Starting Chemo in May 07

chumfry

Yes, I had a mastectomy and expander/implant on the left side in 2005-6. So right now, I have a soft implant on my left and a baseball boob (expander) on my right. <grin>

I decided to wait until my exchange to remove my port at the same time. And, yes, I have to get the port flushed once a month but that's not been too big a deal. I try to schedule any bloodwork I need at the same time so they don't have to stick my arm! LOL

But I will be glad to get rid of both the port and the expander on April 1. I think having those things in my body makes me feel like a cyborg, half human and half robot. For some reason, the implant doesn't feel as foreign to me.

--CindyMN

Traci-----TripNeg

Hey girls!

(((((Amanda))))) that is awesome news!!!

Hey Loraine, I hate my implants. Oh well.

CindyMN good luck with yours girl. April is just 'round the corner!

Hugs everybody...I gotta get some work done!

Love ya!!

Traci

Traci-----TripNeg

Just wanted to say hi.

Hi.

Hugs, Traci

ocinny414

Hi all,

I'm doing well.  I actually subbed today.  Was fun and I really like the kids.  I did avoid them as much as possible.  Dont want to get sick.  I at the middle school which is actually 5-8 so wasn't around little kids.  Most seemed pretty healthy.

I'm have a problem with it being really dry in my house and my sinuses drying out.  I blow my nose and it's always bloody.  I did go buy a humidifier and I think it is helping.  Will give it a couple days and see.  I don't shock the cat anymore when I pet him. LOL

Just wanted to check in.  Hope everyone is doing good. 

Talk to you soon,

CindyKS

Lorain

Nice to hear from you, CindyKS, and very glad you're feeling well enough to sub!  I'm a teacher and I know that takes energy! 

Nice to hear from you also, Traci!

I'm thinking Mandy from Canada was having gall bladder this week.  Remember she got really sick last fall...but had to put surgery off until bc treatment was finished.  Mandy...if you get on...I'm thinking and praying for you!  You're going to be better than ever!

Wondering how your Dad is doing, Vir.  I have a feeling that's why you haven't been on for a few days or so.  We miss you and are thinking of you!

Liz...I've enjoyed the PMs...we've been sharing a bit about my tissue expanders and her implants. 

Wondering about some of you who haven't been on for a while...we miss you all!  But I'm sure you're all enjoying life without so much bc concerns.  I don't know about you guys, but I feel great!

Thinking of all of you...Lorain 

Traci-----TripNeg

CindyKS,

That's awesome you are a teacher! Did I know that??? My sister is a teacher. IMHO, one of the most under paid professions on the planet. I mean....come on.....who taught those CEO's????

Lorain, I love your new avatar! You look awsome!

I'm sorry we aren't on here more too. The Yahoo thing has faded as well it seems. I really miss everybody!

Hugs, Traci

VirginiaNJ

Hi Girls,

I'm here...exhausted both physically and emotionally.  My dad was moved from the hospital to a rehab/assisted living place.

Today I am "working" from home...  Thank goodness for a laptop and an understanding boss.  We have upwards of 6 inches of snow and it's still coming down.  My neighbor plowed my driveway and did my sidewalk.  I officially love him...

Lorain- thanks for asking about Dad...  You are right, I just don't have the energy...  But, I did check out your new photo on Yahoo and you are gorgeous...  I love your hair.  I took my pic last night as it was the 8th month anniversary of my last chemo.  I looked like shit...tired...but was determined to take the picture on the 21st.

Ok, will check in again...

Vir

chemo072

Hi all - I'm still around, still reading and thinking of you, just flat out with work and turning *wink* "25" (=40) and ugggh....lymphedema.  More info. in the lymphedema thread.  It makes me tired and it blankety-blank hurts.

In a few days I'll be officially in a new decade!!  With sparkly grey hairs.

And BTW - I know I longed for hair when I was bald, I know I wished for it daily, but sheesh, I should have been more specific in my wishes.  Ok, powers-that-be, here is the genie-specific wish: I wish for PRETTY hair (in the places it's supposed to be only, please).  Preferably the same pretty blonde straight hair I had as a kid.  MY hair.

This hair, well, every morning I straighten it the best that I know how so that I won't look like Kramer, and by the time I wake up the next day, it's turned into tight little poodle curls!!  Sigh....at least I start the day laughing, right?  I mean sheesh.  Who would want hair LIKE THIS???!!  And whose hair is this anyways?  

I'm beginning to hate looking in the mirror - don't get me wrong, I'm very grateful to be here in the world, to be alive and all, but, I don't look like me!  So the normal identity crisis after cancer (who am I after cancer, will it come back, how do I want to live my life?) is compounded by the fact that I have this crazy poodle-Kramer hair.   

Ah well.  I guess if that's all I have to complain about life is good.  It is.  It's been sunny and sometimes even warm and spring is a-startin'.

Love to all, 

Traci-----TripNeg

Hey Ginny! Sounds like Dad improved!! That's awesome news girl.  6 Inches of snow? Man, it's gonna be 80 today w/ 100% humidity. I'm about to put on the air conditioning! Kinda stinks. Usually Feb is our coldest month.

Amanda! I'll give you all the money in my wallet (lol) if you tell me how to straighten my hair!!! I used to look "fluffy" like somebody else said but now, I look like a porkypine (sp?) because I HATE the fluffy look so I mouse the hell out of it. I'm with you on the hair thing sister.

Hugs everybody,

Traci

ocinny414

Dang it I lost the last post.

Things were going well until today.

I got a call late morning from my oncs nurse.  My platelets were down to 11,000 they want them to be at least 12,000.  I had to go in for another CBC bloodwork.  She told me if they were not back up then I'd have to go to the hospital for a platelet transfusion.  Well they were only 5,000 so off we went to the hospital.  Glad its only just around the corner from the cancer center.  Was instructed to be careful and not fall or bump into anything etc on my way there.  Took them about 3 hours to get it all ready.  OH BOY sitting in a hospital bed for that long was not fun. 

They did bloodwork yesterday, then today at the cancer center, again when I got to the hospital and then again before I left.  Because my platelets were so low I now have 4 bruises on my arm from all the needle sticks.  I also got a shot of procrit (SP) in my abdomal area and have a bruise from that.  They accessed my port for the transfusion and I have a bruise from the tape and also the spot where they put the needle in is a little swollen and will probably be bruised as well.  LOL I look like i've been in a battle.

Was joking with the guy who did the blood draws and told him I looked like a druggie.  He made a great funny and said real junkies have port a caths.  LOL.  Poor guy had to put up with me like 3 or 4 times today for different reasons.  I think I made his day fun.

Anyway when I left the platelets were up to 48,000.  I have to go Monday for bloodwork again and will let you know how it turns out.

Time for me to get to bed.  I'm really tired.

Love and prayers to all,

CindyKS

chemo072

Hugs CindyKS!!  Sounds like a drag, but at least you have a sense of humor!

Traci-----TripNeg

(((((((((((((((((((((((((((KS))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))

Traci-----TripNeg

I sure do miss you guys.

KS, Hope your doing o.k.

Everybody else too.

Hugs, Traci

MtnMama

CindyKS, I'm so very sorry about your platelets!  I had severe neutropena in my first round of chemo and that was pretty scary having to try not to get cut or exposed to viruses ... yea right.  I'm a big klutz and parent a toddler   I was actually quarrantined from my son for about four days when he had chicken pox.  Glad they got you a fix!

MtnMama

I think I'll change my username to "Fifi" ... cuz a french poodle is what I feel like.

ocinny414

I'm feeling better today.  I have had a headache but the nose bleeds have gone away. I go tomorrow for CBC again.  Oh boy another needle track. 

Fifi  LOL there you go.

Traci-----TripNeg

Cindy,

I'm so glad you are feeling better girl. You are in my constant thoughts.

Hugs, Traci

chumfry

Oh CindyKS, can't they take your blood draws from your port? Then you'd only have one bruised place. I guess they couldn't when they were transfusing you, but why not the rest of the time? I always get my blood draws through my port.

--CindyMN

cinrae123

Hey girls,,,,,,,,,,,just wanted to say Hi. Sounds as though everyone is doing well.  Virginia,,,,,I hope things improve for you and your dad and family.  I know it has to be tough,,,,,,hang in there girl.  CindyKS,,,,,,,,hope things improve for you as well.  Stay on top of things ok?  I know you will.  Traci.....sounds like you are doing well also.  Same goes for you Lorain, Mandy, Lar, CindyMN and Liz.  O goodness,,,,,,,I'm sure I forgot others too,,,,,but you know I wish you all well.

I've been busy with babysitting my grandson.  He is walking everyyyyyyyyywhere now.  This old granny gets no rest.  I've become an expert at saying NO.  lol  He is adorable though and just doing new things everyday.  Such a joy.

Painted my bathroom and redecorating it, so have been busy with that.  Going to the home improvement store tomorrow to take measurements of the kitchen for that redo.  The fun never ends.

Otherwise,,,,,,,,,,,feeling pretty good.  Go to the gastro Dr. today.  I've had indigestion every since the beginning of chemo and living off of Protonix and sometimes maalox when it gets real bad.  My onc just wants me to get checked out to make sure all is ok in that area.  She also wants me to get that dreaded colonoscopy,,,,,,,so have to ask about that today.  Talk about funnnnnnnnnnnnnn.  lol  My husband really needs to get one of those done also, but he says there is no way someone is going up there.  You would think he would know better,,,,,,since he is a Registered Nurse.  What a dork he is.  I told him maybe we could go in together and have it done at the same time,,,,,,,,you know, lil bonding experience there.  lol   He still refuses.

Well,,,,,,,,,,,gotta get ready to go to the dr.  Just wanted to say Hi,,,,,and glad everyone is moving on with life after BC.  I know I have.  I dont post as often but still come here to read up on everyone.  Take care all............Cindy

Lorain

CindyCA - You're right...your grandson is adorable!  You're lucky (they are also) that you live close enough to babysit.  We'd love to see some pictures of your remodeled bathroom...and kitchen when it's done.  Bet they'll be nice!

Wow, Vir - Your hair is really getting long.  Isn't it great...so much better than bald.  I just wish mine was straighter...although the longer it gets, it seems to be getting straighter also.  Mine actually looks intentionally short now.

CindyKS - Your strength amazes me!  When exactly were you diagnosed the first time?  About last March?  Can't remember for sure.  Hang in there ...maybe this will be the worst of it!  Praying for you always...I'm with CindyMN, though, and wondering why they don't do all blood draws from the port.  

I went to the gynocologist for my annual and all's well.   I have a few moles I want someone to look at, but my general practioner just moved and I haven't decided on a new one...we only have 1 doctor in town now...it's really bad!

We just got tickets (airline) for 3 of our grandkids who are coming to visit for 3 weeks this summer.  They are the ones whose Dad is in Iraq.  We're excited...plan to go to a huge waterpark in Hastings, NE, an amusement & waterpark in Denver, and to the Black Hills of South Dakota to visit Mt. Rushmore over the 4th of July.  Should really be fun!  They do swimming lessons here at our pool...and we just have lots of fun riding bikes etc.  Then we'll go visit our daughter and son in Gulfport, Mississippi, for 12 days and 2 grandkids there.  They'll be in a new house by then.  I love devouring all the delicious seafood...it's my favorite!  But I've never tried sushi!

Was going to go on a Windjammer cruise...but I suppose we'll be out of $ and time as in August I start getting things ready for a new school year!

Very excited for my exchange which is now only 3 months away!!!!!!!

Lorain 

VirginiaNJ

Life has been crazy and hectic...  And sad...  Dad has good days and bad days.  It breaks my heart every day I see him...  He was great on Saturday, but then not so great Sunday, a little better on Monday, but still off. 

I haven't seen my brother since the "blow up."  Whatever...  He is what he is...

My hair is crazy long and curly.  I am now seriously considering putting a semi-permanent color in it...  I still can't get over the curls.  I've always had pin straight hair, so I am enjoying the curls.

Had my MRI yesterday...finally...  Today my boob is all red.  I wonder if it's from the MRI or something else is going on there.  Now I just have to wait for results...that's the worst part.  I'm sure everything is ok, but you just wait and wait.

Thanks for the kind words RE Dad...  I've been an emotional wreck.  I haven't been sleeping and when I do sleep, I have horrible horrible nightmares.  So, my sleep is not restful.

Ok, sorry, enough about me...  Hope all are hanging in there.  I assume by how quiet the boards have gotten that everyone is doing well...

V

ocinny414

My platelets were still at 23 not high enough.  I have to go again tomorrow for a recheck.  If they are not up then they will postpone my next chemo till at least Tuesday of next week.

They can do bloodwork from my port but not all nurses know how to access it.  I don't go to the cancer center every time I need bloodwork.  I go to a dr. office that is closer to my house they are affiliated with the cancer center.  They only use the port when they are accessing it before chemo.  I asked why they didn't use it at the hospitol before the transfusion and they said it wasnt in the orders.

I'm getting used to being a pin cushion.  The nurse who did the bloodwork Monday used a smaller needle so I hope I have the same one tomorrow. 

I slipped and fell today.  OOPS.  I forgot it snowed a little last night and the ramp in front of my house might be slick.  I was wearing dress shoes instead of my regular boots.  I didn't hurt myself.  At first I thought I twisted my left ankle but it seems to be ok.  I've walked around all day.  My right side below my rib hurts a little but not sure if it's from the fall.  I go threw spells where it hurts for a while then it stops.  I think it's all part of the metz.

Well the meds are kicking in so I'll update tomorrow night.

Glad everyone is doing well.

V- hang in there with your dad things will get better.  I'm praying for you and your family.

CindyKS

ocinny414

OOPS forgot to say.  I HAVE A LITTLE BIT OF HAIR.  LOL  It's like peach fuzz.  Guess the new mix of drugs might let my hair grow back.

chemo072

Virginia - Big big hugs to you.....nightmares indeed.  Thinking of you....

with long curly hair!  I want a picture  

chumfry

Well that makes sense about the bloodwork and your port, CindyKS. I'm spoiled because I actually work at the Mayo Clinic and the cancer center is within walking distance of my office. So I just make sure to schedule my blood work at the same time as my port flushes, which I get done at the same place I got my chemo.

No more dress shoes for you, young lady! Wear some sensible boots outdoors when it's nasty!

--CindyMN 

VirginiaNJ

CindyKS- send you hugs and warm wishes...  I agree with CindyMN- no more dress shoes!!  LOL  You are funny.  Make sure you keep an eye on your pain...keep your nurses informed and rest up! 

Amanda- thank you as always for the kind encouraging words.  Actually, my avatar is the most recent pic taken last week on Thursday.  So, that's "long" to me! 

My sister called me at 4:45 am this morning.  They rushed Dad to the ER.  His blood pressure dropped and he had a mild temp.  Now he has a little bit of congestion in his lungs, so we have to see if it's bronchitis (sp?) or pneumonia or the CHF or ...???  Spent the AM in the hospital and am now back at work...  Sigh....

V

lizzzy

Virginia,  Hope your Ddad gets better quickly.  I also hope you're doing well and taking care of yourself.  And your hair is really going crazy isn't it!  New hair styles for us.  I can't quite bring myself to stop wearing scarves and wigs, but I can't wait.

Sorry I've been awol.  Life's busy.  Rads takes time and energy.  Trying to do everything like I'm back to normal doesn't work when you're going through treatment.  Even something as easy as this. I think I'm coming down with something today--been coughing and feel pretty tired, but there's stuff going 'round.  Rads is going ok--getting a little rash but not bad overall.  Only 3 more weeks left.

CindyKS, hang in there and wear more sensible shoes ;-)

Lorain, You look great.

Good to hear from you Amanda, CindyMN, CindySoCal, Traci,  Lar/FiFi!!!

Sounds like every one else is doing good.

Love to all. 

MtnMama

Hey all!  CindyKS, I'm hoping your counts come up pronto!  I also had the problem of never being able to do draws from my port.  The local hospital just didn't have nurses qualified to do it.

I saw the radiation oncologist for my first follow-up appointment.  He's new so this is the first time I'd seen him.  He wants to see me every 3 months for the next two years!!!!  Don't you think that's excessive?  I'm already seeing my hemo oncologist every 3 months and my breast surgeon every six.  It's not like he does anything but ask me how I'm feeling.

Sigh ... I'm thinking of blowing him off and just seeing the hemo oncologist.  Maybe blow off the breast surgeon, too, since she isn't even the one who operated on me (she's new, too).  Otherwise I'd be seeing an oncologist just about every month!  That's besides my GP and gyn, not to mention dentist.  Geesh!

chemo072

MtnMama - unless your rads onc is super helpful, there's no reason to see him right?  Esp. for those of us who had chemo, the medical onc. (=hemo onc), as I understand it, is the one who does long term management.  But if your rads onc. rocks, then that'd be worth considering.  My rads. onc was so unhelpful, I was really relieved when he turned care over to the med. onc.

It's an interesting question - who do you want on your long term mgmt team?  For me, I want doctors who are interested and will engage - so for me it's my PCP, my meds onc., a gyn. onc., and my naturopath.  With a visit here and there to a breast surgeon for her expert exam (I figure getting felt up by her might save my life someday - she said every 6 months, I'm thinking every year my self).  

The drs who don't do the prep work (to read the file, get the tests etc.), who are dismissive etc. don't stay on my team.  Plus I personally have a bias towards email (if they respond to me at 11 at night, they've won me over for life ).

All in all, I'd say the make-up of your team is up to you!   

chumfry

I agree. That sounds like too many doctors. I didn't have radiation, so I don't have a rads onc, but why would you need to see him/her once radiation is done? Why would you need to see the breast surgeon anymore either?

I see my plastic surgeon (or her staff) when necessary, for fills and for my upcoming exchange surgery. My medical onc is the one I see every three months for a poke and a prod. I go to my family practice doc for everything else.

--CindyMN