Radiation can reduce breast cancer recurrence by up to 70% — but it can also have unfortunate side effects. This is because it damages healthy cells while it’s zapping cancerous cells. It’s common to be nervous or scared of what may happen to your skin during this type of therapy, so we’re here to break it down.
The side effects tend to gradually appear a couple weeks after the treatment has started, and can last for up to six months after it has ended. The severity of the symptoms can vary from person to person, especially when you factor in how many weeks the therapy is required. In some cases, the onset of side effects won’t occur until months or even years after treatment, but this is fairly rare.
What Are The Side Effects Of Radiation Therapy?
The most common effects include damage to skin (like sensitivity, skin weepiness, burning, dryness, blisters, peeling, and itchiness) and fatigue that won’t improve with rest. Less common effects include heart problems, lung problems, low white blood cell count, and lymphoedema. In extremely rare cases, radiation can lead to a secondary cancer, like sarcoma (cancer of the connective tissues).
Your breasts may change slightly in size (due to fluid build-up or scar tissue), the skin may appear thicker, your pores may be more noticeable, and your skin may even become darker in the treated area. In addition, your changed body image will definitely take some getting used to, and then there are other emotional side effects like fear and anxiety that come from not knowing the outcome of your treatment.
Many people will not experience severe symptoms, so don’t fret: just be prepared. Since radiation therapy can seem overwhelming and scary, we’ve included a list of items that will help you get through your weeks of treatment.
Tips To Stay As Comfortable As Possible:
Wear loose clothing
Try not to wear a bra if areas are raw, try a sports bra.
The treated area will be more susceptible to sunburn than the rest of your skin, so be sure to use sunscreen.
Use warm water in the shower
When you wash the area, use only water and mild soap, eg dove.
Balance activity with plenty of rest.
Sweat can irritate the affected area.
Stay hydrated, water is crucial.
source-the breast cancer site
Monday, 30 November 2015
Tuesday, 24 November 2015
Tattoos
Many women opt for getting their first tattoo post breast cancer treatment. I have one on my arm and am hoping to get another for Christmas this year. I remember my surgeon commenting on my tattoo when he first saw it. He said does having breast cancer mean you must get a tattoo? Well, no it doesn't, how ridiculous, but for many it is a significant sign of what we have been through. Why not, I say. Here are some of my favourite tattoos...
FIGHTING THE STORM - MY BREAST CANCER JOURNEY
Monday, 23 November 2015
Top 5 Signs and Symptoms of Breast Cancer
I have been diagnosed with er+ Pr+ breast cancer twice in two years. In each breast. Both times my signs were different. The first time I was diagnosed I found my lump. It was the size of a marble and felt like it was close to the surface in my right breast.I had a lot of pain across my chest and the lump was painful. I had also lost a lot of weight, was tired and nauseas.
The second time I was sent for a mammogram by my doctor. The only signs I had then that something could be wrong was a daily feeling of extreme tiredness and constant nausea. I was shocked when my results came back, the mammogram and ultrasound picked up a tumor in my left breast. The following are 5 signs and symptoms to look out for, they are not all of the signs, so if you are concerned about any thing, please see your doctor.
1. We should all be aware that ANY change in your breast is reason enough to be checked. Whether it be a change in the size of your breast or nipples, feeling a lump, leaking, pain, indentation, your breast looking like the skin of an orange or change of size and color.
2. I have read that breast cancer is not painful. PLEASE if you are having pains in your breast or chest area see your doctor. Breast cancer can be painful. I know that for a fact.
3.Check under your arms as well. Any pain, swelling or lumps under your arms can also be a sign of breast cancer. Checking under your arms and around your breast area is just as important as checking your breasts.
4. Unexplained tiredness , weight loss and nausea can be signs of many things but they are also important signs to look out for with breast cancer. If you have any of these signs combined with changes in your breasts then please don't delay in seeing a doctor and getting checked.
5. Absolutely no signs or symptoms at all. This reason alone is why it is so important to check and know your breasts. Breast cancer doesn't discriminate. Whether you are 18 or 80, your age doesn't matter. Having no family history doesn't mean you can't get breast cancer.
Having any of these signs or symptoms doesn't mean you have breast cancer but it is reason enough to see a doctor and be checked.
Purchase my book at Amazon. Link at left.
The second time I was sent for a mammogram by my doctor. The only signs I had then that something could be wrong was a daily feeling of extreme tiredness and constant nausea. I was shocked when my results came back, the mammogram and ultrasound picked up a tumor in my left breast. The following are 5 signs and symptoms to look out for, they are not all of the signs, so if you are concerned about any thing, please see your doctor.
1. We should all be aware that ANY change in your breast is reason enough to be checked. Whether it be a change in the size of your breast or nipples, feeling a lump, leaking, pain, indentation, your breast looking like the skin of an orange or change of size and color.
2. I have read that breast cancer is not painful. PLEASE if you are having pains in your breast or chest area see your doctor. Breast cancer can be painful. I know that for a fact.
3.Check under your arms as well. Any pain, swelling or lumps under your arms can also be a sign of breast cancer. Checking under your arms and around your breast area is just as important as checking your breasts.
4. Unexplained tiredness , weight loss and nausea can be signs of many things but they are also important signs to look out for with breast cancer. If you have any of these signs combined with changes in your breasts then please don't delay in seeing a doctor and getting checked.
5. Absolutely no signs or symptoms at all. This reason alone is why it is so important to check and know your breasts. Breast cancer doesn't discriminate. Whether you are 18 or 80, your age doesn't matter. Having no family history doesn't mean you can't get breast cancer.
Having any of these signs or symptoms doesn't mean you have breast cancer but it is reason enough to see a doctor and be checked.
Purchase my book at Amazon. Link at left.
Sunday, 22 November 2015
Saturday, 21 November 2015
Cancer Support
Sometimes, some people in our lives are just incapable of supporting us through our journeys. Sadly, it is usually the people that are closest to us or have been in our lives the longest. I've seen peoples relationships fall apart not long after diagnosis or surgery. People find it easier to just walk away, because THEY can't handle the situation. I belong to several support groups and this is usually the topic of conversation.
My attitude now is this -
If people in your life cannot support you, simply call you and ask how you are,if they don't listen to you when you speak about your health, if they expect you to be their ear or shoulder to cry on but can't offer you the same, if they tell you that they can't handle your situation or they just don't care and they make it clear to you.
Then I say good riddance to them, they are not worth the stress, they are not worthy of you.
You have a fight on your hands by having cancer. You have to live and fight for you and the people in your life who do care and who do support you.
Yes, this may be harsh. Life is too short. We all learn that, once we are diagnosed. Live your life the way you want to. Don't let anybody bring you down.
There are many support groups available, you can and will make friends. Surround yourself with people who make you happy.
My attitude now is this -
If people in your life cannot support you, simply call you and ask how you are,if they don't listen to you when you speak about your health, if they expect you to be their ear or shoulder to cry on but can't offer you the same, if they tell you that they can't handle your situation or they just don't care and they make it clear to you.
Then I say good riddance to them, they are not worth the stress, they are not worthy of you.
You have a fight on your hands by having cancer. You have to live and fight for you and the people in your life who do care and who do support you.
Yes, this may be harsh. Life is too short. We all learn that, once we are diagnosed. Live your life the way you want to. Don't let anybody bring you down.
There are many support groups available, you can and will make friends. Surround yourself with people who make you happy.
Friday, 20 November 2015
Thank You
My e-reader Fighting The Storm - My Breast Cancer Journey is currently sitting at #7 and it has been less than a week. I am thrilled and very grateful to those who have read it. :) 
Thursday, 19 November 2015
Tamoxifen
Tamoxifen also known as tamoxabitch, by those of us who take it.
I took tamoxifen for two and a half years, until I was recently diagnosed again with breast cancer for the second time. I have stopped taking it now and will be taking a different medication, once I finish radiation.
Some of the not so wonderful side-effects of tamoxifen -
Weight gain. I have gained 50kgs since I started taking tamoxifen and it is near impossible to lose any of that weight. I went from wearing a size 12 - 14 to now wearing a size 20.
I also had several endometrium cysts, cysts on my ovaries, caused by tamoxifen. Tamoxifen can cause blood clots.
Tamoxifen increases the chance of cancer of the uterus (womb) in some women taking it. Tamoxifen may cause blockages to form in a vein, lung, or brain. In women, tamoxifen may cause cancer or other problems of the uterus (womb). In addition, tamoxifen has been reported to cause cataracts and other eye problems. I now also wear glasses.
As well as its needed effects, tamoxifen may cause unwanted side effects that require medical attention.
Some tamoxifen side effects may not need any medical attention. As your body gets used to the medicine these side effects may disappear.
Absent, missed, or irregular periods
decrease in the amount of urine
feeling of warmth
menstrual changes
noisy, rattling breathing
redness of the face, neck, arms and occasionally, upper chest
skin changes
stopping of menstrual bleeding
swelling of the fingers, hands, feet, or lower legs
troubled breathing at rest
weight gain or loss
white or brownish vaginal discharge
Less common or rare
Abdominal or stomach cramps
black, tarry stools
bleeding gums
blood in the urine or stools
bluish color changes in skin color
bone pain
decreased interest in sexual intercourse
discouragement
feeling sad or empty
hair loss or thinning of the hair
headache
inability to have or keep an erection
irritability
itching in the genital area
loss of interest or pleasure
loss in sexual ability, desire, drive, or performance
nausea or vomiting (mild)
pain
pinpoint red spots on the skin
skin rash or dryness
stomach or pelvic discomfort, aching, or heaviness
swelling
trouble concentrating
trouble with sleeping
unusual bleeding or bruising
I took tamoxifen for two and a half years, until I was recently diagnosed again with breast cancer for the second time. I have stopped taking it now and will be taking a different medication, once I finish radiation.
Some of the not so wonderful side-effects of tamoxifen -
Weight gain. I have gained 50kgs since I started taking tamoxifen and it is near impossible to lose any of that weight. I went from wearing a size 12 - 14 to now wearing a size 20.
I also had several endometrium cysts, cysts on my ovaries, caused by tamoxifen. Tamoxifen can cause blood clots.
Tamoxifen increases the chance of cancer of the uterus (womb) in some women taking it. Tamoxifen may cause blockages to form in a vein, lung, or brain. In women, tamoxifen may cause cancer or other problems of the uterus (womb). In addition, tamoxifen has been reported to cause cataracts and other eye problems. I now also wear glasses.
As well as its needed effects, tamoxifen may cause unwanted side effects that require medical attention.
Some tamoxifen side effects may not need any medical attention. As your body gets used to the medicine these side effects may disappear.
Absent, missed, or irregular periods
decrease in the amount of urine
feeling of warmth
menstrual changes
noisy, rattling breathing
redness of the face, neck, arms and occasionally, upper chest
skin changes
stopping of menstrual bleeding
swelling of the fingers, hands, feet, or lower legs
troubled breathing at rest
weight gain or loss
white or brownish vaginal discharge
Less common or rare
Abdominal or stomach cramps
black, tarry stools
bleeding gums
blood in the urine or stools
bluish color changes in skin color
bone pain
decreased interest in sexual intercourse
discouragement
feeling sad or empty
hair loss or thinning of the hair
headache
inability to have or keep an erection
irritability
itching in the genital area
loss of interest or pleasure
loss in sexual ability, desire, drive, or performance
nausea or vomiting (mild)
pain
pinpoint red spots on the skin
skin rash or dryness
stomach or pelvic discomfort, aching, or heaviness
swelling
trouble concentrating
trouble with sleeping
unusual bleeding or bruising
Fighting The Storm - My Breast Cancer Journey.
Fighting The Storm - My Breast Cancer Journey. Kindle e-reader. Is available for purchase from Amazon.
Wednesday, 18 November 2015
Radiation Round 2
I started radiation on Monday. At the same hospital that I was treated last time. I had my daughter at home because she was unwell so I had to take her with me. It's has only been two years since I had radiation but I've already noticed a few changes in that short time. Some are good and some well....
1. Two years ago the only time I saw the rad nurses was when I started developing blisters from the radiation, about three quarters of the way through. I was treated with lots of creams and bandaging.
This time on my very first day I was taken to meet with the rad nurses for education. I was given cream and information. I had another appointment today but I was allowed to skip this one. Apparently, I will see the rads nurses every week and they will keep check of my burns etc.
2. The radiation section has had a large extension added, with I think two new bays for radiation. The waiting areas inside have improved and there are more of them. Overall, the radiation section is looking really good.
3.So far, as soon as I have sat down to wait I have been called in. I've noticed that compared to last time, two years ago, that the place is almost deserted. Two years ago it was so busy there that you had to always sit near someone else. Now, the waiting room is empty bar 2 or 3 other people. That would be a good thing, a sign that less people in the area are needing radiation right now, only that I have also noticed that there are not nearly as many staff members as there once was. In fact I have only seen one or two machines operating and no more than 5 staff. Sadly, I think it's quite possible that the waiting lists will get longer because staff have been cut.
4. Now part of this is kind of funny. Two years ago I would go to reception , sit in the waiting room,and a nurse would come out and call my name. We would then go to my machine. Yesterday, the receptionist handed me one of those restaurant/club style beepers. The ones that go off when your meal is ready. I didn't know what it was for. When I asked the receptionist what it was for she told me to sit down and wait for it to beep then return it to her. I thought, how strange. As soon as I sat down it went off so I returned it to reception and asked her now what do I do. She said go through to my radiation bay.
I guess that there is another reason why there are less staff. They have been replaced by these beepers.
1. Two years ago the only time I saw the rad nurses was when I started developing blisters from the radiation, about three quarters of the way through. I was treated with lots of creams and bandaging.
This time on my very first day I was taken to meet with the rad nurses for education. I was given cream and information. I had another appointment today but I was allowed to skip this one. Apparently, I will see the rads nurses every week and they will keep check of my burns etc.
2. The radiation section has had a large extension added, with I think two new bays for radiation. The waiting areas inside have improved and there are more of them. Overall, the radiation section is looking really good.
3.So far, as soon as I have sat down to wait I have been called in. I've noticed that compared to last time, two years ago, that the place is almost deserted. Two years ago it was so busy there that you had to always sit near someone else. Now, the waiting room is empty bar 2 or 3 other people. That would be a good thing, a sign that less people in the area are needing radiation right now, only that I have also noticed that there are not nearly as many staff members as there once was. In fact I have only seen one or two machines operating and no more than 5 staff. Sadly, I think it's quite possible that the waiting lists will get longer because staff have been cut.
4. Now part of this is kind of funny. Two years ago I would go to reception , sit in the waiting room,and a nurse would come out and call my name. We would then go to my machine. Yesterday, the receptionist handed me one of those restaurant/club style beepers. The ones that go off when your meal is ready. I didn't know what it was for. When I asked the receptionist what it was for she told me to sit down and wait for it to beep then return it to her. I thought, how strange. As soon as I sat down it went off so I returned it to reception and asked her now what do I do. She said go through to my radiation bay.
I guess that there is another reason why there are less staff. They have been replaced by these beepers.
Tuesday, 17 November 2015
My grateful Self Study
So I saw this link online today and thought it would be a good idea to share with you. There is an Oncology Nurse Practitioner in the US that is doing a study to monitor the psychological health of those of us with breast cancer during our treatments. It is open to women all over the world. Here is the link to the study and to submit an interest form:
http://mygratefulself.org/modules/8?page=1
http://mygratefulself.org/modules/8?page=1
Monday, 16 November 2015
Fighting the Storm - My Breast Cancer Journey. New kindle
Fighting The Storm - My Breast Cancer Journey. Kindle e-reader. Is available for purchase from Amazon.
Radiation
First radiation treatment today. I had forgotten how tired I would feel afterwards. The treatment itself was fine, it took about ten minutes,but the tiredness has hit me almost immediately this time. I met with the rads nurses who gave me a list of possible side effects. This time around I will see a nurse every week to check on my burns. Today I was given some sorbolene cream to use everyday. The joys of breast cancer treatment.
Life Without Ovaries
So, for the past two and a half years I have been in what they call 'medically induced menopause'. I have been on tamoxifen and have had zoladex injections every 4 weeks. The zoladex puts my ovaries to sleep. The whole reason for this treatment was to lower or stop the production of estrogen in my body. As my breast cancer was estrogen positive. Having my ovaries removed was not an option I was given. That was until my recent recurrence - also estrogen positive breast cancer. I had my ovaries removed two weeks ago. Tomorrow I will see my gyno for any results. The surgery wasn't as easy as what I had expected. I had a few complications and oh so much pain. Apparently, I had a lot adhesions due to a previous cesarean and they had to be removed so the surgeon could get to my ovaries.
I have been in menopause for the past two years. I also have medication to help relieve those symptoms. Efexor. Unfortunately, that stopped working for me a long time ago. I get all the not so wonderful symptoms of menopause. Instead of feeling like a 45 year old I now feel more like 75.
Since having my ovaries removed I had a brake from the sweats and hot flushes for the first week. I couldn't walk straight and I was in pain but at least I wasn't sweating. Roll on last Saturday and I woke early in the morning dripping wet like I had been sleep walking and had a shower. Most of the day was spent with my body overheating. Sweating was out of control and hit with no warning. Luckily for me I had no where to go. So, I hid inside my house, sweating and hot flushing all day. The flushes were so strong that I also had nausea. What a rotten day.
Just as I am thinking, this will be my life now. I doubt there is any other medication out there that I can take to help with my menopause, everything has stopped again.No hot flushes or sweats since Saturday. I have a feeling that at the moment I am on a roller-coaster ride, not able to get off. Hopefully, the ride will stop soon and let me get off and leave my menopause symptoms behind.
I have been in menopause for the past two years. I also have medication to help relieve those symptoms. Efexor. Unfortunately, that stopped working for me a long time ago. I get all the not so wonderful symptoms of menopause. Instead of feeling like a 45 year old I now feel more like 75.
Since having my ovaries removed I had a brake from the sweats and hot flushes for the first week. I couldn't walk straight and I was in pain but at least I wasn't sweating. Roll on last Saturday and I woke early in the morning dripping wet like I had been sleep walking and had a shower. Most of the day was spent with my body overheating. Sweating was out of control and hit with no warning. Luckily for me I had no where to go. So, I hid inside my house, sweating and hot flushing all day. The flushes were so strong that I also had nausea. What a rotten day.
Just as I am thinking, this will be my life now. I doubt there is any other medication out there that I can take to help with my menopause, everything has stopped again.No hot flushes or sweats since Saturday. I have a feeling that at the moment I am on a roller-coaster ride, not able to get off. Hopefully, the ride will stop soon and let me get off and leave my menopause symptoms behind.
Saturday, 14 November 2015
Friday, 13 November 2015
Adrenal Gland Tumor
I wonder how many people have been diagnosed with an adrenal gland tumor and breast cancer?
I have just learned that I have an adrenal gland tumor. One doctor says - its nothing, most people have them. The other doctor tells me I need to keep check on it. Here we go again.
Could this be the reason for my recent breast cancer recurrence ?
I have just learned that I have an adrenal gland tumor. One doctor says - its nothing, most people have them. The other doctor tells me I need to keep check on it. Here we go again.
Could this be the reason for my recent breast cancer recurrence ?
If Only............
Sometimes I wish I could go back to my life, pre-cancer. Get all my medications and throw them in the bin. Eat what I want, when I want to without worrying about gaining weight. Rarely visit a doctor and usually only because I have something minor. Sometimes, I miss the little things that cancer takes away.
Thursday, 12 November 2015
Fighting the Storm
Now available at amazon
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B017UTFFRQ?*Version*=1&*entries*=0
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B017UTFFRQ?*Version*=1&*entries*=0
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