Starting Chemo in JAN 2007

skyedivine

Jan have fun at that play and camping, and Caya, have some "happy ever-aftering" in Camelot!
Melia, I think you did the right thing, too. Hope all goes well for your bro.
Mizsissy did you ever hear from Mena?
They had the machine fixed today, Mr. Paw behaved himself, and I found out I am actually halfway thru since I'll only be having 28 sessions! No boost or bolus. So that was great news. He told me I could keep exercising but not to expect to be able to "shrug off" the fatigue and tiredness I'm starting to get. He said it's like tiredness from a cold or flu, you just have to rest and deal with it. I had to lie down twice today and never did get any writing done. But at least it will be over on July 20th. By luck we have a picnic planned for the day after that with friends at Devil's Lake. That will be my celebration. - Skye

Lynn12

Hi Girls,

I've been reading but not posting this week. It's been a rough week. I ended up having a meltdown last night, but had some good come out of it.

I am so beat up physically. I STILL have this infection, my skin is burnt pretty bad and I still have 8 more treatments, the rad fatigue came on like gangbusters this week, I can't get comfortable at night, right side has burnt skin, left side has infection AND I can't get a good nights sleep because I keep waking up with hotflashes. I am so tired and so tired of treatments.

I am still working 24 hours a week and have not been productive at all this week. Last night I figured out that the lack of putting in a good work week was really wieghing on me emotionally. I feel so guilty, but on the other hand, I just can't focus on getting work done. I've done 7 months of cancer treatment and only have 2 weeks left and I just can't do it.

So I called my boss this morning and told her that I need to take some time off. She was very supportive (as she has been all along) and told me to listen to my body. So I'm taking next week off and will re-evaluate then, although I told her the fatigue won't start getting better until I'm done with rads.

So I feel better already, what a big weight lifted off my shoulders. Getting ready for our big party tomorrow with about 75 guests. My husband has been fabulous, my 15 year old and her friend cleaned my house this week. Mom and sister are coming over early to help out.

Anyway, thanks for listening! I know you all understand.

love and hugs,
Lynn

Robbin65

Hey guys,

I haven't been posting as usual. I am so so tired. I think because I'm at the end of my rads and at the end of my treatment.

CONGRADULATIONS CINDY ~ I will be done with rads too on July 3rd. I can bbq on the 4th and celebrate!!!

Thank you again to all that have helped me through this battle. Did you all get your thank yous yet??? I only got 2 people whom stated they have.

I can't believe I am done with treatment. I can't believe this ever happened. Did we really do this? My hair is growing in and all I can think about now is looking for work and praying I never get a reacurrance. Weird!!! I am eating less meat, more veggies and fruits, I quit smoking and I am trying to excersice more although I am too tired latley. I felt so safe during treatment. Now, it's back to the real world.

Still don't know about the whole Tamoxifen deal.

Did anyone do the BCRA Testing??????

Anyway, I feel like I'm rambling.

I'm sleeping in tomorrow morning...

Talk to ya's soon.

Anonymous

Oh Lynn I am so sorry you are having such a hard time. All of the fatigue, trying to work, the infection - it's just all too much. I am so glad that you are taking some time off of work - it sounds like you really need it. I hope the party is fun - enjoy yourself and let everyone else do the work, you know they won't mind.

RobbinJaye - good to hear from you, we've been wondering how you are. It is weird to be done with tx, I agree.

The play tonight (Aladdin) was great - the girls loved it and as a bonus we ran into 3 of my daughter's teachers. It was mostly middle school students in the play with a few high school kids, but they did a fabulous job. My 3 year old announced that she WILL be on that stage singing and dancing when she's old enough. I believe her too.

I know there will be a million posts to catch up on when I get back from camping. Have a good weekend all. Lynn, enjoy that party and the REST!!!!

TPPJ

Hey Robbin, I did get your note. Thanks for the thanks! LOL! Glad you are nearly done and that you were able to quit smoking. That's key.

I agree...the whole thing is surreal...did this every really happen?

TPPJ

Oh, Caya, only a 20 something would stick her foot in her mouth like that w/the 'is it real" comment. It sounds like a geniune compliment though, so we'll let her off the hook!

Caya, haven't heard of a herceptin infusion schedule like yours. I got my mega loading dose but I continue to get 90 min. every 3 weeks until January. The first twelve weeks I did it, while I was on Taxol, were the 1/2 hour deals. Are you sure they've prescribed the right tx for you? Please double check. I've not heard of that. After all of Viddies experiences, I'm really second guessing stuff these days.

TPPJ

Just read the main boards ASCO report and it really talks up Taxol. So, you taxol girls, with one or so to go, be glad... sounds like this is really the drug to get. I'm so relieved I had it.

viddie

Cindy,
Congratulations!! Have a great celebration!!
Pat,
Only one more!! That sounds like a great fun celebration!
Nancy,
Sorry about your port infection. Are the antibiotics working?
Rebecca,
I am glad they were able to give you your rads. I am sorry you have such a burn and are in such pain. Did they at least give you something for the pain, or do you have any leftover pain meds that you can take at night so you can sleep? I hope Bella gets better soon..
Melia,
One more!!!! It is great to have some help at work. I also agree you have to take care of yourself first. I agree with Rebecca that the air pressure might not be good for your swelling, and could cause more problems. ( revised) I am glad that your brother understands and as Tina suggested, perhaps you could speaker phone the conversation. The general plane hassles and the stress that goes with it is not what you need right now. You come first right now. Your brother is great for understanding.
Tic,
Congratulations on finishing rads!! Your tech’s ARE awesome!! Time to celebrate!! Have a great time at the Kid’s Event this weekend.
Caya,
That story is precious- I had to smile though-she sure did put her foot in her mouth. Have fun at Camelot tomorrow.
Jan,
I hope you have a good time camping this weekend. I am glad you enjoyed Aladdin.
Skye,
I am glad Mr. Paw is behaving himself. You set him straight!
Lynn,
Lots of hugs!!! I am glad you are taking time off from work. You deserve to and need to. A very smart decision. Do you have a recliner that you might be able sleep on? On the reconstruction site, some people suggest that after a mastectomy when it is hard to get comfortable in a bed.
I hope you have a great time at you party. Let everyone help. They will all ask, and please let them. It will make a huge difference. You can even give everyone different chores. Save your best helpers for clean up- the most exhausting chore. More important, have a great time. I hope that infection finally clears up and I hope you feel better real soon. Lots of hugs.
Robbin,
Congratulations! Time to celebrate! Your tiredness should go away soon.
Tina,
I will be getting 60 minute infusions every 3 weeks until April. Hmmm, I will check that too. Did you have fun at “Romper Room” today?” I remember watching “Romper Room.”
Mel,
How are you? Did you get to speak to the Plastic surgeon about moving your date?
Viddie

viddie

Hi,
I spoke to the charge nurse today. I told her I liked Erin and she was very nice, but I was uncomfortable having her because she made a few errors and I wanted another nurse. She asked me what errors I was referring to and I mentioned the worst one- she gave my 3 zofran pills TWICE in 10 minutes and I was only supposed to get 3 pills total. The charge nurse then asked me if I realized that she was new. I told her that I thought she needed more supervision and asked if she wanted more examples. She did not and told me that she would give me another nurse, but implied that I should be more understanding.

The charge nurse (Janet) took care of me today. I had a friend with me and I gotta say we both noticed she was kind of mocking me a little. First she told me she wrote down my temperature as 94 instead of 97 and explained that, everyone makes mistakes. Then while she was taking my blood, she was having a conversation with another patient. I thought nothing of that whatsoever, but she apologized, saying that it is hard to remember everything- after all being a wife, mother and a nurse is not an easy task. I never got that connection. Maybe she put the blood in the wrong bottle- I do not know and did not get her point.

It is such a small hospital and I never had a problem before. I have to continue until April with my herceptin, and I hope they can put this behind them. I did see Janet (charge nurse) and Erin in closed doors an hour later. Hopefully she discussed this. Maybe I will be the b-tch, but at least I acted on my conscience, thanks to all of you.

Viddie

luckymel

Hi Everybody.

First of all, congrats to Cindy and Tami for finishing rads! And Viddie, Pat and Melia, I'm thinking of you all being so close to being done. Taxol is just the best thing to be done with, I'm thinking.

I had an interesting week. Yesterday was wonderful - my friend Letha, who was the first person who told me she had had surgery with my PS, called me early, woke me up, and said she was coming to town and to call Joyce (other bc friend) and we should all meet for lunch. We did that, talked for hours, ate sushi, shopped, and just had the best time! We took a few pictures - will try to post one tomorrow. I also put calls in to all my docs and managed to get lab work results from one, and a call from the PS's nurse. I explained why I was not feeling well last time I saw her, and she agreed that I should probably be rescheduled ASAP, and said ASAP was looking like August 8! I said fine, I'd take anything I could get.

Today, I heard back from my oncologist, whom I had called because nobody has discussed with me whether I needed to have any further treatment after the mast. with axillary dissection showed two more positive nodes (in addition to the two I had initially). Well, I suppose it's a good thing I asked, because he didn't seem to be on top of things, but evidently if you have four or more positive nodes, it is supposed to benefit you to have radiation. That is absolutely the LAST thing I wanted to hear! I had the mastectomy because I didn't want to have radiation. If I'd wanted to have radiation, I would have done what everybody else told me to do and had a lumpectomy, and nobody would know I had any more positive nodes. AND, if I'd had my reconstruction with my mastectomy as planned, I would have had the reconstruction before anyone knew I had more positive nodes. But now, since it happened the way it happened, I'll probably have to have radiation to my axillary area, and I'm guessing that that will put off my reconstruction for a few months. The surgeon did this mastectomy thinking that I was having my reconstruction July 3...not sure it will work out to wait however long it might be. Besides, it is going to be a big financial hit - either I stay off work until it's all done, or I go back to work and have another six weeks with no pay when I do have reconstruction.

I'm just hoping that somehow the PS will go ahead with the reconstruction since I'll only have to have axillary radiation, and I can put that off for a while. I'm just thoroughly pissed and discouraged, today. I haven't even told anyone yet. I do NOT want to have radiation! My good attitude just went away - nothing is going right any more.

Ok, enough whining from me. There are other people with bigger problems, I guess. Lynn, I'm so sorry you're having such a hard time. If you just hadn't had that port infection, you'd have been fine. You're so close. And Nancy, you too - what bad luck. And Rebecca, your blistering sounds so painful! But little Bella, what a gift she is going to be. I know you don't need another dependent creature right now, but I'm so glad she found you and vice versa - she's a beautiful little creature, and I'm glad she has someone willing to care for her. She's going to be a wonderful cat, and you won't regret a minute of it.

Jan, hope you have a wonderful time camping, in-laws notwithstanding. Mine are similar - too much turtle face, but very kind and caring people, so I just try to roll with it.

Love to everybody else, hope you all have a good weekend.

bsbroth

First of all I'd like to wish all of you good luck and my prayers will be with you. My name is Sherry, I live in Harrisburg PA, I have neem with my husband for 18 years and we have 3 beautiful children, ages 5, 7, and 9. I was diagnosed as a stage 2 in July 04, I had 8 nodes removed, chemo, bilateral mastectomy and total reconstruction. Then I had my ovaries removed and was propelled into the "night sweat era", as I like to refer to it, at age 33. I have had a recurrence and now I'm a stage 4. I was referred to Johns Hopkins and they concurred with my oncologist on the treatment. I'm almost 36 now and I have been receiving Taxol and Avastin since April. The PTscan in April showed 6 "hotspots" in my chestwall and the general chest area. I had a new PTscan last Wednesday and the cancer has been totally irradicated and I am in remission. My husband is a research fiend. He keeps coming up with new things for me to try. Anyway, in addition to the taxol and avastin, I eat almonds now, take Reliv products, drink Goji and Noni juice and Essiac tea every day. The taxol and avastin treatment will eventually stop working (when the cancer cells become non-responsive). Johns Hopkins and my oncoligist prefer me to stay on the treatment even though I am in remission. My husband and I have determined that we are going to stop the treatment since I am in remission and if the cancer comes back I will resume treatment, since we know the Taxol-Avastin combo worked well for me. Naturally, I'm bald for a second time and i was just as devasated the second time around. I see all the life span projections for stage 4 and I am really scared. Sorry, just felt like venting a little late night. Best wishes all! If anyone has taken Taxol and Avastin, any useful information would be appreciated. God Bless, Sherry

shrink

I am often awake in the middle of the night being terrified and bursting into tears when I receive a touching card or when someone is particilarly kind to me. My bf is very supporting and keeps saying "You'll be fine." I wish I knew how he knew because deep down I don't really think so. I'm stage III with 3 or 4 different cancers in my little size B right breast. It spread so quickly that I'm afraid nothing's really going to stop it. Most of my hair fell out yesterday. I went to the beauty shop and the hairdresser trimmed it down to less than a half inch. She wouldn't take any money. I burst into tears at her kindness. Anyway, you'll be one of the people I'll be thinking of in the middle of the night hoping that you will be in remission for a very long time to come.

NOLONGERREADINGORPOSTING

Hello Girls,

I am home for the weekend too.

Skye, Caya thanx for your concern about Mena. Yes, I did talk to Mena and the news was not good. The tykerb is not working. I spent most of yesterday writing letters and calling doctors and trying to set up something for her so she can try out that new "miracle" cancer drug called DCA that is only being used in Canada now. We are going to try to get her own doctor to give it to her in NJ, and if that's not possible, I may try to bring her to Toronto. She has almost no money, so this would probably mean driving to NJ to get her, having her stay with me, and then driving to Toronto.

Puppy got hysterical when she heard the news; Mena & I were afraid she would burst her aneurysm. She broke it to the gals over at the Wagon Circle and everybody went nuts. Those ladies over there have known Mena a long time and love her dearly. There has been a storm of prayers and support for Mena, and I am so glad. She needs it now.

I was busy yesterday!!!!!

Sorry I missed you in chat Robbin. You know, we can do it anytime...

xxxooo Mizsissy

sharon56

hey there gals I am home for the long weekend here in Canada we have our fireworks on Sunday nite in town. Most people here are gone to their cottages or camping so it will be a quiet one here in suburbia !
Caya : hope your txs are getting better , I am triple neg so no hormone treatments for me when rads are done thats it . hang in there girl ....
Cindy : congrats on last rads !
Robin : you are the one who started us off here congrats on gettin us all together man ,
Jan : got your card in the mail thank you so much !
Viddie : Nurses can be a handful I have had my fill of them . Being back into the same floor with m 3 surgeries I have seen a few that get my goat and they do have their way . ie ... gossip and backstabbing among the few things we as patients should not have to contend with ! but do !
Just keep your voice heard .... office politics do exist in nursing too ..... you find a nurse that will listen and make your point clear .
Skye : Love your new avatar and wig ya look goood .
Lynne : I know where you are coming from , its damn hard when you get to a point when you think the end is near and another 2x4 hits you in the head .... I can relate girl hand in .... WE WILL OVERCOME !
If I missed anyone and I know I have hope we all hang out here a while see what goes on with us past the summer I miss out being on line during the week . I may take my laptop with me to the "Lodge" next week so I can post and keep up , I also would like to get in on the chat one night . How do I do that ... please post so I can join in .
I got my retaining sutchers out yesterday .... wow there was about a foot on "line" fishing type that came out whew !!!!! Dr says deep breath now ...... it seemed he pulled a longggg time . Did not hurt just felt really weird .... so now all I have to do is get my strength back ... I am shaky again just like I was with chemo and tired , rads do make you tired I have lost more weight
and muscle mass . Back to walking little by little every day , by the time my rads are done ...the end of July my goal is to catch up on what i got setback on .
Thats the way I gotta go now each day a new day and a new sunrise , . I am done rads July 31 the weeks are going by quickly soon ...... holidays .... can hardly wait ....
oh and mizsissy i started sketching again my dog , I found a good place in the lodge to sit and do it ... how's your painting coming along ? Anyone else got a hobby you are back into ?

mer1957

Caya, re the 20 year old - I had someone at McDonald's ask me if I wanted a senior coffee and I was only 47, so you have to take into their age.

Lynn, Rebecca and Robbin - So sorry rads have done you in. I scares me because things are going well but I'm only at #14 with 19 to go so I am preparing myself for the down side. I keep trying to tell my husband I can't go out and stay out late for fireworks, etc but it's not sinking in. Lynn, I hope you have a nice party and don't overdo it.
Jan, have fun camping. I hope you have good weather.
Viddie, I'm glad you said something about the nurse even though you got the cold shoulder. I am sure things will calm down there and hopefully they will start treating you better.
Sharon, glad to hear you are home for the weekend.
Mizsissy, I'll keep praying for Mena and Puppyfive.
Hope the rest of you are enjoying some nice weather.

mer1957

Luckymel, so sorry you have to have rads. I know you want to be done and get onto your life. However it is better to be safe and get it all done. Rads can increase your chances greatly of not having an occurrence- but you know that. Regarding work, if you wait to have reconstruction next year, like Jan, will that help regarding your time off? I know I hate knowing what I know about the spot on my liver that they keep watching, but it is better to know and be aggressively treating bc, than to put your head in the sand. Have faith in your doctors and do what's best. We'll be there for you.

TPPJ

Oh, Mel, I'm sorry things are going the way they are.... I know it all s*cks...having to do the rads, etc. but try to think of it as thank God they did find the other nodes, it wasn't overlooked and these rads will eradicate it once and for all for you... I know it will. I know you want to be done...it's such a long and grueling road. Vent as much as you can...it'll destress you.

TPPJ

Mary, I agree... I'd rather know about something so I can attack it aggressively. My dr's philosophy is the opp. Says it adds no benefit to find out sooner. How can that be? I don't get that. I had numbness/tingling in my upper right arm last summer...as if I'd fallen asleep on my arm but I didn't. That symptom is gone but I still feel a strange sensation there. I've mentioned it to the onco. several times but they don't say much...they offered to refer me to a neurologist. I asked the NP if because I was stage 1, no nodes, they think it's highly unlikely that it's bone mets... she said yes, unlikely. But, I wonder if I should accept that answer or have it checked out more thoroughly. I'm so beaten down after all this, I don't feel like checking anything else... I'm sure that's you are feeling, Mel. We've all just had enough.

TPPJ

Oh, Viddie, that just pisses me off that they treated you like that... that mocking stuff is UNACCEPTABLE. I don't care how busy they are, if they are wives, mothers, nurses or acrobats! Their job is to administer the meds CORRECTLY. They have big ones, acting like that. I am mad.

Caya

Tina,
I emailed the hospital pharmacist to ask about the exact amount of the dosage of Herceptin I am getting - I looked it up on the internet - 2 reputable sites - of what I should be getting for the every 3 week infusions, - let's see what she replies to me on Tuesday - Monday is a holiday here. I agree, who knows, I know Viddie and Skye have both had goof-ups.
Lynn, I am glad you are taking some time off. You really need it. I hope your party is great and that you get lots of help.
Sharon - send a PM to Jan with your emial address and she will set you up in the "chatzy" chatroom. Wow it sounds like you are going through the ringer too, feel better and regain your strength.
Mary - OY - at 47 they're asking you if you are a senior?
Mizsissy - what is this DCA drug only used here in Canada? I never heard of it.
Cindy - congrats on finishing.
Hope everyone else is okay this weekend.

TPPJ

Robbin, I think I am gonna do the BRCA testing. Only because my father was dx'd with PC at age 59. I figure I've been through enough. The last thing I want is ovarian cancer... if I were ever +, I'd yank them in a minute. Speaking of which, Caya, aren't you doing that?

Mary, that coffee at McD is verrrrrrrryyy hot. That clerk is lucky you didn't spill it on her for that comment! The nerve of her!

Caya

Mel,
so if you need rads - you will endure. Remember you have to fight this beast with everything you have at the beginning, to hopefully prevent recurrence. I can totally relate about not having much go right, but it will get better. And whine all you want - that's what we're here for.
Feel better
xoxo caya

Caya

Yes Tina, I had the BRCA testing, but I don't have the results yet. My onc. doesn't think I have it, due to very limited family history, also I read it is unusual to be HER2+ and be BRCA+. But I am Ashkenzi Jewish and under 50 when diagnosed, so that's why I did it.
I will also get my ovaires out and take off the other boob if positive ( a no brainer) - I may do it anyways.
I actually got a request this week to participate in a clinical trial to gage my mental attitude before, during and after I get the results. I am going to read it all over this weekend and I may do it, maybe I'll get the results quicker if I do.

TPPJ

Interesting, Caya...never heard that it's unusual to be HER2 & BRCA +. That's good news.

I'm glad you are double checking w/your pharmacist on the Herceptin dose. It just doesn't sound right to me... I always thought either you did a little bit weekly or a lot every three weeks.

Rebecca

Robbin- I am do glad you are finishing up…and congrats on quitting smoking! That is a real show of strength and a commitment to your health.

Mel, I was just wondering where you were, and I am glad that you posted. I am so so sorry that you have to do rads because of your nodes, and I do hope that it does not delay your recon very much. In some ways you are indeed luckymel because you opted for the mastectomy and as a result you found those nodes. If they had not been found, you would surely have had a recurrence. You are blessed! If you do have your DIEP surgery on 8/8, we will be going for new boobs on the same day! Consider yourself hugged.

Lynn, hang in there girl..almost done. That infection will go away, and rads will be over before you know it.

Viddie, that is totally unacceptable. That nurse had no business talking to you that way. No flowers or hugs for them at the end of treatment!

Quote:

---

Mary, that coffee at McD is verrrrrrrryyy hot. That clerk is lucky you didn't spill it on her for that comment! <img src="https://us.v-cdn.net/6037776/images/emoticons/1.png" alt="" /> The nerve of her!

---

my coffee just about shot out my nose when I read that Tina. LOL!

Tina, definitely do the BRCA test….I did it and the peace of mind is absolutely priceless. Mine was negative.

Ok, I have to get back to prepping my house for the invasion of the little girls. We are having 10 girls tonight for a sleep over.....

luckymel

Viddie, I just read your post. I absolutely cannot believe the treatment you got. Totally, totally unacceptable! As a nurse, I am mortified that another nurse, or group of nurses, would treat you that way.

There is such a thing as problem patients. YOU are not one of them, but there is such a thing, and we have all experienced taking care of them. In that case, it would not be unusual for the charge nurse or one particular nurse who is good at schmoozing to take care of them, and be particularly nice to them - anything to make them happy. Usually, they are angry or have something going on that makes them unreasonable...or they're just crazy. My point is, when there is a problem, if that problem is unaddressable due to the fact that the patient is unreasonable, the solution is to kill them with kindness. But if the problem is legitimate, i.e., the nurse made a mistake that scares the patient, the solution is to address the problem with the nurse involved, act like adults, and give the patient another nurse. Emphasis on ACT LIKE ADULTS. I would write down everything that happened, from the very beginning, every mistake, every mocking word they said to you, write it all down. Then sit tight. If it continues, I'd go higher in the chain of command. For now, for your own sake, I'd just bite my tongue, and keep my eyes wide open, and hope that they won't continue to treat you like this. If they do, you will have to take whatever steps necessary, but since it's a small hospital, you may not have many options unless you can change to another chemo center. You should not have to put up with this. I can't even tell you how angry this makes me - I am steaming! I would even call them myself, for you, if I thought it would do any good. But you have to be realistic...you can't put yourself in a position where they have it in for you, either, and it seems that they are that kind of group. Probably they will never make another mistake with you, though. You've made them aware, if nothing else. But what bitches.

trumpkin46

Rebecca, I hope you are feeling better. I'm so sorry to hear about the burns. It all sounds so painful....
If you have time and energy and can find the link to the AC study, could you forward to me in a PM?
Thanks, Alice

TPPJ

Alice, here's what was on last nights ACSO transcript regarding anthracyclines:

NancyJ: Could you comment on the NBC news segment by Robert Bazell about research by Dr. Dennis Slamon presented at this conference? Included in the news segment is the statement: "The anthracyclines—with all their side effects—have almost no effect in 92 percent of breast cancer cases." It goes on to say this is "exciting news." Well, not for thousands of women (including myself) who have had chemotherapy!!!

Dr. Robert: The role of anthracyclines in breast cancer in both metastatic disease and in the adjuvant setting represented a very positive step in the treatment of patients. However, over time, we are beginning to understand better the benefit of anthracyclines. There is some evidence that suggests that patients with HER2-positive breast cancer may not need to be treated with an anthracycline, and even patients who are HER2 negative may also not need to be treated with anthracycline. There is work being done trying to identify those patients who may not need to be treated with an anthracycline. The biology relates to an enzyme Topoisomerase, which is abnormal in a majority of breast tumors. It may be that this is the only group that truly benefits from anthracycline. However, much work needs to be done to see if this is true.

Dr. Grana: For a large number of women, anthracyclines are still routinely utilized. So until we have more information for large numbers of women, anthracyclines are used in the treatment of early stage disease either with agents such as Cytoxan (chemical name: cyclophosphamide) or with the taxanes. Dr. Slamon's research will hopefully let us identify the appropriate patient population that will most benefit from these agents.

Dr. Robert: We—that is, US Oncology Network—have currently initiated a clinical trial where we are treating a group of patients with a regimen that does not include anthracyclines versus a regimen that does to see if we can omit anthracyclines in some patients.

viddie

Hi,
Thanks everybody for your support. Next week will be #12 taxol, and I plan to bring the whole staff lunch. I have planned this for weeks. All in all they have been very nice and I did want to show them my appreciation. I am not doing it for this reason, but the lunch gesture might soften the nurses up- I will be going for herceptin every 3 weeks until April. Mel, your advice about writing everything down in case I need it is an excellent idea. I said my peace and now I hope to put it behind me, and hopefully the charge nurse will also let it go. Thanks everyone for all your help and support.
Mel,
You must be so frustrated!!! All you want is to get the Diep surgery and get on with your life. It is not fair. I do however think that having the mastectomy first was a good thing, because they would never have found those nodes and as a result, would not have been able to treat them with radiation. As frustrating as it is for you, your BS did you a great service by finding a ticking time bomb. Now they can turn it off and treat it.

I was very upset when I got a call from my BS after my lumpectomy and after I started chemo. She called to tell me that Dana Farber (my 2nd opinion) disagreed with their pathologist. DF also found DCIS and not clean margins with it, along with IDC, while my pathologist only diagnosed the IDC. Now I need a mastectomy because now it is considered multi-focal and they did not get clean margins. I was quite upset then, but now I realize that they did me a favor. They found a tumor that would still be in me and grow bigger. Now it will be removed.

You WILL be able to get your Diep surgery. It might be delayed or they might still be able to do it before radiation. It is a disappointing delay, but it the long run, a necessary one.
Vent as much as you want- we understand and we are all here for you.
Hugs,
Viddie

NOLONGERREADINGORPOSTING

Good Morning Gals,

Happy Sunday. This is a Sunday off from church for me. DH & I are treating ourselves to breakfast in bed. I'd be enjoying this more if I had not done something to get my back out of joint in the middle of the night. I can't sit straight! Hope this isn't a SE from Femara!!!

Sharon, tried painting yesterday afternoon. Took a chair out in the yard and just decided to do a few little studies and the results were TERRIBLE!!! This is worse than when I started to paint. I was working on trees, and I think the problem is that when you do things in watercolor, you practically have to define all your shapes with negative painting. Very tricky for the brain.

Maybe I'll try again with oils.

Now that we're chatting I notice people aren't posting as much..heck, I feel left out. It would be nice if we paid the $9 or $29 fee so that the memory of chat was increased and early-to-bedders like me could catch up later.

I've been really exhausted lately, not sleeping because of worry over Mena. Maybe I'll increase my Effexor. I find I am actually liking Effexor.

Caya, I believe you asked about DCA. It's a very promising new drug for cancer that heals cancer cells by repairing the mitotic structure so they die naturally like good cells, instead of growing and spreading. It does not hurt good cells. Right now, they're only giving it to Stage IV cancer patients. There is no work going on the US because it's been around, and the drug companies can't make a money by patenting it. http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn10971-cheap-safe-drug-kills-most-cancers.html

Rebecca, can I call you Becky? How's your sweet little kitty doing?

Viddie, these nurse problems can take a lot of work to straighten out. It gets political. Boy do I know!!! Remember, YOU'RE the patient.

Mizsissy