sirsmom

I don't know if it was mentioned elsewhere, but both my oncologist and a friend who was both a survivor and oncology nurse recommended eating a popsicle, or something else very cold, while being given adriamycin. Apparently there has been some inconclusive research indicating it prevents mouth sores. I never did get a single mouth sore so maybe it is effective.

I was told that decadron, a steroid often used before and after chemo treatments, causes the cornea to swell. I was not able to read for several days after each treatment. I don't know if there can be long term effects. I know I have noticed a decrease in vision, but it could be age.

 I am really worried and could use some advice from some expert woman. I have some of the same symptoms of Milyla. My swelling began 2 weeks ago, right after I had a clean mammogram.  I saw my oncologist yesterday and he was very concerned. For this weekend they are are treating me for an infection although there is no clear cut reason why I would have one. I have been directed to call and come in this weekend if the swelling or redness increases at all.  I will be seen again on Monday. This is scary. I know that IBC is rare and I just finished aggressive chemo and radiation and I'm now taking tamoxifen. I remember my radiation oncologist asking me about IBC during our consult because my path report mentioned some skin involvement. That has never been my diagnosis. Can IBC come on that quickly, especially after treatment?

I also described the pains I was having the first few months of taking tamoxifen as "flu like". Everything hurt and I had a lot of muscle stiffness as well. I am happy to report that the aches have subsided.I am also noticing that my hot flashes are decreasing in number, but increasing in intensity. I finally received my prescription for effexor but I am not taking it since the monthy cost is outrageous.

Thank you Deb and Marin for your encouraging words.

   I have scheduled an appointment with a woman gyn to see if I can deal with some of the physical issues. I keep getting yeast infections which isn't helping anything. My pcp gave me a prescription for testosterone cream. If I could remember to use it maybe it would help. I'm sure that a big part of the problem is age. I am 53. I was sailing along happily arrogant in my mistaken belief that I was a healthyand vibrant woman in her 50's, successfully dodging menopause symptoms with my estadiol cream. Chemotherapy and tamoxifen have taken away those delusions.   Meanwhile my husband has scheduled a romantic weekend away . We tried this in December and it seemed to help, although I was somewhat burned from radiation at that point.

  I know I need to give it time. I tend to be impatient with myself though. Paula

I have been taking tamoxifen for 2 months now. My weight stayed very stable while doing chemo ( even given an acute nausea reaction and eating very little for the week after treatment)  and rads, but I have lost 4.5 lbs since starting tamoxfen. I think the drug probably effects people differently. My hair is not thinning. I look like a poodle with the curls that have grown in . Hot flashes have gotten worse but joint stiffness and pain has gotten better.   

I hope you continue to do well with your radiation treatments. I got through 35 treatments with minimal skin effects and fatigue. I even went back to work near the end, something I could have never done while doing dose dense chemo. I haven't done so well with tamoxifen. I did have joint pain and I am experiencing about 15 hot flashes a day. I don't mind the day flashes but the ones at night wake me up. On a positive note, I have lost 4 1/2 lbs since I started tamoxifen about 7 weeks ago. I haven't changed anything else in my life so it has got to be the medication. Maybe it is water loss from sweating.

I started tamoxifen a few months ago after a lumpectomy, chemo, and radiation. I too experienced joint pains and stiffness which seem to be better now. Hot flashes are a real problem. I have been prescribed effexor but my oncologist is still doing battle with my insurance company to get it approved. Does it really help? I am worried that it causes insomnia. I don't sleep well now. I saw a comment from someone that she needs ativan to sleep. I thought that was only me.