Chemo Starting Sep 09
Comments
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Oh Barbara, so sorry you are having Eeyore Days - the crying out of nowhere I think we can all relate to! And those thoughtless comments - here's an idea for a book title "101 things never to say to a cancer patient". Could be distributed through cancer support networks? Hang in there your Tigger days are coming!! I do know what you mean about taking all your strength to get back in the chair - I have felt like that every time since first tx. Funnily enough I am keen to go this afternoon to get no 4 out of the way, since the delay last week, I am more eager than ever to get this whole show over with. However I am sure that after that tx goes in I won't be saying that!
Good luck to Catherine, Jane and tma3 for their next tx's.
Melinda, 'teentarded" - gorgeous expression! All of us who have or have had teenagers can relate to that. My teentarded (even though 21 yrs old) son who I just love to death, had a teentarded moment yesterday. He mowed the lawns (bonus) and left the mower out of the shed, in full view of anyone who happened to wander out the back. I asked him to put it away - a bit of a tight fit to get it in the proper place, but hey, he is a fit muscly young man! Walked past this morning and it was half in, half out, with door fully open! After I out it away properly I said to him we may as well put a sign on front door, "Free mower out the back" and that I should not really be struggling with these sort of tasks now. It's funny, I think family (esp kids) see you upright, not actually vomiting, an dthink "oh mum's back to normal now". If only!!!
love to all.
neece
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Good Evening, everyone. I hope everyone is having a good Monday.
Domegal, I had my first Taxol tx on November 5 and I was very nervous about severe reaction, but everything went fine. I took Zofran the next day and the next, but realized that I didn't need it. I suffered from severe nausea/vomiting during A/C and aches from Neulasta shots. I felt fine after the Taxol and even into Friday when I had to have a Neulasta shot. I felt some bone and muscle aches Saturday and Sunday, but it wasn't too bad; I was able to tolerate it with Tylenol. I think the Claritin that my onc. told me to take helped with the aches since I didn't feel it as bad as before with Neulasta shots. I did have some hand and feet numbness, but it didn't last too long. The biggest thing was a rash on Tuesday on my stomach, ankles and arms, but Benadryl took care of it. On the plus side, my appetite came back and hoping that I have added weight since I lost 10 lbs on A/C. I know everyone suffers SEs differently, so I hope yours is minimal. I am praying that this continues for my next tx this Thursday and through the rest of my tx.
I have a wig, but I have not worn it much because I find it uncomfortable, itchy, hot and I was always messing with it. I have been wearing hats and scarves and I know people stare, but I don't care. I suffer through treatments and its SEs and my head comfort is one thing I can control, so I am not allowing other people's staring to affect me. Stare right back at them.
Melinda, I will be praying for a speedy recovery from your lumpectomy tomorrow and that everything goes smoothly. Please keep us posted on your recovery and into your radiation. I see that we have similar diagnosis and I am very interested in any insights and advice you can offer. I am still having chemo and will have my lumpectomy in January.
Scoobydoo, Barbara and to all who are feeling bad, hang in there and praying that your "good" day comes quickly.
If anyone else has treatments this week I hope all goes well with no or minimal SEs!
Take care, Holly
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Domegal, I had my first Taxol last Friday and was also very nervous. The TX went fine, no hyper-sensitive reactions. And I've felt just great since, with NO meds! So far this is a much kinder, gentler drug than AC. Yeah!
Patty
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Hello SOSisters...
Neece - I hope you are able to get txt #4 tomorrow. We will all be praying for you. If not, here they can place the port and give the chemo the same day. If you are only half way through you really should consider one. It is so much easier!
BarbAnne41 - glad you are feeling somewhat better and the pain is going away. The fatigue just seems to get worse for me with each txt. As I have probably already told you I just stay home the whole week after my txt of 3 chemos. I can't work, even if I wasn't so tired, my brain just doesn't seem to work! I cried alot with txt #2 but not so much with txt #3. Who knows what txt#4 will bring this week, I keep telling myself I'm on the downhill side now. Does that make it any easier to go on Thursday. Absolutely not, I don't want to go, I will cry on Thurs. am, pull up my big girl pants as Pamelajo says and just go. You keep on whining all you want, we'll be right there with you!
Cathrine - well here we are, counting down till Thursday. I am trying to stay positive and upbeat but you know in the back of your mind that Thursday will be here for you can turn around. Happy Thanksgiving - bland food and water! On a positive note, Christmas will be so good!
Melinda - thank you so much for keeping us updated on post chemo! I too will start radiation in January, mine will be toward the end of the month. Sorry you are having to deal with your daughter right now, it's hard enough when you feel good and aren't having to deal with BC! As the mother of a daughter, I've been there, done that. It will get better! Will be thinking of you tomorrow and sending you positive thoughts! Know you won't feel like posting next few days, but please let us know how your doing as soon as you feel up to it!
DomeGal - try not to be nervous. As you can see from the posts most of our sisters are doing very well with the Taxol with minimal or no side effects. Let us know how you do, we will be sending you positive vibes!
Holly - glad you are doing well with the Taxol. There are several of us who are in the chair on Thursday, we will send you positive vibes!
Patty - glad you are also doing well with the Taxol. It is so good to hear when a txt doesn't make one sick or have horrible side effects. I do Herceptin every week except week 3 when I do Herceptin, Taxotere & Carboplatin. On Herceptin weeks I have no side effects except being hungry!
I'm not going to try to list everyone this evening. Know that I'm thinking of you, hope all is well. No side effects going on and just enjoying life!
BTW told hubby this morning that I was disappointed that I hadn't had more response from all my letters other than the 2 "no's". Well sure enough in the mail today was "no" number 3 from Wynn Resorts. Viva Las Vegas! I will keep trying!
Thoughts & prayers are with everyone!
Jane
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I have one and I love it. Aside from baseball caps, it's the only one I continue to wear now that my hair is growing back. They are seamless, soft and breathable. I think they would be great for sleeping caps. I wear mine hiking and it doesn't make my head hot.
How to wear the buff http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-5OBlXWJ2Ek
Order at http://www.planetbuff.com/
If there are any other companies I should contact for discounts or free shipping let me know. I'm happy to do it.
BTW....I'm not working for the company or receive payment in anyway.
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Good Morning All
Counting the days day until Thrusday. I just want it over with!
Melinda- Oh those teenagers! Mine are 15 and 16 and you never know from day to day what they are going to throw at you.
Domegal- Good luck with the taxol. It seems most woment don't have to many se's. Wishing you se days. I have been bald for 8 weeks now and it is only recently that I started to notice people staring. I just smile and keep on moving.
Neece- Sending positive vibes your way.
Jane- I too am thinking of Christmas knowing I will be feeling much better. Hopefully a "yes will suprise us all soon.
Hoping everyone has a "feel good day".
THINK POSITIVE
Catherine
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Hello Ladies.
Feeling much better today. I can finally come off of the percocet and just took two advils for the pain. Yay. I almost feel normal. I must say the bone and joint pain from taxol took me by surprise. I normally have a pretty high tolerance for pain so I thought it would be a breeze. What I am glad about is the pain is not constant and only stayed with me for a couple of days.
I remember what it was like dreading the upcoming tx day. On my last AC I cried right before the nurse inserted the needle in the port. I mean I really boo hood. She thought she was hurting me, but what it really was the thought of all those SEs I would have to endure. I am on my way to the finish line. I am on the other side of the mountain. That is what I am focusing on.
I am glad many of my BC sisters are experiencing minimal SEs. We can do this! There is life beyond chemo. We will have our lives back.
Wishing everyone a SE Free day and thinking of all you ladies that have tx this week.
Anita
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Melinda- Thank you so much for the rah rah. I am thinking of you today and wishing you all the best. If it is any consolation my lumpectomy was much easier than my SNB sports bras and ice packs were my best friends. I am thinking of you. I have a daughter turning 16 in December, oh I know how you feel-why can't they just use common sense? Sending you more positive vibes.
Jane-Than you for writing all those letters and thank you for the encouragement. I am trying to concentrate on next Tuesday being the last AC and trying NOT to think about the 12 Taxols left after. I will be thinking of you Thursday.
Catherine- I will also be thinking of you Thursday. Is that your final final? Are you all wrapped up after that or do you have rads? I'm sorry if you have said it before, I start to get everyone's TX confused.
A great big thank you to EVERYONE else who has rooted me on, (If I scroll back I will lose my post) We are all in this together an I want you to know how much I appreciate your good vibes, thoughts, and prayers.
Holly and Patty- Thank you for sharing the positives of Taxol, although I am dreading the 12 I am trying to think OK it is easier than the AC I have been doing. Thank you!!!
DomeGirl-People are just well ya know insensitive. My hubby is the only one who notices stares, don't worry your hair will grow back, and one day this will all be amemory that makes us remember just how strong we are.
Mari-I am sorry about the dark place you are in and I know if I didn't have a sense of humor there have been a few times I wouldn't have made it through the last 18 years with my hubby. Sadly men forget what they say and if you are anything like me, it lives in me forever. I just hope you have found a better place and mind set to put yourself in and that things have lightened up on your spirit.
Pamela-your posts are always on the money, the one about hubby's was particularly poetic.
China and VickiLynn congrats on so many years married.
Neece-I will be thinking of you and your TX, hope it goes well and thank you for the encouragement.
Well that catches me up with what I can remember without scrolling back and losing my post.
Anybody else see the "governmental task force" changed their minds on mammograms? I am 41 without the push from the doc and the "old" guidelines I wouldn't have gotten one, maybe for a few years. Kind of frightening where I might have been then
My thoughts, hugs, prayers, and good vibes to you all in the chair and out. I am keeping the chair out of my mind and hope next Tuesday Jane and Pamela and Susan, and anybody else willing to share, will loan me some big girl pants.
Much love Ladies-
Barbara
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Hi SOSisters...I'm home! Surgery at 8:30 and then to Ruby Tuesday for some quesadillas for lunch. Just got home and so far really good....waiting to see what kind of pain I may have and hoping to just take a few advil....and not the heavy stuff they gave me as the say they can constipate....don't want to deal with that again! Took Celebrex (anti inflammation meds) last nite and this morning and then a Lortab....(pain killer) this morning. They got me with Decadron again in my IV (yuck) to keep my stomach happy from the anesthesia. Everything went as planned and luckily no drain. So now just resting and getting ready to read my book and wait for the kids to get home from school. My daughter comes home from college on Friday for Thanksgiving vacation...it will be good for everyone to be home.
Sounds like the Taxol is going a bit better than the A/C for everyone.... I'm really glad to hear it. Is it wearing you guys down like the A/C or do you feel you are recovering a little while taking it? Just curious?
Barbara- I was going a mile a minute when I heard the Government Recommendation on mammograms last nite....I am 46...found the lump myself. I had missed the previous year mammogram....and ended up with a 4-5cm lump that luckily did not get to my lymph nodes. I am wondering if I had a lump on the previous 2 year mammogram and it was missed of just not there....I missed the mammogram by my own error...but I would suggest everyone get one after 40 every year....I have many different types of cancer throughout my immediate family...and from what I hear...that is one reason to start early....Did any of you have cancers (BC or any other types) in your family history? Just curious what everyone else's situation was...my husband says in Europe, they don't do mammograms for under 50 unless there is history of any type of cancer....any thoughts on this?? I was also surprised to hear that Dr Susan Love supported this finding. Going to check out her site to see her thoughts on this... This is a very big deal to me and from what I'm finding it has everything to do with this health care plan trying to be put into action...will be interesting to see how it plays out. We're all safe as we already have it...but what about the rest of the women...I would be scared if I were them! ok...sorry...this has me really concerned!
How are you doing Mari....everything ok over there.....hope so....
Anita..glad all is good....enjoy your little breath of sunshine!
Jane...nice to hear you got another response....end of year is hard for many businesses...don't sweat it....Something will happen in the near future, I just feel it!
Nap time....hugs to you all! I'll keep you posted on my recovery.!
Melinda
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Melinda, Barbara and other Taxol X12 ladies...I'm now five days out from my first Taxol and experiencing NO major problems. I feel so normal that I now realize how "not normal" I felt on AC! The number of TXs is definitely daunting but I'm thinking this is definitely doable.
I think the new guidelines are bad! There are so many women under 40 on these discussion boards and their cancers are agressive. Plus, it seems to me that annual mammograms reduce the chance that something will be missed. If they miss something on the 2-year plan you could conceivably go 3-4 years without a tumor being detected.
Patty
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Hello SOSisters.... I'm tired tonight so this will be short.
Rene - Welcome and thanks for the information on free shipping!
Catherine - is this your last txt on Thursday? I'm like everyone else don't want to scroll back and have to retype everything. I have done that more than once! I'm with you, let's just get it over with!
Anita - so glad you are feeling better. Maybe this will the the first and last of the bad bone pain w/Taxol.
BarbAnne41 - how wonderful it must be to say it is the last one! I am so looking forward to saying that on Dec.31st! I can deal w/the Herceptin and radiation. I'd be happy to lend you my big girl pants! I have several pairs and find I need them more often lately!
Melinda - so glad all went well for you today! Was thinking of you. You need to take it easy for a few days even though you probably won't be too uncomfortable. I found getting into the shower a little daunting the first couple of times. After that, it was a breeze. I also strongly disagree with the new govt guidelines. I am one of those women who go every single year for my pap and mammogram. I took 5 years worth of mammo's to the surgeon. It wasn't something I would have found myself. I don't care for what they are trying to do with the new health care plan, I think they are biting off more than they can chew and we're all going to pay the price. Rest and let eveyone wait on you!
Patty - so glad that you are doing well with the Taxol. You can handle this. I have to do a year of Herceptin, every week until Sept. 2010. I am looking forward to feeling normal again and hope that I can say I'm normal after the first of the year. You can be an inspiration to all of the ladies who are doing taxol.
Neece - know you haven't posted yet but want you to know been thinking of you all day and hope your txt went smoothly!
Vickilynn - thinking about you today. Today was taxotere for you right? Hope all went well!
Pamelajo - must have been a heck of a date, where are you girl?
Susan - hope you are doing well and over your txt. Are you back to work?
Barbt0323 - aren't you with us in the chair this week?
Onty - are you done with txts? Are you starting radiation soon?
Mari - please let us know how you are doing. We have all been sending you positive vibes and hoping that things are looking much brighter for you!
Toni and RonnieKay - we miss you!
ChinaBlue, Amyoo, Holly, Flacracker - hope you are doing well!
To all I haven't mentioned, please know that you are in my thoughts, but haven't pulled out my list.
Thoughts & prayers are with you!
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Anita-I am so glad you are feeling better-hopefully it only gets better!!
Jane- bravo on typing all that even being tired!!! Yea, you are better than me.I may borrow those big girl pants for my last AC next Tuesday, but with any luck, I won't need them for my 12 Taxols to follow- well maybe for the first Taxol, ya know those nerves!
Patty- I am so glad you say the Taxol is so much better, I am keeping everything crossed it is for me too. I ran some errands today and realized I was only going to get half done and I was already exhausted, not very long a go, before chemo, I could have done them all and a few more, I also wouldn't have had to pack a snack, something I seem to always need now (keep my blood sugar up-maybe?) I can't wait to feel normal.
Melinda- wow a stop at Ruby Tuesdays? After my two surgeries, the lumpectomy and SNB, the nurses gave me Vicoden (Spelling?)while waking up and I was really out of it. Like I said sports bras and ice packs were my friend and really helped me-hope you are well. By the way is Dr Susan Love the one I have seen "quoted"on the boards here (not this one but others) as having written about sugar causing cancer. It is a long story but there are some boards where they talk about holistic and health stuff, and I swear they quoted someone from UCLA-just curious.
I agree with all of you about the guidelines, if it hadn't been for the current ones, or "old ones"I wouldn't have gotten a mammogram.I have 2 aunts who had BC and my mom died of BC but it was all post menopausal and they were all diagnosed in their 60's so for me to be diagnosed at 41 was a huge shock.I really went in for my first mammogram at 40, (I turned 41 a couple weeks later the day of my second mammogram for the suspicious "spot") thinking it would all be fine-ha ha funny.
Dang it I had something else I wanted to say but it vanished!
Oh well,
Hugs
Barbara
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Wow...lots of catching up to do. I have been gone for three weeks and it seems like years. Thanks so much for all the well wishes from everyone. I did indeed end up having my tx three weeks ago but man did it take a while to get over it. I will not go on about it all as you have all experienced the feelings but for about 10 days I cannot even think about sitting in the chemo chair again or even talk about it...it just makes me feel so sick. While I hate that everyone is going through this I am happy to know that I am not the only one who gets so bloody depressed and down. I just don't want to play anymore!!!! I was back up and running and then got hit with a flu that has now taken the last few days out of me. We have so few good days that it was so depressing to be sick and ruin what should have been a good weekend. So my next tx was scheduled for this Thursday but has been put off to Monday assuming that all goes well. So guess I am now a "monday" girl instead of a Thursday. I hate "wishing" for chemo but to get this all over with and behind will be a wonderful thing. Like all of you I am getting tired of trying to be strong for everyone and really just feeling shitty.
Denver Diva thanks for the blog advice but I still cannot fine it. Can someone tell me how to find it?
Ronniekay: I am having radiation even though I had a mastectomy because the cancer had spread to one lymph node and they could not be sure the margins were "clear". Also I am grade 3 which is fast growing so they want to be safe than sorry. I do not know about neulasta or Neyprigin (sp?) Are they taken with taxotare?
didit: i was told to stay off advil or IBP with taxotare. Might this also be an issue for what you are on? You might want to check into that.
Chinablue: I had no previous problems with bladder infections until surgery last fall. 3 times on drugs to no avail. If your infection comes back try cranberry pills and eat dried cranberries or drink cranberry juice. This has worked perfectly for me and it has not come back in months.
pameljo: you are brave, clever, funny and accurate in all your posts. (especially about men). I would definitely want you in my corner for anything!!! thank you for keeping us all smiling.
For those having sleep issues Melatone is a natural supplement that helps sleep and it also helps to detoxify all those nasty little chemo bugs. I highly recommend it.
B6 is suppose to be a great supplement to help with the hand/feet issue. Apparently b6 is better than taking just a "B"
What I want to know....who determined that "3" or "4" of one chemo drug is better or more effective than "2"? I asked my onco yesterday and he just did not have an answer. He knew that a certain combo of drugs worked the best for different treatments but he could not tell me that having 3 treatments of taxotare will be any more effective than 2 for me. So maybe I will be Ok just having 2 instead of 3? Has anyone ever asked this question and had an answer?
Thank you all for such wonderful information, laughs and cries. I thought I could be strong and go this alone....well not alone....I have a wonderful man, family and friends but it is just not the same as sharing with people who are going through the same thing and know what you are feeling.
So thank you all for such great support.
Best of luck to everyone this upcoming week.
Be strong and hang in! We will get through this!!! Marilou
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hi everyone! Gad to report that my tx number 4 went smoothly yesterday - the oncology nurse found a vein no problem. I was so relieved I wanted to cry! this means I am now over the hump - 4 down, 2 to go. Am also having a 'bonus' good day today with minimal side effects. I know the next few days will be different but am enjoying my day today. thanks everyone for your thoughts and good wishes to me as I was very anxious yesterday.
Melinda, awesome you posted so soon after surgery! It was wonderful to hear from you and that you are OK. Take good care and get plenty of rest for the week.
Jane thanks from me too for all your letter writing efforts and for keeping us posted.
Patty and Holly so glad your taxol tx's have gone well so far. may this continue.And Anita I am glad you are feeling better too. Catherine good luck for Thursday.
Marilou I know all of us on this thread completely understand your feelings about that 'chemo chair'. For me it took up until the last couple of days before tx before I could even think about that chair without feeling physically sick. It is association nausea and a real deal and only people who have sat in that chair know how much courage and self will it takes to get back in it next time. I look at the faces of the patients around me in the room each time (usually smiling, brave, patient) and I marvel at the courage there. it is awesome. But that does not mean you are not allowed the down times in between. It is tough and takes a lot of strength.
Mari I hope you are OK. Please post soon - we all miss you!
Love to all
Neece
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Hello everybody!!! Well Thursday is hopefully my last day for Chemo!!
I have been on T/C treamtent of 4's. After this, then I can start back on my fill ups for my TE's. What a trip everything has been so far. Some not bad and then some bad. I will let you all know how this one turns out!((((((((HUGS)))))) Wanda
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Good Morning
Just getting my courage up for tomorrow.
BarbAnne- Thrus is my last tx. Than tamoxifen for 5-10 years.
Anita- Glad you are feeling better. Yes, I agree there is life after chemo.
Melinda- Happy to hear surgery went well and your feeling ok. I am 44 and the only history I have is my mothers sister died away of breast cancer. She was diagnosised in her 60's and passed away 2 years later. I was glad to hear that the American Cancer Society is NOT changing there recommendation. Let's hope it stays that way for all the other women in the US.
Patty- Glad to hear things are going well.
Jane- I'm with you tomorrow in the chair. It is my last one.
Neece- I usually have a good day after my tx and than it is all downhill from there. Happy to hear #4 went as planned.
flacracker- We are both going to be finished tomorrow and also on the same type of tx. TC X4. Can't wait to put this behind me.
To all my other sisters, hope to hear from all of you and how you are doing.
THINK POSITIVE
Catherine
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Dear Budoml,
The standard way to determine the number and strength of doses is to first try the maximum tolerated dose on mice, then confirm on humans in Phase I and II trials before confirming efficacy and safety in Phase III trials. The idea behind multiple cycles is to repeat the dose to get the weaker cancer cells first, then the stronger ones and so on. The 4 or 6 or x cycles are based only on historical data. That said, on a particular person 1 dose may kill all cancer cells while on another it may take 10 doses. My recommendation would be to complete the course.
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My chemo nurse told me that we have the brave unselfishness of end-stage cancer patients to thank for the improvements in outcomes from the third generation chemo regimens. She said that new treatments are often tested on patients for whom other treatments have failed. She told me that Taxol was first used on end-stage ovarian cancer patients and was given in the hospital via 24-hour infusions. When they saw good results and found that the treatment was tolerable they began devising new regimens for earlier stage disease. Of which many of us will be the beneficiaries!
Patty
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Dear SOS:
I just read the message from the president of Breastcancer.org - scroll to the bottom of this page to find it. It's important to read. I shared it with my husband and son and I began to cry. I am one who did not have a mammogram until I found the lump this last July. My BC is not hormone receptive and not hereditary but I was reading Catherine's and Melinda's posts and wondering how many other women at high risk will decide not to have a mammogram because of these recommendations --- and just to save money. This has become VERY PERSONAL. And I'm very sad. And I wonder if my own breast could have been saved if I had a mammogram earlier. I can't dwell on that, but I can certainly encourage other women to have it done.
Hi. I had my taxotere tx on Tues and neulasta today and I do feel so much better than after A/C. I'm only on Day 2, however, so I'll see what the rest of the week brings. Hopefully no more nerve pain! It does get harder to get into that chair each time. But the upside is that the nurses really are getting to know me and I appreciate them so much.
DIL is still sick with some kind of flu stuff and I can't believe I didn't get it yet. I'm disinfecting everything... maybe it helps. Maybe it just makes me feel better.
Praying for you all...
Vickilynn
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Good afternoon September Sisters,
Just have a few minutes before I leave work. Been quite a hectic day. Tomorrow is my last A/C treatment. After that 4 taxotere treatments followed by surgery. My thoughts are with all of you. Have read all of your posts but just have not had much time this week.
Good luck to all of you that are having treatments this week. Melinda glad the surgery went well. Quesadillas sound great right about now!
I am also really disturbed about the new proposals for mammograms. One of my friends just told me she saw my doctor on TV last night saying how much he opposed it.
Vickilynn, I too was a procrastinator when it came to going to the doctor. I also found the lump myself. We cannot dwell on the past, just have to move forward and hopefully spread the word.
Time to go home...........Love to you all,
Barb T
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Hello Lasses!
Yay tho it was a great date, my poor little chemotarded brain was reeling before the night was over. Dinner, laughing, dessert.........just like before BC, but I had to wear "cover up" clothes. You know, ones that don't show much chest, since I've been robbed of cleavage LOL Someone snatched my boobs, and apparently, according to the government panel, they shouldn't have snatched them for another 13 yrs. BY THAT TIME I WOULD HAVE BEEN DEAD GOVERNMENT IDIOTS!!
Oh, and those self exams which are totally useless...... well I for one am damn happy that I knew how to give myself a breast exam, or I wouldn't have found the teeny tiny lump that would have grown HUGE in 13 years and WOULD HAVE KILLED ME YOU GOVERNMENT IDIOTS!!!
lol. Seriously, if insurance changes their policy on whether to pay for mams for women under 50 will seriously piss me off. I will take up the fight ladies. I will march wherever i have to go to make sure WE ARE PROTECTED. Mammograms may not be the most effective form of finding BC, and there may be alot of misdiagnosis, however, women get bc before age 50, and we need all the tools available to us to find it and kick it's scrawny ass.
Unite ladies. STand firm with your healthcare professionals. Speak your mind, write your congressman. Tell your friends......teach your children how to do self exams.
Love you all and I hope you are all doing well. From what I read, most are, some aren't. I'll leave you a little joke.
How many flies does it take to screw in a lightbulb?
2, but I dont know how they got in there.
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Hi Sisters...I'm back...and I have an unbelievably clean home & in the process, have missed you very much & been praying that each of you is doing well! DH and I are going to Five Guys Burgers and Fries (what a way to start feeding a healthy body, right!), and when I get back, am reading the 4 pages of updates and will post! Just want to vent that I'm so unbelievably shocked at the gov. recommendations for mammos and self exams...and know that you've probably written about it! But...love ya & will be back!
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Hello my dears,
I have missed you so much, and I confess I haven't read every single post. I have had a bit of chemo crud, and have been working on cleaning my house and indulging in a bit of retail therapy. I don't have to go back to work until the 30th and I am making Christmas presents and getting myself back together. I actually feel way better than I have felt, just some serious potty issues. I wonder if I would have felt better all the way through if I had worked less. I'm just glad that it is over and I am looking forward to celebrating with each and every one of you as you finish!
I have been watching and listening to the debate on the new "guidelines". I think they are crap! I agree that we need better diagnostic tools, but this change makes no sense. I am 45, I found the lump myself not a careful self exam, but I knew the girls so to speak. I am not sure what would have happened if I hadn't been treated, but I am glad not to have to find out. I heard a discussion on NPR today, and they were actually saying that some types of bc shouldn't even be treated. I realize that some types of cancer are more aggressive than others, and some are even cancers that you'll die with, not from. The thing is, how do we know? Mammograms and other methods of detection are so iffy, how are we supposed to trust that they can tell which cancers will kill us and which will just sit there and wait? Mine was growing and I know it, I found the lump in Jan, and the surgeon wanted to wait and see, (the mammo didn't show anything). By May when I was biopsied it had grown quite a bit. I don't think that waiting until I was 50 would have been a choice. I just want doctors to listen to women, and for women to know their own bodies, and to advocate for themselves. We need to speak up on this topic!
Okay, that is my soapbox speech. I love you all. I won't stay away so long again. Good wishes, and good cookies to all of you!
Love & Hugs,
Susan
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Hello SOSisters.... here I am in the chair. So far, so good.
Catherine, Barbt0323, Flacracker and all the rest of the Thurs. I cannot remember right now, hope all your txts are going well and that we have easy weeks after today! Wish I could say this is my last one but will still have 2 more to do! What is next for everyone?
Melinda - how are you feeling? Any pain or just sore? Hope you are taking it easy!
Ronnie Kay - so good to finally hear from you. Do you have to do radiation or are you completely through? Catch us up when you have time.
BarbAnne41 - I'm sure you will do just fine next Tuesday, the thought of saying last one will motivate you to get in the chair. And thanks to our sisters before us, we know that there will be side effects and we can deal with them because it will be the last ones!!!
Marilou - so sorry that you have had such a time. Bad enough to have all the chemo side effects and then to have the flu on top of it. Hope you are feeling better now. I get a neulsta shot the day after I have my chemo, I get taxotere and carboplatin. It is to help build up your white blood cells. My doctor based my 6 txts on research that had been done over several years.
Neece - I am so glad your txt went well. We had all been thinking of you and sending you positive vibes. I hope you have no or few side effects, understand #4's & 5 are usually the ones that get to you. I'm hoping that isn't true, today is #4 for me!
Flacracker - hope all is going well for you today and hope you don't have any or few side effects. Will be thinking of you...
Catherine - I'm sure you are in the chair going last one, last one!! I'll be so glad to say that. I hope that you have no or few side effects! No radiation for you? You will have to let us know how the tamoxifin goes, a few of us will be doing that when we get through with every thing else.
Onty - you are so good about sharing information with us. You are one smart lady! I read and then forget and then have to go back and read it again! How are you doing? What are you doing now?
Patty - Just think we are the ones who are leading the way for those coming behind us. All the improvements they are making now will help somebody else down the road. When are your txts and what are you on? I'm sure you have posted this but I can't remember and don't want to loose my posts.
Vickilynn - glad your txt went well on Tuesday. I hope you aren't having any side effects... My husband had a terrible cold and I didn't catch it. I was so surprised.
Barbt0323 - you are on the downhill slide! What date is your surgery and what kind of surgery are you having. Be thinking about you today... Hope it goes well with no or few side effects. My energy level is so low, not bouncing back very fast these days.
Pamelajo - glad you had a good time at your dinner. I am with you, I am so angry that they are trying to change the guidelines. Haven't run into anyone that isn't angry. This is all a ploy to save money and charge more money! I am emailing our congressman and anyone else I can think of! I had a mammogram last year and according to them I wouldn't have had one this year so what would my cancer be doing if I waited another year! Have you baked anymore cookies yet, I need cookies before Monday when my taste buds will go south again!
RonnieKay - hmmm, I vaguely remember the name (just joking). We have missed you, please post when you have time and tell us what you've been up to. You are through with txts right? Do you have to do anything else or are you completely done?
Susan - glad you have been able to get some time off. It does make a difference if you can rest when you need to, not when the clock dictates. I need someone to clean my house, I never get the decadron high everyone seems to get. My energy level sucks! I had the stomach chemo se's with 2nd txt. They were ugly. #3 was better and hoping #4 will be better yet! I have also been doing some retail therapy and am glad to be able to say I have made a dent. I'm so glad, don't want to be out in the crowds, to easy to pick up something!
To all who haven't posted, thinking of you. I have a little chemo brain already and not doing to try to remember names. Take care!
Thoughts & prayers are with you!
PS - Apple Computer sent a letter, they don't want to sponsor our reunion. Oh well, we are getting responses and I plan to have letters ready to go to many more corporations/tv/magazines/whoever I can think of right after the first of year when the new budgets come out!
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Hello Ladies.
I am feeling much better. I actually had lunch with DH at applebees. It was so nice getting out of the house. The one good thing about taxol is that I am no longer in a fog. I am clear thinking. That is such a nice change. The bone pain seems to have lasted for approx 3 full days. So now I can sort of plan for it. Hope it isnt cumulative. If so, I still have plenty of percocet. Its just good to feel good. My next treatment is the day after Thanksgiving. I really want to enjoy my Thanksgiving with family and it seems I will be able to do that after all.
Everyone seems to be doing well and we all also seem to around the same time frame of finishing. That is awesome. I have three more txs to go and I am looking forward to the new year. I will have rads but that is so doable in my mind.
Thinking of all the ladies that have treatments today and tomorrow. I truly pray that you have minimal or no SEs.
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Hello Ladies,
I had my second Taxol treatment, only 10 more to go! I am little tired (not too bad) and have a bit of a weird taste in my mouth. Spearmint gum seems to help with the taste. I am still jogging everyday and trying to eat healthy.
I am going back to work on the 25th. I am happy to go back to work (4th grade special ed. teaching assistant), but I am concerned about the cumulative se's of Taxol and then rads. I was reading all sorts of things about neuropathy, fatigue and saw some unsettling pictures of ladies going through radiation. So now, I am really scared. I thought maybe I should take a break from the internet because it is starting to freak me out a bit.
Then, I missed all of you so I am back. I figure if I can't express my concern here where can I?
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Jadams, your posts are so nice to mention everyone! Since you asked, I'm done with AC will have TX #2 of 12 Taxols tomorrow. Hope your TX went well!
Chinablue, looks like we are on about the same schedule. My first Taxol week was really easy and while, like you, I worry about the cummulative effects I'm trying to appreciate everyday I feel good and not worry about the next day. But I'm not always successful at this. My Mom had radiation 22 years ago and while she got really blistered and it looked really painful to me, she said it was breeze compared to chemo. The good news....22 years later she's healthy and going strong!
Patty
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Hi to All:
Had my first tx of Taxol yesterday and the only se during the first hour was some "flushing"...more like a hot flash. What a long tx...I was there from 8:30a until 2p...got hooked up at 9:15. Took some crocheting and had a very long-winded guy sitting in the chair next to me, so it wasn't too bad. Today, I seem to be having some numbness in my left fingers and some random shooting pains, but have plenty of energy. I usually don't crash until Sunday...didn't know the "high" was from decadron, but I will take whatever I can get. Hope those of you that are doing good, continue to do good and those who aren't, better days are ahead. Better get back to work...missed one whole day yesterday!! Talk to you soon...
Kim
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MariLou- I am so sorry you have been having a rough time and I hope better days are here and her to stay.
Neece-I am very happy your TX went well and i am keeping my fingers crossed your SE's stay slim to none!!
Wanda-Congrats on the last tx yea!!
Catherine-I am thinking of you today and I will be REALLY interested in hearing how you do, I will also be on Tamoxifen for 5 years after I finish my last AC (next Tues) and my 12 Taxols, so not until March, but I am still curious what it is like. Hope you are well and feeling.
Pamela-thank you for brightening our day-I love you- and your jokes. I also can't agree more about the guidelines IDIOTS!!
RonnieKay-congrats on the clean house and the yummy meal. I am glad you checked in
Susan-Sooooo glad you have some time off-yea!!-potty issues are killing me this time around (post third AC0 yuck-I hope you are better everyday.
Jane- You sweetie, I am thinking of you today and hope it all goes smooth, I know I can get back in the chair (yuck) Tuesday, but I still want to borrow some of your virtual big girl pants, And I may hit you up again in December when I start my Taxol.
Onty-thank you for the wonderful feedback.
Scoobydoo- glad you are feeling better and I couldn't agree more about the good days, they are a blessing aren't they? Hope you are feeling better every minute!
VickiLynn- I am so glad to hear Taxotere is working out better and no more 8's on the pain scale!! I hope the Nulesta is easier on you then it was on your AC and you are feeling well.
BarbT- Sorry things have been so hectic, I hope your TX went well and your side effects are non-existent. I am so jealous your last AC is done! Yea big hugs for getting it over.
Kim- I am really happy your Taxol went well, I am looking forward to my Taxol after what many of you have said. I hope your se's stay away.
Patty- You are my "guinea pig" of sorts, I am hoping after AC my Taxols will feel like yours. I hope TX goes well tomorrow and things stay really se-free for you! By the way I already did my 35 tx's of radiation and I had some major boosts and did not blister. The two major factors that helped me were drinking a lot of ice water. First thing that crossed my lips when I woke up and then all day. Plus I put on Eucerin cream, the light weight daily stuff, every night before bed. All of my doctors were ecstatic with how my skin handled it. Water and lotion. I hope you are feeling well everyday.
China- The fog goes away? I hope! I guess you and Patty can be my guinea pigs. Since my Taxol doesn't start until December. I am deeply dreading my last AC next Tuesday after this last one is still effecting my and it was 9 days ago!! Mint gum tastes good? Feels like fire right now. I seem to have developed an addiction to gum balls, but looking at the red, yellow and orange ones make me sick to my stomach, so pink, blue, and purple is all I can handle. AC has just messed with my world. I am glad you get to go back to work--it will probably feel wonderful. As I was telling Patty I already did my 35 tx's of radiation, piece of cake, water and lotion. I hope you continue to do well.
Well like I said I am still feeling th effects of my 3rd AC 9 freakin' days ago. Dreading the fourth and last one next Tuesday, but I am going to enjoy this weekend and then next Tuesday mentally take you all with me!
Love and hugs
Barbara
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Hello, All.
jadams1264, I, too, had tx today; mine was from 10:00 to 3:30. They took awhile to get the pre-meds and did Taxol slowly. Total of 6 down, only 2 more left. Yeah!
Marilou, I am sorry you are feeling bad and to make it worse got the flu. I hope you are on the road to recovery and feeling better today.
Scoobydoo, I am glad you are feeling better on Taxol and was able to enjoy lunch out with your DH.
chinablue, I agree with you. When you start reading all of those posts about SEs, it makes you want to crawl under a rock and say I am not doing it. I will tell you what my friend told me; everyone's SEs are different and most on those sites are people who are writing in because they want answers to their severe SEs. But for all those who have those awful SEs, there probably same number of people who did not and have not written in because they are out living their lives.
Patty, thanks for the uplifting story about your mom. I love hearing about people who after beating BC go on to have a healthy, long life.
To all that I miss, sorry I didn't get to all of you. I hope everyone is doing well. Have a great weekend and take care of yourselves.
Love, Holly
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