Anyone starting chemo in June 08

GramE

3 hours sleep - up at 5 am with steroid buzz going.  Laundry is well under way - stripped bed and even doing bed spread...   Put away a few summer clothes, but not all as it is still in the 70's during the day.  Cleaned out the fridge and and took trash to the dumpster, then a little walk to exercise my creaky bones.   posted on other message thread, or maybe on two others, lol...

Sent emails to friends - and now "resting" as I post on this thread...   Early bird bingo tonight and probably will crash tomorrow night,  as I have done in the past.   Only 3 more to go and I am done with this up and down cycle of HIGH energy, cant sit still for long and then the feel like a slug and sleep like Rip Van Winkle.   At least I know what is next and have gotten into a routine with it...    

Hope all have a really good, or at least a better weekend.  HUGS,  Nancy 

Kellke

Last time I had to take the steroids I really cleaned out my closet.  I had seven bags to take to Goodwill.  Anything I hadn't worn in a year went out.  I realized some of my clothes were as old as my children,  19 years old!  I decided to toss them even though I actually still liked them because I noticed I was wearing the same sundress in the last 19 years of summer pictures.  Next year I will panic and finally shop since I cleaned out so much.  My closet looks so tidy, I bet it won't stay that way for long.  Finally a benefit of steroids...

Kelly

Bonnie02

Hi Everyone,

Finally got an appointment to start radiation next Thursday, sure will be glad to get this all finished. I finished chemo on Aug. 21 and am still having trouble with my fingers the nails and the tips of my fingers. Is anyone else experiencing anything like this. I thought by now I would be feeling like a human again, although I am much better than on chemo lol.

Bonnie

GramE

Bonnie:

 I have 3 chemo to go and my nails are a mess.  Big toe nails are gone - they lifted up off the nail bed so I snipped them off to keep from catching or getting gunk under.   The little toe nails were gone maybe 3 weeks ago.   

Finger nails are flat and the onco says they should return to normal in a few months after chemo is done.   UGH...    My ring and little finger on my left hand get numb off and on and the onco says that is common - another UGH..   So far my ear lobes are OK - maybe the only body part that is.     

Wyoming

It is snowing here, so far we have had about 3" of the white stuff. More is to come tonight. Welcome to Wyoming (the state) in the Fall.

My toes feel a little tingly but hand are fine. My nails are fine. I over did it earlier this week as my mom and two of her long time friend (of about 47 years) met at my house (they were hear Mon. and Tues.). I had them stay with me and of course I couldn't go to bed and miss anything. So on Thursday I ended up home in bed all day. But it was worth it watching my mom have so much fun. I did too.

I leave for Seattle on Wed this week and can't wait. While hubby is at conference I will explore, sleep, relax and relax. If anyone has been to Seattle and have any good suggestions let me know.

My onc is going to put me on Celebrex in Nov. Studies have shown this drug may prevent breast cancer and has shown to prevent colon polyps which cause cancer. Since I'm triple negative I won't get any Tamoxifen or Herceptin.

My mood seems to come and go but over all I'm so excited about being done with chemo not much can shake me.

I can't wait until everyone can experience the feeling of being finished with chemo. One less hurdle we have to overcome and conquer.

Everyone have a great weekend.

KKing

That is good Nancy...only three to go.

Well, I have been out of chemo over three weeks and I have really heavy legs... that is the only way to describe it.   I walk and stand and when I finally sit.. they weigh a ton.  Not sure what this is.   Must say, I am feeling more normal everyday.   I start rads on Wednesday and I am almost two weeks into taking tamoxifen.   Anyway,  hope you are all doing well. 

Enjoy the day

Karen

GramE

Today I get a flu shot and more referrals from the primary doctor for surgical and rad consults.  Ugh, a never ending primary focus on medical issues.   I had escaped bone aches till now, but woke creaky and stiffer than usual - not really pain.   

Here's hoping all have a better than usual day and week.  HUGS,  Nancy 

Vinogal

Hey Junies.......in the big city today.....Toronto.......husband taking a quick day trip to ........so I dropped him at the airport checked in to a hotel........heading to the Home show in a couple of hours.......haven't been in years so looking forward to it.........then 2 early appointments with the plastic surgeons in the morning.........hopefully I will feel strongly for one over the other so that it makes the decision of which to use easier.........anyway.......feeling pretty good.....took a while to bounce back this time........but did have a good Fair day with the kids and a great Thanksgiving dinner yesterday........

Hope all are doing well and staying positive!

Cheers

Jax

hunkydory

Glad the group is progressing without to much pain.  Sounds like some of you, Wyoming and Jax are off on adventures.  Wyoming, just get some good rest while you are there. Vino...hope you really find a good PS you like.  That is important I hear. 

I meet with rad doctor tomorrow so will get the word on when I start..  Kelly, I cleaned out my closet yesterday too.  Good feeling to have a lot of that gone. Nancy, hope your nail issues turn out ok as well as your surgery and rad consults.  Karen, my legs have gone to crap too, and good luck on the rads.  You too Bonnie!  I know I missed people but can't go back and my mind is warped from reading too many other posts about rads.  That is my next concern.  How am I supposed to go to work lopsided without a bra.  Now there's a laugh!  Here's wishing you all a great week.  Fall is definately here.   HunkyD

hunkydory

Have fun tomorrow Wyoming..you deserve a break away.  Do you have a laptop to take?  If you do, stay in touch.  I met my rads onc today and have my simulation next Wednesday.  Then I start 33 rounds the last week of this month.  What fun! 

Happy treatments to all the rest of my June buddies.....HunkyD

Vinogal

Hey HunkyD.......atleast you have your schedule now.......it's always easier when we know what we are dealing with.......let us know how that simulation goes.

Met both plastic surgeons.........first was horrible......he didn't even ask me to take my shirt off so he could have a look......but told me the biggest he'd be able to get me would be a large A or small B cup.....about 325 cc.......I'm currently a full C.......so this was pretty disappointing......I have known from the start that it is hard to go to big.

Now the good news........the second female plastice surgeon was awesone.........spent a long time going over everything with me.......long story short......she is going to perform a skin sparring bilat mastectomy to minimize scarring and because of a wide chest wall will be able to get me very close to the size I am now......with a 515 cc implant after the expansion process.

 I feel very good about my appointment today and can't wait to get the surgery done......the BS and PS have to coordinate their schedules......so no I wait for the phone call..........Herceptin starts tomorrow......so we'll see how that goes......anyone else doing heceptin only right now?.......any tips?

Good luck to all!

Jax

hunkydory

Jax, that is great news.  I know it will make your surgery much easier knowing you have a good team.  I hope they get it scheduled soon for you.  I don't know anything about herceptin except they are going to monitor your heart again.  You will do great.  This damn cancer journey is a pissy one indeed.  I pray you do well with it.  My thoughts are with this whole group all the time.  It is wonderful to have a support team behind you even though it is only a virtual one. I am one that is reluctant to feed most of my friends too much about my disease.  It's too hard on them.  Good luck with your herceptin tomorrow.  I know it only takes about a half an hour from what I have seen in my infusion center.  Later to all...HunkyD

GramE

Good luck to everyone with the rest of the week.     After Thursday is a big count down - only 2 more tx to go then.  Surgery consult is Nov 6.  No recon for me.  

The skin on my lower arm is a bit sore and very dry.  I got a Rx cream from the dr but my skin is super sensitive to begin with.  Allergic to adhesive tape and scrub soap and I am hoping this is more of a contact dermatitis from putting my arms on some "offending" surface.   

 Hugs and Blessings.   Nancy 

   

Elliemae32

Hello fellow Junies,

7 days to go.... I am having a baby in 7 days!!  October 23rd at 7:30am the c-section is scheduled : ).  I had my 6th and last FAC on October 9th.. also very exciting.  I am told that I will get 3-4 weeks off to recover from the c-section then on ot Taxotere every 3 weeks for 4 doses.  That means I am over half way done with chemo!  I also got the pretty much ok to go ahead to nurse until I start the taxotere!!!  I am very excited about that. 

On a completely non-chemo topic, my 2 year old has learned how to climb then fall out of his crib!!  I have been sleeping with him in the guest room for the past 4 nights.. oh the joys of sleeping with a toddler while 37 weeks pregnant!  He is to young for a big boy bed (he won't stay in it) .. what do I do???  He also wakes up around 3 am every night wanting to nuggle (snuggle).  I think he knows the new baby is coming soon.  Poor baby. 

Just let me know if anyone wants to come love on a baby during the night shift..... LOL

Ellen

Kellke

My boys are only 17 months apart and we put the older one in a full size bed at 14 months.  We needed the bigger bed for company and it kept him from falling out too much.  At first we put a  lot of pillows on the "open" side but soon he was sleeping in it just fine.  You might have to put a baby gate at the doorway to remind him bedtime means staying in bed      

I hope you are able to get some rest...before and after the new baby comes.   Kelly 

SanDeeLou

HonkyDory

I go to work everyday without a bra.  The feeling of the freedom outweighs you being lopsidded.

I have not gotten any funny looks even when I am shopping.  It's like nobody cares so why should I.  Just remember you are still you and nobody can change that.

LOL

Sandy

GramE

Ellen, I thought I had posted a GOOD LUCK before, but it must be out there in cyber space.   You are dealing with a lot of high energy draining issues.   Can the young one help get his bed ready so he stays in it more?   Have him smell the clean sheets and say IF he puts his head down, he can smell them all night long???    We had a so called 6 year crib - the mattress height was adjustable down to about 2 feet from the floor.  the rail went down to the floor when "down".  Our son loved to play in it with a blanket over the top and it was a cave, tent, hide away, etc.   We got him a small step stool to be able to climb over the rail.  

Treatment # 14 today was good.  I fell asleep on the ride home and zonked out for 4 hours.  Food is needed, so I am off to forage.   HUGS to all.    Nancy 

GramE

tx # 10 of taxol and Herceptin yesterday. Had 4 dose dense A/C before.  Legs feel like lead and some bone pains.  Tylenol let me sleep 6 hours.   2 more tx and in 13 days I will be done with chemo !!!!!    Surgery consult on Nov 6 to see if lump is still ok with the major tumor shrinkage I have had.   Today I had to "search" to feel it and it is really tiny.   There is some fuzz on my head but all other hairs are gone except 3 eyebrow hairs and 6 eyelashes.   My finger nails look like I smashed them with a sledge hammer, flat as a table top and some brown discoloration.   

One radio station is having a Halloween contest to find the ugliest person without a costume... maybe I should enter:  no hair, ugly nails, missing toe nails,  dry skin...   and add the steroid buzz !!!   Gotta laugh or I might go crazier than I already am.  

Hugs and Blessings,  Nancy 

hunkydory

The tops of my legs feel sooooo achy.  Feels like I rode a bike cross country in low gear.  Can't believe this is hanging on this long.  I'm a couple days over two weeks from last trt.  Going up and down the stairs is a major chore.  Elliemae good luck.  You will have your hands full.  I'm sorry I don't have the energy to type much.  Just too tired.  To all....have a good weekend.  Thinking of you all!  HunkyD

GramE

Hunky, my legs are very achy also.   Glad I do not have my 4 level house anymore or I may be crawling up and down the stairs.  I am wearing Crocs or slippers since my toe nails are half gone.   Feel like lil ole lady at times.   Good thing I am almost done w/chemo and hope this achiness does not hang on too long after.   Gonna take 2 extra strength tylenol and find my pillow and blankie.

Hugs,  nancy 

Rovergirl

Hello All -

Haven't checked in lately but wanted to catch up w/ my June chemo buddies.  All is well w/ me I'm still completing AC - only 8 more weeks to go - so far I've found it to be quite tolerable.  Had some problems w/ nausea at the beginning but that has been resolved and other than that no other issues.  Hope I didn't jinx it w/ the chemo gods.

Rover

KKing

Hello June buddies

Seems that everyone is coping quite well.....great to hear.

Just had 4th rad treatment.  It is painless and takes about 10 minutes to setup and I think the radiation only takes 2 minutes at the most.    I am being told to just put on lots of cream three times a day and just watch my skin.   

It has been amonth since out of chemo and my legs feel so heavy.   I try to take a walk each day but it seems to be such a challenge.  Will ask onc doc when I see him on the 27th.  Not sure if this a side effect still from chemo or from the tamoxifen I am on.  

 Ellen.. I wish you all the best with the new baby coming.  I have no advise as I can't remember what I did when my kids were going through that... my two are 18 and 20..my mind is a blank.

Wishing you all a great day.

Karen

Elliemae32

Thanks for all of the well wishes!  We had my son's 2 year birthday party yesterday.... tireing but lots of fun.  The cleaning ladies from Cleaning for a Cause just left... my house looks GREAT!  I highly recommend looking into the free service.  Garrett (my 2 year old) has been sleeping in the bed with me without any problems.  DH has moved into the guest room, but he was going to anyway after the baby so it was only 2 weeks early.  Garrett will sleep with him in the guest room and the new baby and I will hang out at night   Eventually we hope just to make the guest room into Garrett's room, so it shouldn't be a big transition. 

Funny thing, my hair started growing back aftet FAC chemo #5 (of 6).  I completed treatment #6 2 weeks ago.  The new hair is gray.... but I will take it.  Do you think it will come out again when I start taxotere in a month?   

Wyoming

Sounds like everyone is hanging in there. Elliemae good luck and congratulations on the new baby. My grand-babies are 11 months and 8 months and they wear me out. Good thing I was young when I had my girls which are 22 months apart. They are now 30 and 28.

Had a great time in Seattle. If any of you get the chance to go to Seattle take it. It is a beatuiful city.

Hunkydory, I got to the radiologist Wednesday for the first time. I will let you know what he says.

My hair is starting to come in and it is white. I was a dark blonde so this shouldn't be too much of a change. I'm so used to seeing my self without  hair, having hair may be strange at first.

Have a good week.

SuePeet

Hunky Dory - The tops of my legs are still sore too - I was wondering if I have been too lazy as i hadn't had much energy to go for walks or what ever - My last chem treatment was Sept 15th.  So things are still lingering.  My gums receeded in my mouth so I have to watch a bit what I eat as my roots are exposed.  My nails and behinds and mounth are finally pretty well back to normal!  I am just tired!  I get hom from a rad treatment which is about 4 hours of driving (total) for a 10 minute appmnt but I just sit!  I have a hue to do list that just sits there!  Oh well maybe tomorrow I will move when I get home!

Elliemae - good luck on your new baby - it will be very special I am sure!

My hair is strting to come in - have a little coating of fuzz! Problem - it looks like it may be dark or grey - I was blonde!  I should run a pool to see who guesses the right hair color!

Have a great week all!

Sue

Rovergirl

Wyoming & Sue -

My hair started growing during Taxol and now that I'm on AC  - it's still hanging tough.  My hair stated out as a fine, white fuzz - it looked similar to a baby ckhicken.  Now it's actually starting to get dark - looks more brown than black but hard to tell at this point.  I was a strawberry blonde so the dark look will be new.  With 8 weeks of AC to go, I realize my hair could be short lived but I'll enjoy it while I have it.

Ellen - Congratulations on the new bambino.

Hunky - How are you doing?  Engery level returning I hope.

Rover

GramE

A quick stop to wish ALL a good day.   Hugs and Smilies,   Nancy

econmom

I am not a frequent poster but I am a frequent lurker.  I wanted to stop by tonight, after finished my last chemo, to thank all the regular posters for seeing me through.

4 cycles of A/C, 2 Taxol, and after a bad reaction, 2 Taxotere.   I did neoadjuvant chemo, so I have a bilateral scheduled for mid November and then likely radiation for 5-6 weeks.

Vinogal

Econmom......congrats on being done.....and good luck with your upcoming surgery.

 Hope everyone's aches and pains are getting better and hoping that the rads go as smoothly as possible for those of you doing them...

I am feeling great......herceptin and tamoxifen seem easy to tolerate.......fingers crossed that it stays that way........I have started back on my eliptical machine and it feels great to be active again.......got to lose the 10 pounds that I gained.....only doing 25 minutes so far......but will slowly increase.......would love to lose the weight before bilateral mastectomy.......it's looking like it may be the 15th of December......not as soon as I would hope......but it's hard for the BS and PS to coordinate their schedules....will keep you posted.

Cheers to all!

Jax

hunkydory

Fellow Lurkers and Posters,

I just got back from my rad simulation and it seemed to go smoothly.  Didn't take very long.  Mostly all men techs.  I got my tats and joked with the guy about watching LA Ink.  He said he wasn't quite as good as they were.  My legs are getting stronger it seems.  I have been working but took today off as I didn't know how long my simulation would take.  God, it felt so good not to have to go in that infusion room again today when I walked in.  To all you gals still getting your poison juices......hang in there!!!! 

Jax, seems like a long wait until December, but is is just around the corner.  I am waiting for DH to get all his junk off my treadmill in our spare bedroom.  I need to start pounding the belt on that too.  Sounds like you are doing OK with the herceptin and tamoxifen.  Sandy, I don't think I have the guts to go braless to work but will definately be switching to a more comfy bra.  Thanks for the "support" though. HeHe.  Nancy, sounds like you are breaking the freedom barrier with your toenails.   Karen, glad you are doing ok at rads.  Being as sedentary as I was during chemo turned my legs muscles into mush.  At least you are walking.

Wyoming, glad you had fun in Seatlle. Hope you used the elevator if you went to the spaceneedle.  Good luck on your radiation appt. too.  Maybe you will be starting about the same time as me. Elliemae, sounds like you have the sleeping arrangements figured out. Good luck tomorrow.  Everyone I missed...keep on trucking!  I NEED SOME HAIR TO START GROWING ON MY DAMN HEAD!!!!  HunkyD