**NEW** Starting Chemo March 2009

Mom_of_boys

Add me to the hot flash group as well.  Since I had my ovaries/tubes removed in January, it's like having my own built in heater that I can't turn off or regulate.  Even though I was pre-menopausal, I was probably only a few years from menopause.  I truly am sorry for those of you are younger and are having to go thru it so early...

Alyad

I want to thank everyone that threw some positive vibes my way when I was feeling down the last couple days. I think I am over it. I had acupuncture twice after this round- on day 2 and 4- I had high hopes for it to help alot and at first I didn't think it did.

 Now, on day 7, I can say it did- normally day 4-7 is pretty bad- 6 is crankypants day- that came early on day 5 and perhaps was concentrated? but yesterday on day 6 I felt better than I did on most day 7's and now on Day 7 I would say I am at least at day 8 or 9. Sorry if that makes no sense to anyone- it barely makes sense to me. Basically, I think the acupuncture helped and I have pulled out of it faster than any of the other treatments, even the first. So I will be having acupuncture again next two rounds.

I was feeling pretty sorry for myself like Janine said- had I choose to do  TAC x6 over 4 AC and then 4 T separate- I've done 4 of each- why the hell do I have to do two more! I feel mentally tx 5 will be easier than 4- at least during that one I will know I only have to do it more one time after.

My mood today is also helped by some potentially good financial news- I have a supplemental cancer policy I bought last year- haven't actually filed anything yet- at first I was all happy that I'll get some help from it, but then I started to fill out paperwork- it doesn't pay anything in the first 6 months- my chemo addled brain did the math - it had been  5 mos 9 days!!! agh!!! As traumatic as it all was waiting to know, I could have waited a few weeks- I didn't have surgery for another 2 mos almost anyway!

but today, I was thinking about it again- even pulled out the fingers to count on, June 1 to Dec 9 is SIX months 9 days, not 5. I hope I am right.

Ricki13

Hello everyone.  Thankyou for being so supportive and sympathetic over the past few days.  I was quite shocked by how hard I was hit by the Taxotere as I thought it would be easier.  Much less nausea than FEC but it really does your head in doesn't it?!  This morning I can say I feel much better.  Much less muscle pain, less sinus pain etc.  Last night my mouth and gums were very sore but they feel much better this morning. Fingers are still sore but I am more used to it now so finding ways around it.  Oh and yes...urgent bathroom trips are becoming less urgent!

After feeling sorry for myself all Sunday I got a call early Monday from my old boss (from ten years ago) asking if I was free for lunch.  We went and had a lovely lunch.  She was always a very motivating and empathetic person and she let me just talk and talk which was great.   She also made some really great points about my strengths and weaknesses from her point of view which helped me put some perspective on a few things.  Anyway it was just the medicine I needed.

This morning I got a 'help!' from a work colleague so I'm doing some work from home which helps too.  Nice to know they think I can still contribute despite being loopy la la most of the time!

Sunny but crisp day here in Sydney.

 Thanks ladies.

R xo 

crusader1

Good luck tomorrow to Julie and diane and others who are having their Chemos.

I went to the oncologist for a post chemo appt. She told me that she will be putting me on Arimidex. She said that is the drug given to Post Menopausel women. I will have a bone density this coming Thursday.

She did mention something very interesting. There is a drug called Zometa that is given to women with bone mets. That is not my case. But she said their is a study that shows that Zometa not only builds up bone which has been lost due to Aromatese Inhibitors but also helps prevent a recurrence of BC. She said this drug is worthwhile if your insurance company approves it.It is given by infusion twice a year.

Ricki glad to hear some positive vibes coming all the way from Austraila.

Alyad glad you are feeling a little more up too. Hope you get to do some hiking...

Hugs to All.

Francine

moborn63

Hot flashes are a bite are they not. I was always cold natured until I started chemo.

Dawnmrn1

Ricki!  Glad you are doing better, it is always darkest before the dawn!

francine!  thanks for the info on the Femera, I am going for chemo today, and I'll ask my onc about it!

I  think our board is slowing down, know that people are ending chemo, what great support it is!! Thanks to all of you!  Dawn

kim40

I've heard of Zometa too.  I don't know if it is available in Canada but I'm going to ask my onco about it as I've heard wonderful things from women who are on it.  It prevents bone mets.

Hope everyone is doing well and have a free SE day!

ChrisC433

Good Morning Fellow Warriors,

 I just wanted to chime iin and tell everyone that this group has been an incredible support during this whole process.  When I feel like crap, I read about how someone else is and how they are handling it, and that connection reinforces the fact that I can do this.  When I feel good, there are others out there that are also having good days to celebrate.  When I have question...someone has the answers!  When I need to vent...you allow it and then give encouragement.

My chemo is the start of the process for me.  I have surgery in July and then rads.  I guess I started witht he worse and it should get easier from here.

Just feeling a little emotional this morning and wanted to let you all know how much I appreciate the contributions that each of you have made and how as a group we lifted up each other on a daily basis.

Hope everyone is having as few SE's as possible,  Have a glorious day!!!

Chris

pickle

Good Morning Warriors:Yesterday I had my third AC. Got a headache and sinus discomfort but they slowed the drip and it was much better. Steroids will get me through the next few days and then I'll probably hit the wall Thursday/Friday. It's strange how it all seems so matter of fact now....almost routine. Anyway I am meeting with my surgeon today about having my ther breast removed so we'll see what happens there. I assume it would wait until I am fully done chemo and recovered.

Dayla and Ricki: Glad you are both feeling better. I have my really down days too but I kow that i"ll get through it because I see so many of you gals getting through. You are inspirations.

Chris: Well said. This group is such a great source of support. Through highs and lows, there always seems to be someone to chime in and offer their support, hugs, laughs etc.  

Hot Flashes: ugggh! My onco prescribed low dose effexor for hot flashes but I can't take them with one of my nausea drugs so I will start it as soon as I'm done chemo. Effexor apparently puts a halt to hot falshes. Has anyone else tried it?

Sakura and MaidMarion:  Good luck today!

Is anyone else having tx today or tomorrow?

Cheers to a good day.

Beth P

ginagina

Good morning all - I've been reading daily...just not posting. I am in denial that I have my next cycle of CMF this Friday. No hot flashes or finger nail pain. Just peach fuzz, twitching eyes, half my eyebrows and zits on the back of my head.

Pickle - hoping you have a good meeting with your breast surgeon! My mom is going in today a C-125 ultrasound on her ovaries. I say "out of here!"

Melbourne Rachel, MaidMarion, Dawn good luck with your chemo today!!!

Sydney Rachel - I like "loopy la la"...can I use that?

Nasharayne, Janet, Bethr, Syd Rachel and Mel Rachel...all you single gals -  I remember those days (not long ago) and cant imagine being alone through this. On the other hand...women are much stronger than men...and while mine can help me open the yogurt (if he is here), he isn't good on the emotional implications of this disease. I am actually worried about HIS health cause he isn't handling it well. I keep up the smiles with him and call my mom to vent and unwind. Wish she was here open the yogurt but she is 2800 miles away.

Chris - big hug. Your post brightened my mood!!

Arnie - what's up with your port?

NanaA - good luck with your chemo decision. 

Janet - your posts are always so upbeat and positive!

Diane - way to rock the scarf!! I cant do scarfs well, but now have added a purple wig to my collection. Good luck tomorrow!!!

Quick story - I wear my baseball hat virtually all the time. it has now become a security blanket of sorts. The kids at school are very curious and they like to look at that back of my head and tell me that i don't have any hair...but really that is all they see. Today, a gal was commenting on the appearance of the back of my head w/hat when I accidentally knocked my cap off. It was an accident, but you should have seen the look on that little girls face. Her eyes completely bugged out like in a cartoon. I started laughing so hard I thought I was going to pee in my pants!!!  Poor kindergarteners!!!

laurie41

OMG!!!...I can't believe it....I'M DONE!!!... I went to my appointment Thursday thinking I was getting #3 but the doc said that it was #4. My #3 I had a bad reaction and only got the Cytoxan and some of the Taxotere, so I thought I had 2 more to go, but the doc said that it was good, so they gave me Adriamycin and Cytoxan and I was done.

Today is the first day that I have felt good enough to even do anything. The Adriamycin kicked my butt big time. I was in bed from Thursday until Saturday night. Food is my enemy now and it feels like hair is growing on my tongue. But at least I can finally get some work done at home. My house is a mess.

Speaking of my doc...he really pissed me off that Thursday. I got there and he didn't even know or remembered that I had a reaction to the Taxotere. And when I asked him about a CT scan or PET scan when I'm done with everything he told me that I only need a chest x-ray. The others were a waste of money. I think my eyes bugged out. I told him that I wanted to be sure nothing was floating around and he said that the chemo would take care of that. BUT I WANT TO BE SURE!!!

Now i don't know what to do about getting one of those scans. And if my insurance will pay for it. I really want to bop my doc in the head. I worry about things anyway and this doesn't help.

Sorry for the venting but I really needed to let it out with people that understand.

Laurie

pickle

Gina Gina: Nice to see you back on here. Think of you often and have been wondering how you've been doing. Peach fuzz here too. It's nice and soft though. Feels like baby hair.  I can understand the anticipation of another tx is daunting. I woke up Sunday at 3 am with another panic/anxiety attack. That's happened to me twice and it has been always been close to my next round so I know that is what sets it off. I try to keep the "happy face" most of the time but getting close to tx sends shivers down my spine.I woke my husband up to tell him I thought I was having a heart attack which just made my panic attack worse. Sweating, heart racing, indigestion. He said you're having an anxiety attack and I'm telling him maybe it's a heart attck. Similar symptoms...but how do I really know? he got me an ativan....did some deep breathing and then it all settled down. What a mind buster! I take an ativan about 1-1/2 hours before tx and I find that really helps. The anticipation for me has been worse than the actual treatment. Take some time for yourself before Friday to relax and do what works best for you. It's good that you have your Mom to vent to...too bad she's can't be there to give you a much needed hug and help with the yogurt. As a Mom, I'm sure it is hard for her not to bet there too. You have young kids at home which probably makes it a bit more difficult for hubby to get down to the emotional side of things. Our kids are grown and out of the house so my husband has a bit more time to focus on me and this disease but I find we talk about it less and less. He comes home from work tired and has to deal with his own daily stuff. I worry about him too but I think most men just handle things different than women. I remember when my kids were little it used to really annoy me that hubby could go to work and not think about anthing but work. I'd go to work and multitask everything. Make appointemnts for the kids, check their school projects, deadlines, sports activities, what will we have for supper, what do we need for groceries ets....all this while I am at work. I think women are multi taskers by nature and when any illness happens we still think we should do it all and find it hard to ask for help. (plus I was guilty of expecting my husband to read my mind and know what I need) Try not to worry about your hubby, he is probably handling it the best he can in his own way...just maybe not the same way as women do which is perfectly normal.

Loved the hat story.!

Calling all Warriors: I met with the surgeon this morning and so I will proceed with having my other breast removed once I am done treatment. We also talked about recon....The PS would do the TE at the same time as the surgeoon does my other mx. They would put TE in both sides at the same time. The dilema I have is that we are moving to another city at the end of June. It's 3 hours away. My hubby has been transferred back to Edmonton which we are thrilled about because that's where our kids live. I like my surgeon so I want him to do it although he can refer me to one in Edmonton but I just think it may be best to stick with the same guy...same technique. I can come back here and stay with my brother post surgery but then I would have to come back every 2-3 weeks for fills. I remember when I had my first mx that I found it hard to drive in a car because the bumps in the road really bothered my chest so the 3 hour drive every couple of weeks might really suck. Does anyone have any TE expander input...I know I asked about this before but I am concerned about the pain and discomfort with the travel back and forth...any opinions would really be appreciated. He thinks TE will be my only option because I don't have enough tissue for anything else. He is getting me an appointment with the PS so I'll see what he says too.

Wow this is a long post...sorry it must be the steroids!

pickle

Laurie: Wow and congrats! You're done!  As far as getting scans done, I did get a bone scan at the beginning because I have back issues so she wanted to be sure. Then I asked for a cat scan and she said no they don't like to do that without any symptoms. I insisted on getting it for peace of mind and she finally agreed. I will get it on the 20th. Maybe the other gals will chime in with their experience but for myself I had to push it and I'm glad I did. Can you get your general physician to order it for you or does it have to be the onc? When will you see your onc again? Plead with them....peace of mind means a lot.

didle20Diane

Oh, Laurie......you need those scans for peace of mind...my onc had no problem with me getting base line scans before starting chemo and I know that I will be having follow up scans for at least the first 2 years if he and I feel the need.  We have already talked about this.  

Are you going the hormonal route now?  If so, maybe consider using another oncologist to follow you.  I may have to change mine when I start the tamoxifen because my onc (who I LOVE) does not do trials and I am thinking of participating in the trial that adds the drug to possibly prevent bone mets.

CONGRATS though on finishing   Patti and I are done tomorrow and can't wait.

pickle

Diane and Patti: Tomorrow you're done! Yahoo! Gosh it just seems like we all started on this journey and now so many of you gals are finishing up. It's inspiring and let's us all know it's doable...the treatment sucks but it is doable. You go Gals!

Hugs

Beth P

Dawnmrn1

Hi Beth!  Go to Edmunton for your surgery!  If you have a problem you want to be near your MD,Your original PS should be able to give you a referral, they all know one another, and I am sure you will be pleased.  The thought of you driving that 3 hours every couple of weeks is mind boggeling!  I had a TE with my first and had minimal problems, I took tylenol before each fill and I was fine, you will be too. I am an operating room nurse and have seen alot and let me tell you no one will care for you like a PS who you were referred to and if there are problems they will fix it!  They have huge egos,and love all kinds of attention, at least that is my experience! I worked with them for 20 years! It's doable, good luck! Dawn

Dawnmrn1

Diane and Patti!  You go girls!!!!! No SE please!  Dawn

PattiB

Having Hot Flashes Too.

GinaGina - I have been skimming not post much either. But I appreciate your story about the parent/kindergarten class at school.  Working in elementary school office, and as you know I gave up on the wigs a while ago.  The students do say some interesting things, especially when they 1st see you, then they are just fine.  When they ask (and some will) I tell them I'm having treatments that affect my hair.  Do I have hair? I tell them I do have some but not much.  We do have 2 or 3 students that have in the past few years lost a parent or guardian to a different type of cancer, we also have a few that have moms going through BC treatments recently or now, too.  Some from this group have asked and I do tell them but more delicately (can't really fluff over it for them), one did ask (after he ask if I had no hair) if I had cancer and I did tell him "that I had cancer and the treatments are to stop it from coming back".  He just said Oh and left it at that.  Our guidance couselor said to keep any answers simple and only answer what I'm asked. 

Went to Race for a Cure Breast Cancer Run/Walk Sunday in Philly at the Art Museum where Rocky was filmed.  Did the 5K walk with DH, DD, a friend and her DD.  THey have it every Mother's Day.  So many participants, what a great event!!!!  Was beat or sore when I got home so I napped/or was a couch potato the rest of the day.

Laurie - Congrats Laurie on being done!!! I will be having a CAT scan on Monday because I will be moving on to the radiation phase of my treatment and they will need to review that along with my past films, etc. to set up my radiation plan.

Dawnmom and Pikle - Thanks for the Yahoo's!!!

Diane - Tomorrow this time we will have finished chemo treatments - Yeah!!!!!  I have a new cell phone so call if you want, my appointment is 9:40 with Onc and probably won't start chemo until 10:30-11:00 and my battery should be fine. DD will be going with me as well as DH.

didle20Diane

Yay, Patti, talk to you tomorrow!  I am bringing DH even though it is like bringing my 2 year old

ginagina

Yeah Patti and Diane - you go gals!!!

Janet0527

Beth - I think you should really consider changing surgeons for your second mastectomy.  If you want more direct feedback on the TE experience, PM me and I'll send you my phone number if you'd like to talk.  I had mastectomy and TE done in the same surgery on just the left, but will be having the right done following chemo because of my BRCA results.  I don't think a different surgeon is going to do something so radically different from the first that your end result with reconstruction is going to be altered.  The most important piece of the equation is the plastic surgeon.  In my case, he was the one that marked me up prior to surgery for where the breast surgeon would do her incision.  In your case, I would expect your plastic surgeon to look at what's been done already, and work with the new breast surgeon for a similar result, and then he'd do your TEs for you and you'd have ongoing followup for fills and final surgery all locally.  I can't imagne doing any of this 3 hours from where I live. Think hard about the pros and cons.  Take your time also in finding a plastic surgeon that comes highly recommended and that you really like. 

Gina - Good to see you back on the boards.  That picture of you with the pink wig always makes me smile.  When my hair finally starts growing back in, I think I might dye it that color.  Lol.  Okay, not really, but I do love it.

To all the gals wrapping up treatment - I am so happy for you.  Jealous, but happy   By August, I may be the only one left out here, eh?

Dawnmrn1

Hi All!  I had my 4th TAC today and my onc is going to give me a shot of neulasta tomorrow, I know I read that claratin helps, I wonder if allegra does too?  I take allegra for allergies, which are plentiful in NH right now. Also I read that some of you take pain meds, would someone refresh my memory on this subject, please and thanks, Dawn

maidmarion

Laurie Congratulations on being done! What a great surprise. As for scans I have been lit up so many times it's a wonder I don't glow in the dark!...My surgeon had me going for every thing possible. First an MRI on both breasts with contrast to make sure there was nothing else lurking but IDC in my left breast. Then a bone scan, which came back OK, followed by a PET scan which threw up some areas that she wanted  CT scans on my neck chest and abdomen, Namely for a small node on my adrenal gland a slightly enlarged node in my neck on the right side and a few spots on my lungs, all of which freaked me out of course, but on the whole it turned out to be nothing. My radiation Onc saw the PET scan and said she had a hard Job seeing what they had! My Onc doc was not even concerned about the node on my adrenal saying it was really small and most probably benign as they mostly are, but that will be checked regularly most like. It was all very stressful at the time getting all these scans but at least I know my body inside and out pretty much now...oh and get this I have gall stones apparently but I have no problems with them. I agree with Diane and Pickle, push for them if you can for peace of mind.

Diane and Patti Last one...so happy for you!  

Patti well done on the Run/walk you deserved to be a couch potato for the rest of the day. I just sponsored some friends back in the UK who are doing a power walk half marathon in London next Saturday for Breast cancer research and care, walk the walk 2009. Slightly different to the norm as they will be doing it at night, its called The Playtex Moonwalk, yes in decorated Bras no less! Hope its a warm night! the one in the middle is my friend beside her on her left is her boyfriend!

Thanks for all the good wishes for my third TX today..... they only had to stick me twice this time to get the IV in. Weird thing happened though I was eating a sandwich while getting my meds and I suddenly found it hard to swallow, didn't hurt but for some reason I just could not swallow the food, I could drink OK but the food just would not go down. I asked the nurse and he said it can happen but that if I am breathing OK it shouldn't be a prob for too long, anyone else had this prob? 

Talking of exposing baldy heads, I showed mine to my four year old Granddaughter the other day, I talk to her by Skype as they live in the UK, She kept asking about my hair as I was wearing a scarf, and I told her I was taking medicine to make me better but that it had made my hair fall out oh she said then at a later date she had asked to see, I was a bit hesitant at first because its different when you are so far away don't see them regularly, didn't want to scare her off, I needn't have worried, she just threw her head back and laughed out loud!  You look like Granddad (my Ex-husband) and Ian (daughters Boyfriend) Kids eh! 

Here's hoping for minimum SE's girls...sending healing thoughts as always

Julie

Mom_of_boys

Good luck to everyone completing their final tx! 

Even though I am one of the lucky ones who had only 4 TCs, I've been a bit "down" myself.  I certainly hope/think that is normal.  The reality of going on to rads and then Femara for a minimum of 5 years is sinking in.  I've even had some anxious moments worrying I'll be one of the .000000000001% whose hair won't grow back!

I think a Freudian psychologist could have a field day with our March 2009 group.  It's interesting to me how at the beginning, we all joked a lot more.  At least, I know I did.  

I will say AGAIN how important this group has been to me.  It has helped so very much and I remain very thankful!

Luv2sing

Hey Everybody!

Hope everyone had a good weekend and you got to do at least one fun thing.  I'm not even going to try and respond to individual posts ... I'm going to try and speak to things as they come to my mind (OMG!!).   (wearing shades cause I'm sitting here with a blank look on my face - LOL!) 

Coming up on #4 this Friday and my onc said my BRCA results should also be back this week.  Question - Is there a waiting period before starting the Taxol?  I'm already concerned about different SEs and the time it will take to do the tx.

Okay .... Someone said what I was feeling with regard to the motivational group (I think it was Crusader1).  I like the idea, but I agree it would be good to keep it here as a form of encouragement to others who are just beginning the journey or those already on the journey and made need a pick me up.  I really can't handle the thought of posting to another forum ... only because I'm having enough trouble keeping up with TNBC, Facebook, Myspace, Blackplanet, breastcancer.org, ACS and any of the other sites I'm already using to stay informed.  One more site and I may explode or meltdown on my keyboard in mid stroke.  

Ricki/Alyad/Rachel/Sakura - I'm there too.  Even though I'm married, there are days I feel alone.  People are so used to me being the strong one and I find myself now looking for alone time, so I can cry and get it out of my system.  I usually watch a really good emotional movie (Sleepless in Seattle, You've Got Mail, Father of the Bride ... I believe they're called Chick Flix) and keep the soft Puffs by my side.   That way it's not a pity party but more of a cleansing party.  I continue to reach out to my positive people and try find as much humor as I can in any situation.  Singing definitely helps along with cleaning up and rearranging furniture ... making sure to rest when in between.  I may even use the Swiffer duster this week (hee hee).  I get tired of it too and everything seems to be moving too fast, but I  remind self it could be worse.  I just try to make the best of every day.  I truly believe if you encourage others, you will be encouraged.

Hot Flashes - YES!!!!!!!!

Those who are wrestling with decisions regarding treatment ... in the end, it's your body and you are the one who has to go through all this stuff.  As long as you are comfortable with your decision and are not giving up on my life, but instead choosing to live a healthier, less SE fillled life ... do what you feel is right.

Arnie - What sort of problems are you having with your port?  Mine is always sore and it hurts when she accesses it ... even with the numbing stuff.

Laurie - CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!

To all who are coming up on their next tx, I wish you nothing but good thoughts. 

I'm going to have to call it a night (this catching up wears me out).  I'm getting ready to take drugs and hit the bed.  I wish everyone a restful night and better day tomorrow.

moborn63

Go for Tox number 2 tomorrow and then Thursday.....Yeah Vacation in warm Atlanta GA. To see my nephew graduate. 5 whole days to do nothing but enjoy my family and the weather. Watch it rain LOL LOL.

sakura73

maidmarion -maybe it is a Pommy thing! Sausages and mash with lots of gravy - or even better, roast beef with yorkshire pudding smothered in the stuff - is wonderful comfort food. Hope you are feeling okay post-treatment.

I don't have any peach fuzz, just lots of dark stubble (which grew back a fraction of a centimetre after shaving in most places, though am totally bald around the sides, and a few wispy white-ish hairs on top. Mom of boys I too am worried now about being one of the unlucky ones who don't get their hair back!

I am home after my third AC. Emend certainly is the wonder drug - I had no vomiting this time. Since I only had the one dose I have not had any fainting today either - in fact I am totally starving (thank you steriods for this hunger and puffy face) - and am hoping that, on past experience, I will be right to work on Friday and next week. I had such a crowd of visitors that I am sure the other women in my room hated me. One old woman told the nurses if she was looking for a boyfriend she should try my cubicle because it was full of them! (it was, too - my boyfriend, brother and 2 other male friends).

Well done and congratulations to those who are finished with chemo, but of course chemo is not the end of the journey so you all still have the right to feel worried or upset. Mom of boys the 5 year thing is one of the reasons I am probably not going to take Tamoxifen. I don't want to be a cancer patient for 5 years. After radiation is over i intend to eat well and get fitter, but five years of a drug with potential serious side effects (not to mention meaning I can't get pregnant) seems too high a price to pay for me.

I think keeping this thread going while we all go through our post-chemo treatments (whatever they are) is a great idea. 

Pickle - glad your treatment was okay. By the way - watch out for effexor, I hear the withdrawal side effects when you come off it are really hard.

Hot flash club - count me in. Have progressed to night sweats too. I wrote on my blog that I think the term "volcanic interlude" is a better way to describe the flashes. They are soooooo hot. My fertility doctor told me they might reduce as time went on, but so far it seems the opposite is true.

Much love and strength to all.

jdeking

Laurie - Congrats on being DONE! Woohoo!

MOB - I think it is totally natural for you to be down at this point. I have heard that coming off of chemo can be a little depressing, as strange as that sounds. It's kind of a major turning point in this BC business, and when you're through you are left a little hanging... I am confident your hair will grow back better than ever, and life will soon return to normal!

Good luck with last treatments today Patti and Diane! Cheers to being done, and we will all be thinking of you today!

I cracked up at the playtex run maidmarion. That is hilarious, and such a great idea! I may have to borrow it next year for the race for the cure, providing I can shed this steroid/hormone tummy I have acquired! 

Gina ((hugs)) and it is great to see you! How have you been?

NYDEb, Cyndi, Marshall, MichelleinSJ - Hope you are all doing well, haven't seen ya in awhile!

 Everyone have a wonderful spring day, stay cool despite the annoying hot flashes, and no SE's!

Janine

Anonymous

I've been reading every day, just not posted in a while.  I can't begin to express how happy I am for all those that are finishing up .

 At the same time, I'm not very proud of the person  I've become.  I have always been the person everyone calls when they need something.  Now , I'm just Deb, the one with breast cancer that is " handling it soooo well". No one would ever imagine the pity party I am hosting. Time,  drugs and cummulative SEs  are just wearing a lot of us down. Being funny and strong for everyone else is getting old.

TX #4 really dragged me down, but now, at day 6, I am coming out of it. Two more to go and then real decisions about surgery.  The whole triple negative thing still has me worried.  The onco tries to make  like it is " no big deal", more of that sunshine thing.  I know that isn't true and just don't want to revisit this again because we weren't aggressive enough.  Then, I read about some of you going back for more surgeries.  I appreciate that to Dr's, surgeries are just another day at the office.  Not so much for someone who has never been sick..

     I go back to work tomorrow and it will be a welcome distraction.  It's very tiring as I miss my afternoon siesta, they frown on that at work, go figure? 

And, I'll join the massive hot flash group.  Sleeping at night is a blanket adventure, on, off, on, off, like practicing to be a matador.  My poor DH feels like he is sleeping in a meat cooler.

Well, I feel better getting all my whining out......wheew.  Time to go out and enjoy this beautiful spring weather, do some yard work and cut some grass.  Maybe , I'll talk my hubby into a bike ride this evening.

Deb

Mom_of_boys

Raymon... I like that line... more of a cleansing party instead of a pity party!

moborn63... Fair warning... IF you're going to a college graduation, they can take forever!  lol

sakura73... I think in many ways I have struggled with the Femara issue as much as if not more than the chemo/rads.  My onc said it was okay for me to begin the Femara AFTER rads... I told her it was because I just wanted to deal with one thing at a time; however, my primary reason is I want more time to consider it and research it.  Again, my heart goes out to you and others who have the fertility issues to deal with.

Janine... Thank you so very much for the kind words.  Also, IowaDiva is another one we haven't heard from in a long time!

NYDeb... Owe you an e-mail... needed some advice on baseball this weekend.  I agree with your entire posting!  I'm almost two weeks out from my last chemo and I feel extremely tired and am soooo ready to be my "normal" self again.  Matador???  That's a great line... my husband has actually taken to sleeping in a spare bedroom for a while.