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36 Goodwill
- 2 Followers
- 3 Following
KJB
Bloomington, IN
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Patient: Breast CancerPatient Info: Currently in active treatment (initial surgery, receiving chemo rounds/radiation), Diagnosed: 8 months ago, Female, Age: 61
New Follow about 1 month ago
KJB
is following Anyone having severe leg cramps at night with Tamoxifen and if so, what helped?
Question about 1 month ago
KJB posted a questionBreast Cancer
Anyone having severe leg cramps at night with Tamoxifen and if so, what helped?
Answered Question about 1 month ago
vanessa answered
try laying on your tummy and put your feet over the end of bed , it really works just about 15 minutes, and if you get someone to rub your big toe it will stop the cramp in your leg
Answered Question about 1 month ago
Rose answered
After my first Taxol tx I felt like I was hit by a truck and the every bone from the waist down was borken! The day before I took the Glutamine and Claritin sugested on this site to no avail or at least it seemed that way. Maybe my pain would have been worse with out it, I don't know. The pain did subside some each day. I'm sooo looking forward to my next tx, (NOT). ;) Hope the sugestion of tonic water works for you. My doc recommended that for a low potassium level.
Answered Question about 1 month ago
DaveWaz answered
@leepenn - Yes, it's totally cool!
Wall Post about 1 month ago
KJB wrote on Jen2d's wall
Hi Jen! I was diagnosed with DCIS breast cancer in October, have lumpectomy in November and then 33 radiation treatments. Now on Tamoxifen. Mine was Stage 0, ER positive, Grade 3/3 tumor. Will have my next mammo in about four weeks. Hang in there. Making decisions is a stressful time. Do your research and then trust yourself! I'm here for you!
Experience 2 months ago
KJB
Drug or Chemo Therapy (Hormone therapy): Just been on the Tamoxifen for a week now. Not having any real side effects yet and hoping I won't. My breast continues to be very sore, itchy and have stabbing pain but hopefully that is all signs of healing. My next mammogram is in April and I am anxious to have that done and know the results.........
New Follow 2 months ago
KJB
is following kleslied
Wall Post 3 months ago
KJB wrote on bwidmer's wall
Hi! Wondering if you had any adjuvant therapy after your treatment or surgery. did you take Tamoxifen by any chance and if so, what side effects?
New Follow 3 months ago
KJB
is following Anyone experience a let down or anxiety after completing radiation?
Question 3 months ago
KJB posted a questionBreast Cancer
Anyone experience a let down or anxiety after completing radiation?
Answered Question 3 months ago
Fran100 answered
I wasn't let down but I started to worry about if it helped. I will be getting a Pet Scan on March 6th and so scared of the results. I have
lung cancer (non small cell). Its inoperable because its near my aorta. Sorry for digressing but I completely understand how you feel.
While in treatment you have that optimistic feeling that its killing the cancer and then when you are done you think about what is going on inside of me. I pray a lot. We are all different and handle our situation differently. But its true when folks say to try to do fun things and get back to living. It may take a while for you to feel that way but I know it will come.
Answered Question 3 months ago
Geegster answered
I agree with ibcword.
I think it is Ok to feel some apprehension as treatment winds down. I am in the middle of my Radiation treatments and am starting to get nervous about returning to work and all the other "normal" things that have been shoved to the side while I focused on surviving.
Right now, for me, I am finding it hard to get back to the things I love, like hobbies. Almost like I am waiting until treatment is over to start back at life. Im just not feeling ready and that is ok too.
It's is hard to imagine not having all of the doctor appts, tests, treatments, etc... So I am trying/learning to let my brain and my body tell me when they are ready. Until that time, I just try to not let myself feel guilt for not jumping back it.
I hope that makes sense as much as I hope it helps you see that not everyone can celebrate right away and it's ok.
Answered Question 3 months ago
dennis answered
I was happy to be done but also a little sad to end because I had so many good experiences during the treatment. Doing the radiation everyday was getting a little tedious, but I grew to love the staff and also developed some other good relationships with other cancer patients who were waiting for their treatment. I have been done for a month and I am back to work full time. I'm trying not to get back into the rat race again. When I leave work at the end of the day, that is it for work and I try everyday to enjoy all of the good things in life and even slow down a little to appreciate them. I am trying to keep everything good that I learned still in my life. Now I will wait for several months to see if they killed the cancer - but I've decided not to worry about it and enjoy living.
Wall Post 3 months ago
KJB wrote on Melabong's wall
Hi Melabong!
I have DCIS also. Non-invasive, Stage 0, Tumor grade 3 comedo neucrosis. I was diagnosed Oct. 31st, lumpectomey Nov. 4th and just finished 33 radiation treatments on Feb. 3rd. Will start on Tamoxifen next week for five years. I did a lot of research and talking with physicians before making the decision about taking the Tamoxifen. Do your research on treatments and know that you are in charge of decisions. Once you have test results and treatment plans you will feel better. Let me know how I can support you.
Comment 3 months ago
Melabong
Hi KJB,
My doctor has recommended mastectomy as the next treatment for DCIS. I don't have any tumors. I agree with you about research. My doctor recommended this site for support and information. I'm going to use it. I really appreciate you writing.
Wall Post 3 months ago
KJB wrote on renee's wall
Renee- I have to agree with all that the beginning is the scariest part. Not knowing or knowing what is going to go on next. Once I had a plan--once I knew the tests results and I had a treatment plan, then my anxiety and fear was much less. Doesn't mean that you won't still have times when you may cry or feel panic, but it will get easier. I have just ended my treatment and am now dealing with a whole new set of anxiety waiting for the next mammogram. Just know that we are here for you anytime you need!
Wall Post 3 months ago
KJB wrote on tnhelen's wall
tnhelen- Hi! I am right there with you. Will start on Tamoxifen as soon as I am weaned off another medication I was taking. I too had a lumpectomy and radiation. I had to take a break from radiation also because of burn and blistering. I am anxious to see how your Tamoxifen journey goes. Best of luck and health to you!
New Follow 3 months ago
KJB
is following tnhelen
Wall Post 3 months ago
KJB wrote on Lisa626's wall
Hi Lisa! I have been following your postings. I just finished 33 radiation treatments and will soon start Tamoxifen. Very concerned about side effects but also want to do everything I can not to have a reoccurrence.
How are you doing?
Comment 3 months ago
Lisa626
Hi KJB! Thanks so much for your note. Congratulations on finishing your 33 radiation treatments! I didn't take Tamoxifen after my first cancer diagnosis in 2002 and did have a recurrence.
I have been on Tamoxifen now for 2 1/2 years. For me, the side effects have been minor. I was told that possible side effects were nausea or vomiting, yeast infection, high blood pressure, mood changes, weight loss, sore throat. But so far, I've had none of those. Also no problem with the really scary but very rare side effects of uterine cancer and blood clots/ stroke.
I do have flushing (hot flashes), some brain fog and discharge (ick). But overall, no real impact to my day to day life. My doctor said that after 5 years of Tamoxifen, it is best to shift to another drug, so long-term use isn't recommended. Still a couple years to go though.
Keep me posted on how it goes for you.
Warmly,
Lisa
Wall Post 4 months ago
KJB wrote on Suzy's wall
Suzy - I was diagnosed with DCIS breat cancer in October 2011. I had lumpectomy 11/4/2011. Stage 0, Grade 3 tumor with comedo neucrosis. I am in my radiation treatment. Today was 30 of 33!! I experienced fatigue about two to three weeks into treatment and experienced a bad burn. Had to take a ten day break from treatment to allow skin to heal. Radia Guard lotion was a god send. they also make a lotion to use when you fort start radiation-wish I had known Bout it.
Wall Post 4 months ago
KJB wrote on Kevinjacque's wall
I think it varies from person to person. Radiation is accumulative. NFatigue set in at about 2 1/2-3 weeks. When you feel the fatigue you have to stop and take a rest whether it's 5 minutes or two hours! I didn't anticipate the burned skin that started at four weeks. Radia Guard lotion was a healing god send. Also had a ten day break from radiation before finishing the last five threaments. Only have 3 to go! Hang in there!
Wall Post 4 months ago
KJB wrote on cranburymom's wall
Radia Guard is a creme/lotion for radiation burns but it works wonders! Has lidocain as an ingredient and will take the burn out.
Wall Post 4 months ago
DaveWaz wrote on KJB's wall
Welcome. Thank you for taking the time to register and share your journey. I know we have several people on the network with breast cancer experience so when you are ready please do not hesitate to reach out to them.
It looks like you registered the same diagnosis twice. If you did this by accident no worries, you are not the first to do this. You can delete the duplicate diagnoses by clicking on the "Add Experience" link to the right of your picture. This will take you to a page where you can edit your journey. Below the journey icons you will see two links: "Edit Diagnosis Profile" and "Delete Diagnosis Profile". VERY IMPORTANT. Make sure the diagnosis you want to delete is being displayed above and then click the "Delete Diagnosis Profile." This should take care of it.
If you need anything (e.g., emotional support, help finding support/care resources, insights as to what to expect), please be sure to ask the network for help. You can do this by clicking on the "Ask Network" link on your logged in home page or the "Questions" link at the top of this page. When you post needs/questions using our question feature, we route your question to everyone in the network who might be able to help. Also, know you can use the "Update" feature on the site to keep anyone who might be following you on WhatNext up to date.
I look forward to reading how you progress. Our thoughts are with you on your journey.
- David, Founder, WhatNext
Update 4 months ago
KJB posted an update
anyone have pros or cons for Tamoxifen therapy???
Comment 4 months ago
DaveWaz
This is a great question. I'm going to recommend that you post it in our Questions section. You can do this by clicking on the "Ask Network" link on your logged in home page or the "Questions" link at the top of this page. When you post needs/questions using our question feature, we route your question to everyone in the network who might be able to help. This way you have a better chance to get more responses.
Thanks!
Experience 4 months ago
KJB
Radiation: I did fine for the first 20 treatments or so. Had redness ans "tanning" or sunburn effect. Some feeling like my breast was burning from the inside out and a few shooting and tenderness but not too bad. Then the redness turned into a bad burn. Skin peeled, raw bleeding skin, lots of pain. Had to take pain meds on a daily basis. Tried all inds of ointments and lotions. Finally tried Radia-Guard--what a God send. 100% improvement the next day.n I had to take a 10 day break from radiation treatments to allow skin to heal but now on my last five treatments.
Experience 4 months ago
KJB
Procedure or Surgery