Well, almost a week on Tamoxifen and I’m doing well. I really have not noticed any side effects yet. I have a long way to go in that department, but so far, so good. What more could I ask? As far as my skin goes, if you picture a rectangular patch from sternum to side ribs, clavicle to just below where a breast used to be, much of the redness is fading and the sloughing skin is smoothing out. There is about a 3 inch patch over the scar that is pretty hot and breaking down. The most sensitive areas are at the ends of the scar. I have to be careful when I dry off from a shower not to rub that area. The skin could just fall right off and that causes really raw areas. Dead skin is not pleasant to look at, but at least I can see that some healing is going on beneath it. Don’t know if there are any morbidly curious people out there, but I will publish some scar pics from before, during and after radiation. Probably once I see that the scar is in healing mode rather than breaking down mode. I’m totally morbidly curious. I love to talk about body fluids and would be very curious myself.
I visited my herbalist last week and she gives acupuncture some of the credit for my not experiencing neuropathy with all the chemotherapy I had. I give acupuncture credit for a lot. I still do not believe that I have any signs of neuropathy. I’m so grateful for this. She also gave me a menu to cleanse my liver. I want to do this to mark the end of chemicals and treatments (other than Tamoxifen, of course.). A has decided she would do it with me. It’s so nice to have a partner in this. We are on day 3 of 7 today. All is going well. My acupuncturist treated me this week, using points related to my breast area. I am still intrigued by acupuncture. I strongly recommend it (not just for breast cancer treatment, by the way).
I’m back to work full time with the exception of the few interspersed appointments that I have. It feels good to feel good. I’m not as fatigued this week as I thought I’d be. D and I have made it out for our golf course walks 3 times this week. In fact we are due in 5 minutes to go this morning so I’d best be off. I pick up E from a friend’s house after that, and then head out prom dress shopping with A in our favorite local city. Life is normal. That is good.
The photos won’t disturb me, you are so open, good for you.
Nice A is doing the detox w/ you! She has such stunning skin to begin with she will only radiate in her prom gown now! Must send photos of that milestone too! (in a separate email)
Love you toooo much,
C
P.S. forgot….a few of my friends on Tamoxifen all keep water by their bedside, they wake up thirsty several times during the night.