Radiation recovery
Comments
-
Hi Runfree
No Cramping is not gone, and it is my biggest problem. It is now 4 straight days, and the pain meds don't touch it. I had an enema a few days ago and that didn't even work. I think the nurse who admisnistered it never did one before- OMG just my luck. The cramping is caused by constipation. Even if I have a bowel movement there is no relief from the cramping, because I still go to the potty. I don't know why I still have constipation, but part of it is from taking 20 mg of oxycodone 4 times a day. I started having constipation with chemo. When chemo ended I still had it. Now and 6 weeks before the surgery too it is so bad I curl up in bedsometimes all day if there isn't relief) It sucks because pain med have no effect on it and doesn't diminish the pain
I had fun with Sharif at the Oscars. Sad Jennifer Lawrence lost because my granddaughter riley loves her so much
0 -
Kate I am so sorry you are still have such problems! Enough is enough. Have you tried Miralax? I know a lot of doctors recommend it. Also there are plain old fiber pills you can take. I hope something will work for you and you begin to feel normal again very soon. You have been such a trooper through all of this.
Josie, I was happy your ultrasound was fine, but sorry you and your family had to go through the flu. No fun at all, I hope you are much better today.
I feel like I owe shout outs to everyone, but it would take all day! I am so far behind in my reading and posting here. Gosh you gals all have been through so much. You are all so brave. Never doubt that.
Joan....how wonderful you got to spend some quality time with your grandsons. That is awesome, there you go creating more happy memories for those lucky boys! Thrilled for you all my friend.
Can I ask a favor? I need a pocket party on Friday. I have been having pain on my left breast and underarm. That is my non cancer breast. It is on the far side of the breast and underarm. Was a dull ache but has morphed into pain. I called my MO office and they said they want me to come in Friday, which is the earliest they can get me in. So 10:00 AM it is. I think it is time for a party!
Oh gosh I am so sorry for the terrible weather so many of you have had to endure. We have had fairly cold weather and some much needed rain, but absolutely boring for the most part. Wishing a much needed early spring to all my friends.
Love and hugs all around ladies!
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOX
0 -
poor Kate ... In my limited experience with rx pain meds, they've always given me horrible constipation that takes days to normalize even after I've stopped the meds (and then lovely hemorrhoids from straining!!!). I wonder if that laxative drink they give you for colonoscopy prep would break down some of that excess in your bowels?
Janis, I'll definitely be in your pocket!
Hugs to all!
0 -
Hey Janis....You can count on me being in your pocket.....pain anywhere around the breast (bc or otherwise) is always scary. Hopefully it's just something simple....simple we like!
Hi Lilyluv....Congrats! You're done. Let's start the dancing! I had the longer version of rads so the skin issues are slightly different, but with either type it does seem like the skin issues continue to worsen for several days after you're done, then they start abating. Be sure to use your creams. You need to do that for the next several months at a minimum, and probably best to do it for a year or more. The fatigue is another issue...I think you'll find it comes and goes, sometimes it will be intense, others will be not as bad. But on the whole, you'll realize one day that it isn't as bad as it used to be. Be sure to keep up with extra protein and good hydration. And do what you can with exercise too. Some days you will have to quit the treadmill early buy may well find you can face it again later in the day. So....glad you've found us, and even more glad you're done with active treatment.......
0 -
Kate you are a trooper bless your heart. I can't even imagine the pain and discomfort you continue to have. Is there not a med the doctors can prescribe to help? There has to be something out there to give you some relief.
BTW my youngest granddaughter's name is Riley too...cute name.
For all you ladies in the north I feel for you with this never ending winter we are having. We got a dose of it last night with snow and some freezing rain. Schools are closed of course but mainly because of the rural roads; they are really dangerous in weather like this. Temp is really cold but it has stopped snowing. Tomorrow should be a better day when the temps get out of the teens. Keep in mind all you guys that deal with this all the time we southerners do not and for that matter don't ever want to...haha. Feel better Kate. Diane
0 -
Janis, I am using Mir alax now. It's not helping.
We will definitely have a pocket party for you Friday. I am sorry you are having issues
I am waiting for a call from my GI doctor this evening. The doctor's assistant called me a little while ago re whether I would want to do self i njections????? I need more info injections of what?
0 -
Kate
My only suggestion is milk of magnesia. My grandma alway said to lay on your left side for relief from constipation/stomach aches/indigestion etc. It usually works.
Hang in there!
0 -
Kate - there is a very thorough thread here on BCO about constipation. Sassy keeps it current. You might take a look.
http://community.breastcancer.org/forum/6/topic/781867?page=13#idx_364
0 -
Hi Mapgirl.
My doctor told me to try Milk of Magnesia too, but it did not help. Now I am back to Miralax once a day. I am also using a glycerine suppository once a day. My doctor also know of a medication that you inject in your tummy. CVS called me tonight and said it was not covered by my insursnce. I emailed my GI doctor and told her and she said we can both fight this. There have been drugs my insursnce refused to cover and then they turned it around. So, if you have room for extra prayers please pray that they will cover this for me. If I could get rid of this pain I would be so much better. This pain is at leaset 3 times as bad asmy leg pain..
0 -
minus2 thanks so much for the info
0 -
Kate I am so sorry nothing has helped so far. I really hope they can figure out something. A lot of people swear by prunes. We make our own fresh carrot juice, that sure helps me. A lot of stores carry it. I am sure you have tried most everything. You have had so much on your plate, hang in there. Sending you fresh lemon balls, always.
0 -
Also,Kate, your gastro doc or your PTcan show you how to massage your colon to kind of release the stuck-ish spots. I read somewhere on the web that there are three categories of laxative. Have you tried them all? I've never heard of the injectable, but just assume it is amazing.
Ohhhh, Janis. Big prayers that it's nothing important. Also, living here in the frozen north, looking very much forward to snuggling in your pocket on Friday. Heck, why wait for Friday? I'm on my way right now!
Greetings to all.
0 -
Kate, sorry hun.I hope you find relief soon.That is no fun.
0 -
Janis, we will definitely be in your pocket.Please let us know how it goes.
0 -
Janis,brookd\ide and josie thanks so much for the support
Janis your lemon cake balls are always delicious. I have been drinking prune juice.
Brookside I believe the injection is new. My GI doctor loves it. Now the trick is to get medicare topay for it.
I totally agree with you why wait for Janis's pocket paty till Friday. I will buy the margaritas and chips now.
0 -
Kate, you are my hero! Margaritas and chips, thanks so much! I like mine on the rocks with salt. I think this party will be wonderful. Of course I will supply all the cake balls. Extra lemon for you Miss Kate!
Sew, Kate, Josie, Brookside....thanks for hanging with me during the long annoying wait. I can always count on you when I need cheering.
0 -
Count me in on the early pocket party.I like frozen strawberry margaritas.And of course cake balls.
My son has now gotten the stomach flu.He's the last one to get it.I had to clean the bathroom this morning while my hubby was gagging in the background.We kept him home when he woke up with the chills and complaining of a headache. I knew what to expect next.Don't think I will be able to eat toaster struedles anytime soon.Don't worry the bathroom has been sanitized with Lysol.
0 -
Sorry if that was TMI.
0 -
Josie, so sorry your son has the flu too. Now you are done with it. Good health and good times coming your way
0 -
I hope so Kate, thanks!!
0 -
Josie, your flu is a potent as Run Free's rash....I've now come down with it. It will be all right though as you can't catch it at a pocket party, so no fears Janis
Cindy...how's hubby? Did you/he have tests yesterday or are you in transit? we're in your pocket too...since he forgot to wear big enough ones and won't listen anyway.
0 -
Janis - definately in your pocket. Hope it all goes well and it is just a horomone thing.
Kate - I usually use dulcolax supositories. They work fast for me to get it started and then being lactose sensitive I usually finish off with ice creme....
However everyone is different. I will say that any time I take pain meds I get all blocked up. Josie - Try a little crackers and soup? Sips of ginger ale. Bread seems to help sop it all up. If that does not work I just flush it all out all day. Hope you feel better.
I am glad I am going to the optomoligist/specialist at U of M this month. I have blurred vision most days with the vertigo. Seems to be worst every day after I go out. Like Friday I went to the store and it was mild but Saturday it was awful. Then Sunday seemed better and I went to the Dr Monday. Today I am spinning with bad vision again. Sarcoidosis can get into the eyes and cause blindness so I am glad to have that appt this month. Just need to rule it all out. Once I see it is not my disease I can just blame the new dose in prednisone...again.
0 -
Bunkie, yes I'm all better thank you but now my son has it today.Actually I was on the mend by Sunday.
Sew, I'm sorry you got it now too.I didn't mean to share.Lysol is your best friend.Sanitize like crazy.Feel better soon.
Bunkie, I'm sorry your Vertigo is so bad.and blurred vision.I'm praying it's not that darned Sarcoidosis. Let us know ok?
Well, my hubby found out his MRI results today. The Dr said no tear in the shoulder just tendonitis they are going to treat with PT for now and his sister will be happy no restrictions he can be full duty like he has been.
0 -
Ok.Just an update .I found a Walgreen that we use regularly carries the Teva brand of Tamoxifen.It will be waiting for me as Soon as I am ready.Now this weekend sounds like a good time to start my Tamoxifen again.
0 -
Hi Josie, Is Teva the best manufacturer for tamox? I never really paid attention to that stuff. I picked up my RX a few days ago and just checked and my is Teva, so sounds like that's a good thing? I plan to start tamox next week.......
Today was my last day of rads.....YAY!!!! Time to celebrate!
Thanks! Deb
0 -
Deb, congrats on finishing Rads.Teva is the most preferred brand because it has less side effects.Check with the pharmacy before getting it.
0 -
Hello, I wanted to stop by and say "hi" to you all. I haven't posted here in awhile but I do still come by to read. I still continue to post in the ILC Thread and most recently the DIEP 2014 thread, I am having the surgery on May 5th. I just don't want to look over my shoulder the rest of my life. I am calm and feel good about my decision. As you all know its no easy choice to make. I feel in control, finally.
Kate- you continue to amaze me with your spirit, you are a true warrior, a Princess Warrior. I am inspired by you now as I was back when I was posting here. So good to see you are still happy, still shopping and as beautiful as ever.
I am happy to read you are all doing well and its good to know you are all here.
Lemon
0 -
lemon, good to hear from you. I'm glad you have made your decision and especially that you feel so great about it. I'm sure with such a positive, calm attitude you'll rock your surgery. Let us know how you're doing.
0 -
Kate, I am SO sorry that you still have both the cramping and the constipation. I was assuming that when they found and fixed all those adhesions during your surgery, they solved that problem. Shoot!!! Maybe that other thread will help, or the injections. It sounds just miserable.
Janis, count me in on the pocket party! Pain in the breast is scary for us all. I bet it's nothing serious, but you will feel much better once you know. I would be happy with a strawberry margarita, but I could also go with something adventurous like peach or mango.
Josie, great that you found the Teva brand Tamoxifen. I found I had lots more hot flashes when I was briefly switched to Watson brand. I'm now taking 2 pills of 10 mg just in order to get Teva.
BCdeb, BIG CONGRATS on finishing rads!!! Dancing shoes! I hope you can do something nice for yourself to celebrate. On my last day of rads, I went shopping and bought two dresses. It just felt great to mark the occasion somehow, and retail nearly always works. Keep up with the moisturizing, extra rest, lots of water. I bet your rads team told you that.
Bunkie, your symptoms sound awful and alarming. I hope the specialist has some answers for you. Thanks for asking about my arm. It is doing better, but I'm getting it checked out tomorrow too. Whole day of fun I have planned for my 12-month check: LE-certified PT, then mammo, then they give me my ativan, then MRI, then surgeon. Then maybe I'll have that margarita. Oh, I suppose I shouldn't mix that with ativan. OK, cake balls.
0 -
Josie I am so glad your hubby is ok
Congrats debbie!
Thank you Lemon. They can take me to heaven with my Americam Express card in my hand, Its good to hear from you
0
