Bottle o Tamoxifen

bgirl · May 2012

JO Yeah! Here is to smooth sailing. You deserve it.

Tink, hope your daughter feels better soon and that you get some answers. She is lucky to have a mom who is so supportive.

Vicki - welcome

Had nice weekend with all of my daughters. It was a good distraction from scanxiety. After 6 months of waiting for the MRI only 2 more sleeps till I get the results.

momx3 · May 2012

THANX!!!! I will remember that!!! My onco dr called it the chemo pill once upon a time, so from now on the answer is YES until (whatever date they pick)!!!

jo1955 · May 2012

Vicki - Good to hear you have a start date. June 15th will be here before you know it and then chemo willl be done before you know it.

Tink - What you don't need is more stress. I hope you and work something out with the school and find a solution for you daughter.

Have my 6 month MO appt next month and not even concerned about it. Already had my annual mammo - had that moved from June back to March for my recon surgery. Also have my annual gyn appt. Does this crap every quit?

Paula66 · May 2012

Yahoo Jo!! Finally got the last drain out. Now its on the road to healing!

JoJo heres your man candy for your pocket party! Will be jumping in your pockets just as soon as I shower. After this last man candy hunt I really need one now, lol!

Tink I pray that they find answers soon!

Viki good to have a plan. Are you going to have a port in? I had one put in and it was so much easier then doing it in the veins. The port surgeries are pretty easy and really it was the easest part of all the things that come along with treatment. They also were able to do my weekly blood draws thru it and that was nice as well. I'm not sure if there BCO has a June chemo thread, but you might want to check that out. Having gals going thru it the same time as you really helps so much. Good luck! If you need anythng feel free to pm me or post here.

Sherryc · May 2012

June so glad you passed the stone, woohoo now on to healing

Tink so sorry you are having to go through this with your daughter. I hope all works out with the docs and her finishing school at home.

Linda I do yoga twice a week and then walk 3 or 4 days a week. It has been very good for me. I make myself walk even if I am tired.

vickilind61 · May 2012

Paula, they put in my port when I had my mx, so I am ready. I am trying to walk daily because I KNOW exercise is so important to long term health. Also re-thinking my food; going more green. Just trying to think outside the box. And yet, I am still thankful that I am only at stage 1b. Things could always be worse.

heartnsoul76 · May 2012

Sherry - that sounds like a good exercise schedule. Think I'll try to find my yoga DVDs and try it.

My son left a week ago for his 12-week internship, and I'm still cleaning up after all the last-minute chaos from packing for this adventure. Then I'll find my yoga DVDs! I'm so worn out from putting everything away (everything ended up all over the house!).

You never know how much someone contributes to the running of a household until they leave. I seem to remember always saying he never did enough around here - well, I have been properly put in my place! I'm also worn out from picking up his share of the chores - whew!

Linda, the fatigue has been the worst part for me, too, especially when the doctor acts like it's just me. I'm trying something I saw another poster say her doctor prescribed for her: she took 10 mg Adderall (for ADD) for 3 months and she said it got rid of her fatigue. I happen to have ADD and Adderall so I decided to give it a try. The regular dose is 20 mg, and I never liked taking it because it makes me feel funny, but the 10 mg doesn't bother me as much. I don't take one everyday, but when I do I am more energetic. But of course, when it wears off I'm just as tired as before. I suppose I should be more consistent, then maybe the benefits will last. I'll try to do better... Undecided

jo1955 · May 2012

Paula- What a sight to look at first thing in the morning. If the coffee did not wake me up, that sure did. I don't know where you find the eye candy but keep them coming.

Slept pretty good last night. First time in my bed in 5 weeks. I lay on my left side and that is the side I had done. The muscle is still tight and will have to work on that. Life is good again.

alowen2 · May 2012

Saw my oncologist for the first time, and then the radiologist. Wow, weighing the options is tough. You have to balance different options for the best outcome. Looks like the brachytherapy is a go, and then likely Tamox. Surgery is not fun, but neither is bombardment over weeks by radiation from the outside! I'm concerned about swelling, seromas, hemotomas but going ahead. Tomorrow I'll have the placement. Hopefully, when my oncotyping comes back in a few days there won't be a need for chemo.

Jo, hope that drain is outathere!

Amy

jo1955 · May 2012

Amy - It is hard to weigh the options and come up with a plan that is best for you. Once the oncotype comes back you will have a better idea of what do to. Good luck on my brachytherapy - I tried that and was not sucessful - had to do 6 weeks of rads. Yes, my drain is outahere. So liberating!

momx3 · May 2012

Had my ortho appt yesterday. Right hand surgery June 11 and left hand Dec 20ish (BEFORE the end of the year!!!!!). He gave me a few sedation options, but never told me how they'll work. Guess he didn't want to be the one to SCARE the sissy!!!

June, boy am I glad you got rid of that drain!! NOW you can pillowfight!! LOL

Amy, I hope you have good results on your Ocnotype!!! I'm not sure what the brachytherapy is, I was never told about that, just radiation, chemo and radiation, PLUS surgery.

Tink, I have to go to another page to catch up on you, BUT you are in my thoughts for good results for your daughter!!!!

sweetie2040 · May 2012

Hi Ladies,

Wow I wait a few days to log in and this thread is off and running!

Openheart-thanks. I agree I will opt for the less invasive route for sure. I've been reading up and I don't want to anything drastic right off. I would think my Dr would agree.

Jo-good to know. It seems I am not alone with these issues. I am having the trans vaginal ultrasound this week. I hope it is thorough enough to show everything that could be going on.

Alowen-I think you are very right about the point of whether the treatment helps with symptoms.Honestly the symptoms are very mild, mostly bloating, no pain. No bleeding. I agree about the healthy diet. I am working on that. I was doing really good for a while and then my allergies hit full force. For some weird reason I am craving carbs and sugar like mad. I ate so bad all week. I have to really focus on choosing the healthiest food. I know this, read this and there is no argument with me it's the best route.

mom-I know hysterectomy is always a consideration and if it makes sense for important reasons that it has to be an option. I guess in the back of mind I do get concerned because I also had ER positive cancer and that can increase your risk of ovarian cancer. Sometimes I feel like if it was all removed than I wouldn't have to worry about the risks, but I understand that can be excessive thinking. I think it's prudent to take one day at a time and access your health. If it is warranted I would not hesitate though to do what I needed to do. Once again the joys of being a woman!

alowen2 · May 2012

Mom, brachytherapy is the insertion of a device into the cavity where the lump was taken out. They usually only do this for women with no nodes and clean margins and other perameters. It is shorter time, about 9 days total and uses "seeds" of radiation. It gets only the cavity radiated instead of other tissues like the external rads. Downside, invasive and all that comes with. Sweetie, you can start eating good any time and will always get good results:-) Try whole foods prepared foods section if one is near. They are feeding me now while I am in LA. and it is so good! There is a special at this one for tofu or fish with two sides, only 8 to 10 dollars!

jo1955 · May 2012

mom -Like Alowen said, brachytherapy is the insertion of a balloon in the lumpectomy cavity. It is inflated with saline so it won't move. Rads are done 2X a day for 5 days and the device is removed on the last day. This is only offer to those whose tumor is less than 2 cm - bascially you have to be considered "early stage" , no nodes and clear margins to be offered this. I had the device inserted but ended up down external. The BS & RO could not get the balloon to fit properly in the cavity.

1openheart · May 2012

Hi ladies....lots going on and a lot on the positive side for a change. Jo....YEA! I'm glad you got that pesky drain removed and have moved back to your bed. The soreness will take a while to get better, but gradually, over time you won't even think about it any more.

June...glad your stone has passed and hopefully that is the only one you have to worry about. I've never had one, and I hope I never get one. Just saw my endocrinologist today and my bone density (spinal) decreased 5%. Still in normal range, but a big decrease since I quit HRT. She wants me to up my Citra-Cal +D by 2 tablets to 4 total a day. I worry about kidney stones from the calcium, but I don't want osteoporosis either. The choices we have....

Tink....I'll keep you and your daughter in my thoughts and healing and calming energy.

Sweetie...good luck with your ultrasound. I hope that it gives you some answers and some direction. Let us know.

If I forgot to mention anyone....I'm sorry. The night sweats were relentless last night. I lost count at how many I had. I'm pretty beat today so I'm starting to fade a bit.

Hope you all have a good evening.

dogsandjogs · May 2012

Just found out you can buy Tamoxafin at Target for $4 for a month's supply or $10 for 3 months. There is a long list of all the drugs they feature with these prices. Check out the Targe web site.

I found out that my Warfarin and Metoprolol is on the list too.

I don't take Tamoxafin, just posting to let everyone know --

odie16 · May 2012

So so happy to see such good news!

Jo - I am sure you feel like a new woman now that the drain is gone. I know getting back to sleeping on my side made such a difference for me in my sleep quality so enjoy being back in your own bed & comfy.

June - I am so sorry that pesky stone caused you such pain... Hope you are feeling much better now.

Tink - I am praying for you & your daughter. It sucks to see our kids struggle so I hope things get better quickly. In response to your question, I planted the usual (tomatoes, cukes, squash, zucchini and green beans) Trying to eat more green/natural.

Welcome Vicki... You found a great group of ladies!

Lynda - Walking daily with limited bouts of jogging or Yoga are my preferred exercise and do seems to help alleviate the fatigue. Hope you are enjoying your well deserved break!

dogsandjogs - Thanks for sharing that info. Nice of you to think of your fellow sistas!

To those starting treatment (bc or otherwise), I wish you a speedy & painfree recovery...

To anyone I missed, it's hard to be blonde and take Tamoxifen.....lol Hugs to all.

Off to finish another load of laundry so I can pack for my girls weekend. Counting down, 3 days ....

**** Edited to add a huge shoutout to Gina! You have been through so much yet have such a great

attitude... Hang in there hon! You are an inspiration...

JustmeAlicia · May 2012

June ~ so glad you passed that stone. I hope you stay stone free and have some relief now.

JO ~ glad that last drain is out. I hope you are not overdoing it and allowing yourself time to heal.

Tinks ~ so sorry about your daughter having difficulty. There is nothing worse then the worries we carry for our children.

To everyone else, TGIF Oh crap it's just Wednesday ~ but feels like a Friday because my kids are off till Tuesday after today because we had not used any snow DAYS ! I could use some rest. For now I am off to my skincare dr for my yearly skin cancer screening and from the cruise and the beach lately I look like the tanaholic they have name nutella so he should love me, awaiting an appt to have my enlarged thyroid biopsied and so on. It's always something but guess what ~ I WON"T WORRY TILL I KNOW I HAVE SOMETHING TO WORRY ABOUT !

Hugs,

Alicia

June2268 · May 2012

Tink my friend how are you and your daughter doing? Been thinking about you lots!

Alicia I always get the looks as I just attract the sun. No matter how much sunscreen I put on I just tend to get dark....it is the olive skin. So even in the dead of winter Doctors will always ask me "where have you been". Good luck on your exam and keep us posted. I think I should schedule an appt with a skin doc as I never have before.

Jo how are you today? Feeling like dancing or laughing cause life is too good for you now that the pesky drain is out.

Odie I love the blonde comment....he he he

Feeling so much better today pain wise but I did get my period yesterday and boy oh boy is it heavy. 2 months off Tamox and this one is a doozy. I actually felt very lightheaded this morning and that never happens.

Happy Wednesday ladies.....hugs to all!

jo1955 · May 2012

June - I am doing great! It feels so good to be rid of my dangling friends. I know it is only Wednesday but I can stop myself - WHACKKKKKKKKKKKKK!!!!!!!

Boy, did that feel good. I have missed the pillow fights.

momx3 · May 2012

Thank you for the info on the Tamox. I'm going to check it out!!!

June, I hope you feel better and that things slow down.

And now I also know why I had NO clue what the brac was because it wasn't an option.

My husband had to much time on his hands!!! Can anyone guess what I am??? LOL

Where's my picture???

Sherryc · May 2012

Alicia-good luck at the skin doctor but I have to say you sound so much better these days. Hope you are feeling as good as you sound.

jo1955 · May 2012

momx3 - I can't see the picture.

momx3 · May 2012

momx3 · May 2012

I can not figure out to add a picture.

jo1955 · May 2012

I use Photobucket. Download the picture there. Copy it - you need to copy the URL image. Come here and click the green box to the left of the smiley face. Right click on that box. Left click on Image URL and then got to the bottom of that box and click insert. That should work.

Sherryc · May 2012

or if you have an image on Facebook you can click and copy directly from FB to here

momx3 · May 2012

I'll try that when I get home Sherry Laughing

bgirl · May 2012

MRI results - nothing of immediate concern. No change on opposite side. So mostly good news. Follow-up again in six months, was hoping to get a clean and do yearly ones, but not quite there yet.

Next MO in June - hoping for NED so I can enjoy my summer.

Thanks to all for understanding the scanxiety thing. Everyone else just thinks it is another test, shouldn't be worried. But you all know that there is no such thing as just a test any more.

Glad to see you are feeling better Jo.

Edited to add that it looks like they have changed colours on here. Looks better on my computer.

June2268 · May 2012

Bgirl~ so happy for you......party!

Bottle o Tamoxifen

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