Breast Cancer Journey
Viewing comments for Prologue "The Nightmare Ends"My journey through breast cancer.
81 total reviews
Comment from kiwisteveh
Thank you for sharing this personal story. I am sure it will be am encouragement to anyone else undergoing similar treatment and I hope it helps you as well to be able to discuss it so openly.
Good luck with the rest of the radiation and then I hope a break for you to recover.
Not that it matters for this, but 'faired' right at the end should be 'fared'
All the best.
Steve
reply by the author on 16-May-2011
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Thank you for sharing this personal story. I am sure it will be am encouragement to anyone else undergoing similar treatment and I hope it helps you as well to be able to discuss it so openly.
Good luck with the rest of the radiation and then I hope a break for you to recover.
Not that it matters for this, but 'faired' right at the end should be 'fared'
All the best.
Steve
Comment Written 16-May-2011
reply by the author on 16-May-2011
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Thank you for your kind review and I will correct that error.
Comment from Helen Tan
Barbara, I know how bad an itch can get based on my experience with allergies. My heart goes out to you.
You've been strong these 10 months and I admire you for it. I keep you in my prayers and thoughts.
Hugs from Singapore.
reply by the author on 16-May-2011
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Barbara, I know how bad an itch can get based on my experience with allergies. My heart goes out to you.
You've been strong these 10 months and I admire you for it. I keep you in my prayers and thoughts.
Hugs from Singapore.
Comment Written 16-May-2011
reply by the author on 16-May-2011
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Thank you for your support and friendship.
Comment from writerwish
Thanks for the update. Sounds like you are getting close to the finish line. I worked at a cancer center and the treatments are truly dreadful. Much worse than the disease. Are you still working?? I saw you mentioned your first graders. You are amazing. You have kept your sense of humor.
reply by the author on 16-May-2011
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Thanks for the update. Sounds like you are getting close to the finish line. I worked at a cancer center and the treatments are truly dreadful. Much worse than the disease. Are you still working?? I saw you mentioned your first graders. You are amazing. You have kept your sense of humor.
Comment Written 16-May-2011
reply by the author on 16-May-2011
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Yes, I have continued working. I do better staying busy than sitting around feeling sorry for myself. Thank you for your insight.
Comment from jshep
Barbara, I am assuming you a pre-menopausal as that is when tomoxaphin is used. I take the post-menopausal drug Aromasin, which I will take for life or until it no longer works. I had areas of itching and got a cream too. Mine was a result of shingles, but not full blown. But that is a size effect of Alvade which is the chemo I will eventually take and then they actually treat you with medication for it. You are in the same position, in that the treatment is worse than the cancer, and I am so sorry you are going through so much. I have been on the Silverdene for skin that was dying and it does help, but I wish I had an answer for the pain. You might try going on the Mayo Clinic and getting their newsletter. They have many issues on dealing with chem and radiation. I am glad to hear you are almost through with these devilish treatments, and hopefully will have some down town to recover and regain your strength. I think you are doing an amazing job of showing your patience and coping as best as any of us can when cancer is involved. You are in my prayers for complete and becoming a true survivor. Thanks for the update. Joycexx
reply by the author on 16-May-2011
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Barbara, I am assuming you a pre-menopausal as that is when tomoxaphin is used. I take the post-menopausal drug Aromasin, which I will take for life or until it no longer works. I had areas of itching and got a cream too. Mine was a result of shingles, but not full blown. But that is a size effect of Alvade which is the chemo I will eventually take and then they actually treat you with medication for it. You are in the same position, in that the treatment is worse than the cancer, and I am so sorry you are going through so much. I have been on the Silverdene for skin that was dying and it does help, but I wish I had an answer for the pain. You might try going on the Mayo Clinic and getting their newsletter. They have many issues on dealing with chem and radiation. I am glad to hear you are almost through with these devilish treatments, and hopefully will have some down town to recover and regain your strength. I think you are doing an amazing job of showing your patience and coping as best as any of us can when cancer is involved. You are in my prayers for complete and becoming a true survivor. Thanks for the update. Joycexx
Comment Written 16-May-2011
reply by the author on 16-May-2011
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Thank you for your support and insight. I have two more treatments left. I not have blisters on the raw skin. I am counting the minutes until I am done.
Comment from Patrick G Cox
Hi Barbara,
Thanks for this update on your progress, it certainly sounds as if you've been given the full works here. There is nothing I can suggest for the pain of the burns, though I would certainly be concerned by the fact that you have suffered burns from it.
I do have one suggestion for you. If you use an antiperspirant, stop immediately. The armpits are one of only two areas in the body where toxins are excreted in our sweat. Using an antiperspirant prevents their removal with the result they accumulate in the tissue of the chest and breast, increasing the risk of cancer. My wife and I use an Alum based deodorant on the advice of our doctor. I deal with the "sweaty armpits" by wearing a cotton teeshirt.
Patrick
reply by the author on 16-May-2011
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Hi Barbara,
Thanks for this update on your progress, it certainly sounds as if you've been given the full works here. There is nothing I can suggest for the pain of the burns, though I would certainly be concerned by the fact that you have suffered burns from it.
I do have one suggestion for you. If you use an antiperspirant, stop immediately. The armpits are one of only two areas in the body where toxins are excreted in our sweat. Using an antiperspirant prevents their removal with the result they accumulate in the tissue of the chest and breast, increasing the risk of cancer. My wife and I use an Alum based deodorant on the advice of our doctor. I deal with the "sweaty armpits" by wearing a cotton teeshirt.
Patrick
Comment Written 16-May-2011
reply by the author on 16-May-2011
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I haven't used an antiperspirant since I started radiation. After today's treatment I am getting blisters on the raw skin. I have very sensitive skin and the radialogist knew I would have problems with radiation. I have 2 more treatments left. I am counting the minutes.
Comment from R. K. Alan
I am so pleased you may be nearing the 'end game' with this terrible disease. remain strong and continue to pray. He is listening and will deal with it in time. A dear preacher friend told me that God tests us but never more than what He knows we can handle. I pray the news in June is positive. Ray aka R. K. Alan
reply by the author on 16-May-2011
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I am so pleased you may be nearing the 'end game' with this terrible disease. remain strong and continue to pray. He is listening and will deal with it in time. A dear preacher friend told me that God tests us but never more than what He knows we can handle. I pray the news in June is positive. Ray aka R. K. Alan
Comment Written 16-May-2011
reply by the author on 16-May-2011
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I agree with your Pastor. I know God walks with me during this journey and to be honest I have had to rely on his strength on more than one occasion.
Comment from Paradox Tremors
My prayers and love are with you as you fight this terrible disease my friend. May God's love and guidance be with you always and may you troubles be near at a end soon. My prayers and best wish will always be with you my friend.
reply by the author on 16-May-2011
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My prayers and love are with you as you fight this terrible disease my friend. May God's love and guidance be with you always and may you troubles be near at a end soon. My prayers and best wish will always be with you my friend.
Comment Written 15-May-2011
reply by the author on 16-May-2011
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Thank you for your kindness and support.
Comment from sopranodebs
Passion to live! That is your rope- grab hold of it, tie it to your body and let Him and your guides do the rest. Find the lesson of this journey and learn it, then you will heal. I believe that with everything I am. Hold His hand and trust he knows what He is doing. I am thinking of you. Its not your time yet, you have much to impart.
reply by the author on 16-May-2011
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Passion to live! That is your rope- grab hold of it, tie it to your body and let Him and your guides do the rest. Find the lesson of this journey and learn it, then you will heal. I believe that with everything I am. Hold His hand and trust he knows what He is doing. I am thinking of you. Its not your time yet, you have much to impart.
Comment Written 15-May-2011
reply by the author on 16-May-2011
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There has been many times He has given me the strength to continue this battle.
Comment from teacherdub
Barbara, I think of you often and what courage it takes to keep going, keep writing, and as much as possible keep teaching. You are a source of strength for all who have ever faced cancer. God bless you, and may your present painful symptoms dissipate with time. In Christian love, td
reply by the author on 16-May-2011
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Barbara, I think of you often and what courage it takes to keep going, keep writing, and as much as possible keep teaching. You are a source of strength for all who have ever faced cancer. God bless you, and may your present painful symptoms dissipate with time. In Christian love, td
Comment Written 15-May-2011
reply by the author on 16-May-2011
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Thank you for your encouragement and support.
Comment from nancyjam
Hi Barbara, I'm so sorry to read of your
reaction to the treatments and I hope the
itching ends soon and all the rest of it.
Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
Nancy
reply by the author on 15-May-2011
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Hi Barbara, I'm so sorry to read of your
reaction to the treatments and I hope the
itching ends soon and all the rest of it.
Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
Nancy
Comment Written 15-May-2011
reply by the author on 15-May-2011
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Thank you for your kind review.
