**NEW** Starting Chemo March 2009

crusader1

Pickle,It's funny January 5th is the "anniversary" of my  mastectomy. Do we celebrate? It has been a long year for me..

CC.. Thanks for the hair tips. I may go  this coming week and have a little bit cut off the top and sides of my short hair. I seem to have baby hair only in the back of my head.

I am going today to the South Street Seaport to meet a bunch of ladies from this board whom I met on the Get Together site which I just recently found. Will report back later. Looks like a nice day here in NYC.

Dawn..Where will you be staying while in NY. I could give you some tips re food etc.

Hugs,

Francine

pickle

Thnaks Christy. I am going to see about it next week.

ChrisC433

surgery went well. can't type very good with one hand. sore, but not too bad. will catch up more in a few days!

Ricki13

Hi girls,  I hope everyone is well.  Have been reading back through posts.  I see that many of us who started this journey together are having our first hair treatments!  I've just put a 'hazelnut' temp colour in mine to even the colour out a bit and I'm thinking of having a trim in a week or so.  The back came in before the front so if I'm not careful I'll end up with a mullet!

News about my sister...she's still with us but I don't know for how much longer.  She's on an 'experimental' form of oral chemo which has been successful in stopping the growth and spread of her tumours but it does give her a lot of nasty side effects.  They are trying to buy her more time but in the meantime we're all trying to have as much quality time with her as we can.  Some days thats easier than others.  Her mood is up and down as is mine!

Has anyone else been afflicted with shingles? I had a bout of shingles a couple of weeks ago on the right side of my face and neck.  The pain in my ear was unbelievable!  Apparently it' not uncommon after chemo etc.

Glad to hear the exercise stories.  I finally started going to Curves a few weeks ago at the recommendation of my oncologist.  Its good because you can work at your own pace and unlike other gyms Ive been to in the past, there's no fashion parade or competitiveness.  The equipment is hydraulic so it gives you as much resistance as you give it.  My goal is to get my fitness and strength levels up so I can add in more cardio.  I need to lose a lot of weight after all this (including treatment for Graves thyroid disease prior to cancer!).  60lbs or so - thats 20lbs of laziness, 20lbs gain due to Graves, 20lbs gain during chemo.  I've started a diet programme...nothing silly, just eating good food and adjusting the portions, no alcohol (!!!) for the time being, avoiding bread because thats my downfall.

Very hot and windy here in Sydney today...bad weather for bushfires.

And now a funny story (haha or wtf?  take your pick!).

I ran into an old work colleague the other day.  I haven't seen her in maybe 6 or 7 years.  Anyway, she mentioned my short hair because she's only ever seen me with long hair.  I explained to her that I'd had chemo earlier in the year blah blah blah.

Her response  "Oh my god.  I can't believe you said that because I've been going through the same thing with cancer this year.  I know exactly how you feel!"

I said "Oh I'm sorry, I didn't know you'd been ill"

 Her " No, not me.  My cat!"

 Ladies...I was gobsmacked!  And I speak as the proud kitteh-mom of a 4 year old manx!

 R xo

Ricki13

Hi girls,  I hope everyone is well.  Have been reading back through posts.  I see that many of us who started this journey together are having our first hair treatments!  I've just put a 'hazelnut' temp colour in mine to even the colour out a bit and I'm thinking of having a trim in a week or so.  The back came in before the front so if I'm not careful I'll end up with a mullet!

News about my sister...she's still with us but I don't know for how much longer.  She's on an 'experimental' form of oral chemo which has been successful in stopping the growth and spread of her tumours but it does give her a lot of nasty side effects.  They are trying to buy her more time but in the meantime we're all trying to have as much quality time with her as we can.  Some days thats easier than others.  Her mood is up and down as is mine!

Has anyone else been afflicted with shingles? I had a bout of shingles a couple of weeks ago on the right side of my face and neck.  The pain in my ear was unbelievable!  Apparently it' not uncommon after chemo etc.

Glad to hear the exercise stories.  I finally started going to Curves a few weeks ago at the recommendation of my oncologist.  Its good because you can work at your own pace and unlike other gyms Ive been to in the past, there's no fashion parade or competitiveness.  The equipment is hydraulic so it gives you as much resistance as you give it.  My goal is to get my fitness and strength levels up so I can add in more cardio.  I need to lose a lot of weight after all this (including treatment for Graves thyroid disease prior to cancer!).  60lbs or so - thats 20lbs of laziness, 20lbs gain due to Graves, 20lbs gain during chemo.  I've started a diet programme...nothing silly, just eating good food and adjusting the portions, no alcohol (!!!) for the time being, avoiding bread because thats my downfall.

Very hot and windy here in Sydney today...bad weather for bushfires.

And now a funny story (haha or wtf?  take your pick!).

I ran into an old work colleague the other day.  I haven't seen her in maybe 6 or 7 years.  Anyway, she mentioned my short hair because she's only ever seen me with long hair.  I explained to her that I'd had chemo earlier in the year blah blah blah.

Her response  "Oh my god.  I can't believe you said that because I've been going through the same thing with cancer this year.  I know exactly how you feel!"

I said "Oh I'm sorry, I didn't know you'd been ill"

 Her " No, not me.  My cat!"

 Ladies...I was gobsmacked!  And I speak as the proud kitteh-mom of a 4 year old manx!

 R xo

Ricki13

Oh and another update.  Have not had a period since March, was told 2 months ago that my hormone tests indicated menopause, period came back with a vengenance this week.  The human body is just bizarre!

crusader1

Ricki,

Nice to hear from you. I had been thinking of you and your sister.I can imagine how difficult all this is for your family.

Just loved the cat story. Yes really really funny.

Hugs to you..

Stay strong.

Francine

crusader1

Ladies,

I met at South Street Seaport yesterday with seven ladies I met on this board. Nice group. Talked about many things... families, reunions, doctors and of course our cancer. I am the only one with real short hair. Top row on the right. Only one other women had had chemo. Many seemed very preocupied with the Plastic Surgical aspects of their cancers..diep, nipple sparring ,etc. They talked a lot about the best doctors in NYC. I guess I am older and was more concerned with getting rid of my cancer than preserving my breast. One women had been interviewing doctors and PS since July. A little too much for me. But meeting with other sisters was still a good expereince.

Hugs,

Francine

pickle

Ricki: So good to hear from you. Sorry to hear about your sister's continuing struggles. Prayers and warm wishes to both of you.

I haven't had shingles although my husband did a few years ago. He only had one spot and the pain was terrible. Said he felt like he was hit by a truck, kicked in the ribs and sucker punched by a gang of hoodlums in an alley! It looked like a tiny spot to me and unfortunately I didn't really understand howpainful it is..... I guess because it didn't look like much. I felt so bad after I read about it and realized how much it hurts. How is your ear doing?

The cat story....some people just don't get it....jeesh!

Francine: The "Cancerversary" Do we celebrate???? Absolutely. ....I know I'm going to! A bottle of red wine, a feed of lobster, and a big slice of chocolate mousse will go down really nice!

 Nice for you to meet with fellow cancer sisters. I think the March Warrior Princesses would be such a fun group to meet with...just a thought ladies. I'm throwing it out there....any takers?

crusader1

Pickle..I would love to meet you all. Any central place would be fine. Let's see if any are really interested. Maybe next spring. Before your daughters wedding. Is that next summer.

My DH also had shingles.I just remembered my brother did too.  Very painful. I had an injection last year of a vaccine to prevent me from getting shingles.

Hugs,

Francine

kim40

Good Morning Warrior Princesses!

Great to see that the board is still moving.  A lot of us go awol after a while but seem to find our way back (me included!)

Great tip on the hair Christy.  I'm going this week for a little trim - it seems to be growing uneven so time to get it cleaned up a bit.  My husband Xmas party is Friday, so I'm going to try to look at least a little normal.

On the downside, my cousins wife passed away this past week from breast cancer.  I went to her funeral yesterday and it was so sad.  She left behind two boys, Logan 15 and Cain - 5.  It was a sad but beautiful ceremony to say the least.  Feeling a little down about the whole situation today.  Need a kick in the butt to get me back on the positive thinking. 

NYC - we are planning a trip there in the spring!  Wouldn't it be great if we can all plan to go around the same time and meet up! 

Ricki - So sorry to hear the latest news on your sister.  We are all praying for her and for you also.  

Take care all.... 

ChrisC433

Ricky:  Your family is in my prayers.

Kim:  Sorry to hear of your loss.  I know it is a kick in the stomache when someone dies of BC, but you won't be one of them!  Keep those positive thoughts.

I am 3 hours from NYC and would love to meet up in the spring...just give me the date, time, and meeting place and I am THERE!!!

crusader1

Hi,

Big day for me today.

I had my first hair trim..

I had my first breast fill.

So far all is good with both.

Well Kim, Chris and anyone else.. I am ready and able to give you all a great tour of NYC. Let's just set a time and date ...I also would travel to anyplace central to all. But then again NYC is a big draw.

I am going tomorrow evening into the city to see a great off Broadway play  named Marvelous Wonderettes.I have seen it already but this time I am taking my daughter in law who has been so supportive of me throughout this year.

Kim..sorry for your loss.

Chris..Just love your positive thoughts.

Hugs to all.

Francine

jdeking

Thoughts and prayers are with you both Kim and Ricki! So sorry to hear about friends and family struggling with issues.

Francine - you sound like you are doing great! Congrats on your big day.

I also haven't dyed my hair yet, though being this gray is making me feel much older than 34. Everyone keeps being really nice, and saying that it just looks blonde, but I know the truth! I will cave in and do it sometime in January, maybe for my cancerversary. I did get a trim, in hopes that will stimulate some new growth. Plus, it was growing over my ears and down my neck and looking a little crazy. lol.

I have a mammo and ultrasound next week to check out 'the girls'. The onc is a wee bit concerned about the swelling in the bad boob, but thinks it will prove to be LE. I am not sure how he is planning to treat it, but we'll see. I see him again just before Christmas.

 Hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving, and gets to enjoy time with friends and family!

kim40

Hey Ladies

Question for you all, but first here is the story:  In the very beginnng, when I was told that I was ER+, I wanted my ovaries removed.  My onc told me to go and see a gyno outside the cancer clinic.  So I did.  I went to see the gyno and the gyno tells me that I am now the "property" of the Cancer Clinic.  At  my next appt with my onc, he tells me again to go and see the gyno outside the cancer clinic!!  So I went to see my family doctor. She wrote two letters, one was the gyno and the other was the cancer gyno and neither one of them will take out my ovaries!!! WTF!!!  They both said in their letters that because I was only recently d/x they don't want to take them out as they feel that I am "cutting up my body" and they do not to go into full menopause.  All this time, I taking Zoladex injections to supress my ovaries and taking Femara for post menopausal women!!  I don't want estrogen to be floating around in my body.  They also said that my QOL will also be affected - I say - let me be the judge of that!  My QOL may be affected,but at least I am doing what I can to reduce my risk of cancer coming back!! 

So, I'm just wondering - who has their ovaries removed.  Did you ask for them to be taken out or was it on the recommendation of your onc.?

Thanks girls!

pickle

Kim: I am ER+ 90 % and PR+ 80 %. I had a hysterectomy years ago but still have my ovaries. I am on Tamoxifen and no one has mentioned ovary removal to me. I am not sure what to tell you. I hope others chime in. I am curious about this too! WTF is right....QOL....hasn't that already been affected...and so what if your diagnosis was more recent...what does that have to do with it....jeesh sometimes doctors are so friggin lame....it sounds like you are on the merry go round and it ain't too merry!

If nothing else, I would seek the opinion of another Onc and Gyn

Best of luck with getting some good info.

Jdeking: Good luck with the mammo u/s next week. Hopefully lymphadema is the cause. Once again ladies...isn't it crazy what we wish for these days!

Ok gals...anyone else read about meeting? NYC sounds like a blast but I am flexible and would go just about anywhere.

Rachel: haven't heard from you...how are you doing?

My daughter will be arriving in NYC this Friday and we just realized today that it's black Friday....biggest shopping day of the year. She squealed with delight when I told her. Francine, they are staying at the New Yorker. I think it's close to the garment district. Is it an okay area....I'm still a mom and continue to worry...lol

bethr

Hi All,

 Kim!!!  I can't believe your story..  I don't know what to say, but I hope you eventually win this battle!!! 

I'd definitely be interesting in meeting everyone as long as it doesn't conflict with my reconstruction on June 2nd....  I would be fun!!  and NYC is a great idea...

All...   I just wanted to wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving!!!  For those of you out of the country who don't celebrate the holiday, I just want to say I'm extremely thankful for each an every one of you women on this board...  My chemo and radiation was so much easier to bear with all of you going through it with me..  THANK YOU!

 Anyway..  Happy Thanksgiving all!!!

Beth

Mom_of_boys

Have lots of posts to go through... will comment later.

Just want to say that today, the day before Thanksgiving, I always take the time to count my blessings and what I am thankful for.  This board and you ladies are near the top of my list.  Honestly, I don't think my year would've been nearly as successful if it hadn't been for you all.  Thank you for your support and advice. 

ChrisC433

I am thankful for all your support and empathy.  I am so grateful that God put you in my life!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

pickle

Just popping in to wish all my American Sisters a very Happy Thanksgiving. I am sooooo thankful for all of you...you have truly made a difference in my life. Blessings to all

May your stuffing be tasty
May your turkey plump,
May your potatoes and gravy
Have nary a lump.
May your yams be delicious
And your pies take the prize,
And may your Thanksgiving dinner
Stay off your thighs!

Hugs

Beth P

kim40

Happy Thanksgiving to all of my American Sisters!  I am thankful for all of you - Enjoy your holiday.

nasharayne

Hi Ladies,

I had my cervical biopsy last week and it came back negative so, I'm thankful for that!!!

I would love to do New York in the spring.  It may not be central to everyone but, I think it offers the best of everything.

 Oh yeah for those of you that get the test to determine whether or not you are in menopause my gyno said it only shows what you are at that very moment and is no indication of the future.  I asked him about doing it at my last visit and then I got my surprise a few weeks later.

I'm hosting Thanksgiving this year so, I guess I better get back to work.

 Happy Thanksgiving!!!!!!!!

Dawnmrn1

Hello and Happy Thanksgiving!  This year has been a tough one for all of us, I think we pulled one another thru and for this I am grateful!!! What a wonderful supportive group of women you are and I am proud of each one of you, facing this demon and going on!  Wishing you all a joyous Holiday Season!  NYC in the spring sounds good to me!!! Love, Dawn

sakura73

Happy Thanksgiving to all you American girls. We don't celebrate that festival in Oz but like others I am certainly counting my blessings and you are all near the top of the list.

Ricki it is really good to hear from you, though I wish the news of your sister was better and I hope you have some more good times with her. That cat story was too funny. I know someone like that too. 

Francine glad the first fill went well.

Nasharayne great news on the biopsy!

Janine my physiotherapist  told me that prolonged swelling in the breast post-radiation is quite common and does not have to mean LE. Fingers crossed for you that it is a passing thing. I am still a little swollen and get aches and pains in the boob and arm, but am determined to ignore them. I am like you - hair is mainly grey, though friends insist it is blonde! 

Pickle thanks for asking about me! Sorry I have been absent - it has been a busy week at work and I have spent several nights at Damian's so away from the computer then too. I wish I could join you all in a meeting in spring in NYC! Might need to buy a lottery ticket.

Big news for me is that I have dispensed with the wig for good - wore it for the last time in court on Tuesday and am now au natural in all parts of my life. Some days I really like how I look, some days I want to hide (today is a hiding day!) but the hair IS growing and I know I will look something like my old self soon.

Today is the big show down with the oncologist about Tamoxifen. I feel really nervous. I am not used to disagreeing with doctors and although I feel sure about my decision I know that my reasons are not ones that will carry weight with him. So I am sure I will feel foolish, but I am still not going to accept a prescription. I am on I3C and it is making me pretty achey so it must be doing something to my estrogen levels!

Love to all whom I have not mentioned by name. I think of  you all often and am always glad to read your news here.

crusader1

Hi Friends,

What a wonderful surprise to hear such great sentiments on this eve of Thanksgiving from all of my BC sisters. I totally agree that I don't think I could have gotten through this year without the care and concern of all of you.

I wish all my sisters a happy and healthy Thanksgiving, even those of you who do not celebrate it .I know each and every one of us has things to  be thankful for.

Pickle- checked out your daughters hotel. It is near Macy's, Madison Square Garden , Penn Station. No need to worry about safety. This area is always busy. Relax ...she will do fine. I know we always will be mothers first. My son is 34 and I still worry about him.

Sakura- Thanks for the well wishes. Glad to hear that you have joined us"free" ladies and are going wigless. Enjoy Damian. Good luck with your Tamoxifin and the doctors.

Kim- Sorry but I am past menopause and have no idea about a hysterectomy. Sorry your treatment is so frustrating.

Nasharayne-Congrats on the negative biopsy.

Glad to hear that many like the idea of meeting in NYC in the spring. I am sure we would have an amazing time together.

Once again...Have  a great Thanksgiving. I know we all have something very special to be thankful for this year.

Hugs to all,

Francine

kim40

Nasharayne - Congrats on the negative biopsy!  We are all so happy for you.

Sakura - Glad to hear that you are going wigless!  I've been now for about a month and I still have days that I would love to run and hide from everyone. That's only normal.  We are so used to having something on our heads and all of a sudden, we have really short short hair!  I went to my son's bowling tournament about a month ago and I had on my wig.  Then I went to the lanes a week later wigless and a lot of women came up to me and said that they loved my new look!  A  lot of them don't know what I went through this past year, so all they think is that I went and got the buzz cut!

To those celebrating Thanksgiving - I wish you all a great day today and good luck with your shopping adventures tomorrow!

Hugs to all

Kim

PattiB

I am ER/PR + 75%, 51, my onc or BS did not mention anything about ovary removal.

I am very thankful to have "met" all of you on this thread, you have all been a great support to me since last March when I began the chemo journey.  Wishing you all the best and a very Happy Thanksgiving!!!!

7timewinner

Kim40:

I was told at the very first meeting with my oncologist that "here's the plan of action that we take with ER+ patients with node involvement":

1. Chemo

2. Radiation

3. Ovarian ablation

Ovarian ablation (I was told) could be chemical or surgical, but it would need to be done. Period. I was given a month to meet with my gynocologist to discuss which option would be best for me.  I was 39 at the time, had already had all the children I intended to have, and I was at high risk of recurrence due to extensive node involvement. Looking at your profile, I see that you also had extensive node involvement.

My oncologist's professional opinion was a full hysterectomy. I felt that was overkill and my gyno agreed. But I knew for sure that I wanted the buggers (ovaries) out for good. I had an oophorectomy at the beginning of September, and it was an easy (laparoscopic) surgery with very quick recovery. Everyone responds differently, of course, but I do not feel like the surgery has in any way adversely impacted my quality of life. I lift weights and walk/jog to maintain good bone and heart health, the two major concerns with the loss of estrogen associated with removing ovaries. I know that exercise is no longer an option for me, but I see that as a plus!

I hope my experience helps you to make your own informed decision. I have to say that I am incredibly surprised at the response you are receiving from your medical care providers!

Best of luck to you!

Nadine

marshall2000

Happy Thanksgiving to all the Ladies: Sorry I have been MIA for so long. Long exhausting story. I finished chemo jun 18th, had lumpectomy and ALND 7/27, my mom was sick all summer and had a stroke the day of my surgery, I picked her up the next day at the hospital and was told that she had lung CA that had mets to her brain, I got through radition with no problems other than a bit of an exit burn on my back on oct 23, my mom had been home with us this entire time and I was able to take off from work. She was counting down the days until I finished radiation, she felt I was cured after radiation. she got really sick the morning of my last radiation tx and passed  away the next evening. I was and am truly blessed to have had such a wonderful mother and best friend my whole life. Today has been difficult. I will catch up on the posts soon( I know, I know, I have promised that one before LOL). I hope everyone is doing well and my prayers are with everyone and their loved ones. 

Love to all, Michelle

         

pickle

Michelle:

So sorry to hear about your Mom. Bless you for remembering her so fondly. You are a sweet daughter. Wow what a time you have had. I don't know how you were able to get through looking after your Mom and trying to look after yourself through all of this. Your strength is truly remarkable and admirable. It is so nice to see you back. We are here for you and I am sorry today is so difficult.

Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.

You are a true Warrior

Hugs

Beth P