midsum1107

I am 53, diagnosed 3 months ago, 2 weeks after my birthday.  From a routine mammogram.

Hey wahoo1, are you a UVa alumna?

Deb

I've got a prescription already for Arrimidex, but I'm post-menopausal.  I'm more nervous about that than the radiation, mostly due to the bone-loss SE, as my latest bone density scan shows loss in my spine.  At least radiation is local.

Ace:  hope you are feeling a little better.  You can't "flunk".  You're already a hero in my book. 

Yes, Tina, ask about the Oncotype test--  it is specifically for women with node negative, hormone positive tumors.  It measure 21 genomes and will categorize your risk as low, medium, or high.  High generally equals chemo recommendation from the oncologist.  Low, probably not unless your tumor had other characteristics that indicated more risk.  Intermediate---  ah, there's the question mark.  You and your oncologist will decide.

By the way, it takes several weeks, so ask now. 

Deb

Makraz:  I have noticed something in my lung as well--  when cycling, or sometimes on a deep inhale.  They tell me not to worry--  that it is just irritation.  It's not too bad, but hard to describe. 

I haven't been on the site for a bit, how's everyone?  I went to October rads, then saw that Sept. was still active.

I start boosts on Tuesday--  I am nervous about that as my nipple is pretty toasty now, and will be in the boost field. 

However, I get to take 6 days off!!!!  My rad onc OK'd a few extra days for the Breast Cancer ride I'm doing in California----  so I'll be off on the 23rd, riding on the 25th, and relaxing at a SPA on the 26th and 27th!!!!!  I can really use that.  Then, back to reality.

 Deb

Busy Mom Katherine:  congratulations!  I have not been on the site for a while, working long hours, but glad to hear some good news on a few fronts.

Marilyn, we'll all keep our fingers and toes crossed.

DD

Hello all, I see you started the Oct group, so here I am.  Today was #14.  So far my nipple is the only part reacting.  My nurse told me not to use cream before a treatment, only after.  She also said that a good trick is to keep it in the refrigerator--  it feels really good that way.

Do you know that my radiation oncologist just called and spoke to me on the phone about it because he heard I was having some pain?  I think that's neat.  I had already seen him this week, before I got the nipple reaction.  He recommended 1% over-the-counter cortizone cream.  He also explained that there is no real way to be proactive and try to prevent the reaction by slathering on cream ahead of time.  But, if it feels good, I say it can't hurt! 

Cindy:  be sure they didn't mean BEFORE your treatment.  Mine says not before, but after is OK.  That's easy for me as my treatment is early morning.

Brenda:  the simulation will be a longer session than the actual treatment.  At mine they made kind of a mold for me to lay my head and chest on to get the position the same every time.  Good for you for asking questions!  And Kleenex, too.  My radiation onc spent over 2 hours with me at my pre-rad appointment because I wanted information!

Angel, I wanted the Mammosite as well.  I never got to the balloon stage, though, because my surgeon nixed it--  he said it was only skin holding the wound togeter and he didn't want to risk the wound reopening.  However, if you have time still, see if anyone has the Contura device--  it's new and has more flexibility with the cavity fit.  Where do you live?  I live on Long Island and found only one place that has it--  but a very reputable place.  Google Contura, and you'll find it.  My issue was not the cavity, so it didn't help me, but you might be a candidate.

Deb

I wish I could help but yours sounds very different than mine.  I don't think it's fair to ask you to wait to see the rad onc if you don't understand the treatment.  Maybe you should think about refusing more until you get some answers.  It probably won't change the treatment, but I think that we have a right to understand what they are doing to us. 

Debra

Clustered Microcalcifications are a red flag and require a biopsy--  but you have done your research and you know that 80% of the time they are benign.  They have to biopsy to be sure.  I had them twice, both of them required surgical biopsies.  The first was benign--  the second, unfortunately, not so and I am still being treated for that.  But keep in mind that is there is anything at all, it is EXTREMELY likely to be early stage and treatable!  This is why we do mammograms!

So, congratulate yourself for looking after your health--  and it's probably nothing--  but best to know for sure.  With BC, the earlier the better.

Questions for the surgeon:  What type?  Is it wire localization?  How long will I be there (it's usually ambulatory surgury)?  Where will the incision be and will there be a scar?  How many times have you performed this surgery?  Is it a teaching hospital?  If so, will you perform the surgery, or the residents?

Good luck, let us know what happens!

Deb

and CONGRATULATIONS TO NANCY D!

Today was #10 out of 33.  I finish Oct. 31 so yes, many of us will proceed to the October rads group.  Since I finish on Halloween, I'm thinking of dressing up as a radioactive boob for the occasion.

 Nancy, I went to Costa Rica about 4 or 5 years ago and it was FANTASTIC!  So, that should be a great celebration for having finished the rads.  We loved the zip lines, and the volcano at Arenal--  just everything, really,  Congratulations on a great plan to celebrate!

Love the breast shadow.  I get it too, but not every time.  Looks very perky, much more so than the real thing does at this point!

I can't figure out what kind of radiation it is.  I know it's photons.  I am curious about this stuff.  I like to know what they're doing to me.  Years ago I had an experience where I didn't do my research, and I paid for it when my gynecologist told me the repercussions would be the exact opposite of what they turned out to be.  So I am always questioning them. 

Anyone else still have a very swollen lymph node side after over a month?  The tech says it not in the field, thank goodness, because I was afraid it would never heal with the radiation going on,

Skye, of course you are welcome! 

Kleenex, I know what you mean about the machine.  Someone made a comment one day about how long it had been around, and my first thought was that maybe I should have gone to a center that had just been renovated or something!  I want the best control possible.  Anyone know if we're having 3D conformal?  I lay on this pad they made, molded to my upper body.  They do a wider and shorter blast each from two different sides. 

Redhead, you have a great boss!  Something like this can really bring out the best in people, and that was such a sweet idea!

Here we go on another week-------

Deb