Starting Chemo in JAN 2007

Rebecca

Tina that really stinks about the D&C, but it is a good thing that you stayed on top of it and that it will be taken care of. Have they said anything about what might have caused this? Good luck with your MRI. Make sure you report back on your reaction to the MRI “music”!

Viddie I am glad you seem to be feeling a bit better. Do not stop taking your Vicodin until you are ready! Pain will keep you from healing. I hear you about the spotting….my bras all have a little yuck spot at the bottom of the left breast from that slow-to-close spot down there. It finally formed a scab the other day so I hope that it is finally on the mend.

Skye you (as always) have such a great attitude about this whole scare you are having. I agree with your analysis…if it were something sinister it would not have gotten so bad so fast….it is likely inflammation ultimately coming from the Rads.

Caya there is nothing like moving out of your parent’s house to make you want to see them….it has always seemed like you have a lovely relationship with your DDs, so it is not surprising that Cassie would want to see you!

Nandy I HATE those situations where it does not seem like there is a “right” answer. Both choices seem to be “iffy” as far as S/E and outcome, and as such I would probably opt for the simpler surgery because it would be easier on your DH overall. As Mel said, big surgeries have bigger risks and more probability of complications. If going through the big surgery does not have specific, significant, and relatively certain advantage it might not be worth it. Whatever you decide will be the right decision. Keep us posted.

Caya hope your infusion went well!

Normal day here today…..my Dad is going to come and visit this afternoon. We are going up to the farm this weekend so I have to get our stuff together. I think the blackberries are ripe now, so I am going to pack all my canning jars and plan on making about a gallon of blackberry jam…YUM! We made some last year and Owen loves it so much that he calls it the “real jelly” when he asks for it on his sandwich. Must remember to bring long sleeve shirts too as the bushes have a LOT of stickers on them!

TPPJ

Very cool pics, Linda. I know zero french. I only deciphered "le vin". LOL! Boy, that looked like Europe. That was Quebec? I may have to go. Looks like a nice, relaxing trip. Rebecca, enjoy your berry picking! Think the weather is going to be good this weekend in the northeast. Viddie, you're sounding good. I say use all the vicodin you need. You'll taper off it within a short time, I'm sure. It just makes the recovery period so much more tolerable. Caya, enjoy seeing Cassie. I feel for you, having to get up at 6 and fight downtown traffic...all for a herceptin infusion. That's one reason I'd dread moving back to Boston. I so don't miss the MBTA, the traffic, all of that crap...yet I'd only consider being treated at Dana Farber or MGH. So, it's take me forever just to get there. Ohio is so easy. No traffic...all the amenities I could want and then some. Clean, new. Brand new schools.

Mel, I hear ya on maybe they should get rid of the cysts during the D&C, but I'm afraid they'll just return if I'm still on Tamoxifun. I'm certain they will. I'm 42 in December. Honestly, I don't give a damn about my ovaries. My onco. acts like having them removed is a way bigger consideration that it is for me. I'd rather do that, immed. menopause s/e's and all, than endure those horrid lupron or zoladex shots, which I hear are EXCRUCIATING. I am shell shocked after the sentinel node biopsy when it comes to painful shots. If I don't care about menopause, do you think it's OK to just do the ovary removal at my age? Anything I'm not considering here? Honestly, I'd like to go under general anesthesia only once. Oh, one more thing...she may not be able to remove them (or the cysts for that matter) laparscopically because of all my scars from my tram flap. Terrific. Possibly another huge abdominal surgery.

TPPJ

Nandy, sorry about your DH. I hate when doctors won't guide you down the path they'd choose for themselves. I mean, how are WE supposed to know? Being a surgery phobe now, I think I'd opt for the lesser recovery option. I'm glad for you too, that this didn't occur simultaneously with your issues.

TPPJ

Mel, is the rebounder just about a 3 foot circle? Like a kids mini trampoline w/the bar you can hold onto? Never heard of a rebounder. And how does it help BC patients?

Viddie, my Spanx come way up under my boobs but they are a PIA to put on. I'd only use them for special occasions. Quite frankly, I think they are overrated. I didn't feel lightyears thinner w/them on. Nor did I appear any thinner in the pictures taken that day.

TPPJ

I'm baaaaaaaaack... MRI was uneventful except for it took 3 sticks to get the IV in for the contrast solution. I thought I was starting to have a mini claustrophobia attach initially but thank God, I just didn't open my eyes once in the tube. That really helps me. And the tech kept saying: this scan is 6 minutes, this scan is 1 minute... boy, those things sounded like a combination of horses trotting down a road and my broken a/c unit.

So now I join Joni in the waiting game. I see the BS 9/6...same as my herceptin day. Need to set up the gyno appt after that to see what we're gonna do about my other situations and when. The fun is just not stopping! At least I feel good, despite my nerves. But that's what Ata Man is for. Caya, I could have kicked myself for not following your advice and taking one before I hit the tube.

Caya

Viddie - Mazel Tov on the weight loss - DH and I are going to really start watching next week when we will be empty nesters and I don't have to have pretzels, chips, and other assorted munchies on hand for the DDs friends who can pop over at any moment and need sustenance.
Nandy - my DH had a brain aneurysm in Jan. 2006 - 2 neurosurgeons recommended the less invasive method of stuffing platinum coils up to his aneurysm via the groin - he recuperated well, and thank G-d is fine.
Mary - I always make a ton of sweet and sour meatballs for the college freezers. The girls love them. I'm sure whatever you make will taste good to your son and his buddies. I remember the first time Amanda came home for the weekend after eating dorm food for about a month - she said at dinner "Mom, you have no idea how good this tastes."
Mel - I'll have to look into that rebounder and give it a try. Sounds like it may be forgiving on my crappy knees.
Rebecca - Jam Making - you really are mother Earth. Sounds like alot of fun.
Tina - my breast onc. also doesn't advise me to take out me ovaries - why the hell not - I'll be friggin 49 in 10 days -something about avoiding an unnecessary surgery. Yeah, I get that, but I would rather avoid an unnecessary recurrence - I'm ER+PR+ like you. I did go to a big gyn. onc. who respectfully disagreed with my onc. - We are just waiting for my BRCA test results, if I am positive it's a no brainer, but I will still take them out. I'm in instant menopause anyways from the Tamox., I can't imagine it could get worse.

Anonymous

I just received a letter from my insurance company that they have reversed their earlier decision re my diep surgery. They are agreeing to cover Dr. Allen out of network and acknowledging that the doctor that they have in-network can't provide what I want.

I am so excited I can't even put it into words right now.

Surgery probably won't be until next January because of scheduling problems with Dr. Allen and with my schedule.

Wooooooooooooo Hoooooooooooo !

Caya

So I shlepped downtown early for the Herceptin infusion. Slept throught it all. Saw the onc. on call and discussed my aching joints and asked her about taking glucosamine chondritin sp? I have read that some people get relief by taking this. She said I could try it, some patients do report relief, and it won't interfere with any of the meds I am taking.
Then I drove over to Cassie's dorm. She decorated the room real cute with some new posters and seems very settled. I had lunch with her in the residence cafeteria. Tonight my older daughter Amanda is going down to have dinner with her. When I left Cassie there it felt strange - she's been home alone with DH and I the past 3 years - been through alot - both our dx's, surgeries, etc. first hand. She deserves to have this carefree time.
That's about it. I will try to be on the chat tonight, 9:00 for us easterners I believe.

Caya

Jan - great news!! Persistence pays off!! Good for you!!
xoxo
Caya

Lynn12

Jan, that's great news! YAY! You'll have yours shortly after mine which is schedule for Dec. 10th.

I have a few doc appt's in the next week, it sure has been nice to stay away for a while. Tomorrow I have follow-up with wound Dr., Tuesday I have my first appt. w/ new breast surgeon that will do my proph. mastectomy, next Friday I have 4 month appt. w/ Onc. I need to make an appt. with a dermatologist, but I just can't bring myself to.

Nandy, I would think the less invasive surgery, like everyone else says, less chances for complications. Best of luck!

Caya, my onc doesn't want my ovaries out either, said I'm too young (46...lol). I have an appt. w/ my gyn next month and will ask him. I've had him as my ob/gyn for a little over 20 years, so I really trust him. I do have to say that I really miss my estrogen and will take any that I can have. The tamox should work by blocking the estrogen from binding to any cancer cells, so I think I'll keep my ovaries for now anyway.

Rebecca, have a great time at the farm.

We're helping dd move on Saturday...not my favorite thing to do on a long weekend, but what's a mom to do? Her new place is only about 3 miles from her current place, so shouldn't be that bad, although it takes 2 hours to get there from here.

George and I started a diet almost 2 weeks ago, I've lost 7 pounds..I'm thrilled! my clothes are fitting so much better.

It's supposed to be a lovely weekend here in New England! YAY!

Rebecca

OMG Jan that is such awesome news!!!!!!!!!!!

I am doing a happy dance for you.

hugs and big sloppy kisses!

skyedivine

Tina, I'd go for the anesthetized procedure anytime! I also have a thickened uterine lining and my onc just made me promise to see my ob gyn soon about it. I may end up having a D&C as well. Hope that goes ok! - Skye

skyedivine

Quote:

---

I just received a letter from my insurance company that they have reversed their earlier decision re my diep surgery.
Wooooooooooooo Hoooooooooooo !

---

Hey Jan, triple whose wooohooos! It's so good to know the behemoth companies can and do reverse decisions. Thank goodness! - Skye

skyedivine

Caya I've heard of people getting great relief from the glucosamine chondroitin. I think it's worth a try! I'm glad Cassie is settled and happy and hope she has a great year. Lynn I kind of envy those days of moving them back into college, now they are out in the world and it seems they either live with you (youngest DS) or you hardly see them (oldest).
I'm kind of working my way backward thru the posts.
Mizsissy, great photos of Quebec, the pix say it all.
I had a slow day, fuming that my computer part did not come in as they had promised, turns out it's coming from CA. So if it doesn't come tomorrow I'll have to wait til next Tuesday. I seem to be back in oversleep mode anyway, I took an hour nap at 11:30 and another one at 2:30, but I did have a long brisk walk this morning. No sandhill cranes were around for a change.
I will try to pop in at chat tonight if I haven't fallen asleep again! DS 2 is in Chicago tending bar and DH won't be home til late so it's very peaceful. TOO peaceful. Later, ladies - Skye

viddie

Hi all,

I started doing the exercises the PT gave me at the hospital- real simple ones like walking my hand up the wall. Now one of my breasts hurt- hopefully that was caused just because I have not exercised in a while, and it will go away. It is always something.
The weather here continues to be beautiful. I love September and October on the Cape. I am starting to get a little bored. A few of my WW friends came to visit today, and I realized I missed work. I told them I will probably return in the beginning of October. It starts getting busy by then, with all the kids going back to school, and the moms regaining their freedom.

Nandy,
I agree with everyone. The less invasive, the better. Doctors do not advise anymore. We have to make the decision. I think they are afraid of being sued, but really- they could give their opinion.

Jan,
YIPPEE!!!!! That is such great news. You deserve the BEST, and now you will have him. You won!!
Lynn,
Happy dieting or as we WW’s put it, happy eating healthier. It is all a state of mind, and we have to be ready and eager. I am ready, but not eager.

Viddie

Rebecca

Slow and easy Viddie...if it hurts STOP!!!!

Well, I had a bit of a setback today...that slow to heal spot has now opened up. really gross and raw looking...it is bigger now than it was before the stitch came out. I called my PS, and he has me using Silvadene cream. He was not surprised that this happened, and in fact he warned me on Tuesday when he took the stitch out that it might happen. Did not stop me from getting upset when I started bleeding though . It is fairly painful, and in fact I wound up taking a percocet earlier today since my Dad was here and I did not have to drive anywhere.

ah well...not sure if I will make it to chat tonight between feeling under the weather and having to get everything together for tomorrow (YES I am still going....oozy wound or not!)

mer1957

congrats Jan for beating the insurance system! Congrats Lynn and Viddie for the weight loss! Good job.
Rebecca, I'm crying for you. Soon this will all be over. Be careful on the farm not to overdo it. Caya, glad you had a nice visit with your DD. Yes it's hard to leave but that's how they grow up. Well I thought mine had grown up until he told me that he only packed shorts and tshirts for his visit to Chicago - duh! What if we wanted to go out somewhere nicer to eat? That a guy for you. I'm taking him a polo and a pair of pants I just picked up at the Salvation Army for $8 total. He can leave them in Chicago if he wants. I'll be thinking of you this weekend in Chicago but not sure if I'll be able to post! Take care.

TPPJ

Jan, great news! Finally, something works in one of our favors. Rebecca, sorry about the reopening of the incision. I recall being horrified too, when I opened mine up inadvertently. I spoke with a friend, Diana, here tonight about ovarian removal, etc. She is the mom of Jaclyns 1st grade friend and went through this 2 years ago. She had her symmetry surgery in June and said it was actually more awful than the mastectomy. Tough recovery. Who knew... She had her ovaries out in May due to recurring cysts... she is my age, 41, but was close to menopause. She didn't get her period back after chemo like me. Anyway, she couldn't get one doctor to give her any good reason to NOT have her ovaries out. So she did that, fallopian tubes and would have done uterus, but the surgeon said it was totally healthy so they didn't take it. She said she had hellish night sweats for 3 mos. but the peace of mind she has is well worth it. Plus, they had her in there CONSTANTLY monitoring the cysts. I am not up for that. After talking to her, I was like that's it: I'm doing it. Then I open up a page in USA Today and there's an article saying women who remove their ovaries prior to age 50 risk dementia. Arrrrrrggggghhhhh!!! So hard to decide.

Lynn, congrats on the weight loss. Thats a ton of weight in one week!

Caya

Tina I saw that article today too about the dementia - I'm not worried though because for me - #1 - I am almost 49 and # 2 - I would rather not have to worry about ovarian cancer. I had a hysterectomy (uterus and cervix) in May 2004 - too bad they left the ovaries in, but at the time my gyn. said the estrogen was good for me - LOL! (not) Man, it's always something.

luckymel

Oh, Mary, that is great - buy him some Salvation Army clothes and know it will be better than what he has brought! Typical guy - sounds like my dh as a matter of fact.

Rebecca, so sorry your wound has opened up, but I hope you have a wonderful time, pick lots of blackberries (or let someone else do it - even better) and make lots of blackberry jam for Owen.

Chat was fun tonight. You are all wonderful. Until tomorrow...

TPPJ

Hi Ladies,

I read the chat log and had a few laughs. Lynn, my hair is about 2" "long" on top and shorter on the sides too..like a mowhawk. And I have those short "ruler" bangs. Ick. It's getting better, but... I had to go totally topless to the MRI yesterday (no SoHo ponytail) because you couldn't wear metal. Lynn, also, I was havind shoulder/back aches on our old mattress and like you, worried about bone mets... they say we'll do this...question every ache/pain. We just got a great mattess from a company called The Original Mattress Factory. It's in many states up/down eastern seaboard and midwest. It is owned by a guy who used to be president of Sealy and in the store they have the competitions mattesses cut open so you can see the differences. Best of all, though, is there aren't sales. They aren't changing the prices every other day. That's a tricky business and hard to compare products from one store to another. Macy's will call one mattress the Sealy Superduper and another store will call it the Sealy Success... diff. names for the same stuff. There is none of that at Original Mattress Factory. And, my new bed is heavenly... it has a cushy euro top that you just melt into, but still plenty of support.

skyedivine

Hi Ladies,
Been having some computer troubles, my Airport card is not functioning so I couldn't do chat last night, my Big Mac's browser won't work with it. Finally got the post page to load so I can put in a quick post.

Jan thanks for the info, I didn't know what a rebounder was either. Seems like those are always popping up at garage sales. I didn't know they were good for breast cancer either.

Nancy sympathy with that decision, wish I were more informed to be able to help you.
Rebecca, homemade blackberry jam IS the real jelly, everyone knows that. :-) My grandma used to make it. Wonderful stuff.

Tina I'm glad you got thru the MRI...sympathies on the 3 sticks. That is always the worst part for me. We will all wait with you and Joni. I have a Spanx type slip that is he...to put on. It does rein in my tummy and smooth the spare tire bulges but I only put it on about twice a year.

Caya I've thought about getting my ovaries out more than once altho I'm post-men so it really shouldn't matter, but I've always gotten cysts on them and should probably have it done. And you will find empty-nest eating is different and nice...so much easier to plan for just your and dh's tastes. Our DS has had to adjust to a different food universe since moving back home, although I pick up a few things just for him like pizzas and really nice white bread.

Tina the bed sounds great.

I'm STILL waiting for that computer part, only place I'll go today is 2 drugstores to refill scrips.
I did finally tell my mom yesterday what the onc is thinking and got the "it should be me, not you, since I'm already old" speech. But I know she would be upset if I didn't tell her til after the fact, and besides, she's assuming I'm about to throw in the towel while I'm still using it to do a hoochy koochy dance.

Hope everyone is having a truly lovely, long weekend. - Skye

Amera

Well, I'm back from Maine. It was a terrific summer and I am feeling more like myself each day. It was a nice break from thinking about BC non-stop. I am sorry to not be able to comment on the posts as there are hundreds to go through. I hope to get caught up at some point.

No real news to report. I did get my period back. Be careful what you wish for. It's completely irregular which is throwing me off some. I do not like constantly worrying about springing a leak. And of course, the cramps I could live without. What was I thinking wanting this damn thing back?

I have been going topless since about mid June and mostly don't even wear a baseball cap now. I finally look like I wanted my hair this short, however it's so curly it won't be long before it looks like a bush. I have no idea what to do with curls. I am NOT complaining though.

I start work on Tues. I am a little apprehensive as it's been since Dec that I was there. It will be nice to get back to a routine but I dread the rushing around from work to kid's activities etc. that it will involve. Nothing like being thrown right back in.

Skye, I am so sorry to hear about your situation. That sucks! I am sure, though, that it is just one of many scares that we will have and that it is only a matter of time before we are all in your "waiting game" situation. You are handling it remarkably well, from what I've been able to catch up on so far. I seriously doubt that mets could happen so quickly seeing that you are so recently out of treatment. I am sending every good thought your way.

That's about it for now. We're in and out all weekend and then it's work next week. I will check in when I can. Hugs to all.

TPPJ

Welcome back, Amera. Glad your summer went well. Hear you on being thrust back into the whirlwind full force. It seems that with work, it's all or nothing... esp. for teachers, which I think you said you were. My good friend in GA is going back to teaching this year after a 5 year hiatus and she's having a tough time adjusting as it isn't just an 8-2, summers off thing that many people think.

Guys, I just discovered something that AMAZED me on this board. I was over on the Hormone board and the women over there are talking about a simple test called CYPD26 that lets you know if you will respond to tamoxifen or not. And if not, you can use another drug. It isn't that $, only $250 to $350. Why in the world wouldn't we have been given this test prior to starting tamoxifen? I'm going to ask for it, given that I'm now having uterine lining thickening issues and ovarian cysts. I do suspect those problems pre-existed my tamoxifen, but I have no way to know for sure... still, if I continue to take tamoxifen, those problems will probably continue. Way too much crap to ponder/decide so soon after last years surgery. Not much I can do about that, though...

Anonymous

Welcome back Amera!!!!!!!! Glad you hear your cheerful voice!

skyedivine

Hi Amera, it's GREAT to have you back! We've missed you. It's wonderful that you had a carefree summer, hope the adjustment back to work goes well. Was your hair completely straight before chemo? Mine was, and it's coming back in mostly straight but the longer it gets, it's apparent there is some sort of wave pattern happening so I can't predict what it will end up looking like. Please post a pic if you can. As for my situation, I'm going by the Bible verse that asks who, by worrying, ever was able to so much as add one hour to his life (Mt. 6:27). So true!
Anyway, again a happy Labor day to all. - Skye

luckymel

Just have a moment, but wanted to say WELCOME BACK, AMERA! We really missed you this summer. I thought of you often and wished I were in Maine with you, but am glad you had a good summer and wish you luck when you go back to work this week.

"...she's assuming I'm about to throw in the towel while I'm still using it to do a hoochy koochy dance."
Skye, that's what I love about you! Your gift for words, and for doing the hoochy koochy dance in the face of bc. Don't ever stop.

Night, girls, love you all.

Caya

Welcome Back Amera - glad you had a great summer. You certainly deserve it. I'm sure everything will fall into place when you get back into the swing of things at your job. Just take it easy, you're still in recovery.
Last night DH and I went to a friend's new pool that they have been working on all summer - "pool" is an understatement - it's a pool, lazy river, hot tub, giant water slide, wishing well bridge, with a huge wood deck, patio, change house and bar - a hotel pool should be so nice. I saw alot of people who I haven't seen since starting chemo, they were happy to see me and loved my new 'do.
Rhonda and Allan (the couple who hosted the party) served an amazing range of foods - grilled salmon, bbq boneless chicken breasts, sirloin/veggie shishkebobs, assorted salads, fresh corn- well you get the idea. Then out came the sweet table - assorted cakes, cookies (that I brought) and fruit. I am not getting on the scale for at least 3 days - OY!!
Have a happy Labour Day Weekend everyone
xoxo caya

Nancyab

Hi Ladies, I hope everyone is doing something fun for summers last hurrah! Yesterday, DH & and I played, we went to the Farmers market, then ate lunch on the patio at a restaurant ( it was a perfect day weatherwise), then we went for a ride on the motorcycle, 160 miles worth of ride! Needless to say I hurt today.
I went to my oncologist Friday for my appt. No new lumps or bumps! They all got a kick outta my hair. Mine is about 1 3/4 " but it looks kind of fuzzy. I can't figure it out, I don't see a curl or a wave just fuzzy!
She gave me a prescription for a compression sleeve, that was the easy part, finding who the heck sells them is another. I called this place downtown and they said they would have to see my prescription first to see if I need an appt. "cuse me... what???" I am very tempted to take my chances and fly without one on.
I left the Dr. and went to the gym. worked out so hard I scared myself. I never thought I could do it.
Welcome back Amera, we are still plugging along and missed you.
Everyone have a good holiday!

PS- I ordered a mastectomy swim suit for my AZ trip. I hope I am comfortable in it.

Amera

Nancy, I got a script for a compression sleeve as well. The onc and surgeon say it's overkill but I may get one anyway. I think the only place around here that sells them is the shop at the hospital.

I am tempted to say "forget it" but I suppose it's not a big deal to wear one and I certainly don't want to risk lymphedema. Both drs seemed to think it was more of something that women who already have LE wear to prevent a flair up, rather than as a preventative thing. Who knows?

Glad to hear the appt went well. I have my first set of scans next month. I'm having a mammo and MRI. I think the MRI is only once a year and the mammo is every 6 months. I do not trust mammos as my original tumor never showed up on one. Unfortunately, the MRI takes a few days to read so I'm sure that will be anxiety provoking. I supposed I'd better get used to it though. Sigh...

Hope everyone's weekend is going well.