Jan 2008--Ain't it Great?

vettegal · February 2008

Hi All Smile

Been an intersting week from hell. Just now getting out of bed..had diarhea so bad..cramps..depression...got really shook up last friday and it has taken me this long to come to you sweet ladies..I have a lot to catch up on.. This has been a mind blowing week and i really have taken the time to ponder and reflect on the whole bc thing..life in general. everything.

Dana-i am so sorry sweetie..I need to go back a whole week to catch Cry up on whats going on.

SISKimberly · February 2008

Good Morning Jewels-

I'm only taking a few to say I'm alive...but not too with it right now. I didn't make it to my meeting, so hopefully will get an update from my dear friends later.

I've read all the posts, but just can't get the energy up right now to give the shout outs except to Deb, so sorry about your dp mother.

Take care all...have a good weekend.

SIS Kimberly

sheshe48 · February 2008

Hi Jewells,

I hope everyone is getting through this week's treatment and se's.

KathyL The only thing I could find in my records that would suggest mets in my lymph nodes is: They found a few foci suspicio for lymphatic invasion. That's why it was questionable, I guess. I'm going to start taking charge and ask questions, I guess I was not asking the right questions. Have a great day with your kids. Thanks for sharing your email, very true and this site is a blessing to me too.

SIS Kimberly Thanks again for the T-shirt, you are so sweet. Good luck with your teacher meeting, I hope you get your cola. Our teachers are not appreciated enough. I know you miss Jon when he was little. It is wonderful to see our kids grow up and and be happy and become successful. I know I'll always cheerish the days when my little girl was my little girl. I hope I don't sound like a control freak. Yes, vernors is a soft drink, it's wonderful, it settles your upset stomache and helps with congestion. And it taste good, it's made in MI. No I won't be getting any reconstruction surgery only had 2 lumpectomies. My bc breast is a size smaller than the normal one. yes, I can put a sock or something in my new bra pocket to even things out. I'm so excited about dd wedding, it will be a big wedding and bueatiful. For a day she will be Cinderella. I hope Aunt Flo gets to visit.

Kris I loved the pix, you have quite a support team. I hope your back spasms are better. That shot also gives me some spasms too, I think mine are bladder spasms. Mine aren't is bad as D1 explained, mine are mild. I get that chest bone pain bad.

Dana you really lift my spirits, and thanks for the list. I know God will heal you. Stay positive {{{{{{{{{{HUG}}}}}}}}}}}}}}

D1 Glad you had a good day with pt. It almost sounds like you have to wear something like a brace. I hope the swelling goes down. That's great your dd got to districts, sorry they lost. I remember when my dd played varsity soccer I was so glad when they were in districts and they would finally lose, that meant I could rest and dd could rest. Don't feel bad for saying that, I use to do the same thing. But of coarse I really miss it now. My dd used to make the suggestion that I should be a referee, since I miss the game so much. Maybe in the future.

Paula Glad you are feeling better. I'll have to try the warm soaks for my eyes too.

Billsgirl Good Luck.

CHJ Get well soon.

Julie Sorry your so sick with chemo and it's your birthday too. Happy Birthday Money mouth I guess that's why we have the slogan FUBC. It will pass and you can make up your birthday.

Carol Thanks for checking into the form for me. Yes, I'm excited about dd wedding, Everything is booked except for the limo. Her reception is at a bueatiful place. The windows go from the floor to the catherdal ceiling. And there is a huge patio that we also get to use. And there is a huge wooden bridge that goes to the parking lot. So we are going to have the guest walk on the wooden bridge, there is water and huge trees, to the patio and into the reception Hall. Everything should be bueatiful. We booked this place 2 years ago.

Deb I'm so sorry about your dp mom. Hope you get feeling better soon. I know you are a wonderful source of comfort.

LJ13 Glad you got your first treatment over with, I hope your se's will be mild.

Vettegal Get well soon.

Sheshe

B1985UI · February 2008

hi... it's my mother. she's on the second stage and got her left breast lifted. like all of you, she just had her first chemo on jan 2008. Let me share you my mother tips on how to make it through the chemo.

First, eat before you have your chemo and prepare some candies. My mother said, this will help her feel not so nauseous.

Second, after chemo, if you don't feel like eating, you must force yourself to eat. Eat green feggy, and some liver, it an advice came from my mother docter to eat goat liver or cow liver. The doctor said that it will help you to boost the leucocyte, etc.

Third, no matter how bad you feel just make sure that your mind doesn't sick too. Have a good spirit, and be positive. Do not loose to yourself (my mother motto)

I hope you can see my mother, she just had her 2nd chemo last week and ever since my mother knew the news, got an operation, got her chemo and hairloss, she just doesn't look like she's sick. She go every where by herself. Even all my friends, my father's friends and our family surprised.

For me she's truely a fighter, and if my mother can do it, so do you!!!

Hopefully all of you get well soon. My prays to all of you.

tinalee123 · February 2008

Julie – Happy Birthday!! I’m sorry you’re not feeling well enough to truly enjoy it, but, know happy thoughts are heading your way!

Kimberly – Take care of you, lay low, thinking of you. There is a better day, and it’s coming soon!

Vettegal – I think it’s safe to say that we all, at some point or another, go down “that road”. You’re not alone. And, I think it’s natural. Your SIS’s are here for you.

Kris – What a great photo!! What a support group you have there – lucky you! You must be one fantastic lady…that all these guys are rallying around you. How wonderful!

Dana – Dear, your positive attitude and strong faith are a rainbow! Keep it up!!

D1 – I’m so with you…jam-packing the ‘good days’ with activities, eager to get them done before the next tx and the ‘down days’. dh gives me a bad time and reminds me to take it easy…I will…one of these day.s

Joan – Happy half-way days! I’m there with ya! It’s so encouraging, isn’t it??

Paula – The dry issue is huge with me…is it just the environment…or, a se? This parchment dry weather is common here in MN…you’d think it was the Sahara…only with snow. Skin is dry, eyes are dry, mouth is dry…ugh!

CHJ – The caregivers can sure make a difference. It’s a hassle, I know, but, your treatment and wellness are just too important. It’s making it harder on you, and your ability to endure what you’re going through, to have to deal with someone that you’re not connecting with. Are there other onco’s in the practice?

Deb – I’m so sorry to hear about your dp’s mother. Don’t we all hope for calm, unchanging lives during the time that we’re going through this?? Just being there for your dp is worth a million dollars, I’m sure it means the world to her. I’m always amazed at how the Jewels on this board continually rise above, beyond themselves to care for so many others…family, friends – in spite of their own situations. Truly inspiring. I know you’re one of them!!

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend. I will probably be lurking this weekend…following tx #4 yesterday. Okay, okay, I’ll be in my jammies and fluffy slippers, sacked out on the couch with the tv zapper…oh, you girls, you know me too well… Surprised

Tina

golfer779 · February 2008

Hello Jewels,

Whats up with the "friggin" yucky weather for those of you to the east. Hello, March is just over a week away. Hope you all stay warm and safe with the ice/snow.

D1, wow I wasn't aware of having to wear a complete support top, lets keep our fingers crossed that with your new pt and massage you can get the le under control. I think you have already had your share of se's to date and you could really use a break. The "sausage" top doesn't sound like alot of fun. Have you heard of Under Armour? (It's at most sporting goods stores) My pt suggested wearing a UA top if I noticed any swelling.

I'm ticked off about your daughters b-ball situation. I'd be with you, lets get this season over with and move on to AAU ball. My step daughter played ball from age 8 to 18. She never played "AAU" but she did play on what they call a "select" team and school ball. Spent many an hour with a sore bleacher butt! She played soccer on select teams as well so the commitment to AAU was not in the cards. Its a great that your family can commit to the time of AAU ball. I say to your dd "go kick some b-ball butt".

LJ, glad to hear that your first Taxol txt was "uneventful", hoping that when lunch time came around today you we're still hungry.

Vettegal, hoping that you can get over the hump. I know you didn't sign up for a marathon case of diarrhea, hang in there gal!

Kimberly, we know your feeling cruddy when your great words of encouragement are down for the count. Hope that your feeling human again sooner than later.

Tina, like the thought of fuzzy slippers and tv remote, rest and laughter is good medicine, watch a comedy!

Julie, Happy 39th today, I liked Kathy's advice, a candle in some jello. The cake will always be there, enjoy your day when your tummy is back up and running smoothly.

I'm off to the skate rink ... ds has a meet this weekend at the local rink. Its great to not have to travel out of town for this meet but they also need volunteers to make the meet successful, so I'll be a placement judge for the weekend. Hoping that my brain will stay focused, and my contacts don't decide to dry up midway through the races. You need to be able to see the skaters numbers on their helmets and they fly by pretty darn quick. The dh will be there to fullfil my commitment if I poop out.

Take care and a most pleasant evening to my fellow SIS!

Carol

KathyL · February 2008

Well, survived the day with the rugrats. Went outside when the snow/sleet/ice/rain stopped and shoveled some-- that was my aerobic exercise for the day. And my sweet ds "pottied" twice today! I think I'm way too stuck in the bathroom these days...

Wing: after reading your post about all your snow, I saw you're from Mass. dh grew up in North Adams and was a ski instructor at Jiminy Peak. Don't know which side of the state you're on. He's always telling me about all the snow they get up there ( I tease him he's a "snow snob").

D1: hope your dh's flight comes in OK in this mess. I'm sure you'll be glad to have him home. Sorry to hear about your dd's night last night. Hope she does well on Sunday at her tryouts. And your support top for LE sounds like a d*mn corset!! Yikes!

LJ: Hope your T/H SEs are minimal. I'm sure they'll be better than the AC. My friend who did AC, then T said the T was soooo much better. Watch out for #2-- that's when the taxanes seem to get us all (my friend included). But with all your pre-meds... you should do fine. Tell them to run it SLOW.

Vettegal: glad you made it to the computer after your sucky week. The runs are as bad as the cinder blocks! Vent about the rest of the week when you can-- we've all been there! Feel better soon.

SIS Kim: another gem down. I hate to read about fellow Jewels feeling bad. But I know you'll bounce back in a few days. (((Hugs))) to you.

Sheshe: Hmmm... "suspicious foci". I hate that! I wonder if there's anyway they can clarify it now... or get someone else to take a look for a second opinion? I had 3 pathologists look at my original lump to confirm the dx. Probably doesn't matter too much though since you're already doing chemo-- that'll take care of anything "suspicious"!

Tina: rest easy this weekend and lurk when you can. you can always write next week.

Well, I'm hoping to enjoy my weekend as I know next weekend I'll be feeling like doo-doo. Really not looking forward to #3, but knowing it will be one more step towards being done. dd has "bring a friend to gymnastics" day tomorrow-- they get to dress like princesses, too. Sunday I'm going to a Lissa Cole purse party-- sooo cool; you design your own purse (at a party, of course), send the specifics, and get your completed purse back in about 6 weeks. This'll be my third; it's my new obsession. My last purse was a pink one for BC that I use all the time now. My dad might be able to visit Sunday, too. I haven't seen him since early January after he had his heart bypass surgery and before I started chemo. So, I'll be lurking this weekend since I may not have time to write after reading posts. Will post this coming week's line up though before Monday. Have a good weekend all and rest easy. Good night Jewels!

texrn · February 2008

Hi all,

I would have had an okay week, with only some residual fatigue to contend with, but wouldn't you know it - I got sick again with another URI ( just a cold for now ). It was almost impossible to avoid since 1/2 my household has been sick. Finished my antibiotics from my last URI last Sunday, then on Monday...BOOM! I started to get the sniffles. Had my bloodwork done today - my counts are low as expected, but not dangerously so. I plan on lying low this weekend & do my best not to get pneumonia - I may even try standing on my head! My dh is out of town this weekend, so my kids will have to step up to the plate - which I know they will. They have been awesome throughout this whole ordeal.

Hope you all have a nice, peaceful, se free weekend!

Dana - Your faith & attitude are inspiring & will get you through this - know that my thoughts & prayers are with you.

vettegal - I, too, have had the joy of frequent trips to the bathroom.

After my first treatment, my GI se's ranged from the big "D" to the big "C", with horrendous cramps throughout - so I know how you feel. I hope you feel better soon.

1lovewolf - I was told, before I started chemo, that the fatigue was going to be cumulative - BOY, they weren't kidding. All we can do is listen to our bodies & rest, rest, rest....

Julie - Happy 39th birthday!!!

Deb - I'm so sorry to hear about your dp's mom - may this be a peaceful time for her, with her loved one's by her side, without any

pain or suffering.

LJ13 - Congratulations!! on getting that, much dreaded, first treatment behind you. Hope the se's are minimal, if not at all.

As always, my thoughts & prayers are with each & every one of you.

Therese

jkiss75 · February 2008

Hello Babes,

I am still here, just been busy with life. Made it through the 2nd treatment and had an even worse reaction to the taxotere, but overall it was much easier this time around.

Glad to see you guys are as chatty as ever...and it is seriously hard to get through all the posts...that is some fantastic support.

Just some info to pass along, I take 8 gms x2 daily of L-glutamine to help protect against the neroapathy, it seems to be working for me, but I am also not doing the AC T treatment.

Kimberly--I am always amazed by your shout outs to everyone...how do you do that??? Keep it up, hope you are feeling better soon.

Anyway glad you jewels are here!

XOXOXOX

Jenny

LilWarrior · February 2008

Too many names, and people to thank - but my THANKS goes out to each and everyone of you.

Its weird, but its like I dont belong in this January Jewels being that I havent started Chemo in January and now I have Liver Cancer; but yet you all accept me in here. I am just so thankful.

I reached out to others on different sites and I found out that I have a good chance on beating this Cancer, even with it spreading. I am going to Kick butt on Cancer; if anyone can do it - then I can. I know I have it in me and with the GRACE OF GOD. I feel deep in my heart that I still have a lot more to do! I have told my friends and family - I am living, I am not dying - its not over until its OVER and with that rejoice because I am truly with God, Mom, brother and some of my wonderful dogs. Innocent

I just ask that you continue to remember me in your prayers - LET GODS WILL BE DONE!

Thank you Jewels - u are some true friends - I am blessed to have you! Its nice to be able to come home and write you about on my feelings, dreams, and spouts! Wink

Thanks a million, God bless!

Hugs - Dana

LilWarrior · February 2008

By the way - I cant say how blessed we are to have each and everyone of us. If you look at other sites you will see there isnt that many sites that have so much love for another like we do - and I am SO PROUD TO BE HERE. You see how Gods work - I was guided here to YOU, to help us carry each other.

Even though I cant share nor help you with your experiences with chemo, I hope I able to touch someone with Gods words and strength. That is my goal!! Innocent God bless....

Lots of love and prayers sent your way - Muah!

Dana

RN2teach · February 2008

Good Saturday morning, Jewels!

I slept through the night for the first time in 2 weeks w/o being awakened by coughing!!! There is hope that I might kick this thing b4 chemo next week.

On a sad note, my ds just served as one the pallbearers for his friend's mother. He lost his mother to bc which she had been fighting for several years. When she went into a coma, ds and his friends took turns spending the night with the boy at the hospice. They were with him when she died. I was so proud of the way they supported him-- pretty good for 16 and 17 yo boys.

CHJ- being sick on top of the chemo is a bummer and definitely takes its toll our emotions. I'm very sad to hear your oncologist experience isn't optimal. The oncs in my area (Charleston, WV) are so overbooked that they are working 6 days a week and long hours. I typically end up spending at least an hour waiting for my appt. But when I get to my onco he spends as much time as I need, goes out for info if I request something, looks up research for me, etc. You deserve the same and I'm praying that you will find the right onco should you choose to change.

Deb1023- glad the tooth is better. I am so, so sorry that your dp is going through the death of her mother. Hoping for a peaceful, pain-free passing and that your dp has the support she needs to grieve for her mom. I know you are doing your best to support her and sounds like she knows it too. I'll be praying for your peace of mind and strength as you help her through this difficult time.

Julie- happy belated 39th Bday. I'm sorry that you are the Jewels' poster child for N/V. I'm praying for a miracle drug combo to come thru that will spare you from this in the future. (FUSE)

Carol/ golfer- I missed the Oprah episode with the dancers. My dh and I got hooked on Dancing w/ the Stars while he was doing his chemo/ rads in 2006. My SIL is a ballroom dancer and she spent a lot of time w/ us that year and introduced us to the show. Emmitt Smith was THE MAN during that season and I still maintain that he's the best dancer!

Hope your ds did well in his skating meet and you were up to the judging.

Kalen- thanks for reminding me of Alice in Wonderland. That was one of the watched over-and-over Disney movies when my kids were little. Do you reckon Lewis Carroll was on LSD when he wrote that book?! Surprised

KathyL- loved the poem, what great advice. This place always makes me smile, too. That's why its one of the first and last places I check every day. Hope you have a great visit with your Dad this weekend. BTW, I googled Lissa Cole--inquiring minds wanna know-- and there's a website. www.lissacole.com I like the concept, sounds like fun!

Wendy- 6-10" of snow! We rarely see that much accumulation here in southern WV- last time was 1993, I think. My kids whine that our area is covered with a bubble as all the systems this winter seems to bring snow to the counties north, east and west of us and leave us with no snow--and thus, no SNOW DAY from school. Stay warm and safe this weekend!

D1- hope you're all thawed out from the ice storm yesterday and your dh made it in safely from CA. Bummer that your dd didn't get to show her stuff in her game. Wishing her good luck in AAU tryouts this weekend!

LJ- glad you're okay. I hope the T/H combo brings less se than AC. How's your dp? Hope she's back in good health and able to ditch the masks!

Vettegal- Diarrhea... cramps... I'd be depressed too! Good to hear from you and hoping that you're feeling better physically and emotionally this weekend. Hey to Vetteguy!

Kimberly- rest well and reenergize this weekend!

Sherry- good for upset stomach and congestion... gotta find some Vernors here! Your dd wedding venue definitely sounds fit for a princess. I'm looking forward to the pictures already!

B1985UI- thanks for popping in with the tips from your mother. I hope her treatment continues to go well. Come back and see us soon.

Tinalee- wishing you Good Jammy and TV Days this weekend with few se to distract you from your rest. I was there last weekend after tx#3. I have "discovered" tv since starting chemo. I'm an avid reader (fiction and nonfiction, love history and good meaty books-no romances) but I can't get my mind around a book during the "dark days" after chemo. So I've turned to the tube for distraction. I just discovered the Showtime series "The Tudors" and have been watching every episode that I find listed. (THANK YOU to one of the Jewels--can't remember who--for the heads-up on this show. It is good!)

Therese- another Jewel sidelined by URI. Praying that you'll recover w/o any complications.

Jenny- glad you had an easier time with tx#2 in spite of having another reaction to Taxotere. We definitely have a round 2 trend going on with the T. I'll be on guard for that. Thanks for the tip on L-glutamine. This site is a Godsend for being proactive on the se of chemo!

Dana- glad that fighting spirit is staying strong. You are always in my prayers.

CarolC- hope you're not having to tiptoe around as much these days.

Maz- doing okay?

Finally, I noticed a few more Jewels who I haven't seen in a while. Hopefully because you're out enjoying life. Wishing you good health DianeB, AZDonna, Diana63.

Take care Gems,

Paula

Determined1 · February 2008

Happy Saturday! Like KathyL, I know next weekend I'll be a worthless sack of sh*t on the sofa, so I'm posting earlier today and then I'll be off doing stuff.

Carol--thanks for the comiseration on the bball thing. My dd is handling it well (although she has some serious backne going on, so I know she's stressed), but we're ready for the high school season to be over. And wouldn't you know, Vassar just sent her a letter this week interested in having her play ball for them... (and we have no tapes from this year!). Stupid coach. Anyway, the skating thing sounds exciting. I always watch it on the Olympics cause it's not only fast, but you can tell there's some strategy going on. Have a great time and keep blinking so your contacts don't cloud up!

Hip hooray, KathyL! Two potties for the ds! Is he getting the hang of it?? Those big boy panties are just around the corner! Have a great time at your purse party, it sounds like fun.

Hey SIS Kimberly, we're pulling you outta the se fog! Hang in there, girl. Thinking about you.

So, Vettegal, time to put a cork in it.

Good luck with the se's, Tinalee. Lurk away, but if you need to vent, you know where to come.

Therese--gosh darn it. You need to shake those URI's! Take it easy, would ya?

Happy day after birthday, Julie!

LJ13--I agree with KathyL, have them watch you, or take your dp in to watch you, when you get your 2nd tx of Taxol. Several of us had no problem with the first one, but the second literally took our breath away. You'll need to have a slow drip, and/or (I'd go with and) someone to stick with you to call for help if you have a reaction. And if you don't have a reaction, you'll have some company!

Yay Jenny, sounds like you made it through tx2! Oh, and not sure if you watch Gossip Girl, but the XOXO at the end of your post reminded me of that show and made me smile. (You can tell I have a teenager in my house by the tv we watch!)

Ah Dana, keep that fighting spirit and positive attitude! You got it going on, girl!

So I'm using the tea tree oil on my nails (stinky stuff). But today my right pinkie and my left ring finger are turning a dark red/purple. And it hurts to put pressure on any of them (ie when I removed sheets today, it was quite painful to grasp the fitted sheet to take it off). I'm hoping they'll just turn color and hurt, not fall off. I wish I didn't have any more tx to aggravate this...

Also, while I'm complaining, my node incision has been painful for a week or so. It just aches and aches. It felt better after my le massage, but now it hurts again. I think I need to have my le specialist move in with me so I can get massage several times a day (dh would probably like that, too, she's a cute little 20-something)! After each of my tx's I've noticed that it hurts for a few days, but this time it lasted longer. Thank goodness I only have one tx left! My poor bod isn't going to completely bounce back before this final one. Waaaaaah.

Okay, enough complaining. I'm going to take advantage of my good weekend and see about hitting a lighting store to get some new outdoor lights for our garage. The ones we have are dead and the dh has finally agreed with me that we need new ones. Have to get him to the store before he changes his mind!

Onward, Jewels!

D1

Determined1 · February 2008

Hey Paula, you musta posted while I was in comp mode. Good to hear you made it through a night w/o the cough!! How sobering for your ds to have a close friend lose his mom to bc. Is he doing okay? I know boys handle things so differently from girls, but it sounds like he and the others in his posse are mature beyond their years. I'm sure his friend was greatly appreciative to have his gang by his side.

Oh, and I keep forgetting to pile on to Sheshe's description of Vernor's. It's ginger ale. Best ginger ale going, if you ask me. I sure have been drinking a lot of it lately!

Okay, now I have to seriously get in the shower...

D1

SISKimberly · February 2008

Hey Jewels,

Still not perky enough to respond with much gusto...just wanted to check in on all of you...

I've read all the posts since yesterday, and know that everyone is getting what they need from eachother right now....Isn't it great that we've timed this out so well...there is always someone on an up while someone else needs a lift. I'll be in for you all next week as I know others will be down for the count next week.

SIS Kimberly

KathyL · February 2008

Happy Saturday! Hope fully the SEs will abate soon for those of you feeling low this weekend. And spring is just around the corner, so maybe we all can get rid of these blasted URIs we seem to keep catching! Trying to prep myself mentally for Wednesday's 3rd round. I don't know why, but the thought of this one is really bothering me alot. I just don't want to go through it again. I'm tired of feeling crappy and I want my hair back. I know-- it'll all be over soon enough, but I just wish it was now. Sorry to kvetch when I know some of you are feeling bad right now... just gotta get it out.

Jenny: Welcome to the taxotere rxn club, girl. I think that makes at least 4 of us now. What kind of reaction did you have? I'm gonna ask my onc this week if he thinks my eye twitching is neuropathy or not-- and if it is, what he thinks about trying L-glutamine or a B vitamin (someone else mentioned that before).

Paula: I was so touched by the story of your son and his friends. I'm sure they were glad to have such great support. It's nice to know there are some caring boys out there! Congrats on raising a good one-- he'll make some girl very happy one day

D1: Yikes about the nails! I've heard some people say their nails turn dark or even black, but don't always fall off. The color eventually grows out. I hope that's all that's going on with yours. Only one more to go for you... hang in there nails!

SIS Kimberly: I've gotta say, I'm kinda glad we aren't on the same tx schedule b/c I know next weekend I'll need to read your happy posts when I'm down-- they're always good. You're so right about how nice it is to have some of us up at each point when someone else is down.

Gotta run. I'll post the schedule soon!

chj127 · February 2008

Hi everyone,

Paula, I SO feel for you with the coughing. I've been fighting the cold for more than a week, and am finally starting to feel human. My dh has the cold too, and he's miserable as well. Add in the crappy weather, and we're just so down!! I cannot wait for the sun to come out (maybe tomorrrow??) We are going to church tonight for the first time in 3 weeks. I really miss being there. But I did go to the grocery store this afternoon, it felt so good just to be out anywhere!! I'm hoping to be back in the office on a normal schedule this week (just 3 days, don't feel too sorry for me!)

Thanks also for everyone's support about the onco. The thing is, he's a nice enough guy, but I'm just not getting the answers and support I need from him. I talked to the breast coordinator at the center where I am going, and they are going to try to get me in with the woman onco I was supposed to be with in the first place. I had an appointment with her the first of January, and she was in an auto accident, which is how I ended up with the other guy. Well, the woman onco is supposed to be healed up & coming back in March. So I'm hoping it's sooner than later. I'll do my March 5th chemo where I've been going then hopefully switch after that.

For those of you feeling good this weekend, enjoy it!! For those not having such a great weekend, fluff up your pillows and rest. I really appreciate all of you!

CHJ

KathyL · February 2008

OK, back faster than I thought. I had to check on dd and her friend playing downstairs. Next week's schedule, and it's a BIG week for some of us....

Monday: Free day! No tx for the Jewels! Rest up everyone

Tuesday: #3 for Kris60

Wednesday: #4 (and final round!!!!! Congrats on finishing chemo Smile ) for D1; next up for her is rads. #3 for KathyL and Camazur (Maz)

Thursday: #3 for CarolC and Wing (Wendy)

Friday (Leap day!): #4 (and final round!!!! Yippee Smile ) for TexRN and Deb102307. Both are DONE with tx (at least I don't have anything else listed for them). Keep dancing with NED girls! RN2teach (Paula) is doing her final (#4) round of AC, then on to Tx4 in March-- halfway there, gem! Woo hoo!!

Good Luck all! FUBC!!!

PAlady · February 2008

Kris - Love the pictures with the guys you work with. That is so great that they would do that for you. Are your spasms from the chemo or a neulasta shot? Someone just told me to try to lie on the floor with your legs above you and bent over a couch or seat to get relief. I haven't tried it, but anything is worth trying when you're in pain.

Deb - good luck with your dp's mother. I agree with the others, Hospice is the best. Hopefully they can at least keep her pain free. Keeping you both in thoughts and prayers.

Golfer - we still don't know if ds tore his acl or mcl. He had to go for an MRI this am and won't get results back till Thursday. It's a bit ridiculous that they make you wait that long for all of this. He is a soccer player, so he is on a break for a few weeks. That is so cool you got to meet up with Kalen! Hope your son does well this weekend.

LJ13 - glad your first round was unadventurous, hopefully #2 will be the same. Are the se's supposed to be easier with this part of your chemo? Do you have to have that every week?

Vettegal & Kimberly - Hope you're getting back to feeling good real soon.

Sheshe - the reception place sounds gorgeous! Do you get good weather that time of year for all of the outdoor areas?

Tina - hope your se's are minimal this weekend.

Texrn - hope you are feeling better and keeping those sniffles away.

Jkiss - congrats on making it through number 2. What kind of reaction did you have? Sounds like your se's were not to bad so that is a good thing!

Paula - Yea for you - finally getting to sleep! That is really nice of you son and friends to do that. I have a 17 yo boy and I agree they sure can surprise us at times.

D1 - I had the same thing with my nails a few days ago. It was liked they were bruised under the nails. Now it seems like there is a strip across the top of each nail that is darker than the rest. Whaaaaa I don't want to lose my nails.

Kathy - I started getting a bit of eye twitching too in just the last week or two. It is annoying, but I hadn't put it together as a reaction to the chemo. (silly me).

Chj - glad you could check in! I hear you on the sunshine or lack of it. Amazing how even a little sun can lift your spirits, huh? I get a lot of comfort in going to church, too. I hope you get better real soon.

Well, I used the Claritin this week starting on Monday when I got my shot and it made a HUGE difference in my spasms. I had way fewer spasms over the two days (Thursday and Friday) and they were significantly milder. They still started and ended at the same times that they usually do, but they were actually bearable this time. At times they were almost unnoticeable. I took my last Claritin this morning. I am going to do it again for my next round.

Hope everyone has a good weekend.

camazur · February 2008

You Jewels haven't heard from me lately because the se's have been manageable. I'm in the last week before tx #3, so I can taste until then. We got 7 inches of snow topped with ice yesterday. Did my share of shoveling. Tomorrow I get to dig my mom out. At least I got my car free of snow today.

Yes, Vernors!! My family is from Detroit and I grew up drinking it when we visited. It was spicier then. They have it in Florida where I get it when visiting my Dad. I'd love to be able to get some now. Its curious that its only available in certain states in this day and age.

Julie--sorry you were sick on your birthday. I had my lumpectomy on my 54th birthday this past December. My rationale was that it could be my re-birth day as well. The surgeon said pick a day next week, and I chose that day. I sure didn't feel like celebrating.

Vettegal--yes, bc is depressing and the whole thing can get overwhelming. I've managed to be mostly strong and positive until about a week ago when things started feeling like too much to bear. I can relate to how you feel. I take medication for my depression, but that doesn't mean its non-existant. I just don't get stuck there too long.

Kris--love the pic of you and your co-workers.

Kimberly--hope you feel better soon.

Dana--keep the faith, girl.

Jenny--good to hear from you. I've been quiet lately, too. But always lurking.

Stay strong Jewels!

Maz

jkiss75 · February 2008

Hi All,

My reaction happens the second the saline is out of the tubing and I get the first drip of T. It starts with this weird nausea feeling in my stomach and then it moves right up my chest (lost of pressure), then to my throat and this time I seriously thought my head was going to explode, the skin on my cheeks was so tight they were going to split right open. I can breathe but feel like I need to work to keep breathing. It is kind of that feeling just before you pass out but you are concious and lastly I turn extremely bright red. It doesn't really hurt but it is uncontrollable all I can do is sit it out until is slowly recedes.

I also have been getting intravenouse IV infusions of Vit C 30-50 grams, mixed with B vitamins and Magnesium, which I think helped me kick that terrible cold that has been going around. I just stop all supplements 2 days prior to treatment and don't start until 3 days after, so the chemo has time to do its thing.

KathyL--I have also been getting eye twitching thing as well and was wondering the same thing but I have just been waiting to see my ND next week to get the IV infusion because the Magnesium will help with the twitch. I will ask him what he thinks and report back.

Jenny

Determined1 · February 2008

KathyL, I felt EXACTLY the same way before tx3. And it was the weekend before, too! You know deep down you'll march in there with your t-shirt on and head high, but it's hard to psych up for #3 for some reason. The good thing is, we all know that we'll be okay 10 days after tx day, so try to stay focused on the positive stuff. And I know you, you'll have everything lined up and ready to go so you can lie on the sofa all next weekend. You got this by the balls, girlfriend, so go get 'em. FUBC!!!!!

D1

Postscript: I got new light fixtures!!! Yay!!! Now I have to schedule the electrician to install them. Always sumthin'.

texrn · February 2008

Hey there,

KathyL & JKiss75 - I, too, had the eye twitching after tx's 1 & 2 - talked to my onc about it, & yes it is a neuropathy related se ( according to him ). Since it was transient w/ me, he took a "watch & wait" attitude for tx #3...& lo & behold, no eyetwitching this time around. I guess it's somewhat true that every tx can be different.

RN2teach - I am also an avid reader - like you, I'll read anything except romance novels; but since my diagnosis it has been very difficult for me to mentally focus on anything but my current situation - the first couple of months, all I did was research my illness, options, etc. Then, when I started chemo I thought I would be able to get some reading in during all my down time, but post-tx I'm either too drugged or too exhausted - not to mention this mental fog I seem to be in, along w/ the occasional "down in the dumps" days.

I can't complain, though, b/c my last tx is next Friday - WOOHOOO!!!! , & from where I am now I can definitely see the light at the end of the tunnel...along w/ a pile of books sitting on my nightstand. After chemo, I'll just have a couple of small steps left in the reconstruction process, of which I have no qualms about since the first half of my reconstruction has gone so well.

To those of you who are right behind me, or even to those who have just started - Have faith & keep looking forward & you, too, will eventually see that "light".

Therese

wvgirl · February 2008

Hi Jewels,

Glad the weekend has come. Friday at work a customer I was waiting on made my day. I have a new wig I have been wearing and kinda unsure of. Well the customer ask if I had just had my hair done that she thought my hair style looked really nice. I thanked her and told her the truth. She could hardly believe it was a wig. Laughing

I have a new outlook on the DH situation I am concerting on ME and keeping myself well. The stress and depression is not good. Why should I think things would change. It is lonely at times but I have a great Bro, you wonderful Sis's a few good friends for the support. I still have an appointment also in a couple weeks with the referral from my onc.

Joteac-I have hear a little about Reiki from a lady who use to have migraines. She said since she has been having the Reiki done. She no longer suffers from migraines. Sorry you are having to deal with teeth problems on top of bc.

PALady- My 3rd treatment was also the worst. I had a friend tell me. That when her dad was getting the Nuelasta shot the more shots he received the worse bone pain he had. My mouth and tongue like when you taste something hot how it burns your mouth. And the food thing everything taste bad. My onc told me the nuelasta shot cost more than he does (around 3,200.00)

Paula- What a wonderful son you have to be so tough-full and caring. Be Proud as I know you are.

CHJ- I like Paula have a busy Onc. 1 day Iwaited 3hrs to see him He did take his time with me He is wonderful and is always conerened .

Deb-My prayers are with you and your dp as her mother is not well. Hospice is a wonderful program. They were with my Aunt while she was suffering from bc. My m-in-law is a currant Hospice patient they are wonderful.

JulieK-Happy Belated B DAY to you. Hope you feeling better.

KathyL-Your potty traning back memories. I remember one time when twins dd's were wearing training pants they decided to use the bathroom # 2 in their closet what one didn't think of the other one did. I loved the e mail you shared I printed it out .

Vettegal, Kimberly,LJ I hope you are all feeling better

Dana-Keeping you in my prayers. Thank you for sharing the advise.

Tomorrow My Bro and I are getting together for dm's BDAY she will be 66 and still goes Rollerskating.

deb102307 · February 2008

Just a quick check in. The bone pain from the Neupogen is giving me some fits this evening. Onc gave me Tramadol and it is keeping it under control. At least alot better than last time.

KathyL - I saw that you had me down for my last tx next Friday and while I so wish that were true.....I have four more to go with Taxol after the AC.

Thanks to everybody for the shout outs regarding my dp's mother. She is on the waiting list for hospice.

It seems that the se's can be different each tx eventhough the same drugs. I was pretty much down for the count for 5 days after tx#3 and am now bouncing back except for the bone pain. But I know that will be gone probably tomorrow afternoon or evening (I hope).

Dana - You are an inspiration to everyone here to remain strong in your faith and positive through all you have had to deal with.

Kimberly- sorry you are down and hope you are back up real soon.

Thanks to all with the warnings/info on Taxol reactions. I am definitely going to be asking about that this Friday.

Time to change positions. Will keep lurking and try to chime in again this weekend.

((((HUGS)))) to all!

kris60 · February 2008

good morning all

Wed night-Thurs morning the back/pelvic pain was from the neulasta shot, any pressure I put on my bones was hurting. I even tried the propping my legs on the couch cushions...... laying on my stomach gave me the only relief. nurse said it sounded like it kicked in all at once..uhhhh duh..

I went to work Friday and took it easy. My back is still a bit'sore/tired' but not hurting or anything...... oh, they said I can take my 800 mg motrin next time...yay me....I hope there isn't one.

See, before bc, the only meds I would take are excederine and motrin.. I don't like pain pills, they scare me to death to take them, so motrin was always the strongest stuff I would take.

Tx 2 took a bit longer to bounce back from, so here's hoping #3 (halfway with the ac) will be easy sailing.

Still have some chest cough and stuffy nose going, so I imagine it will flare up....but I will be wearing my FUBC shirt to #3..here's hoping it's good luck

tootles for now

Kris

Anonymous · February 2008

So, putting one foot in front of the other after T/H Tx#1. Day 4 and still no bad SEs to speak of. I could weep for relief. AC was tough, I'm so grateful to have it behind me.

I still have puffy eyelids and now I *am* seeing where the tear ducts could be blocked, there's a distinct puffiness just above the eye and toward the nose bridge. I tried cold compresses one evening which helped one eye, then warm compresses the next night which didn't seem to help. Mostly I just try to massage the ducts a few times/day, which does alleviate the bridge puffiness, though not the eyelids. My nose seems to run quite a bit less on T/H than on AC.

Also, for those with eye twitches, my left eye (only) has twitched on and off since I started AC. More in the beginning, less so lately. Who would have thought it was a SE?

I was SO out of it during the Tx, I don't even remember leaving the hospital nor the drive home. They infused 50 mg of Benadryl in addition to everything else. I believe next time, I take B orally, not sure of the dose. One 25 mg pill usually makes me sleepy, though NOT like I was Thursday, man was I drugged out.

D1, the dp has always come to Tx with me, as she will this coming Thursday. She has a wonderful boss. We're trying to get a bead on how these T/H Tx's are going to go. I'm going to be optimistic about Tx#2 and the rest, though I know several have had their reactions during Tx#2. Believe me, I'll be alert to any signs of trouble, thanks to all for the cautions.

PAlady, my onc. said that the common SEs for Taxol are anemia (already have a low RBC count as of the last bloodwork, so have to keep an eye on this one), fatigue, constipation, and peripheral neuropathy. I don't feel anemic, and the nurse said it was just a little bit low, but I didn't get the report this time since my nurse on this one was a bit of a pill. I'll get the report next week for last week's bloodwork. I've had a wee loss of appetite on Fri/Sat, but nothing like with the AC Tx. I'll get Taxol/Herceptin weekly for 12 weeks (11 to go), then go on Herceptin alone weekly for the balance of a year.

Paula, the dp is doing much better, very little coughing, and she shed the masks around mid-week. Thanks for asking.

Hopefully some of our late week Tx ladies are starting to feel a bit better.

Determined1 · February 2008

Hi gang. Been a slow 12 hours for the Jewels--not too much to read for a change.

Had a fantasy dream last night. I got to my onc appointment on Wednesday, right before my scheduled infusion, and my doc listened to all the new, yucky se's I had after tx3 and told me that I didn't really need the 4th tx, so why didn't I just go home! (Whatever happened to the days when a fantasy dream was all about making love to some hot guy????)

Anyhoo,

Deb & Kris--As a neulasta se sufferer myself, I really wish the pain for you guys would just go away. You both have tx this week and I want you to be strong and pain free when you head in to your centers. So you tell those aches and pains to leave you alone--D1 says so!!!

WVgirl--support comes from unexpected places, doesn't it? Glad you got the compliment on your wig--it's so refreshing to have people say nice things! Have a great celebration for your mom with your bro.

My le arm took a turn for the worst yesterday. I reached up to do something and felt it snap and now today I have pain from my pit to my elbow and the whole arm is numb. I think I'm developing a problem here... Pisses me off, too, because I was "this close" to full extension with that arm until 3 weeks ago when it suddenly became hurty. Now it's downright painful. Damn, damn, damn!

Dh came upstairs to check on me today. Said I'm being more quiet than usual. I said, hum, I dunno. He said, you're probably getting your game face on for Wednesday. Maybe he's starting to get it...

Feeling down today. I want my life back.

D1

vettegal · February 2008

Hello Jewels,

Nice to be some what back to normal if you call my life normal...LOL, Finally got out of this frickin house and went shopping, my sister invited us over for dinner last night..for what I can taste of it, it was very good.

D1- I can understand..I was depressed all week, My dh found me in the bathtub sitting in the tub with the shower on crying..I was in total depress mode. I wanted no more of anything, I had no positive "vibes" I wanted all of this to end..like right now. He was really upset, i was upset because my stomach thing made me shit myself and I was in the tub in denial of everything I had just went through. You should be excited...one more treatment!

I am only halfway..and dream of march 27th. Cheer up we all love you and you know that!

I hope all is well with everyone...The sun came out today in Pittsburgh, was kind of nice. We only get 68 days of sun a year.

Made you think spring is around the corner....warm weather...Can't wait..I hate the cold especially with NO HAIR!

Hugs to all...

RN2teach · February 2008

Hey Jewels,

Another restless night. Tried to go without the Nyquil--I've drunk almost 2 bottles of the stuff in the last 2 weeks! On the good side, I didn't cough last night... I just didn't sleep!

Went to church this morning for the first time in 3 weeks. It was a great service, really energized me for the week ahead.

CHJ- hope you made it to church yesterday. What a drag for both you and your dh to be sick--get well soon! The transfer to the woman onco that you were originally supposed to have sounds good. I'm glad you have a good plan in place to get the treatment you need.

KathyL- thanks for keeping up with the treatment schedules for us!

PALady- I'm not happy to hear that I may have nail prob. with the T treatments. Hope the info that the others have given helps you protect those nails!

Maz- glad you're feeling good. Enjoy those taste buds while they last!

Jenny- YIKES! Your reaction to the T sounds horrific. I hope the nurses at your center are hovering around you through your treatments.

Therese- I'm having the same problem with reading. I normally have 3-4 books in progress at all times (at least my Bible, a book of fiction and one of nonfiction). Typically read a couple of books a week, but haven't been able to get my brain to cooperate lately.

Congrats on reaching your last treatment this Friday! I'll be going in Friday for my last AC. Still have Tx4 to go, but I'll be at the 1/2 way point on my chemo so that's something to celebrate.

WVGirl- glad you're taking care of yourself. Sounds like you have a great new wig--you'll have to share a pic!

Joan- WVgirl reminded me about your Reiki query. We had a Reiki presentation at a nursing conference a couple of years ago. It involves using human energy fields for healing. Very holistic and the demo was fascinating.

Deb1023 and Kris- more Neu- victims... hope the remedies help you thru the pain. I seem to have been spared this time and I'm grateful

LJ- well, glad for some good news on the T part of treatment. Worse on reactions but easier on se's. Hope you're still feeling good this eve.

D1- LOL on your fantasy dream. Having sex w/ a hottie is overrated anyway! One more to go, sister. Your arm snap sounds worrisome. Get that checked out ASAP and take it easy in the meantime.

Vettegal- hang in there, honey. You are over halfway thru w/ your treatment. Wish I had a magic cork that would solve your problem... We're all pulling for you. And I am sooo looking forward to spring and sunny days, too! Cool

My ds is skiing with a bunch of friends this weekend. This was a well timed trip for him--I know he needs the release after last week. Thanks for all of your comments on the way he supported his friend. I was so proud of his group of friends and the way they handled the death last week.

I worry about both our kids with both me and dh having cancer. It is so hard to read teenagers. We live in the same small town where my dh was raised and we know practically everyone. I'm happy that I have lots of eyes and ears to help me keep an eye on them. So far they seem to be doing okay, but I def. do a lot of praying and watching!

Glad none of the Jewels has a Monday chemo date. Catch you all tomorrow!

Paula

Jan 2008--Ain't it Great?

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