**NEW** Starting Chemo March 2009

crusader1

Hi Ladies,

Good to see the board more active.

Lets not talk about last nights game. As Deb said it is still  the best of 7. We in NY are all keeping our fingers crossed.

I also had my infusion of Zometa to help with my bone density . Insurance covered it all. As a matter of fact I am due to have my second one in December. My how time flies.

I am on Arimidex since June and luckily I am experiencing little side effects. Chris you should speak to your Onco about switching to femara or amomacin( sp) .

I do believe that the best form of Vitamin D to take is D3. I bet most are already on it. Ladies check your bottles.

Well this week I saw the PS, my internist and my infectious disease doctor. I am scheduled to have my third TE put in on November 11th. All went well with the docs. Next week is the oncologist. My I haven't seen her for a while. Boy do I miss her????Duh..

Stay well all and keep strong.

Root for the Yanks.

Hugs,

Francine

sakura73

Pickle thank you for that information re Tamoxifen. Yes, it is actually a fertility-enhancing drug, though you shouldn't get pregnant on it because it causes birth defects apparently.

I told my onco via email - I am such a coward - and he told me to make an appointment to see him to discuss. Have not done that yet - I am in denial I think. I hope I don't lose my nerve when I get there. I feel so happy about the decision at the moment. Have not told my mother either, I should say - and I know she will be displeased too! I have  told her I want to balance my hormones, though. Breaking things to her gently.

Mom of boys - nice to run into you on the Natural girls thread! How are you going to set about telling your onco about Femara?

nasharayne

Hi Ladies,

I haven't posted in awhile but, I check on you often. 

I've been going "topless" for the last month.  I don't have much hair but, from what others have said this sleek look looks good on me.  Of course I can't see it but, I'm glad no more wig.  I still have the extra 20 chemo pounds which I have yet to try to lose.  I just can't make myself go to the gym.  I've never had to work out before so this is really hard for me.

I had my annual pap a few weeks back and it came back with atypical cells.  I've had this before but, I've never been worried until now. Colpo scheduled in a few weeks.

My breast shrunk significantly from radiation so my rad onc and onc are suggesting a breast reduction on the other side in about 6 months.  I really love my breasts so, this sucks but, it might be for the best.  I know this isn't as bad as those of you that had to get mastectomies but....

I'm going to San Diego for work in a few weeks, I decided to extend it for a little vacation for me and my BF.  Finally a getaway for us.

I finally decided to join facebook and now I'm addicted to the games....oh speaking of gotta go  ;-)

ChrisC433

Nasharayne:  Let me guess..Farmville???

Enjoy your get away...

Luv2sing

Hello All!

Checking to see everyone's doing.

Bethr - I LOVE the pictures from Va Beach!!  We used to live one mile from the beach and went down every weekend to watch the boats go in and out at Rudee Inlet.  During the off-seasons we would spend more time on the pier.

Nana - Twinges huh .... Keep wondering what those shockwaves are everytime my breast hurts.

Nadine - I agree with Crusader ... LIVE!!

Kim - If your heart is telling you something, you should listen.

I'm not a sports nut, so I can't comment on any team

Since finishing tx been focusing on school work, preparing myself to return to work and going to Church.  I refused tamoxifin cause I'm triple negative and I don't see the benefit of additional discomfort.  Just counting down the time til I get my scan and see where we go from there.  DH is going thru some things ... may have to have additional back surgery and a heart transplant.  We'll have to see that goes as well.  Waiting for the all clear for both of us to start exercising again.  We just take it one day at a time.

I'm keeping positive thoughts for everyone!! 

ChrisC433

Ramone....wishing you and hubby the best....

crusader1

Raymon

Yes wishing you and your husband positive vibes.

hugs,

Francine

bethr

Hi All,

 Just checking in.  I started taking my Tamoxifen the other day.  I still have mixed emotions about it, but hope all goes well with it.  What else can I do?

Raymon - Yes, Virginia Beach was beautiful!!  And my hopes and prayers go out to you and your husband. 

I don't know if any of you have heard about this, but I've also been taking turmeric as a supplement as well.  Studies are showing that it may be very beneficial as a potential cancer inhibiter.

 Well, in regards to baseball, I'm a Philly native, to go Phillies!  And go Eagles!

Wishing you all the best,

Beth

Mom_of_boys

Sakura... I haven't decided yet.  I will, but I'm like a little kid afraid to confront the teacher.

Nasharayne... Thanks for the update.  I, too, have had abnormal pap smears in the past, but I'm sure that I would be worried now more than before.  Keep us updated.  I agree about the exercising... it is sooo hard to get myself motivated now.  Have a great time in San Diego.

Raymon... Prayers and healing thoughts coming your and your husband's way.

Francine and Deb... Is it wrong that I'm sorta happy when A-Rod (an EX Ranger) gets HBP?

Beth... Thanks for the update!  Phillies are down by 1 as of my posting... but we'll see! 

Mom_of_boys

Sakura... I haven't decided yet.  I will, but I'm like a little kid afraid to confront the teacher.

Nasharayne... Thanks for the update.  I, too, have had abnormal pap smears in the past, but I'm sure that I would be worried now more than before.  Keep us updated.  I agree about the exercising... it is sooo hard to get myself motivated now.  Have a great time in San Diego.

Raymon... Prayers and healing thoughts coming your and your husband's way.

Francine and Deb... Is it wrong that I'm sorta happy when A-Rod (an EX Ranger) gets HBP?

Beth... Thanks for the update!  Phillies are down by 1 as of my posting... but we'll see! 

Anonymous

MOB     okay Yankee hater, you can watch A-rod get hit all you want.  Yankees up  3-1 , who'd a thunk it??  Did you see the whole game?  Damon was unreal with that steal, taking third.  We'll have to see if we can get to Cliff Lee tonight.

Mom_of_boys

Yep, Damon stealing third was a MAJOR mistake on the Phillies part.  Big turning point.  Would you even call that a steal?  He practically walked over there...

AND... now back to regularly scheduled programming...

arnie2two

I read alot and think of you gals all the time...just don't post much.  I just finished six boosts of radiation...have x-rays tomorrow and then start radiation again on Wednesday.  27 to go!  I'm so looking forward to this being over...atleast the daily.  It'll be music to my ears when someone says, "Ok, Mrs. Opoka, we don't have to see you for six months!!!"  I started Femara 3-4 weeks ago, I don't even remember!  lol 

Hugs to all you beautiful March warriors.... KEEP MARCHING!!!

Mom_of_boys

Thank you, Arnie, for the update!  Those words will indeed be music to your ears...

~Jan~

Luv2sing

Thank you all.

Bethr - I use tumeric in cooking ... it does everything yellow, but it's good .

Arnie2two - Wishing you the best!

Taking a line from a movie ... wishing you all 'Cool Runnings' for the rest of your days ...

nasharayne

luv2sing - you and your DH are in my prayers.

Chris yes, farmville, sorority life, cafe world....the list goes on.  My boyfriend is starting to get a little jealous so, I have to back off a bit. 

 I am a yankee hater.  So, I'm pulling for the phillies!!!

Luv2sing

Thanks nasharayne.  I'm also on FB, just look for Raymon Bessix.  I don't play the games though, use it mainly to keep in touch with classmates and people I've known over the years.

gymmom8

Sorry I haven't posted in a while.  Between school/homework/activities/volunteering I've kept pretty busy.  I'm just getting caught up with reading all the posts. 

I'm not a huge baseball fan but...GO PHILLIES!!

I am waiting on the date of my exchange surgery.  It will be a lat dorsi flap hopefull the beginning of dec.  I will also get my port out and get a lift on my left side.  I am a little nervous about another surgery but am also looking forward to having it all over.  I am on Femara and taking clodronate (part of the bisphosphanates clinical trial).  I also started taking lexapro for the anxiety I was feeling.  It seems to be helping.  I could take a full dose but for now am sticking with 1/2 dose and doing ok. 

I had a CT scan last month and I still have an enlarged lymph node on the left (non cancer) side but it seems to have stablized for now.  All other nodules were clear.  I just have some scarring from the radiation.

I am having trouble encouraging myself to start a regular exercise program.  I have about 20 chemo pounds as well and would like to take it off.  I am going to a "Transition to Wellness" workshop tonight that I hope will help me move forward. 

NYDEB -   good luck with the Adriamycin (sp).  I too had the red devil push.  It'll be over before yo know it!

Sakura - stick to your decision regarding the tamoxifin.  Do what's right for you.

Luv2Sing - best of luck to you and your hubby

Arnie - the radiation days go quickly.  Hang in there.

I am feeling achy still and my hands hurt.  I am looking forward to all the se's being done.

My hair is still very short (but cute according to everyone else).  I think I have to see my hair dresser to trim over the ears and clean up the back.   

Thanks to everyone for always being there!!

Cyndi

ChrisC433

Cyndi...it was so nice to hear from you again!  Good luck with the surgery.  Think of it this way...all the other surgeries were life saving, this last one is just to make you look and feel good!  The official "girlie, girl surgery"!!

My onc moved at a snails pass which resulted in me not being able to be on that trial...sounded like a great one...win/win!

My hands ache a lot from the Arimidex too.  So be it...

Take care!

Mom_of_boys

Raymon... like your "Cool Runnings" statement.

Cyndi... Thanks for the update.  Trying myself to get rid of the pounds that chemo put on!  BLAH... let us know when you get your surgery date.

Pickle... where art thou?

pickle

MOB: Thou art here dear lady. So much to catch up on.

Raymon...cool runnings...love it!

Cindi: Thanks for the update. I am still struggling with the exercise stuff too. I hired a personal trainer and that's been going well but I am not as motivated as I should be. That trial sounds so good. I would love to take part in that but alas there is no room at the inn for me this time around. Let us know about the Transition to Wellness workshop. It sounds great and I love the name of it.

I think that is one area where there seems to be a shortfall in support. After finishing tx, I am turned over to my PCP but there is still emotional support which is lacking. I feel a bit in limbo and stuck at times. I am trying to keep myself positive and moving forward but there are days that I just want to hide under the covers. I had a total meltdown on Sunday night. Don't really know what set it off but I haven't cried like that in a loooong time. I called my Aunt (3000 miles away) who has been through Lymphoma twice and she really understood. I felt so much better after speaking (crying) with her. Some days I move a whole bunch of steps forward and somedays a couple step backwards....and so it goes!

Luv2sing: Still sending prayers and well wishes to you and your DH. How are you both doing?

bethR: how is the tamoxifen going? I have heard of turmeric as well. How much do you take?

Arnie: Hope you are doing well. I am singing the "Ok, Mrs. Opoka, we don't have to see you for six months!!!" song....la la la!

Nasharyne: When is the trip? I bet you are elated to be getting away. So happy for you

Chris: Love the "Girly Girl Surgery" statement. I will be seeing my PS in Jan to discuss it all.

NyDeb: How are you doing? Hope the AC is being gentle with you. Think of you lots.

Rachel: How are you doing? How many more rads?

OK Ladies: Big game ....I don't watch a lot of baseball but I love any sports in the finals.

Have a wonderful day eh! (said in my very Canadian accent)

Hugs

Beth P

gymmom8

I must confess I am a little afraid of exercise.  I am so worried about lymphodema that it is making it hard to get started on a program.  Also, I keep "rewarding" myself with food.  Maybe after the workshop tonight and the "girlie girl" surgery (I love that!) I'll be more motivated. 

Those of you out there exercising, what's your secret?  Are any of you with lymph nodes removed worried about lymphodema? 

MOB - I am hoping the surgery is the first week of Dec.  I requested that time frame because my oldest turns 13 the day after thanksgiving and I am hoping to do something fun that weekend with her.  Also, this should give me some time to feel better for the end of year holidays. I will keep you all updated.

Chris - I was hoping to do another trial as well but since the chemo put me in menopause I was no longer eligible.  It was one for premenopausal women.  Oh well, I am happy to be on one at least.  I don't think I am having any ill effects from it either which is definitely a win!

Pickle - I had a "meltdown" at a Rad Onc appt.  She suggested I try Lexapro (an anti-depressant) and I was not sure about it but decided to give it a try.  I was really tired for the first week or so but since then I have felt much better.  I've been taking only 1/2 a dose.  I was supposed to switch to a full dose after 2 weeks but I don't think I needed it because I am feeling much better now.  I know that if I start to feel overwhelmed again, I always have the option to increase the amount I take.  Maybe you should talk to your doc about options.

It's a beautiful fall day here.  I hope the sun is shining where ever you are!

Cyndi

ChrisC433

Cyndi:  I had my nodes removed as well.  I go to Planet Fitness and do about 30-45 minutes on eliptical and then the weight machines.  I do 3 sets of 10-15 on lower back, stomach, and sides, then 4 for upper body (arms, chest, back)  I was told to just increase the weights gradually so my body adjusts to it.  So far...no problem.  I was also told that for bone strength you need to do as much weight as you can handle for 10 reps.  I rest my arm over my head each night and squeeze a ball to keep things moving.

 Exercise sucks no matter when or how you do it!!

gymmom8

Chris - thanks for the fitness info.  How much weight do you use?  Do you have a compression sleeve for exercising?  I got one for when I flew and was told to use it during exercise.

I am impressed to hear all that you are doing.  Keep up the good work.  I am going to try to use you as my motivation!!

I figure I'll go back to PT after my next surgery but I'd like to get things going now so it won't be so hard after.

crusader1

Hi Ladies,

Yes the Yankees lost. But I am still confident.. being originally from the Bronx.

My husband and I flew to Quebec City this past weekend. There was an airline special and we got a really great rate at the Chateau Frontenac. We have been to the city a number of times and just love walking around. It is nice to just relax.

My next surgery - 7th in the year will be next Wednesday. I am feeling real confident.

Sorry to hear that many are having hard times emotionally. I do believe that only people( well not only) who have experienced the same feelings and emotions with our cancer can really be compassionate to us. I am an optimist about so many things but do tell friends etc that this has been the worst year of my life.

I also go to Planet Fitness but have just returned to my routine . I only spend one half hour on the treadmill. Chris you are really great with the amount of exercise you do.

Sad news - my 98 year old friend died the other day. She was my 34 year old son's babysitter. I have been visiting her once a week for seven years. I am upset but last week she had a stroke and after that her quality of life went down hill. She lived for so many years healthy and happy that myself and her family felt she should not suffer. Her mind was sharp up till the end. It is hard when a segment of your life ends. She was quite religious and died on All Saints day which she so believed in.

NYDeb.. Hope you are feeling okay.

Raymon- Hope you and your husband are doing okay.

MOB- Go Yankees..

Hugs..

Francine

pickle

Well Fracine you are quite the traveller. Good for you. The Chateau Frontenac is supposed to be amazing. We have stayed at some of the other Fairmont Hotels in Jasper, Banff, Edmonton and Whistler. They are wonderful getaways.

So sorry to hear of your dear friend's passing. All Saints Day....bless her. You have been a good friend visiting her weekly and I offer my condolences to you.

Hugs

BethP

sakura73

Hello all

Francine I am very sorry to hear about your friend. It is very fitting that she should pass away on All Saints' Day since she is obviously with the Lord she believed in right now.

gymmom8 thank you for your encouragement. I do feel my decision is right for me. 

On the exercise front I have been really slack about exercise lately but for a while there was going to the gym and lifting light weights (no more than  5kg per arm) using my surgery side. It felt okay, but I was careful not to overdo it. 

Pickle thanks for asking about me. I was sorry to read you had some bad moments but was glad you had someone to call who would understand. I think I have mentioned before that I have been warned that when active treatments (ie surgery, chemo, radiation) finishes is often the time when people become depressed. So I don't think it is at all surprising that you would have some days when things feel very bleak.

I have 2 radiation treatments to go, so tomorrow afternoon I will be done! I can hardly believe it. I am 8 weeks PFC and it seems such a long time ago. Already I feel like I am no longer a patient. It is a great feeling.

I love, but don't understand,  the baseball references - here in Australia we find baseball very odd indeed.  We like cricket and in winter in this part of Australi it is all about Australian Rules Football which is the best form of football ever - played by men with fabulous bodies wearing no padding and very little clothing!

Luv2sing

Just checking before heading off to sleep, returning to work tomorrow after being off for two months and I'm already having an anxiety attack .  The radiation burns have healed very well (the doc and nurse looked at my breast and actually said "It's beautiful!"  I didn't know how to respond) and I'm just experiencing those painful twinges in the radiated breast, along with nerve pain where my port-a-cath used to be.  My hubby is keeping his spirits up and just waiting on the doctors to do whatever they decide to do. 

Gymmom - I know how you feel about the exercise ... I'm trying to get my energy up to get back into the swing of things.  Good luck with your surgery!

Crusader - So sorry to hear about your friend, but our Pastor always says don't cry for the ones who have gone on for they are in a better place, cry for those of us who remain on this crazy earth.  ((Hugs))

Sakura - Be sure to celebrate!!!

Chris - Do you wear a sleeve at night?  I used to elevate my arm, but was told it wasn't working for me and now I sleep with this thing that looks what the Police use to train attack dogs.  It's foam and velcro and has a sleeve that goes over it to compress the arm.  Talk about sexy ....

I'm getting ready to pop some pills, finish some homework and hit the sack.  Until we chat again, may you all have sweet dreams and sweeter memories.

ChrisC433

When working on upper body, I use 50 lbs. on lat pull (pull the weight down to my chest), and 25 on the other machines..don't know what they are called.  One, I push the weight away from my chest, one I pull the weight toward my chest, and one I lift the weight over my head.

I do two sit up type machines, one machine for lower back...and then the #%*% eliptical machine.  It is much better on my knees, ankles, and feet than the treadmill.

I don't where a sleeve at all yet.  So far, so good.  I do feel swelling under my armpit, but I can manipulate it to reduce it.  I go see PT in 2 weeks for check up, but she said exercise is OK, just need to increase gradually.

My heart rate sucks too...resting heart rate too high.  I only have to be on eliptical for 5 minutes and I am past the 80% target heart rate.  I was hoping it would rebound faster than it is.

I have carpal tunnel surgery on the 20th.  Put this off forever because I hate anesthesia...guess what...they don't put you under anymore.  They use a nerve block and you are just given a  mild sedative.  Now that I had my nodes removed in L arm, they have to put my IV in my leg when operating on my R hand.  When they do the L  hand, I can have IV in R arm, but no nerve block in  L arm so I will have to be put under for that one.  So much for putting this off...just more of a headache now!  I guess I will be taking lots of antibiotics to help reduce my risk of lymphodema.  If I can put off the L hand for a while longer, I  probably will.

Take care...off to bed!

7timewinner

gym mom:

I had 17+ nodes removed with my lumpectomy. When I tried to exercise or do heavy gardening shortly after surgery, my hand swelled a little.

Now, 9 months later, I am back to weight lifting without any swelling at all. Mind you, I am only bench pressing 30 pounds, but that's what I used to do pre-Dx anyway.

And another benefit of the workouts...my excrutiating neuropathy is greatly improved. Who knew?

Hugs,

Nadine