Starting Chemo in JAN 2007

dkmaustx

Hi, Happy Thanksgiving to you all. We had a quiet day here. First we watched the parade, then the dog show, of course the Dallas Cowboys' football game, and ended up with the movie, The Incredibles. It was a fairly relaxing day, even though I was putting the food together during most of the parade. It may have taken a bit less time if I would have multi-tasked and done more than one dish at a time, but I took the unhurried, less frenzied approach and still served the food when I had planned.

I made all our favorite side dishes and heated up some Turkey Medallions for our protein. My hubby bought all the things for a relish tray olives, baby corn, and marinated artichokes. Those medallions are a new product at our supermarket. They had turkey, beef, pork, and, I think, chicken. Since there was a Combo going with them, I couldn't pass it up. We bought the package of medallions and got a frozen, sauced veggie and a 2-liter bottle of house brand soda. They sure were a nice quick way to have a little turkey for each of us without tons of leftovers. I have the other half of the package I can fix when we have our leftover side dishes over the weekend.

I called my massage threrapist on Tuesday, and he had appointments for yesterday. The massage really helped to start my holiday on a relaxed note. My hubby decided to drop me off and visit the gourmet grocery store and the bookstore near by. What possesssed him to go to a grocery store on the day before Thanksgiving, I'll never know. He said that at least they had all the lines open and the 10 item of less line was very short since most people had their carts full of stuff. He even had time to get me another present at the bookstore. I'll never catch up buying gifts for him. He doesn't need anything or have any hobbies. I'm hoping I'll get a bolt of inspiration soon. 

Have a good weekend.

Anonymous

Thanks everyone for the kind and thoughtful words. I am just feeling depressed these days. I think it's a lot about the anniversary issues. I never thought I'd be a year out and still anticipating surgery. I know I'm not the only one in that boat. I need to pull out of this b/c I just feel all the more angry when I start feeling sorry for myself. I think having that cold and then being out of town had a very negative effect too. I totally dropped my workout routine for 3 weeks and I think that might be at the root of my problems. I read somewhere that research has shown that regular exercise has the same effect on depression as Prozac. So this week I have stuck to my routine and hopefully I'll start feeling some effects from that soon.

Mel - I use a gentle leader with both of my dogs and I absolutely love it. They are very effective and don't seem to bother the dogs at all. It did take them a few walks to adjust. You just have to follow the directions for them to work.

We've also used in-home dog trainers which are fabulous if you find the right one. Maybe try carrying some small & tasty treats with you to lure him along. You could use them generously at first and then less and less often as he improves. The trick is to give them as randomly as possible so that he can't predict when he'll get the treat. I used to be very anti-treat training. But I'm beginning to see that it is very effective.

Another idea would be to just change what you are doing. If he starts to lag behind change direction, maybe that will be unexpected and he'll keep going.

And one more thought...don't stress over his past issues. Nothing you can do about that, just have high expectations for him now. Dogs are perfectly capable of major behavior changes.

Robbin65

Sorry guys my internet was temporarly disconnected for two weeks.

Man, let me tell ya how crazy it is not having internet at home ....aaaahhh

But I am back online now.  Yippie..

I have this rash all over my breasts, chest, stomach and back.  I have NO IDEA what it is.  It has been a few days now and I am going to the doctor on Monday.  It itches too.  Can this happen on tamoxifen?  Anyone else else have any idea what it could be.  Tamoxifen is the only thing I take and I have no idea what I could be allergic to.  Ahhhh......Help.

skyedivine

Hi Ladies, hope everyone who celebrates Thanksgiving had a good one. I second the eloquent thanks some of you have made for our group. I don't know how I would have made it without you. Last Thanksgiving I had this terrible secret...I knew about the tumor but didn't want to spoil the day for my family so DH and I kept it to ourselves until my surgery was scheduled. I'm in such a better place this year despite all that has happened.



Cindy big WOOHOO on the clear paths, the best Christmas present of all. I'm also admiring your contentedness with your body, but that only makes good sense...we are what we are.

Caya I hope you made it to your Herceptin ok. I was a bit draggy after mine and still am but at least I am getting a good nights sleep. I LOVE the Ambien and wish I'd had it sooner. I look and feel much better.

Rebecca that restored inn sounds super lovely, you will have to tell us about your day.

Jan you just fume away all you want to us. We each recover in our own way and time and we have a right to that.

Mel if you aren't liking that gray I wouldn't hesitate to color it up. And I'm the same way you are with the distraction, trying to finish a million different projects and having trouble concentrating on them, getting behind in some deadline areas too which makes me nervous. I've been trying to set my Christmas Village up for 3 days now. And even my "Puppies for Dummies" book requires re-reading at times. (There is a lot more to this puppy stuff than I ever knew). I haven't been back to see Grendel since the 5-week visit but hope to do that soon. They change so fast. Mel I wish I knew what to tell you about Harrison's leash-lagging. I did read it's a myth that dogs are not trainable when older. Is there a local class you could join?

Melia congrats on going commando with the family this weekend. I bet it will feel very natural and nice.

Tina, that surgery is coming right up, isn't it? And you are really having the works. Well, you know you have a couple of dozen bc sisters pulling for you all the way.

Viddie, Mary, Lynn, thanks for sharing the Thanxgiving wishes.Sounds like you both had good days.

I did too, it was a lot of fun at my brother's house and much good food. I was so grateful to not be hosting it this year. This coming Wednesday I have my annual mammo and Pap smear and am dreading going back to that office where it all started.

And finally, saving the best for last, my oldest DS asked his lovely girlfriend of 2 years to marry him Thanksgiving Eve! They were decorating a tree in her apartment, and he slipped the ring onto one of the branches and then told her there was something wrong with the ornament near it and when she went to fix it the ring fell in her hand. The ring is gorgeous, btw. They called us right after and I'm sure neighbors heard me shriek for miles around. So we had a double celebration on Thanksgiving. - Skye

luckymel

Oh, Skye, congratulations on your DS's engagement!  What a fun way for him to propose to her.  After two years, I assume they know what they're doing, and I'm glad you like her.  Have they decided when the wedding is?  Where do they live - near you or away?  I can't remember if you've said (among the many other things I can't remember).  Good luck Wed. on your annual checkup, and try not to waste too much time dreading it.  Nothing will ever be as bad as the shock we all had when we were diagnosed, anyway, and we got through that.  I'm confident you'll be fine, but will be thinking about you.

Robbin, glad you're back online, but sorry to hear about the rash!  I don't know if that's a side effect of Tamoxifen or not - I've not heard anyone complain of it, but I guess it's possible.  Could it be something in your environment, like soap or something?  Anything new?  Glad you have a dr. appt. Monday.  Have you tried hydrocortisone cream on it, to stop the itching?

Jan, thanks for the advice, and I guess I'll give the gentle leader a try.  I think I'll also look into finding a trainer for him, and raise my expectations.  We may be babying him too much.  Thanks for the nudge.  Hope you're feeling more relaxed now that you're working out again.  It's amazing how much that does help, but I never recognize it until I get back on track again and feel way better. 

Harrison was so delightful on Thanksgiving.  I am constantly amazed at what a nice guy he is.  He loves company and socializing, but is so gentle.  He sat next to us at the table, just listening, head up, eyes smiling, enjoying himself immensely.  No begging, just wanted to be with us.   When we left the table, the cats took turns sitting on dh's step-father's lap, and Harrison just enjoyed attention from anyone who would give it.  I'm so grateful to have such wonderful pets.

Debbie, do I understand you to say that you actually got a massage on Thanksgiving?  That's unusual, to find someone to work on you on a holiday, but how great!

Caya, hope you're wrong about Cassie's internship.  How is MIL?

Well, it's cold and rainy here this weekend, good weather to sleep late (so I did) and relax(so I am) but think I'll go hit the gym in a little while to work off that apple pie.  Hope everyone is having a great weekend.  Check in when you can.

TPPJ

Hi Guys,

I missed reading page 220 until today.  Caya, hope the MIL's bleeding situation is resolved by now.

We had a good Thanksgiving.  It was just the four of us and usually, I like to have a few people to celebrate holidays with but for some reason, I was totally good w/just us this year.  We got our dinner at the club and it was soooooo good.  Practically zero cleanup.  I think I enjoyed it because I didn't have to worry about making everything look good for others, i.e. serving  pieces, etc.  I did do a cheesy plastic turkey tablecloth for the kids benefit so it'd feel "holiday-ish".

Anyway, I have a painter here today touching up all the super scuffed white woodwork so if we put this place up for sale after the holidays, it'll be in shape.  Nobody better mess with my woodwork again!    The DH took the kids and my sons friend to Mr. Magoriums Emporium.  Ebert said thumbs up but my son was just OK w/it, Jaclyn liked it, the DH said it was pretty good.  It was great to have the kids out of the house for the day as it's too cold to play outside and I was able to get some wrapping done.  Jaclyn is sick, AGAIN.  She had a fever on Thanksgiving Day and today, that's gone but she has laryngitis.  She was a riot, this am, knocking on doors inside our house and saying "Can Olivia play?"  She was practicing, hoping for a non-laryngitis voice so I'd let her out to call for her friend.  No dice, Jac... 

Robbin, don't think I've heard of tamoxifen causing skin rashes.  I just got a new book out of the library too, a brand new one and it listed every cancer drug known to man and the s/e's...boy, are there a lot of cancer drugs.  I recall seeing skin rashes as a herceptin complication.  On tamox. I saw thinning hair and I thought to myself:  it isn't affecting Robbin like that!   Mine is def. much thinner and I don't know that it will come back so thick.  That's OK, as it was verrrry thick before and it seems somewhat more manageable to blow dry.

Caya

Hi gals,

They discharged my MIL yesterday afternoon from the hospital so the DH and DD went to pick her up.  She had stopped bleeding for 2 days, her hemoglobin (sp?) and blood pressure were fine, so the dr. said she could go home, with the warning that if she starts to bleed again to take her straight to the hospital downtown that does the test with the camera-pill.  So hopefully she'll be okay.  She was so happy to go home, and of course it makes life much easier for all of us to have her home.

Skye - Mazel Tov (that's congrats in Yiddish!!) on your son's engagement.  I assume that this was a surprise for you too. That's great.  And yes I made it downtown for my Herceptin even though the weather was wicked. I came home and slept for 3 hours Thursday afternoon, could barely move off the couch on Friday, and today I also napped for about 1 1/2 hrs. 

Robbin - I haven't heard of a rash from tamoxifen, but who knows?  Could it be shingles? I had shingles last fall, 5 days after I found out about my dx. It started out like a few hives on my neck, then spread across my shoulder blade - I didn't know what it was so I went up to the hospital as I could not get into my GP that day - good thing I did as the ER doc took one look at me and diagnosed me with shingles.  He gave me the antiviral meds immediately as you need to get on them within the first 48 - 72 hours after the first rash appears.  Let us know.

Jan - yes it's the pits - the whole damn thing, but hey we're basically a year out now and in general doing well. There are days when I am angry and down, but then I remember that there are those who are worse off than I am... 

Tina - oh your Jaclyn sounds like such a character.  Cassie had such a personality when she was little too - I hope Jac is feeling better. And the hair - mine is definitely thinner than before (which I also don't mind, it was so thick before), and still pretty short.  I've read that Herceptin can slow hair growth, but oh well.

Mel - Harrison sounds like a great dog, and I am not really an animal lover. Glad you had a few days off to relax before going back to work.

Tonight 3 of our neighbours took us out for dinner for our anniversary to a great restaurant called Grappa - they renovated it last winter while I was going through chemo and we hadn't been there since. I had a lentil soup and then duck with risotto for the main course.  It  was a very nice evening.

I'm about 10 days into the Effexor, and I can feel the difference. I'm glad I decided to try it.  When I think how emotional and high-strung I was in August/September, I wish I had started it sooner. 

dkmaustx

Mel, my massage was Wednesday afternoon, sort of a kick off to the holiday. Most years he has his twin, 10-year-old girls with him for the holiday, but this year they were spending the weekend elsewhere, so he thought why not do a few massages before he went off camping for a few days.

Skye, great news about your son and his new fiancee.

Jan, Holidays can be rough even when you aren't dealing with BC issues. Do what ever it takes to get yourself though. If that means venting a bit, then vent away.

Robbin, welcome back. Isn't it funny the things you get used to these days. I have internet withdrawal when I'm away from home. The places we stay have Wi-Fi or in room connections, but I don't have a lap top to take with me on vacation. I don't know what I'd do if I lost my home connection. 

Caya, I 'm glad your mil got to come home from the hospital. I hope she continues to improve.

MaryB

I'll be starting chemo the first week in December but I have to decide which oncologist I want to choose.  I went for a second opinion last week, thinking that he would just confirm the first oncologist's protocol.  The first said dose dense AC x 4 every two weeks. The second said TAC x 6 every three weeks. Basically it means two additional months I wasn't psyched for. This week I meet with the first oncologist to discuss her rationale and tell her what the second told me. I am recovering from a mastectomy and have a tissue expander. My Dx was in September. Tumor 1.1cm.,ILC, er+/pr+ ,her 2-,1+/14nodes. This board seems to give a lot of great support. The second oncologist said I would qualify for a clinical study of cold caps, which is supposed to reduce/prevent hair loss. Any thoughts?  Hope that I can also find and give support while enduring this horrible ordeal. I am trying to think spring at the moment, when the chemo will be behind us.

MaryB

I'll be starting chemo the first week in Dec, but I have to decide which oncologist I want to choose. I went for a second opinion last week, thinking that he would just confirm the frist oncologist's protocol. The first said dose dense AC x4 every two weeks. The second said TAC x 6 every three weeks. Basically it means two addition monts I wasn't psyched for. This week I meet with the first oncologist again to discuss her rational and respond to the second opinion. I am recovering from a mstec tomy and have a stissue expander. My DX was in Sept. Tumor 1.1cm, ILc er+/pr+ her3 neu-, 1+/14 nodes. This boadrd seems to give a lot of great support. The second oncologist said I would qualify for a clinical study of cold caps which is supposed to reduce/prevent hair loss. An thoughts? Hope that I can also find and give suport while enduring this horrible ordeal. I am trying to think spring at the moment, when the chemo will be history.

mer1957

Hi MaryB, any support we can give we are sending your way.  Several of us have been on AC or TAC.  I'm sorry you have to go through this.  I had AC and then Taxol.  I think the AC was harder but the effects were only for a few days whereas the Taxol wasn't as hard to deal with but took longer to recover.  I hope your appt with your first oncologist will help you decide.  We all went through it a year ago and while it is hard, it is do-able.  I heard of one person who tried the cold cap and it didn't work.  J think it initially delayed it but she lost her hair anyway.  Anyone else know of anyone? 

Skye, congrats on your son's engagement.  Any date set?  We can plan our son's weddings together.  Remember, the mother of the groom wears beige and keeps quiet -- at least that is my motto.

Caya, glad to hear your MIL is home.  That makes it a lot easier.

I'm enjoying one last day home before heading back to work.  It is hard for me to be home sometimes -- it gives me too much time to think.  I'll be glad to have my breast MRI in Dec and get the results.  I keep wondering what is going on there.  The skin still feels so tight.  Oh well, have a good day everyone.  Hugs.

sharon56

hi gals my weekend checkup here reading all the posts

MaryB glad you joined it looks like you are just starting out , there is lots of info here check in on our earlier posts and ask questions we will help ya out ! Things pop outta nowhere sometimes be prepared and take one day at a time .

Caya : glad to see your MIL is out of the hospital and your dinner went well . One of these days we will get to meet ! so much going on right now I am finding working full time takes alot more out of me , after cooking dinner at nite thats it for me ! I am also doing our annual inventory on Saturday .... yuck keying in all kinds of data .

Joni i know what you mean by headaches i had a doozer yesterday spent the day in bed .... needed the rest i guess my body does tell me when enough is enough and shuts me down . Did that before by dx !

All you American ladies hope Thanksgiving went off well and that you are all recouping . Its tough this aftermath me thinks its tougher now when the support of treatment has given way and we are up to our own resources . My port is out and i have to get the stitches out next week . The procedure was OK , but it sent me back into the shoulder of the hospital , one i have been leaning on for a while and do not have as much anymore . After treatment support is so integral to our pschy .... support is important thats why we are all still checking in here !

My eldest dd just applied for college for 2008 . She has applied for Environmental Technology at 3 colleges . Heavy science courses aimed at getting our planet back in shape . So proud of her ! We will see which one accepts her . There goes my paycheck !

Well I am off to do my chores .... have a great Sunday girls

skyedivine

Debbie, Jan and Robbin, I just noticed your posts all came in while I was writing my last one and I didn't see them til today. Robbin I'm so glad you are back with us, I know I would go nuts without Internet for 2 weeks. Debbie, turkey and then massage, what a glorious combo! And Jan...much sympathy. None of us asked for this, that is for sure. And yet we are all here and functioning. Just remember we are all here for you.



Caya I hope you are getting rested up from the Herc infusion. I'm still draggy and sleeping more and wondering if the Ambien also has something to do withthat.



Mary B, welcome to the board and while joining us is always due to unfortunate circumstances, I think we are a big help by just being here. It's hard to say which chemo choice is better, could you possibly get a third opinion? Not knowing all your stats and history I wouldn't feel right venturing an opinion. I haven't known anyone who used a cold cap but it may be worth a try.



Sharon I'm glad the port removal went well. Hope that keeps healing perfectly.



Mer, I don't think DS and fiancee have set a date yet but yes, we can certainly be mothers-of-groom together, and beige is one of my best colors. :-)

Hope everyone is having a good Sunday. We are busy cleaning out spare bedroom to use for puppy home base. - Skye

dkmaustx

Hi there, Mary B, I had 4 infusions of Adriamycin and Cytoxan followed by 4 infusions of Taxol. The infusions were 3 weeks apart. Different doctors have different ideas on how to deliver the chemo; I think some spread out the Taxol infusions to 12 weeks going in once each week. My aunt started her treatment in Fall of 2005, and she had TAC in 8 infusions every other week. She had a rough time of it I think. When we compared notes as I went through my treatments, it seemed I didn't have it quite as rough as she did. She's 15 years older than I am, and she had a history of rough time during pregnancy. Each Doc and each patient is different.

Taxol was easier to handle as far as nausea concerns, but some of the other side effects like joint pain and neuropathy tended to build up over time. I finished my last Taxol on July 2, and I still have tingling in my toes, not as bad as before but still there.

Just work with your doctor and the nurses. Let them know any and all side effects and problems you are having. They had to try a couple of different drugs for me before they found the one that would control my nausea after the AC infusions. My nurse told me that they wanted me to be as free from side effects as possible during my treatment. I felt good enough to go on a trip (that I'd been planning for 1½ years) between my second and third infusions. I took all my pills with me and made it through okay. I wasn't 100% all day everyday, but it was worth it to see my friends and family for a few days and get in some sight seeing, too.

I haven't heard much about cold caps, but do what makes you comfortable. I felt better having my head warm during chemo, that room was plenty cold enough for me without putting an ice pack thing on my head.

As Sharon said take one day, and one treatment, at a time. That's the way I coped. I read up on the AC chemos before I went through them, Then read about Taxol before I started it. I didn't read in depth about radiation until after I finished Chemo. Finally, when it was time to choose one of the aromatase inhibitors; I read up on them. Don't get too far ahead in your worries.

meliaanne

Hi Ladies,

Skye, congrats on your son's engagement. I love knowing my kids have partners who are committed and who were able to help them this past year; it's nice to see them make such good choices, isn't it?  And you and Mary will have fun being mothers of grooms together.

Caya, good news about your mil. I am so glad.

Mary B, what the other gals have said is right. I would just add that it helped me to take baby steps, not to look at the entire six or eight months, or whatever it turns out to be. Just take each treatment as one step closer to regaining your health. It is hard, but if I did it, you can certainly do it. Ask questions, make the best decisions you can, and then have faith that you can do it.

Robbin, it sure sounds like an allergic reaction to something. I hope you are feeling better. And I am glad you have the internet back.

Sharon, it's always so nice to hear from you. I am glad your port is out, and congrats on your daughter's college plans. Yep, it hurts the wallet, but it's worth it.

We had a really fun Thanksgiving. I loved having a houseful of kids. Everyone left this morning and I am beat, though. Lots of cooking!  And I am used to a bit of solitude everyday, which I don't have with guests .. but it's worth it. I am working through all the loads of laundry, went to the gym, am just taking it kind of slowly this afternoon. I am already looking forward to all of them returning for xmas. I so wish we lived in the same town.

So I have had a clear mammogram, a clear pap, and Wed is my colonoscopy. I am not really worried about it, just want it over with. Then I can feel that I am doctor free for a few months, at least I hope so. Dentist tomorrow too, I know the chemo damaged my enamel. But I am so glad to be where I am now rather than a year ago. That was such a bad November, so terrifying.  The next few weeks are full of anniversaries: THE phone call, surgery, path report, etc. Kind of surreal.

I hope everyone has a good, calm night.  Back to work tomorrow for me.

Melia

Rebecca

Good Monday  my sisters!

Congrats on your son's engagement Skye...how wonderful!  Do they know how long of an engagement they want to have?

Robbin YECK on the rash...hope that clears up soon.  I have had some transient itchy stuff going on as well...as well as repeats of the little tiny blisters I got during Rads.  strange.

 The jumpiness from the Effexor eased off, but I am not sure I feel an effect on my mood yet, but of course I have been taking half the effective dose!  I took my first full dose this morning....I  hope I do not vibrate out of my shoes again! 

I was happy to read that everyone (in the US contingent) had a nice Thanksgiving.  Mine was very nice as well.  The old inn was gorgeous!  It was built in 1870, and was a working inn until about 10 years ago.  Since then it fell into some disrepair, but since the outlaws bought it, it is experiencing a rebirth.  They are planning to fix it up for the sole purpose of using it to host events such as Thanksgiving.  I did take some pictures, and I have some stories to tell (of course), but this morning I have much work to do to prepare for my week, and I only  have half a morning to do it because I have to go to the dentist for a filling .  Ah well

TPPJ

Mary B., I def. wouldn't know what to say re: which tx route to go.  Maybe you can find some info. on the bc.org's main pages.  They have all kinds of articles on previous studies.  Of course, many contradict each other, but...    Whichever route you go, I think you'll feel good to be doing something about it.  I found AC much easier than I anticipated...I was TOTALLY jumpy from the decadron but they gave me ativan to counteract that.  No nausea at all, though, due to Emend beforehand. Miracle drug.  Taxol was pretty easy for me, but at the end it made me very tired.  I wouldn't even consider doing anything at night besides sitting on the couch...very unlike me.  I did 12 weeks of that.

Caya, glad the Effexor is making a difference and Rebecca, glad your jumpiness has subsided...it may resurface once you take the full dose, but again, it'll subside.  It'll take a few weeks, I think, to feel the "even keel".

Congrats, Skye!  Exciting news.  Mary, LOL'ing about wearing beige and being quiet.  I think those of us who have sons can wear red sequins and swing from the chandeliers!  We have cancer cards!  Mary, does your son have a date?  And Skye?

Sharon, nice to hear from you.  Best of luck to your DD w/the college apps.  Melia, glad your tests have gone well.  I'm sure you'll be happy to have Wednesdays test over with.  I've never done that one and certainly don't look forward to it, but I wonder why, at almost 42 it hasn't been suggested to me.  I think w/the BC history, I read we have a higher risk for that too.  Because I only see onco's now, the only thing that gets addressed is BC related issues.  Debbie, btw. turkey and massage, I think I'd still be sleeping today!

I'm doing my best to put Friday out of my mind.  It's one thing when you are going in for surgery to get the cancer out of your body.  I couldn't get on that table fast enough.  This time feels different...not so anxious to get there.  Anxious to have it over with, for sure.

Taking Jaclyn to the dr. at 2 as she still sounds horrible.  I need her in shape before Thurs. because she's supposed to stay at the neighbors house as we need to leave here at like 5am Fri. am for the hospital.  I hate these ridiculously early surgery times.

TPPJ

Well, back again.  Got a call from my PS today that the hospital scheduling dept. messed up and only booked the OR for two hours on Friday so I can't have my breast surgery simultaneously w/the hysterectomy.  She said it'd be a long time, if ever, that they could coordinate the two surgeries so to go ahead and do the hyst.  Said I could do the breast stuff later on an outpatient basis.  Hmmmm....  hope I can work up the nerve to go back in again.  At first I was ticked but then the DH said "things happen for a reason" and I figure at least I'll be under for less time this way.

Jaclyn has "just a cold", not pneumonia, thank God and she is clear for school tomorrow despite sounding horrible.  I'm actually kind of embarrassed to send her sounding like that but I think it's one of those coughs that could hang on for a week or so and she can't miss that much school.

Oh, Robbin, meant to tell you, I reread that book and skin rashes were under tamoxifen s/e's.

Rebecca

Well, today after not having had a cycle since Feb, I started to bleed.  Not really sure what it means, but I was concerned so I called my gyno, and he told me to get my butt into the office to be checked.  I have an appointment for tomorrow at 11. 

Half of my brain knows it is nothing, the other half is scared witless. 

UGH

Anonymous

Oh, Rebecca, that stinks! I know some people get their period back while on tamoxifen - so let's just assume it's that unless someone qualified says otherwise? I'm glad the gyno worked you in quickly so that you won't have to live in limbo land for too long (although it will still be too long anyway). Thank goodness you found a gyno that you like and that you got rid of the terrible one!

I'm sorry that you have to worry about this! 

IowaCindy

Hello, happy Monday!

Everyone just keeps moving on and it's hard to keep things in mind - who's doing what. Tina, I'm sorry about the surgery scheduling problem. What a bummer when you're all set for that.

Rebecca, good on your gyno for getting you in so quickly! I've not had a cycle since January and I wonder if it will start again.

Debbie, your massage was the perfect way to start a holiday weekend.

Caya, how's your MIL doing?

Recovery has gone very well.  That blasted drain site is getting so tender. It's coming out tomorrow. Can't wait!!!!!!!

I am surprised that I'm having trouble with endurance. Once I'm up and active, I have about 4 hours or so and then I need a nap. I've tried not napping but I just get so tired. Ugh.

I want to ask about hair growth. Have you noticed a difference in the growth rate? Since I've finally gotten in the swing of the daily Tamoxifen, my hair has practically stopped growing. It was coming in so fast and then bam - it's just creeping in and barely doing that. I hate how it looks now so I'm seriously considering going tomorrow AM before the MD appt. and getting my hair cut super short. It looked better that short than it does right now at this awful inbetween state.

Now why couldn't that hair growth change apply to my chin? Those little hairs just pop right out. Grrrrrrr. That should be another pass using the cancer card.

Hope your week goes well, ladies.

Cindy 

meliaanne

Rebecca, I am sorry you are scared. I truly believe it will be nothing, and am very grateful that your dr worked you in quickly so you don't have to dwell on it very long.

Tina, what a drag about your surgery, but maybe it will be better this way. I want you strong and healthy for the holidays with the fam.

Cindy, of course you don't have any endurance, Silly Girl. You have been through so much this year!  Listen to your body and rest.

Jan, how ARE you?  Talk to us ....

Hugs,

Melia

jonimb

Hello everyone,

Rebecca, this happens quite frequently to young women, so don't be alarmed.  We are all here for you if you need someone to talk to.

Robin, you can get rashes from Tamoxifen, keep us posted what the doc says.  Big hugs.

Skye, Congrats on your DS engagement!!!

Cindy, good riddance to that drain tomorrow.

Sharon, your DD sounds like a brainiac!!  Good luck on her college of choice!!

And to get us all started off in the Spirit of Christmas, I "elfed" my family.

Here's Me, Dan, Thor & Clem (aka RC rotten cat).....dancing up a storm!!

Big hugs to all.....Joni

http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=9614022789

Rebecca

Good morning my sisters!

Today is Owen's birthday, so we had an active and happy morning.  I baked cupcakes for him last night, and got up this morning to frost them.  At his request, he has chocolate cupcakes with pink frosting....go figure.  Takes a real man to go for pink!  On the other hand, the pink frosting is strawberry flavored, so i suspect that they are going to be exceptionally tasty cupcakes.  He got a gift card from an aunt in the mail yesterday, so Matt and I took him to Target so he could pick out a toy.  He decided that he HAD to have the voice-changing Transformers helmet.  He has spent the intervening time with this thing plastered to his head, running around and talking incessantly so that he can hear his voice. 

He is SOOOOOOOO funny. 

I have to keep reminding him that he has to take it off to eat, and I am sure that I am going to have to battle him at the preschool door because he is going to want to show his buddies.  He is so thrilled with this thing...I think he has wanted it for some time now....he was asking for it in the car before we even got into the store.

Well anyway, trying to stay positive about my appt this morning.  I am still a little nervous...actually I was doing OK, but the bleeding has gotten VERY heavy now.  i am glad I followed my gut and called the OB yesterday....and I am soooooo glad that I had the foresight to realize that I needed to have one before I needed one!  Cross your fingers for me....I will report back later. 

Rebecca

OMG Joni...that elf thing is hilarious

TPPJ

Rebecca, quite frankly, I was surprised you hadn't gotten your period back, based on your age.  I'm a good five years older than you, I think, and mine came back w/a vengeance.  I only went 3 mos. period free.  I really think this is your period vs. tamoxifen staining.  Either way, though, I'm sure they'll recommend pelvic ultrasound as they did w/me.  I think it's kind of SOP with bleeding on tamoxifen.  You'll know if it's a real period if it lasts several days.  Because it sounds like it's heavy, I think that's what it is....you are back to premenopausal.  Didn't you say a while back, though, that you were tested for that and found to be post?

Joni, have to go look at your elf video.  I just rec'd it from two friends...gay men, and it was hysterical.  I hadn't seen that one before...it's great.

Happy Birthday to Owen.  I miss those "Transformer" and Power Rangers days...  boys are so much fun.  I so didn't realize that until I had one.  Jaclyn is cracking me up more than ever nowadays, so that's good.  She was hard to enjoy at age 4...very strong willed and feisty.

TPPJ

Cindy, I DEF. notice my hair is way thinner than it was and the book I read this week said tamox. causes thinning.  I had more than I knew what to do with prior, but my scary inner voice says god forbid if I ever have to thru tx. again, I'm afraid I'll end up w/bald patches.  Not gonna go there...

Reading your comment about your endurance brings back memories...  I think I had effectively blocked out a lot of my TRAM flap recovery stuff.  The other day I recalled walking four doors down to return a kids sweatshirt, as it was a nice day, and feeling like I needed a ride home.  I remember thinking OMG, I feel like I'm 102.  I guess it's best that I'm taking this new surgery one step at a time, because, yes, Melia, I prob. would feel like crap for Christmas if I did both simultaenously.

Well, the tooth fairy screwed up again here.  Forgot to leave my son his $.  He is heavily mentioning he doesn't believe anymore (in the T.F., Santa, etc.) but won't totally go there.  We keep saying "if you don't believe, you don't receive".  Anyway, the DH goes and throws $5 on the floor and tells him his eyes are bad.  He totally didn't buy that gag this time and I nearly burst out laughing...  I'm getting bad at keeping up the facade myself, but I want to for Jaclyn's sake.  She'll know the truth before, Paul, despite her being 7 and him nearly 11.  She's 7 going on 17.

Anonymous

Melia - I'm OK. I think getting back into my exercise routine is helping. I'm going to try to get out this morning and walk the dogs before my afternoon conference calls start. I have an onc appt tomorrow (first time in 3 months) so I think that's causing some anxiety too.

Tina - Too funny about the toothfairy!

Rebecca - thinking about you today, let us know how it goes.

Joni - I love that video! 

Caya

Hi All,

Joni - loved that elf video.  A local news station did that the other day with some of their newcasters - it really is hilarious.

Melia - glad you've been getting the all clear on everything. I'm sure the colonoscopy will be fine too.

Jan - glad you're feeling better.  Good luck at the onc. tomorrow, again I'm sure the visit will be UNEVENTFUL.

Tina - ROFL about your Paul and the tooth fairy.  At nearly 11 he still believes? That's great. Glad Jaclyn has just a cold.  My Cassie was also very feisty at age 4 - all I can say is, sit on her now when she's 7, because when they're 14 that's when they really have the 'tude and can get into major trouble. Good luck with your surgery. Like your DH said, things happen for a reason, your recuperation will be much easier and quicker.

cindy - ditto on the rest and taking it easy. Don't overdo it, your strength and stamina will come back.

Sharon - oh yes, the paycheque goes straight to tuition/residence, do not pass go, send straight to the registrar's office. Let us know what school your DD gets into.

Rebecca - I agree with Tina, sounds like your period is BAAACK. This is not uncommon with women your age, but of course your gyn. will test.  Let us know.

My MIL is doing pretty well at home.  Her appetite is good and she is getting her strength back. She missed her path. report appointment with the gyn./surgeon last week as she was in the hospital, so my sister-in-law will have to reschedule.  I hope it's okay.

Last night I went to a Chanukah party for Jewish women cancer survivors. I met a woman there who told me she was on a clinical trial 4 years ago for Herceptin and she's still A-ok. They raffled off a quilt that had been donated to the group - It was very pretty, kind of like the one Joni has - but I didn't win. But it was a nice evening out, and the dreidl cookies and fruit were nice.

Have a good day gals. 

Rebecca

ok, back from the gyno....and he thinks it is very likely my period coming back.  He sent me for some bloodwork to see if my FSH came down, and is having my LH and Estradiol levels checked also just to be thorough.  He put me on 7 days of Megace to help control the bleeding, which is truly out of control and heavy now.  He wants me to check back with him on Thursday, and if it does not slow down or stop then I might have to go for a D&C.  Lets hope not...YECK.  Waiting to hear back from my Onc regarding the Megace before I take it, because it is a hormonal medication....Gyno did call my onc office, but MY onc was out, and he spoke to his partner who said it was ok...so I bet it is ok.  maybe I should just take it......

Anyway, I am kind of bummed about my period coming back....I was counting my menopause as a perk of treatment.  Ah well....at least the hair on my legs does not appear to be growing back....then I would be REALLY pissed off!