Tips for Breast Cancer warriors

I kept running notes in a spiral notebook. Just quick comments, usually daily, sometimes more. All kinds of info, some was helpful, others not. I rated my pain level, just a number with a word like stabbing, aching, bruise like. I noted when I was moody, weepy. I didn’t have hot flashes, but when I got overheated (sitting in a hot car in Houston) my body was unable to recover and cool off, I noted when that happened.
The most helpful was when I looked back and could see when brain fog started and headaches that became a 24/7 thing. Good info to be able to discuss the issue with the doctor.

Looking back, I can say my best tip was and continues to be a mindfulness exercise. If I feel really crappy from chemo or really tired from radiation or the hot flashes are particularly difficult on an already hot day, I remind myself that every treatment is temporary a day, a month, a year, but the reasons I want to live are for life.
My reasons for living are, more time with my family, laughing with a friend, the quiet sounds of life in nature, the pure joy of seeing my horse come running and get all excited the minute he sees me.
The sicker we are the more we have to look for something to be grateful for, when I was a little sick, I would think of what I was grateful for that day (warm weather or a special meal) when I was super sick, I might have to look for the thing I could be grateful for that minute (my soft warm bed, or a cup of tea).
I can’t wait to read everyone’s little or big tips for getting through it all.💕

Don’t compare yourself to others going through breast cancer treatment. We all have our own unique journey.

And…This too shall pass. ♥️

Radiation tip:
A CLEAN Aloe vera leaf scored in a square, kept in container in fridge, gel applied every 20 -30 mins shirtless ( I watched a youtube video on how to score the leaf).
FYI: CLEAN meaning you know the source of the aloe vera leaf. It can contain bacteria.
Or if youre working or on the go, use Lily of the Desert 99% aloe vera gel. (I used at night or if I needed to get out during the day after radiation)
For 30 day radiation treatment, use a new aloe leaf every week.
I also drank a small glass of Johnsons aloe vera juice, to work from the inside out.
No burning, beautiful skin. Radiologist, Oncologist, Gynecologist and Primary doctor all amazed. For me even after 10 years out and my now senior age, its the best skin on me.
Drink lots of quality water.
(Cute story: my radiologist called me in the 3rd week and was concerned he had mis calibrated me because he didnt think I was burning enough. O the power of aloe vera gel☺️)

I used aloe Vera gel too! No burn. The radiology nurse didn’t like that I wasn’t only using their calendula gel. So I never mentioned it again. Aloe Vera is definitely a hidden gem of radiation!

Absolutely! No burn. Frying is for eggs 😂

I used an alcohol free brand and kept it in the fridge. 😍

Agree! I used fresh Aloe Vera from my garden and it worked wonder. I cleaned it with dish soap then wiped the outside with rubbing alcohol before using a clean knife to remove the thorns and the original cut. Stored in refrigerator. I took a few pieces with me to rub on my breast right after the radiation. No blister, no burn! I also used Aloe Vera for other kind of burns too. Processed Aloe Vera from store don't work that well for me. The trick is to clean it well to remove bacteria and do no use it if your skin is broken. But that's just my experience.

Great idea to share tips! It never occurred to me to just strip down in the radiation room; genius! And the fresh aloe for radiation burns; wow! I burned to a crisp in radiation-my skin was red and black and broken and peeling and just horrifying.
So here's what I have learned as a Breast Cancer Warrior:
--Swell Spots and the Healthy Steps exercise class are wonderful for breast lymphedema.
--If one AI doesn't work for you, try another. Anastrozole and letrozole gave me intolerable side effects, but exemestane is great for me.
--Tamoxifen. It's great for some, but it was hell for me. I tried it between letrozole and exemestane, and experienced sudden and extreme anxiety and depression. Because that's not listed as a possible side effect of tamoxifen, I went crazy trying to figure out what was happening and why. My brother finally unearthed anecdotal evidence of a connection, I quit the tamoxifen, and the anxiety and depression quickly vanished. The medical community does not acknowledge any link, but I am beyond certain that tamoxifen caused my anxiety and depression. That said, don't be afraid to try it! I'm sure my experience is very rare, but I like to share it in case it can help someone else.
--Look for cancer resources in your area. I'm in Toledo, Ohio, and we are sooo lucky to have The Victory Center. They offer all kinds of free services for cancer patients; massage, therapy, exercise, art, wigs...too many to list. I'm getting misty-eyed as I type this; I can't tell you how wonderful the people are and how much they've helped me along the way.
--Toxic positivity is real. Yes, a positive outlook and optimistic spirit can be helpful, but when you're constantly hearing "Fight, you're strong, keep smiling, you're so brave, etc." you can start to feel guilty if you ever have a down day or negative thought. I absolutely believe in what my husband called my PMA (Positive Mental Attitude) way before my cancer diagnosis; it's very helpful in a lot of situations! But I felt like I had no room (or even no right) to be sad, or mad, or scared during my cancer treatment. Once I realized that I was squashing down any "negative" feelings and started admitting my fear and sadness, I felt so much better. So I make a point to tell people I know with cancer dx's that they can be totally open and honest with me, they do not always have to be happy, smiley, sunshine and rainbows. Yes, we are warriors, but we are also human, and cancer sucks!
--Advocate for yourself. I heard this a lot and didn't really understand what it meant, but when the incision under my arm from my SLNB became extremely painful and swollen, and the NP would not believe it was infected even after repeated visits, I understood. I finally insisted on antibiotics and the issue quickly resolved.
--Related to the above...don't be afraid to ask questions. I go to every appointment with a list of questions/concerns. I bring up every little thing on my mind about my treatment! Never be afraid about "wasting the doctor's time." That's what they're there for!
So there's my take. Hugs to everyone.