Radiation recovery
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Hi Ladies:
I am sending happy, healing and healthy wishes for all.
I have my 1st diagnostic mammogram since treatment on Thursday. I am on neurotin for nerve pain [and I have had cortisone injections for pain]. I am SO nervous. I can't even fathom a mammogram on my right breast!
Please tell me how you all endured the test at your 1 year diagnostic.
Many thanks.....
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Kate - The shrink is doing well. Really like her style. Change is good. I had been going to one for years off an on and then she retired. She referred me to another at her office and I actually like this one better. Sometimes you outgrow a Dr. She noticed how much loss I had suffered in the last 7 years and we are working on that. Part of my issue is the time I spend alone here in this house with no real friends. I miss Ca very much and am still considering a move back if not Vegas. Maybe not forever but a few years would be nice. I am considering selling here and storing all my stuff for a year and go rent a place in Vegas furnished to see. That way I could go see friends in LA also and decide before I ship it all out there. At 61 it is not easy to move across the country but I am not leaving much here. Any thoughts on that?
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Bunkie I have moved so many times I am an old pro. Our last move was to here in the Boise area from Wyoming four years ago. I was then 56. It was a very difficult move because I not want to leave Wyoming. We had to move to a lower elevation due to DH's health problems. I say if you are making a move at any age, to somewhere you really want to go, it would be wonderful. If you are ready for change then it is a great idea. I do think that you would not regret. Also good that you would keep your things in storage until you feel comfortable. That makes perfect sense.
Lili I am sorry your pain is such an issue. My first mammo after BC was not bad at all. They know you have BC and the techs are extra gentle. It isn't comfortable, but it is very doable. If you are really very anxious then I would ask your doc for a mild sedative maybe to help you get through it. I hope it goes well for you.
I have my consult with the gastro doctor tomorrow morning. Ready for a pocket party? My appointment is at 10:00 Mountain Time. Wish me lots of luck. I am really anxious to know what he is going to recommend.
Shout outs to everyone!
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Josie- sorry about your Dad. You are right about not taking any chances- when in doubt go to the dr/ER. I recently thought I had DVT and had an US done- it was nothing thankfully. I think I am much more likely to react since my BC DX. Diane
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JustmeJanis- Thank you for your response! It is truly thoughtful. I think I will take some anxiety medicine! You will be in my pocket and prayers for tomorrow!
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Awwww Cindy, love the photo, that looks beautiful! So glad you had a good time!
Janis, I love pocket parties. Count me in! The best to you, I will be thinking about you.
Bunkie, I totally understand about moving. I hate the actual move, but once it is over I find I love being in the new place. You will do fine. I am from Michigan and when I left for Texas, it was a long time ago, but for me it was the right decision. I love Michigan, but I really hated the cold. I have never been to Vegas, would love to see it one day. I agree that storing your things for a year is a great idea. I do not have a lot of friends either and sometimes I get very homesick, but as I do not have any siblings and my parents are both deceased, and my cousins are scattered as well, it would be strange for me to go back. I do not anticipate that I ever would
Well, ladies I am officially joining you all here in the Recovery thread because my last tx was today!! To celebrate I went and had a brain MRI LOLOL. Totally unrelated to the BC, but had to have one and since I am off this week from work, figured I should just go ahead and have it now. I am feeling some pain, not sure if it could be radiation pneumonitis, but keeping a careful eye on it. My upper back is sore on the treated side, I have been coughing up a little sputum, and it was bad on Friday to the point where I took some leftover pain meds, so today I told the nurse and she just said I should not be having any pain and I need to come back and see the RO if it gets worse or does not go away. Did any of you ever have any pain like that at the end of your txs?
Kate, always thinking about you. I bet you are going to look smashing in your new duds and hair extensions. I hope you are feeling better and I cannot wait to hear about your trip and how it all goes for you.
I am having lunch with some co-workers tomorrow and looking forward to that.
Have a good evening everyone.
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Josie- I have a lot of burping.. I was never like this before so I do think it may have something to do with rads. Did you hear it did? Sometimes I will think no one is around, the other day I burped LOUD, my husband heard me and said he thought there was a truck driver in the house..LOL
Kate- the green and grey sound beautiful, so soft for Spring!
Hello to all, Happy Spring!
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LiLi-Ri. The first mammo after tx is definitely scary but I think almost all of us found that it was just fine. I had less pain than from a normal mammo and I had had problems with pain for edema and LE in that breast. I must admit to taking some Ativan on the way in to the room though as it takes the edge off for me. The good thing is they generally tell you the results immediately so you don't have to go home and worry for a week
BigD... I know both Janis and I had problems with chostocondritis which is nerve pain in the rib cage area from rads, and I was caughing also. That did resolve itself a month or so out of rads, as I recall, so it isn't unusual to have the caughing you've got, in my option. Do watch it though, and if you're not better in a week to 10 days be sure to check in with someone...MO, RO, primary care doc just in case. I found that an anti inflammatory helped me with the pain as I recall.
Bunkie....go for it...you've got nothing to loose and everything to gain is the way I look at it. It's sure that you just can't staying that house any longer even if you stay in the area. It's time to let that house go, IMHO since you asked.
Cindy...beautiful. Just what the doctor ordered...
Janis....I'll be there. Maybe I'll come early just to keep you calm before the appt. well all be listening for the prognosis.
Kate, here's hoping you get all your med things cleared up this week so you can just concentrate on your trip. That and your wonderful new outfits
Shout out to everyone...spring here in northern Calif and the grasses/weeds are thigh high (and I'm tall)
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Thank you for your response MostlySew. I am seeing my PCP on Wednesday and will definitely mention the discomfort to him. And I will go back to see the RO if this gets any worse.
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Lemon, no I never read that about Rads and the burping.But now it seems like everytime I eat or drink its just burp burp burp.I saw on Dr Oz the other day that they say you should only burp once or twice a day or there's probably something wrong.But it could be related to Rads because it's close to the area being radiated depending on which side is radiated.
Cindy great picture.Looks like a good time.Relaxing.
Janis I'll be in your pocket Tommorow too.
Big D , sorry your having such problems post Rads.
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Big D, Sew is right, I did have some pain during rads and at one point I went to the ER. It was actually just before my rads appointment and I had some sharp, stabbing pains in my right chest. It scared me but I kept my rads appointment then asked to talk to the Nurse Practitioner. She thought it could be related to rads but because it is chest pain, she insisted I go to the ER. They ran a lot of tests and knew right away it was not a cardiac event. That was very reassuring. They concluded it likely was costochondritis. I had another 'attack' a couple weeks later but did my best to ignore it and it did subside. I even had one more recently and Advil helped. It is not a recurring problem by any means. I understand how unsettling every new pain can be. It does fade over time and I worry so little anymore about the cancer. Oh, before I forget, congratulations for being DONE! Do something special, even something small. This is a terrific milestone. Your life is so disrupted by this disease and often we forget how important it is to be good to ourselves. I am sending you big, happy hugs.
Cindy what a great picture. Love it and it looks so serene!
Sew thanks for hopping into my pocket. I knew you wouldn't miss one of my bashes. You can bring a nice healthy treat, as long as someone throws in a little naughty one. I am on my cake ball roll again. I need a lot for Easter since I give them to several people. I made the dough today, three flavors this year. Lemon as always, my pharmacy girls would never forgive me for no lemon. I am also going orange and key lime. Very spring-ish. Is that a word? It is now. I need to get them all rolled out and dipped and prettied up. Kate, I made extra lemon of course as I know how much you love them.
I love spring, the beautiful 60-70 degree temps and the bright blue skies. DH and I are prepping our vegetable garden so we have been working hard outside. I love it. My only wish is that spring didn't lead to the dreaded summer. Last year we hit 110 in June. Nooooo.........I am so intolerant of the heat. I'll enjoy these gorgeous days as long as they last.
Lemon, it was good to see you pop in and wish everyone well. I hope all is well in your world. Come by more often!
Lili I'll happily pop in your pocket Thursday. Having a bunch of silly, middle aged giggling women snacking in your pocket makes everything go so much easier. Will be thinking of you!
Love and hugs my friends.
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bUNKIE, i HEAR YOU! i AM SO LONELY HERE, AND IF i WERE ABLE TO i'D MOVE IN A heartbeat. Vegas OMG that would be a blast. If you can control your gambling you could go to casinos to make friends without it costing too much. Hey can I be your first visitor?
Janis I'll bring the margaritas
Cindy I love your photo
Sew I will have med issues hanging on when AI leave next week, because i don't thibk they can take care of of my kidney ultrasound by then and especially there isn't time if I needed a stent. Doc says it ias ok to go now anyway. So, I will have a blast in spite of medical issues lurking around the corner. So guess what I did today? Shopping of course. Pewter flats for my gray skirt and I bought a new royal blue print skirt with a lightweight solid royal blue sweater. It's not really a dark royal blue, but if you notice blue is the big color for dpring and it blends into that. I had fun, but now I am done shopping. Besides doc appointments and procedures I do have girlir stuff to do next week. A new set of nails, pedi, hair color and cut, and extensions. Chicago here I come!
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Cindy - OMG that looks like fun. We had a cottage on the lake up north as we call it here when I was a kid. I wish we still had it. I love to fish really and when I was a kid my cousin and I had to clean all the fish for dinner. I could not do it now but back then it was...fun.
Kate - Sounds really pretty. I will have to meet you at promenade when I come out there. I have never been so alone as I am here. In Ca I had so many friends and people I hung out with. Ylou know how it is out there. Gosh you meet a new friend at Starbucks just playing with their dog. Mi is a bit more closed in. Especially with a house. You never see anyone unless you go out and my patio etc is in the back not front. I have been driving more lately. Just to the store and bookstore. I am tired of paying people to take me to little places like that. Still dizzy but my town is small and I do not have far to go to. I am still waiting for the Whole Foods to open here. Obviously there is little to be excited about if that can make my year.
BigD - I left Mi in the 80s and moved to Ca. I never looked back but when my folks took ill I moved back. Being an only child, not married with no kids it was just me. My idea was to see them through to the end and sell the house...move back to LA or someplace warmer where I know someone. Did not plan on getting sick with my autoimmune disease and BC. Set me back about 3 years . So I am trying it again. Might take me a couple years to get out of here but I am going...someplace. I keep telling myself if I am going to be sick and alone most of the time I may as well do it some place nicer. I do have 1 cousin an hour from me but I do not see them much and do not want to mov e where they are. Congrats on being done!!! I also had the pain. I still get it at times and they can not figure it out. I am due for a brain MRI soon too. They have to find this vertigo. It really makes me nuts. I can handle pain easier than falling and looking drunk all day.
Janis - I got the chips and dip. In your pocket all day. Lemon cake balls are a good one....or chocolate. I have started eating some sugar again. Just too bored without a little. Dr Oz was on yesterday telling us all to kick sugar. I turned it off. Kicking it did not help me feel any better so I am going back to a little.
Josie - No burping...just gas and a grumbling stomach. Between gallbladder surgery and rads I have it bad.
Sew - I wish I had your spring. They are calling this years allergy season in the midwest the pollen vortex. Like a double pollen crop. Ugh.Right now it is 23 degrees outside and we had snow last night. Yesterday it was 61. Crazy weather.
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LiLI - I had terrible pain in my breast too and my first mammogram was really easy. I was so scared I was actually shaking when I went to do it. Ask them to use the pad they can use. It gives more cushion. It will be ok really. I had a valium ready but did not need it.
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Well, my son is married! It was very very low key and lovely. I do not have any photos yet (forgot my camera cause DH was running late cause he worked in the morning) so have to wait for the professional photographer's pics that my DIL will send me and then will post one for you all.
Kate, loving lime green and grey these days! You will look amazing and although you may not feel as great as you wish, seeing your family will help with that for sure. You are amazing to worry about your doctor! xo
To all of you, never ever ignore chest pain! Although it is often related to acid reflux, it is still a reason to get checked asap. My dad had an esophogeal ulcer and they kept giving him more nitro until he bled so much he had to be transfused! (in the toilet is where we saw it) and my dad has dementia so he did not really know what was happening/
Bunkie, hope your dizziness stays away when you are with your niece. Vegas would be awesome!
Josie, anything from the job yet?
Cindy, LOVE the photo! I love to fish too, especially brook, and stream and all fresh water fishing.
Janis, we are in that pocket! You too Lili!
Big D, congrats on finishing RADS!!! Woohooooo! Margarita time!
Josie and Lemon, I definitely found myself having gastro "issues" after rads and I still feel as though I am swallowing funny at times. Comes and goes...RO says not related, but don't they always?
Mostly Sew, I am all for SPRING and I just heard on the news, after several close to 70 degree days, we will get one more blast of winter in the form of sleet and snow. Hopefully it will be gone very quickly!
OK, gotta run cause at work as always. Hugs to all! xoxo
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Hi y'all!
Whew, didn't know if the pics would post. What an exciting enriching weekend. Never fished before so I was very excited and the team and ladies were incredible. Highly recommend y'all consider putting in applications...it's done by lottery...I just couldn't believe that I was selected the 1st time...many participants had been applying 3-5 times...so truly an honor and privilege
Bunkie - hang in there! Enjoy your time with family. Geez that house will you be able to list this summer? Gotta move girl!
Kate - luggage packed! Diva hair couture fashion icon:D counting down days and GKs are so ready to spoil you too! Grey Green Blond Bombshell here she comes...heads are turning:D. Bigger suitcase it's crowded in here!
Janis - pocket party noise hugs clicking glasses fingers&toes crossed for best results:)
April - congrats on wedding! Understand getting wrapped up in the moment and not having camera out so well just wait,
BigD - yippee Ooo who Happy Dance...you did it! Rads done
))) party ladies! But will keep it down a bit so you can heal and recover...let us know what your BC team says...speedy healing!Josie - enjoy the backyard, rock the new do, and breathe! The new position is just around the corner
Joan - did you get results on your lump? Hope so and all is good...back to the grind and summer is coming! Yes, green grass, blues skies, flowers, and walks with your toes in the warm beach sand and waves:)
Sew - yeah! Spring in NoCal:) but we still need some rain for our water supply.
Lemon - hey there...your procedure April...fingers&toes crossed it went well and you are happy and healing! Gosh such a journey!
LiLi - my 1st 6 mo post rad mammo went well and they gave results immediately...thank you! It was done in the same room wire loco so there was a moment of not here again then a deep breath a giggle and let's get her done...they did both so my rightie didn't feel forgotten:) in your pocket:)))
Susannah - yeah a pop in:) hope all is going well for you and family
Diane - yes, I think we all stop and ponder every little thing in our body...makes us aware not to take any ache pain or just gut feeling for granted...to check it out and then breathe and enjoy life!
RunFree - where are you? Training for your marathon? See Run run...or the final press of college...time to throw another backyard party in a new spring dress and celebrate 1 yr post tx anniversary:D
GiGil - digging FL sunshine and warmth and family...yeah Celebration!
Ndgrrl - thinking of you:)
Again, ladies consider Casting for Recovery ...amazing experience and now I've got the fly fishing itch...going to take an outing with my dad up towards Canada this summer...he is pumped...but I'm more lol! Going to get a ponytail to attach to my ball cap so I have hair:D. The stress of hubbys&my cancer and AI have thinned my hair so...no weight gain still 125, but the hair loss...who is that bald woman with the cheeks...ha ha!
Shout out to all!
(((Hugs)))
Cindy
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I second April's advice to never ignore chest pain. Very sad thing just happened ... Last weekend my brother-in-law's brother died suddenly of a heart attack. 51 years old. We later learned that he had been complaining of chest pains for three weeks, and his girlfriend had been urging him to see a doctor. Went skiing with his son, felt tired but then better ... Went to bed, woke up and had the heart attack. Yesterday was the funeral, very very very sad. My husband grew up with him and was a close friend. Very big loss. In between grief we are all a little mad at him for not seeing a doctor. Another one of his brothers had the same chest pains and had to get a quadrupole bypass.
So I'll say it a third time ... Don't ignore chest pain! Hugs to you all.
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Thank you Bunkie, Sew, Janis, April and Cindy! You have all reduced my stress at this point. Janis please let us know how everything goes today.
We all have very large pockets today.
Gemini - I too had a very close friend and peer suddenly pass away one week ago. He was 61 yrs - and it has been a complete shock for all. He leaves behind a beautiful wife and daughter. He suffered a massive heart attack at his desk. I agree - never ignore chest pains.
LiLi
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Gemini, so sorry for the loss of a man so young. If only.........
I have been away for a few days...thinking about familly things, doing house-y stuff and taxes. My eFile got rejected and I just found out at 2 Am...so I have to go home now and try to redo it before the "deadline".
BigD, I'm jealous...how do you get that beautiful avatar in motion?
congrats on finishing rads!!!!!!!!! This is the place to be!!! I did not have any internal SEs from rads so I cannot help. I had only skin issues which cleared quickly; and a very sore shoulder from positioning.Janis, I'm with you....did you feel the Idaho earthquake? (third in 5 days)
I am very surprised to find out your cake balls are really dough balls! I thought they were cake batter.
Now I'm fascinated...........how do you add the flavor to the dough?Cindy, I would love to look into the fly fishing program. So much nicer than the nasty bait DH uses on our boat. You must have experienced amazing moments...
I also am losing hair from the AI drug. It was quite flat on top...I have very thick hair. I recently got highlights and the texture and body is back. you asked "Joan - did you get results on your lump?" -- yes, I am glad I went. I had to point it out to NP and BS. She did a needle biopsy and recommended an ultrasound. The needle aspirated liquid fat...clear...no biopsy and no US. Come back in a year ... mammo in July. The lump collapsed after aspiration. I wanted her to take out some more fat but.....(just kidding)Kate, I was in the Loft this week end too...what did you buy? I actually tried on dresses and found two that fit. I bought 4 things and will return 2...couldn't decide. At 40% off already sale prices, maybe I should just keep...
Josie, still hoping for that job for you.
April, congratulations on the wedding. Happy times....
Sew, hope to see you soon!!
Back to work...and home soon...
Hugs all around to my sweet friends here.
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Yes, Joan, do keep all your purchases. You apparently are working twice as hard and twice as long as any of the rest of us, so absolutely must have double the wardrobe. Also, you need to celebrate the good news about your lump, so probably you should go back and pick up just a few more items.
Kate, pewter flats sounds just right. I'm wearing pewter flats right now. Neutral though they be, they don't particularly go with what I'm wearing, but I have my own office and no client appointments today, so comfort trumps style.
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Janis thinking about you and have the margaritas ready.
Bunkie we are opposite regarding meeting people in California. I can't meet a sole here.
April Mazel Tov on your son's wedding
Cindy you are so right about my suitcase is bulging. I think with the new blue skirt, cami, and sweater I bought yesterday I won't be able to fit another thing in. My GK's will spoil me and I don't know what is more fun me spoiling them or them spoiling me.
125 is an ideal weight Cindy and with a pony tail you will look like a doll. Back to the 50's gal dancing on American bandstand
Lili and Gemini so sorry about your friends.
Joan I agree keep it all. I love their 40% discount. I got my grey sweater and lime green blouse there and got 40% off.
Brookside For me almost always comfort trumps style
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Janis: Thank you! I am feeling much better today, still a bit sore but the pain is subsiding so that is good. I met a friend today for lunch and I had decided a while back that after rads I was going to my favorite hole-in-the-wall bar/restaurant and have a big ole burger and steak fries. I have not had any red meat since dx and certainly no fries. I get there, all excited, hungry and ready to consume, and I dig in and can only finish half! Believe me, I am a girl who can eat but I guess my stomach has done some shrinking as I have been good the last few months, little sugar, no fried foods, no red meat, you know the drill. I just laughed because I was STUFFED and the waiter thought I did not like my food. Oh well.
Then I went and stopped at my favorite German bakery and purchased 3 dozen cookies (OMG they are yummy) which I will deliver in the morning to my rads team. But I could not leave without a piece of vanilla cake with thick white chocolate frosting and some kind of rasberry mixture on top. I went home and devoured it, so I am good now. That was my treat and it will have to last for awhile.
Bunkie, we really have a lot in common. I am an only child too, but my father left when I was 12 and he died in the 80's alone. My mother died in 1976 and I left and moved to Houston where I had 3 cousins at the time, but they have all moved and I moved to Dallas in the 90's. I had a lot of friends in Houston and now I do not have so many here in Dallas. But I work a lot and it is my own fault for not getting out more. I am sorry you are having the vertigo issues. I am waiting to see if they find anything with the brain MRI that indicates why I have fallen twice in the past. Nothing showed up in the spinal. I should hear about the other soon. I hope you get some relief.
April you are right, I need a drink to celebrate too! I have not had any alcohol and a marguerita would be fabulous. Gonna have one this week before I go back to work next week! Cannot wait to see a picture from your son's wedding!
Ms. RMlulu: That bald woman with the cheeks is an amazing, strong and beautiful woman!! yeahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh fishin' momma! That sounds like a lot of fun but -- and I know this is crazy -- do you have to kill the fish? I am one of those people, geez, I would be a disaster if I were ever stranded in the wilderness. I don't eat seafood, but I could not even kill a chicken when I was in high school biology! Can we let the fish go once we catch??? I bet you had an amazing time and that photo is beautiful, very peaceful and serene.
gemini, I am truly sorry for your loss. That is indeed very sad. I don't know if men are worse than women when it comes to going to the doctor. I did not go to doctors for the longest time but when I had to have my first surgery 5 years ago, that all changed. Otherwise, I doubt I ever would have had a mammogram. Now I am seeing so many doctors it has become second nature to me. 51 is just plain too young. It is so important to listen to your body. We feel pain for a reason and it should never be ignored. My thoughts are with you and your husband.
Hey Joan -- The moving picture is a .gif. Ruthbru posted it in "A Retreat for Peaceful Contemplation." I copied it because I loved it as well. If you have not visited that thread you should go and check it out. Some amazing photography in there.
Kate, you Fashion Diva! I want you to take a photo when you are all dolled up with extensions! I can imagine that suitcase is filled up already. Better take an empty one with you for shopping and/or presents you get in Chicago! How are you feeling?
P.S. Cindy: I would kill to be 125. Sigh. I have so much weight to lose. I have lost some but I have a long road ahead. I can do the ponytail though!
{{{{{{HUGS TO YOU ALL}}}}}}}}}
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Gemini, so sorry for your loss.That's terrible.I worry about my husband and his mother.My MIL was on my mind last night.She is having such pain in her legs that she can't stand for more than 5 minutes .She was a heavy smoker when she was younger and now has this and COPD on top of it.It's so sad and she's the primary caregiver for her mentally disabled son.But hasn't had a stress test in like years.Her father died of a massive heart attack.
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RMlulu, what a beautiful photo and experience! Thanks for sharing it.
You always remember all of us in your notes, thank you! My family and I are well, hope yours are too.
Xo
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BigD -
Disclaimer NO fishes were hurt or killed during Catch and Release fly fishing!
Our guides caught them in their nets, we wet our hands to hold,touch, or kiss for photo op and then guide released back into the stream...though I think the fishes passed on the next lure, wooly bugger, they saw.
No fishes were harmed and each participant (14 lucky gals) had option just how close...but in the excitement we wanted to touch kiss hold and know that 2 fish is 2 hope! Nature, stream flowing by, trees, rocks, big sky...ah:)
I don't think I'm up to taking out hook, but our guides were gentle and oh such loves:)
Glen Rose Retreat is in early Nov...application Sep...fun time...take a chance on it! Ha ha mamma mia:D
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Hahahahaha, I am sure the fish were like, "WTH is touching my scales?" Kissing the fish, that is funny. I might kiss one, maybe. That is great, though, Now that I could handle!
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thanks, all, for your kind words. :-)
BigD, you should be proud of yourself for knowing when you feel full and only eating the amount of the burger that you needed. I go to Weight Watchers now, and you would have gotten a "star" from my group leader -- that's considered a non-scale victory.
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awwww gemini thank you. I'll gladly take that victory
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