Radiation recovery
Comments
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Joan, according to my docs, if there is rad damage it will show on the CT scan (it probably shows on an X-ray too, but I don't know). The first stage of possible damage is inflammation of the lining, the next stage is fibrosis. The reason I had it checked out is that IF there is inflammation, you can prevent it from developing into fibrosis by taking some steroids.
Anyway, in my case there was no visible damage.0 -
Joan,
I walk every day at lunch, both before and after BC - I noticed after rads that I was having trouble walking up the hills I've been walking up for years, and I had a pain in my chest/lung area when I was breathing heavily. Mentioned it to RO, and he said to watch it, and if it didn't resolve that he would refer me to a pulmonary specialist. It did get better over time, but perhaps for peace of mind you should call your doc about this.
I also have allergies, and the last few weeks have been tough - lots of post nasal drip, coughing, and crappy sinuses.
You have been through a lot - BC sucks - be kind to yourself, and remember we are all here for you.
Pat
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Pt, Pat, Momine,
Interesting, Pat, I just said to DH this week that I should get a pulmonary function test. I have had no scans since surgery last August and rads setup.
So, Momine, I wonder why no one has ever explained anything about inflammation to me. Can it be felt? My breathing problems do not follow a pattern. I can get it when resting or when exercising. And sometime I don't have it at all. I am constantly congested and that doesn't help...
Pt - I have trouble on the hills too...but now on the flat areas at times.
One thing for sure....we should keep moving....
Nite to all,Joan
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Joan811, I will be in your pocket on July 17. Wishing you good luck. I know what you mean about BC thoughts never completely going away. Perhaps someday they will go away. Until then, I do not know what I would do without all of you.
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Joan, I don't know why they don't warn us. As far as I can tell from my own experience, responses here and what my PT said, it is common to get some sort of lung reaction, even if it is not actual pneumonitis (what they were looking for on the CT scan). I really think you ought to go get checked out by an allergy doc.
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Hi All,
I was reading a few of the past posts where you were discussing a possibility shortness of breath from radiation.
I noticed that my breathing became more laboured when I did laps in the pool. I tend to do 2K in the training pool and about 6 months after radiation I was having trouble catching my breath.
So I thought it was very interesting that you were discussing shortness of breath as I have often wondered if my shortness of breath could be from the radiation as 8 weeks after surgery I was back doing my laps with no trouble, so I knew it wasn't from surgery. I will definitely have it checked out.
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I will try to address the breathig too. So many medical appointments and so few free days. Today was gastroenterologist; next week mammo and gyno specialist. Then MO.
Elizabeth, I totally agree about the ladies here. I always learn so much, and the caring and listening is something we just can't expect from family and friend after awhile.
I will be sure there's room in my pocket.Wishing everyone a great evening.
Joan0 -
Hi Joan, I am bogged down with medical appointments too. Today was plastic surgeon, Friday is my 1 year mamo and surgical oncologist appointments. Monday is my general practioner. Friday the 20th another plastic surgeon for a second opinion. The 24th of this month I have my medical oncologist appointment and Friday the 27th my plastic surgeon again. I am a little nervous about my mamo appointment, but as I mentioned my wonderful plastic surgeon is coming with me. Friday night my plastic surgeon and I are going to happy hour in Malibu, and hopefully we can celebrate my negative mamo. I can't believe how lucky I am to have found her. I so much agree with you that the caring and listening of the ladies here is so very special. Good luck with your mamo. We both will be fine. Hugs!
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Joan and Kate, I will be in your pockets. I have good feelings already.
I have met some amazing women here. Your strength and courage in the face of such adverisity is always an inspiration to me. The friendships I have made here will stay with me.
Joan, I hope you get some much needed answers to your breathing issues. I think you are following the right path in pursuing this and I wish you much luck in this endeavor. It is YOUR body and you know it well. When you say something doesn't feel right, then find someone who will listen!
I am heading to my orthopedic surgeon this morning for a follow up on my last procedure. I have to be there at 9:40. I am a bit aprehensive as I am sure her will recommend surgery. I'll let you all know!
Have a great day ladies. Love and hugs.
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Hi ladies,
So sorry to be reading about the breathing problems, and I'm hoping to avoid that, but who knows what symptoms await us down the line? Just finished rads last Friday, and my lower legs and feet have been sore and swollen since. It goes down at night, but as the day wears on, it swells again. Anybody here who experienced this? I still have a little neuropathy in my feet and toes from the chemo (Taxotere which I finished on May 7), but it seems worse this last week. Any input on this will be really appreciated.
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Liefie, it may still be inflammation from the taxotere. I had this problem and it was 2steps forward, 1 back for quite a while. If it doesn't start behaving soon, talk to the onc. I finally did ten days of anti-inflammatories to beat it back. Also do the regular things, like make sure to drink enough water, don't sit for long periods, take some small walks during the day etc.
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I had my first rad treatment one year ago today. What a year it has been! I thought the treatments would never end, but this year has flown by.
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Elizabeth, how true. I was thinking just this morning that this past year has gone so fast and slow at the same time. I must admit to being happy to be on this end of treatment though
Momine, great advice for Liefie. And, Liefie, to add a few thoughts, are you involved in these heat waves going on right now? That always messes with my feet, I must say. Congrats on getting thru your treatment. Remember that getting to this point took quite some time, and it will take awhile for your body to recover. Make sure to take some time just for yourself everyday. That always helps recovery.
Joan, I'll be joining the pocket party too. With all of us along, what can go wrong? Any special requests for treats? Janis is a great baker.....and I make a mean latte....HeHeHe.. You too Kate....got any special requests as I expect all of us will be joining you too! And, I found that it felt like a huge weight was lifted after I had my mammo, and I'm hoping the same for you two also!
Janis, so, what's the outcome from the orthopedist? Whatever it is, I sure hope he can get rid of this pain for you. Oh, and a tip for my buddy......have you tried cocoa butter? Food quality? NOT for baking but for our other "ahem" issues. I'm finding it quite a help. Just though I'd pass that along.......
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Sab, have you weathered all your guests? I sure hope you're getting a much needed break and can enjoy your newly redecorated guest quarters empty!
I've been getting more strength daily, which is wonderful. Not nearly back to "normal" , but I can happily accept this as normal and continue to work on it......
Have a great evening everyone.0 -
Thank you Janis and Mostlysew
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Gigil, truebff, and stephn we haven't heard from you in a while and i miss you
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Sew.....well, more surgery for me. The last diagnostic test I had, they injected a steroid into the nerves and I got one day of no pain. He said the steroids help some people but generally are not a long term solution. In my case, with just one full day pain free, further injections would be pointless. So, surgery it is. I do not have a date yet, I will know more next week. There is some preop stuff to be done, including a 3.5 hour class that is mandatory prior to surgery. It explains everything from beginning to end. They will make the incision through the front of my neck (right above my thyroid removal scar). I'll end up with plastic parts to replace the damaged disc. He will also remove the bone spurs. It is a mandatory overnight stay. Recovery takes 6-8 weeks and I will have to wear a collar. I have very mixed emotions but at this point the pain is just taking over. I need to get this done.
Yes, I will happily bake up a storm for the upcoming parties. I had a bit of a pity party after the doctor and made and ate some naughty stuff! Oh my.......
Elizabeth isn't it amazing all the dates we remember? I honestly can't remember the exact day I started rads, although it was late August. Today however is the one year anniversary of my breast surgery and that I do remember.
BTW Sew I have not tried cocoa butter. I have no idea what kind? You can PM me, please!
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Hi Janis,
I'm sorry and glad they're doing the surgery, if that makes sense. You've got to get rid of this constant pain which is wearing on even the strongest spirit and body. And you're very strong. So.....well just plan on a pocket party overnight when you go in. I'll bring treats and ear plugs for those who don't like the sound of gentle snoring. O)). And I don't blame you in the least for being completely (my word) apprehensive about this. I'm just going to concentrate on the outcome for you. Oh.....and a PM will be on its way shortly......0 -
justme....good luck with the surgery...I hope your pain will be gone for good!
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Janis, I hope everything will go very well with your surgery. You deserve to be free of pain.
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Good luck with the surgery Janis. Sis had similiar a number of years ago and has done quite well. Hoping the same for you.
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Oh, I'm missing pocket parties! I've been keeping busy around here, with a third wave of company (just my DD the elder with her friend staying for a few days.) When she visits I cook a lot and try to "feed her up" with healthy foods before she goes back to eating doughnuts for every meal at school.
Janis, brave and beautiful woman, may this finally bring you relief from the pain that has been plaguing you for so long.
For all of you facing mammograms, I hope each one is a confirmation of your good health!
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Janis, very sorry that you need surgery again. Hugs!
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Best of luck to you as you anticipate and undergo your surgery, Justme.
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I keep missing pocket parties. I've been away but I'm back. I have way too much to to catch up on. Thoughts to all of you.
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Kingjr, Sab, Lacey, Ptdreamers, Schatzi and Elizabeth, good to see all of you checking in. Janis, I think this will be a really rip,roaring pocket party. And with all of us looking out for you, I'm sure the surgery will go very well indeed! Kate, well warm up with your mammo tomorrow....and yours too Joan....
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Thank you mostly sew. Kingjr I haven't seen you in awhile, nice to see you again. I am a little nervous about the mamo tomorrow, but I am trying not to think about it. I am getting a second opinion next week about my surgery. August is 6 months from my last surgery so I have waited awhile, but I think I will have to schedule my next surgery in August. I need 2 to 4 more surgeries so I want to get on with it, and have all of this behind me.
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I have to get caught up on so many threads. Think I'll just start from here. Kate, so many surgeries. You seem though to have the strength to endure it. I, myself, am strong willed and can conquer all. My thoughts are with you and all you other ladies that are conquering your own battles.
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Thank you KIng jr., My mamo is in 1 hour and 45 minutes, and I can't wait to have it over with.0
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Will be thinking about you. I have to go for an ultrasound this month , sooo know how you feel. Deep breath🌹
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I hope they give you the good news right away Kate :-)
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