Anyone starting chemo in Aug. 08?

DesertRider

Hi Everyone,

Corinne - great vacation report! there's nothing like changing the scene and enjoying those great moments. Good for you. And thanks for the reminder that those blood tests don't mean much alone. Just there to scare us, I guess.

Jeannine, hope the aching and rash is better, I'm wondering if the vit.E creme I used for radiation would help? Made by Colonial Dames (I know, kinda corny) but the stuff is the BEST creme ever and I still use it everywhere. 

Bette, identifying what the cause of the problems are is such a challenge - glad they at least know what you've had. I'm still trying to find out why I have intermittent abdominal pains and it's been over 9 months & no doctor knows why!

Misty - good luck on the final adjustments op. So many people decide not to bother with and I think making things exactly like you want is so important for how you feel.

Joyce, how great to celebrate such a wonderful event. My daughter is so precious to me - wow, seeing her get married would be awesome.

 Karen & Roya - also thinking of you!

Deanna - I'm STILL in Tahoe. It's amazing that it's still warm - 80 / 85 degrees and sunny. I am getting the exercise here that I just don't do in the desert (my excuse for staying). My dog loves the lake swimming and sits still in the kayak now. But as soon as it turns cold I'll be back in the desert and start looking for more client work - probably NOT in Brazil.

Love to all,

Gail 

mommy3abm

HI girls!  Well, one week until the big move.  I am so ready to have it over with.  Had my 3 month visit with onco last week and all went well.  He even gave me a referral to one of his friends in DC at the Washington Cancer Institute.

Misty, I will PM you when I get there!

Hood, I am sure the wedding was beautiful.  You will have to bring pic's when the VA, MD, PA girls get together!

Bette and Jeannine- you both inspire me! 

Love and Hugs to all.  Next post will be from VA!!

Stacy

Anonymous

Stacy, Good luck with  the move! When you get to VA we may finally meet!

Hood, Hope the wedding was as fabulous as the weather yesterday.

I have tests tomorrow to see if I can get chemo this week, PLUS an injured right foot (since last Tuesday) that I haven't had time to get looked at because of all the other medical appointments.

Bette 

Corinne6

Okay, I will bump us up.

Went to get my echo today ...waiting for results to see if I can finish Herceptin. Only one left!!  Went and scheduled a PET scan for next week along with a dr appointment. No great shakes today. I got to ride the horse and canter....beautiful country as the leaves are starting to change.

Bette: Praying for your results!!

Jeannine:  How are you doing?????

Where is everyone!!!

TXBadboob

Corinne, praying for good results on your echo so you can FINISH!!  Are they giving you a PET scan to make sure everything is clear?  I never got one after chemo and I kinda wished I had.  Enjoy your beautiful fall weather.  I think we go from summer to winter here:)

Bette, sorry about your foot.  My prayers are with you on continuing your chemo.

Stacy, glad your onc's visit went well.  Good luck on the move.

Hope everyone has a great week,

Deen

g94u67

Well my hair is falling out in clumps. Remember that sore scalp feeling? Was feeling down yesterday..but I'm better today since I've been busy @ work. It's not so bad 2nd time around. Tomorrow Ixempra #2 and Dr. visit. Was at the lab for like 2 hrs. yesterday because I didn't have appt. and missed my # called. I just hope Dr. has some good news tomorrow. Worried I may be immune to the meds this time...must think positive..

Gail: Thanks for the cream tip. I must check that out.

Stacy: Great news on your check-up!

Bette: Sorry to hear about your foot. Hang in there! Praying for good test results. BTW, Have you read "Hear My Cry" By Tish Hagee? It is so motivating. Let me know because I'd like to send you this novel once I'm done.

Only 1 more Herceptin for Corrine! Congratulations!  Praying for clear margins on your PET Scan.

Deen:  Have you asked if you can do a PET scan or when you'll be eligible? I know they're $$ but you're worth it!

Wish me luck at chemo tomorrow.

(((Hugs)))

Jeannine

Anonymous

Jeannine, I'm sorry about your hair, and glad you are handling it well. Mine was supposed to fall out, but hasn't yet. Just a little in the shower a few weeks ago. I've had three treatments. This hair thing is keeping me in suspense.!

I have not read "Hear My Cry". What is it about?

Good luck with chemo. I am still waiting to hear if I will get chemo on Thursday due to my counts and liver enzymes .

Bette 

Corinne6

Good morning all.  Still waiting on my results of my echo. My PET scan is changed to the 5th of October because of healthcare at the facility. Otherwise I have to drive about an hour and a half to have it. I can wait. My CT scan showed I have Parenchymal lung disease probably caused by radiation. I really did not get definitive explanations and they are watching a 2.5mil nodule in my lung that could be caused by radiation. Not waiting.... making an appointment with a pulmonary doc today.  I have had this throat closing breathing issue since radiation and I want to be sure I am okay.  However, I do have a tendency to fret when things don't go my way!!! Will just have to be patient.

Bette: Waiting with you on how your test came out

Jeannine:I am praying for you.  I can imagine how hard it is to loose your hair again but lets hope this is because things are working.

Stacy: Hope your move is a really good one with no mishaps along the way. so happy your onco visit went well!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Karen: Where are you?????????? Kimberlyn????????? Roya?????????????Lisa???????????

Hood1980

The wedding was fabulous & I posted pictures on my Facebook page.  If any of you would like to see them either friend request me on FB (Joyce Hare DeBolt) or send me your email via PM and I can send you a direct link.

Bette - I hope you get news to continue with the chemo & I think it's great you still have your hair after treatments!

Corrine - Bummer you got to wait until Oct 5th for the PET scan.  I'll be praying for you!

Jeannine - How did you like your fried rattler?  I had it once at a restaurant in AZ.  It was an appetizer & "tasted like chicken!"

Gail - I hope you are doing well!  Seeing my DD get married was awesome!

Anonymous

Joyce, I loved the wedding pictures. You are one fine-looking mother of the bride!

Today learned that my liver enzymes are still on the rise. Disappointing because I still can't get chemo. We still have to travel to VA, however, for my CT scan to show if the treatments are helping, plus an onc appointment to go over the scans.

I am OK with this. I know tha if this is not the right treatment for me, that God has a plan for the rest of my life.

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

Bette 

dlb823

Jeannine ~  So sorry to hear about your hair.  Darn, I wish you didn't have to go through that again!   I hope today's infusion went smoothly, although I know it hit you a few days later last time.  I'll be thinking about you and praying that this one will be easier on you.

Bette ~ Sorry about your elevated liver enzymes.  Is that a reaction to the chemo?  I'll be praying that your CT scan shows real improvement.  Are you having that tomorrow?

Corinne ~ I've never heard of Parenchymal lung disease, but I'm already praying that it's either a misdiagnosis, or something that will heal with time.  I'm glad you're planning to see a pulmonary doc ASAP, and I hope you don't have to travel too far for that.

Joyce ~ Your new avatar is beautiful!  Can't wait to see all of your photos.  Will PM you for the link.

(((Hugs))) to all ~   Deanna   

Misty1

Hey Everyone,

Jeannine, you are such a strong woman to face the hair loss again.  I know you are a fighter, and this time next year, hopefully, all will be behind you.  I think about you often.

Bette, sorry you can't get your chemo.  Hopefully, you will hear some good news at your appt.

Corinne, fingers crossed for you to get that last Herceptin.  It sounds like you are handling things well.

Joyce, you look fabulous in your avatar.  Please send a link to the pics.  You had such a gorgeous day!!!  You deserve it.

Hi to all.  I am going in for my next reconstruction surgery tomorrow.  I just want to get this over with, so I can really move on.

~Misty

Anonymous

Misty, prayers for your surgery tomorrow

Corinne, Prayers for your lungs and heart

Joyce, I agree on your avatar. You look fabulous.

Stacy, Good luck with the packing. Just take it one box at a time

We are leaving in one hour for VA for scans of my liver and lungs, then a doctor appointment tomorrow to go over them. I am confident that my future is in God's hands, no matter what the scans may show.

Bette 

alibug05

Hello all...... Misty I hope your surgery goes well.  Bette, sorry that you can't get your chemo but I agree with you - GOD HAS A PLAN.  Jeannine, can't believe you have to go through the hair loss again but you are so strong to be handling it so well and know that we all are here for you!!!! Joyce I haven't gotten a chance to look at the wedding photos on facebook but I will!!!!! Stacy - glad you are getting everything organized for the move - Good luck!!!!!!  All is well here in Ohio, I have a slight cold and my parents apparently think I am 2 years old again!!!!! Insisted I call the doctor and have been calling to check on me!!!! I love them and don't know what I would do without them though!!!! I feel a lot better today!!!!  Loves to all.............................

g94u67

Hello everyone,

Well I survived Ixempra Round 2. Onc. said my blood work looks great even though my boob doesn't. I'm also taking my Xoleda again concurrently since I didn't have any major SE's. I was knocked out w/the Benedryl. Can you believe there was a 91(yes!) yr. old man on his 2nd chemo TX? He was still very sharp for his age but I don't know if I keep trying at his age. Haven't seen any bc patients lately.

Bette: Maybe you won't lose your hair! I was in denial but oh well....Hear My Cry is written by Tish Hagee (daughter of Pastor John Hagee) who was struck with leiomyosarcoma - very rare cancer that doesn't respond to TX and miraculously survived. I will send to you when I'm done. (Almost there). Praying for good news in VA!  Read Psalm 61. Very powerful.

Corrine: So sorry to hear about your lung disese. Darn. But keep your chin up. You've come such a long way. I know about the fretting part.

Joyce- I'm so happy to hear about your DD's wonderful wedding.  (What's your name on facebook? If we're already friends forgive me, chemo brain). I didn't get to taste the fried rattlers though. None at the Fair. Still going to get some.

Allibug, Deanna & Misty: Thank you for the encouraging words. It's been rough lately with my brst. in pain. Taking it day by day. ~Praying for a smooth successful surgery for you Jen!

Prayers & ((((Hugs)))),

Jeannine

Anonymous

Received news from PCP yesterday that my skull x-ray showed lesions suspicious of cancer. Appointment with onc todtay to discuss this and yesterday's lung/liver scans.

Please pray for no skull/brain mets.

Bette

TXBadboob

Oh, Bette, I'm so sorry for what you're having to go through.  I'm praying for you now for good results of all tests.  Please hang in there.

Jeaninne, I'm sorry you're in pain and losing hair again.  I will continue to pray for you.  Keep your spirits up as you have been. 

Corinne, hopefully they can heal you properly now that they see this problem.  I wish you didn't have to keep waiting for your tests.  I know you'd like to finish your tx once and for all.

Joyce, loved the pics!  Your daughter and you are both just beautiful!

Misty, I hope your revisions went smoothly and successfully!

Ali, hope you are feeling better now.

Deanna, hope you are doing well.

Have a great weekend,

Deen

TXBadboob

Bette, what is your caringbridge website name?

Deen

Anonymous

Deen, It is www.caringbridge.org/visit/bettedietrick

Bette 

Corinne6

Wow, what a week. I have been away from the boards and have not gotten all the updates until just now. Bette: I am so sorry that things just seem so difficult for you. You are one very strong lady. I am continuing to pray for you. I hope that this week will be a better week for you

Jeannine:  I am happy for you that you are continuing full speed ahead. Wow, 91!! That is really something. The lady that I walk with is having her 90th Birthday on the 28th.  Can you believe I have to keep up with her???

Misty:  Can't wait till I have my reconstruction done. I am going on Tues for a CT angiogram and on Wed to double check about implants vs diep. We'll see what I decide by the end of next week. I am going to see my onc on Tues also and see if I can continue on Herceptin. If so my last one is on Thurs.

I went to the Big E which is a huge fair that lasts 17 days. Went twice this week and am well into my Christmas shopping already. YAHOO!!! This is a yearly event and is the biggest fair I have ever gone to. Lots to see and do. 

Alibug: I am so glad things are going so well for you in Ohio.  Keep up the good work.

Love to you all and continue to pray for each one of you.  Has anyone heard from Karen???/

Anonymous

Had brain MRI last night in VA. Praying for negative results. There were "numerous lytic lesions" in my skull on the plain x-ray. Still have bad headache, and am now on oxycontin which helps but makes me drowsy.

Please pray for me. The treatment options they were describing for brain mets did not sound pleasant.

Bette 

TXBadboob

Thanks, Bette, I will continue to pray for you.  I am so glad at how strong your spirit is.  I'm sorry about the pain you're in.  Please take care.

Corinne, I hope you get to finish your txs and good luck on the reconn.

Deen

DesertRider

Bette. I'm praying for you with all my heart....

Misty1

Hey All,

Bette, thinking about you with your latest news.  Hoping you receive some good news for a change.

Jeannine, how are you doing after your latest TX?  Here's to you kicking C's #^$#!!

Corinne, hope you get that last Herceptin.  It will be nice for you to get your reconstruction.  That is what makes you feel like you are closing the chapter on the BC.

I am doing okay after Friday's revision surgery.  I was in more discomfort than expected.  Doc said he did a lot of cleaning of scar tissue as he replaced the implants.  I feel much better today.  I hope to go back to work tomorrow.  

Everyone, keep good thoughts for my aunt(not my blood relative).  She was diagnosed  over the summer, had her surgery, and is starting chemo this week, then rads.  She had one lymph node test positive.  I have been able to be there for her because of my experience.  She is ready to fight.

Have a good day!!  Nice weather here-fall is in the air.

`Misty

alibug05

Good morning ladies!! Well my Gram who is 84 and who had breast cancer and then it spread to her lung and ribcage is in the hospital.  She has severe kidney pain and they gave her morphine which hasn't helped the pain at all.  I am very worried about her and hope we get more answers today.  Please keep her in your prayers.  My kids have never lost anyone close to them and this isn't who I want them to have to lose 1st but she is 84.  I just keep thinking what a great life she has had.  My daughter Ali went to her 1st homecoming dance Saturday - whewwwwwww what a day!!!! She looked beautiful and she said she had a great time!!!! I posted pictures on facebook but think I am going to change my profile picture on here to the pic of me and her!!!!!  Hope everyone has a great week......Bette I am keeping you in my prayers, Corrine I hope you get to finish your TX's, Jeannie I am keeping you in my prayers too!!!! Love you all my bc sisters!!!!!  Loves...................

Corinne6

Alibug: You both look great!!! It is a mixed blessing when our kids grow up!!! I am sorry to hear of your Gram.  My prayers are with you and your family

Bette: I had you in my prayers all day today!! How did you make out?  I love you and know that this must be a really difficult time. 

Going to my onc tomorrow to discuss some things and find out if I can have my final treatment on Thurs. I had a wonderful day today.  Told a friend about Christ and went horseback riding. I actually cantered over the jumps.  Wow, what a rush of adrenelin!!

Hugs to all....Has anyone heard from Karen?

Anonymous

Brain MRI was clear of mets. Now to find source of headache.

Bette 

dlb823

Praise, God, Bette!!!!  What a relief to read your post.

Corinne ~ I hope your test went well today, that you have clear options when you meet with your PS tomorrow, and that Thursday will be your last chemo.  Wow!  What a busy week for you!

Oh, by the way, I had a PM from Karen today, and I know you'll all be as relieved as I was to hear that she and her Mom are both fine.  She's just taking a little break from the board due to some other family stuff she's dealing with, but she hasn't forgotten us! 

Alibug ~  Love the new avatar.

I was @ UCLA yesterday for followup appts with my BS & PS.  All is well, and I finally scheduled my Stage 2 Diep flap surgery for October 12. 

Luv & hugs to everyone  ~  Deanna

Corinne6

Yes!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Praise the Lord!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Bette: That is such exciting news!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The Lord is answering our prayers!!

Yesterday I went to my onc who informed me that I can have my last Herceptin tomorrow!!! She is going on vacation today so I wanted to make sure to see her and thank her. I gave her a one gallon jug of pure Maple syrup. That should last her the year and make her think of me every time she uses some!!

Anyhow, my lungs are probably due to radiation damage. However, they are keeping and eye on the nodule that is 2.6 mm/ Will be having my PET scan on the 5th. That should tell us more.  I then went for my CT Angiogram. Ugh!!! The dye made me sick to my stomach but I am doing well today.  This afternoon I am traveling an hour and a half to see an implant specialist and ask tons of questions.

Yesterday my onc told me that there is some kind of thickening in my heart. She did not know what that meant and will get back to me on it since it had not shown up previously. I hate these little things that show up. However, I feel great. If you are not exercising ....GET WITH THE PROGRAM!!! Don't quit!! You will feel so good after about 2 weeks.

So happy to hear that Karen is doing well as well as her mom.  I am relieved.

Deanna, that is also good news to hear about you doing well. I will keep you in prayers for the 12th of Oct. How do you like the Diep and how long has it taken you to feel okay?

Love and hugs, Has anyone heard from Roya, or Lisa?

DesertRider

Bette, so thankful to hear the good news. Hope you now find out how to relieve the headaches, but I'm so happy the MRI  results look good! YES!!!

Corinne, I know the last treatment is such a celebration - yippee for you!  and cantering over jumps - what a way to celebrate!

Deanna, glad things are looking good for you, let me know about the 12th. Good luck with stage 2 diep!

Ali, bless your Gram, I will keep her in my prayers, too.

Jeannine, I'm always thinking good thoughts for you! Hang in there.

Love to everyone,

Gail