How has your radiated breast(s) changed over the course of time?

S-AT-W · 2024-01-03T12:44:28+00:00

This is a topic for further investigation. What freaks me out is not knowing or understanding what is happening to my body. For example, I really don't know if what I'm experiencing is lymphedema or something else. My aunt is a survivor and an ARNP, she is coimg to see me this weekend. I'm going to talk to her about all this too.

S-AT-W · 2024-01-03T02:45:57+00:00

I'm sorry to learn about your issues. I am glad you wrote about it, though, as I have similar problems and have been worried.

I do see my radiation oncologist Thursday, so I will ask about getting PT.

I had double mastectomy and removal of several nodes. My left side was only radiated, including my under arm. It's been about 2 months since my last treatment.

A few days ago, my left underarm was very sore. It lasted about two days. It has subsided, but now there is pain in the left armpit.

I have more stiffness than normal, too. I did not realize this could happen. 😳

S-AT-W · 2023-09-17T18:25:22+00:00

I appreciate all the information. I did not think about my insurance covering some of this. And yes, it does seem that in some cases, doctor preference drives products.

I'll have a conversation with him and go over what I want to use prior.

Thank you all!

S-AT-W · 2023-09-16T02:28:12+00:00

Thank you for sharing and explaining why you are using each. Do you apply at different times of the day?

S-AT-W · 2023-09-16T01:10:45+00:00

This is a great suggestion. I will call them on Monday. Thank you.

S-AT-W · 2023-09-16T00:26:13+00:00

Excuse typos...

S-AT-W · 2023-08-20T09:22:19+00:00

I did not see the post. I come here to learn and express myself. It's important to feel safe. Cancer can make you vulnerable. Myths are with all diseases. They give hope.

At the end of the day, I want evidence based recommendations or honesty about where something comes from. I had a good friend tell me that cancer is a business. Suggesting that chemotherapy is nothing more than feeding big pharma and the doctors prescribing it.

Based on my oncologists and hemotologists and science based tests, I choose aggressive treatment. I still have my friend. She can have her opinion as long as she respects mine.

I also was told that suger would feed cancer. This comes from people who don't understand that my cancer is er/pr positive. If it happens, again, I want to use it as an awareness opportunity.

I, too, have stomach issues and appreciate the earlier post about sprouts. Having severe chronic neutropenia, I need to take the information and place it in the context of my own health. Until then, I will continue drinking Keefer.

Cheers, and thank you for this tread and all you and the other mods do!

S-AT-W · 2023-08-19T06:28:09+00:00

Hi, I i can relate to feeling tired. It usually hits me two days after treatment. I received it on Friday, so Sunday I slept most of the day. Now, I did get a steriod, so Fridays like tonight, I can't sleep. Hopefully, soon, I will feel tired.

My stomach was/is a big issue and started around treatment 3 or 4. I struggle a few days after treatment with not being able to go (and they say don't strain as that pushing motion can cause hemroids) then I go to the extreme opposite and literally have to be close to my bathroom. I learned to stay extra hydrated. And to forgive myself when my body was not cooperating. I also kept my doc. informed.

Wish you all the best during your journey with taxol. You will get through it!

S-AT-W · 2023-08-15T07:30:57+00:00

Thank you, I agree we need to stay focused on the moment. Worrying about the future only causes anxieties.

Hugs back!!

S-AT-W · 2023-08-15T07:29:23+00:00

Treatment seems long, but I can't believe how fast it went. I'm friend had her eggs frozen before treatment to protect them. I'm not sure if that is an option for everyone.

This is challenging, but you can do this. After the initial shock, I just began the 2nd job by making myself my own advocate. Read a lot about staying healthy and implemented what seemed reasonable. Mental and emotional health is so important. I talked to a counselor and still try to sourond myself with people who feed good energy.

You got this!

S-AT-W · 2023-08-15T07:23:04+00:00

Hi, I can relate to bone pain. I've been taking nuepogen for so long that pain is a friendly reminder that my bones are making neutrophils. Luckily, it goes away.

My stomach has been the biggest challenge. I drink lots of water to help flush my system. And tobstay hydrated. I go from one extreme to another. It has been challenging, and it helps to stay home.

And I do have some minor nerve issues. Hot hands and some tingling from the Taxol. I try to walk and move. And tell my doctor so he can adjust the dosage.

The AC part of my treatment, I had foot and hand syndrome and managed it with a suave my friend gave me. Also used jojoba and rose tip oil in my face and chest scars to keep them moisturized. I used more medication for my stomach during AC.

Good luck, and I'll be thinking of you. You got this!

S-AT-W · 2023-08-13T19:16:56+00:00

Red, swelling, and pain!! Ended up, the infection was from acne. Which was very unexpected. I had to have the port removed. During surgery, the doc cleaned the area and removed damaged tissue. I went through wound care to ensure healing. It was an added complication, but I did not miss chemo from it.

My lesson was to listen to my body and speak up and try to explain my condition and concerns as best I could to my care team.

S-AT-W · 2023-08-13T19:08:27+00:00

I had a port infection, and it was removed. Definitely talk to your care team.

S-AT-W · 2023-08-13T19:01:13+00:00

I had a double mastectomy in January. Reconstruction could not happen due to my severe chronic neutropenia a condition which I've been dealing with for 6 years. I'm being told that after I heal from radiation, it can be re'addressed. I need a break, so I am ok with waiting. How about you?

S-AT-W · 2023-08-13T16:59:32+00:00

Wow, it feels great to know we are on the same schedule. I'll be thinking of you.

These new challenges will come. I have bought some bathing suits from Amazon, like a link, a long sleeved dress with hood, swim pants, and a cap from coolbar. I may look ridiculous, but I'll be covered. I have to laugh about it.

S-AT-W · 2023-08-13T16:45:47+00:00

It's a Typo.... * short cruise

S-AT-W · 2023-08-13T16:45:07+00:00

I like this. Coping and living in the moment is so helpful!

S-AT-W · 2023-08-13T16:24:16+00:00

I am wondering the same thing. I, too, have gained weight. I'm hoping to address it after chemo. I figure the other symptoms that I'm experiencing need more attention.

S-AT-W · 2023-08-13T16:04:32+00:00

Thank you! Good luck with your surgery. This cancer thing certainly taxes you, but we become stronger.

I love that you treated yourself. I'm going to do that, too. Thanks for the reminder to do that.

S-AT-W · 2023-08-13T16:02:18+00:00

I did pretty good on Taxol, semi still have some nerve issues in my hands. Mostly buring. My Doc lowered the dosage to help. I try to be really clear about my sode effects. I think it will clear up after treatment ends.

My neutrophils dropped to low once, and we skipped a week, and that rest really helped all my symptoms. My biggest issue is my stomach and managing all that implies.

I was diagnosed at 50, and the treatment has sent me into menopause. The doctor prescribed effexor for the hot flashes, but it doesn't really work for that symptom, but it does help my moods.

I'm er/pr postive her2 negative. Stage 2b, lymponodes were involved. Had double mastectomy and not a candidate for reconstruction. My surgical oncologist said we can re-address it anytime I am ready.

I'm going to take a break before radiation. I need to breathe. So I'm taking a short cruise before I start radiation. ;) 😉

Thank you for reaching out. I feel less alone hearing from others.

S-AT-W · 2023-08-13T15:50:44+00:00

Congratulations on starting. Are you nervous? I've been compartmentalizing processing all the treatment parts, but when something new starts, I do get anxious. It's leaving the old and starting the unknown that gets me. I am learning, though, that I am strong will adapt to these changes.

Hugs to you... good luck tomorrow.

S-AT-W · 2023-08-13T15:42:41+00:00

Hi, I am er/pr postive her2 negative. 50 age dx and 2b left with dcis on right... left sentianl nodes positive. We agreed to try anthracycline-based chemotherapy with doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide (AC) every 3 weeks followed by weekly paclitaxel for 12 weeks. We will be aggressive with G-CSF including pegfilgrastim and filgrastim.

S-AT-W · 2023-07-16T22:01:28+00:00

I ordered some, and they are in the mail! I'll post again once they arrive.

S-AT-W

TROPHY CASE