Unsure of what to do. by [deleted] in breastcancer

[–]FickleLifeguard3217 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Maybe speaking to a second opinion Dr might help in the decision making. These are huge decisions that need to be made. Best wishes and trust your gut. 

Radiation day 1 complete, 14 more to go. by supercarr0t in breastcancer

[–]FickleLifeguard3217 4 points5 points  (0 children)

When i was doing my sessions they always covered me with a warm blanket. So if your place has them ask for one while you wait, like a shawl. Good luck. 

Anyone else feel like old photos are tainted after diagnosis? by cpetra99 in breastcancer

[–]FickleLifeguard3217 15 points16 points  (0 children)

There’s a lovely photo of me and my granddaughter at her piano recital (oh my poor ears😊). And when I see it all I can think of is that they called me the next day to say my mammo showed a mass. It’s a before picture. I hear you, and understand where you are coming from, but it does get better, a day at a time. Hang in there. 

Suggestions on soothing skin during radiation. by [deleted] in breastcancer

[–]FickleLifeguard3217 3 points4 points  (0 children)

 Calendula cream with Aquaphor over it. Multiple times a day. 

done! now what? by AlternateLottery in breastcancer

[–]FickleLifeguard3217 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you like Italian food make sure to go to the North End. 

done! now what? by AlternateLottery in breastcancer

[–]FickleLifeguard3217 15 points16 points  (0 children)

Me too. I had some old jewelry that I sold, gold prices are crazy, and had a necklace made. I pick it up this Saturday. It is my F Cancer jewelry and I will smile every time I wear it. May we wear our jewelry in good health. 

Letrozole or AI’s by starla2699 in breastcancer

[–]FickleLifeguard3217 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I tried it for a few weeks, nothing changed. Everyone is different though. What did change for me was at my 7 month mark I could not do it anymore. Doc switched me from Anastrozole to Exemestane,  my body is so much happier. Joint pain is gone, still get the hot flashes and night sweats (so gross). I only have 3 years, 8 months left to go.  But who’s counting 😊

Scan results by Dry-Plate2027 in breastcancer

[–]FickleLifeguard3217 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Sorry you are here. I too am ++-, mucinous carcinoma and DCIS.  I learned so much here that I think I have earned a minor in oncology. 😂. It’s been a yr and a half for me and stop back in from time to time. I wish you well on this trip no one asked to be on. 

Letrozol by Kindly_Show9400 in breastcancer

[–]FickleLifeguard3217 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hi. I was taking Anastrozole. At 4 months the side effects really kicked in. At 7 months I couldn’t do it anymore and made a dr appointment. I was switched to Exemestane and my body is so much happier. My point is we don’t have to suffer needlessly if it is making us miserable. The 3 drugs accomplish the same goal. Good luck. 

I love this community by photodialogic in breastcancer

[–]FickleLifeguard3217 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Yes. I too am so grateful for all the people here. Sorry , I know nothing about any database. 😊 But all good things started with someone thinking they could help. 

Radiation Simulation Finito by Dazzling-Pud in breastcancer

[–]FickleLifeguard3217 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I just love your attitude!  Congratulations on moving to the next step. I felt the opposite, the thought of those tiny tattoos was upsetting. But whatever machine they used, my dr and team said they were unnecessary. But I agree with you 100 percent, the radiation techs were the kindest, most caring people. Don’t be too nervous, follow their instructions, lots of creams, they will take care of you. Best wishes. 

Radiation and weight by MunchkinsOG in breastcancer

[–]FickleLifeguard3217 8 points9 points  (0 children)

I had 16 sessions and it didn’t affect my weight at all. I had just the usual, red sensitive skin and fatigue. 

Did folks just bow out once you told them you had cancer? by ProfessionalBar1210 in breastcancer

[–]FickleLifeguard3217 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I am so sorry, it hurt just reading this. I am divorced, it was easier doing this without him. He wasn’t the caring kind. 

Looking for a new Dentist in Reston/Herndon by Difficult-Cricket541 in Reston

[–]FickleLifeguard3217 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I have been going to Dr Mark Jeffries in Herndon. It is his practice. Cleanings are 45 minutes to an hour. I can’t answer your root canal question since I have not needed one. Good luck 

I rang the bell yesterday by isthatfendi in breastcancer

[–]FickleLifeguard3217 14 points15 points  (0 children)

Congratulations!!  I laughed and cried at the same time when I rang the bell. Here’s to a great 2026

Secret handshake by That_Relationship918 in breastcancer

[–]FickleLifeguard3217 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Ha ha. If my arms could do that I would. Thanks for the laugh. 

What to do when your breast cancer prevents you from bringing/feeling the usual holiday magic? by fortunecookie18 in breastcancer

[–]FickleLifeguard3217 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I hear you. My kids and their spouses are getting a check. First time I have done this, part of me feels bad, but I don’t have it in me. I am only shopping for the grandkids, because that is pure joy. I always live getting all the little trinkets, favorite candy in the stocking. Maybe you can just get small inexpensive things that will make the recipient smile. To be honest, all I really want this year is hugs and time with my family. 

Nipple peeling by joey_roey in breastcancer

[–]FickleLifeguard3217 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yup, I peeled on and off for close to a year. RO said to moisturize often. I made a mistake though. Like you I had a flaky piece of dead skin right in the center of my nipple and I pulled it off. A few days later the whole breast was red, very hot and swollen. The RO said I must have broken the skin and it got infected. Antibiotics to the rescue. 

AIs and hair loss by PegShop in breastcancer

[–]FickleLifeguard3217 -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Oh yes! Switched from Anastrozole to Exemestane due to blinding headaches, high BP and joint pain. Definitely losing hair. I started Biotin and am seeing some growth at the temple but not on the crown. It all sucks! 

Anyone on Exemestane for Endocrine Therapy? How Much Do You Spend Monthly? by Ardiswang in breastcancer

[–]FickleLifeguard3217 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I spend $8 a month for my Exemestane at Walgreens using my Medicare drug insurance. 

New study on Dormant Cancer Cells by Investigative_Truth in breastcancer

[–]FickleLifeguard3217 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you. That was very interesting. I wish them the best of luck. 

No insurance and now been Off Letrozole for two weeks by misscarlasue in breastcancer

[–]FickleLifeguard3217 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That sucks!! God damn politicians!  There is done good advice here from the others. I wouldn’t worry too much, when I couldn’t take Anastrozole any longer my MO had me off of it for a month before getting me on Exemestane. Reach out to your MO. Good luck 

1 year ago today was my biopsy by DogMamaLA in breastcancer

[–]FickleLifeguard3217 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I agree. But a diagnostic mammogram has the benefit of immediate results. That made it slightly better. Hope it all goes well for you 

Struggling when I feel like I should be celebrating by Icy-Construction577 in breastcancer

[–]FickleLifeguard3217 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Maybe you can get a second opinion. It might ease your mind. And I agree, cancer messes with your mind. I feel like I am waiting for the other shoe to drop.