Anyone In Phoenix, AZ Area?

ebann

We will be meeting next time on January 5th. It is on a Monday. Have not come up with the meeting place yet. Will fill you in soon. Here are some other support groups. I wish you luck with your surgeon please keep us informed.

The Wellness Community, 360 E. Palm Lane, Phoenix,  85004, Ph: 602/712-1006

Werner Support & Resource Center, Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center 10460 N. 92nd Street Suite #102, Scottsdale, AZ  85258,480-323-1050 http://www.shc.org/cancer/content.asp 

Bosom Buddies http://www.bosombuddies.org/

Breast Cancer Support Group: 6-7:30 p.m. third Wednesday of each month at Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center, 925 E. McDowell Road, Phoenix. 602-239-3250.

Breast Cancer Support Group: Center for Women's Health, 500 W. 10th Place, Mesa. 480-231-6666.

Calorad Support Group: 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays. For weight loss and relief from arthritis, 1750 W. Bell Road, Phoenix. 602-938-2526.

Cancer Support Group: 6:45 p.m. Wednesdays. CrossRoads Church, 3400 N. Dobson Road, Chandler. 480-839-4955.

Cancer Support Group: 5 p.m. Thursdays. Mesa Lutheran Hospital, 525 W. Brown Road, Mesa. 480-461-2222.

Cancer Support Group: 2 p.m. Thursdays. Valley Lutheran Hospital, 6644 E. Baywood Ave., Mesa. 461-2222. Cancer Support Group: 2-3 p.m. Tuesdays. Chandler Regional Hospital, Morrison Auditorium, 1875 W. Frye Road, Chandler. 480-821-7777.

In God's Grace; Elizabeth

suemed8749

Hi everybody -

Thanks so much for setting up a great get-together, Elizabeth! It was great meeting everybody, and hope to meet others also in January. I've had relatives visiting from the cold, snowy climate, so I haven't been online much. Just wanted to say hi to everybody.

Scrappygrl

Tamara,

Thanks about the MRI, I had it done today and was in there for 2 1/2 hours.  I've never been more than 45 min in an MRI so either they took a ton of extensive pics or they found alot of things.  They did my spine, tailbone and left side.  I am afraid it's bad news but trying not to stress as I will get results from Onco on Friday. 

I will have my port placed in Thursday afternoon.   Has anyone had their port put in and then did treatment the next morn?  Hopefully it will be easy peasy. 

I went to a support networking group tonight at the Wellness Community.  They are a nice bunch there.  Has anyone else attended any of their groups, speeches or the other classes?  It seems like they offer at least 3-5 different things every day. 

Well I'm off, I hope everyone is doing well.  If not, my prayers are with you.  Amira

ETA:  I just found out today that my results for the BRCA1/2 were NEGATIVE...yahoo!!

ebann

Well today is chemo day. I have been feeling okay this week. So I am glad about that. Just my one things I sleep so much. I hope this week will be good. I received a call from my daughter yesterday. She is in school right now and called me cause she wants to take a leave of absence. She asked for my schedule and what I have left to do. She said, she would like to be with me during all my appts. She feels she needs to be there with me. Which I told her that she needs to take care of herself and continue to move forward in her life as well. She is taking 6 weeks off. The good thing is she has taken this class and is certified in the estilogoy already. So I have 6 more rads. Then after this chemo I have a week break and then I have 3 more chemo's and really praying I am done and will be in readmission. That would be a blessing. It will be a year in March. I am touched by my daughter and what she feels she needs to do. She said, "mom I worry if the test does not come out clear and show more cancer again that you will have a nervous breakdown". I said, " I am not worried about me more about everyone else and how they will react". Which is true. I feel it is in God's hands and whatever direction it needs to go in then so be it. I am just so blessed to get up each morning and start my day. Cherish the moment and do one thing special for me each day. Even if it is 5 min. Okay enough about me.

Amira: to answer your question yes I had my port in on Monday and then on Tuesday I had chemo. It was easy and no problem at all for me. I hope it is smooth sailing for you. I am sorry you have to wait for the results that is the hardest thing to do. Do not worry about all the little things here and there with results. Sometimes they just do extra tests and they turn out to be nothing. I do pray that is the case for you as well.

Jerri: How are you holding up? I know you have been going through a lot of SE's. Are they getting any better for you? I hope you are.

Karen: How are you doing? So glad to hear that you got your drains out. That is always a relief. How is your infection doing? Did you decide when you would like to attempt to get your expanders back in? Have you heard from Melody?

Firstmate: We will be happy to have you join us when you get back from all your travels. Enjoy yourself. It is always nice to get away and not have to deal with the big C.

Tamara: How exciting to know that you are almost done. I bet you are so glad too. I think that is wonderful that you have been able to work while you have been going through chemo. There are some other women on this thread who have been working too. I was getting ready to go back to work in March this year and then was dx with cancer. I was off work for a year cause I broke my arm in March 2007 then my shoulder in July 2007. I was just finishing up with Physical Therapy. I had  a rough 6 month with chemo too. So glad that this one so far has been milder. That in itself is a blessing.

Sue; So glad to hear from you. Well you sound like you have been busy with relatives over. It is so nice to have them and we are sad to see some of them leave and glad to see others go. LOL I do hope that you enjoyed your company. I am sure that they loved our weather. When are they moving here? LOL

Teena; I hope that you are doing well. How are the treatments going for you? I really like those hats you made. Did you have fun doing them? I decided to stop wearing my hats and wigs. I am just  glad to have hair. It is so soft and very short and boy can you see those grays. Now I thought that was stress or old age...So is this just chemo results? LOL

Melody; Hope you are doing well. Have not heard from you. I did send you an email. I hope to hear from you soon. I am sure you are busy with the holidays and enjoying your nieces and nephews. They are so much fun.

Kathy & Pamela; hope all is well. thinking of you!

Ladies, this is a question in advanced and I will be asking about it our next get together. In February I would like for us to meet at someones house. I know that there are some that mentioned having their home available. I would like to know who would like to share their home in February.  Please think about it and then you can PM or email me and let me know if you are interested.

January 5th is just around the corner. It is going to be a whole new year, and a lot of women in readmission. Yeah! We rock!

In God's Grace; Elizabeth

ebann

OH YEAH AMIRA! CONGRADULATIONS ON BRAC BEING NEGATIVE THAT IS SUCH A POSITIVE!!!

PinkLaddy

Hi Elizabeth,

I'm so sorry I haven't written. Been so tired and so hard to get moving these days. I would have 1 good day and probably do to much and then the next I'm so exhausted it's hard to get up. I guess I need to know my limitations. I did cut off my hair to get ready for it to fall out. Today is day 15 and still have my short hair but I know it won't last. Believe it or not I lost my hair sorry to say down south if you know what I mean. I did go to Susie's Wigs the other day and got me some hair. YEA! so now I'm ready. It's funny my husband stated why do you need a wig. I just looked at him and said "you have hair and I won't soon". Nothing else needed to be said. He is a dear sweetie for me.

I hope this note finds you well. And again I'm sorry I haven't written but when I'm so tired I can't even look at the computer sometimes.

Jerri

Scrappygrl

Hey guys,

I hope everyone is doing well.  I just got back from having my port placed.  That was not fun and I cried through almost all of it.  It hurts like really bad right at the moment so I'm waiting for tylenol to kick in. 

I came home and there was a msg waiting saying they don't have authorization on my chemo meds so therefore not to come to dr appt until they call in the am.  I swear it's a constant roller coaster with this and I'm sick of it already.   

Jerri- I heard you really have to pace yourself.  I was doing exactly what you are doing right after my surgery and I'd be down 1-2 days of just sleeping because of overdoing it.  Now I have to just pace it.  Some days I try to cram so much in but I am hoping to settle that down a bit because I can't be down for days due to our kids and such. 

Sue- Hope your surgery went well and you are recovering and in less pain.  I've been thinking about you.  Amira

suemed8749

Amira: Sorry to hear about your bad experience with the port. I've had five surgeries this year, and I think that was the worst one. At least they knocked me out for the others! And then to find out about the chemo orders - what a crappy day. Who is your oncologist? Hope the orders come through tomorrow so you can get this all started and then behind you. What chemo are you doing?

Take it easy. I hope you get some sleep tonight. I'll be thinking of you tomorrow. Take some things to read or take your laptop and a good movie. The first chemo is always long since they watch you so carefully for allergic reactions.

Sue

KinAZ

Hi All,  Hope everyone is enjoying the holidays as much as you can.  I agree with Elizabeth...you must try to enjoy each day.  Of course they will not all be so great...in fact there are times when it seemed I would never get a good day.  I finished chemo the end of Sept and then bilat mx on Oct 9th.  I am finally starting to get some energy back.  One thing I learned was to save my energy for the best things.  I had to learn to let go..it was okay if the house wasnt always as clean as I would like!

Amira, I hope you get your chemo started soon.  Sometimes the anticipation is the worse.  I think it will go smoothly for you.  I did it with just IVs.....I had 4 surgeries this last year and did not want another one.  Looking back I wish I had done the port.  My veins are shot!  I will also be thinking of you.

Jerri, Try to pace yourself.  I had chemo on Thursdays.  Fridays was my best day due to the steroids....I got alot done on Fridays..lol  Then I slept for 2 days and would slowly return to normal.  I also lost my hair down below first, then the armpits, and then the head.  I am glad you are prepared for it, well as prepared as we can be!!!!

Elizabeth, I have not talked to Melody, but Im sure we will carpool again.  My infection is gone..yeah! I told my ps I prefer to wait till after the holidays to put the expanders  back in.  My prayer is that my body will not try to reject them.  I will need them for about a year to a year and 1/2, because I want to have the lapband surgery to lose some weight before my recon....I am hoping to do the diep....but if I do the recon first and lose weight, I will lose my new foobs!!!!!  Nothing can be simple....lol   How sweet of your dd to be there for you.  I know its hard as a Mom to see her stop school for you, but she only has one Mom!!!!! Sounds like you raised a sweetie.

I will keep you all in my prayers, Hugs Karen

PinkLaddy

Hi All and Amiara,

I'm doing okay and 2nd Chemo next week. Good Luck Amira. I can't believe you weren't asleep for the Port. I hope you are okay!

I'm in tears now just because of the hair is leaving me. I know it is just hair and thought I was ready but it's different when it falls out in clumps. DARN Chemo and Cancer! But we are ALIVE!

Love You All Ladies,

Jerri

ebann

Hi Everyone. Well I have been sleeping a lot. Seems to happen with chemo and radiation at the same time. Feeling like I have a little bit of energy today. I am always excited to have energy just to do a little something.

Jerri; I am so sorry about the hair thing. It is a sensitive area. You never realize how much your hair means to you until you see it disappear in no time at all. I remember looking in the mirror and my daughter being there and I was feeling so depressed, She said, mom you are beautiful your my mom, and I love you.  God made you made you bald and beautiful when you were born. Amazing how children are. The things they say. So Jerri you are beautiful. We all understand the steps of cancer and how it can take away so much.

What Cancer Cannot Take From You

It cannot take away your Faith,

shatter your Hope

or lessen your Love.

It cannot destory true Friendship,

invade the Soul

or take away

Eternal Life.

It cannot conquer your Spirit.

Jerri we are alive! Amen to that!

Sue; I love the pic, you look great!

Amira hang in there it will all come together soon enough. Your in my thoughts. I hope that the port is feeling better.

Karen I pray that your expanders will not reject them either. Wow I thought of the lapband as well. Was on Jenny Craig when I became ill. I lost 55 lbs. The food right now makes me sick to my stomach. I plan to go back on it when I am well again. I have another 60 lbs to lose.

Well send evites out next week. I look forward to our get together. It will be here before we know it.

In God's Grace; Elizabeth

tbird57

Hi Everybody,

Hope you are all doing well.  Elizabeth, your daughter is doing the right thing and how wonderful to have her!  The two people who touched me most during my BC are my daughter Bethany and my sister-in-law Ellen - both shed tears for me and check on me all the time.  My daughter came down from Canada to see me while seven months pregnant, and she calls daily -- she is a comfort and joy.   Our daughters gain strength from watching how strong we are, and you are so strong and amazing!  Think of the gifts you are giving your daughter by allowing her to share with you. 

Sue, your photo looks great!  Did you enjoy your relatives' visit?

Karen, I'm so glad your infection is gone.  I hope your next steps go well.  I've had gastric bypass surgery, so if I can help or provide any information, please ask.

I am pleased to report that my last chemo was on the 4th, and now just Herceptin for a year.  I'm looking forward to 2009 being a much better year than the one waning. 

I wish everyone a peaceful, joyous holiday season and and best of health in the coming year,

Teena 

Scrappygrl

Ok, typing this thing for fourth time now, hopefully that will be the charm.

Thank you all for the wishes.  I was in a lot of pain from Port on Friday and running a fever by the time I got to Onco office so they decided no chemo.  I was sent back to Hospital for evaluation on the port.  The Dr. there asked me to come back today to see it again before going onto Dr. appt at 10am and doing Chemo.  Hopefully he will ok it.

 Jerri- I can't say I understand how you are feeling right now about the hair loss but I know I will prob feel the same way.  I had my hair chopped really short almost a month ago cause I thought I'd have started Chemo by beginning of November but anyhow, I cried the whole time the lady cut my hair.  I felt bad for her but also felt like the cancer won another round against me and my body.  I can't wait until I can start taking some punches against it and winning!  That is my goal!

 Elizabeth- I'm thinking of you!

Hope everyone has a very nice week and is well (at least as you can be.)  Amira

suemed8749

Hi all -

Amira, I hope you got to start chemo today - so sorry for all of the port problems. I know what you mean about taking some punches and winning. When I was first diagnosed, I went through two lumpectomies then the mastectomy, and I just wanted to get started on chemo! It sounds a little crazy, but we all understand. Let us know how you're doing.

I had a great weekend with relatives - my sister-in-law took this pic. out at Westgate - we hit the Tempe Festival of the Arts, Anthem mall, Zoo Lights, dinner out 3x, then this weekend my daughters and I went to the Tamale Festival and we went to the Cardinals yesterday. I'm going to  drop when school is finally out on Thursday (after my Herceptin infusion.) If any of you have never been to the Botanical Garden's luminaria display, and you feel up to it, I highly recommend it. It's one of my favorite Valley Christmas events.

Take care, everybody,

Sue

PinkLaddy

Sue,

I'm worn out reading what you did this weekend. I can bareley go to the store and a couple other places and pooped out. I have 2nd treatment on Wed.

Love your hair. I'm getting buzzed tom. My hair is falling out everywhere.

Anyway keep up the Great Energy!!

Jerri

suemed8749

Jerri: My own hair has always been thin and fine. When I first wore the wig (in the picture) to school, my kids loved it. One told me, "You look 10 years younger!" Ah, nothing like a little breast cancer to knock the years off a gal!

Scrappygrl

Hi you guys,

I got my Chemo treatment yesterday! Yeah Round one in fight began!

I was a little taken aback by the Benadryl I was given.  I was in good spirits, working on a small cross stitch project, listening to tunes, overall in good spirits (boy and soul) and then bam it was like I got hit with a tons of rocks.  I was only able to doze for about 1/2 hour is all.  I got there at 10 am and didn't leave until 3pm so it was almost a full day with only the 1/2 hour snooze.  I did ok wise until I had a normal dinner (yeah won't ever repeat that) and took the Decadron and within 1/2 hour sick to my stomach that I just had to sit back in recliner and just veg.  A few hours later I went to take some wheat thin crackers (2) and about lost those within 1 min of digesting it.  So I went to bed about 1045 and woke up at 330 (again) for third day in row.  Boy was I thirsty but water is just not cutting it and we didn't prepare for anything but water and diet pepsi.  Guess so long byebye Diet Pepsi.  So now I'm trying to down a large cup of buillon.  We shall see.  I go in for Neulasta shot today.  Fun fun.  But in a few hours will be 24 hours since start of chemo.  One day down 3 months 3 weeks and 6 days to go to end if all goes well! LOL, I'm trying to maintain a positive outlook can't you tell?  Amira

P,s Sue: that was cute about the comments from the kids.

Oh Ps. We are moving closer into town here in two weeks or so.  So if I am not on occasionally, you know why.  I've got so much packing, cleaning, purging etc to do now. 

suemed8749

Amira: Good timing - moving during chemo! My husband decided to "remodel" our bedroom while I was having my series of surgeries (he now claims that he just had to do something to keep busy) - I came home from one of the lumpectomies and my bed was loaded with his crap - I was NOT amused. Hang in there with the chemo side effects - I know what you mean about the water not cutting it. One time I made my daughter go buy me a Pepsi, another time my husband had to run out for orange juice. Whatever you can get down and keep down, go for it. I liked ginger ale, and a lot of women recommend Crystal Light. Are you getting a Neulasta shot tomorrow? A good tip is to take a Claritin before - it is supposed to alleviate the bone pain.

Best, best wishes,

Sue

Scrappygrl

Sue,

Well if I'd had my way on the sale of our house and moving we'd been gone before October.  

we are just moving closer to family/friends and his work.  Instead of being 35-40 min away from his work it will be like 2 min tops.  And about 10-15 for friends/family whereas at new place most are bare minimum 40 min away now.  So it's a good thing but yes bad timing. But in the end it will be worth it time/gas and emergency wise for me and the family.

Anyhow, still very nauseated.  I did ok yesterday no vomiting just waves of nausea here and there.  I finally crashed at about 5:30 last night.  Took some Tylenol Pm at about 11pm and slept until almost 6 this morning so now I'm  caught up on sleep, YEAH....:)

I did get the Neulasta shot. It was ok.  I take Zyrtec for allergies anyhow so they said I should be fine with not needing to take the Claritan.  But I haven't taken it for two days now due to the upset stomach and just trying to remember all the other pills to take and stay hydrated and keeping down the fluids.  It's a hectic schedule for sure.  

Well I am gonna finish my buillion and maybe go watch some tv before the family wakes up.  Hope you all are doing well!  Hugs, Amira 

  

ebann

Hi Everyone,

Oh dear Amira, I am so sorry you are having side effects. They sure are no fun. Yes with cancer your life sure does change. So where are you moving too? I will need your new address. Just PM it to me.

Jerri; How did the haircut go? I so remember that oh to well. It is a good feeling with my hair coming back. More gray than I imagined. We all understand how you feel about losing your hair.  You will get through it and we are here for you.

Well today was my last day of radiation. YES!!!! Now just taking care of the blistered skin. Hopefully it will heal fast. Still sleeping a lot. Did not have chemo this week so that was a nice break. Looking forward to the new year.

Blessing everyone; Elizabeth

PinkLaddy

Hi Elizabeth,

Again sorry I haven't written. I had my 2nd TC on Wed. and then the Nasty Shot yesterday. YUK! But, but I'm half-way done. YEA! Only 2 more treatments. There is an end in sight.

I did cut the hair short and it lasted about 15 days and then I could not comb it without clumps falling out so I shaved it off. I did post my Photo but I feel like a Fat Body in a Small Bald Head! lol

I did get a Wig so I will be wearing it at times. I don't know if you had this but I feel like I have to have a Fan on my head at all times. I guess my heat source is my head. I have a fan on me at night and during the day. I'm just waiting for the itty bitty stubbles to fall out!

Last Day of Radiation for you! YEA!!!!! I'm so tickled for you! Are you putting like some Aloe on the Burns??? 2009 is going to be a WONDERFUL YEAR FOR US ALL!!!!!

Amira-I hope you are okay as well. Haven't heard from you so PLEASE keep us updated!

Sue-I just LOVE your Photo! You have the Most Beautiful Smile!

Anyway Ladies Love To You All,

Jerri

ebann

It's A New Year!

Phx BCO Sisters

Location: Macayo's Mexican Kitchen
              4001 N. Central Ave
              Phoenix, AZ 85012 US

When: Monday, January 5th

Time: 6:30pm

It is time for our 2nd meetup. I do hope that everyone likes Mexican food. To check out the website at Maycayo's: www.macayo.com/locations/StorePage.asp?StoreName=Central

Please Bring:
1. Paper & Pen
2. List w/ 5 things you would like to accomplish through the   New Year.
3. Name tag (if you have one)

Remember to check your BCO list of your sisters and see who lives close by to you and possibly you can car pool with someone. Looking forward to seeing everyone. 
Please bring a friend...the more the merrier..

Evites went out please check your email's and respond

Scrappygrl

Hey ladies,

I'm hanging in here!  Thank you for the thoughts.  The pain in the bones is making me walk like I'm 90 years old and it's crazy how much it hurts (bone wise.)   I am feeling much better today though, spent the day just resting on the couch and we just went out for an early dinner to get me out of the house.  So it feels like maybe I'm on the up side now?  Hopefully.  

Have you guys had heartburn after gettting the Chemo?  It seems like no matter what I eat, I have heartburn afterwards.  It's not horrible but more like a side affect I could so easily do without but I'd take it over this bone pain any day!  lol.

Elizabeth- How exciting about the rads being done!  Yeah for you!  I don't know if you have heard of this stuff but it's called Aloe w/Lidocaine (Walgreens brand) it works wonders on a sunburn, literally killing a sunburn within 24 hours so if you haven't tried that, it may work.  If it does let me know, I'm not sure if I will be getting rads or not but it would be good to know if it does.  Also, thank you for the card.  

About the 5th....I'm gonna have to hold off on saying yeah/nea.  I'm not sure if we are moving that weekend before or what and I'm sure if we do, I will be plenty tired.   

Jerri- What a great picture!

Take care all.  Amira 

ebann

Hello Sisters

wildfilee

Hello There, I'm Joy.  I live in Chandler, AZ.  Glad to finally know people who live in this neck of the woods -- Yahoo!!!!  I'm 51 and was diagnosed with Agg. IDC, stage 1, tumor 1.3 cm., had lumpectomy at Phoenix Baptist on 10/6/08 and then five days of Brachytherapy with 30 catheters in my right breast (Wow was that ever fun! ; I'm a double D cup and thought I was gonna poke someone's eye out with one of the darn catheters! LOL!) Anyway, I'm a triple negative and was diagnosed on 9/11/08 if you can believe that. Started chemo with Taxotere and Cytoxan with IV anti-nausea drugs before and Neulasta right after the chemo in Scottsdale at AZ oncology which I am now leaving thank Goodness! Supposed to have four treatments, 1 every three weeks.  I had my first and last on 12/10/08.   Moved here from LA approx 1 1/2 years ago and don't really know anyone in Phoenix except for my sister and her family but she's a very judgmental person and is really busy with her own problems so doesn't have any time to help.  I have a large Pitbull, Bart, who is the light of my life and is my reason for everything these days and I had a very difficult time even taking her out and walking her the day after chemo.  I felt okay the day of chemo which was a Wednesday; Thursday felt like someone hit me with a ton of bricks -- was so exhausted couldn't get out of bed and felt like i had the flu but no nausea or vomiting -- just feeling extremely tired -- worse tha fatigue, weak and exhausted.  Had to force myself to eat but realized I had no food in the house which was okay because eating crackers was the most I could force myself to eat anyway.  By Sunday, the 14th I was feeling almost normal except still tired.  Then I woke up Monday and felt okay.  Not wonderful, but okay.  Then it hit, like an earthquake, Monday night, the worst diarrhear I've ever experienced.  Along with that, shaking, cold, chills, stomach pain, night sweats, just couldn't get warm.  Took Lomotol, Immodium, Pepto Bismol, Kaopectate, etc., kept drinking water but that kept coming out of me also.  Finally when the diarrhea just wouldn't quit on Wednesday night at 9:00 pm I gave up and put an emergency call to my oncologist in Scottsdale and it took an hour to get an on-call doc to call me back.  He told me I was probably dehydrated but that the diarrhea was most likely not due to the chemotherapy????  I was totally annoyed.  I had never experienced anything like this before.  I was so weak that I called 911 and was taken to Banner Desert where I layed in pain for 7 hours in the emergency room before they gave me fluids or anything for the pain.  When I arrived home the following day, I placed a call to my oncologist's office again and this time spoke directly with my own oncologist who took my illnesss with "a grain of salt" and told me that the diarrhea was not likely from the Taxotere and that in 15 years of using Taxotere, he had never seen a case of diarrhea so bad.  He didn't tell me what to do or offer me any help.  the diarrhea continued until Friday, 12/19, after I had lost 15 pounds from not eating solid food for almost 5 days and had to go to the emergency room twice for iv fluids.  In addition, I had left a message for the chemo nurse at my onc's office and the med. assist. didn't give her the message for three days.  When I found this out, I was angry and sick and tired of being sick and called the medical assistant and asked her why when she knew I was so sick how come she did not get the message to the chemo nurse quickly. She then told me to stop being rude and asked that I apologize to her.  I feel like I'm losing my mind!  I don't know if it is this oncology office or the Taxotere and Cytoxan has somehow gone to my brain but it feels as if the whole darn world is going crazy.  Either that or something is in the water that everyone else is drinking except for me?  Could someone please give me some feedback  - I feel as though this office is just not the right oncology office for me.  I have already faxed a letter to the oncologist that I will not be continuing chemotherapy, nor will I be attending my second scheduled chemotherapy treatment on 1/2/09.  I further explained in my letter to him which I know he received my reasons for stopping treatment, that I could not again go through almost one week of intense severe diarrhea and stomach pain, dehydration, and anorexia with a weight loss of 15 pounds.   The oncologist showed his caringness by not responding to this letter at all, but rather, just ignoring it and going on vacation for three weeks.   I don't know if anyone else has experienced this, but I feel anxious, depressed, angry, afraid, and alone.  I don't know what I expected from an oncologist but perhaps I expected too much.  I am sorry this post is so very long.  Thanks to all for reading......Joy

suemed8749

Joys - Welcome! I'm so sorry that you've had such a horrible experience with your first chemo and Arizona Oncology. I go to their Phoenix office and really like my oncologist (I have been to the Scottsdale office too) - but it sounds like you may need to make a switch and quickly so your treatments aren't interrupted. Maybe some others in the Chandler area can make some recommendations to you - I live in NW Phoenix, so can't help with that. I'm so sorry you're going through this essentially alone.

After my second treatment, I got horribly ill - not 5 days worth certainly - but I know it actually some bug going around my house because my husband and kids had milder symptoms. I'm sure that because of the chemo, it just hit me a lot harder, and I was sitting on the toilet with a bucket between my legs all night. Other than that time, I really had very little nausea and "manageable" diarrhea (6 treatments of Taxol/Carboplatin/Herceptin). But 5 days of diarrhea - that's horrible, and your oncologist and/or chemo nurse certainly should have done something to help you.

Hopefully someone will come along with some recommendations. And you can start doing some online research and try to find somebody who will be more compassionate.

Hugs to you, Sue

ebann

Hi Joy;

Welcome to our group. We welcome your venting we all need to get it out sometime. I am so  sorry to hear that you had such a bad experience. I got to Dr. Ondreyco she is straight forward and does not mess around. When I had diaherra and was sick to my stomach she prescribed me some stronger medication than immodium. I have had diaherra and constipation. When I first started out I had several side effects. This round of chemo is a lot milder and I am glad. My doctors practice is Palo Verde Oncology. They have 8 doctors on staff. You only wait in the waiting room for 15min at the most. They get you right in and answer your question as soon as possible. They have a office in Scottsdale as well. I live in Glendale. My mother lives in Gilbert. I was born and raised in  Chandler. Have lived in Glendale now for 7 years. Our group will be meeting in January and we would love to have you come. It is a great way to meet the ladies and get support. I will PM you some information.

Blessings; Elizabeth

Amira take alieve for your bone pain. It really does help a lot. I am sorry to hear that you are experiencing side effects. I hope they get better and it is almost over for you. I am excited that rads are over. My skin is getting much better. I have put pure aloe vera on it along with some hydrating cream that my daughter gave me from AVEDA. It has worked well and is healing fast. I will have a permnament sun tan for sometime.

Blessings again....

PinkLaddy

Hi Joy,

I go to my Onco. in Chandler and Love them to death. They want to be sure you do NOT have any side effects. If you want to PM me I can give more info. on them.

Jerri

Scrappygrl

Hi Joy,

Gosh reading your post about the diarrhea is like my life has been since last Thursday.  I finally called it in on Christmas eve and wound up in the ER for rehydration.  The Dr. office recommended Pepto Bismol instead of the Immodium and right at first it didn't work for me but finally kicked in yesterday.  I lost 10 pounds since last week which I'm glad but don't like how I lost it.  Anyhow, I do think you should switch Dr.'s as any Dr that is not compassionate to your situation would/should be removed from your list of Dr.'s immeditately.  I am sorry I do not live on that side of town to give a recommendation though.  I am on my second oncologist and am very thankful I switched.  Good luck hon!   Also, did you happen to go to the meeting at the beginning of the month for Breast Cancer Networking at the Wellness Community downtown?  If so, I was there too. 

To everyone else, I hope you guys had a nice holiday.  I was feeling ok yesterday but today spent the whole day sleeping today.  I am finding that if I do stuff one day the next day is shot.  And I haven't even started packing yet.     I guess I will try tomorrow. 

Have a good one!

wildfilee

Elizabeth, I would love to attend this meet-up.   I am meeting with two new oncologists but don't think I will be getting my second dose of chemo until probably after the 2nd of January. If this is the case, I would love to get together and meet with all of you if this is okay. I just recently sent you my info so I haven't received invite as yet.  Will let all know what is happening with finding a new med onc. and if definitely able to make it, only depending upon when second chemo is scheduled.  Best to you!  Joy