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Opting out of radiation or chemo
Breast Cancer | Last Active: Dec 31, 2023 | Replies (98)Comment receiving replies
Hi all. I just finished 4 weeks of radiation. It wasn’t too bad for the first 3 weeks - “all” I had was an itchy, slightly painful rash. Then in the 4th week it was like they turned up the heat! My chest is now really burned especially around my left breast. I asked for help from my radiation oncologist and was sent an antibiotic cream. I don’t have an infection (knock on wood) I have pain. I put the antibiotic cream aside and after gently washing I slathered on an inexpensive “healing ointment” for cracked, dry skin (kind of like Vaseline - just smells better) and I’m much more comfortable now.
Next week I’m supposed to start Anastrozole (generic for Arimidex) - an aromatase inhibitor. I’m afraid of the side effects, especially pain. I was brutalized for decades and being in pain now triggers horrible memories and feelings. I guess I will try it but it will take a miracle to be able to stay on it.
With all the billions in profit every quarter, you’d think some company would come up with a cure. But I guess with all the money they’re making from cancer treatments, why would they? It’s so frustrating especially since there’s no cancer in my family. I found out I probably got it from the antidepressants I took years ago (SSRIs for 20 years). Makes me feel like a victim all over again.
Replies to "Hi all. I just finished 4 weeks of radiation. It wasn’t too bad for the first..."
Sorry to hear about all you have been through. I take Anastrozole and don't have any big problems. I did gain weight around my middle and get over heated sometimes. I had a partial masectomy and decided not to get radiation. I feel comfortable that they got it all and I have regular checkups. Also I am now 78 yrs. old, was 77 when I made the decision. I never heard of getting cancer from SSRIs. I have taken the lowest dose for over 20 yrs. because of anxiety giving me extremely high blood pressure. Take care and God Bless.
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Hi, I’m right behind you. Had surgery 3 weeks ago with no complications and about ready to begin radiation treatments . I’d rather do nothing at this point because the next steps are petrifying for me. Im healthy , strong, active and 70 and I dread all the side effects I am reading about for radiation and astrozole. I had years of hot flashes, soaked sheets at night, mood swings, weight gain, etc,etc and dread the thought of whatever years I have left dealing with all of that and more again … with no guarantees that cancer will not return. I feel betrayed by all that I did for 50 yrs to prevent cancer and would never put all these toxins on or in my body but now I have to betray my body and shoot it with cancer and Horne treatment … the temple of my soul. Im not sure if it’s anger or fear I’m feeling but you’d think we’d spend more $ and research , cures and humane treatments on cancer in our country then on war??? The USA has the highest cancer rates ( all cancers) than any country in the world. Something is wrong with this picture!