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Radiation therapy following lumpectomy

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Posted 5/28/2007 1:53 AM (GMT 0)
I was diagnosed 12/05 with breast cancer - tumor was snall and nothng in the lymphnodes. I know I am very fortunate.  I had two surgeries because the first one did not get all the cells at the margin.  I had 33 radiation treatments and my breast shrunk from the radiation so I am kind of lopsided.  Has this happened to anyone else?  Also, I am on a drug called Arimidex and I have to take it for 5 years - have taken it 2 years already.  The only side effect I have from it is that I get terrible hot flashes.  I don't want to stop taking it because it cuts my risk of recurrence so low.  Anyone take this medication and if so do you get hot flashes?  My oncologist said to take Vitamin E.  Also some people take black cohosh which I tried and it did work but then I heard on the news it can cause liver damage so I stopped it.  Would appreciate any suggestions.
Posted 5/28/2007 6:10 AM (GMT 0)

Hi,

I'm sorry you're having problems with hot flashes.  I was on Tamoxifen for 2 years and Arimidex for 3 years.  I did not have problems with hot flashes.  However, I would like to recommend you not take anything for the hot flashes without first clearing it with your oncologist.

Good luck with the hot flashes.

Debbie

Posted 5/29/2007 1:32 AM (GMT 0)
I had radiation after a lumpectomy in 1994.  As more time passed my breast that had the radiation was almost half the size of the other breast.  I had breast reconstruction a little over a year ago.  I opted to have the larger breast reduced.  I am very please with the results. I wore a prosthesis (spelling?) for about two years, but I could never find a bathing suit that I liked with it.  So, I decided to have the surgery. 

I had hot flashes for about three years.  I didn't use anything for them.

Susan

Posted 5/29/2007 1:42 PM (GMT 0)
Hi:

 

I had rads in 2004, and my breast is a little smaller, nothing I'd really notice, they are pretty big, so cleavege is there anyway.  I hate the dent, though.

 

I am still on arimidex and will be for another year or so, first took tamoxifen then arimidex after the hysterectomy/oopher.  I have hot flashes, not sure if it's the oopherectomy/menopause thing or the arimidex, but I was getting them.  When I forget to take my Vitamin E, they return, but Vitamin E takes care of them.  I swear by it.

Posted 5/29/2007 9:59 PM (GMT 0)

Thanks for the suggestion about vitamin E.  I think I will try it.  How much do you take?

With the hot weather is would be a relief not to have these hot flashes!

Posted 6/3/2007 12:06 AM (GMT 0)
I started taking vit E, also and it has helped the flashes some, not totally.  I read recently that Vit B6 can help, too.  I was taking a B complex along with E and they were much better.  I wouldn't take Black Cohosh as I've read it mimics estrogen, so not good for us ER/PR+ ladies.
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