Anyone starting chemo in Aug. 08?

Corinne6

Had a wonderful Christmas with a few tears here and there. Bettelou, I am so happy that you have Tom in your life. God is good to give you such wonderful support. I am so amazed that you have gone through so much and are finely done with chemo. yippeee!!!

Mamakaren, My hair is growing in white too. I finished chemo almost 3 weeks ago and it is now 1/4 of 1/4 an inch. I will be dying it back to its original color when it comes in really good.

DFont - How are you feeling? Did you get the flu?

Jeannine- How was your Christmas? Did the flu interefere?

Today I am going to see if there are any good buys after Christmas. Hopefully I will find some things. Anyhow, have a super day everyone. Love to all, Corinne

Anonymous

Karen,

I feel a lot better today. My appearance is the same, but I am doing something about it. I took a walk, and have been eating healthy for today. I will do this one day at a time.

Getting on the scale this morning was hard, but then the number wasn't as high as I expected!

I have been busy with wedding planning stuff, and have plans to give myself a manicure with some pretty purple nail polish I got for Christmas. I have to be gentle, as several nails are almost completely separated from their beds. What's that all about?

Well time to paint the nails. Yesterday I was really harsh and critical and hard on myself. Today I am seeking to be peaceful and gentle.

Thanks for posting,

Bette 

lisahugs1

Hello Ladies, I was offline since Monday. We have better service now though. My husband wass "handling" the bills during chemo. and lets just say they weren't handled. But God sure is watching over us.  He is the best provider there is

Jeannine- I'm happy to here your faith is strong during such a hard decision.  I am learning that once I grieve the loss of things (hairloss, not being able to nurse, other people taking care of my baby, staying over weight for so long  and more)  that it really is released.  I have gone into some major grieving over those things and it was like it was pulled right off of me when I did.  Of course I was giving it to the only one who can heal me :)And He honored me as He always does Thankyou Jesus. 

Bette-glad to hear you are home, and in loving arms.

I am so sorry to hear about the puppy dog (I call all dogs puppy dogs:) passing on.  I have a 3 yr old (shes my first baby)  sleeps in our bed (50 lb lap dog).  And I feel your pain.  I had to put my brothers dog to sleep a couple of yrs ago,she had a ruptured spleen and went into shock(like a bad acid trip)  and I was the only one home.  I carried her 80 lb's doen a flight of stairs and took her by myself to the vet.  It was one of the most emotional times of my life. I stayed on the couch crying for 2 days,,,,,so I do feel your pain.  I had to call my brother that had her for 9 yrs (her too sleeping in his bed) and tell him.    But I will say that that was the only time I had experienced death and the growth I got was very profound.    I am sorry for your loss.

Roya-baby's Christmas was sweet. Thankyou. I let her taste some cherries (just a little on the lips)  and its my secret   I don't want anyone else feeding her food just yet

All of you are great.  I am getting soooo red. I look burned from rads   I don;t want anyone getting burned, but would feel a little better knowing this is part of the process. I am only 16 down   I am scalched in one area

I know there is a reason for this too.

My family all was so complimenting about my hair.  I felt so pretty on Christmas.  I am almost back in my old clothes which feels really good too

Such a funny story about church and that old man. Just shows how unhappy people are.  I really am being worked on in the area of not judging people by the way they look, and being able to "see" people for who they are Gods children.   I think its going to take a little while...I really am programed and its very sad.  I am so happy that the awareness is here though. Conviction is a Good thing

Lots of love to you all.  I can't go back and see who wrote what other wise I will loose this, so I went off my very short memory

I am very unhappy with my skin here, please pray for me.,,,getting burned is a bit scarey.

Roya

Bette, when my nail beds darkened, my doc let me know that the nails may loosen and that I might lose some of them.  Don't worry, this is temporary and they will grow back.  She said that it is best to use wig tape rather than bandaids since bandaids tend to pull and yank at the nail.  Wig tape adheres more gently.  Regrowth will take months but will happen!!!  Be careful about painting the nails that are loose not only because of increased sensitivity but also because of exposure of the skin beneath the nail and possible introduction of infection.

Lisahugs, according to WebbMD, with radiation, our skin may become red, tender, warm and /or sensitive as if from a sunburn.  It may peel or become moist and sensitive.  Depending on the dose of radiation, we may experience loss of underarm hair or decreased perspiration. These skins reactions are common and temporary,  They should subside within 4 to 6 weeks after treatment is completed. 

Anonymous

Today it took me a long time to get ready for church as I had to draw on eyebrows and apply makeup to avoid looking like a giant pasty white ghost. I had really pronounced eyebrows and look so strange without them. There are still a few hardy eyelashes remaining.

I did end up painting my nails, avoiding the cuticles. the polish covers up the ugly black nail beds.

There is about 1/8 of an inch of white fuzz growing on top of my head.

For the two days in a row I have exercised and eaten in moderation. I feel a sense of accomplishment and motivation. Even if the numbers on the scale do not change. I feel healthier doing this.

Have a relaxing Sunday evening

Bette 

DFOnt

Hey ladies

Corinne, I didn't end up getting the flu (yet!) so maybe it was just the shopping.  I have to start exercising again, we have an elliptical so I'll get back to that.  I did just notice that some of my nails look like they're coming off - yuck!  Not sure if I should put hardener on them now or not.  Looks like there's new nail growing in at the base and the older part is lifting off, so far just 2 fingers.  I have a black stripe on one finger and it looks like it's still there on the newer part.  Have to see if I can find some wig tape - maybe paper tape would be ok?  

I found a good eyebrow pencil, it has like a mascara brush on the other end and is self sharpening, so when you draw on strokes like individual hairs, then use the brush, it kind of looks more like real eyebrows (I think).  It's the Almay Brow Defining Pencil.

 

I've always had lots of brow too, never plucked them so it looks kind of weird not having much there!

TXBadboob

Hi, everyone.

I'm starting my next to last chemo today:(.  Just in time for New Year's.  Can only go up from there, right?

Mamakaren- I have also had friends pass by me without recognizing me and it still hurts my feelings, even tho I know they might not mean to.

Stacey- so sorry about your dog passing away.

Deirdre- I also use that eyebrow pencil and so many people have told me that at least my eyebrows didn't fall out, but they did!  I'm Casper without my eyeliner and pencil.

Bette- keep on trucking, girl!  Some days are harder than others, so just push harder.You're inspiring me!

Jeannine- hope your trip went great!

Well, I hope everyone's New Year is the best yet!  Deen

mommy3abm

YEA BadBoob!!  Last Chemo, way to go!  Good Luck!

Misty1

Yeah, Deen!!  YOu can do it.  I think all of us here on this thread are now done chemo, correct?!  So, let's just get the rads girls done-we herceptin girls will be going until summer!!  I had my 8th Herceptin on Friday and have10 left.  Woo-hoo!!

Stacy-how are you doing now with the dog's passing?  I bet it was tough to get through Xmas.

Bette-here's hoping that exercise and eating well continue to make you feel better in the New Year.  You have that wedding to look forward to!!

~Misty

alibug05

Just wanted to say how proud I am that we ALL made it through chemo.   I am glad everyone is done and hopefully NONE of us have to EVER do it again!  It was an HONOR for me to get to be on this board with all of you and I couldn't have done it without you!! I want everyone to have a VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR - WE ALL DESERVE IT!!!!  Loves to all......

Anonymous

Good evening to all.

It has now been three days on my eating and exercise plan.

I drew on eyebrows and put on makeup and my wig to go to the produce market and stock up on healthy stuff. It felt good to not look like a cancer patient and be just another woman standing in line to buy melons.

Tomorrow Tom and I travel to Baltimore for an appointment with the PS who is going to put in my expander. I have alot of questions to ask.

After we get done at Hopkins, we will visit my daughter and her husband on the way home. Tom has not met them yet. 

I am mostly recovered from my last chemo except for unpleasant lower GI symptoms. I am SO glad to not have another treatment staring me in the face as soon as I start to feel well.

August 2008 seems like it was so long ago. My world has totally changed. And I couldn't have made it without you all.

Bette 

mamakaren

Hello sisters, I went to my appt and everything was great! Blood work was good and EF was up to normal so I start Herceptin tomorrow. Before I stopped i had only did 8 so now i'm gonna start my 9th tomorrow. Deen, are you doing once a week or every three weeks?

 My husband had to return to work after my appt so i came with him to enjoy the golf course and get some peace of mind since i was so nervous about the appt. I'm sitting using the computer in my husbands office to talk to you gals and this worker comes in and tells me that I looked happier and full of life before all this cancer and that i should try to live the same way as before! (can you believe this!) Maybe i'm taking this the wrong way but he pissed me off! I felt like telling him Shit head let me take everything away that makes you feel like a man temporarily and then tell me if your jumping around full of joy and laughter. He said why be unhappy, none of us know when we are gonna die. He said live your life as before. If only it was that easy I think that I'm swallowing all of this pretty good and even when i feel like shit i always have a smile on my face even though i'm frowning inside. This man went to the doc for high blood pressure and he has the nerve to compare my health to his! I'm gonna just forget about what stupid people have to say and enjoy the rest of my day.

Lots Of Love,   Karen  

dlb823

Oh, Karen ~  That story made me laugh out loud!   As someone else said on one of these threads recently, you can't fix stupid.  But with that kind of attitude, I think you're going to come out of this whole bc experience just fine!   (((Hugs)))   Deanna

Roya

Karen, you handled that just fine! 

dlb823

Deen ~  I'm thinking you said your "next to last chemo" above.  Do you still have one more?  If so, when is it?  Is everyone else totally finished?

Jeannine ~  How was Las Vegas?  Hope you had a great time!  You so deserved a break and some fun!

I'm going for my rads trial run today.  Slow getting to it, between not being able to decide if I wanted to do them, then the rad onc saying we'd wait until after the holidays to start.  If anyone else is starting rads in January, we have a really great group of ladies in the January 2009 rads group, including Diedre! 

Amen to Alibug's sentiments above.  Couldn't have done chemo without you, and couldn't have said it any better than she did!

A very happy & healthy 2009 to everyone!     Luv,  Deanna

mamakaren

Hello my friends, today I started my Herceptin and I feel pretty good so far. Does anyone have anything planned to start the New Year of with happiness? I really pray to God that all of have a healthy and peaceful New Year's! We all have been through hell and we deserve to have a peaceful end to our treatments. I think most of us are almost done or half way there with treatment. Be safe and have lots of fun! Let's paint the town red girls!!!!!!!

HAPPY NEW YEARS!!!!!!!!

Lots Of Love,  Karen

MamaShift

Happy New Year to Everyone!  I hope this one is a bit better.  I'm glad to see everyone is doing well.

I have a few questions for those of us who have finished chemo:

Are any of you on Femara?  How are you doing on it?  It gave me constant and strong palpitations so I've been off for about a month now.  Scary stuff.  At first I thought it was a SE of the adriamycin.  That had me thinking, for the first time, that I was going to end up dead from all of this.

Anyone get her period back?  I have some tiny spotting about once or twice a week.

How's the hair re-growth going?  It is the strangest thing on earth to get the hair back.  You look down and see all the little black hairs on your fingers.  Sometimes it sucks.  I would have wanted to remain hairless in some areas!  But it's good to be a woman again down there -- and not look my 8 year-old daughter, if you know what I mean.  I would go hatless now, but my 8 year-old's too embarassed.

 I know I had more questions, but I can't think of them now.  Well, those will have to do for now.

DesertRider

Happy New Year Everyone!

Yes, It's great to be in the "I've finished chemo" club finally! And to be one of those people who can assure the "newcomers" that they are going to make it fine! 

I am grateful for very different things than at New Years last year. I am grateful for a little hair covering, for not having another chemo scheduled, for a few eye lashes (a very few) left, and for you all - a group of brave and sharing women who know how I feel and usually say it first in ways that give me courage.

A healthy and healing new year to everyone,

Gail 

g94u67

Hi everyone!

Had a great time in Las Vegas. Didn't win anything (those 1 armed bandits cleaned me out!) but I had fun. It was what I needed. I still have that cough Corrine, Deanna & Deirdre ,which kept me home for X-mas but I'm much better. Still have the hot flashes though & I missed my menstraul for this month. Going to celebrate tonight at a good friends.

Lisa: A good friend of mine told me her sister was sensitive to Rads too. I'm still going through chemo...(I've got 3 more TX's of Taxotere ugh... then I'll be on my way). I'm sure you'll do just fine. Keep using those ointments.

Bette: I'm so happy to hear you're done w/TX and living healthy. I am a former W.W. member and plan to start the program again w/my DD soon. (Free registration) It's a great program. I too need to start working out again and eat better. Oh have you been to the "Look good, feel better" classes? I hear they have great make-up tips.

MamaK: It's so good to hear from you! Sorry that num nut said such an asinine thing. He obviously doesn't know what he's talking about! We hear you.

Deen:  You're almost there! Awesome. I can't wait until my final TX. I'm dreading my next Taxotere but we're going to get through it and I'm so thankful for the wonderful women on this site.

Well my hair is coming in gray too! My eyebrows are back and so is my mustache. (LOL). My daughter told me about this wonderful site, Speakupdesigns.com which had this funny T-shirt that says "Does this T -Shirt make me look Bald?" How cute is that? I also just received my new drivers license w/my wig pic. It actually looks nice. This image will remain w/me for a long time, just like my journey.

Wishing all of my sisters a happy, healthy, prosperous 2009!

Live, Laugh & Love!

Jeannine

TXBadboob

Hey, everyone!  Thanks so much for the encouragement!  I only have one more to go(next 3 weeks) and that's supposed to be it.  I'm so excited about all of us being so near the finish line. I know that the support of everyone on here has really helped me so much, even when I was just lurking:). 

MamaKaren- No one who has not been through this can possibly know how rough it can be, and so they have no right to judge how we handle it.

  Just discovered hair on my legs!  Not on my head though!:(  Sounds like we could have our own WW group just here!

   Deanna and Stacey- love your newer looks!   

   My prayers and well wishes are with all of you in our Awesome August group this New Year's Eve!  Deen

mommy3abm

Happy CANCER-FREE 2009 everyone!  What a year, huh?  It is unfortunate how we all met, but I am so thankful for each and everyone of you!  May 2009 be the best year ever for each of us!  Love and hugs to all!

Stacy

Hood1980

I hope everyone has a Happy, Healthy & Peacful New Year in 2009!  MamaKaren - No one recognizes me anymore either, but most of the time I enjoy it!    I never did lose all my hair.  I have wispy hair in back & about a half inch all over, so I have quite the mullett happening.  It looks ok with a hat but too cold to go topless!  Take care all my Hot Baldies that helped me thru this year!  God Bless us all!

mamakaren

Everyone have a CANCER FREE "09"!!!!

It's been one hell of a year for all of us! I couldn't have kept myself sane if it weren't for all you beautiful Sisters I really mean that with all my heart. Everyone have fun and celebrate and be safe.

Hood thats a good way of seeing it. As long as they don't keep looking and say oh my gosh i didn't know that was you! I got my mammogram today and they only did one breast. I didn't want to do it because i wanted then to do both my breast (its only logical to do both instead of one) you think? They tried to call my onc but they were gone for the day. So i went ahead and still did the one. They did the left one where the cancer was so now i have to wait longer because i got my first mamo at another clinic and the have to compare them. I didn't want to start they new year worried but i guess we are cursed with cancer worries for the rest of our lives. I haven't known a person yet that never worries if this crap is gonna come back. I'm gonna get ready and have the night of my life! My hubby and i are going out!

Happy 2009 to all my BC sisters!   Love you all, Karen

Anonymous

Happy New Year to all!

I toasted the New Year with ginger ale poured into a champagne glass, alone, because Tom is working.

We begin premarital counseling this Saturday. Our wedding is less than three months away. So much to do.

I began my day at the dentist having an abcessed molar extracted. Ouch!. At least my toothache is gone, replaced by temporary pain.

It occurred to me that in the same way, I will have a mastectomy in less than three weeks to have my cancer removed, saving my life, replacing the cancer with the temporary pain of the surgery and the adjustment to having just one breast.

My PS said yesterday that when it is all over, a year from now, I will have two size C-cup perky breasts. Let me focus on that goal, and not all the stuff in between.

White peach fuzz continues to grow on the top of my head. Dark at the sides. Eyebrows gone, but a few lashes hanging in there.

My we all have a sae and happy and cancer-free New Year.

Bette 

Roya

Mama Shift, I have not had an actual full period yet but did have some spotting with cramping about a week ago.  I marked it on my calendar. I expect that my regular periods will be restarting soon.

Jeannine. I'm also seeing quite a lot of gray growing.  Makes me want to keep wearing my wig untill my hair is long enough to colour.  I have nothing against gray but I'm not ready to wear it yet.  At the same time, I am soooo grateful that it is is finally growing back.

MammaKaren, most people tell me that at first they do think and worry about remaining cancer free quite a lot but that the worrying does ease up with each passing year.  You are right, they say it never really goes away but that after a while it only lurks somewhere in the back of your mind.  We must remain positive!!!!!!

Stacy, I like your latest photo.  I can see that your hair is growing.

Bette, I am so happy for you.  It is very uplifting to read about all the joy and happiness with your upcoming wedding.  May this be your best, happiest year ever!!!!!!

Wishing each of us a healthy, blessed New Year filled with happiness & joy!!!

Misty1

Happy 2009, Girls!!!

May this year be a happy and healthy one for all of us!!  I am sorry for what we have all had to go through, but how lucky are we to have met!!

~Misty

Anonymous

Good evening to all

I have spent 2009 so far huddled in bed with frequent bathroom runs. Some kind of GI bug.

Tom is coming tomorrow. We are going to premarital counseling, then to tax-free DE just 10 miles south to do some shopping a Jared Galleria of Jewelry.( It's supposed to be a surprise). Later we will dismantle the Christmas tree.

I am going back to bed with the hope that I will be on my feet tomorrow and ready for his visit.

Have a good night and a great weekend.

Bette 

Anonymous

Greetings to all.

Premarital counseling went well. Good to discuss new things we've learned about each other.

We found the perfect ring. It is on layaway because Tom's credit is messed up from his previous marriage. He will work overtime and surprise me with it ASAP.

 Some of my friends keep asking where my ring is if I am really engaged. I have Tom's love and his word, and those are enough for me. What he has done for me during my cancer is worth more to me than any rock. So I will be patient, hoping I still have fingernails by the time I get it!

I hope everyone is having a good weekend.

Bette 

Hood1980

You are so right Bette!  That good man of yours is worth way more than any ring!  You take care of yourself!  God Bless!

lisahugs1

Hello ladies,

I think I may get blistered from rads??? My skin tans soooo good I am really surprised by this. I have started applying neosporine (spelled wrong:) along with ointment and aloe vera.  Its not really painful, just itchy. I guess this is from skin repairing itself underneath. It kind of sucks

Thanks Roya for the info. I was convinced I would'nt have ANY side effects. I was kinding myself. This too shall pass. I pray all is well with you

I am pretty tired, but baby will take naps with me now if she sees me by her she'll go back to sleep with thumb in mouth,,,sooooo cute

I pray all of you are well, and Have a blessed New Year.    I was on my way to see the PS about reconstruction and somehow they never wrote my apt down.  Very upsetting. I was in tears. They  were ao concerned about payment, and my insurance not being "in network"..  I can go anywhere I want, that extra 10% doesn't matter to me,,,HELLO.  I called back the next day and took charge. I said how I felt, how this part of it has been giving me hope, and about having a newborn thru this all.  ect...  This PS  is supposed to be "an artist"  other wise I would just go some where else.  I think my phone call made a good impact, and I FINALLY got some compassion.   For future reference,,,,say how you feel,,,this is YOUR JOURNEY,,,not theirs.:)