Bottle o Tamoxifen
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Hello Ladies,
I am back from my trip and had a wonderful time with my family!! Anyhoooo, it is back to the grindstone!! LOL!
Bonnie & Harley ~ I like the summer idea!!
Especially as it is cold and gray today! 
Just a quick question...You are all talking about massage for reducing the scar tissue from a lumpectomy, am I understanding it right that it can also help with us bi-lat girls? I had heard that Vit-E helps with fading scars, but I thought I was saddled with the scar tissue under the skin...maybe I just have the wrong end of the stick?!! Lex ~ Glad you're doing well and I can sympathize with the sleep, I get on average 5 or 6 hours a night. I do find that I do better on the days that I exercise.
MTG~ I need to find one of those pink ribbon ornaments...how pretty!
Have a great day all!
Kelly
Edited to add: MTG ~ Do you have that ornament and if so where did you get it?
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Ainm - Ask your onc to have your Vitamin D level tested. They are researching whether a low D level increases getting bc. I also asked for the CYP2D6 test (the tamox metabolizing test) to see if I was metabolizing tamox, and I'm an Intermediate Metabolizer. I've also experienced the low back/hip pain and my docs don't think its from the Tamox, but I do. I've had so many xrays and another bone scan, and nothing there but the pain, sigh. Good luck and big hugs.
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Hi Post Christmas Tamoxitrainers,
Concerning Kelly's inquiry..........
I call my scar my embroidery work and that for the most part is perfect. But then right under the arm, but still part of the cut, had what I hear the girls call a dog ear. I know WHY too because it looked like a dog ear HANGING down. Little but still !!!!! And you could feel scar tissue at the bottom of the dog ear.
The massage has firmed all that tissue up so that it blends in now. Where my actual boob was in front is about as good as anyone is getting I think. And now at least the under arm portion is so that I don't want to go YeeGads when I see it. Actually when my arm is down I don't see it. I'm wondering if maybe I had some "fat" under there. LOL I'm not over weight but I still think I did.
Harley can tell you about hers. I think ours are two different things. But I did get the added bonus of the scar also fading even more with the massage.
Hope this helps.
Bonnie
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Kelly,
I had a bilateral mx... My surgeon told me that the scar tissue would go away if you used Vitamin E oil on it regularly. I felt a lump when I was 1 1/2 years out from my dx. I went to see my surgeon and he ordered an u/s. The u/s found only scar tissue, and my surgeon told me that the vitamin E oil would get rid of scar tissue.... Sometimes, I think maybe I can still feel something, but it does appear to be gone. The scar has also faded quite a bit, although I can still see it, it is paler... white.
I hope I was able to answer your question. I am sure that massage helps, too, but I wasn't instructed about how to do massage.
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Kelly - sadly, I dont own the ornament but this year's version (just slighltly different from the you saw) can be found at http://designerornaments.com/breast_cancer_awareness_ornament.htm
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I am alive and kind of back! lol
It has been so hectic here with the holidays and with friends visiting that I haven't had time to come on to see how everyone is doing. So, how is everyone? I pray that you all had a great Christmas and are ready to bring the New Year in with a bang! ( and, i don't mean a gun lol )
We had a wonderful Christmas. Our house was very full, very lively and had lots of laughter and conversation going at all times. lol Did I say that I had a headache? Well, I did! lol Surprise, Surprise! I did get rid of it with some wine and excedrin, so, I was good to go then. lol I ate wayyyyyyyyyyy too much. But, I am not worrying about it until after New Year's. Then, I will focus on trying to lose some of this holiday extra stuff. lol
What is everyone doing for New Years? We had reservations for some time at a ritzy restaurant, but, we are not for sure that we want to go now. We are kind of leaning towards just staying home, eating some good food, having a few drinks and listening to some good music and dancing cheek to cheek. lol This has been a hard year with my bc and it might be nice to bring in the New Year alone and together in our home.
I pray that we all have a Healthy and Happy 2010! That is all I want!
Susie
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Ok Tamoxibeauties, do I hear an AWEEEEEEEEEEE??? lol
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Aaaaaahhhhh! Now that is precious!
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Harley and Bonnie ~ Thank you! You did clear things up for me! LOL! I need to get some Vit E and get busy using it! Bonnie I love that you call the scars embroidery work it sounds so elegant!
MTG ~ Thanks for the link for the ornament, it is really pretty!
Susie ~ So glad to see you and happy you had such a good Christmas, nothing better than laughs and good times with family. Michelle is right that little kitty is tooooo precious!
Good night all,
Kelly
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Susie,
AWWWWW..... The kitty is SO CUTE!! Thanks for the pic!!
Kelly,
Hope the Vitamin E oil works for you. It seemed to do the trick for me. I am sure that the massage would work as well, only I was never instructed how to do it.
Hope everyone has a great day.
Harley
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AWWWWWWWWWWW Susie! That is adorable! I have missed those cute pics. Glad to see that you are back and survived xmas. We had a really nice xmas too. Now, planning our New Year's Eve menu. LOL Eat, Eat, Eat is all I seem to be doing.
About the Vitamin E, I had a lumpectomy, should I use it on that scar? It is pretty small and I don't have any scar tissue. And, what are you massaging? Just the scar area?
It is cold here, but, pretty with the snow on the ground. Have a great day!
Jeanne
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Harley44
How long were you taking tamoxifen? I just want to say thank you. When I first found out I had cancer and had to go through chemo, you sent me such wonderful words of encouragement! ( You and a lot of others but your name stuck in my head, I own a harley! ) Everyone on this site has such caring words and thought. We all can relate to each other.
Thank you all !
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I'd like to meet that cute kitty that Susie knows ~~~
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Jeanne D.-
My surgeon said that Vitamin E oil can be used on ALL scars... it's the main ingredient in Mederma, I think... of course, Mederma is VERY EXPENSIVE, so I decided to just use the Vitamin E...
marlenet,
Oh, I am glad that I could help you. I have been feeling kind of depressed, feeling like I am not really helping anyone. I have been volunteering for Reach to Recovery, but I haven't had very many referrals... So, one of my New Years Resolutions is to get the word out about RTR... it really helps me to be able to talk with other breast cancer survivors.
I've been taking Tamoxifen for just over 2 years now. But, after 7 months, I had to have a D & C, because my lining was very thick, and I had some uterine polyps growing in there... It was the WORST surgery I've ever had... I just don't want it to happen again. My onc suggested that I switch to an AI after 2 years, because there have been studies which show that it may be beneficial to start with tamoxifen for 2 years, and then to switch to an AI for 3 years. It's kinda scary to me, but I'll try it. If I have problems with it, I can always switch back to Tamoxifen, I guess....
We don't have a Harley anymore... my dh traded his in on a ... BMW motorcycle. I am strictly a passenger... never could really get the hang of it...
Catbird
Too Funny! Love the pic!!
Hope everyone is having a great day!!!
Harley
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Ahem, Bonnie. Would that cute lil doggy be nice to my cute lil kitty? If so, no problemo. If not, NO MEETING! lol Thanks for that pic. It is cute Bonnie!
I have never used Vit E. Maybe, I should use it too? I guess, what would it hurt, right?
Do Al's have se's Harley? I guess I don't know much about them.
Susie
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Susie,
Vitamin E oil is great, and no, I haven't heard of any negatives about using it.
Yes, the AI's have some pretty bad se's, too... like elevated cholesterol levels (high cholesterol runs in my family... great!) and it can cause osteoporosis, or make it worse if you already have it. I just had a bone density test, and yes, I have the beginnings of Osteoporosis, in my hip. My onc just called me back today (I nearly fainted, when he called me HIMSELF), and told me that they will just watch it and see what happens. Oh, and they cause your hair to thin... I know this is a very vain of me, but gee... I already lost my hair once to chemo... I would like to keep it thick, since it came back in alot thicker than it ever was before... Oh well...I've been kind of on the fence about taking AIs, I guess since they are newer drugs, and they really haven't been studied.
Good to see you again!
Harley
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Hi everyone,
I'm "weighing" in on the tamoxifen topic (no pun intended). I have been on Tamoxifen for a year-I had some initial hot flashes for a few weeks, then those subsided. No hair thinning, which I was afraid of. My memory seems and concentration seem to be a little worse than before Tamoxifen. Has taking it pushed anyone into menopause?
Catherine
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Hi All,
Susie ~~ Pierre ... the doggie with the baldie hair cut says he LOVES kitties. But maybe we'll just introduce Herself instead:
KITTY KAT. I NEED A FRIEND AND YOU LOOK LIKE JUST THE ONE FOR ME.
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Bonnie,
Wassup?, indeed!! Cute kittie!! Thanx for posting!!
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Hello Team!!!
Bonnie ~ Tooooooo cute!!!
Harley ~ Thanks, I am going to give it a try. I also bought the omega - 3 capsules I have read about in previous posts...(not sure if it was on this topic or another). FIgured for the New Year I'm going to get myself together. Also have a 3 month check-up next month with the onc and have been writing down my questions. I haven't heard of RTR...it is great mentoring someone isn't it?! Are there chapters all over the country?
Catherine ~ Hi!
No it hasn't pushed me into menopause, but it has made my periods irregular. January 1st I will be going into my 4th month on tamox, so still a newbie. Take care everyone!
Kelly
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Kelly,
Reach to Recovery is a program sponsored by the American Cancer Society, and yes, it's nationwide. When I was dx'd with bc, after my bmx, my surgeon asked me if I wanted someone to contact me from RTR... I said NO, cause I didn't know what it was. Apparently, neither did my dr. I thought it was a big group, and I'm not good talking in front of a large group of people. Later, when I found out that it is a one-on-one support system, then I decided to volunteer, cause I want to help other women. When you are dx'd, your dr. may mention it. He would refer you and the co-ordinator would contact a volunteer, who is a bc survivor, and they try to match you up with someone who had a similar dx and treatment... I think it is really a very good program, but most drs. don't know what it is. I'm trying to call dr. offices and explain to the nurse what it's about, and hoping to get more referrals. so far, nothing...
I also write down my questions for my onc. I think he is really sick of me...
I've also started taking fish oil, and hope it helps my borderline cholesterol, and hope it stops me from having even higher levels from the Femara.... UGH! It's always something.
Harley
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Hi Tamoxitrainers,
I went out bed shopping with my daughter today and ran into a couple of fun stores. Did you know there are some great deals out there at the moment? My sis had bought me a coat for Christmas that was the wrong size. When I went to exchange it, everything in the store was 50% off, so I came away with the coat and 5 tops to boot...Love when that happens!!
Harley ~ Thanks for the information, I am going to look into it as I like the idea. From what I read on these boards, I am sure there are a lot of woman who would appreciate just having someone who understands to talk/vent to. I didn't realize that the fish oil helps with cholestrol and I really hope it helps you with yours!I Totally understand your frustration...about 2 weeks after my bmx I developed a plural effusion and had to see a pulminologist, she admitted me overnight and I had to have it drained. I then had to see a cardiololgist a week after that as my heartbeat was too high...I remember sitting in his office with tears running down my face as I didn't want to see another dr, I was soooo tired of it! LOL!!
Kelly
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LoL Bonnie @ the WASSUP! I love it!
Catherine, I haven't been pushed into menopause yet by tamox. And welcome! So, you think tamox is affecting your memory and concentration? I have started to blame anything and everything bad on my taking tamox. Hubby is going along with it. YEA! lol So far, I mainly just have headaches from it Catherine. But, I take excedrin and they go away pretty quick.
Harley, I think I will try the Vitamin E. Thanks for bringing it up. Sorry that the Al's have such bad se's. I was hoping, for your sake, that they didn't. If you go on them, you keep a good eye on yourself.
The Reach to Recovery is a good program. But, you are so right about the doctor's not knowing much about it. When I was first diagnosed, my GP asked if I wanted to talk to a woman who had a bi-lateral mastectomy. I got really mad. I said NO. I was going to and did have a lumpectomy and I did not want to talk to someone who had a mastectomy. I thought that was not only stupid, but, very insensitive. I hope they implement you into the program Harley. You would be very good with people.
WOW Kelly. That is some great retail shopping girl! I got some money and gift cards for xmas, so, I need to get out there and get in on the great deals. The weather has been snowy here and so cold that I don't want to go anywhere. lol Yes, I am a big baby!
Although, hubby and I are going grocery shopping tomorrow to get some good eats for New Year's Eve. We were going to go to some friends for a small party of drinking and cards and just goofing around, but, I think we have decided to just stay home, sit by the fire, eat, drink and listen to some music or watch some movies. And, pray that my g/f stays away! lol
So, what is everyone doing for New Year's Eve? Rockin?
Susie
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Another AWWWWWWWWWW with a
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Another AWWWWWWWWWW with a
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Hi Tamoxibeauties !!!! LOL
Hope everyone is recovering from Christmas. I AM finally...... I think. LOL
Susie....I definitely think the Big T causes some memory problems. Estrogen helps our memory function and Tamoxifen takes estrogen out of our bodies....so it makes sense. I'm going to blame it regardless. LOL Now I'm not talking anything major here, but I do find myself needing to makes notes.
)My girlfriend told me to "Blame It All On The Tamoxifen" bad moods, whatever. LOL I think we do tend to do that sometimes. It certainly causes enoough problems to justify being blamed.
I think too that the doctors need educated on Reach For Recovery. I had a lumpectomy (first) and I was contacted by a lady that had a mastectomy. She meant well but I know what you mean. The right coordinator would put like cases together.
It's 16 degrees here today. Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
Bonnie
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Harley
How did you know you had uterine polyps ? I have a appt with my ob, jan 5th. The onco said he just wants to make sure everything is okay ( I had a abnormal pap, but was tested neg for hpv) Sometime I wish they could just gut me out,lol
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Hi Tamoxibabes!!
I have been taking tamoxifen since mid Oct of this year. My Med Onc and BS both recommended that I have ooph because I was premenopausal and my bc was 90% estrogen+. After meeting with my regular OB-GYN who I've gone to for many years, and my GYN surgeon, I opted for bilteral ooph/tubes and hysterectomy. I really didn't want to deal with the possibility of uterine/endometrial changes/cancer and all the potential problems from the tamoxifen. I have an extremely strong family history of bc and had my BLM with TE in Sept. So far, I have only been having a few hot flushes at night and can go back to sleep pretty quickly-hope it doesn't get any worse. I am also glad that I don't have to worry about my period anymore
-used to have killer cramps. Sometimes I feel a little forgetful but I have attributed that to all that has been going on lately both physically and mentally.Susie and CatbirdC: Keep those cuties coming. They always brighten my day.
I guess I'll have to check into the Omega 3's too. I can add that to my list with vitamin D3and the test for tamox metabolism. I have my 3 month follow up with med onc next week. Anything else I need to check into while I'm there?
TCK
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Hi! I am still trying to recover from Christmas and now New Year's is here! Time goes so fast anymore! We are just staying home, eating, drinking and watching movies. Sounds like a party to me.
Is everyone here seeing an oncologist regularly? I have seen mine once and I couldn't stand him. I cancelled the last appt. that was with him, and, don't know what to do. My radiation oncologist has been ordering tests and seeing me regularly.
My upset stomachs stopped when I took the tamox at night with some food. So, that was good! I do seem to be moody a lot lately, but, that could just be the stress of the holidays.
Love the pictures Susie and Bonnie! I look forward to them when I log on. Thanks!
Have a great tamoxiday!
Debby
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Snowball is way toooo cuuuute!! Thanks Susie!
Bonnie & Susie ~ I too have to write everything down or else I forget it. I was supposed to get a dessert for the Christmas dinner. I remembered the morning of Christmas eve and made a mental note to go to Costco in the town where my parents live...didn't write it down so Christmas day at 4:30pm I was running into the local Walgreens for a tub of icecream and hot fudge sauce! LOL!! Thank goodness my family loves me!! Glad I have something to blame it on!
Debby ~ Glad your upset tummy has stopped completely. Can you ask your rad. onc. for the name of an oncologist? I think it is so important to like your onc as you build a relationship of trust and respect.
Have a good day team!
Kelly
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