90% PR positive...my material grandmother also died at the age of 31 with cervical cancer (this was back in the early 1960's so who knows if she was even diagnosed correctly).  I understand tamoxifen only blocks the estrogen from attaching to tumors and I've heard A.I's are better..but must be post menopause to take an A.I.  so, I think it's the best decision for me.  My med onc wants Lupon for supression, my rad onc said I should do the ooph (removal of ovaries only) but my gut is saying take it all.  so, I'm going back to see my gyn and see what he says.  Majority rules!

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  • Cynthia1962
    Cynthia1962 Member Posts: 1,424
    edited September 2007

    Hi all,

    Hope you had a good weekend.  I had my first tx today.  My new rad onc tweaked my tx by adding another field, but they couldn't do it today, so it's going add a few days to my txs.  I'm not happy about that cuz 33 seemed like plenty, but other than that, it went well today.  I'm still impressed with how friendly and kind everyone who works there is. 

    I've been reading all the threads for info on what lotions and soaps to use and finally decided to try California Baby Super Sensitive Everyday Lotion and California Baby Super Sensitive Shampoo & Bodywash.  They are fragrance free, hypoallergenic, and contain aloe.  I also have a small bottle of Lindi Body Lotion that I take with me to use immediately after tx.  Lindi products are formulated specifically for individuals having chemo and rads.  I also want to get some pure aloe vera to use sometimes, too.  

    Has anyone started their period before or during rads?  My last period was the day of my 2nd chemo, but I swear I feel like I'm going to start...lower back pain, slight cramping, feeling very emotional.  Sigh!!!

    Best wishes,

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  • playwriter
    playwriter Member Posts: 316
    edited September 2007

    cynthia, my period is still MIA. i finished chemo 7/11. i'm going to give it till the end of the year to see if it comes back, otherwise i'll trash all the tampons, maxis and minis i have.

    back in January, Walgreen's had a sale on hair dye 2 for 1, so i blithely got two. used one in January, then got dx'd in Feb. That second box is still sitting under the sink with the tampons, etc., waiting patiently to be used some day....

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  • playwriter
    playwriter Member Posts: 316
    edited September 2007

    patti, how u doing today?

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  • pmarsh34
    pmarsh34 Member Posts: 108
    edited September 2007

    Playwriter, thanks for asking.  I am doing really well.  I have to keep telling myself I just had a pretty big surgery.  I am having very little pain.  I am not even taking any ibuprofen anymore and it has only been 5 days since the surgery! 

    Susie, now I am not a dr but I can't imagine any reason to leave the uterus, etc. if you are removing the ovaries.  I know sometimes they leave the ovaries just to prevent too many symptoms of menopause but I don't know if there is any reason to keep the rest if the ovaries are going.  I am glad all the parts are gone.  That many less places to worry about getting cancer!!!

    I am going to have to get really serious about finding a job now.  I go for my dry run on Thursday and as soon as I have a time, I am going to see what I can find for work.  I haven't worked in so long, I am not sure I remember how!  And of course I need to find a job to go to.  I wish I knew of some reliable work at home stuff but I do not want to stuff envelopes and I am not one to get into any mlm business.  I figure God has brought me this far, He is not going to forget about me now! 

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  • Ka-Loni
    Ka-Loni Member Posts: 431
    edited September 2007

    Hi Kim, Boy, they changed the boards. It is a little confusing here. I could not find you under your other name. But, I found ya. You were supposed to start your radiation soon? I was just checking to see where about you are now in your treatment. I sure hope you are doing well. Remember, to take one day at a time. It will all get brighter for you. Take Care Kim.

    God Bless,

    KaloniWink

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  • azdarleen
    azdarleen Member Posts: 65
    edited September 2007

    Hi everyone, well it looks like I'm joining the Sept group, I had my set up yesterday and will have my dry run on thursday and will start Rad Monady, 7 weeks everyday (Mon - Fri).

    This is a recurrent, First round was Feb 2005, right mastectomy, 13 nodes with one a trace of cancer, did chemo but not rad.

    Since then I have developed Lymphedema in right hand, arm and chest. Also have cardiomyopathy, and congestive heart failure from the chemo, had to have a defibrillator put in the end of Feb. It has been a hard couple years and now this. I'm only 54.

    But I'm ready to fight again, the cancer is to the right of my breast prosthesis and adjacent to the sternim on the right, there is early extension into the right hemithorax.

    thanks for listening

    Darleen

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  • playwriter
    playwriter Member Posts: 316
    edited September 2007

    darleen,

    wow, u have really been thru it! welcome to our group! God will keep you strong through this.

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  • kimvidito
    kimvidito Member Posts: 105
    edited September 2007

    Hi everyone

    I started the radiation last week.  I was scared on the first one and I was afraid to take a deep breath.  I don't want any of the radiation in my heart.  They were so nice and put my mind at ease.  The cat scan is to make sure they get it in the right spot.  They showed me the scan and where my heart is positioned and the radiation is not even close to that spot. I use pure aloe vera gel on the affected breast and so far so good.  They say it does take a few weeks for the skin to be affected so I'll just keep using the gel to prevent

    I feel really good now.  Able to do all my house work and exercise every day.  I feel a little tired but really surprised at my ability to stay up later at night.  My mom came to visit and my daughter had been sick all week.  With getting up early with her every day and not naping and stayed up late with my mom, I feel fine.  I guess we are all really recovering now.  I would love to see more hair but it's coming along. 

    hope everyone is well out there

    Kim 

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  • playwriter
    playwriter Member Posts: 316
    edited September 2007

    kim, u rock! doing housework and exercise every day! that is awesome.

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  • ducky1
    ducky1 Member Posts: 320
    edited September 2007

    Welcome to all the new gals!!Cool Patti and Darleen, you guys have been through so much already!!

    Playwriter, how much hair do you have? I finished chemo Aug. 28th and the growth this past wk. has been amazing.. about 1/4 inch. How soon can we color our hair if we have enough...LOL ... and choose to..!!??

    It sounds like we are all in chemopause...hope to trash all those feminine products too!! My flashes have eased a little but they are still hanging around. I am leery about the Tamoxifen as from what I<ve read, flashes are a side effect... like I need more of them!!Frown 

    Simulation is the 19th followed by the REAL thing on Thurs. Should be done early Nov. then who knows??

    Patti, you were talking about finding a job...well, I went back after my lumpectomy but didn<t after chemo or rads. Honestly, I am just not ready right now to go back but know that by Dec., I will have to really assess how I feel and whether I go back part-time or ?? Too many decisions...

    Take care

    Ducky 

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  • pmarsh34
    pmarsh34 Member Posts: 108
    edited September 2007

    Ducky, if I didn't have to, I wouldn't be so worried about going back to work.  But unfortunately, I am a single mom and need the income. 

    I had my dry run on thursday and was supposed to start rads yesterday.  When they tried to get the last angle, the machine was hitting into the form and moving me.  So I went back yesterday morning and got that fixed but found out that the last angle actually sent radiation through 2/3 of my left breast before it gets to the right one.  I am getting ready to leave right now to go and have another cat scan done.  It's become almost comical at this point.  What is that they say, "If I didn't laugh I might cry!"

    Patti

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  • ducky1
    ducky1 Member Posts: 320
    edited September 2007

    Patti, hang in there... you are right, laughter is good medicine! Speaking of which.. went to a wedding while I was home and wore a wig (first and last time). Well, after a few hrs., it got ITCHY so I started moving it back and forth on my scalp. Family at the table saw me as did this other lady. ...we were all laughing within no time. Finally ditched the wig and it got passed around the table..sure wish I knew how to add pics as they are quite funny!!

    Patti, I know that I am fortunate in that I don't have to rush back to work. I am on LTD right now until I do go back. 

    Carpe dium!!

    Ducky

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  • Helenhsm
    Helenhsm Member Posts: 177
    edited September 2007

    Hi all, I'm Helen. I live in the Bay Area of CA with my husband and 3 teens/tweens. Tomorrow I go for the positioning and tattoos. I will have 6 weeks of rads., probably starting next week. I was dxd in June with DCIS and had a lumpectomy on 7/24. No chemo, just rads. I have Chronic Fatigue/Fibro so I am a bit nervous about the rads and extra fatigue.

    It sounds like most of you have had to do chemo and then rads. Whew - I'm glad you have each other for support. This will help me to not feel sorry for myself, eh?

    Nice to meet you and will come back and share.

    ~ Helen 

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  • joanne_elizabeth
    joanne_elizabeth Member Posts: 499
    edited September 2007

    Is anybody getting rads with only 1 positive node? I keep going round and round with this, but don't especially want to double my risk of lymphedema.

    Joanne 

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  • debic
    debic Member Posts: 216
    edited September 2007

    Joanne,

    I had no positive nodes and I'm having 33 rads.  They told me if I had a lumpectomy I would have to have rads.  I too am worried about lymphedema, but I guess I have to dowhat I have to do.  Good Luck

    Debi

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  • joanne_elizabeth
    joanne_elizabeth Member Posts: 499
    edited September 2007

    Thanks for the reply. I had a mastectomy, but only 1 node and it appears there are no definitive answers.  I am also ER+ with no lymphovascular invasion.

    Joanne 

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  • kater
    kater Member Posts: 526
    edited September 2007

    In the waiting room I just saw a great article on working at home with computer...I'll write when I find my notes. It was in a recent women's magazine but I have chemo brain.

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  • kater
    kater Member Posts: 526
    edited September 2007

    I'm Kate, I started rads 9/18/07, 32 planned (they did not explain boosts and so forth)...which would bring me to at least Halloween.

    I'm from IL, I am trying Biafene cream first, also heard Aloe vera gel was good, and also aloe vera pads that you can put in the frig.

    I bought a lot of tops for this escapade, but I should have bought a size larger for future raw skin times I think.

    Today I took a $3 tank top and velcro'd the straps so it would go up and down really fast for the radiation session. 

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