Anyone starting chemo in Aug. 08?

mamakaren

Corinne~ You are gonna be fine it's all easier from here on.

Moms appt is at 4pm tomorrow just praying everything goes well.

My best friend had a breast biopsy done on Friday and will get her results on Thursday. So today me and my friend went to Beat Cancer Boot Camp. It was really nice and very positive there were alot of survivors even one that was cancer free for many years which was very uplifting for me.

Karen

TXBadboob

Mamakaren, my prayers are with you for your mother's appt.  God bless her.

I've never heard of Beat Cancer Boot Camp, but it sounds like something I would love to do!  Have a good day.

Deen

DesertRider

Bette, the wedding plans sound so fun - each part is so exciting to hear about. Would like to hear about the hair dye - may need to do that when I get enough to color!

I will probably be starting rads in early April - has anyone out there gotten rads without removing an implant? My rad onc doesn't seem to think it's a problem, but is it?

Corinne, riding was great today - guess rads won't interfere with that! 

Roya - Emu oil? Where do you find it?

Hugs to all!

Gail 

Corinne6

Hey Gail,. I went riding too today!! It was so beautiful to ride in the snow. You should probably get a second opinion on the implant thing.

Second day of Rad's complete. Yippeeee, only 23 more to go!!

Roya

Gail, I had implants for years before my BC diagnosis.  When I was diagnosed with BC, the docs informed me that this put me at a disadvantage with regards to rads.  They felt that implants were contraindicated with rads.  I was told that they would have to come out.  I was glad for that since I had been wanting them out anyway. 

The Docs must have been correct because my insurance totally paid for the implant removal ...no questions asked!!!!!.  In fact, I when I went to get my lumpectomy on June 20th, my surgery was coordinated so that first the plastic surgeon came and removed my implants.  Immediately after that, the general surgeon performed my lumpectomy.  All this was done  in one smooth operation by 2 different docs. 

I read in an article regarding implants and radiation that if you have radiation to the breast area while the implants are still in, the risk of scar tissue and hardening around the implant increases 40% - 50%.  With implants, the more scarring, scar tissue and hardness that you get, the more your breasts are  likely to become asymetrical  and or misshapen !!!!   Adhesions and scar tissue can and do make a difference in healing and appearance.   

Well, this was my experience and I hope that this information helps. 

Hood1980

Mamakaren, Please let us know how your Mom's appt went.  I'll be praying for her! 

Bette, Your wedding outfit sounds beautiful.  Please post a picture!

Anonymous

I am all packed to drive to Baltimore for my six-week post-op visit with PS. Am praying that the drain comes out. As my appointment is late in the day, I will stay with DD in Baltimore tonight and get a fresh start in the morning.

Had my dental check-up yesterday and was astonished to hear "No cavities. Great job with hygiene" because during chemo I was lax about brushing and flossing because my mouth and gums were always sore. Thank You, God, for watching out for my teeth!

The rad onc nurse called yesterday to check on me and see if I am cleared for rads yet. I guess I will know after my appointment.

I am waiting for the bank to open at 9 so that I can go get some traveling money. Have to watch the funds, though, as Metlife is waiting until Monday to decide whether or not to extend my benefits. Until then, no checks. It is time to start looking for a job, I guess. My rad onc AND Tom only want me to work part-time. So I have dusted off and posted my resume.

Mamakaren, how did your Mom's appt go? How is she doing? How are you doing?

Gail, My stylist is going to use a semi-permanent dye for my hair for the wedding so it won't stain my scalp and show through. She will do it Tuesday or Wednesday before the wedding.

I will figure out how to post pictures before the big day!

Bette 

Corinne6

Bette: Our prayers are with you about the drain. We are all praying for you!!

I am using bag balm so how much and how often do I use it?

3rd Rad done. 22 more to go. I have to leave my house at 8:15 AM to arrive at 9:00. That is the only part I am complaining about these days/

The worst part of this whole experience has been my mind but .....I am really doing much better than I was. Hope you all are too.Bought a book called the Anti-estrogenic diet. Has anyone read it? going to see my naturopathic dr on Friday. Lots of questions to ask.

Have a great day everyone, I am off to ride my horse.

Roya

Corinne, with the Bag Balm, you will notice fast healing but if you have not had any problems yet then you do not need the Bag Balm yet.  Rather you can use pure (99%) Aloe Vera several times a day.  The oncs usually recommend starting with the Aloe.  It is mild and soothing. 

Bag Balm gently promotes healing.  You just started Rads so you do not need it yet.  There is not yet anything to be healed.  Hopefully you will not need it.  Save it for just in case.  If you do start experiencing reddness, irritation, excoriation, etc then the Bag Balm can be used 2 or 3 times per day including bedtime.  Just be sure and wash it off prior to rads treatments.  Never wear any creams, gels, lotions deodorants etc when going to rads treatments.  Always apply afterwards.

How I envy your being able to just go out and ride your horses.  This must be such a tension tamer!  Just to be able to ride and feel the wind blowing through your hair. 

Anonymous

The drain is out and my expander is filled to 200 cc's. My chest feels very tight. Rads is on for next week.

I had a safe trip. Praise the Lord!

Bette

mamakaren

Hello gals,

Thank you all for your prayers, My moms appt was yesterday at 4pm got out at 7pm. The onc was very nice and explained alot of questions we had. I remember driving to the appt and just praying to God to give the strength to not run out of the docs office. I felt like throwing up and got the runs. Once we were in there it's like God kept me calm and i was able to take notes. Anyways they did a blood test on my mom to see if her blood is infected and she will need to do a PET scan to see why her lymph nodes are swollen all around her stomach. Just praying that they are cancer free. She has a rare disease they say and they want to do a gastractomy. I'm afraid, I heard the surgery is very serious stuff. As for me i'm ok

Bette~ I'm 100% you are gonna look beautiful at the wedding.

Deen~ It's so amazing to see all the cancer survivors so positive and they look so tough in their army pants! You leave out of there feeling like you can take on the world. We have a retreat pretty soon and we are going to Sedona it's so beautiful there.

Hood~ Hope you are doing good as for me i'm hanging in here and hanging on to my faith. thank you for your prayers.

My kids have strep throat. All three and i have throat pain myself. I also start work again tomorrow. It's kinda nice to focus on something else other than all the problems in my family. It will give me peace of mind.

Roya

Congratulations Bette! No more drains!!!!

Anonymous

Roya, No more drains, plus Tom welcomed me home by having a single red rose delivered!

Mamakaren, I will be praying for your Mom, and you as you support her. Hope you and your kids feel better soon!

Bette

Corinne6

Bette: GOD is soooooooo good!!! Answered prayer- No drains

DesertRider

Hey, a wedding with no drains! Great going Bette!

Thanks, Roya, for the info on implants & rads. I have a great rad onc - I like her best - and will let you know what she proposes. 

Corinne, Wish we could ride our horses together. I'll think of you today - I'll be in white sand & desert flowers and I'll think of you in the snow!

 Have a great weekend everyone!

Gail 

g94u67

Hello everyone,

I had my RAD consultation yesterday and it went very well. However, I've pretty much decided already that DMX is in my best interest. Dr. said if I decide to do that, RADs aren't for me. He understands my decision and agrees it is also a good option.  He was very nice and thorough. He wants me to meet w/my BS again.  Since I've just returned to work , I'm contimplating surgery in July. 

Deen:  I'm so happy to hear you've got clear margins and you're recovering well!  Amen. Can you tell me if your ins. paid for reconstruction on both boobies?  Dr. told me he knew they'd pay for the bad one, but not sure for the good one.  I can't just have 1 perky 1. LOL! 

Corrine:  Looks like your pressing along just great w/RADS. Terrific.

Misty:  What an awesome event on that cruise!  I totally plan on doing the Revlon/Walk Run in May.  I also may do the 3-day one too in Sept. 

Mama K:  I've been praying for you and your mother.  The Lord gives us inner strength we don't know we have. She's very lucky she has you to lean on. Keep your chin up & take care of yourself too.

Bette:  I'm so happy to hear no more drains for you!  Amen.  I hope you're feeling better.  I'm sure you will be a beautiful bride with the hottest hair do.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone.  In southern CA it's sunny and cool.

Jeannine

DesertRider

Hi Everyone - just changed my avatar - guess it's time to leave behind the image of that long blond hair. Still getting used to the short silver stuff (still only about one inch long) but wow, is it easy to get ready in the mornings! And for my work in Brazil jungles, it's the best hair-do possible!

Anonymous

Gail, your new avatar is great!

I plan to change mine soon, as my hair is really growing.

Today I am sore from my expander being filled. I however plan to assemble my wedding favors.

Tom teases me that I can mess up his hair, but he can't mess up mine, YET.

Bette 

TXBadboob

Hi, everyone,

Bette- I love that you're keeping your spirits up so well!

DesertRider- you look so HOT!  Makes me want to hurry up and get back in shape!  What do you do in Brazil?

Jeannine- my ins is BCBS, and is paying for all of it.  And as well they should, since I found out yesterday that I had DCIS and IDC in the other (supposedly good) breast!  Thank God I decided on both breasts out!  With your path you should have no problem with them paying.  I'm going a little bigger than before mx(foob greed), I guess as a perk for what I have gone through.  I don't know why I feel guilty about that.  I'm still waiting to hear about my lymph nodes, SO hoping not to do rads!

Corrine- what an inspiration you are for everyone!  I hope you stay well.

MamaK- my prayers are still with you through your hardships

Hope everyone has the greatest weekend!

Deen

Anonymous

Today I got NINE congratulations cards for our engagement from Chemo Angels all over the country. Yesterday I got THREE. Totally unexpected and so delightful to open the mailbox and have it be full of that kind of mail!

I learned about Chemo Angels on this forum. They have been a great support to me through some of the difficult times I faced with chemo. We should make sure that other BC.org members who are just starting chemo learn about this valuable resource of encouragement. What would be the best way to do that?

Bette 

Anonymous

Running a fever and big warm red area on Mx side. Trying to decide if I need to make a trip to Baltimore as the PS on call just told me. Argh! I have a wedding to plan for and I am supposed to have my rads simulation on Wednesday. I don't need these complications !

I know that it is in the Lord's hands. I just have to trust that this will work out all right.

Bette 

DesertRider

Good morning everyone,

Bette, I feel like I'm part of the wedding planning - thanks for including me in the preparation. Now get over that fever. Let me know how the simulation goes, I have that in about 2 weeks.

Deen, Thanks for the compliment! My work is leadership development and team building - I use outdoor activities to bring people together in collaboration & have a client in Brazil. (Wish I had done that with my medical team - they never ever all got together to discuss my case!)

Jeannine, did anyone think you'd have that DX in the "good" breast? Was this a surprise? Wow.

MamaK, Thinking of you as I go visit my mom in Texas. Prayers are with you. 

Corrine, warm rides this week!  You inspire me too as I approach rads soon.

A great week to everyone!

Gail 

g94u67

Hi friends! 

Bette:  I hope you're fever is down and you don't have to make that trip to Baltimore but if you must, Go. I know you're a very busy lady who can't afford to be down.  Hang in there.

Gail:  No "good" breast is still good but being BRAC+ who knows for how long??  Not to mention I want an even set!  Oh love the sexy new pic.

Thx Deen for that info. How are you recovering?  Don't feel bad about going bigger.  You deserve it. Crossing my fingers for clear nodes for you. I'm kind of glad I'm not going to do RADS.  Dr's still suggest RADS for you even w/ DMX? I guess we have to cover all our bases.

Have a good day everyone.  (DWTS tonight!  I love that show )

Jeannine

Misty1

Gail-love the avatar-great hair (and boobs!!)  You are smokin'!!

Jeannine-Are you over the last of the chemo SEs?!  I bet you are loving life now.  I'll be watching the same show as you tonight.  Of course, I will have to catch the last hour later because 24 is on at 9.

Have a good day everyone!

~Misty

Anonymous

We did drive to Baltimore, where I was put on antibiotics and had more fluid aspirated from my chest.

After consultation with the rad onc, the surgeon decided I need an operation to remove the tissue expander and clean out diseased tissue in my chest. I can still have recon later.

The surgery will be outpatient and will be this coming FRiday, just two weeks before the wedding and the day before my bridal shower! DD will be with me for surgery and drive me to the shower.

I am not giving up. I am getting married in eighteen days, drains or no drains. I will get TWO of those white bags that brides carry at receptions to hold the drains if need be.

Please pray for me on Friday, for successful and uncomplicated surgery. Low pain level.

Today we are getting our marriage license and having premarital counseling!

Bette 

TXBadboob

Bette, my prayers are with you!  I know nothing is gonna stop you from your goals!

Hopefully I will find out today about my lymph nodes and whether I have to think about rads.

Deen

Roya

Bette, you go girl!!!!!!! 

Well, just 2 more months and it will be one year since my diagnosis!   This means that in 2 months I will become a 1 year survivor!   Ladies, we are survivors!   This is the first of many more years!    HURRAY!!!!!!!!!!!!

Anonymous

Roya, in three months I will be a one-year survivor.

Deen, I hope the news is good about your nodes!

The marriage license is secure. The baker is now paid for the cake. Next week the caterer will be paid, and then we are free and clear on our vendors.

There are more last-minute things to do, but I will have to accept help from friends. I am determined not to overdo after surgery and risk more complications. 

You are right, Deen, nothing is going to stop us. I will put on my gown in the hospital and get married there if it comes to that. I only have to be conscious and in my right mind.

Bette 

dlb823

Betty ~ I just can't believe how you have powered through every challenge thrown your way -- and you certainly have had an abundance of them!   It seems as though the wedding, as challenging as it must be to pull it together under the circumstances, has also helped you stay focused on something to look forward to beyond your present circumstances.  You are such an inspiration!

Deen ~  When do you get your path results?  You are definitely on my mind and in my prayers. Gail ~  Love the new avatar!  Jeannine ~  Sounds like you are leaning towards the best decision re. surgery.  As we've all heard many times, it's best to do everything we possibly can the first time around to prevent ever having to deal with a recurrence.  Karen ~  Any update on your Mom?  Is she going to have surgery and/or chemo?

Roya, Corinne, Misty, Hood & those who no longer post much here ~ Thinking of you all!  And, Roya, I hadn't thought yet about counting survivorship from our date of or dx.  Guess I'm already a one-year survivor!  Yea!!!   Deanna

P.S.  If anyone is looking for support in their efforts to rebuild their body after all we've been through, I'm finding a newer thread called "Motivation," really helpful in getting up and moving again.  It's mostly accountability -- no pressure -- just sharing what we're doing each day to regain our sense of vitality.  Just thought I'd tell you all about it, in case anyone's interested.

g94u67

Oh Bette - Deanna said it perfectly..you're such an inspiration!  I am so happy for you.  IT's going to happen for you and be an amazing day. (And it won't occur in the hospital!)

Deen:  I'm praying for clear nodes for you! Have you heard anything yet?

I had a little meltdown yesterday but I'm better today. Did a 2 mile walk during lunch to get out all my frustration out.  I needed that.

Oh guess what?  I've formed a team for the  Revlon Run/Walk in May.  I've already got 16 people on my team!  I'm so excited. 

I will definitley check that site out Deanna.  Thanks.

Wow can't believe our anniversaries are here.  It's been a year right girls?  Happy 1yr Survivorship Deanna & Roya & anyone else!

God Bless,

Jeannine