2009 Herceptin group

traceyz

Laura,

Please please please DO NOT feel like im tired of you bringing your rads decision up. Trust me I AGONIZED over the decision. I spoke with sooooooo many BC survivors, Onc dos, rads docs and friends. I even consulted with Natsfan on the October thread. I was in misery trying to figure my way out of the "grey area", my deciding factor was the 0-1% benefit in survival for me that just wasnt enough. After speaking with Doc Arthur, the rads specialist, my mind was made up. I prayed before I went and asked God to basically speak to me through Arthur. For me that was my deciding factor. It isnt an easy decision to make, my surgeon who did the bilateral still thinks that I should have done it because of the 1+ node, but after speaking with the specialist 1% just wasnt big enough for me to take on the SE of rads and a possible cancer (VERY rare) from rads. It is NOT an easy choice because you want to do the right thing, but only God know s what that is so you have to pray pray pray and follow your gut. Whatever you decide Laura just know it is the right decision and DO NOT look back!! Again no matter what you decide I am in your corner, and I support you regaurdless. So dont EVER feel like I am tired of the rads decision because I am not. I have been in your very same shoes and if you have more questions for me please dont hesitate to ask. I welcome any question that you or anyone else has. That is what sisters are for.

Tracey

traceyz

Karen,

Again I want to thank you for starting such an awesome, needed thread! We are all gonna be friends for a long time!!

Tracey

Estepp

TY Tracey. I also talked to Natsfan after you told me about her. She took the time with me also.. even sent me the same message she sent you...:)... she was very helpful and kind.

I do appreciate your kindness and caring!... Someday are just harder that other days..ya know!

Here's to the party bus that I think I might be putting a damper on....SORRY Ladies!!!

Here is a toast to you all Herceptin Hotties!

ango74

Estepp-I too get horribly upset when I see a death. I have trouble sleeping after I have read about one. I remember when I first was diagnoised and someone told me to go to the Young Survior site. Well, on the first page there was a list of some who have died, of course I go to that thread.  There were all these pictures of these young women with their kids and family who had passed away, it hit me so hard. I will never forget how I felt that very moment and their faces will haunt me forever. 

Tracey-tell your hubby he's not included in that group. I was a little worried about posting the joke because I would never want to offend anybody but it's my favorite joke.  My hubby actually told it to me.

Mamakaren-I remember reading on a thread here some time ago about the facial hair thing.  I don't remember where the thread is but remember some ladies saying that they had facial hair grow after chemo but it fell out a few months. I so hope I don't get facial hair, that will be lovely. No hair, one boob, no finger nails and facail hair! Now that's hot.

traceyz

In NOOOOOO way are you putting a damper on things. This bus is filled with sisters and sisters wipe away tears, give hugs and words of encouragement. Then we take a shot of the closest drink to us and we keep the party moving!!

Tracey

GramE

FACIAL HAIR:   I just turned 63 and have had minimal facial hair for several years.   My dermatologist suggested using one of those pencil type hair removers.  They are about $ 9.99 at places like Bed Bath and Beyond, CVS, and other drug stores.   Some Dollar Stores have them for $ 2.99.   Various brands are available and no one is better than another - Finishing Touch, Generation, etc.   They also have one for men, for beard and mustache trimming.   

It has a small serrated blade much like an electric shaver, not sharp enough to cut your fingers.  When you turn it on (it needs a AAA battery) it vibrates and you glide it over your skin slowly.   Back to what the dermatologist said -- she does laser hair removal and said NOT to do that unless you had heavy facial hairs and willing to go every week for repeated treatments and NO make up while having treatments.    

I have used this thing for several years and when the hair came back (with a vengenance) on my face - like a downy covering, I used it again.   The hair does NOT grow back stubbly and stiff.  It is also very good for the "nether region"...  

At first, the hair growth on my face was heavier than I remembered, it has tapered off.  Each day when I put on make up, I run the "thing" over my upper lip and chin and it takes care of any stray hairs.   Hope this helps.     

P.S.  also good for between hair cuts - on the back of the neck. 

Estepp

Nancy, that facial hair thing sounds like something for the "MoJo Thread"....~wink~

I will buy one and try it on my face first..... Maybe today...

Thanks Nancy!

Jaimieh

Hi,

It looks like I get to join this club.  I start TCH on Monday which I am really nervous about but I know that it is the right thing for me to do now.  I had a complete masectomy w/TE on 1/8/09.  Does anyone have any tips or pointer for someone beginning TCH ??

Thanks,

~J

Nancyb7912

This is my first time posting. I just learned the results of my Oncotype today. The kicker is that my biopsy pathology report was wrong and instead of being HER2- as the biopsy pathology report said, I'm in fact HER2+. I can't believe I've been dealing with the wrong diagnosis for over a month! I now have a completely different regimen that will begin once I get my port. From the sound of it, I should complete the entire treatment by Christmas 2009 and herceptin will be with me all the way. Seems like such a long time, but I will do whatever I must to hold this cancer at bay.

My book group friends have decided to rent a limo in a couple of weeks and we'll do lunch, margaritas and wig shopping. 

Estepp

Hi J,

I did not do TCH...I did ACT.... I "heard" though that the TCH is easier to do. The A in AC is the tough one,... I am sure someone will come along and tell you their experience with TCH

Hi Nancyb7912.. welcome!.. Yes... BC treatment is soooooooooo long. I think this is why we can get so down. We are in treatment so long... Hang in their sisters...

lfasano44

Jamieh, I finished TCH in Dec and found it to be very doable. I have three kids (6,4 & 7 months) and was still able to keep up and do all my normal things.  The worst part was about three days after treatment until like day 6 and then I would start to come back up. Take the meds and get plenty of rest and fluids and that will really help.  Everyone is different but I think you'll do great.  Good Luck!  Lauren

ango74

Hope everyone is having a great Thursday.  I am sending everyone a bloodymarry (my all time fav), because I have good news.  I got my scans back yesterday and they were clear! Plus my muga is a63%, it was 65 to start.  So, all is good in my world. I also had my first Herceptin and Avastin yesterday.  I was really tired during tx, because I took a Xanax before I saw the doctor so I slept through it.  I was also very tired last night and seem a little sluggish today but nothing too bad. Today is a good day

Estepp

AWE that is just AWESOME Ang!!!!!!!!!!!! Wahoooooooooooooooooooooo time to celebrate!!! BloodMarys for all.... wahoooooooooooooooooooooooooo

I am truly happy for you!

RockstarmomPaula

 Jaimieh I am doing THC my 2nd is on Monday There is a thread for this treatment regime join us there are amazing angels with wonderful support and advice. Topic is Taxotere,Carboplatin,and Herceptin Check it out Paula

lfasano44

Angie, That is great news about your scans!!!!!!  You seem to have finished TCH right after me.  My scans were all good too.  Doesn't it feel so good!  Are you doing rads next?  Your dx seems similar to mine.  I am half way through rads not too bad so far!  Lauren

ango74

Lauren-It does feel good, really good. I have to wait till I am done with the Herceptin and Avastin to do rads, so probably Oct sometime.  Avastin causes you to bleed and not heal quickly so that is why I have to wait. But, I am not looking forward to rads. Just the thought of going everyday for 6 wks.

Okay, question ladies...Will bone mets show up on a CT scan?

Angie

mamakaren

Estepp, I know what you are going through and i'm sure you have heard this over and over again. That why are we sad and mad and that we should be grateful that the Lord has blessed us to be cancer free. Don't  ever feel awful about how you feel Shit we are entitled to express how we feel on this darn roller coaster ride. It's good to express ourselves and get it out of system and then we can focus on all the positive things that are happening. The way i deal with all this is when i feel angry and emotional i just cry and cry then i feel better and then i'm able to focus on the good. It's kinda like a cleansing and i feel good like 200lbs came off my chest. You just put on your dancing shoes and sprinkle a little faith and confidence and SWAGGER! You are winner CANCER FREE!!!!!!

BTW I got my mamo results and it is good! I'm so grateful thank God! I'm sure i will feel like i'm being pulled from every direction and gonna want to scream and i'm sure i will (THAT"S LIFE!) but for the meanwhile i'm gonna savor the moment. I feel as if they have released the shackles and i wanna run free! That's why i'm gonna go to Rocky Point this Monday until Wednesday. All i want to do is take a long walk by the ocean and relax. It's weird how things work out, I'm cancer free but now there seems to be trouble in Paradise! I guess that's when they say LIFE ISN'T PERFECT! but im not gonna let anything burst my bubble anytime soon. Thanks for listening

mamakaren

LAUREN and ANGIE, SOOOO happy for you two! Let's try to focus on the GOOD today and kick all the bad thoughts to the curb!! Drinks on da HOUUUSE!!! Party over here!!! lol

WECOME to all the new comers!! We have a kick @** circle of friends here.

Patti746

I was going to ask if anyone has any kind of side effects from Herceptin. I didn't at first, but I just finished the 8th and 9th treatment and I felt like my stomach was sore. My appetite is not great either. Hope someone can give me an answer.

Thanks, Patti

ejlj

Hi Patti746, i definately have a raw stomach.  It doesn't take much to upset it!  I take zantac frequently and it helps.  I'm not sure if it's left over from the chemo or it's the herceptin?!?!

Angie-I'll definately share that bloody with you-my favorite too!  I am so thrilled for you.  Did they identify the cause of that pain you were having.  I know when they told me I had arthritis, I was thrilled. LOL!  What our lives have become-excited to have arthritis!!!  I'm pretty sure x-ray and bone scans identify bone disease.  Maybe the other women here will comment to that.  I'm really happy about your clean scan!  Tina

Estepp

awesome Karen on the CLEAN MAMAGRAM !!!! WAHOOOOOOOOO.. we are really getting good news on our thread ladies!!! Lets keep it going !

I will be having 2 glasses of Hermannhofs Vino tonight... I allow myself my little pleasure in life.... 2 on Friday night... 2-3 on Sat. night... and I pop my Folic Acid daily just in case....:)

So here is to our Friday night party... if anyone is online later... we should come back to this Herceptin Party thread and visit!

Ta Ta Sisterhood!

Estepp

PS.. I have only had Herceptin alone 1 time so far.. I do not know yet about SE. I hope you all don't have too many problems.!

noellech

Jamieh - You can do this. I finished TCH December like several others on this thread and it just seems like a bad dream now. It wasn't nearly as bad as I expected. That said, I did spend alot of time in bed and needed help with my three small children about one week out of every three. I think one piece of advice I repeatedly ignored was to drink lots of water. I never did that because I was always so nauseated. But it seems like people who do fare better. But now that it is over, I feel terrific, liberated and pretty much worry free because I did all I could. Chemo was very marginal for me, but I just couldn't not take the herceptin, being the "miracle medicine" as my son calls it in his prayers. Go girl!!

Someone help me, after six or seven months on this site I still haven't figured out how to put my diagnosis at the bottom.

traceyz

Hi Noelle,

To show your diagnosis. Go to My Home and click the edit diagnosis tab. Answer the questions and check the box at the bottom that says show my diagnosis, hit save and you are good to go. Best wishes.

Tracey

nobleanna007

Hi Everyone,

   If you will all will have me I would like to join the BUS!!!! I am on Herceptin until July they had to stop for 6 weeks due to low Muga scan now I am at about 51% so still on the edge I am due for all scans and have CT/Bone scan on Monday. The A/C really is the one that dropped my level. I did Abraxane/Herceptin in May 08 and got severe neuropthy which I still have. I am praying its the Herceptin and not Bone Mets. I will know the results on Tuesday. My Onc. refuses to beieve Herceptin is the cause but on another thread SE from Herceptin there is quite a few ladies that have the same. Why do they not listen we know our bodies. It really drives me to drink literely!!! My drink of choice right now is wine about all I can handle but I did have my first sip of Grand Mariner the other night very intresting. In my state we are known for Allens Coffee Brandy its called the Champagne of Maine. It is good but to good if you get my drift!!! Before you know it your snookered on it and it makes you want to stay up all night and act like a idiot! LOL!!! Drank a few of these in my days!

    I am 44yrs young and have 2 children 13&16 yah fun! know wonder I need a glass of wine. I worked thru my first set of chemo as a Manager/Bartender and when the bone aches got to severe I had to stop. I am hoping to go back at some point. I have made it thru most of it Rads included Bilateral Masactomy with TE but one failed so we are working on that end. It does seem never ending, at times and like alot of you my house has become my safe haven so it is time to join the outside again. I live on the coast of Maine which is very beautiful and just celebrated my 20th with my love of my life. He has definatly been my rock.

    So if any of you have any drink requests let me know I may be able to help! I specialized in chinese drinks like Mai tias or scorpion bowls etc. ask away!!!!!

                                Hugs to all of you- Bridget

suemed8749

Angie and Lauren: Woo hoo for good scans!!! Did your docs order them while you are still on Herceptin? Mine did one before I started chemo and will order another PET/CT when I'm done with Herceptin (April.) Yes, it IS a brave new world we live in when we cheer for having a dx of arthritis. I know we cheered for a hernia on another thread!

Bridget - Never heard of Allens Coffee Brandy, but oh my, it sounds tasty. My husband picks up some Mexican brandy every time we travel south, but I stick to the cerveza and Kahlua.

My dh and I had season tickets the first year the Cardinals came to Phoenix, and we still go to games when we can. So on Sunday, we will definitely be celebrating! I'm already stocking the cooler, and we're having a block party. Go Cardinals!

Estepp

Bridget... of Course you are welcome!!! This is the fun Bus Karen started and she is so nice, she will let us all in!!! Welcome.. and this is a toast hoping we ALL have a blessed year full of good news and Herceptin CURES !

Seven11

Karen,

 I just want to say that I hope you don't feel like you need to act in any certain way or to pretend to feel anything that you don't.  Your emotions are a part of your journey and I think they need to be honored.  No apologies!

Katie 

Estepp

Right on Katie! Right on!

mamakaren

Thanks Katie You are so right!

Bridget, As bad as the economy is right now with people in need of jobs, We just hired you as our new bartender on the Pink Party Bus Girl!!!! Congrats