Chemo Starting Sep 09

vickilynn

CONGRATS DIDI!!!!

Anonymous

Hi SOSisters,

I am so glad that I have all of you!!!! My DH went to the Dr and got back on his meds, but his knee cap is dislocated and it is really causing him grief.  He is a very big man, 6'3" and heavy, so it is super hard for him to walk right now.  He is supposed to go to physical therapy on Thur, but I don't think he can wait.  He is walking with two canes right now.  I hate seeing him in so much pain.  Yuck!  Please keep him in your thoughts.

I am so proud of all of us.  We have made it all the way from the end of Aug to Dec.  We will all be in a very different place in the new year.

Didi, you go girl!  I can't believe how long you have been at this, surgery will be a breeze after all you have been through.

Vickilynn, it is weird how our bodies handle all that is happening to them.  I am so glad that you didn't have a worse allergic reaction.  I am glad you got to have some music in your celebration.

Pamela, you make me laugh.  I hope the germ lady leaves you soon.  I have my own vexing office mate, so I understand completely how annoying that can be.  I will lift my double chin, and be courageous as I move forward.  Have fun with the ooooh lala, plastic surgeon.

Melinda, I love your thoughts, they are profound, and some times a kick in the pants.  My hair is just white peach fuzz, but I think I see some little black ones trying to poke through.  It does take a long time.  I was looking forward to starting Tamoxifen with you, but I will just forge the path for you.  I am having lots of hot flashes, it will be a tropical Christmas at my house.  I should have one of Patty's palm trees instead of a regular tree this year.  Take care of you!

Jane, I hear you on the plugging away front.  I have a budget meeting tomorrow, so I will have to be productive there.  I am getting more into the swing of things.  When is your next "bad" chemo?  I hope you have at least a couple of weeks.  I wish I could keep track of everyone better, but my brain just won't hold on to all of the information.

Patty, yes I agree that Farmers are a terrible mascot.  I always tell my kids that when they are sitting around a bar sometime down the road and everyone is sharing what their high school mascots were they will win the free drink for having the strangest mascot.  They try to make the Farmer look really mean and intimidating on their sports gear, but come on, how fierce can a Farmer really be?  My kids are proud to be Farmers though.  I hope you are feeling well, and that this is a really good week for you.  I am glad that you are handling the Taxol well.

I am sure I missed people today, but if I go back I will lose my post.  Take care everyone, and sweet dreams.

Love,

Susan

Neece

hello my gorgeous gals,

I have had a disappointing few days - got a head cold sort of thing over the weekend and by Monday afternoon my temperature was climbing. I was told by Oncologist to head straight for nearest hospital casualty if it gets to 38 degrees (celsius). We headed to hospital and by the time I got there it was 39.7. So they admitted me, whacked me onto IV antiobiotics and I spent 2 nights there - just got home this afternoon. My next treatment is this friday and I hope that I will be Ok to have it otherwise all my tight schedule to get all tx's done by the end of the year will be out.

Melinda please do visit Australia in your flying dreams!!!  (or of course in real life!) yes I also have these sorts of dreams - have done since childhood - but in my dreams I am flying just 15 feet or so above the ground! Weird.

Catherine I hope your MRI went well and the results were good so you don't have to worry any more.

Jane I have very thin eyelashes now - they haven't all gone but look very sparse. I REALLY hope I don't lose my eyebrows - can cope with all the other hairloss but that I think.

I think Melinda, Pamela and any others who are getting a bit of hair now should post new pics so we can admire it - no matter how slowly it is growing.

Pamela I can't believe your inlaws didn't show after all your efforts! Can I ask what is Femera? How long will you be on that and what are se's (if any? or am I beign hopeful on your behalf?)

Vicki so sorry your DH is is so much pain. Last thing you both need. I do hope it improves soon.

Love to all - I had a lot of reading of posts this time so forgive me for not mentioning many individually but know you are all important to me. Good luck to those having tx's this week - and hope those who are not have a great week.

msmpatty

Di Di, you are my hero!   I'm also doing 24 weeks of chemo and I'm 60% through.  Congratulations!

Pamela, while you are routing through my frig in your dreams, please eat the six big double chocolate chip muffins in there.  They keep calling out to me. 

Jane,  my eyelashes took a hike about two weeks after my last AC.   Eyebrows left shortly therafter.  I read on these boards that they come back fast...but a month later, no luck.  One thing I can say for chemo...it is teaching me PATIENCE! 

Vicki... I was waiting to see my surgeon and I was not feeling so good, had my wig on, and was fretting over having the port installed.  When she walked into the exam room she looked at me and said "You look beautiful."   When you feel like something the cat dragged in, a simple compliment can mean so much! (Now if only my surgeon was a hunky guy like Pamela's PS!)

Susan...having a farmer as a mascot has been the source of a lot of hilarity among my non-farmer friends.   When I was there he looked like a little elf clicking his heels together, glad to know they've tried to toughen him up a bit.  HA!

'Nite ladies.

Patty

DomeGal

Good Morning All:

I have been trying to catch up, but with the way I have been feeling it would be pointless to try to respond individually.  I am thinking of asking my boss today if I can revise my work schedule...I only work 30 hours a week (when I can), but going in every day from 10-4 is wiping me out since I have been on Taxol.  And...my next tx is a week from today and I am so dreading it.  Plus, my son announced last night that he has another cold and yes, this morning I woke up with a stuffy nose.  I have been really discouraged the past few weeks...disrupted sleep, hot flashes, mental breakdowns.  I keep the thought in front of me that I only have 3 MORE and then I will be done with chemo.  My eyebrows are just about gone...eyelashes are 3-4 in clumps.  Don't even bother with mascara anymore.  Can't be more positive today, but know that I feed off of all of your good thoughts...just for today anyway, I can't return the favor.  Happy "Hump" day...

positiveme

Hi Ladies

Had a really bad nose bleed last night. I don't know if it is related to the chemo or not.

Jane-MRI is on this coming Monday. I will let everyone know how I make out. I lost all but 2 or 3 eyelashes on my right eye after my second tx. My left is just thinned out.

Pamelajo- I can't believe you in-laws didn't show up. How rude!!

Vickilynn- I am gald you had music for your holiday.

Didi- Congrats on being done.

Susan- I will keep your DH in my prayers.

Neece- I am glad the antibiotics did the trick and you are home. Take it easy for a few days.

Domegal- I am sorry you are having a bad day. Hopefully things will get better soon.

How is everybody feeling about the upcoming holiday. I thought I would be into it since my chemo is done but I really don't want any part of it. I hope I can find some Christmas spirit.

THINK POSITIVE

Catherine

Melinda-Tma3

Happy Wednesday Twinkle sisters....Jane, I am losing my eyelashes all but 5 or 6...I was so happy that they didn't come out....hmfp....newbies coming in and pushing out the old ones...on my head too...and down below...eyebrows are thinning.....I look in the morning and think how freaky I look....I just want a half inch on my head so I don't have to wear a hat or scarf all the time...Is this too much to ask for??? Ok new idea for Christmas...we can all paint our heads a different color, meet at Susan's house we'll all go search out the biggest spruce tree climb it  and use our heads as ornaments...Get a good picture for our Christmas card...ok...Susan, can you fit us all and help us find a wonderful tree???? What should be our tree topper???? 

Neece, what a nightmare! Glad you're home! Catherine, Vickilynn,Didi & DomeGal...hang in there! One day at a time..... 

Rain, Rain go away come again....maybe in May??

May! Woohoo...just think May will bring great days to us all...didn't we all lose our summer stressing over our diagnosis's??  This will be a better year!  A toast to 2010!  

Hugs Everyone!  

Melinda

Ps..no new picture of me til I have enough hair to brag about! I'd post a smiley..but they don't have

hair...oh wow....poof....the new me! Heehee...

 

BarbAnne41

Hey my lovely sisters-

 So that fourth AC really kicked my A$$, and I am just now back to work and such. With all the birthdays (daughter turns 16 and several other family members have b-days too) and Christmas coming I was beginning to feel panicked that I wouldn't feel myself to get things done, or even be ready for the next installment..12 Sessions of Taxol. I know Patty you have reassured me that it is better than AC, but after this last TX, I can't think about the chair..ugh. 

Susan-I am sorry for your hubby's pain, hope he, and you get some relief soon.

DiDi-congratulations-you getting through makes me feel like it is all possible.

Neece-I am sorry for you problems, but I am glad you are on the mend.

Domegirl-it is tough isn't it? But there are some good day and more will come..

Pamlea- Sorry about the in-laws, but just think you didn't have to share

Melinda-love the photo. I remember when I started rads and I read on the boards from some women, who hadn't done chemo, how hard radiation was for them, (ie laying on a table with their business hanging out etc..) and I know every experience is different, but having gone through 35 tx's of rads compared to chemo-rads were a breeze. I think you will be pleasantly surprised at how much more relaxed rads are.

Catherine-Sorry about the nosebleed, I think Jane had one and she might of said, or maybe someone else that because we have limited nose hairs it drys out in there and causes nose bleeds, so maybe? Hope you are feeling better.

Jane-I hope you are well, and to be honest my chemo brain has lost complete track of everyone's schedule how are you?

Vicki-I am glad you had a great Thanksgiving, except for the reaction, I am glad you are well. Hubby healing up OK? No more stones?

Patty your and Susan's talk about the Farmers cracks me up. I live in a town that for a long time has been a farming community, not so much anymore, but it still has a whole Future Farmers of America group at the High School and it isn't official but the is a clique of the so to speak who go by the name "The Farmers" Which always cracks up my city raised self. But hey I moved here. Anyway thank you for your positive talk, you are my beacon of hope.

Well to all the ladies I didn't mention by name, may you feel great happy and healthy.

I am just super glad AC is done and I have a break until the 15th.And as I pray for all of you I also pray Taxol takes a lighter toll on me.

Much love and hugs

Barbara 

hbowser

Good evening, ladies.

Go back a couple of hours ago from lab work and follow-up with my onc.  She will be reducing my Taxol tomorrow due to neuropathy in my toes and hands.  I can't believe that after tomorrow's treatment, I will have only one more to go.  YEAH!!!

DiDi - like the others said here, congratulations!!!

Vickilynn - I am glad that Benadryl handled your allergic reaction.  It is scary when our bodies react to things they didn't react to before.  Right after my lab work, I broke out in hives on my cheeks.  I didn't eat anything so the only thing the nurse could think of was she might have touched my cheeks while wearing latex gloves.  Great, now I have to worry about that.  When I started Taxol, the tape they have been using to tape down the area while having the infusion caused the skin around the port to break out.  Now they have to use only cloth tape.  What else do we have to watch out for?

Pamela - I am stunned that your in-laws did not show up after you went to all that effort to prepare a Thanksgiving meal for them.  I am sure someone knows someone who knows someone who... okay, I have to stop watching Sopranos re-runs.  

Susan - I hope physical therapy will help your husband.  I will be praying for a speedy recovery.

Neece - Sorry to hear that you had such a bad few days.  I hope you are feeling better and that the antibiotics is doing what it supposed to do.

Catherine - Sorry about your nose bleed.  Gosh, I wish there was something I could tell you that would help.  This may sound dumb, but have you talked with the nurses at your center about it?  They usually have good suggestions.

Domegal - I am sorry to hear that you are feeling discouraged.  We all have days when we don't want to get out of bed, but, even though it may not seem like it, those days pass.  I hope you will feel better soon and I will be praying that your good days come soon.

Barbara - A/C kicked my butt and kept on kicking after I was down, but like others have said, Taxol was much better for me than A/C.  I hope it is the same for you.  Thank you for sharing your experience about radiation.  Radiation is in my future and reading some of the postings on the other boards has really scared me.  I am glad to hear someone say their experience wasn't so bad.  Did you have any bad side effects?

For those who are ahead on the schedule of radiation, tamoxifen, etc. it is really good to hear your experiences than strangers on the other boards since I trust you guys to gvie me the whole story.  Thank you for sharing.

I know I didn't mention all of you by name, but I don't want to lose my thread (I already lost it twice) and dinner is calling my name.  Just know that I am thinking of all of you and will be reading your posts while I am in the chair tomorrow.  Have a great night and wishing you all a good week.

Love, Holly

Pamelajo

Yea, thanks all for the inlaw sympathy.  They suck.  They know it.

 Anyway, I'm just home from a horrid day at work and found court documents in my mailbox from my idiotic ex husband who insists my eldest daughter lives with Mom and that my youngest daughter's name is Kayla Macie.  It isn't.  It's Kayla Mace.  LMAO.  Dad of the Year material there. His lawyer wants me to settle out of court.  Hell no.  I'm going to court.  They can't eat me or kill me and they can't make me pay anything, so what do I have to lose.  Plus, if we go to courst he has to pay more in lawyer fee's LOL  I'm so mean.  His new wife posted on her FB page how she is now the girls mom, and she is looking forward to having them there for Christmas morning.  Mace will be there, but Katie told her no way.  Macie will probably say the same thing when she finds out what the weirdo wrote.  I've never trashed their dad to them after all these years, but now that his new wife see's she might get 106 dollars a week extra, she's pulling out all the punches to make me lose my temper.  Good luck sweetie is all I can say.

On the cancer front.......I see my hottie PS tomorrow.  Soooooooooo looking forward to that.  I plan to share with you all the fun and frolic of getting new improved non lethal boobies soon  

Something nice that has been said to me since dx?  Some stranger came up to me in wal-mart whilst I was amidst the cranberries and told me I was her hero......that was sweet.  Several people have told me that I am an inspiration......but I think the best thing I've been told since dx is from you guys.....that you LOVE me  

I'm sorry to hear about all of your woe's and the woe's of your hubbies!  Geesh, when it rains it pours!  Someday we will all walk in the sun again ladies, and this will all seem so far in the past.  It's slow, but it's coming.

Hair will come too.  I'm nearing two months out of treatment and I still just have fuzz, but........a sign of hope is the southern hair.  It has come on in the last two days like gang busters!  I'm both happy and saddened by it's return.  If it's growing there, it'll be growing elsewhere.......but I was starting to like the naked look LOL

Anyway, sorry I vented.  Seems all I do is vent lately.  I've got a little rage issue brewing for some reason......I can't imagine why when my life is going so swimmingly, can you?

Love to all........feel better and take it easy girls.

jadams1264

Hello SOSisters...another day at work.  Off tomorrow and working Saturday so I actually can go to my Herceptin txt and not lose any hours!  I keep telling myself only 2 more, only 2 more!  So much going on at work and I really don't need to be off at all this month.  Oh well, next year I can be there everyday!

Pamelajo - can I just tell you your in-laws stink?  Shame on them for not showing up but look at all the leftovers - that's a major part of Thanksgiving.  This from the person who had a bowl of chicken noodle soup and fruit!  So do you get a replacement for the germatoid who is leaving?  We are looking forward to hearing what your good looking PS has to say and when you will have your surgery.  I agree with Susan, I'm trying real hard to keep my double chin up - no use trying to raid my fridge, nothing good in it.  However, feel free to drop some good stuff in there on your way by!

Vickilynn - glad you had a good Thanksgiving minus your allergic reaction.  Any idea what food might have caused it?  How is hubby these days?  Over his surgery?  Sometimes going to chemo makes us realize how fortunate we are.  One of my Thursday chemo ladies had BC and bone cancer, she has been doing chemo for about a year. The bone cancer is gone!  However she was just in the hospital for 2 weeks after going into a diabetic coma!  She has such a positive attitude that I don't dare feel down when I'm around her!

DidiT- congratulations on finishing your chemo.  I'm sure you know how so many of us are waiting to say those words!  What kind of surgery are you having done?  I'm sure you have posted that but I don't want to lose my post going back.

Susan - sorry your hubby is having such a bad time.  Please know he will be added to our prayers.  My next "bad" chemo is next Thursday.  I can only hope txt 5 is as kind (if there is such a thing) to me as #4.  I already dread it but want to get it over with!!!  We have so many Christmas activities and I want to feel good for all of them (isn't going to happen) but I will be feeling better by Christmas.  Work is so busy right now and I love all the hustle and bustle of the season, I don't want to be home.

Neece - so sorry you have been sick.  I am thinking major positive thoughts that you can do your txt on Friday, I know how important this is to you!  My eyebrows have thinned.  I don't know which would be worse, no eyebrows or no eyelashes.  I don't want to find out either way.

Patty - you have muffins in your fridge?  You can send them my way.  I'm not sure chemo has taught me patience - it has shown me (like I didn't already know) just how little patience I have.  I am so wanting to be rid of the wig and scarf and just be back to me!  

DomeGal - hang in there girl.  It is going to get better.  I cannot work at all after my "bad" chemo txt and have to take the week off.  We are all different on how our bodies handle chemo.  You are doing great!  Sounds like most of us are missing eyelashes and eyebrows.  When they come back along with our hair we will all be so beautiful.  That is next year which is almost here!  Try to find some positive - sometimes the little things make us feel so much better!  We are with you in spirit!!!

Catherine - I have had nosebleeds since my 2 txt.  First one scared me, now they are just par for the course.  I bought a humidifier which I run at night, still have nosebleeds.  The problem is you never know when you'll have one.  I always have tissue no matter where I am!  Nosebleeds are one of the se's of taxotere and taxol.  How are you feeling otherwise?  I think we have been through so much this year it is hard to get in the mood for Christmas, but I bet by time Christmas gets here you will be ready.  Just think of the wonderful gift we all get this year - almost through with this chemo or already through and the road is getting shorter to our goal all the time!  2010 is going to be so much brighter for all of us.

Melinda - okay so we paint our heads, do we have to wear our chemotards?  Susan are you ready for us?  Get those pies and cakes out!  Love you picture, I'm thinking to do a new picture I'd have to use the zoom lense to show my 1/32" of hair.  We are following closely the hair regrowth of everyone who has finished all txt.  What we really want to hear is that the hair is growing out quickly on your head and nowhere else!  Well, except for eyelashes and eyebrows of course.

BarbAnne41- sorry #4 was so bad.  You will be ready on the 15th because you want to be over and done with this stuff.  Plus your sisters already doing taxol are reporting good results with no or very few side effects.  You can do this!!!  Enjoy you time - that gives you a whole week with no txt.  Whatever will you do?

Well, I'm hoping we will hear soon from Onty, Ronnie Kay, Barb0323, Amy, Mari, Marilou, Flacracker, Holly, ChinaBlue and Scoobydo and anyone else I forgot to list!  Hoping that everyone is busy but it's always good to know for sure.

Thoughts & prayers are with you!

Jane

msmpatty

Gosh, I just love reading everything 'yall write!  It is my little present to myself at the end of the day.

Domegal - Sorry you've got the blues.   It happens to us all.   I'll be going along just fine and then... wham...I'm just soooo over it!    Hope you feel better soon.

Melinda - I'm in for being a christmas ball!   Might as well put my shiny head to good use.  Thanks for your happy thoughts about May 2010.   I was diagnosed in May of this year and it's lovely to think that by next May this will all be behind me.

Barbara - Yeah, that last AC is a bummer!   The only thing that kept me going is knowing that I'd had my life time dose of the stuff and come what may I'll never have it again.   I was very nervous before my first Taxol...that fear of the unknown came back with a vengeance.  But so far it has been fine!  Thanks for the encouragement on the radiation.  And as for the world's worst high school mascot -- The Farmers -- when a friend of mine first registered at the school they handed her the paperwork and said "Welcome. You're a Farmer now!"   Having come from the mid-west where the term is often not meant as a compliment, she was highly offended!

Holly and Vickilynn - I had rashes and hives after my first AC and my Onc recommended a daily Claritin.   Never had them again.   He said to keep taking it so I swallow one every morning.   This may be a complete fantasy on my part, but I'm having such an easy time on Taxol I like to think the Claritin is helping to keep all kinds of other allergic-type SEs away.   

Pamela - Ex-husbands!   And their new wives!  Ugh. Vent away girl!

Jane - I wish I could report that hair has suddenly amassed on my scalp...but I do have some hair news.   I was sitting on my bed with my feet on the bedside table (okay..wierd..I know) with the lamp shining down and I noticed that I have a bunch of new downy white hair on my legs.   Surprise!   Can't tell you how much I wish it was it was on my head, or my brows, or my eyelids but seeing it did give me hope. Since it is long pants weather and since I've been wishing for hair, I have every intention of letting it grow for a while. Plus I don't want any other hair that is thinking about coming in to worry that I will slaughter it.

Neece, Catherine - I hope you guys are doing better!  Your husband too, Susan.

I'm off for blood work and a visit with my Onc tomorrow before my 4th Taxol on Friday.  That'll be 16-weeks of chemo down, 8 to go.  There is a teeny tiny light appearing on the horizon!

Patty

Neece

Melinda I laughed out loud at your tree idea! And your pic - very cheeky.

Pamela to your ex and his insensitive new wife I say this "Never push a woman with breast cancer".

Domegal and Catherine hugs to you both. I know you both know you will feel better in a while but I also know that when you are blue and things not going well it always feels like it will be that way forever.

I have had almost constant slight nosebleeds since a few weeks into chemo. It is one of the se's. Mine aren't heavy just bloody tissues when I blow my nose (which as someone mentioned is constant due to lack of nose hairs.) However if your bleeds are very heavy I would talk to onc or nurses about it.

Pamelajo

Jane, her replacement is an alcoholic who lost his certification LOL  BUT, I'll take that over bacterial infection anyday.  He stays out of the office at least, and when he is in the office, he's a gentleman, albeit a "reeking of gin" gentleman.

 Ex's suck, and I should know, I am one.....but geesh, this woman doesn't stop.  She actually sent me a Christmas card (and my mom and dad as well) with a pic of all the girls (mine and hers) and it had from the "doades" family.....Yikes!  I've sent them Christmas cards from the girls before, but never in a snarky way.  Neece, new wives should not mess with old  wives who are suffering from BC and defiantely protective of their young!  She's taking shots at my oldest to get to me.  It's insane.  I can't wait for the 14th to see the judge.  His lawyers wouldn't be making me a "gratuitous" offer if they thought they could do better in court. LOL

Anyway, better get all prettied up for my appt with Dr. LookGood.  OMG girls, he is absolutely delicious to look at and when he speaks, it's like liquid chocolate......I'm all giddy and stuff LOL

DomeGal

Good Morning to all of you!!!

Thanks to all of you for your wise words and support.  I am doing much better today and actually was able to sleep the whole night through since banishing BF to the couch...his snoring has been HORRIBLE.  I feel like I might actually accomplish something today at work....I have been reading your tx schedules and I feel bad about complaining when I am only having at this point 4 Taxol tx's (with one down, one next week) and some of you are having 12!  I really admire your strength and your ability to "climb back in the chair".  But, I guess we have no choice.

Pamelajo:  Ex-husbands suck...there is no doubt about that.  Mine stopped his court-ordered spousal support payments in '08 and owes me $10,000 which I could use for medical bills, but he won't return my calls even though he knows what I am going through.  Glad that he gave me my son, but the ex "rat bastard" is a LOSER.

I am hoping to be through with chemo by the end of January....I will be so thankful, but in some ways will miss my onc nurses who are so patient, helpful and just a blessing while we all sit there hooked up to machines for 4 hours.

I could not do this without all of your support and I really do appreciate the postings and that life is still going on, although I think that we will never really know "normal" again.

And to all of us that did have a sucky summer....here's to 2010...and new BOOBS!

Kim

BarbAnne41

Hey ladies-

I am at work and slacking off. I just had some Lemon wafer cookies and Ice T. Cancer should give me the privilege of slacking at work so why not.

Pamela-My step mother was a pain in the you know what so I feel very sorry for what you are going through. Please keep us posted on her insensitive bs. But do have fun at and with the doc.

Kim- So glad you are doing better, my hubby snores so loud that my daughter has woken up to it down the hall in her room, but i rarely do, it is weird. Maybe i am desensitized? I hope you get some more rest. And no matter how many tx's you have, it is all tx's and we are sisters in this together.

Patty- I love reading what everyone writes too, thats why I am slackin' at work! Evidently the clique of  "The Farmers" in my daughter's high school, before she was old enough to be in high school, all wore the black coats, thats how they signified they were the farmers. Your stories keep me laughing. Good luck with the Onc blood work and tx, countdowns rule!!

Jane- Thank you and  yes ac and number 4 sucked, but you are right i will be ready because I am ready to be done. You know where I still have hair, my big toes. a few keep showing up. Plus parts of my head keep trying to grow back too, very dark brown and prickly I wonder if taxol will knock it down? I will keep you posted and keep you in my thoughts about your upcoming tx too.

Holly- Yes AC is the gift that keeps on giving-ugh is all I can say. I know I read some pretty awful things on the boards before radiation, a lot from women who didn't do any chemo, but I can say I would do radiation for a year versus what I just went through with AC. I made sure I got rest because it make you tired but you don't notice it to the extent of chemo. I drank a lot of ice water, which helped my skin. (First think I drank every morning-really rehydrated me after sleep) Used Regular Eucerin every night. My boob, chest and arm pit got fairly red and sensitive, but it was like a mild sunburn and all the water and lotion really helped. Also keeping a folded up Kleenex in your bra protects your bras and clothes from the markings the put on you each day and keeps your skin from being annoyed by the bra seams. The skin is more sensitive. I also went for daily walks, which helped with the bit of fatigue, and I use hard candy to stave off the dry mouth I had, but they claimed that wasn't a side effect, but I never had it before and do not have it now-who knows.  And as far as laying on the table, so many men and women had seen my boos up to that point none of it bothered me. You will be fine, I am sure. Hope you are having a good day.

I finally remembered what I wanted to say a few weeks ago, My Radiation Oncologist recommended after radiation I start rubbing Vitamin E oil into my scars, lumpectomy and SNB, anyway it really is working they are fading. I am sure many of you already know this, but I was really surprised to see the fading. I put it on at night since it is oily and I don't care about my PJs and it is not an overnight thing, but it does work.

Ok well back to work!

Love Ya

Barbara

barbt0323

Good Morning Ladies!

Have to agree with you ex-husbands do suck!  Consider him my starter husband and glad it is a thing of the past.  Have been married to second husband 15 years and what a difference.  .   Sure glad I am not going through this BC journey with him it would have made life much worse.  Good Luck Pamelajo - you are a fighter and you have all of us here to help you kick his butt!!!

Went to surgeon Tuesday.  Went from 3.0 cm to 1.6 cm so the A/C is working.  The confusing thing is that they did a second biopsy because they found a second mass.  The doctor did not have any of that info. in his files.  He is the one that sent me for second biopsy.  They did an ultrasound the other day.  Really did not see the second area.  He is going to contact radiologist regarding biopsy.  I never really cared because I figured it was cancer because first one in same breast was.  They are going to call me and let me know.  If there are two areas he said lumpectormy is not an option.  For all of you ladies that have had mastectomies what has been your recovery time versus lumpectomy?

Well, next Thursday first taxotere.  Should be done with Chemo on Feb. 11th way it stands right now.

Better get back to work.

Love to all,

Barb T

positiveme

Hello SOS

I have noticed some fuzz starting to grew on my head. I hope it grows fast. The winter months in NJ are cold and I need some hair for warmth. My nose has not bothered me since the other night. Hopefully it will stay that way. My sister told me about a cleaning service that cleans your house while you are on chemo. The website is www.cleaningforareason.org. I have not look at it but wanted to pass it on to everyone.

Melinda- I love the pic.

BarbAnne- the 4th tx kicked my butt too. Almost everyone on taxol seems to say it is easier than AC. I hope you find it that way.

Holly- Good luck tomorrow.

Pamelajo- Good for you. Keep your cool.

Jane- Work will always be there. Take care of yourself.

Patty- Keep your sights on that light in the horizon.

Domegal- I'm glad you are feeling better. I can't wait for the summer of 2010. I will happily show off me new BOOBS.

BarbT- I had a right mx. and was back at work in 4 weeks. The drains were the worst part. One drain came out in one week but the other was there for 3 1/2 weeks. It pinched and burned. Now it does seem like a distance memory. It is doable. I feel that by having it the surgeon took all the cancer away. Chemo was my insurance policy.

THINK POSITIVE

Catherine

jadams1264

Hello SOSisters... was off today since I'm working on Sat.  Sat in the chair for my Herceptin txt which is nothing compared to the BAD chemo.  Pretty here today with lots of sunshine, cold weather coming - I'll take warm weather anytime.

Pamelajo - sorry you are having to deal with the ex and his wife.  Haven't we all been there?  It's another case of "this too shall pass".  So dish on the PS, we are all waiting to here how that went and all the fine details!  When is the surgery?  How long to heal?  Is he still as good looking as you thought?

Patty - good luck with your taxol tomorrow.  Glad to hear you have spied new hair growth, wouldn't you know it would be on your legs.  Why can't it just grow back on our head?  Mine on my head actually seems to be growing a little bit even though I'm not through with chemo.  Ask my onc nurse today and she said yes that does happen.  It is however very white!

Kim - glad you are feeling better!  See, good days, bad days.  We all have them.  However, a good nights sleep does wonders.  You may have to banish BF to couch more often!

BarbAnne - slacking off at work?  You go girl!  We really appreciate all the info on doing radiation and the way we should take care of ourselves and the se's.  So many of us will be starting rads after the first of the year and these things are good to know.  I also start the day drinking water, after starting chemo I have completely given up coffee.  I wouldn't have believed it, but don't even miss it.  I am going to get some Vit. E oil, thanks for the tip!

Barb0323 - when are they suppose to call you back?  I can't answer about the mx since I had a lumpectomy but know our other sisters will weigh in.  How's it going at work?  Hope your txt of taxotere is as easy as they are saying the taxol has been.  Keep us posted!

Catherine - I checked out the cleaning service.  They offer here in NC but not where I live.  The website was not accepting applications for 2 weeks because they have been overwhelmed with requests from BC patients!  I would certainly try them if they were offering it here.  Glad your nose hasn't bothered you anymore.  

Everyone else - hope you are doing well and enjoying the day!  Take care and post when you can.

Thoughts & prayers are with you!

Jane

Pamelajo

Just got home from the marathon of Dr.'s appt.s  Geesh, what a day.  I've never been naked from the waist up in front of so many different people in one day in my life!

The PS IS AS DELICIOUS AS I REMEMBER!!!  ahhhh, he made the whole day worth it.  I'll let him touch my foobs anytime...hubba hubba.  Apparently I am not having the lattismus dorsal flap recon like he initially suggested.  He thinks he can get the job done with the simple TE procedure.  I may have to have my TE exchanged for a larger TE, since I'm so thin and I have NOTHING as far as chest skin right now.  But, he feels it will be easier on me and the end result will be "stunning".......that's what he said LOL  Gosh I love his little Argentinian accent.  He's sooooooooooooooooooooooooo yummy.

Next it was my MX surgeon.  She poked around and decided I'm fine.  Said I looked great.  Thanks......I've looked better.  She is finally going to write a letter to the army that my position description needs to be changed forever.  I cannot go back to handling explosives.  they are too heavy for my bum arm now.

Finally it was my Onc.  She took one look at me and decided we made the right decision to stop chemo when we did.  I am now the proud owner of a lil bottle of tamoxifen   So for the next five years, I must be diligent with my efforts to make myself disciplined enough to take a pill everyday.  Good luck with that.  I can't be trusted to take a multivitamin everyday.

So....I'll keep you all posted on how this goes.  I took my first at supper tonight.  Ribeye, spicy cold slaw, loaded mashed potatoes and a lil tamoxifen pill.  Yummo.

 Oh, and yea, tho I walk through the shadow of my ex husband and his buttzilla of a new wife, I shall not fear, for YOU GALS ARE WITH ME...  lol.  AND, my mom called his lawyer and set them straight on the fact that my oldest does NOT live with her LOL.  Bet that was an interesting call.

Love to you all.  I feel a baking episode coming on.  I'm thinking chocolate cream pie.

chinablue

Hello all and Happy Holidays!

I had a wonderful Thanksgiving and cooked up a storm.  It was fantastic having my twin college kids home from school.   They are so full of life and told some great stories of college antics.

All three of my kids are so excited about Christmas.  It was infectious.  They were talking about all the simple holiday traditions we have, not just presents.  Stuff, like Christmas cookies, Christmas music, drinking hot chocolate, family game night (I thought they were too old), sitting by the fire, having friend over....Doesn't it sound nice.  I think there may have been a couple hours over the weekend where I didn't think about bc. Yeah!

Last Tuesday, I got in "the chair" and my onc nurse told my white blood cell count was too low to have my Taxol treatment.  So, they took more blood and gave me a neupogen  shot (it is a cousin of neulasta) and told me to check with them the next day.  As it turns out, I had my Taxol on Thursday.  The kicker is that now I need to go into the doctor's office for two neupogen shots, one the day after treatment and another the day after that.  Three days of doctors visits every week.  I have eight more chemo treatments.  Heavy Sigh!

Pamelajo - My ps is dreamy too....oooh...tall dark and handsome...mmm.

Hugs 

barbt0323

Good Morning Ladies!

chinablue - sorry to hear your white blood cell count was too low.  My oncologist suggested that I take Calcium with Vitamin D.  It really seems to help since my white blood cell count has been o.k. since then.

Catherine- thanks for the info. it was a big help.

Well, I heard back regarding the results of second biopsy on second area.  They want me to come in on Monday for a third one.  I really believe that they are just screwed up.  I already had a biopsy on second area.  Have left word with surgeons office for an explanation.  They told me that second area is down to a speck and if they could not biopsy it I would have to go to hospital on Thursday before my chemo and be sedated and have them do biopsy there.

It is a very dreary day in Florida - in the 60's and raining.

Well, I am at work right now better get my act together.  Have a wonderful weekend sisters!

Barb T

chinablue

Hang in there Barb.  Doctors can be so crazy.  You need a full explanation and dearly hope you get it soon.  Waiting can be the true path to insanity.  I wish you all the best.

msmpatty

Chinablue, I too am sorry they had to delay your TX because of low WBC.  After today, I also have eight weekly Taxol's to go...so I completely understand the grind of three trips to the doctor each week!. I currently do two every week...one to the lab for bloodwork the day before my TX, one to the chemo suite the next day.  Every third week I also have an Onc appointment.   I'm a Kaiser member and the lab is really great.  It's five minutes from my house and chemo patients are "STAT" patients at the lab....meaning you get in immediately no matter how many people are waiting.   This is a GREAT benefit of having BC! 

Had my 4th week Taxol today.  My WBC is hanging in there at the low end of the "normal" range.   RBC and Platelets are perfect.  But does anyone else have high levels of blood ALT?   Mine keeping going up and up.   The explanation on the lab report is that high levels of blood ALT can signal liver failure!   When I questioned the nurse she said it is really common for chemo patients to have high blood ALT and they don't know why.   She assured me my liver is not failing, so I guess I'll go with that...

I dreaded the Chair during the AC portion of the TX, but since Taxol has been so easy for me, I'm getting so that I actually look forward to my four hours of quiet time in it.  I snuggle in the warm blankets,  read a novel, eat snacks, and after the Benadryl drip goes in I'm totally happy and relaxed.   Another unexpected benefit of BC! 

My Onc told me yesterday that after Rads he is going to refer me to the PS so I can learn about reconstructing the nipple I lost with the lumpectomy.  I almost told him I wasn't interested ..but then I remembered Pamela's hottie PS ( and now yours China) so I said "Okay, can't wait!".   HA!  

Patty

Neece

Hey girls my treatment yesterday (no 5) went smoothly. Nurse found a vein with patience and gentleness - my biggest fear always and especially as I had cannula and other needles poked around in same veins during hosptial stay earlier this week- so yay! Now I only have one more to do - Christmas Eve - and then I am done and dusted until Tamoxifen starts I guess next year. Having only ONE more is such a morale booster.

Had a bit of energy today in morning but crashed out this afternoon so I won't post much today but just wanted to check in quickly say hi and all on track here DownUnder. Wishing you all  agreat weekend.

Melinda-Tma3

Happy Snowstorm Saturday! Coming down in huge fluffy white snowflakes...It's so pretty.  Had my first Rad meeting yesterday.  All went well. I get marked Christmas week and start the beginning of January.  I will be getting the IMRT Radiation (anyone else have this) which is  a new way of radiation with less damage to vital organs and better coverage of the entire breast..he said it would also kill any sleepers in my right breast as well.  To me this sounds great...2 for the price of one! Plus just more reassurance for less chance of recurrence in either breast.   Hooray!  

Barb...what a frustrating situation...I went through 3 for my biopsy as well..third was the surgery one as well.  Hang in there.  They will figure it out.  Sometimes they just can't get to it with the needle biopsy...Mine was 5cm and they couldn't get good samples...

Neece ..you're almost there! Hang in there! I promise you...good days are coming soon! What a way to end this year.  Beginning of January, you will start to feel really good! I'm excited for you!   

China...Sounds like a great holiday...just think almost a month with the kids for Christmas! What fun!

Barbara..thanks for the Vitamin E tips..still waiting for the tape to come off.  Still healing but it feels better everyday! I'll be using E as soon as I can.

PamelaJo..Sorry you have people stressing you out! Unbelievable how selfish some people are... Hope the BS ends soon! I'm on the other end of things...I'm the stepmother... I honestly think of all our kids as mine and I treat them all the same...I had a hard time finding my place in the beginning, but through our 12 years that is where I ended up.  I never pushed and pulled the kids, they made their choices.  Your kids are old enough to see and feel the love they get from you.  I think the biggest problem I encountered is my girls mother tried to buy the love...giving them expensive gifts and large amts of money to spend and not really able to afford it.  We have tried to teach them to live within your means, shop thrifty whenever possible. work hard and save your money for the special things in life or an emergency...So it is a constant battle in that respect. Kids like presents...they know how to manipulate things from her and they do, then they come here and still leave her out of the picture...they have no life with her..she talks at them not to them...I find it really sad and have talked with her so many times to build a stronger relationship with them, but she really doesn't know how to... It's sad really...So my suggestion is to keep on keeping on...give them your love and your time... They will get other things from step mom and dad...but you give them the important stuff....it will work out.  

Patty, Catherine, Jane, Kim, Susan and Vicki...and all of you....smile in the face of cancer..It is retreating....

Hugs & Snowballs! 

Melinda

 

Pamelajo

Day three of Tamoxifen is going swimmingly.  Hopefully I won't get the strange side effects that happen rarely, like I normally do.

 Melinda, I am a step mom too.  My DH and I raised all four of our children.  His kids didn't want to be with his ex and she didn't really want them.  There were all mine too, but I encouraged a relationship with their mom, as I have always encouraged a relationship with my girls dad and his wife........but she's totally the opposite.  She just wants Macie to be there so they won't need to pay support on her anymore.  LOL  It's ludicrous, but it is what it is and will be what it will be.  I'm not going to stress anymore.

 I want all of you to enjoy what is left of this weekend.  I'm pulling for you!  Keep being tough girls, you are almost done.

jadams1264

Pamelajo - sounds like you had a great day yesterday.  What is a TE?  Not all of us can say our boobs are stunning - I couldn't say that before the lumpectomy!  Glad the PS was just a yummy as you remembered.  When will you have your procedure done?  Any hot flashes, mood swings or any of that other stuff that is suppose to happen with Tamoxifen?  Keep us posted.  Did you make your chocolate cream pie?  I like chocolate cream pie, my taste buds are working this week.  Do you have any left?

ChinaBlue - glad you were able to get your txt.  Sorry you are going to have to go 3 days a week, what a pain but you are on the downhill side!  Sounds like you had a wonderful Thanksgiving and yes it is the family things that make all of our holidays special.  I still read "Twas the Night Before Christmas" every year - with the help of the kids - daughter 34, grandkids 14 and 12.  We still do the cookies and the whole kit and caboodle even though we are all way to old!

Barb0323 - I am sorry you are going to have to have another biopsy.  I would certainly be asking questions at this point.  How long will you have to wait for the results?  Keep us posted.  It is cold and dreary in NC as well and they are talking the "s" word.  I really don't like cold dreary weather!  Try to stay positive and I will keep you in my prayers!

Patty - what is ALT?  I don't mind my Herceptin txts which are every week except for the 3rd week when I get the bad stuff.  I take my laptop or a book and am perfectly content to sit for 2 hours because I know it isn't going to have any nasty side effects.  I don't need any plastic surgery (well a face lift and liposuction) but after hearing you and Pamelajo talk, I'm wondering what our PS looks like - ha.

Neece - so glad that #5 went smoothly.  I hope that side effects are very very minimal.  I have two more bad chemos, ending with the last one of NY Eve.  I am so ready to be done!  Makes me just want the next 2 to hurry up and be over!  When are you scheduled to start your new job?

Melinda - glad to hear all went well with your appointment.  Don't know if I will have IMRT or not, will let you know in January.  I ask at my radiation appt if I could pick out my tattoos, the doc said sure for an extra charge.  I understand the worst part is just getting you lined up on the table.  Glad you are enjoying the snow!

To everyone else - hope you are having a great weekend!  Take care and post when you can.

Thoughts & prayers are with you!

Jane

msmpatty

Jane, ALT is an enzyme that is normally found in the liver.  If your liver is damaged it gets into the blood stream in higher levels.  Mine keeps going up but chemo nurse said no worries.  Did you have something specific in mind for your tattoos?

This board is quiet this weekend.  Hope that means everyone is feeling well!

Patty

hbowser

Hi, everyone.  I hope everyone is doing well.

Patty - my liver enzymes are high too, but onc. told me not to worry that it is always high after treatment since the liver/kidneys are working overtime to process the chemo.  She said it should return to normal after chemo.

Pamelajo - I am glad day 3 is going well for you.  Praying that you will continue to do well on Tamoxifen. 

Had my 7th treatment last Thursday and had major muscle/bone ache late Friday night into Saturday.  I took Tramadol Saturday morning, but it made me dizzy and nauseous.  I don't know what is worse, the ache or nausea.  Feeling some ache today, but only taking Advil since I really, really hate nausea.  I can't wait until my last treatment, December 17.  

I hope this board being quiet this weekend means everyone is out doing things and getting some of their activities done.  Take care and have a great week.

Holly