Cancer

[Karen]

It has been 10 days since my last radiation treatment. Last Friday my skin got itchy, like the kind if itchy that will drive you crazy. I tried the Base Glaxal cream that I have been using and the 1% hydrocortisone cream the radiation doctor prescribed and neither provided relief. I had Aveno skin relief moisturizing cream for itchy winter skin and tried that - and found relief. Apparently when your skin gets itchy like that it means the healing has begun - I sure hope so. Most of my radiated skin is now tanned dark brown, except the area that received the boost radiation, that is still angry red. I have a bit of peeling in my armpit in the creases.

I had my echo and blood work for the heart monitoring they are doing and both came back normal, so that is good. The Herceptin hasn't damaged my heart yet. Will have another set of tests in April.

I'm working on modifying my diet to avoid estrogenic foods and sugars and include more proteins.

Cali must be feeling less stressed over me now, the hair is growing back on her tummy. She still sticks to me like glue when I'm home though.

My hair is coming back, ever so slowly. It is very grey/white.

Aww, I bet it looks pretty and silvery though! Thanks for updating us, and keeping us in the loop. Still in our prayers, of course!

[cats4ever]

I'm glad that your echo and bloodwork came back normal.
What a journey! You are so strong. I imagine you have dozens of bottles of skin lotion. That's great that you found something that works. I have only the regular itchy winter skin, I don't even dare to imagine what you are going through!
Keep going, you are in my thoughts!

[phesina]

Dear Gayle, thank you for the wonderful update. Sounds like you are doing great! That's good that the Aveno cream is providing relief for your itchy skin.

I'm glad Cali is doing better also, not feeling so stressed. And I'm glad she and Diego are taking such good care of you!

VERY well done, Gayle! You're so strong! We're thinking of you and sending loads of good wishes and warm thoughts and prayers and healing energies.

{{{{{HUGS}}}}} and ~~~~PURRRS~~~~ and from Pat and Sparkler and new kitty Galaxy

[mon]

Always great to hear from you! Wishing you all the best every step!

[Catty1]

Yay! Glad the tests were clear! I hope the worst is over for you now and you just keep rocking it!

[Trinityagain]

Hey there...just checking in to see how you are doing?

[Queen of Poop]

Hey there...just checking in to see how you are doing?

I am doing alright. Had been having middle of the night leg pain so was sent for an ultrasound to see if I had blood clots in my legs. I do NOT. The Tamoxifen they have me on can cause clots, so glad they were quick to check me out. All of the treatments I have endured can cause muscle pain and that it likely what I am experiencing now. My hair is starting to come back, I had a trim a couple of weeks ago. I will have my first mammogram early April, then we'll know how things really are. My skin healed from radiation, no blisters, thank goodness. I continue to go to the hospital every 3 weeks for my Herceptin infusion, this will continue until July/August, it's a one year program. I am cold all the time now, except for the "super hot flashes" that the Tamoxifen brings - they are wayyyy worse than the natural ones. I actually feel like I could spontaneously combust! I think I'll feel better when I get the "all clear" after my mammogram - I hope that's what I get. Then I can really begin to live my new normal.

Thank you for checking in with me.

[Karen]

I am doing alright. Had been having middle of the night leg pain so was sent for an ultrasound to see if I had blood clots in my legs. I do NOT. The Tamoxifen they have me on can cause clots, so glad they were quick to check me out. All of the treatments I have endured can cause muscle pain and that it likely what I am experiencing now. My hair is starting to come back, I had a trim a couple of weeks ago. I will have my first mammogram early April, then we'll know how things really are. My skin healed from radiation, no blisters, thank goodness. I continue to go to the hospital every 3 weeks for my Herceptin infusion, this will continue until July/August, it's a one year program. I am cold all the time now, except for the "super hot flashes" that the Tamoxifen brings - they are wayyyy worse than the natural ones. I actually feel like I could spontaneously combust! I think I'll feel better when I get the "all clear" after my mammogram - I hope that's what I get. Then I can really begin to live my new normal.

Thank you for checking in with me.

We are still praying for more positive outcoms! So glad you didn't end up with blisters -- so painful and dangerous. Keep us posted, and sending you gentle hugs!