Beannie's Journey:

Happened so fast - not sure what to expect - feel like dealing with effects afterwards. Diagnosed by mammography with Birads 4 microcalcifications initially - procedure was scheduled very quickly and did not have diagnosis until after pathology report.

Had this two weeks after lumpectomy. Still swollen and have numbness in back of arm and under armpit with an area of seroma swelling in armpit.

I think my Oh No moment was when the mammogram initally came back abnormal and then the second one came back with Birads 4 microcalcifications and was told that I needed to have biopsy, which I didn't realize turned into a lumpectomy. It felt, and still feels, like I am in a surreal zone and my emotions are still numb!

So far so good but only two treatments - lucky to have center so close to me with great drs, etc. I tell myself I am going for my daily visit to "Camp Nukemboobies!"

Home tonight and after last two radiation treatments I can really tell that a level of fatigue is setting in. i feel exhausted by time work day is over and get home and get ready for bed I am completely tired. I did manage Zumba class last night and 30 minutes on treadmill tonight - try to keep some exercise up so I won't completely regress in that department. Not going to overdo it though. Taking it easy to some extent. Taking a rest break tomorrow night. Breast still tender and sore but after 16 treatments I know normal for this time. Almost over half way through. Last seven treatments will be boost doses. That should be interesting.

Pleased so far - no skin irritation other than slight red tint to skin after 20 doses. No rashes or other problems. Blessed on that respect. Still working full time and still going to workout but listening to my energy level. So right now just waiting for next 13 doses!!

Whew - at this point by Wed of each week I am zapped when I go home - I find myself taking my shower sitting on bed and before I know it I am down for the count till the next morning. I did go to Zumba last night though - but went home and again went to bed after a quick bite to eat. 10 more to go today!! YEA!!!

Had my last whole breast radiation treatment today - Whoop Whoop - #25 - will have scans tomorrow to plan the last 8 boost treatments which will start Wed this week. Homeward bound!! The end of next week barring any problems I should be finished with radiation!!!!!!!

Started my last week of radiation treatments. Today was the 1st of the remaining five left of the boost treatments. I am so excited!!

See my oncologist tomorrow to begin the Tamoxifen regimen. Received followup notice for a three month post radiation mammogram in mail - woo hoo!! Really dreading that more than anything. Will be nervous from now on when I get one of those. I did good with radiation treatment as far as side effects, however, I have been extremely exhausted for the last week. Seems like I am more tired now than during treatment. It is all I can do to go to work and go home and crawl in bed. Trying to stay active but I am really having to push myself. Hope my energy comes back soon. I am also having shooting pains in my underarm and breast. I guess this is normal. Oh well, onward I go.

Still tired from Tamoxifen treatment but better since cut back on dosage. Dreading moving it back up again. I have a little more energy now. Can make it through majority of work days, left early a couple of days this week just so I could go home and rest. Have not been back in gym this week - going to try again next week. Trying to give myself a little respite while I am trying to get regulated. Will be so glad to finally feel like myself again if I ever get to that point. I am hoping any way. This is wearing on a person - mentally and physically especially when you are used to being a very active person. Just have to keep motivated and try to stay positive!