For those starting TAC in March/April 2006....

peejay

Definitely call you doc. Having said that.. lol My first time with the Neulasta shot, I felt like doo doo the whole 3 weeks. The shot didn't really kick in until my second time of it for me. Also I actually got the stomach flu between number 1 and number 2 which didnt' help me a lot! It delayed my treatment by a week. That fever looks about right for the nuelasta though.

DmcG - Congrats on halfway! I'm glad you found a way to deal with the decadron> That stuff is just evil. I wound up only getting it in my IV on the day of treatment becuase it made me soo jittery.

Brigette - Wow! You're done!! WOOOHOOO way to go and congrats! Now rest and heal up there woman! You deserve it.

I finished up 25 out of 36 rads today. I'm currently doing 8 boosts, 3 more of those to go, then 8 more regulars and I'm done. THen I'm feeling a little lost...On to tamox, or an ooph, not sure which.

Everyone have a good weekend!

Paula

MarciaA

Hi All, I have two more boosts and then I am done with radiation. Didn't start feeling tired until last week. Using radiaplex and doing good. I have herceptin every three weeks and it sucks...causes me to have a chronic hacky cough. I have another muga scan in 2 weeks. I hate keeping my port until next June for the herceptin.
I am curious to know if any of you have gotten thumbs up reports from your oncologist. My rad oncologist is the most positive doc I have..the others are just saying I am doing ok...I was stage1 grade three no node involvement. Heck I would hate to have been stage 2 or three with them...
SOrry to vent, guess I just want off this roller coaster and wake up from this awful nightmare.
Glad to hear others are finishing their treatments...
Take care all and keep posting, I love to hear progress reports.
Marcia

karen1956

Hi Marcia - I feel just like you, I want this all to be over with!!! Yes it is a nightmare!!! My onc is wonderful and all through chemo he kept saying I was doing well. My tumor makers 3 weeks post chemo (before rads) were within normal limits. I have had 22 rads with 3 more to go - I am done on the 30th!!!! YEAH!!. I have now been on Arimidex for one month and have bone and joint pain. Skin is miserable from the rads (took 4 weeks to fall apart) - itchy, red and under my pit it is peeling. My rad onc really doesn't like any creams, but the nurse told me to use hydrocortisone and aquaphor because the skin was so irritated. I saw the rad onc's partner this week and he agreed with the rec. I will see my rad onc this week (on tuesday after #24)- and I guess I will find out what her follow up with be. I see my medical onc every 3 months for the next 3 years, then every 6 months for two years and then ??? I am stage 3A, 8+ nodes, ILC, IDC, ER/PR+, HER2-
Hysterectomy to follow in October and hopefully replacement stage of recon the end of the year. I can't wait for 2006 to end, but the end of the year, this journey will have been 11 months long!!! 2006 was supposed to be special as I turned 50 -well it has been "special" but not in the way I wanted. Marcia - if we can't vent here, where can we vent. Its funny, how many calls I had daily during chemo and since rads, there have almost fallen off except for a couple people. I am tired from rads - plus I am back to work (and thats another story that I'll leave alone for now!!). I hope everyone is having a good weekend. The weather is beautiful here, but I have errands to run. Oldest daughter is back to college on thursday- other kids are back in school.

jpsgirl96

Hello All...Glad to hear from everyone. Have 15 rads down; I have a rash-like outbreak on my chest. Because of the bilateral b/c, I have radiation in five fields, 2 left and 3 right, so I guess having some skin reaction isn't too surprising. 13 more of those to go, then 5 boosts. My eyelashes are all gone, top and bottom, and most of my eyebrows, but hair on the head is growing slowly.
I see the radiation oncologist every week, of course, but I won't see my breast surgeon or my oncologist until the end of September. Both of them are always very upbeat, but I'm not really expecting any answers at the end of treatment. I'll have to figure out the getting on with life from there; in some ways even after the multiple biopsies, multiple surgeries, chemo, radiation - that looks like the toughest job yet. On the good news front - got the port out Wednesday, looking forward to the long Labor Day weekend on the boat, and maybe to getting her to the Bahamas in mid November. So glad you're almost done w/rads Marcia - congrats on finishing TAC Brigitte! Leigh

mindyk

Hi All, Just checking in! Work is wearing me out. I usually get home around 1:30-2:00 a.m. and in bed at 3:00. Then I get up at 7:00 to get my daughter up for school. I was supposed to go today for #2 herceptin, but changed it for Tuesday of next week. Work is being a**holes so I had to change my appt so I could take a vacation day on the day of treatment. I have done 7 rads, 26 to go. I noticed so peeling in my armpit. I thought it would be to early to be from rads, but I don't know what else it would be from! Any input?
Hope all is well!
Take Care,
Mindy

JackieSue

I have a weird question. I realized that when I have the hot flashes, the only thing that sweats is my head. The rest of my body stays dry. Does any one else experiance that? I can't complain, but it's seems very odd.

Jackie

fd411

My head and neck sweats. I have an overall warm feeling. But I do notice that my head sweats the most.

jpsgirl96

My hot flashes start at the back of my neck and mostly involve my head and neck; occasionally I have night sweats (maybe 4 or 5 times) and that seems to be all over my body. It's weird stuff. Leigh

karen1956

Steam comes off of my head - but no flashes yet anywhere else. I think my body doesn't know what is what yet. Went from surgery to chemo to rads, Lupron shot and Arimidex. Mindy - my work has not been supportive this school year! I'll pm you some time and tell you all about it. I met with the personal director today and had one of the union people be with me in the meeting. So glad I did. Like we need this kind of stress! IT isn't enough to being going through all the treatments we have had the past several months. Feel good soon.

mindyk

I also get the all over warm feeling. My head sweats the most! I usually have at least 4-5 hot flashes a day.
Marcia, I agree, like we haven't been through enough already and then have to deal with work! I told them last night, "I didn't ask for this to happen to me" Please pm me when you get a chance!
Everyone take care,
I am off to bed!
Mindy

DATO

Hi TAC sisters,

Yes, I've decided Decadron is evil. I didn't get the cold sweats and nausea, but I had the racing heart and several days of restlessness. I'm not sure which symptoms are worse . I'm back at work this week, but I notice I am more tired now, after round 3, than I was before. My mouth is pretty bad this time too. Last night I used the Gel Claire (or some name like that) for the first time. It worked, but the consistency was horrible, really slimy, that alone almost made me gag. I don't have any visible sores, it's just that my tougue feels like it is burned and lacerated. It is a little better today.


Well, i'm writing this on my lunch break so I'd better get back to work.

I hope everyone has a nice Labor Day weekend.

Darlene

Brigrf

Dear TAC sisters,
I haven't posted much lately as I'm still feeling a bit overwhelmed by the fact that my chemo treatments are over, but I don't feel the big sense of relief I thought I would have. I'm stressing about rads starting, port removal, whether to take tamoxifen. And when to get back to work; I'm thinking of going back next week for a few hours each day, because my depression and obsessing about bc is just not healthy. Yes, I'm very happy that chemo is done, but I still don't feel that great and I'm still bald. Do we ever get to a point of relief and celebrating just being alive? It still seems out of reach to me ..
Brigitte

MollyK

Well girls, Today was my first day of radiation. I am so happy to have that out of the way! For those that haven't done that yet, you'll be happy to know....It was so easy. Sounds like I will have some side effects like skin irritation to come from what I have read but the actual process of getting radiated wasn't a big deal at all. But, I have been stressed over the fear of the unknown as well. Also got my port out. yea! Just got a few shots for of local anesthesia and it was out in no time.

Now, as for the hair, it's almost been 5 weeks since my last tac and I have no signs of hair growth! Anyone tell me when I might see some evidence that it going to happen??? I am really missing my hair.

Molly

peejay

DmcG - did you try Biafene (i think?) mouthwash? It's not slimy and it tastes minty. It helped my mouth a lot when it was hurting and dry.

Molly - I am 2 months from last chemo and am just starting to be able to see the hair on my own, from a few feet away from the mirror lol. I was starting to worry it wasn't coming back at all, but I think I'm going to make it. Being bald is starting to get on my nervers tho.

The stupid hot flashes... Yes, it's my head that sweats!! I feel like such a weirdo. I get really hot on my neck and legs too, but only my head sweats, how strange is that? I had it so bad in the beginning of the week I couldn't sleep. Finally last night I got some rest. I wonder how long until that goes away? Or if it ever does..
I'm sorry, I had a terrible day today! I had to go to my daughter's school, and the women there with their kids were staring at me like I was a freak, then they wouldnt' look me in the eye. I thought it was just me, but even my daughter said, yeah they did seem to be staring. Like I shaved my head on purpose.. NOT! I felt like yelling out "Just remember.. 1 in 6 of you!!" grrrrr.

Hope everyone has a great long weekend. I'm going to lay low with my DH and cuddle!

Paula

karen1956

Hello TAC sisters - Well another milestone is done - I finished rads today!!!! yeah! I was in a good mood all day - the first day I can remember in a long time feeling like this. When I finished chemo I felt so lousy, it wasn't the same. Still having some stomach probs post chemo, but the 80mg Nexium is helping. I see a GI doc the begining of October. I have peach fuzz on my head - its 8 weeks post chemo and hair has been growing for about 3-4. Its dark brown/black/ and grey- maybe about 1/8" and so soft!! Also hair legs on front of shins (it might be time to shave the legs again). Eyebrows are coming back in- no lashes yet. The hair issue hasn't bothered me for a while. I was at my 8 year olds back to school night and the people who know me don't care and the others who don't know me, I don't care!!! It feels good to not wear anything on my head!! The kids at school like to touch my head and most don't even pay any attention anymore. My darling hubby got me a beautiful pair of earring for finishing rads (and chemo). They wre sitting on the car seat when I was done with rads - he came with me. He said that I am done the two cancer specific treatments. Yes, he knows that I have the hysterectomy coming up and to finish recon, but he sees them in a different light!. Hubby is wonderful - monday is our 29th wedding anniversay. Oldest daughter goes back to college tomorrow afternoon. All the best for a good long weekend - hope everyone rests up and feels good. Thanks to everyone for being here through this journey - you are the best -

mindyk

Karen in Denver, CONGRATULATIONS! Please keep in touch! I still have a ways to go with rads. #9 tomorrow. Still doing to therapy for my stupid lymphadema arm. They just cannot seem to get the swelling out of my hand and fingers. As for my arm itself, it really isn't to bad. I feel like I will never get to wear my wedding rings again.
Take Care,
Mindy

jpsgirl96

Hooray, Karen! I'm jealous - we finished chemo the same day but you are graduating ahead of me!!! Georgetown takes a more conservative approach than my FL team (they wanted to wait four to SIX weeks before starting rads - I had to talk them into four) and I'm having 33 total. 19 down today; 9 more 'regular' and then 5 boosts. My hair is also starting to be visible a few feet away from the mirror; I figure about 2 more weeks and the hats go too (I gave the wigs away this week). It's absolutely white on the sides, salt and pepper on top, NOT curly, so far as I can tell. We're off to the boat tomorrow for what looks to be a windy, rainy, stormy weekend - we have to move her from one slip to another, but we'll see if we stick around or retreat back to the city. Happy Labor Day all - and if I haven't said it lately - I couldn't have done this without you all!! Leigh

MollyK

Paula, I am getting sick of people looking at me all the time too and staring....

People say the weirdest things too. I was at the store returning something the other day and the clerk asked me for my drivers license. When I showed it to her, she did a double take...looked at me...then the license...and back at me...and said.."Oh...you USED to be so beautiful." Those words are just stuck in my head. Can't get rid of them. My hair used to be long blonde shoulder length. I've never really had my hair short before. I am encouraged by the fact that it is slow for everyone to grow their hair back. That it is normal that I haven't seen much yet. I have this fear that I will be the 1 % who experiences permanent hair loss. Wouldn't that be difficult!

I don't like the head sweats either. Although effexor has been helping to reduce them.

Karen in Denver, how nice of your husband to give you a surprise pair of earrings. So thoughtful. Sounds like he is a wonderful support for you. Congratulations on the anniversary.

You guys all have a nice holiday. Thanks again for listening.

Molly

MarciaA

WOW, So much going on with everyone I don't know where to begin. Paula I bet you meant Biotine? mouthwash...I lived on that stuff when I was on chemo...doubt I can even stand the taste now....same with other foods that got me through that tough time.

HOT Flashes...Yeah boy! I sweat on my head and no where else. I was premenopausal when I was diagnosed in January 2006 and my FSH level was 17. I just had a repeat FSH and it was 81! Soooo...with that comes good news and bad. The good news is most likely that my periods are a thing of the past and I am in menopause ...the bad news is now I have to schedule a bone density test! NOW WHAT!!! I already postponed my screening colonoscopy which now is scheduled for OCT/NOV....Guess I will be in the doctors offices the rest of my life!!!! I am on an every three month schedule visit with my hemo/onc and with my rad/onc. I see my gyn in october! My insurance card is going to be worn out!!

I am 10 weeks out from last tac (June 14) My hair is growing back, Dark mostly with some gray at temples Eyebrows and eyelashes are really growing these past two weeks and leg hair is growing faster than anything. Still no underarm hair. I am gutless and still wear a wig most of the time I go out...don't like dealing with inbreds who stare at me! Didn't even feel much like celebrating my 30th wedding anniversary last week...( Is anybody else saying to yourself...this may be my last - anniversary- summer-fall? Hard to stop negative thoughts. Wish I could get a cancer free diagnosis...too much to ask I guess...

Congrats on all those finishing TAC and Rads and getting their port out. I HATE the way Herceptin makes me feel crappy for a day. Wish I could get my port out but we can't always get what we want!!

I finished my Radiation yesterday (8/30/06) Thought I was finished after 33 but they gave me 34 (25 whole breast and 9 boosts) I didn't have to have tattoos but I am sure glad not to have to worry about washing off my marks in the shower now! I used radiaplex and didn't burn. I do have a reddened area under my breast that was getting irritated and they gave me a moisture barrier...some mepilex (thin foam sheeting) and that stuff is pure gold...comfortable to wear and not irritating at all. I had an area under my arm near my lymph node scar that got a little raw but the radiaplex kept it from getting bad. I got my discharge instructions and they gave me a diploma with all the staff signatures on it. I took them a case of famous amos cookies and they loved them. (my last name is Amos so they got a kick out of it)Told them I was more like Infamous than famous...

I only have lost 7 of the 15 pounds I gained. started losing 2weeks ago. My color is better and my face isnt round like a moonpie anymore

Everyone have a great weekend...I will be awaiting ERNESTO to hit my state tonight. I don't have much to worry about since I am in the mountains of WNC but my oldest son in law school is in its path! I told him even hurricanes probably don't like lawyers..

Everyone keep hoping we are going to conquer bc!
Take care!
Marcia

JackieSue

I have finally got an appointment with a radiation oncologist. I've been impatiently waiting to get this started so I can get it done. Onward and upward!
Jackie

DATO

Thanks for the tip Peejay, I'll get some Biotene on my way home tonight. I phoned in a refill for magic mouthwash this morning, but it won't be ready until tomorrow and my mouth feels like hamburger right now! the Gelclair helps some, but the slime factor is gross. The weird metallic taste in my mouth is continuing too. Yesterday my feet and legs started swelling. Did anyone else have that side effect? I feel like I'm just puffing up all over. My clothes are starting to get tight, but that could be because I haven't exactly been watching my diet. My philosophy lately has been, "if it sounds good, eat it"

Well, my 3rd grandchild (a girl) will be born in the next 24 hours. Mom's water broke and she went to the hospital about 2 hours ago. This will give me something to take my mind off the *&$%^& bc.

Hang in there ladies. We will beat this and be healthy and feel good again!

Darlene

JackieSue

Darlene,
If I remember correctly, you should call the doctor about the swollen legs and feet. I believe that was something my onc wanted to know right away. Hopefully, it's just the weather and being on your feet too much.
Jackie

JackieSue

Darlene,
Congratulations on the grand baby! Is it a boy or a girl?
Jackie

baldeagle

Just to let you all know that I am still here and following everyone to the finish line. I'm still tired with not much stamina, but that will just take time I suppose.
As for the hair - just fuzz and I wish more would come in. But a different colour.
I've also beeen having some fun on the moving beond line talking about circling the wagons. Kind of fun and evokes lots of positive thoughts. Check it out.
J.

JackieSue

I spent the weekend camping. That was refreshing. I did have some interesting looks while I washed my head in the bathroom. Most people don't know how to handle it. I was in a good mood so it didn't matter. I also had more problems getting through a border check. I usually sail right through, but without my blonde hair they weren't sure what to do with me. It wasn't a big inconvienence. It was again just interesting to see the different ways people treat you.
Jackie

Brigrf

It's been 11 days since my last chemo treatment. My energy was very low today but in general I have bounced back pretty good from the last treatment. Am starting back to work tomorrow, just a few hours to begin with, and will start building up time. The thing that has depressed me the most is my bald head; doesn't it seem like once our chemo is over, our hair should magically grow back? LOL. Anyway, I finally broke down and bought a wig to wear to work while my hair slowly grows back. Rads simulation is scheduled for next Monday, and my outpatient surgery for port removal is the following week. So things are chugging along, slowly but surely. It's great to read how everyone is doing and that we are all slowly moving ahead.
Hugs, Brigitte

peejay

Yes, dammit, we should magically get our hair back!! It never bothered me until I was done with chemo, then I thought it would sprout right back out.. lol grrrr

Jackie, at least they know you weren't hiding anything in your hair-do LOL I bet that was something to see though lol.

Sigh, back to rads tomorrow. This is my last week though. Then maybe my hair will magically grow over night? hehe

Paula

kburns

Hi ladies. I am back at work 1/2 days after exchange surgery last week (results look good so far!). Still having new symptoms even after chemo finishied on 7/12. Recently I have been having major achiness and my onc said it may be "post chemo arthritis". Sure hope this one goes away soon. I need to start my Tamoxifin, but wanted to wait a bit to see if this arthritis thing got better first. It would be hard to say if the tamox causes joint pain for me when I am already having it and haven't taken a pill yet.

My hair is growing slowly, but I do have about half an inch. I have lost a couple of pounds, but having real difficulty exercising. My onc did prescribe physical therapy for "reconditioning" and I have an appt next week to see what that will be all about. I do feel like a need help dealing with the joint pain and trying to exercise.

I am also working with DH on a trip to Italy in the spring to celebrate completion of chemo and his surgery (he is having vertebrae fused in two weeks!).

On a very down note, my boss's sister died Friday from complications from Breast Cancer. I try to stay positive, but that news sure gets me down. It does remind me, however, that we need to live EACH DAY in Joy and be totally grateful for what we have. It also makes me take a very strong look at "sacrifices" I may be making and if they are really "worth it".

Take good care of yourselves!!!!!

Karen

mindyk

Hello everyone, Just a quick note beforeI am off for #2 herceptin treatment. My hair doesn't seem to be growing a whole lot either. I have some that are longer than otehrs and they look like sprouts coming out of my head! LOL
I went for #11 rad treatment today. I was surprised when I got on the scale that I had lost another 1.5 lbs. I have lost 14 lbs total. YEAH! Hope all is well!
Take Care,
Hugs,
Mindy

kburns

Mindy, Fabulous on the weight loss!!!! Share with us what you are doing. karen