Starting Chemo in JAN 2007

NOLONGERREADINGORPOSTING

Nancy...good luck today. I don't think there's anything wrong with taking the ativans on the days you get steriods...you need them.

I got a little dependent on them, but I'm cutting down now to halves, and I think I'll be able to cut all them out soon. I've only used the half the prescription. I was told getting a good night's sleep was very important and not to worry about dependency.

That's fabulous news about your SIL's grandmother!!!! We love to hear news like that!!!

I may be too busy to post much the next few days but I'll be thinking of all of you...

xxxooo Mizsissy

Ihopeg

Hi all,
I haven't posted in awhile, but I have been reading. It sounds like everyone is doing fine. Thats great!! I have my next treatment 3/21. I am sooo dreading the week on the sofa and the smells from the bathroom. I started wearing my wig whenever I go somewhere, and don't feel like I have the pity looks anymore.
Is it possible that my hair on my head is growing back? i really see some growth up there.
Mizsissy,
I too take ativan. I take it before I go to bed every night. Is that too much?
Take car everyone,
ilene

Lynn12

Nancy, excellent news about your SIL's grandmother! As Mizssissy said, we love hearing good news like that.

Regarding Ativan - I alternate between Ativan and Ambien. I probably take one or the other 5 out of 7 nights per week. I break the Ambiens in half when taking them. I'm kind of worried about the dependency, but sleep is so important, especially with a husband that has been known to snore.

Lynn

Amera

I swear, at least every other time I go out in a scarf, a woman comes up to me to tell me she's a survivor. Happened again today at the post office. I have to say, it used to bother me tremendously for some reason. It doesn't any more, but now I'm just sad. Sad that so many women go through this. It is really remarkable. I suppose if it's 1 in 8, then there have to be some in every crowd. I am just shaking my head...
Amera

jonimb

Hello all:

I have had a crazy morning, my hot water tank exploded, so I have a flood in my basement, which I might add is fully developed. I have a plumber coming at 1:30, and Dan came home from work to help me shut off the water. This is definitely a "BLUE" job. Oh, well, it will be all fixed by tonite.

Dar, my thoughts are with you today, try to remember all the good times.

Robbin Jaye, have you thought of talking to a 2nd oncologist to get their opinion on whether Taxol/Taxotere would be beneficial? I hope your kitty does well at the vets. Also, with your aunt moving in, it may be a very positive experience, sometimes if you look at things in the best light, they turn out that way.

Jan & Rebecca, I love those scarves, but I think I have way too many headcovers now, so going to try to cut back on spending in that area....although I do love that red one..hahaha.

Viddie, I have the gas problem too. Every time I have a little bit of pain, my husband asks me if I have a "windy spasm" stuck sideways. I think I could fuel the nation.

Skye: A friend of mine recommended "Glutithione" and "Milk Thistle", so I am going to try to clear these two with my onc at my next appt. Have you heard anything about these? My friend swore the "Glutithione" stopped the yucky feelings from the chemo more than the anti-nausea meds.

Lynn & Amera, I thought it was just me, with these smells. The other funny thing on my pamphlet, is that it said to flush the toilet twice to eliminate any chemo drugs. Gee pers creepers....if there that bad for the toilet what are they doing to us...kind of scary.

Skye, good luck to your hubby this afternoon with his operation. In the last week, I have learned too that Dan & I really have to help each other.

Vicky, are you feeling better now? Melia, haven't heard from you in a few days...hope all is well.

Mizsissy, I love your new thread, you are so organized, it is amazing. I did like you said, and switched from two Senekots to 1, and take 1 colace. I'm also drinking natural prune juice. I take Zantac too for upset stomachs.

Lynn hope you are feeling better. I have been pretty good with Chemo #4....I only have had 2 bad days which were of course Saturday and Sunday.

Hugs to you all...hope you are having a good day.

Joni

**Be Kind. Remember everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.....Thompson **

viddie

Hi,
Lynn and Amera,
When my members put on weight as a result of something medical, we always tell them that your health comes first, and the weight loss will catch up later. My oncologist does not want me to lose any weight, she would rather see me gain weight. Last time I gained 2 lbs and she said that was good. Working for Weight Watchers kept me in a "weight losing" mode, but this is different. I have to let that go for now. Actually one of my only enjoyments now is eating. I have not have mac and cheese for years, or a bagel with egg and bacon from Dunkin Donuts, but now I crave them. I did lose my sweet tooth thought, so at least I am kinda staying away from cakes and cookies, unless one of my thoughtful neighbors are kind enough to drop off some homemade stuff goodies. Then all bets are off.

Ativan saves me. I take them the first few days, then only at night until day 8. I am also afraid of taking them too often, but next time I might take them when I really need them- day 5-8. It seems to calm my stomach down a bit- I think I am all nerves during the first week, and if my I can calm down, maybe my stomach will also. Just a thought for next time around.

I have a big family event the Tuesday after my next Thursday infusion that I have to attend. It is Passover and involves among other things, a lot of eating (overeating). I am not quite sure how I can prepare because that has been my worst day so far. We have to travel around 1 1/2 hours. I think i will take my ativan. Even if I am sleepy, it might better than queazy. My mom is 90 and I really cannot skip it.

Robertin, Congratulations on your last A/C treatment. How are you feeling. I guess quite a few of us will be receiving taxol. Lucky us!!

Skye, How are you feeling after your taxol? Did they suggest B6 or B12? We have something else in common. My dh is a 4 year pancreatic cancer survivor. I went up daily to Mass General for months. he underwent a very successful whipple surgery, followed by chemo and radiation. Other than a few minor side complications like diabetes and IBD, he is doing great. He is retired, so I have the ying and the yang. He is there for me to take me to all my appointments and chemo infusions, but he is there all the time. He went to a doctors appointment today and I jumped up and down for joy as he left. That sounds terrible, I know, but everyone needs a little bit of space sometimes. I get bitchy sometimes especially days 6-8. I will stop now.

Smells is the bathroom is another story. My windows have been open for the past two days and what a difference!!! I am about to attempt to do some cleaning in a few minutes. You have all inspired me.

I do not wear my wig anymore, not even for work, only bandanas, but i do look down in supermarkets. I do not want to look at those "turtle faces."
Better end this before it disappears.
Viddie

viddie

Skye,
How is your husband?
The saying by Eleanor Roosevelt comes to mind:
"Women are like teabags,
We don't know our true strength
Until we are in hot water."
I hope your husband feels better real soon.
Viddie

Robbin65

MizSissy,

This is my history and path...

Gyno first found lump during routine viset - Aug 31st, 2006

Never had mammogram before - age 41

No doctor would take me for month due to no money or insurance. Sat at home crying for weeks and weeks. Found program online which got me medical. Now I can see a doctor.

2nd Mammogram and First Ultrasound - Sept 28th

Core Needle Biopsy - Ultrasound Guided - Oct 9th, 2006

Breast MRI - Oct 15th, 2006

EKG and Bloodwork - Nov 29th, 2006

Surgery Dec 5, 2006

No Known Family History of Breast Cancer

Parcial Mastectomy ~ Lumpectomy

25% In-Situ Solid Cribform Ductal

75% Invasive Ductal Carcinoma

No vascular invastion

3.0 cm ~ 1 Bilobed Tumor (2 masses growing together) Upper left breast just under the skin.

3 Sentinal Lymph Nodes ~ Negitive

Clear Margins ~ 1.0 cm from margin on slide

Stage II

ER Postive 3+

PR Positive 3+

HER2/NEU ~ Negitive

Grade 2 ~ SBR 6 (2 Tubules, 3 Nuclear, 1 Mitoses) ~ Moderately Differentiated

Started 4 doses of AC in Jan 07 - last dose March 29th
Start Rads in April?
5 years of Tamoxifen

AGAIN:

Was given the choice to do either 4 rounds of AC only..
OR
4 rounds of AC and then Taxol/Taxotere.

They would not do the Onotype Test but their print out gave me a 3% difference in doing the extra rounds of Taxol/Taxotere.

I know no one can make up my mind for me but should I go for the extra rounds of MORE CHEMO???

In the beginning I had told them I only was going to do the 4 rounds of AC.

I can still change my mind, but I really don't want to.


Oh, I just had my abdominal ultrasound (today) due to high liver counts way before chemo started. I'll let you all know what the results are when they come in.

Lynn12

Quote:

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Viddie, I have the gas problem too. Every time I have a little bit of pain, my husband asks me if I have a "windy spasm" stuck sideways. I think I could fuel the nation.

---

My husband swears he gets chemo brain from my 'windy spasms' Guess it's really time for me to ask the Onc about it.

Lynn

viddie

Lynn- LOL
Robbin, I am also very big on 2nd opinions. It cannot hurt. As a result of my 2nd opinion, I have to have a mastectomy after chemo b/c the first hospital missed a second tumor. A second opinion is also for peace of mind-that way you can make your opinion based on more than one professional opinion.

It is a hard decision, but I am going for the most aggressive treatment possible- I want even the smallest percentage of not going through this again. I do not like choices. That lets them off the hook.
Viddie

meliaanne

Hi All,
Sounds like we are hanging in there ok. RobbinJaye, I am having 12 weekly taxols, starting in April, three weeks after my last a/c on Mar 21. I am stage 2 triple neg, and my dr says he recommends the taxol b/c I want the most aggessive treatment, and since I am triple neg, he is treating me as though I were node positive (34 out of 34 nodes clear). I don't ask statistics, don't want them, just have to believe I will prevail. Do what your heart tells you to do. If you are unsure, a second opinion would be good. You can still opt out of the taxol, and you can even start and stop if it's too tough.

My 2 daughters are flying in tonight to do wedding planning for the younger one. I am taking tomorrow off work to dress shop, and then tomorrow night our son and son-in-law fly in to join us. So there will be six of us and it will be so nice to have a house full, and to focus on the wedding rather than cancer! I have my last a/c next Wed and this will keep my mind off of it.

I hope everyone has a good weekend.

Melia

mer1957

I have stage 3 lobular cancer and they didn't give me a choice. I had to have 4 AC and 4 Taxol. I know that Taxol is know to keep the cancer from coming back as well as shrink the cancer (I am having chemo before mastectomy). Taxol is much easier than AC but I do have leg pain for about 5 days. I think you have to do what gives you peace. Will you be always worrying that "I should have gone with the Taxol"? If so, then do it. If not, go without. Good luck.

NOLONGERREADINGORPOSTING

RobbinJaye,

It's hard to say, I'd say don't, but looking at your age, I don't know. You know, you can still get an Oncotype test just to be sure. My understanding is that noone gets turned away because of financial problems. Another woman posted here and said all she had to do was send them a copy of her tax return. You can probably get the test for free.

Go the the website www.genomichealth.com and see what you can find. I think you can get this test. You can get the results in two weeks and it will give you a lot of peace of mind.

Another round of chemo..AFTER the first chemo..is not at all without risk. You have a 1% of getting leukemia, when I took taxotere I was horrified to see that I had a 1% chance of dying of septic shock. See if you can get the test.

Mizsissy

Nancyab

hi my lady friends, just returned home from Taxol #1. I was really scared and 2 of the nurses were so great at easing my fear. Everything was going well until the last 20 mins or so of infusion when I felt like I was in labor! I had the worse feeling menstrel cramps, and the pain. radiated down my legs. I was trying to cope and when they asked how I was doing I told them and they scolded me for not saying something sooner. I didn't know... This block is new to me remember? She slowed down the drip and the pain subsided. I feel mildly achy and really sleepy, yet the steriods won't let me settle down. matter of fact I could just about eat everything in sight, was is up with that??? I am trying to refrain myself, I don't need to get any larger! I met a lady and her Husband at chemo today it was her first AC and my first taxol. Were both sitting across from each other crying from fear. I tried to reassure her about the AC, and the hairloss etc. I hope I helped her some.

IowaCindy

I've been reading this week, not posting as I feel if I write too much the whines become too apparent and I'll irritate myself and y'all.

Tomorrow is 6 of 8, # 2 of Taxotere. My MD is out of the office so I'll have her nurse practitioner overseeing my time in the office. I've seen her before when I had a severe skin reaction to one of the occlusive dressings they put over the port to hold the needle in place (they only use paper tape now to hold it in place). I think the NP is good so I'm trying to get my next list of questions ready.

I've started wearing a scarf to work more often than the wig. I just get too hot in it now that the weather is turning more towards Spring. Except I nearly had an unintentional 'exposure' the other day walking out of work and the wind whipped around the corner and tugged at the scarf. I was lucky to get my hand up in time to hold it on. Somehow I'm just not ready for that!

Anyway, here's to a lovely weekend for all. Blessings on this family of extended sisters and their families and friends...........

Caya

Good evening ladies,

Had a quiet day today - went for my Thursday bloodwork at the lab I've been going to for years, wore my curly wig, the nurse there couldn't get over how much it looks like my real hair - I told her that in a funny way, the wig is easier,I just take a shower, put on my "hair" and can walk out the door - my real hair which was long, thick and curly took about 2 hours to dry naturally!! ( but I still wish I had it)
Nancyab - hope you and anyone else who had an infusion in this week is feeling okay.
Joni - how did the clean up go with your hot water tank? you really didn't need that aggravation...
Viddie - I have my first Taxotere infusion on that same Thursday (March 29) as you - then I have Passover as well on Monday and Tuesday nights - a bit worried also - luckily tho my family where the dinners are live close by - but I'll see how I feel, I really want to go to my family's dinner - it's about 30 people and alot of my cousins will be there.
As I said I will have my first Taxotere on March 29th - any advise from you veterans out there would be great - my oncl. gave me a script to take steroids the day before ( 12 hours apart),the day of and the day after. I see a number of you take ativan then - do the steroids make you jumpy? ( for lack of a better word) I've been taking a sleeping pill, in Canada it is called Imovane - 7.5 mg. for almost 2 years - on and off - but since the cancer diagnosis I've taken it almost every night - my onc. is okay with this.
I'm one week since my last FEC, feeeling not too bad, did an exercise video yesterday ( about 30 minutes)...
caya

Dar1

Good morning ladies! As usual I'm up early!
I had a good day with my sister yesterday - thanks Joni for thinking of me. I hope you got your "blue" job done and not too much damage in the basement.
Last night I went to a fashion show for "boobless women" with another survivor. I wish I would have waited to buy my swimsuit - they have some really nice ones. There were a lot of women there - we definitely felt like the babies in the crowd, but some had had their surgery 10-20 years ago. And of course those who have had reconstruction would not be there. A woman sitting next to me asked me when my surgery was and whether I had had chemo. I told her - she said hers was 9 years ago and she didn't need chemo (with the tone of voice like "no, they didn't need to chop off my head"), then she said "the fear never leaves you". I thought "gee, thanks"! But, I'm getting better at disregarding these comments - why take in the dross when there are so many - including all you ladies - who have been there and can provide nourishment. On the other hand, that is her experience and she is entitled to it - and I guess the fear never does really leave.
I am starting to feel more like myself each day. Still worried about germs, because I have no idea what my WBC is, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
Good luck to all having treatments this week.

NOLONGERREADINGORPOSTING

Good Morning Gals, I'm gonna do a quick check-in even though I should be upstairs cleaning & baking. I'm actually feeling pretty good today, even though I got a rather sour call from my PCP's nurse that my latest lab work shows I still have infection and need to be on another course of antibiotics (I'd been fighting with them about this for the past three days!!) So now I'm really relieved because I think I'll get rid of these infections.

Nancy, we're so glad you survived your first taxol infusion. I don't know what that was that happened with cramps and pain, but it sounds like it turned out OK. How many of these infusions did you get, and how often?

IowaCindy, you never irritate me. I love to hear from you; we want to know how you're doing. That's why we're here.

RobbinJaye...how are you doing with your decision?!! I was in a fairly high percentage of recurrence for my oncotype score, 25%, and was told the taxotere might cut that in half. That still leaves 12% which is high. I feel a little guilty about not going on with chemo, but I honestly don't feel up to it mentally or physically. After all these infections the last time...I almost got septic (did you see the 1% rate of mortality from septic shock on taxotere?!!!!), I just don't want to do any more. I guess I'll just have to hope for the best.

Scarf season is hitting Michigan as well. I am wondering why on earth I wasted so much money on those wigs. Apart from the fact that they're uncomfortable, they make your head look abnormally big. Just found some lovely scarves yesterday for summer...thin cotton, subtle prints, with pretty metallic threads in them.

Dar, so I guess it's still just us two. This BC thing seems to me something like quitting smoking. I gave up on quitting smoking when I was only 21 because an older lady where I worked was boasting about how she quit 10 years before, but the desire to smoke has never left her. I quit when I was 40, and you know, I haven't missed it a bit!!!

I really like the idea of being "Strong Survivors, " i.e., women who are positive, proactive, who found a silver lining in the cloud. One of the most positive things about BC is finding this forum.

Love to all,

Mizsissy

NOLONGERREADINGORPOSTING

Nancy, this is for you. Here are my kitties at Christmas. They actually posed themselves for this shot.



That's Hannah Banana on the left, our fluffy clown (8 mos), Bunky the old granddaddy and captain of the pride (19 yrs), Marissa, our sweet little Abyssinian (we think) at 7 mos, and Miranda, the feral farm cat (4 yrs), lurking in the background.

vlfr

Skye - don't ya hate those little percentages. It sounds like you are having more than 4 AC from your end date. Maybe that is why you don't need the Taxol. I think Im getting the taxol because Im Her2 + and it works well with the Herceptin. I can't remember the details for your cancer. If you didn't have nodes or metasticists, I would think you are ready for raditation.

I didn't find the glutamine and I went to a big pharmacy. I did get some more glucosamine chondroitin which has definately helped with achy joints. Im going to try another pharmacy today. When I saw the onc yesterday, he said since it isn't a bug just take immodium every time it starts but that doesn't really resolve anything. Whenever I smell the chemicals, I just think yeah! they are leaving my body.

My red blood cells have really suffered on the Taxol. My WBC count has been okay. Im taking the procrit shots now. Does anyone else have this problem. My hemoglobin is 10.1 and my hematocrit is 30.2. Im suprised that it hasn't caused more fatigue problems. But then nothing comes to the fatigue of AC.

All this cleaning is inspiring me. Im off to tackle the fridge.

Vicky

Rebecca

What a beautiful photo Mizsissy! My cat Sport is an old ginger tabby like Bunky. He adopted me on the street one day and I have had him ever since...I think he is about 13 now.

I have been laying a bit low this week because I am off of work (Spring break!), but of course I had 70 midterms to grade so no real rest for me. My respiratory infection is rearing its ugly head again. It never truly cleared from the time I was in the ER, although it did improve a great deal. Over the last few days I have gotten more congested and have started violent coughing again. I was proactive this time and went to the Dr as soon as I felt it was turning ugly, and he gave me antibiotics again. IT has been three days and I am not sure that much is happening. Ah well....

I went to the plastic surgeon on Tuesday for an expansion session, and now it is official...my mastectomy side is now bigger than my natural breast. YECK. I sucked it up and went to a lingerie shop to buy a falsie. It actually looks pretty good, but the bra that went with it was $50 (which I can hardly afford right now!). The lady behind the counter advised me that my insurance company would likely pay for it (as well as a silicione "partial"). I took an itemized receipt and went home to call my insurance company for instructions on how to obtain reimbursement. "Good news!" the lady on the phone purred "you are covered at 100% for bras and prosthetics for a yearly maximum of $2500!" Yay! I thought...that is way more than I need or want...two bras and a breastform is more than adequate, and that will probably only cost about $300. I am ALL SET. "So," I said to the lady on the phone "how do I get reimbursed for the bra I just purchased?" "well," she says "did you buy it in-network or out-of-network?"

HUH?

How on earth was I supposed to know? I was not aware that there was a network of participating lingerie shops in my insurance plan. I told her the name of the place I got it, and she had it in her computer...down to the phone number...and my heart soared...this was going to be EASY. "NOPE" she says...it is out of network. I took a breath. Ok...so where SHOULD I go to get this stuff, I asked her. This is a pretty reasonable question, I think. She smoothly says “well, why don’t you give me the name of the place you WANT to go, and I will tell you if it is in-network or not”

UGH

I do not have patience for 20 questions, but in the corner of my mind I remember the name of the place that is recommended by the hospital. This is a place that specifically caters to the needs of cancer patients. It is not a lingerie store….“try the WISE center in East Brunswick” I ask her. She clicks away on her computer…the silence grows. It is in her system, she confirms the address and phone, and then informs me it too is out of network.

At this point I started shouting obscenities at her. I just had my breast cut off, I told her, I have had to endure chemotherapy, and am bald. All I want is some f**king UNDERWEAR so that my breasts will look symmetrical and I will not get stared at, and I have to navigate a maze and play 20 questions to get it! In essence, what she was saying was that the insurance company would cover these things in principle (as required by federal law), but in practice, they make it impossible to obtain. What a bunch of crap….and what an obnoxious dance around the rules the Insurance company takes. I think a bit of sensitivity is definitely called for in a situation like this!

In the end, I will have the last laugh…through about an hour of random cold calling I found a place that accepts my insurance. It is about 20 miles away, but I am going there next week and I am going to get the MOST EXPENSIVE breast form I can get as well as any accessories that my insurance will cover….regardless of whether or not I need it. In the end, anything I do not use will be donated to other people who need it. SO THERE.

Just had to share. I was very angry yesterday, but this, I think, is the kind of story that is going to morph into a joke over the next week or so…you have to laugh at this kind of garbage or it will make you cry.

Hope you are all having a great day…it is snowing here, and I have no bread or milk so I better head out to the grocery store!

Dar1

Oh Rebecca, my God! I hope you spend the whole $2500!

Rebecca

Quote:

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Oh Rebecca, my God! I hope you spend the whole $2500!

---

Going to do my absolute best

jonimb

Hello all:

Well I have a new Hot Water Heater...$1044.95..yikers, wasn't planning on that this month. Anyways, got quite a bit of it cleaned up downstairs.

Neither Dan or I can push the big Shop Vac to clean the carpet, so my nephew is coming over tomorrow to help me with the carpet.

I LOVE your kitties MizSissy...they do look like they are posing.

Having a lot of trouble with Hot Flashes....Flushes..whatever...yikers, I'm Blanket on, Blanket off all nite long.

I made up a Scrapbook of my dog Thor, so if you want to take a look, here is the link:

http://smilebox.com/playEmail/4e5449304d446334664459354e7a41354f513d3d0a&sb=1

You probably all think I'm nuts, but I love my mutt.

Rebecca...spend every friggin cent of the $2500.00. What an absurd system, and a very unhelpful person on the end of the phone for you.

I'm off to the casino tonite with my niece....kind of excited, and tomorrow St Paddy's Day is my sister's birthday so we are going out for dinner, and then to a barber shop quartet concert. My one BIL is in a group so this is their annual concert. We are not doing Banff this weekend, but Dan says we may go up next weekend, and stay overnight at the Banff Springs Hotel. That is on of the old Canadian Pacific hotels, and it looks like an old castle in the mountains.

Hope all are well....Joni

jonimb

Hello all:

If you all send me a picture I'll make up a scrapbook of all the January Chemo girls, and post it online so we can all see each other.

Send me a few notes that you want to include about yourself, and I'll set it up for all of us, and put it in here for us all to see.

Send me your pics to my home email: joanblack@shaw.ca

Thanks...once I have everyone's I'll make us up a book, and if anyone wants a copy I can print it off and mail it to you.

Big Hugs...Joni

Anonymous

Joni - I love the dog pics.

My dogs are way too neglected the week after my chemo. They make us all crazy when then don't get enough attention. The malamute mix went to the doggie ER Monday night with diarrhea. She's fine now but YUCK - not what I need in the house on day 3 after chemo!!! It's raining here which makes it worse.

Mizsissy - that is a gorgeous photo. It's obvious you are an artist. My daughters and I would have a houseful of cats if my husband wasn't so allergic.

Lynn12

Rebecca, that's absolutely ridiculous you had to go through all that. My insurance company allows $5,000 per year for bras and prosthetics. I won't even come close to that.

Joni and Mizsissy, nice pics of your animals. If I ever figure out how to put a picture in a message, I'll post my bird Willie.

Mizsissy, hope your infections go away and have a wonderful post chemo party. We're with you there in spirit.

Caya, I've had 3 infustions of Taxotere (along with Cytoxan). I take steriods the night before and the morning of my infusion. Then they give me even more via IV. I've never had an allergice reaction to it. As far as side effects, lousy taste in mouth where things taste awful, muscle twitches all over my body, bone pain about 12 days after (Onc says that my wb cells regenerating in my bones). I take an Ativan the night before with the steriods and that Ativan always wins, I sleep fine.

DH is going to make a fire in our kitchen fireplace and I'm goign to sit down and prepare all the tax stuff for the accountant. Will probalby have a nice cup of hot chocolate since we're expecting over a foot of snow!

Hope everyone is having a nice day!

Lynn

mer1957

Try a health food store for the L-glutamine.

My red blood count went down to the 9's but it is slowing coming up on the Taxol, up to 10.4.

My leg pain stopped today - after 6 days.

Love your cats and dogs everyone - I wish I could have a pet to cuddle with but I'm allergic to everything.

Went to the plastic surgeon today and was praying to make the right decision. He suggested waiting until after my radiation and until after my skin heals for reconstruction. That is what I was hoping as I don't feel like I can do anymore right now.

As soon as I figure out ths picture thing, I will try to put a face to my name.

Going to take a nap. Going to some political fundraiser thing tonight - ugh - but tomorrow is St. Pat's and I'm half Irish so I will splurge with one glass of wine. (It's amazing how little it takes these days!)

Amera

Rebecca ,UGH, hope that antibiotic kicks in. I too still have the remnants of my chemo cough. I'm also getting another cold and I can tell it'll be a doozy. It sure sucks getting sick while on chemo--these things seem to hang around forever.

And another big UGH on the insurance crapola. Good lord, how hard would it be to simply print out a list of the acceptable shops? I have a nurse from my insurance co who calls every few weeks. She is very nice but useless. It almost seems that I know more about bc and chemo than she does. I guess it's a nice service for folks who really need someone to walk them through the process, but her contribution seems to be offering me literature and telling me I'm brave.
Amera

Lynn12

Amera, gee, I wonder if we have the same woman from the insurance co. calling every few weeks. She called the other day and really doesn't tell me anything I don't already know. Seems to ask the same questions and is pretty much useless like you said, but very nice.

Mer, I have an appt. at a PS in Boston next month. I'm assuming my reconstruction will be done several months after I finish rads, so I'm looking at Nov or Dec. I do want to meet him and I also need to get a breast surgeon at Beth Israel is Boston to remove my left breast at the same time. I'm really hoping that I can get my surgery in this year. I have it in my mind that 2007 is my year for fighting and dealing with this cancer and I would like to start 2008 all done. Does it ever end?

Lynn