anyone starting chemo in Nov 2005

Anonymous

Hi ladies-I love you all. I feel stronger just by "knowing" you are all in this fight with me. I agree with you, Anna. I always want to "make nice" with people who are obviously fighting cancer alongside me.

I feel better today. I am disappointed that they extended my treatment by 4 weeks-adding carboplatins to the taxol (I didn't have a "complete response" to the AC). Their words scare me, but I know that with God on my side, and my husband's love and support, I will be ok. Oh, this is a frustrating disease, isn't it?!?!
Lots of prayers to all, Debbie

Odalys

Debbie - Yes, it is very frustrating. Sorry to hear you have to add another drug to the mix. Hang in there and keep trusting in God, the love of your hubby and baby and us Nov ladies to get you through it. Cancer does not stand a change to all of us!!! When do you start? Did doc say what side effects to expect? Sending lots of love and hugs your way.

Odalys

Hi ladies- I'm sending a bit of Florida sunshine your way. Close your eyes and picture the warm sun on your face. Can you feel it??? Doesn't it feel gooood?



Anna - I agree with Nancy.



Hugs...

LiniWD

Debbie -
I had 4 Taxotere & Carboplatin and then my onc started me on AC. After 2 doses, my tumor started growing like mad, so we went back to Taxotere & Carboplatin (4 more doses). Now I'm on Femara once a day and doing fine.

I'd rather have the Tax & Carbo and have it work than the AC!!

Lynn

AnnaM

Debbie: Sorry to hear you are in for four weeks beyond what you expected. How do your doctors know you didn't have a "complete response" to the A/C? What sort of test did they do, or what were they looking for? No one has said anything about whether or not I am responding to the A/C. I'm just wondering. Yes, all of this is frustrating.

Thank you for that Florida sunshine, Odalys. I needed some of it on my face today. What a wimp I am, I cried all the way back from the airport after dropping my daughter off. She's coming back on the 7th and I get four more days with her, so what's this silliness? Those of you who have little ones around, enjoy them. They grow up so quickly and you have to let them go. I wish I could just have one day with that little person underfoot. I sure hope I enjoyed every minute of it.

Anna

Odalys

Anna- I'm glad you were able to capture some of the sunshine rays. BTW- It's not silliness, it's motherly love. Somehow it all takes a different meaning after BC, doesn't it?

Marcia320

I am 44 yo and was dx with ILC. I had a lumpectomy the end of September. 1.8 cm, ER/PR +, Her - and node neg. I did alot of research but didn't find this site until mid-November. I didn't check out the discussion board till much later and didn't find this particular thread until Dec. I started CMF 11/16 - every 3 weeks for 8 cycles. I have been reading this thread for a couple of weeks. I am just amazed at the courage, strength and camraderie that you very special women have. You have been through so much. I feel like a bit of a "fraud" entering this thread. I've had 2 treatments of CMF that went fairly well - although my 3rd one is postponed until next week due to low wbc. While I have not experienced what you have - I want to tell you that I am so inspired by all of you. You are so strong - strong enough to admit when you are scared and having a bad day. I think of all of you often and find myself coming to this site almost everyday to see how you are doing. God bless all of you.

LizM

Anna, loved your post. I feel the same way you do when I see women in wigs or with breast cancer survivor ribbons on their car.

Had AC#3 today. Treatment went fine. No oncologist visit today, he's away for the holiday. Visited with a lady today who was sporting her bald head. We had a great converation about how much we disliked our wigs. I have one but wear hats most of the time. I even took off my hat in front of people to show off my bald head. I have shown my husband and kids but nobody else. It felt somewhat liberating.

Took compozine as soon as I got home and am starting to fade so I better go. I'm forcing the water down but I don't like the taste anymore.

Talk to you lovely ladies tomorrow.

lana17775

Welcome Marcia!
Sorry you had to join our club, but glad you've found our thread! You'll find lots of strength and support here!
Liz-
Glad your treatment went well today -- I feel comfortable at the treatment center 'topless', but nowhere else, other than home -- we'll see come spring and the warm weather - maybe we'll feel differently!
My third AC is tomorrow -- first one with the port - anxious to see how all that's going to work!
Kaye - Wondering how you made out today....
Chins up!
Lana

Odalys

Marcia - Welcome to our group. Feel free to visit us as often as you'd like. You are not a fraud, just another sister joining us on this most unexpected journey. We are all different with different experiences but share the BC diagnosis. Together we can beat BC.

Liz – Glad to see #3 went well. How courageous of you to show off your bald head. I can understand how it felt very liberating. I am very conscious of my bald head and don't like to show it to anyone. Even at home, I like to cover it up with a scarf or a hat. Every time I see myself in the mirror I am reminded that I am a cancer patient/survivor. But most of all, I don't want people feeling sorry for me. Go figure. Hope the Compazine works.

Lana – good luck tomorrow.

Debbie - I too am wondering how the Onc will know if the treatment worked. I'll be receiving #3 of 3 on Friday not looking forward to it and excited at the same time. I can’t belief it will be the last of my AC treatments. It seems like yesterday I was scared to death of these treatments and was contemplating not having them. Time has gone by fairly quickly (all things considered).

Kaye – How are you feeling? You’re in my thoughts and prayers. Please update us as soon as you feel up to it.

Hang in there ladies…One day at a time. Many hugs to all.

Anonymous

HI Marcia-Welcome to our little club!! We are all like a family here.

I was told I didn't have a complete response to the AC because my tumor didn't shrink completely. I was under the impression that the point of pre-op chemo was to "SHRINK" the stupid thing, so that is why I have been so frustrated. There was no magical medical process...the oncologist just felt my boob and said, "It's shrinking, but not enough."
Thanks Lynn for your post-It makes me feel better!!!
Love you all, Debbie

LAT56

My 8th day after treatment #2 ACF and I am finally feeling a little bit better. I was actually able to leave the house for a short ride around town. Went to Wendy's for a spicy chicken sandwich - but the taste buds aren't working at all!

Marcia - Glad to hear that you found this message board. It has been a God-send for me.

Anna - Thanks for sharing your blessings. Your post brought a smile to my face & it made me remember my own blessings - one of which is this group of courageous women.

Debbie - Sorry to hear that another drug has been added. You & your family are in my prayers.

Odalys - Thanks for the much needed sunshine.

Lana - Good luck tomorrow! I still get a smile when I read "Chins up" as I definitely have at least 2 chins myself. (They don't make a Graemlin with a double chin or I would have added it.)

My prayers to all (including our doctors, nurses, lab techs, caregivers, and all those who help us with our journey)
LAT56

grace05

Anna-your post was the first read and it was a blessing. I feel the same way when I see women in wigs, I just want to stop them and ask, as a matter of fact a store clerk was wearing a wig and I told her it looked nice, she said her hair was thin and that's why she wore one. I started wearing wigs about 2 years before dx with BC, and I like my hair but I worked 2 jobs and wearing a wig was much easier besides I received many compliments. I enjoyed wearing it I have two alike the name brand is Noriko they wear well, anyway most people know I'm on medical leave but not really sure why becasue of it. But I feel I need to show myself hairless to bless someone, afterall my bank teller all of a sudden had no hair about 5 years ago and was wearing hats, so I found out she was dx with BC and is now doing great. She quit her job at the bank because she and her husband own a business so I went in the other day and told her about my dx. If I had not seen her without a wig I would have never known. I live in a small town so it helped to talk to her. Also my husband and I (who has a bald head) decided that my last treatment, March 2nd we would wear our camouflage outfits together without my wig and wear caps.

Marcia-welcome aboard, this post has helped me through out my journey.

Debbie-to change your medication shows that you have a great team working for you, hope it goes well.

And to everyone else who posted thanks for making my day or should I say night, I get so lonesome at night because my hubby works nights, it's also difficult for me to sleep unti he gets home.

I will have treatment #3 Thursday, half way there, taxotere, and A/C together. We drive 80 miles to take these treatments and then I have a Neulasta shot here the next day..

Hugs and Blessings!!!
Grace

spirit3kd

Hi everyone~ just thought I would throw in an update. I haven't started the radiation to the brain yet. They put me on steroids for swelling and it through my body into some kind of psychotic episode!!

I am chemically sensitive to drugs, they gave me 12 mgs a day of dexamethasone and my body couldn't handle it at all. After about six doctors calling me, they finally determined to cut me back to 1 mg a day. I am doing much better on the 1 mg. They said I have to have this to reduce the brain swelling when they radiate.

So have had my ups and downs, they started me the day before Christmas and my Holiday was ruined because of this.

I am checking out boards right now where I can talk to some that have taken WBRT and I told the doctor that I would let them know after the first of the year of my decision to continue or not.

Hugs...Kaye

Mary-Lou

Hi everybody, my prayers are with you all. Kaye, my heart just breaks for you.

Hope you all had a good Christmas. I had a break down of 12 hours, crying my heart out.

I was trying to fill out cards, to weak to think and the first card was to my mom. I started to write a few words about the loss of my dad and the fact I found out about the bc 6 months after that etc. Just lost it....

And I mean "LOST IT"

I had very little sleep and was just a basket case. My dear husband was a rock. I felt so bad for him.

I really need to pop in everyday, I have to much to read when I do try to catch up, I will try to be better.

#4 A/C tomorrow, half way there. Over the holidays we painted my head and took pictures. It was fun....how many times in your life can a woman do that.

For me, I hope this is the first and the last. And if it is Gods will, it will be my last.

Love to you all, I hope to remember every ones name one of these days. LOL

kim825

Hi everyone
Welcome Marcia. So sorry you had to join us, but you will glad you did.
I had a PET scan yesterday. I will get those results tomorrow. This waiting is the hardest thing. I feel like it is 3 months ago and we were consistantly waiting for results. We will get them tomorrow. Onc. wants to see if the Taxotere is working on the liver and lung spots. It "appears" to be working on the breast mass, so we are hoping it is working in the breast as well.

Kim

Marcia320

Hello Ladies,
Kaye - you have been in my thoughts and prayers - I am so sorry that you have had to endure so much - please hang in there.
Lana - hope your treatment went well

Grace & Mary - good luck with your treatments

Kim - I'm praying that you have good news from your scan.

Thank you for the warm welcome from this special group of great ladies. My prayers are with all of you.

Anonymous

Hi Ladies, I just wanted to drop in and send you all my love and prayers. I had a group of friends visit today and clean our house, and buy us dinner. It really is nice to see how our loved ones really come through for us, isn't it? My former sister-in-law and niece visit tomorrow.
Kaye-I'm praying for you each day. I pray for us all.
Mary Lou-I'm so sorry about the breakdown. I had one just before Christmas, and my hubby really got me through it, too. We WILL get through this.
Kim-thinking of you, too. Hoping and praying for the news you want!!!!
Well, off to bed. Still coughing, and I think I have thrush in my mouth!!! Argh.
Lots of love, Deb

wenblown

Good Morning everyone. I just checked in. WOW, so much has happened to everyone. I have been praying and thinking of you all!!

I have A/C #4 today Half way...I am really excited about this. The onc says Taxol is not as bad as A/C. I hope this is true. Chemo #3: I did not bounce back as fast. I had my blood tested last week because I thought I was anemic, turns out just dehydrated. They hooked me up for a bag, 2 hours later: I felt much better. Thanks for all the suggestions on the water. I have tried alot of things. My husband is a little frustrated. I keep sending him to the store with a new list.

I have only one question this time: (surprise) I have had a sore throat for about 3 weeks, just on one side. The nurse told me it is from the drainage. (A/c can cause alot of postnasal drip?) I can not find anything to soothe the throat.


On Jan 9, I visit my newest doctors: a gyno onc, seems I have a problem with a left ovary. Then I go that same day to the geneic counselor for the BRCA testing. Anyone had the test? Anyone have a positive result? (sorry, I know I said one question, but my mind is all over the place)

Thanks for the great posts. This group is so positive and very thoughtful. I have enjoyed reading everything, if that makes any sense. I feel so much better knowing I am not alone. You are some very strong women

Please take care - and hugs to you all.

P.S. hate my wig, but love the hats - FAV is a K.U. hat

LizM

Hey Wendy, love your last line, Hate my wig, love my hats. My sentiments exactly. I have a wig but hardly ever wear it because the hats are so much more comfortable and so much more me.

I just finished AC#3 on Tuesday, looking forward to AC#4 so I can be done with this regiment and then on to Taxol. Still feeling a little queasy and a little tired but other than that feel pretty good. The only water I can drink now is Perrier sparkling mineral water with lemon. I cannot stand bottled water anymore and I use to drink it all the time. I'm also a little headachey and body ackey from the neulasta shot so took some tylenol.

Good luck to anyone who still has treatment this week and wishes for all of us to feel good today.

Liz

Odalys

Hi ladies. Hope everyone is having a better day today.

Debbie - It's nice to see you have so much support including friends who cleaned up your house. It's tuff keeping up with the house in the middle of all we are going through.

Kim - Any news on the PET scan? I'm hoping you get good news soon the waiting can be unnerving.

Lana - How is the port? How was the whole chemo experience?

Mary Lou - I was so sad to learn you lost your dad. Dads are so special! I can understand your meltdown. I am very close to my dad.

Well ladies...I think the cumulative effect is starting to kick in because I feel sooooo tired. I could barely come in to work today. But I dragged myself in hoping I'll pick up some energy. Oops...I forgot what else I was going to say. Bye for now.

Hugs...

Baboca

Hi Ladies! I just found "you" and share these unpleasant experiences that you are going through also.
I am 31 and was diagnosed with BC in September. I had a partial mastectomy and 1/31 lymph nodes affected.
I will be getting my 4th treatment of A/C tomorrow - half way done .... Hooray!

I wish you all speedy recovery and before we know it hopefully this nightmare will be over!

Odalys

Welcome Baboca...sorry you had to join our sisterhood, but glad you found us. I guess we're both having a date with chemo tomorrow. What a way to kick off the new year! Good luck tomorrow. Keep coming back you'll find a lot of support here. Hugs...

lana17775

Kaye-
Sorry to hear you're still having troubles...you're still in my prayers - know you are loved and thought of often.
Odalys-
My 3rd AC went just fine with the port -- one stick and she was in! Woohoo! I'm headed out now to get the port stitches out, which I'm hoping means I can take an actual shower!! Woohoo again! Doesn't take much to make me heppy these days!
Chins up!
Lana

Odalys

Lana- One stick...that is fabulous!!!! Woohoo!!! I am so happy for you. Much better than through the arm. BTW- that long awaited shower felt like heaven. Enjoy!

LAT56

Lana - Glad to hear that all went well with treatment #3

Wendy - 1/2 way!! Hang tough!! I have found that pear juice really guenches my thirst. I've had problems with my blood sugar levels, so I try to alternate the juice with water.

Kaye - You're in my thoughts and prayers.

Deb - My grandson had thrush earlier this year. Dr. said it is painful. OUCH! Take care! You are lucky to have reinforcements arrive to help with household duties & a meal! Amazing friends!

Baboca & Odalys - Good luck with treatments tomorrow.

Hope everyone is having a good week and gearing up to ring in the New Year!
LAT56

Mary-Lou

Hi girls, #4 is over WoooHooo!!!!! No more A/C. I also didn't have to take the Neulasta this time. And he is moving my treatment to every 3 weeks now to give me a chance to have my 50th birthday with out being so sick.

I will start the Taxotere next round. Then Rads.

AnnaM, can't believe we are from the same place in Va. I left you a message. And on this board together.

To the rest of you all, take care and I pray we all have a good week.

Kaye a special prayer, along with my other sisters on this board.

(((HUGS)))

grace05

Hi Everyone,

Baboca welcom to this post it is incredible with great support.

Debbie it's a blessing to have friends come and clean.

Liz hang in with your treatment from Tuesday.

Kim praying that all goes well with Taxotere that's what I'm taking.

Odalys find that energy we can do it!

Kaye you are in my prayers.

I had my #3 of 6 rounds this morning at 11:00 a.m., my hubby and I drove 80 miles so I'm at home drinking water, water, water, tea and will get Neulasta shot tomorrow.

Hugs and Blessings!
Grace

kim825

Good morning everyone. I couldn't update you all yesterday we had internet problems all day. So I had awesome news yesterday with the PET Scan. The mass in the breast is down to 5cm. That is down from 11cm when I started the Taxotere on Nov. 1. The 2 swollen Lymph Nodes aren't as swollen. The lung spots aren't appearing on the PET Scan. As doctor said, they may not be gone but they are inactive and small enough to not appear on the scan. And the best news is that the liver spot appears to be B9!!! Onc. says the Taxotere is working and he would continue it for the 3 last treatments or maybe more, then maybe another drug or surgery. Will probably have another PET scan after the 6th treatment of Taxotere. My husband and I were just thrilled and it will be a happy New Year!!
Debbie- isn't wonderful what family and friends do. My best friend got me a cleaning lady for 1 year. She doesn't live close by to do it herself so that is what she decided to do for us.
Wendy- I am a wig hater/hat lover too.
Liz M- I get the body aches from Neulast shot. Tylenol usually helps me.
Odalys-Hope you feel better today
Baboca- welcome, so sorry you had to join us, but glad you did
Lana- glad to hear you A/C went well with the port.
MaryLou-Congras on A/C being over. I am 1/2 through Taxotere. I also do it once every 3 weeks.
Grace- we drive 90 miles to dr. appts and treatments. Did find a great onc. a little closer to home. Only will be traveling 60 miles.

I hope you all are having a great day today.

Kim

LizM

Good morning ladies,

Kim, so very happy to hear your great news.

I'm feeling pretty good today, day #3 after AC#3; however, it is a sad day for our family as we have to put our 11 year old family dog to sleep today. We just found out that he has a brain tumor. I feel really bad for my husband because he has been so worried about me. He has been coming with me to all my treatments. He decorated, cleaned and cooked all the meals for the holidays and now he has to put down his dog that he loves so much. All of my kids (young adults really) came by last night to say goodbye to their doggie and it was very hard. I am extremely emotional about the whole thing, especially this week since I am taking the anti-nausua meds and they make me emotional anyway. I realize many people have gone through this but this is our only dog and the first time we have had to put a pet to sleep. I realize this isn't related to bc but I just needed to vent and you ladies are so wonderful I knew you would understand.

Hope you all have a great Friday and I hope the new year is better for all of us.