CALLING ALL STAGE I SISTERS
Comments
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BarbaraA - Thanks! I have been posting on the rads forum and came across this one. It has been a tremendous help. Have gotten some really good advice and lots of support. Although it has been 2 1/2 mos since dx, I am still not believing all this is happening. DX hit me like a brick. Surgery, rads and everything has moved along so fast, not much time to think about it all - sometimes that is a good thing.
Will let everyone know how the skin check goes tomorrow morning.
Thanks for all the support.
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Jo, FYI, I used emu oil which has anti-inflammatory as well as healing properties and I tanned but did not burn at all and I am blond/blue/fair.
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JO...First welcome
I had issues with radiation but it really got worse after I was finished.
Some of us have more sensitive skins than others and it also depends the location of the radiation.
Hoping you get good news tomorrow and continue you treatment.
Hugs To You.
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My issues got worse as the rads went on. I used Biafine, which is a rx cream for rad burns and skin irritation. Worked wonders. Ask your rad onc about it.
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BarbaraA, Seyla888 & Meece - Thanks for all the good advice. At least I know I am not the only one with skin issues. My RO seems to think I am an exception to the rule. But, then again, my RO is an arrogant SOB. I think he must have slept through or missed the class on bedside manner when he went to med school. Think he needs a course now. So far the Topicort is working well but will make a list of the other suggestions and take it with me tomorrow. It does not appear as if he knows anything other than giving out cortisone cream. It's sad when a patient has to tell the doctor what to prescribe.
Will keep everyone updated.
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My RO told me unscented body lotion, but when that didn't work he gave me the Biafine. I also blistered so during the final boost week, they put this clear "non removable" patch (sort of like Saran Wrap) over the ink markings for the boost. It also protected the skin (which still blistered) from rubbing directly on my clothing. The patch came off a week or so later.
I spent a couple of weeks walking around with my left hand on my hip to prevent my arm from touching the rad burns.
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Update:
My apt w/oncologist was cancelled the next day and rescheduled for 10 days later. Ok, so a bit of a breather - then her nurse calls last Tuesday and says Dr is moving up my apt to Friday! OMG! The same scenario that happened when I was diagnosed! Talk about anxiety! I have read all your posts and can surely sympathize with that fear. I was actually on my way to a job interview when I got the call and had to really psych myself up to appear as the confident, efficient person I usually am! hahaha....
I got the job! and... My Dr assured me that all was well and that the other calcifications were normal and not to worry! I did ask about an anti-depressant and she asked if I could wait to see if the side effects level out in another month or so. I agreed and hope I can stay focused now on my new JOB!!!
Hugs to all of you and HAPPY MONDAY!
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ibabie - Congratulatuions! If you managed to ace an interview through your anxiety I'm sure yoy'll manage the new job fine. Good luck all around.
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Question: I was looking through my medical records and found the sheet with the results of my blood work done in 2007, the CEA was 1.3 what does that mean?
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Welcome jo. Sorry to hear you are having skin reactions to rads - I am glad the ladies here have been able to help you with that. Just a word to the wise - it IS great that things move along quickly when we are in such a terrible place following dx, it gives you something to focus on when you have been hit by a 'brick'. You will need to think about all that has happened to you since your dx and deal with all the emotional 'stuff' at some point though - it has not gone away, it has just gone to the bottom of the 'to do' pile and it will rear it's ugly head again. Most ladies find they have a 'down' period after active treatment finishes and being aware that it may hit helps.
ibabie - you rock! congrats on the job! Anyone who could go into a job interview and nail it while under such stress doesn't need anti depressent drugs! Glad the news is good re the other calcifications too.
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Deborye,
CEA
Formal name: Carcinoembryonic AntigenHow is it used?
CEA is used mainly to monitor the treatment of cancer patients, especially those with colon cancer. Following surgery, CEA values are helpful in monitoring the response to therapy and in determining whether the disease has recurred. CEA is also used as a marker for other forms of cancer, including cancers of the rectum, lung, breast, liver, pancreas, stomach, and ovary. Not all cancers produce CEA, and a positive CEA test is not always due to cancer. Therefore, CEA is not used for screening the general population.
Hope that helps0 -
Countdown begins for Oakley.......
We will be in the waiting room with you my sister.
HUGS
♥
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ibabie....Welcome and glad you got the job.
If you are not feeling depressed and just anxious you'll be better of with Anti Anxiety pills.
I'm saying this from my own experience. Good Luck and i know those 3 months checkups drives you crazy, the waiting part is the worse.
Hugs
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(((♥Michelle♥)))
(((♥Val♥))
You are in my thoughts.
Michelle how are you feeling?
Hugs
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Welcome ibabie ~ I echo what Rae (raeinnz) has said: congrats on remaining calm & confident during the job interview & then, WOW, you got the job! YAY! I have found I have a "face" of confidence & efficency that I do not feel inside at times in front of family & friends. They probably wouldn't know what to do if they saw the "real" me some days, how do you put someone back together who feels like they are falling apart inside. (humpty-dumpty!?) Oh well, don't meant to be a debby-downer; 99% of the days are great. And, l'm glad Rae brought up the "down" time that may come after tx. Remember, we are here for you in whatever capacity you may need us.
Welcome jo1955 ~ I used pure Aloe Vera gel during rads. It is cooling & healing. I did get a prescription later when I burned more from the boosts during the last week & I did use it for the week after tx was finished, but I was lucky in that I did not have to delay any sessions because of it. I hope you find relief soon & are able to finish up tx.
{{hugs to the new sistas}}
Hi everyone!
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Good Night and a peaceful Monday to all of us.
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{{♥Michelle♥}}
{{♥oakley♥}}
Hi Sheila ~ {{hugs to you as well}} You are so sweet, you are always thinking of everyone! I feel your hugs, sister/friend, always do. I think of you often.
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Me too Val sister/friend
♥
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ok, i found where alot of you have been hiding.. i'm at stage 2b, does that qualify here? i also grew up in Natick, Ma. hung in Boston, for yrs.. love the red sox.. do i pass >??3jays0
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For me you definitely do, I am an expat Bostonion living in Seattle. Still love Red Sox and Patriots. Everyone is welcome here
How far along are you in this process? I see you joined in April, so you are definitely further along than I am. Hang out here anytime.0 -
Hi 3jays !!!!
So great to see you here! Of course, you are welcome!
I'm not a baseball fan, I'm'a luvin' my DETROIT RED WINGS !
And, MI & MI STATE hockey, of course! And, college basketball/football.
{{a welcome hug to you}}
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Hi 3jays - you are a sister whatever your dx so I for one welcome you!
To all my friends here .......
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Well, that would be annoying
............ a new page and the words are covered by the advert. They say 'Thanks for always being there with your warm and caring ways' 0 -
It's not covered on my view.
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Hi 3jaysmom! I speak as someone relatively new to this thread, but have to say you are in with a great group of ladies. We are lucky.
Oakley, you are in my thoughts today.
Congrats, ibabie, on landing that job. You are just awesome! That is all there is to it!
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Hello to all of you from Melbourne Australia where breast cancer is also a reality for some, but we downunder like all women all over the world stay positive, cling to the good news and fight against the bad. I 2 am stage 1 but in catching the bastard early am EXTREMELY positive for my future and cannot stress enough how early detection is crucial!! Hope you all have a great day.
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HI everyone. My name is Julie and I'm a stage 1er to but am new to all of this. I had a left side mastectomy 2 1/2 weeks ago and have my first meeting with the oncologist today. I am scared to death but reading these posts is so helpful because you are all so positive!
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3jaysmom....You are always welcome here. I know you from the other threads you are a very sweet woman.
gonna-win.....I really love your name. That's the way to go.
Welcome and so nice to see Sisters all over the world coming together.
boatergrl...We are here to help each other any way we can. Welcome.
Hugs to all my sisters.
♥
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rae...Thanks for starting the new page with a picture that says it all.
Like Meece said I see it too.
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It's Monday! I've got my eyes closed, feet kicking & I'm gonna get this day out of my way as fast as I can! Have a decent day all! And welcome newbies!
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