Chemo Starting Sep 09
Comments
-
Good Morning!
Just a short note as I am at work right now. A little slow right now because most people do not get in until 8:30am.
Next week is my last A/C. Then it is on to Taxotere - every three weeks X 4. Then surgery after that.
Got really fed up with my insurance company this week. They sent me an e-mail that I read right before leaving and no time to call anyone. Told me that my oncologist was not part of my PPO network. Really pissed me off because number 1 they have been taking my co-pays right along. My husband was also with me first time I went in his office and we had to wait 10 minutes while they double checked.
Well, it ends up that they were wrong. Called doctors office next day and they faxed me a copy showing that he was. They expected me to straighten out their mess. We have enough stress in our life and should not have to deal with all of this. Anyway, it is now straightened out but really a major hassle. Enough of my complaining for right now.
Actually cool in Florida right now. Had the heat on my car this morning. Of course, having lived in Florida now for 20 years I have become a real wimp. My bald head was cold this morning when I got out of bed....
Anita glad you have joined us. Sorry you have to be here but this group of wonderful women has helped make this much easier to deal with. For those that have had treatments and problems this week --- my thoughts are with you.
Love ya all,
Barb T
-
Morning Ladies!
My heartfelt wish for all of you this morning is simple. HAVE A GREAT DAY! Having just one great day seems so very impossible at times.
I am taking DH out for a romantic night tonight. I've got to iron my clothes, and take my energy pills, but bless his pea pickin heart, he's been so good to me, it's time I repay him. He's going to help a buddy move his son and dil into their first new home today. With all we have going on, my bc, his mothers stroke, his step dad's dementia, my daughter being a butthead, he still finds time to help out a friend. He's a good man. Spent three hours in a hospital yesterday with our two year old grandson while I got my port out. He's nearly a saint. LOL
To all of you who have had tx this week.......take it easy. Rest, eat when you can, drink lots of yummy fluids, and just relax. There is a lot of Hallmark movies on this weekend.....make the couch your friend. I love you all ladies. We are incredible
-
Good Morning
At work and feeling good.
Vickilynn- good luck with your onc today.
Anita-I'm glad your infusion went well. Hopefully there will be no se's
Holly- WOW!! what a wonderful group of people you work with. You are blessed.
Susan- Glad tx went well. The last one Hurray! Rest and drink up.
Jane - We do have that terrible weather here. It is a soup day. I am torn about next week finally the last one but I still don't want to go.
Pamelajo- No more port. You are free.
BarbT- The last thing we need right now is to worry about insurance. I'm glad you got in straightened out.
Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend.
THINK POSITIVE
Catherine
-
Hello Ladies,
Thank you for reminding me to drink, I tend to avoid it and I need to make myself get started. You are all such wonderful caregivers. I appreciate you.
Pamela, have fun on your date. I am sure he will appreciate it greatly.
Catherine, I know that dread anticipating the last tx. Mine went the best of all of them. I wish the same for you. I will be sending you positive vibes. What day is your tx?
Barb, and all on the east coast, sorry for your yucky weather. I hope you have a marvelous day.
I called Melinda this morning and she is doing okay. I am sure she will be along soon to let everyone know what is going on. I think we can all get overwhelmed and it takes a while to regroup. It was really good to talk to her, she is amazing.
To all of you other wonderful ladies, I love you, and I hope you have the most peace filled, glorious, Friday the 13th on record.
Love & Hugs,
Susan
-
Hi to all my amazing September Sisters!
Thanks Susan for your call today.....It was wonderful to talk and your so sweet.
Life has been a little frustrating these last 2 weeks...I really expected to feel a little more like the old me, but it hasn't happened. Queasy stomach, sour stomach, gas, gastro pain, head pain, exhaustion from morning til nite, hot flashes and the feeling like this will never end. I had so much hope and excitement built up for feeling good and having energy, but now I'm so angry for it still to be gone! I went to a bonfire last weekend and really just didn't care to converse with my old friends. No energy, no feelings, just blah, blah, blah.... I haven't felt like joining in here and maybe feeling a bit sorry for myself. I just wonder if I'll ever get back to normal....
My son ended up with an abscess in his gum this past weekend and spent 2 days at 3 Dr's offices and then the oral surgeon removed a baby tooth and an adult tooth..then two days to recoup...I hated for him to have to go through it...huge swelling in his cheek and pain...IV to knock him out for the tooth removal and he even had to take an ativan...which I proudly announced I had a whole bottle of and didn't have to pay for another precscription! He's back at school today and chattering up a storm, so I know he's feeling better. He's been out of the loop since Saturday... all this happening while DH was in Canada for a week for work....whenever he goes away, thing go crazy around here.
My last chemo was 2 weeks and 5 days ago...today, I feel the best I have in a long time. The sun is shining and will be in the 50's for the next week and sunny...I hoping for a ray of sunshine to brighten my mood...I am so angry right now....as you all mentioned...I miss my hair, energy and clear thinking head...my girlfriend who has beat ovarian cancer said it will be slow coming...that one day I'll just realize that I am better...it will surprise me. I hope it's soon.... It took me an hour to catch up on posts. Most of us are at the end of hard stuff chemo....my best advice to you guys is....don't expect too much too soon...it will take a while to heal all the damage the chemo has done to us...I really expected to walk away from this at the end of two weeks...and I was so wrong....my expectations were all wrong....but today is a new day....a good day....
Good posts about husbands...mine has been wonderful as well....with a few stupid slips as well... but I know he is trying to keep our life as normal as possible (my wishes) and he jokes trying to keep all of us smiling and happy....everyday.... his heart is in the right place...I'm lucky to have him.
Congrats to all who have finished up. Welcome to Anita...nice to have you here... Good luck ladies on taxol..... I am whining and you are continuing the next step of your journey.... you are brave and amazing....
I have been working on our pendant, but still not too happy with it...I am also thinking maybe we should have a mug option...a mug or a pendant? Any thoughts anyone...
Thinking of you all...my apologies disappearing for so long....guess I was just feeling sorry for myself....
Hugs and ladybugs (they seem to have settled in here for the winter) to you all!
Melinda
-
I am posting because I don't want anyone to wonder.
I love everything you have written and I really want to address everything and everyone, but I am too tired.
I did fine Tuesday (day of TX AC 3) Went to work Wednesday, 8 hours, had the Nulesta shot, went home as normal. Thursday morning it all hit my like a freight train. I have been in so much pain (it always seems to hit my shoulder blades) I couldn't take my coat off. I am more tired than I have ever been. I can't work, and you know how moody our mouths and stomachs are. And I have cried a lot.
I love you all and wish you well. I will write when I get it together a little more
Barbara
-
Has anyone has have hives??? I have them since Monday!
Any suggestion?
-
Just wanted to give you all an update after visiting the onc. this morning. I was very proud of myself - I didn't get tear-y, didn't get upset, didn't get mad, and I didn't get intimidated either.
She said, "that's not neuropathy" and I said, "I know. What I had was nerve pain" and I told her it was like someone had a cattle prod - zapping me in different parts of my body. And she said, "I've been doing this a long time and I've never had anyone describe what you described." "Well, this is what I had!"
So then she gave me 4 options and after talking about them all, we decided on #3 which is to switch from Taxol to Taxotere which supposedly has less nerve symptoms/SEs than the Taxol. The other upside - it will be 1 month less than the Taxol. Also - no decadron needed. But I will have to go back the nuelasta shots.
But I am at peace with this decision and like I said I was proud of myself for not backing down and not letting her tell me I was making this all up.
And my bp was 106/69 instead of the normal 130/80 so I know I was calm!
Thanks for all your encouragement.
Susan - Again - congrats!!! And thanks for checking on Melinda. We should all give you our phone #'s!! You are such an encourager (thank you for the card).
Melinda - I think you're right. I do expect to start feeling good right away after chemo ends. Sorry for your harsh reality.
Barbara - sorry for the harsh SEs and just plain misery.
BarbT- glad you got the ins. worked out. What a pain.
Catherine - glad you're doing well
To all - you're in my prayers and thoughts. Vickilynn
-
Flac...I would call your doctor....Didn't have them myself, but would think it's allergy related and doesn't sound fun at all!
Melinda
-
Melinda, Halloween day, 2 days after my tx, I had an annual party to attend. Everyone was excited about it except me, the Monday afterward a friend had a birthday party for her one year old. Up until then I was putting on the old "happy face" and meaning it but that weekend I knew I couldn't fake it.
I let my boys dress me up like Led Zepplin (I was able to hide under hat, beard and sunglasses) and I made it 1.5 hours holding the wall up and not approaching anybody. I told my son I was going home and to call me if any of the drinkers didn't have designated drivers and I left. I told him I was just tired. I didn't even make it to the car before I started crying. Cried all the way home and then again for DH (he is not a party goer). I didn't even attempt the baby's party. I felt as tho I couldn't trust myself not to cry. I remember thinking (at the party watching them all dance) that I am the only one here that has cancer. I was throwing my own pity party. I also had just made an arrangement with my sister to undress our mother on weekend nights because I couldn't trust my crash from the steriods. I cry through that sometimes and I am more sensitive to her negative comments and if I cry she feels bad and then I feel bad and it doesn't end. (she has alzheimer's). It lasted about a week.
What I am finally getting at is the bad funk lasted about a week and this past week has been loads better . I'm hoping yours will, too. It is like after a certain amount of time of putting on the happy face you hit a wall. Then people like Pamelajo (and many others) say really great things and you start to come out of it. I love this forum. I want everybody to know that even though I'm usually very shortwinded.
Not through........Continue on next post.....just couln't risk losing it.
Amy
-
Now for the good news!
Saw my onc today and she is almost 100% positive I will be NED before my surgery next month. I just completed 10 rounds of Taxol/Herceptin (have 2 more to go) and she says I am responding beautifully. She says that right now I probably already have a 40%-60% chance of not reoccurring and after surgery she says that some onc's would probably recommend no need for further chemo and rads after surgery but she has learned to trust her first instinct and recommends it because my cancer was pretty nasty at the beginning. I told her I would want to have everything anyway so she wasn't going to get any resistance from me. I want everything she can throw at me.
Very , Very good news today. Because even with all the good news you hear here and other places, I was still very worried about reoccurance which, in my case, would probably go to bones next. Not a pleasant thought.
So, Love to you all, Love to my onc, and love to the people that developed Taxol/Herceptin.
Amy
-
If you have any nausea problems ask your doctor to prescribe EMEND Just finished 6 chemo
treatments with this medicine--not 1 day of nausea.
-
TGIF SOSisters....
Pamelajo - congrats on being deported!! A date with hubby. Going someplace special? What does LMAO stand for? Baking this weekend? I only have about 6 days left for my taste buds disappear again!
ChinaBlue - doesn't it seem great to say I will be done in March, no more chemo, no more rads!
Amy - congrats on your wonderful news. I will be on the Herceptin train with you until Sept. 2010. Thank you for sharing your story about Halloween and the b'day party. We need to hear these things so that when it happens to us we know our sisters have gone before us and it too shall pass. None of us want to be depressed, down, angry but it all comes with the cancer and we all have to fight through it altho sometimes we just don't want to and just don't care. That's why we need each other - good and bad times.
Anita - I take Advil for the aches & pains, however a lot of our sisters take Claritin with great results. Glad your txt went well, hope you don't have any other se's.
Susan - congrats on being done! We are so happy for you. There are a lot of us who will be doing Tamoxifin so we will be interested in hearing how that goes - full details. Do you have to take it for 5 years? That's what my onc says for me. Thank you for calling Melinda for us. I was worried about her, so glad you had her number. Hope your last txt will be without side effects!
Barbt0323 - glad you will be thru with the AC next week. Isn't it nice to countdown as Vickilynn said? Yes insurance companies can be a pain, mine wasn't paying anyone because of some stupid questionaire I had already sent in twice! Hope you have a great weekend and it warms back up in Florida!
Catherine - looks like we may get some sunshine about Sunday! Isn't it nice to know that while you have to be back in the chair next week it is your last one? I will have 2 more "bad" chemos to go after next week plus Herceptin every week until Sept. 2010!
Melinda - I am so glad you posted. Been worried about you girl. I'm sorry you are having such a rough time but want to thank you for sharing with us. I have a friend who told me that it took her a good couple of months to get back to normal and she had expected to bounce right back too. Your sharing has now prepared all of us for what is too come and we won't expect too much thanks to you! Sorry you had to be the one to experience this first but you will also be the first to get back to normal! I like the thoughts of both the mug and the pendant - I will leave that decision to you since you are our talented sister. I'm happy with whichever you choose. Hope your son is feeling better. Please don't wait so long to post - just say hello if you don't want to type alot. That way we will know you are ok!
BarbAnne41 - sorry #3 hasn't been kind to you. Guess #3 kicked all our butts. Does this mean four will be better? Guess many of us will know that answer about this time next week. Have you tried the Claritin? Crying is good, it relieves stress. Doesn't do much for your eyes but can't have everything. Hang in there girl, it will get better!
Flacracker - did you call your doctor? Might try Bendryl, good for hives.
Vickilynn - Way to go!!! I'm glad your appt went well, we were thinking of you. I do the taxotere because of my heart. I do however have numb fingers and it seems to get alittle worse with each txt. However, it is not painful. When will you start the taxotere? I'm so glad the doctor listened and you are comfortable with your decision.
I know I haven't mentioned everyone but hope you are all doing well. Have a busy weekend - going to try to get a lot done since next weekend I'll be headed to the couch. Hope all of you have a great weekend, for those who had txt this week, hope you have few if any side effects.
Thoughts and prayers are with you!
Jane
-
Jane, I have my TXs on Friday mornings. Had my first of 12-weekly Taxol's this morning and had no reactions during the infusion. Yeah!
Ports...you either love 'em or hate 'em. Mine was installed 6-weeks ago but it wouldn't pull blood back so they were afraid to use it during AC. They used it today for the Taxol and it was perfect. I loved not having the IV vein fishing expeditions and leaving with a bruise-free arm.
Denver Diva, congratulations! Loved the song!
Patty
-
Morning September Sisters...I slept in til 7:30 this morning...a major accomplishment for me! The house is quiet, drinking my tea and eating yogurt with grapes and apples...out of granola ;-( I find this makes my stomach happy first thing in the morning. Yesterday my head was more clear, no gastro issues and energy -with energy comes a feeling of happiness....what a great feeling! Today I'm feeling good too...going to my studio to work on my projects and start a few Christmas presents. It's not so far away and I haven't given much thought to it at all. Tuesday is my surgery for lumpectomy...no apprehension...feeling good about the results there...clearly my lump has shrunk and I'll be curious how much it actually has... sometimes when I feel it it seems sooo small and other times it seems bigger than before. My surgeon says with chemo it goes through a process and that on chemo week it may feel larger as the cells swell when they are dying and could appear to be larger. By the end of 2nd week it always was smaller....crazy. So I am in the third week and it still seems to be shrinking..so I am happy about that....I wondered if it would stop affecting the tumor after week 2....but seems to be going in the right direction....also having beautiful hot flashes, which I hear is a good sign for estrogen + cancers like mine.
Amy- thanks for sharing your party story...I get it way to well....It's very close to how I feel.... I also felt that people were talking at me not to me...like it was their duty.... maybe that was my perception...and not really true...not sure...but it was uncomfortable around most everyone, but my kids and one of my friends mom talked to me a long time. She was fun and nice and I felt really good sitting with her... Congrats on the terrific news....it is so calming and powerful to hear.
Jane- thanks so much for your worries...I am doing better these last few days...how are you doing? Missed you!
Vicki Lynn-Great job on knowing you inside and out....it will make a huge difference in your se's! Glad your hubby's getting back on track...it has to be making your lives so much easier.
Susan...I know your ;ow days are close....hope all is well....thinking of you!
Barbara - are you taking clariton? Just wondering if you tried it for the neulasta pain? Hope it's getting better.
Pamelajo...hope you had a hot and steamy evening with wonderful food and more! :-)
Onty...how are you doing? Wondering how the last AC hit you? When do you start taxol?
Everyone else....hope all is going well and wishing you all tigger days....and lot's of internal sunshine!
Melinda
-
Hello all of my dear SOSisters,
I am up and going today, (well the day is early, we shall see). I slept a ton yesterday, and that was wonderful. I had lunch with a girlfriend, sushi, (nothing raw for me), it settled pretty well, and then I just had cereal for dinner, which was a good plan. I let the family do their own thing and let that be okay. That might not sound like much, but for me it was a good thing. Today, I have a few minor things to do, and then I am going to indulge myself in more sleep if I need it. If I have the energy, I might make dinner and bake something, because my college girl will be home, but if I don't have the energy we won't starve. I'll send hubby to the store for something easy. I kind of feel like I have taken charge of my life, and I like it.
Melinda, it is so good to see you posting, I am glad you are feeling better. Low days are no fun, and maybe we all need to remember to send our most positive vibes to those sisters who aren't posting. They may be going through a rough time. I am so glad that your lump has gotten smaller. That is the best news ever. I can hardly wait to hear what they say after your surgery. Will it be out patient, or do you have to stay overnight? I will be sending you good vibes. It is snowing here again, so if you feel a cool breeze that's me.
Patty, thank you for posting. I am glad they were able to use your port. I didn't get one, and I can tell you it would have been a blessing. I hope your Taxol goes really well. What is next for you after that?
Jane, you always do such a good job addressing everyone. I think that is wonderful. It shows how organized you are. I hope you have a fantastic weekend. I know you have a tx coming up. I will be thinking of you, is this the second to the last bad chemo? Keep smiling.
Amy, thank you for posting the party story. It helps to know that we all deal with stuff like that. I have felt like people were staring at me at church, and the store. I don't know what to do in that situation, except figure that it is their problem, still it is hard. I have had a hard time having normal conversations with acquaintances, it is like I don't want to talk about me, but they want to know what is up with me. It is all hard at times. Your news about your lump is the best though, so that is something to celebrate. What day is your surgery scheduled? I will be thinking of you.
Vickilynn, when do you start Taxotere, and how many doses are you having? I had T/C and I am sure you will be fine. I think it may cause more nausea than Taxol, but I don't think it is as bad as A. I am glad you stood up for yourself, and I am sure you are going to have a great outcome.
flacracker, I hope you are feeling better, hives are no fun. I hope you have a great weekend.
Barbara, I am so sorry you have been having so much pain. I hope you are feeling a little better today. I know it takes time. I know how it is when all you can do is cry. It happens to all of us, and I think it is cleansing, and helpful to just let the emotions flow. You are a wonderful person, and I can hardly wait to read your next post!
Barb, I hope your weather is better for the weekend. I am glad your insurance got straightened out. It sucks enough to be going through all of this without having to deal with the insurance part. Have a wonderful weekend.
Catherine, glad you are feeling good. You have a wonderful weekend too.
Pamela, glad you are having a good time. I am sure your weekend will be wonderful, but I will send you good vibes too. Hallmark movies sound like a good plan. I hope your daughter resolves her buttheadedness. I have two of those potential butt-heads too, they are being good just now, but it could erupt at any time.
Onty, Holly, Mari, Toni, RonnieKay, and all of you other beautiful ladies, keep us posted on how you are, and warm wishes for a great weekend.
-
Dear Melinda, DenverDiva,
Thank you for asking about me. So far AC #4 is the best infusion cycle for me. Water and iced tea seem to work! I get the weekly Taxol starting Nov/23.
Hope everyone is having a relaxing weekend with minimal side effects.
-
I may be a complete optimist or slightly delusional, but I think my hair is growing. Any hair growth out there?
Whenever I start feeling the self pity thing, I try to go outside take some deep breaths, think of one thing positive, and remember time is precious why waste it in tears. It is not easy.
Today, I thought of you ladies.
-
Thinking about the the inappropriate things people can say/do without meaning to be unkind...does anyone else notice that when you tell someone you have breast cancer their eyes seem to immediately drop to your boobs? Sometimes I can tell that they don't want to look (or don't want me to see them looking)..but they just can't help taking a peek. This is another thing to add to the list of "don't do's" in the future!
Patty
-
China...I shaved under my arms yesterday and definite hair coming in on my legs...I think I see a tinny shadow coming in on my head just a speck....maybe hopeful thinking :-) It looks dark too..not gray...yippee... never lost my eyebrows or lashes and still have all the hair in my picture on my head...now I'm sorry I cut it so short...but it's really thin and I look sickly....so I'm excited to have a shadow of hair underneath and then I'm going hat/wig free unless it's cold.... so a little light in our lives....from a hair shadow
...go figure... Burning eyes...I've been using allergy eye drops...seems to help a little....burns for a second then they feel better for quite a while...
Going out for dinner tonite....and planning to have a Blue Moon Ale.... one of my favorite "special" Ale's.....Not sure what kind of food yet!
Have a nice evening everyone! Hope the sun rays got too ya...If not, now I'm sending soothing moonbeams...and sweet dreams...all night long...
Melinda
-
hey Susan I am so pleased for you! Glad it went well.
I am also REALLY missing Melinda, Toni and RonnieKay. I hope they are all doing OK. I worry about them though...
Ditto Anita on the black nail polish to counteract taxol effect on nails - my chemo unit suggests this too (as well as having my hands in icy cold frozen mittens during the infusion) and so far (touch wood) I have not had any nail problems to speak of. I cheated a bit and put really dark red on and they said "no it has to be black" so now I put a coat of black, a coat of that milky white stuff, then a coat of dark red, and that seems to work without looking toooo gothic!
I have had quite a pleasant weekend after having to postpone tx last week - a bonus weekend of sorts, as I have not felt sick as I had expected, and even had lunch with a friend on Sat.
I go back Tues for attempt number two at treatment no 4. Feeling anxious but we will see what the day brings. Wish me luck gals.
Neece
-
Having joint and leg pain from taxol. Ugh. Taking percocet. Does claritin work for joint and bone pain with taxol? I thought that it only worked with Neulasta shots.
-
Oh Scoobydoo - so sorry to hear about your pain. It must be bad to take percocet. Was that your first Taxol? Have you spoken to your onc? Please give him a call.
-
Hi Scoobydoo
Some posts on these boards have mentioned joint and body pain from Taxol as well as from Neulasta. I am not sure, but I agree with Chinablue - if pain seems beyond what you might expect it is important to speak to your Dr. I would try claritin anyway as it can't hurt. Hope it improves for you soon. Gentle hugs
-
Hello SOSisters.... can't believe it's Sunday evening already. It has been a beautiful weekend here in NC with mild temps and lots of sunshine!
Patty - any reaction from the taxol? Glad they could use your port. I'm so glad I have one, I hate needles even tho they said I had good veins said they wouldn't last through the txts. I haven't noticed anyone looking at my breasts but it certainly is something we should all be aware of, people don't think sometimes.
Melinda - so glad you feeling better and have some energy. I'll be thinking of you on Tuesday and sending positive vibes. Do you have a good sports bra? It will help the first few days after surgery. I never took anything stronger than Aleve and Advil. I hope your surgery goes just as smoothly. I have to confess I have never described any of my hot flashes as beautiful!
Glad to hear your hair is coming back. I've lost a few eyebrows and eye lashes but nothing too bad. How was dinner and your Blue Moon? Hope you had a great time! Just think with this surgery you won't loose your taste buds or be nauseated! You will be fine!Susan - hope your weekend was relaxing and you enjoyed having your college girl home. So glad to hear you are resting and being good to yourself. I have 3 txts left, last on on New Year's Eve. I'll be delighted to say it's over!
Onty - I hope you have a good week this week before starting Taxol on the 23rd. Has the remains of Ida finally left New Jersey? Know you were having some ugly weather up there.
ChinaBlue - I think my hair is growing and I still have 3 txts left! So....I'm going to be optimistic and delusional with you! And you know, sometimes those tears just need to come out and then it is easier to find the positive.
Neece - glad you are getting to enjoy your bonus weekend. Sorry for the reason you got the bonus however. We'll all be thinking of you on Tuesday and praying that they can give you your txt without subjecting you to numerous sticks. Have you considered a port? Sure would make your txts easier on you and you wouldn't have to worry how it was going to go each time. Please let us know how it goes as soon as you feel up to it. I'm with you about Mari, RonnieKay and Toni. I don't like that we have no way of knowing how there doing. Isn't amazing how attached we have all become? I feel like we have friends missing and may need our support. Hopefully they will check in soon.
Anita - I agree with everyone else, please call you onc about your bone pain. If you are taking percocet it must be pretty bad. The only thing I might add is sometimes depending on how fast you get your txt can determine some of the side effects (or so I have been told). My onc nurse does my Herceptin over 2.5 hrs and when I have all 3 chemos at the same time I am in the chair from 10-2:30. Their thinking is the body accepts the chemo better if it is pushed slowly. Don't know if that helps or not, just a thought. And I agree you should try the Claritin, it won't hurt and maybe it will help. Hope you feel better soon!
Pamelajo, BarbAnne, Barbt, Holly, Vickilynn, Flacracker, Catherine, Amy, CAW2630, Mari, Ronnie Kay, Toni and everyone else I forgot to mention - hope you are having a wonderful Sunday with no side effects and lots of sunshine. Hope everyone has a good Monday!
Thoughts and prayers are with you!
Jane
-
Hello my lovely SOS sisters,
After my last 2 posts, I logged on again tonight and lo! There was a whole page of posts from you all that hadn't shown up for me before! How strange. So I had a lot of catching up to do. Anyway so glad to read posts from Melinda (sorry you have been doing it tough, and like others I appreciate your trailblazing for us into the post chemo uncharted territory)and so sorry to read of the difficulties others are facing like parties that don't feel like fun (I am amazed though Amy, that you even considered attending on day 2 after tx - you are a hero!) and Barbara's terrible pain. On the up side, great news Amy - you are truly inspirational with your positive attitude and 'throw everything at it' approach; and congrats Susan on a successful discussion with your oncologist. And glad that Onty's tx 4 went well.I am so proud of you all! Good luck Melinda with your surgery - will definitely be sending healing thoughts across the ocean to you. Pamelajo hope your night out with hubby was lovely.
Chinablue I have had an extra half week between tx's due to delay last week and I have noticed some stubble appearing on my scalp! Definitely not imagining it!
Vickilynn I am on Taxotere (at same time as A/C) and I have not had any neuropathy or similar. I hope yours goes well.
Tomorrow is my tx day - if they can't get a vein easily I will ask for a port as I am still only half way thru treatments and will have 3 more to do.Can this happen very quickly or does it take a long time to organise? The other option for me to get my tx's completed without delaying right into late Jan is to ask to have my final tx at a different hospital, that might not close over the january holiday period as my hospital will do, if they can fit me in.... Anyway it will all be resolved (hopefully) or at least I will have some better idea of timing, after tomorrow.
love to all my beautiful, funny, tough, inspirational and caring SOS.
A friend of mine (also doing the bc thing) said to me recently "Never push a woman with breast cancer". I think she's right!!
-
Hello my September Sisters-
Thank you for all your well wishes, thoughts and prayers. I did take my Claritin, right on time an hour before the shot and then once a day for 2 days after. But it was like the first shot only worse, and my back, especially my shoulder blades and neck get the pain the worst. But I am out of pain, just started eating more "normal" if you can call what we do post chemo normal, and just fighting the fatigue and side effects of a bout of constipation, if you know what I mean.
The crying for me came out of no where last Thursday. I was trying to go to work and run some paperwork to various places on my way to work and moving with that much pain and fatigue was a herculean effort, so I would spontaneously burst into tears-couldn't stop it. Like BarbT I realized i needed to go home early Thursday and stay home. I will not be going back until Wednesday this week and then I am leaving early to go to LGFB class. But I Will work a full schedule Thursday and Friday, because I think I will be up for it. Thank fully for my TX next week I do not need to work afterward, except Wednesday morning, since it is Thanksgiving and I get a long holiday weekend.
Sorry about the whining I just needed to tell someone who would understand and I know you ladies will. So my question to you all is last Friday I thought, where am I gonna dig deep in myself to get me into that chair next TX. I feel better enough now, I still don't want to think about it, but man-last week and some over the weekend, I really didn't know how I would. And the people around me are like of course you'll be ok. They don't understand and I don't blame them but gosh it is hard isn't it?
By the way to add to thoughtless comments after I got to work last Thursday, now known as the day I should have never gone in, a teacher came in to ask how I was, who knew I had just had another round of chemo, and I explained how rough I was, and a student, (I work at a college) who I would place in his fifties said to the teacher, she just has a bug she'll be fine. The student didn't know me from Adam, and the teacher looked horrified. I wear a hat so there was no mistaking my baldness unless you are blind. I just looked at him and said-I just finished my 3rd round of chemo, a bug it is not.
Ok my rambling is done, I will try to post to everyone later I just dont want to lose this.
My love to you all
Barbara
-
Hello Sisters
Just spent 45 mins getting caught up with everyone. The weather is sunny and mild here in NJ. Spent this weekend putting our bedroom back together. We had it painted, got new blinds and curtains and a giant recliner. I love the room and now will have a big cozy chair to rest in after chemo.
Susan- Thrus. is the big day. Can't wait for it to be over.
Melinda- Thanks for your post. I was hoping for a quick recovery after my last tx. but I will keep you words in mind.
BarbAnne- I am so sorry you were feeling bad. I am not looking forward to this weekend. Just like you the day after is ok than Wham. Just rest and take some meds. for the pain.
Vickilynn- I have heard that taxotere has less se's than taxol. I am on taxotere and do not have any nerve pain from it. I am glad you made a choice and are at peace. One of the most important things is to lay down at night feeling confident that we are making the right choice.
Amy- We are all entitled to our emotions. Hopefully letting it out will help you move on and feel better. I'm so happy about the news from your onc. I agree with you I am throwing everything at this cancer.
Jane- We are in the same boat. Gearing up for tx this week.
Tma3- Good luck tomorrow. I will be thinking of you. I also have had the burning eyes since my last tx.
Onty- Happy to hear #4 went well.
Chinablue- No hair here yet.
Neece- Good luck tomorrow. Hopefully those veins will cooperate.
THINK POSITIVE
Catherine
-
Hi SOSisters,
Today is beginning of week 4 after my last A/C. I'm finding that I have one great day then one ok day right now. Ok meaning little sluggish feel ok but a tiny unsettled feeling in my stomach...so things are def better but not 100%, I'd say around 80%. My head feels much better, but still a little chemotarded at times...and have been eating hot wings, gumbo and mexican without issue. I missed spicy sooo much...it is a good feeling to be able to have it again.
I never got my good beer or dinner out. My teentarded 16yr step daughter decided to leave her friends at the mall and met up with an older boy for a few hours...not the plan...and by accident got caught in it....so we had to nix the plans and find her as she decided not to answer our calls....for 2 hours....needless to say..the cell phone is gone and grounded for a short time... it's not that she lies, she just adjusts her situation to fit her needs and doesn't always share the whole truth. She's been caught in half truths before and she's been working up to more priveledges etc... glad I'm feeling better or she may have been grounded for life and would be given one of those old 10# cell phones from 10 years ago.... She wanted a phone # from her phone and I told her it was off limits...said she could use the phone book....(cat screeches) took her a while to find the #.... anyways...hopefully we're back on the right track again....Barbara....geez...I really do understand. I found that as I began to feel better between tx's it was easier to go...as I knew I would have some good days in between... Enough good days to be ok with it....the final result is the light at the end of this dark, miserable tunnel. Nobody gets this except those who have gone through it....and to hear that it will be ok from anyone else, really carries no weight when you are feeling like crap. Let me tell you....it will not be a fun week after your next chemo (you know that already) the following week may not be fun either (you know that too) but, when your done....you will slowly begin to feel better and it will take a while...but the sadness will leave, and the anger will leave and the tiredness will leave and the cancer will leave...then the happiness will begin, the joy of day to day life will set in, the overwhelming feeling of love of friends and family will be more meaningful and life will begin to feel really, really good.... and that's what will get you in the chair the next time...to get the good life back...and live....and live and live...
I thank God each morning---through chemo and now...for the opportunity to rid myself of this and giving me the strength and friends/family to keep me going forward. It will get better....be strong and we are here for you! It gets you down....but just keep going forward....take advantage of the good days....and rent lot's of movies.... I'm cheer'in you on! Go Barbara...you can do it! Go Barbara...you can do it! Go Barbara...you can do it! Oh...and there really are stupid people out there....I guess it could be worse...we could be stupid and have cancer.... whoa....haha!
Thanks Neece, Jane, Catherine and everyone else for the well wishes tomorrow....can't wait to get this lump removed! Then flyin' free and healing time through Christmas....anyone else starting radiation in January?? I haven't met with that group yet, but I'm sure it won't be long til I start scheduling my appointments. I'll be in touch soon.
Have a warm snuggly evening with great tasting food....get a great nights sleep and sending vibes for a calm belly....
Melinda
-
Good Afternoon September Ladies!
I have my first Taxol treatment on Wed. and am starting to get a little nervous...I have just recently been having some mild (except for fatigue, which is severe) symptoms from the A/C...feeling a little nauseated, no appetite...just generally unwell. Still working although I will be taking the whole day off on Wed. because I don't know how I will be affected with the new drug. I agree that noboby understands this unless they are going through it...I left the grocery store in tears on Saturday morning because 4 senior citizen people stared at me like I wasn't even watching just because I had a bandana on and no wig....same thing happened at breakfast yesterday. Yes, I don't have any hair, but neither does my boyfriend and nobody was staring him down...just having a real hard time with that and as everyone is with everything. I have 4 tx's left and I can't wait to be done.
My hair is growing in on the top...but the sides are smooth. Noticed some leg hair starting back up, but I guess this next tx will take care of that.
This has been a great boost for me reading the posts and responding when I can...you are all amazing women and we will forever share this bond that none of us chose to have, but are standing tall through it all.
Have a great week everyone!!!
Categories
- All Categories
- 679 Advocacy and Fund-Raising
- 289 Advocacy
- 68 I've Donated to Breastcancer.org in honor of....
- Test
- 322 Walks, Runs and Fundraising Events for Breastcancer.org
- 5.6K Community Connections
- 282 Middle Age 40-60(ish) Years Old With Breast Cancer
- 53 Australians and New Zealanders Affected by Breast Cancer
- 208 Black Women or Men With Breast Cancer
- 684 Canadians Affected by Breast Cancer
- 1.5K Caring for Someone with Breast cancer
- 455 Caring for Someone with Stage IV or Mets
- 260 High Risk of Recurrence or Second Breast Cancer
- 22 International, Non-English Speakers With Breast Cancer
- 16 Latinas/Hispanics With Breast Cancer
- 189 LGBTQA+ With Breast Cancer
- 152 May Their Memory Live On
- 85 Member Matchup & Virtual Support Meetups
- 375 Members by Location
- 291 Older Than 60 Years Old With Breast Cancer
- 177 Singles With Breast Cancer
- 869 Young With Breast Cancer
- 50.4K Connecting With Others Who Have a Similar Diagnosis
- 204 Breast Cancer with Another Diagnosis or Comorbidity
- 4K DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ)
- 79 DCIS plus HER2-positive Microinvasion
- 529 Genetic Testing
- 2.2K HER2+ (Positive) Breast Cancer
- 1.5K IBC (Inflammatory Breast Cancer)
- 3.4K IDC (Invasive Ductal Carcinoma)
- 1.5K ILC (Invasive Lobular Carcinoma)
- 999 Just Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastasis
- 652 LCIS (Lobular Carcinoma In Situ)
- 193 Less Common Types of Breast Cancer
- 252 Male Breast Cancer
- 86 Mixed Type Breast Cancer
- 3.1K Not Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastases but Concerned
- 189 Palliative Therapy/Hospice Care
- 488 Second or Third Breast Cancer
- 1.2K Stage I Breast Cancer
- 313 Stage II Breast Cancer
- 3.8K Stage III Breast Cancer
- 2.5K Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
- 13.1K Day-to-Day Matters
- 132 All things COVID-19 or coronavirus
- 87 BCO Free-Cycle: Give or Trade Items Related to Breast Cancer
- 5.9K Clinical Trials, Research News, Podcasts, and Study Results
- 86 Coping with Holidays, Special Days and Anniversaries
- 828 Employment, Insurance, and Other Financial Issues
- 101 Family and Family Planning Matters
- Family Issues for Those Who Have Breast Cancer
- 26 Furry friends
- 1.8K Humor and Games
- 1.6K Mental Health: Because Cancer Doesn't Just Affect Your Breasts
- 706 Recipe Swap for Healthy Living
- 704 Recommend Your Resources
- 171 Sex & Relationship Matters
- 9 The Political Corner
- 874 Working on Your Fitness
- 4.5K Moving On & Finding Inspiration After Breast Cancer
- 394 Bonded by Breast Cancer
- 3.1K Life After Breast Cancer
- 806 Prayers and Spiritual Support
- 285 Who or What Inspires You?
- 28.7K Not Diagnosed But Concerned
- 1K Benign Breast Conditions
- 2.3K High Risk for Breast Cancer
- 18K Not Diagnosed But Worried
- 7.4K Waiting for Test Results
- 603 Site News and Announcements
- 560 Comments, Suggestions, Feature Requests
- 39 Mod Announcements, Breastcancer.org News, Blog Entries, Podcasts
- 4 Survey, Interview and Participant Requests: Need your Help!
- 61.9K Tests, Treatments & Side Effects
- 586 Alternative Medicine
- 255 Bone Health and Bone Loss
- 11.4K Breast Reconstruction
- 7.9K Chemotherapy - Before, During, and After
- 2.7K Complementary and Holistic Medicine and Treatment
- 775 Diagnosed and Waiting for Test Results
- 7.8K Hormonal Therapy - Before, During, and After
- 50 Immunotherapy - Before, During, and After
- 7.4K Just Diagnosed
- 1.4K Living Without Reconstruction After a Mastectomy
- 5.2K Lymphedema
- 3.6K Managing Side Effects of Breast Cancer and Its Treatment
- 591 Pain
- 3.9K Radiation Therapy - Before, During, and After
- 8.4K Surgery - Before, During, and After
- 109 Welcome to Breastcancer.org
- 98 Acknowledging and honoring our Community
- 11 Info & Resources for New Patients & Members From the Team