bethanybeane

Dear Bluedasher and Brenda,

The cream I ordered (the 2 oz size) is called Jean's Cream. It's aloe vera (without alchohol) and vitamin E. It WAS more than a $10 copay ---

 http://www.jeanscream.com/html/index.asp

Maybe overkill -- but they sell it at MD Anderson and other cancer hospitals and so I figured it was worth the money: $21.50 plus shipping but check out the retailers -- there might be one near enough to you.

Bottom line is I'm 1/3 done with 33 treatments and I'm not even pink or the least bit sore. So far so good. I'm also putting cornstarch in any creases and under my arms. It feels good.

Went back to the eye doctor today and he said the extra tearing could go on for a couple more months or so -- and might not go completely away. My nose is still runny....oh well, small price to pay.

I'm sorry for the chemo and the bald-is-not-what-I-wanted-blues, Cali4 and Lisa -- it takes some time to adjust. I hope the Look Good Feel Better workshop is fun and helpful.

Shelby, your level of activity continues to amaze me. Cheers.

Congrats, my2boys! You're getting there. Two down and completely behind you now.

My best wishes to all, Bethany

Hi all GOOD NEWS TO SHARE FOR ENCOURAGEMENT.

 I've been worried about how weak I am...... but what a difference just from last weekend to this. I walked up a big hill last week -- stopping several times to bend over -- catch my breath --- and even though I didn't get to walk during this past week b/c of work and appts, I made it up the same hill this weekend with very little trouble. Things do get better. I'm 5 weeks out from Chemo and feel good. Still some minor side effects but improving and feeling more like myself everyday. Hooray. Hang in there and keep on keeping on.

 9 of 33 rads done -- no side effects from that to speak of -- only some pangs of nerve pain every now and then -- could also be from nerves finally waking up after June surgery.

I'm beginning to feel like I won't feel bad forever.

All the best, Bethany

Deekaay,

Wow. What a fantastic story! It's good to "meet" you -- at least virtually -- Hope you are doing well and  so glad you posted a note.

Please let us know how you are doing and whatever is on your heart and mind.

Bethany 

Sherrie,

The technicians told me not to worry about losing the weight I had gained - they could adjust. And, my doctor there enthusiastically congratulated me on losing 4-6 lbs. (some water I think). Maybe ask again?

Bethany

Pam,

What courage you are showing in the face of a very hard thing~!!!! -- I think you will rest easier with the decision you've made. I hope and pray for you --  speedy recovery and as little discomfort as possible.

Peace, Bethany

Dear Sue and Gina and all,

My legs are very sore--despite continuing to walk during chemo--my muscles lost strength--climbing stairs feels like I'm using muscles I've never used before -- or that I've reached the end of my limit on reps -- lactic acid burn and sore later. My onc said that the Decadron contributes to muscle atrophy -- seems counter to what one hears about other steroids....so dunno. But I am getting stronger each day by pushing through. 

I just got a tip about eyebrows -- use eyeshadow to darken and then chapstick over to tame the short and wild new ones.

Cheers, Bethany

Dear Aly,

So sorry to hear that you have had such a time of it. I pray it goes much easier from here on.

Maybe keep some zinc and echinacea handy -- were you able to get a flu shot?

I've done 8/33 radiation treatments and will be done by Christmas. I feel that things are really looking up!! 

We've been through the wringer -- and you have had a particularly hard time. Hang in there.

Hoping for the very best for all -- Bethany

Hi Desi,

I also finished chemo in October and am having the same number of rad txs that you are. I started radiation last week and have had 6 now.

I am also working on regaining strength and stamina after chemo. It took a toll. Today I had good news that I had lost 3 lbs in the last couple of weeks -- hopefully not just water since it wasn't just water that I gained during chemo. I'm working on looking and feeling better each day. Hoping that I might have some very short hair by mid-January and have lost the weight I gained.

It sounds like you had a tough regimen.  I think, even if we have redness or burns, it will be easier than the chemo. I don't know how I could be any MORE tired -- it's all relative. And, I'm just going to focus on feeling better every day.

Take care,

Bethany 

Hi Jo Anne,

I'm 4 weeks out from last TCH and have had 3 radiation treatments. I feel so much better in terms of stomach cramping. I'm exercising by walking at least 30 mins/day on weekdays and 3 miles on weekend days. It's hard on the hills -- my muscles are weak and sore. My eyes are tearing and I have been to an eye doctor about that. But, mostly I feel encouraged to be able to limit what I'm eating now and move about. I think that it will take at least 2-3 months to get stamina and strength back (and my old weight) and I hope to get even stronger than I was before this started -- and back to a 22-23% BMI. I just sneaked a bit over 25 with the chemo -- not good. My belly is still bloated and it's depressing that I can't wear a lot of my work clothes....working on it. Moving makes the joint pain better  -- hoping that will eventually go away. Hang in there -- Do you have other treatments beside Herceptin to go?

Best wishes,

Bethany

Am I imagining pangs of stinging pain at the former tumor site after two days of radiation? Maybe it's just the healing that is still going on -- nerves waking up after several months.

I think I'm going to use aloe vera everyday after rads before I get pink.

I have a sore spot on the sentinal nodes where that is probably a reaction to the suture. Has anyone else had this? What does cording look like?

Bethany