Radiation recovery
Comments
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Hi Irw, Glad you are doing ok, and praying your biopsy will be B9. I am feeling better. Not much pain just soreness when I put on a bra, or when I sleep on my breast cancer side. I see my infectious disease specialist this afternoon, and I am praying she will stop the IV antibiotics.
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Hi everyone, I just returned from having PT for the LE in my left arm. MY LE is mild, but the massage is wonderful. I feel better already. It is like there was one last missing piece of the puzzle to BC treatment and I just found it. Please, if anyone is wondering if they could possibly have LE, ask one of your oncs to prescribe an LE evaluation.
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Elizabeth, so glad to hear that your appointment went so well. Mine did too! Did your therapist grade your stage of LE? Mine did and that was interesting. They grade LE on a scale of 0-3. Mine is a 2 on the scale. It explained al the ways they grade. Very interesting. Today we talked about the lymphatic system and went over all the massage techniques I need to do at home. I go back Friday and she will begin the actual massage. It was a great learning experience for me.
Kate, so glad to hear you are feeling better. Crossing my fingers you can ditch that pic line today!
Irw......It is really good to see you up and posting again. You will heal, it just takes time. I hope you are feeling stronger every day. Get up and walk around several times a day for short periods. Even go outside and walk around your house. It expediates healing and feels great too!
Thinking of all you dear ladies. Big hugs to all!
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Hi Janis,
I was wondering how your first LE therapy went today. I believe it will work wonders with your poor breast and that you'll be out of pain and not swollen in no time......well, at least improving daily anyway it will take some time to get this under control.
Irw....I'm so glad you're up and about and posting. I'm sure sorry you're having to wait for biopsy results, that was rather a rude awakening to come out of surgery and find you've got to wait for test results! But we're all pulling for you, and we did a fabulous job at your pocket party, even if I do say so myself. And believe me, we're doing just as good a job now sending B9 vibes to the lab!
Kate, good luck this afternoon .... Here's hoping you've already gotten that pic line out.
I had a 3 month follow up with my RO today, and the disappointing news is that apparently all the massive dense tissue the surgeon removed along with my tumor has just replaced itself with scar tissue. Talk about disappointing! I had the surgeon remove the density even though it made a much more difficult surgery because then I would be able to have a clear view for the mamo's and not have areas that "things" can hide in. And therefore not get those "recall notices" which are so scary for the rest of my life. So, Bummer..... guess its mammos and ultra sounds from here on out for me. And the sore to the touch place on my rib cage (forget trying to pick up something off the floor...it pulls too much) is more than likely nothing to worry about but apparently had my tumor been any more agressive, he would have me doing some sort of scan to make certain it isn't anything. So.....he wants to follow up in 6 months and see how that spot is progressing. Hmmmmm....oh boy, another thing to ignore.....don't you just love to try to ignore things? I'm not very good at it, but I'm trying.
The good news is, I had my first Prolia shot yesterday and haven't had a reaction. One down, 11 to go as I'll have them every 6 months while on Arimidex which has already caused my osteopenia to progress to osteoporosis.
The even better news is.....no more Dr appts for me till mid April! Yippee0 -
Thanks for the input on the thyroid concerns. My thyroid was noted as enlarged pre-rads and I was on the lowest dose of thyroid meds, but my levels were trending up even then. I do believe the rads are so hard on our bodies and we feel it for months to come. I guess I have been feeling the fatigue to a certain extend, but now that I know I am still not completely in balance, I am noticing it more, and not ignoring it!!
Irw glad the Tamox isn't kicking your butt too bad. I know that biopsy is going to be fine. I just feel it.
Kate, hope you are getting outside and that is why you are so quiet. You are out and about? I hope!!
I put a new foam pad on my bed last night and ironically I slept more on my bc surgery side, and today I was more swollen and sore. Not a lot, but enough that I am thinking of going to the lymphedema therapist and getting going with that. A friend of mine swears by that, and I am listening!!
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Thank you Mostlysew and Gigil. I got my picc line removed today, and I am done with IV antibiotics Yeah.! The intense pain I had is gone, and all I have now is soreness. Now I have a waiting period before I have 2 more surgeries. I will need surgery to replace the implant and a second surgery to get symetry(spelling), but thank goodness I will have a couple of months of rest. Mostlysew I am so sorry that you did not get the result that you want. Gigil I have been going out, but not too much because I had to drag the pump and IV around with me. Now that it is gone I can go back to my regular schedule.
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Hooray for you Kate!! I hope you go out and sip coffee or tea outside under the sun and maybe wander around in some interesting shops. Just do something you want to do. Your life has been dictated by that IV pole too long. Time for you to have some carefree time.
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Hi all, had to catch up with y'all since i've been off line a few days....
MostlySew, I had such a great recovery - barely visible scar, little or no pain; but now that the swelling has gone down, I can feel a lumpty area of what I think is scar tissue. It's scary because I never felt a lump before surgery...but now I have this lumpy area. It is a constant reminder of worry.
Janis, you sound a little better now that you have had your LE addressed and you can do some things to help it go away. I think I have a touch of LE on my BC side. I am going to BS for 6 month check so I will ask her to check the scar tissue. I will also ask about LE.
Kate, so thrilled to hear you are free of the pic! I am wondering about the bachelor - he seems to want a trophy wife more than anything....or maybe the producers pay him to choose the controversial one....it's pure entertainment for me....
Lisa, if you had to have a biopsy, that was a good way to do it so you do not have an additional procedure. Am praying for the best possible outcome for you. Keep that recovery going strong.
Hugs & prayers for all,Joan
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Joan811 and mostly sew. I am wondering about the scar tissue also. I did have to have a reexcision to get clean margins. That produced seromas. After radiation the area is a hard golf ball size lump that is unncomfortable. My MO said it may go down or maybe not. Oh joy. I am not looking forward to my mammo in July.
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Thank you Gigil and Joan. Gigil it's been kind of chilly here in Santa Monica the last few days, but it is supposed to warm up for the weekend. So, sitting outside at a cafe and catching some rays, and then shopping is what I plan to do. Joan at the end of this week's Bachelor Chris said the show will end with the most controversial finish ever. So, maybe Ben will choose Courtney, but not propose. I think that after Casey told him how Courtney is not in it for him, but in it just to win, he is scared he will be made a fool of.
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Hi BC Survivors, I have just completed radiation and my skin is very red and peeling. It is also swollen and I find it difficult to sleep on that side but I want to. Can anyone tell me when the radiated areas will heal and how long it took before you could wear a bra again? I certainly find it hard to go out in public with one breast hanging and the other one very small and very high. I have an expander stretching the skin and pec muscle on one side. I'm also going to Palm Desert and simply can't figure out what I will wear in warm weather. Please make some suggestions fellow Survivors. Laurie
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Elizabeth and Janis, so glad you guys got LE therapy, and I agree with Elizabeth, it is such a nice treatment in the sea of otherwise horrible treatments and therapies.
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Mostlysew sorry that it did not work for you. Who would have guessed scar tissue would be so aggressive? The BS describe my breast as *woody* to a female student following him for the day. Not sure what to make of that analogy.
Gigil I have not got my energy back yet either. And with a new surgery I am not sure how long it will take...
Kate YEAH!!! Free at last. I know your enjoying your day...
Laurie2095 Congratulations!!! Recovery has been so different for everyone. It was longer for me. I still hate my bra. lol I am sure someone will come along and answer your question soon.... Hugs......
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MostlySew, Sorry about your scar tissue, but I am glad that you are tolerating the Prolia well. BC truly is the "gift that keeps on giving." Enjoy your doctor-free March.
GiGil, Good luck with your thyroid. You are so right about radiation wrecking havoc with our bodies. I am just now beginning to notice days without fatigue. Please get an LE evaluation. You will be amazed at the difference LE treatment makes even if your LE is mild.
Kate, Hooary for being untethered from the IV. I hope the rest of your treatments and surgeries will be fine. I think of you whenever I watch the Bachelor.
Irw, Your "woody" story reminded me of when I had a gyn exam and my gyn asked if a female med student could observe. During the exam, she explained to the student that since I was post menopausal, everything was "dried up" down there. She meant no harm and it was funny, but wow did I feel old.
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Thank you Elizabeth and Irw. It does feel so good to be free. Elizabeth I wish we could have a bachelor finale party.
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I just finished doing my LE "exercises" which really are different points on the body to massage. It is definitely helping already. I highly recommend anyone with any doubt go for an evaluation. I am thrilled that much of the bad swelling is already down. I still have some, but nothing as bad as it used to be.
Sew, sorry about the scar tissue, I guess it is no surprise. Another disappointment however and I am sorry you have to add more worry to the plate. BC just keeps us a little on edge, always.
Kate, glad to hear you are up and around and IV free. That has to feel good.
Elizabeth...your gyn appointment really made me laugh!!
Laurie, I know the peeling and soreness is difficult. I also peeled for some time. I am thinking it was probably close to a month before I could get a bra on. I was able to wear a sports bra as it began to heal. It just takes time and I know it is frustrating. I am sorry you have to experience this. Just keep in mind that every day will get better from here. I promise!!! Healing hugs to you.
Irw, I am sorry you are still not feeling well. You just had surgery, so don't be too hard on yourself. It all takes time. Move around as much as you can. I promise it really helps and you will feel better just taking some baby steps!
Hugs to all!
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I agree with Janis. Please get an LE evaluation if you are worried in any way about LE. The massages help so much and the relief starts right away. Janis, I am so glad your swelling is lessening.
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Hey Janis,
That is such great news about the reduction in swelling already. I'm tickled for you! What a relief it must be to find something that not only works, but that also doesn't include drugs!
Lisa, allow yourself plenty of time to heal from this surgery before running out and kicking up your heels. You're on the mend now, so just a bit more patience and you'll be as good as new. It's not surprising to me at all that you've still got fatigue, heck I get it and I haven't battled gall stones.
Elizabeth, great gyn story. "dried up" certainly describes it alright!
I'm liking the "woody" definition from IRW's doc also, although I think I'm at the lumpy charcoal stage. Not quite progressed to woody.
Ptdreamers, sorry you're having the scar tissue issue too. I had to have a second surgery also, to remove tissue which wasn't healing, and ended up with the seromas and fat necrosis also. I believe I've heard that massage can help with all this though, and while my RO said he'd never heard of massage helping the tissue, I'm not giving up yet. I'll let you know if I figure out anything that helps. It would just be nice to be able to wear a bra, any bra although I've gotten quite good at minimizing the jiggle of these huge boobs......
Joan811,
Are you still working that totally demanding schedule? You go girl, I'm impressed with everything you get done. I do think it's possible to break up some of the smaller scar tissue, so there's hope yet for your lumpy area. You've hit the nail on the head though, this lumpy stuff is scary to feel and certainly a constant reminder. Not to mention painful!
Laurie2095
Congrats on finishing up radiation. As others have said, everyone heals at different paces, but you're on your way. Just be certain to continue to moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. I found I was able to gently sleep on the BC side in about a month, if I recall, possibly sooner. I still just have to be careful how I get there. There's a girl in this discussion topic who was told not to sleep on her BC side, so you might want to check on that. Also, allow yourself time to recover from this. You've been thru alot, and your body is busily making new, good cells, and doesn't have much energy to support additional functions right now. So give it a chance to do its job without overloading it. As to clothing, it sounds as though you're undergoing the start of some sort of reconstruction. I only had a lumpectomy so don't have any first hand knowledge, but know some friends used those undershirts with little pockets for a pillows...that might work for you. Or, just wear your short sleeved tops with a fabulous silk scarf or two. Something light and airy. But be really really careful about the sun on your radiated parts. You don't want to bring on more burning.
Ok, enough from me! And thanks everyone for the encouragement about this scar tissue. It helps. Hasn't made it go away, more's the pity, but it helps to have understanding support....
Continue healing everyone,0 -
Hi Laurie. Everyone is different...I suggest you try soft cotton sports bras, not too tight, when you feel you can. My LE therapist eventually sent me to a bc bra fitter who gave me several very supportive stretch bras, and a small prosthesis to even out my differences. I love the bras, they are called sporties. (Best part is that insurance picked up part of cost.) I noticed at Kohl's the other day that lots of mainstream bra companies are making similar bras...pull over stretchy bras that have more of a defined "cup" than a flat sports bra. Lots of them even come with the removable inserts for cup molding. I think there is even an infomercial featuring this type of bra. Of course it depends on your unique needs. I hope that helps a little, and enjoy Palm Desert!
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Mostly sew, It appears from your post that I am not the only one who cannot put a regular bra on. Every one I tried left me uncomfortable and with deep ridges on the BC side. I am wearing camisoles with shelf bras and even those aren't the most comfortable. When I am really uncomfortable I just put on a tank top and shirt.
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hello eveyone: I'm 4 weeks down and 2 weeks, 2 days to go. I am already having difficulty sleeping on the BC side. is this too soon? Just slightly red and the nerve pain has subsided for now, also breast feels hard and heavy.
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kingjr66...There is really no "too soon" time with breast cancer and rads. It is a unique and different experience for each person. I do believe this falls within a normal time frame. I had to learn to sleep on the opposite side which was tough. My husband rearranged the bed so I could only watch TV from the good side. That helped!
Irw....worried about you today with all the severe weather headed your way. Duck! Just be safe, please, please post if you have power okay? I will be thinking of you. Hope you are feeling better and can avoid all the weather!
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Janis: good idea about the TV but my favorite side to sleep is the left side. I'm finding that I need to sleep on my back because even on the right, the left boob wants to flop over and this is a little discomforting too.
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kingrl66 I hope your 2 weeks and 2 days goes by fast. I had trouble sleeping on my bc side early too. The only time my doctor mentioned not sleeping on my bc side was right after my lumpectomy. If I wasn't allowed to sleep on my right breast cancer side I wouldn't be able to sleep. I am feeling almost back to new. The pain is gone, gone, and gone. Wearing a bra produces some soreness, but that is about it. I am so grateful. So, now is the time for me to rest and heal, before I have surgery to replace the implant. My children live in Northbrook, Il and I am hoping to go there in May. Then I will have the surgery after that. It is a beautiful day in Santa monica, and I am looking forward to a peaceful weekend. I hope everyone has a great weekend too.
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kingjr66, I always slept on my left side until BC. Now I turnover to my right and I place a soft pillow so that my left arm and left breast can rest on that instead of flopping. It takes some getting use to but works. if I sleep on my BC side I have swelling and discomfort the next day.
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kingjr sounds about right to me to. Those last couple weeks and after Ice was my best friend. Don't forget to moisturize to. You can't do that to much... Hang in ther. I promise it gets easier....
Kate so glad your doing much better. I hope you and everyone has a wonderful weekend...
Janis I am fine. Just sprinkling so far. Calm before the storm maybe??? So sweet of you to think of me, made my day... Hugs
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More about reality TV lol. Besides being a Bachelor fan I am a big American Idol fan. I live a few blocks away from Interscope records, which is run by Jimmy Iovine, the critic on American Idol. The idols rehearse in his studioo. Last year I met him and all the idols. There is a nice cafe right near the studio. I am going there today, to catch some sun and hopefully meet the top 13.
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Irw....it was so good to talk to you!! I am so relieved that you are not experiencing any severe weather yet! I have been following the weather out south and east and it is pretty creepy. Please keep us posted. You know I worry about you. I am so glad you are upand about and feeling a bit better too. Good for you. Just stay safe my friend!
kingjr, you can try using pillows as ptdreamer suggested. Sometimes it helps just to use them to prevent you from rolling over on the BC side. Try using them and see if you can find some support thst makes it easier for you. Good luck!
Kate I am so glad that you are pain free. I hope you continue to heal and have nothing but fun days ahead! Healing hugs as always.
Please take good care everyone, love and hugs all around.
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king, laurie,
I had the "heavy" breast during rads....it was gradual so I didn't know when it started to swell. But when I finished? It went down right away....within 2 weeks it was smaller than when I had lumpectomy..... I got nervous about that, but there are plenty of bras that will compensate for that.
My skin healed completely in 2 weeks. I could wear any bra. However, I had a lumpectomy so my scar is small and in only one area. My SNB scar is under my arm and that became very tender after boosts. I did not like how it felt to have any clothing rubbing on that. All I can say is it changes almost every day...along with my new "aches and pains"....
Kate - I am an idol fan and a bachelor fan....am working Tues Thurs and Tivo is down, so I missed this week. That's fun that you met them last season. I went to the concert and really enjoyed it. I am not sure how the bachelor will end....but I am not caring so much as he is kind of disappointing.
Sew - yes, I am sitll working the grueling 12 and 14 hour days 2 times a week plus 3 8 hour days. My job was pretty easy, but since Femara, everything is a chore. I
I hope you are doing well and I wish all a good week end. I will sleep....starting......nght.....now :-)
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Hi Joan, sorry yiy missed the idol show. I went to the cafe right by the studio where they rehearse, but they were not there today. I am going back tomorrow, because I think they will be there then. Mary J. Blige is the mentor this week, and she is signed by Jimmy Iovine's record company Interscope. Interscope is across the street from the studio where they rehearse. I have met Jimmy Iovine. He is so cool, and very nice.
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