KKing

Yes, I had the lumpectomy and the radiation.  Mastectomy wasn't really discussed as the doctor felt I had a small tumour and if the margins were clear he felt I could go this route and have the radiation.   I did have chemo as well as my sentinal node had micro cancer cells.   I am glad I took this route,  and I am on tamoxifen as well.   At present, I am feeling a lot better and my skin is not doing to bad after the radiation.  It did cause me some discomfort for about two weeks after but it is much better now.   It is a lot easier to do than chemo.    I would think chance of recurrance is between 15 and 20 percent for me.

Good luck with the surgery Nancy.  

Kelly .. glad to hear from you, seems you are doing well.

HunkyD... the saline actually feels so good, it gets rid of the itchiness and then I air dry and it feels tight but I put on polyspoirin on the rash and glaxal cream on the rest of the breast and feels good.  Actually, it is finally settling down a bit, it was hot and angry...(my sisterinlaw is a nurse and that is how she described it).   Just think you are getting to the end of your rads soon... that is great.   

Hoping everyone else is doing well.    I am trying to get my eating habits under control and plan on starting an exercise program next week... we'll see if that pans out.    Also, I am going to Wellspring here.. a cancer resource centtre.  I joined the healing journey.. it is a program created by a doctor at Princess Margaret Hospital in Toronto.   I t teaches you to quiet your mind because you all know it keeps going and going and the thoughts are not always good ones.  They use imagery to change your thinking and try to help you heal.   I needed something so I am giving this a shot.    If you want to read about it go to the princess margaret website.    

Enjoy your day

Karen

Happy Thanksgiving to all the American Ladies.

Hunky D.... It does say not to drink with the tamoxifen.. I have been on it since Oct 1.  but I still drink when I want.   Since we will be on it for 5 years, I can't imagine not drinking all that time.

My hair is covering my head and looks like I have a halo of hair... still not able to go without the wig yet...maybe by Christmas.  I have no eye lashes still but yet the hair on my chin is starting to grow... how lovely.

I am still battling with the rash under my boob... doing a saline solution 4 times a day and then air drying for 15 minutes.   Hopefully by the weekend it will be fading.  It seems there is always something.

Hope everyone is doing alright and Enjoy each day.

Karen

Thanks for the info Beesie.   No, we have had a variety of cancers..lung, brain, colon but not the three you mentioned.   That is pretty scary... one in three women, one in two men.  I was just concerned being first generation with breast cancer. 

I see you were diagnosed in 2005... things going well for you now??

karen

Texas 357

That is the bummer of being diagnosed.  Your life will never be the same again.  The side effects I have had from chemo and radiation are doable.   You just need to eat well and rest a lot along the way. Over time I would hope the side effects become less and less.   I just finished rads last week and my breast will be sore for another two weeks and the only thing I have from taking the chemo is my energy level is not back yet.  Otherwise, I feel pretty good.  

Look after yourself

Karen

sunshine... I was wondering about the body cleanse.. what is Arbonne's??   I am making a smoothie in the morn with wheatgrass... I read this is good after radiation therapy.  I was told milk thistle is good for the liver but I am quite uninformed.  I am open to suggestions.

Enjoy the day

Genesis

Still haven't Found what I am Looking For

HI MELA4409

I started noticing my hair coming out about 2 weeks after first treatment.  I personally didn't want to see my hair come out in clumps so I did go and get a buzz cut.   I found this easier to handle.  It is up to you as I know of ladies that just let it come out.   Good luck with your decision and good luck with the treatment.    There is a light at the end of the tunnel.

Karen

Liz

I think you will be alright.  I finished chemo in September and started my rads middle of October.  I would think 4-6 weeks is about right. I think different doctors have different opinions.  As long as your therapy continues, you should be fine.      I am not an expert but I think a break between is standard.

Take care of yourself

Karen

Nancy ..glad to hear you finished the chemo.  I found the rads were much easier to handle...no bad side effects except for the breast gets tender.  Wishing you well with both.

Rover girl... glad it is down to counting on one hand.  You are almost there...congrats.

Elliemae.. taxotere didn't cause any nausea or vomiting for me.  I did experience the same bad taste in the mouth and some bone pain.   I just kept trying to stay hydrated as much as possible.  Have some painkillers available for the bone pain.   Will you be getting the neulasta shot as well???  It does help with WBC but adds to the bone pain.   Wishing you all the best with this.  We are all here and may of gone through taxotere that can help you.

 Well, I have 3 rads to go.. the end is in sight..

To all the Junies.... Enjoy the day

Karen