Chemo Starting Sep 09
Comments
-
Hello SOSisters...TGIF! Yesterday was 3 weeks and I felt good! Feeling better each day altho I'm not 100% but I feel so much better than I did. Work has been stressful this week and next week will be even worse but...I'm working not home on the couch! Have appt with radiologist this coming week so I will know when the next step starts. Oh joy!
PAMELAJO - I don't care if you whine, gripe, whatever! Just do what you did today and let us know you alive and kicking. And ditto everyone else, we are here for you - whatever you need we will all try to help. So glad you posted!!
ChinaBlue - so glad you got good news! I'm sure you will make the right decision for you about the trial. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you and we'll send positive vibes for Tuesday!
DiDiT- sounds like we may be doing the radiation thing around the same time. I would love to get my port removed, sounds like it is a lot easier than having it put in! However, have to wait until I am through with Herceptin - if all goes well with heart that won't be until September. Glad you are doing well.
Anita - we are doing to be close on the radiation too. Sounds like you are going to be very busy between the trial and the radiation. How are you feeling otherwise?
Patty - I also worry as I'm sure we all do about "it" coming back. I try to stay very positive but sometimes those stray thoughts just sneak in anyway. I think our thoughts will heal along with our bodies.
Catherine - so glad you got good results. Know that you are relieved. Hope you are well and staying warm up there in NJ. It's freezing here in NC.
BarbAnne41 - glad your hands are clearing up. Hang in there you are almost through. And yes there is light at the end of the tunnel - it's just a really really long tunnel (ha). Hope you have a good weekend!
Melinda - glad you are doing well. How is the hair coming along? Taste buds? Hot flashes? Radiation? You are one of our posts on all things post chemo! Hope you have a good weekend too!
Barb0323 - how are you doing? Are you feeling better since you have taken your leave of absence? We are missing you!
Neece - please send some of your warm weather to the east coast. We could use it! Hope you are feeling better and your energy level is good. Are you still anemic?
Vickilynn - hope you are doing well. Seems like it's been a while since you posted. I'm hoping you are busy just having fun!
Holly - how are you doing? Feeling better since getting your great biopsy results?
RonnieKay - you must have found a great hobby, we haven't heard from you for awhile either.
Amyoo - where are you?
Onty - know you have your radiation thread now. How are you doing?
Isn't it amazing how many ladies have been on this website and how we miss them when they don't post. To all of you that I didn't list, it's only because I don't have my list in front of me and my memory isn't what it use to be.
Take care, have a great weekend.
Thoughts and prayers are with you!
Jane
-
Hi everyone, I hadn't checked in for a few days and boy was there a lot to catch up on.
China great results from mammo - a huge relief for you. Pamela it was wonderful to hear from you - I hope you know you are MUCH loved and I echo melinda's comment - you are such an 'up ' person and have brought us all so much laughter over the months, but you don't have to be always - if you want t post and just rant or let us know how you are please do - we are all far flung but here for each other in a virtual sense.
Anita I check daily for signs of hair - maybe this week there is some tiny fine fluffy stuff - difficult to know if it is just wishful thinking! But I did look in mirror the other night and spotted a definite hair - guess where it was? ON MY CHIN!!!! Sigh. Life with bc is soooooo unfair isn't it??
I have a really sore fingernail - has anyone else had that? My fingertips were tender for quite a while but now mostly OK - except for index finger which is extremely sore under nail and is now red and puffy on the finger itelf down from nail. Throbs at night. I think I need to go to Dr. ANyone else had this?
Anyway must go as I am going to a movie and lunch with girlfriends today - yay! Plus DH and I went out last night to hear a friend's band play - a real treat as I just have not been going out esp at night for ages.
Love to you all.And for those still facing treatments next week special hugs.
-
Good evening ladies.
Hope everyone is doing well. Took a while for me to catch up with everyone.
Pamelajo - You have brought us laughter and joy with your postings, but as we all know we go through periods of sadness and general unhappiness. We are here for you if you ever feel like venting, b**ching and moaning.
Catherine - Great news re: MRI. It is great getting some good news.
Barbara - Is the itching on your hands improving? Glad you did not need to have a CT scan and your stomach issue got better. It seems like we are constantly getting tests; getting tired of it.
DiDi - Gosh, sorry to hear about your infection and replacement of your te. Hope everything goes well. Did I read that they would be replacing your te before radiation?
Anita - Hope the cording in your arm is getting better every day. Maybe I missed it, but have you gotten your results from your BRCA testing?
Chinablue - Only one more taxol treatment and you're done!!! So happy to hear you got good news re: your retina and mammo/ultrasound. Have you decided when you are starting radiation?
Neece - I don't have sore fingernail, but sore toenails. Sometimes, especially at night, they are more sore to the touch and it throbs. Mine are not red and puffy, though. I think you should follow-up with your doctor. Glad you had fun last night. I can't remember the last time I had a girl's night out with my usual group.
Melinda - I can't believe you already had 11 (is it more now) radiation treatments. Hope you continue to do well. How long have you been on tamoxifen?
To all that I have missed, I hope you are doing well.
I have been busy following my biopsy. Met with my surgeon, plastic surgeon and radiation oncologist this week. Met with the surgeon to discuss my options and have been away to think through all the information thrown at me. My main decision is lumpectomy followed by radiation vs mastectomy. I had neoadjuvant treatment in the hopes that it would shrink the tumor and I would be a good candidate for lumpectomy. My tumor did shrink, but the surgeon felt I would still have some dimpling if I chose lumpectomy due to my small breast. After talking with all my doctors and praying for guidance, I have decided to have a mastectomy. That means no radiation for me unless my final pathology comes back with a surprise. After my recovery, I will start tamoxifen. Any suggestions/helpful tips for my upcoming mastectomy would be greatly appreciated.
Have a wonderful weekend, everyone.
Love, Holly
-
Pamela Jo - ditto, ditto, ditto. I think of you often and am sending positive thoughts your way.
Melinda - thanks for "validating" (hate that word but it is the only one I can think of) my bouts of fear. I talked with my Mom yesterday, who went through BC treatment 22-years ago, and she said you do eventually do stop worrying about it...except those days when you have mammogram or test, then it all worry comes back. She's a great role model....22 year survivor and going strong!
China - Excellent news! This is about the only instance that I can think of where FAT cells are GOOD NEWS! I've been taking the B vitamins throughout Taxol. I take Nature Made B-100 Complex time released. Got it at the grocery store. It has all the Bs in high percentages of the RDA. Also has some Biotin which is good for the hair growth. I finished Taxol #11 today and I haven't had any major problems with nueropathy...just a little numbness in my fingers every once in a while. And my hair started growing after Taxol #5 and just keeps coming!
Barbara - Love the analogy on AC versus Taxol. Exactly right! I'm thinking that since you are 1/2 way through and doing well...you'll finish up just fine. That's the way it has been for me and I only have one more TX to go. Lucky us!
Anita - I hope your "deportation" goes well! Can't wait to hear about it...or ...if it is horrible and painful, maybe I don't want to know...hmmm...yeah, I want to know.
Everybody else...here's to a good weekend!
Patty
-
Hi girls!!
Looking forward to keeping in touch with you girls during radiation...
Holly - the plan is to have TE replaced a couple weeks post radiation. The side to be radiated is being filled aggressively - hope to have 'over filled' by the time I start - will know more after my appt next week:)
Patty - Had my port out this past Monday - only thing I'd say 'hurt' were the numbing shots. Kinda like the dentist, - sure wouldn't wanna have it done without the numbing, right?! Not really sore afterwards, no bruising, just a thin line of stitches and kind of a relief to get rid of 'the bump'
I will however have to be stuck now for Herceptin - Oh well!!
Congrats to everyone finishing up on chemo...side effects really do resolve, eventually...I thought I was back to normal a couple weeks ago with the swelling, but woke up a couple days ago and thought 'wow' my legs feel like MY LEGS and I'm wearing jeans that I haven't worn in months from the bloat and wt gain... I still have the weight (even with breasts removed - ) but not the bloat, puffiness, and swelling:) - fyi - last taxol/herceptin was 12/1 - but I also had 2 surgeries since then so maybe anesthesia, iv fluids, etc might have prolonged my 'feeling almost normal'
Neece - my hair started coming in some during taxol, but really about two to three weeks seemed to 'cover my head' - I hate to complain because it is hair, but it's very soft, extremely curly, and lovely grey - when I get out of the shower I kinda look like a schnauzer or an aged poodle! This morning I tried to straighten it with balm and a blow dryer...let's just say it'll be a while before I lose the hats and wigs
Love to all!!
Di Di
-
Hi Ladies,
I started taking vit D (400 mg) as suggested by my onc. My onc is not a believer in the b6 & glutamine, but my sister in law who is an acclaimed internist thinks it will help with the neuropathy. My onc says the b6/glutamine is ok for me to take, but he doesn't think it will help. Anyway, I started taking the b6 (50mg) and glutamine (10g x 3 daily for four days) as suggested by my sister in law. I will let you know if it helps.
DiDi - thank you for telling about your port removal. It is one less thing that I will be concerned about now. However, I don't when I will have mine removed given all the zometa iv's i may get.
Holly - Making decisions can be tough. I am glad that you are settled and know your plan. I wish you the best with your surgery. Will you have reconstruction?
Neece - My finger nails are a lovely shade of brown and they curl downward. My finger tips are swollen and red. They feel bruised. My onc says it is the taxol. I have been reading about the increased chance of infection with this stuff. Throbbing at night, sounds like an infection to me. Get it checked out! Dr. Anyone sounds good. I feel like I see so many doctors, but each wants to stay within their area of comfort.
Have a great weekend everyone.
-
China
I used to take the daily recommended amount of super B complex and a spoonful of glutamine powder. I did not get any neuropathy to speak of. -
What did you mix the glutamine with? It is recommended that I take 10 grams. It has a yucky texture.
-
Yoghurt
-
China- I have been taking B complex and haven't had any neuropathy. My onc said there were no clear studies on chemo, but there are several on b complex and diabetic patients. they tell me the nerve damage from sugar is the same as the nerve damage from chemo, so it should help. keep us posted and good luck.
Patty- I think I will be fine too, you are my light, and not a train!! I just can't wait for it to be done. Tomorrow is number 7 so then I am down to the best part of the countdown,5..4..3..2..1!
DiDi-love the new photo, and congrats on the pants. I keep saying that to people, I want my body back, and they don't get it. Take care and keep feeling better.
Holly- I am glad you have a plan. Decisions are always tough, but when you have made one and are happy, it is a good feeling. I hope you will keep us posted on your process.
Neece- Sounds like fun. Time to do fun things is always good, I hope it was thoroughly enjoyable.
Jane- Sorry about the work stress.
Hope next week is better than you think it will be. Glad you are feeling stronger though.You know how it is I can't go back a page to see what everyone else said without losing my post, so to anyone I missed I am thinking of you.
Number 7 tomorrow, and I see the onc, can't wait to hear what with me is NOT the Taxol-yeah right.
I just want to stress again how much of a breeze radiation was for me. For all of you worrying about it. Lotion at night, lots of water during the day, and rest when you can. It really was SO much easier than chemo.
Love to you all-
Barbara
-
Holly - Looks like you did your homework and made a solid decision on your mastectomy. It feels good and powerful to be knowledgeable! I started my tamoxiphen a few days after my rads started so about 17 days now. Honestly, there is very little difference as before I started taking it. Every so often in a day, light flushing and maybe 5-7 hot flashes per day. Nothing earth shattering... but, I've read that it takes up to 3 months for your body to re-balance after starting it. So I'm just going forward and waiting to see if anything changes for me. Anyone on Tamox and have their periods come back after chemo? Just wondering if this is even possible?? Hoping it is gone for good...47 and not planning for anymore children! Enjoy your Sunday everyone...calling for 50's here in PA & I plan to take advantage of it!
Melinda
-
China - My Onc was not enthused about the B vits either but he didn't say no. Like Barbara said, they've been found to really help diabetic patients with nueropathy. I'm convinced they are the reason I haven't had problems in that regard!
Barbara - Hooray for being over the hump on your Taxols! TX 7,8, 9 went by fast for me. The last three have seemed draggy because I am so anxious to be done. Thanks for your reassurances on radiation.
DiDi - Glad your port removal went well. Thanks for the info. Congrats on getting back into your skinny pants!
Patty
-
Hello SOSisters... hope everyone is enjoying their Sunday - is football on your tv? I am feeling better, my energy is coming up but I have leg aches and my eyes are watering like crazy. Anyone else have this going on? My hair is definitely growing, it's probably a 1/4, maybe alittle more all over. It's short on top but actually longer over my ears and the bottom of my neck. And all of it is WHITE! But it's growing - and so far not growing any where else.
Neece - have you been to the dr. about your nail? Mine were sore for a while but are better now. Thought I was going to lose the nail on little finger but it got better. Sounds like you are getting out and enjoying yourself. Isn't it great to have fun?
Holly - wow, you have been busy. So glad you were able to make a decision that you are comfortable with, when will you have your mastectomy? Sorry I can't offer any tips since I had a lumpectomy but know several of our sisters will be able to guide you.
Patty - your mom can be an inspiration to us all. I also have those moments, but I think as we get better our thoughts will improve too. I am going to ask about the B vitamins my next appt.
DiDi - how many Herceptin do you have left to do? I go thru Sept. and am leaving the port in, I hate needles and getting stuck. You are so brave! I was so glad to read your post about the swelling, bloating going away. I hate this swelling, it goes down a little then comes back. My legs haven't been the same since my last "bad" chemo when I lost 11 pounds in a week. Then it all came back, my face looks like the Pillbury Dough Boy and that's what I feel like. I would love to get in my smaller jeans. Are you still taking a fluid pill? My last taxotere/carboplatin was 12/30. My hair is also very soft and curly. I have never had curly hair before and am not sure what I will be able to do with it once it's long enough to style. How long before we can use haircolor? Does anyone know?
ChinaBlue - I take Vit D also, been taking it for awhile. As I posted I'm going to ask about the B vitamins my next appt. My fingers are numb but getting better. When do you start your trial?
Onty - how are you doing? How's the radiation going?
BarbAnne - you are counting down. I hope it goes quickly for you. Thanks for the encouragement about radiation. So many of us getting ready to start. What kind of lotion did you use? On the rad thread there is a lot of discussion about lotions and which ones are best. Yes, I am hoping this week will be better at work but unfortunately this is the time of year they cut positions and while I'm not worried about mine, I am very much concerned for co-workers. Will know tomorrow. Has your hair started growing?
Melinda - glad to hear you are doing well. Warming up in PA - I am so ready for high 70's & mid 80's with lots of sunshine! Turns out I will not be doing Tamoxifin but Femera, I was already through menopause before chemo. Sounds like your hot flashes are pretty mild, I hope it is the same way with Femera. Have you heard from Susan? I'm so sorry she doesn't have access to post anymore, I miss her. Please tell her so if you talk with her. Do you feel like you are back to 100%? Sounds like you are doing well with the radiation.
To everyone I missed, I will try to catch you later. Hope everyone is doing great and enjoying what is left of the weekend. Take care.
Thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jane
-
Hello all of you beautiful ladies!!!!! I have missed you all so much, and you are often on my mind. You are such an amazing and wonderful group. I will try to let you know what is going on in my life as I take some time to read your recent posts and try to figure out what is going on with all of you.
I have been super busy, and virtually without access to a computer. I borrowed a computer from my husbands company while I was recuperating and it putzed out and had to go back for repairs. I didn't think I would get it back, but I did get it back finally. I don't know how long I will get to keep it though. My work has been super busy and stressful, and I haven't had more than a few minutes on the boards for more than a month. So much happens in just a day on the boards that it is hard to catch up. I haven't even tried to read more than the last few posts, I am a bit overwhelmed.
My middle child, my 17 year old daughter got the lead in the musical at her high school. They are doing Hello Dolly!, and she is Dolly. I am so proud of her, but she needs so much support right now. I am making one of her costumes as well as helping make costumes for other kids in the cast.
My husband is doing well, but his work is crazy right now too, and his mom fell and broke her hip just before Christmas. She lives 100 miles away and we are the closest family, so we have had to make a number of trips to see her and to take care of things in her home, ( she is in a nursing home for the time being). So all in all my life has taken off since I finished chemo on Nov. 12th. I didn't do radiation, so I am finished with treatments other than Tamoxifen. I started taking that in December, and I seem to be tolerating it very well, just a few hot flashes now and then. The only thing that is going on right now is that I found a lump in my reconstructed breast on the side that was cancerous. It is most likely just fat that has hardened or possibly muscle. It feels just like the lump that started this whole adventure so I don't like it at all. I found it last Wed, and I see the plastic surgeon this Thur. so I will ask him about it. It concerns me because I had skin sparing surgery, and so I still have a lot of my own tissue and my oncologist isn't thrilled that I had the immediate reconstruction, (it isn't like I had the opportunity to consult with her until after the surgery was done, though) Anyway, I don't really think it could be much of anything, and I don't want to overreact. I don't want to tell my husband. I am just glad that I have all of you to share with. I will let you all know how it turns out. I hope you are all well, and I will try to get caught up, and stay that way so I can keep in touch with all of you!
Much Love,
Susan
-
Jane - not sure if this is 'expert' opinion, but according to 'Chemotherapy & Radiation for DUMMIES', advise treating our new hair gently - maybe 6 months from first regrowth for color, perm, straightening, etc. - I'm thinking I probably won't wait 6 months...If I'm going to cover it with a hat or a wig anyway, I'll probably take a chance...what could happen? If I then 'like it' can 'be free'! We'll see:)
I'll have 9 months of herceptin - not thrilled about being stuck - my oncologist probably doesn't even know yet that I had my port removed...I'll see her this week and then find out when rads begins, herceptin resumes, tamoxifin starts or whether that'll be arimidex - will have blood test to determine menopause status...
Susan - exciting for your daughter, nice too, for you to have something 'rewarding' to busy your mind and get you 'back into life as usual'... It seems like that's so difficult for so many when treatments are finally finished...resuming LIFE... try not to worry about the 'lump' - as you mentioned could be so many things...
Jane & Barbara - I did take a couple lasix after stopped chemo, helped some with hands & feet, not so much with face & belly - that just takes time - and don't get me wrong, not back to 'normal' but so much better!!!
Holly - I didn't have the most success with surgery, but now have one breast with immediate recon and one without, if I can help you at all, pm me... the list for packing on the surgery posts is pretty inclusive...I'd add a backscratcher...Unless you're having a flap, you won't be in the hospital too long...I created a form for recording drain amounts as well as times I took antibiotics and pain meds...was helpful as naps & pain meds affect memory....surgeon seemed to like it -
Long day of football, potato soup, and chocolate...oh, and squeezed a nap in this already very nonproductive day...
Di Di
-
Good Morning Ladies from the West Coast....it has taken me a while to catch up and I apologize for not answering each by name...had my final Taxol last Wed. and it has been really kicking my butt, but I am hanging on by telling myself that it is OVER! Met with my radiation onc on Friday and will be starting the mapping process on 2/10 for radiation...just a couple of weeks to get over chemo se's which seem to be lasting longer and longer. I will have 28 days of radiation and then will be done. Then I guess I will be joining the Tamoxifan train. I will see my ps in the next week or so to get an update on "fills" and reconstruction. I too have been bothered by neuropathy and did get some B-Complex 100....so far it is not helping so much. I also have intense bloating and indigestion, but that seems to go away after a couple of weeks. My main complaint is the intense bone pain/shooting pains which seem to be all lower abdominal and in my legs.
PamelaJo: Please hang in there and there is no reason to make apologies...we all have bad days, weeks, months...I have found that with what we are all going through personally, there are always going to be some people who will be insensitive and selfish...I am dealing with someone like that at work and it is a downer. Positive thoughts for better days ahead for you and your family.
I am looking forward to hair, eyebrows and eyelashes. I feel like such a freak walking around without anything on my face....pretty much gave up on drawing the eyebrows. But, in the end, I am just thankful right now that treatment options have come such a long way and that we are all here still posting, still alive and still able to participate in life, even if it is not to the extent that we would like it. I am so looking forward to getting out in my yard and digging up everything and planting my garden....I just want to go back to where I was before bc.
DidIt: We too had a long day of awesome football...Go Saints! Sat with my bf in the garage with 3 t.v.'s going until I got too cold!
Hope that everyone has a good week...
Kim
-
Good morning ladies.
Kim - are you taking percocet for your pain? I had the same severe bone pain and shooting pains in my hip and legs. The percocet was the only thing that gave me relief. It was like a miracle. Congratulations for finishing chemo!!!!
DiDi - I was told the same thing for our new hair. To not apply any chemicals to it for 6 months. I am going to comply with that. Because you never know what chemo has done to leave us susceptible to issues with those chems. Better safe than sorry.
Susan - So glad to hear from you. Congratulations on your daughter getting that prime spot in the musical...one of my favs. I sure hope you get quick confirmation that the lump is nothing but fat. Please keep us updated on this.
Jane glad you are feeling better. Hope the leg aches and watery eyes get resolved quickly as well. I have watery eyes. Not sure what that is due to.
Well tomorrow is my CT Scan or mapping with rad onc. I also get my port removed. So a lot going on. I pray that I can deal with the needle pain, but I am sure if I can make it through chemo I can make it through anything.
Wishing all of you ladies well.
Anita
-
Hello Ladies
Just spent some time getting caught up with everyone. I don't think I posted about what I'm using for my hair re-growth. It is called nioxin. My hair is really coming in fast. Not the eyelashes but on my head is really growing. I got it at a beauth supply place. A women I met at LGFB told me about it because this was her second round with cancer. I hope everyone if feeling good and enjoying the day.
THINK POSITIVE
Catherine
-
H Ladies-
Just finished number 7, and there was a lady there getting number 2 of AC, she was grilling me on se and I wanted to be honest, but positive-difficult balance.
Jane- good to hear from you, I am so glad you are feeling better everyday. I do have some hair coming in and it is white, thin and fine, but hair is hair-right?
Melinda-We hit 50 too, although another cold front is on its way, but nay 50's in January in Michigan is quite a blessing.
Susan- So good to hear from you!! Congrats on your daughter getting the lead-- How wonderful. I am sorry about the lump, sending you prayers and good thought. Please keep us posted. Wow do I know what you mean about not telling the hubby, all their worry, stress, anxiety etc...ect...just makes it harder to focus on a good outcome. I try to wait to tell him, my dh, things until they are serious, cause it could be nothing and he would drive me nuts before I know. I am with you girl mind, body and spirit.
Catherine- Can you get that at like a Sally's Beauty supply? Is it a liquid, and what do you do with it? Can you use it during chemo? Thanks for the info.
DiDi- Is that a real book? Chemo and radiation for Dummies, whether it is or not gosh that is funny. So six months post chemo fro the first color huh? Wow will I be gray for awhile.
Kim- Sorry about all the se's but I am Glad you are done yeah!!! I have to battle bloat etc.. and it has been a struggle. After my onc visit today he agreed it is a Taxol induced problem. That it makes my spastic colon really bad day of tx and day after, then everything goes into slow mo, then I have to watch what I eat and drink and how I eat and drink, pain in the butt, but he said I would feel like my old self within 8 weeks post chemo. I am glad you are done though!! I hope the Saints win it all too!
Anita- What a busy day. The mapping and all aren't bad. Can't wait to hear about your port removal, how exciting. I will think good thought and prayers for you tomorrow. Keep us posted.
Much love and hugs
Barbara
-
Thanks everyone for the hair advice. Mine is really coming in thick and getting longer, but the color is NOT good. I'm not going to do anything to it until it is long enough for the "unveiling"...which will be a while.
Susan - Good to hear from you! Sorry about the lump. Most of them are nothing. Congrats to your daughter (Go Farmers!).
Kim - Congrats on finishing chemo! I don't know when you started taking the B vits but I read that it can take six weeks or so for them to have their full effect.
Anita - You, Kim and I seem to be on the same rad schedule. I have my mapping on 2/12 and start rads two weeks later.
Barbara - Congrats on #7! I know exactly what you mean when people ask about AC...what do you say? You don't want to frighten them, but there isn't much to be positive about. Before starting AC I talked with a friend who went through it a couple years ago. She was pretty vague. Now I know why!
It was in the 50's here in San Diego today and we are all freezing. We are so wimpy!
Patty
-
Barbara - that is a real book, good for quick references - my cousin's oncologist co-wrote it - lol
Barbara & Patty - re: AC - you've probably heard this before, but the AC is fondly referred to as THE RED DEVIL at my chemo center - My husbands cousin (same one that gave me the chemo & rads for DUMMIES, told me all about it before I started...Fortunately, I didn't have quite the time she did, although it was not pleasant :- 0
I think I'll try that NIOXIN stuff...THANKS CATHERINE!!
-
Hey everyone, it is good to be back! I missed you all so much. I don't think I will be able to go all the way back and read all of the posts that I missed, and get totally caught up, but I have read through quiet a few posts. It sounds like most everyone has finished, or is nearly finished with chemo. Congratulations! I am 2 1/2 months out now and my hair is really taking off. I think it is going to be basically just like my hair was before. I was about 50% gray before, and it seems like there is more black coming in now than I had before, but that may be an optical illusion because of the length. It is super short still, somewhere between 1/4 and 1/2 inch, but more towards the 1/4 inch. I am going topless most of the time. It looks kind of chic, at least that's what everyone tells me. I have gotten so many compliments on how it looks, a lot of men have told me to leave it like this. I don't think so, but I may leave it really short for awhile, just not this short. I had to go to a very fancy banquet on Saturday, and I must say I rocked it! I wore a red satin jacket that crosses over and has a rhinestone buckle at the side that a sash goes through. It shows a lot of cleavage, and I wore it with a black velvet straight skirt and high heels. I went bareheaded and wore really super glamorous earrings and I did my make-up to the nines. I hadn't seen most of these people, (my husband's company) since my diagnosis, so I had a lot of questions, but no one felt sorry for me. I was anxious having to see everyone and having to answer the "how are you feeling" question. I am really glad that I went all out because it gave them something else to talk about. One guy who always flirts with me a little, could barely get a word out, and then he hugged me and told me to leave my husband and go out with him instead. It was priceless.
To all who are having problems with neuropathy, I had it very bad for several weeks, it would wake me up in the middle of the night and it was agonizing. I started taking B-6 as soon as it started, and it is much better now. It took about 5-6 weeks before it was really better, but gradually it improved. It may have gotten better on it's own, but I am still taking the B-6. It still bothers me some, but it is much better.
Kim and Didi, I agree, I am rooting for the Saints. I think I will have a big party and serve Cajun food, and sip hurricanes.
Patty, I'll tell Ashlyn you said "Go Farmers", she will laugh.
Barbara, Anita, Catherine, and everyone, thank you for all of your kind words welcoming me back. I am glad to get to visit with you all again.
Be well, stay warm, and eat cookies
Hugs,
Susan
-
Susan- That sounds like so much fun, good for you for rockin' the short do. I told my daughter when mine does grow out I am going to rock the Halley Barry hair (minus the cute body and face) but the hair just the same. It is so good to have you back.
DiDi- I love it, a book for dummies on chem and rads, i knew they would have one of those on every topic-too cool you know the author. I felt like I had to be honest, but spin it with the Taxol is much better, but I cringe when I say that and think of Kim ans Anita's pain, I just tried to stay positive, but not sound crazy.
Patty- You will find this funny, at the lab yesterday someone was talking about leaving for San Diego and all us Michiganites were oohhing and awwing over her departure into warmth! I don't blame you guys for being chilly, I would be too if I was used to the warmth. Our highs for the weekend are 20 so that sounds like a good excuse to curl up in something warm and nap! Is this Friday your last one?
I Went on Sally's Beauty supply website (thats the beauty supply company we have locally in bricks and mortar form) and they have several products Nutri-Oxy I think was the name brand. Looks like a some are sprays that prevent hair loss and stimulate follicle activity. Very reasonable, around $13.00. My MIL is worried about me trying while finishing chemo but I think it should be fine-what do you girls think?
Take Care and stay warm no matter where you are!
Barbara
-
Susan- That sounds like so much fun, good for you for rockin' the short do. I told my daughter when mine does grow out I am going to rock the Halley Barry hair (minus the cute body and face) but the hair just the same. It is so good to have you back.
DiDi- I love it, a book for dummies on chem and rads, i knew they would have one of those on every topic-too cool you know the author. I felt like I had to be honest, but spin it with the Taxol is much better, but I cringe when I say that and think of Kim ans Anita's pain, I just tried to stay positive, but not sound crazy.
Patty- You will find this funny, at the lab yesterday someone was talking about leaving for San Diego and all us Michiganites were oohhing and awwing over her departure into warmth! I don't blame you guys for being chilly, I would be too if I was used to the warmth. Our highs for the weekend are 20 so that sounds like a good excuse to curl up in something warm and nap! Is this Friday your last one?
I Went on Sally's Beauty supply website (thats the beauty supply company we have locally in bricks and mortar form) and they have several products Nutri-Oxy I think was the name brand. Looks like a some are sprays that prevent hair loss and stimulate follicle activity. Very reasonable, around $13.00. My MIL is worried about me trying while finishing chemo but I think it should be fine-what do you girls think?
Take Care and stay warm no matter where you are!
Barbara
-
Hi All
I use the nioxin kit. There is a shampoo, conditioner and a spray that you put on twice a day. I think it is really working.
THINK POSITIVE
Catherine
-
Ugh Jeez Jane I keep forgetting your question! The lotion my rad-onc loved was Eucerin. I used the daily stuff (it says that on the bottle) because the intensive stuff was really thick. The daily stuff worked well and was light enough not to feel like I was slopping on mayo before bed. I always used it at bedtime because they like the area clean and dry before rads.
Which comes to my other question, anyone told not to wear deodorant during rads? I was and used baby cornstarch powder. It worked great and it was summer so that's a pretty good testament. I carried a little zippy bag with those powder makeup pads (you can buy clean ones in the beauty supply aisle) in case I needed a touch up during the day.
Don't forget the hard candy at the start of tx-cause I had a little dry mouth even though I was told that couldn't be a side effect!
Catherine-do you think that stuff is safe to use during chemo or should I wait until I am done?
Take Care ladies
Barbara
-
Hello Ladies!
Barbara - Thank you for your well wishes. Had the port removed today and it was painful. I cant lie. The shots to numb the area were excruciating. I cried. The nurses were so kind and held my hand. However, once that was over, it went fine. No issues. But man oh man. Those shots are no joke. Oh and my rad onc also doesnt want me to use antipersirant deodorant. She gave a couple of alternatives that I can use.
Patty - Well I had my mapping done this morning. It was pretty uneventful and I wlll starting rads in two weeks. That is cool that a lot of us will be in rads in Feb. We can go through this together.
Catherine - Thanks for the tip. I will go to the beauty supply store this week and look for nioxin. I can use any help. I still only have stubble after 3 weeks post chemo.
Well I am a tad sleepy still from my procedure...so off to a nap.
Anita
-
hi everyone
Holly good luck with discussions with ps. My main piece of advice re mastectomy is: do the exercises they give you ASAP and be really regular with them - ie 2 - 3 times a day. This will ensure you get back use of your arm and shoulder ASAP. Also be aware of lymphodema risks and take all the precautions you can but make sure you continue to use your arm as normally as possible. The other main thing is that a week or so after surgery you might start to expeience burning pain under your arm - like sunburn - this WILL settle down with time - mine is gone now completely (since August last year) It is due to damaged nerves re-establishing themselves and is not permanent but can be ditressing while it is happening and can last for weeks.
Patty - what a wonderful rome model your mother is - I trust we will ALL be this time of 'suthriver' role model for our families and friends!
Didi - I am longing for curls having had straight hair all my life - at this stage though I am happy just to have HAIR - any kind will do! Ditto re the colour - I expect it to come in grey - but won't colur it for a while at least if ever - will just see how I like it first.
I am now 8 days on Tamoxifen and so far no se's to speak of. Fingers crossed it continues that way!
Susan how wonderful to hear form you - we missed you! Please let us know about the lump asap.
Kim congrats on your last Taxol treatment. What a relief.
I still have very numb toes and less so in fingers. Glad to report my sore finger settling a little - much less red and not throbbing any more.
Have a great week everyone.
Neece
-
Hello SOSisters... wow, lots to catch up on! Went to the dentist today and got my teeth cleaned. Doesn't sound very exciting but I was so glad to get it done, onc would not let me go during chemo txts. Appt w/radiologist on Thurs. and will then know when I'm starting. Question, I have to fly to Atlanta for 4 days end of Feb. for a conference - can I miss 4 days of radiation? If not, I have a big problem.
Susan - I'm so glad your back! Have missed you and your wonderful posts. Sounds like you have been very busy. Congrats to your daughter, how exciting and you must be so proud. Glad to hear you are doing well with the tamoxifin. Prayers are with you, I'm sure your lump will be okay! Sounds like you were all decked out for your husbands party - I'm sure you were beautiful!
DiDi- thanks for info on hair, I knew that but was hoping someone had different info. I tried on a gray wig on Saturday - I'm not ready to be gray yet! I will have had 12 mos of Herceptin in Sept. and will be taking Fermera but don't know when I will start yet. Thanks for info on swelling - I know most of everything we are going through gets better with time. When this week do you see the oncologist?
Kim - welcome back, missed you! Congrats on being done with the taxol and welcome to the growing list of those of us getting ready to do radiation. I have bone pain in my legs but am fortunate to be able to control with Advil. I gave up trying to draw eyebrows also - I have an eyebrow and a half!
Anita - sorry that the port removal was so painful. Sounds like the mapping went okay though. You really had a busy day. My onc says watery eyes are from the chemo and should go away - isn't it all from the chemo? Yes, there will be a lot of us doing radiation at the same time, we can keep other company.
Catherine - thanks for the information on Nioxin. I will look in our beauty supply store - even if mine is growing in white, I want it to grow fast! Keeping warm?
BarbAnne41 - Congrats on getting through #7 - getting there! Yes, hair is hair and I'd love to have a Haley Berry cut and face and body! I actually have Eucerin lotion- came in my LGFG kit. Thanks for sharing all the wonderful tips for radiation!
Neece - my hair that is coming in is curly and I've been wondering what I will do with it - mine was also straight. Glad your finger is feeling better, my fingers are improving each week, never did have much problem with the toes. I will say a prayer that the no se's on Tamoxifin continues!
Everyone I didnt' post too - know I'm thinking of you! Take care and hope you are having a great week!
Thoughts & prayers are with you.
Jane
-
Oh you are all so beautiful, I wish I could wrap my arms around you and give you all a big hug! I am laying on my bed next to my daughter who is going through her lines, and bursting forth in song, oh my.
Jane, I have no info on rads, sorry. I am glad you got to get your teeth cleaned. I had mine done just before Christmas, and it was wonderful! I hope you have a great appointment with the doc on
Thurs., I am sure they will be able to deal with your trip. It is good to be back.Neece, oh it is good to see your picture again! I missed you all so much. I am glad your doing better. I hope you continue to feel better every day.
Anita, I am glad you got deported, but I am sorry it was so painful. I don't know about you, but I am way tired of pain. I could go a long time without any and that would be fine. I realize most people don't like pain, but I am just tired of it! I hope you feel great soon.
Barbara, I am sure you will look amazing with a short do. It is so easy, it makes it tempting to keep it really short. I asked my onc about the different shampoos that are available and she totally poo pooed them all. She said it will grow back on it's own. I have a friend who swears by a product called Ovation, and I have been tempted to try it, but I haven't had time to go shop for it and so I am just letting it do it's own thing for now.
Catherine, you are so beautiful in your picture, I can't even imagine you with hair. I am sure you are beautiful with hair too. Is your color staying the same as it is coming back in?
Okay any one I missed, I am glad to be back and I will post to you soon. Take care and feel well everyone!
Hugs,
Susan
Categories
- All Categories
- 679 Advocacy and Fund-Raising
- 289 Advocacy
- 68 I've Donated to Breastcancer.org in honor of....
- Test
- 322 Walks, Runs and Fundraising Events for Breastcancer.org
- 5.6K Community Connections
- 282 Middle Age 40-60(ish) Years Old With Breast Cancer
- 53 Australians and New Zealanders Affected by Breast Cancer
- 208 Black Women or Men With Breast Cancer
- 684 Canadians Affected by Breast Cancer
- 1.5K Caring for Someone with Breast cancer
- 455 Caring for Someone with Stage IV or Mets
- 260 High Risk of Recurrence or Second Breast Cancer
- 22 International, Non-English Speakers With Breast Cancer
- 16 Latinas/Hispanics With Breast Cancer
- 189 LGBTQA+ With Breast Cancer
- 152 May Their Memory Live On
- 85 Member Matchup & Virtual Support Meetups
- 375 Members by Location
- 291 Older Than 60 Years Old With Breast Cancer
- 177 Singles With Breast Cancer
- 869 Young With Breast Cancer
- 50.4K Connecting With Others Who Have a Similar Diagnosis
- 204 Breast Cancer with Another Diagnosis or Comorbidity
- 4K DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ)
- 79 DCIS plus HER2-positive Microinvasion
- 529 Genetic Testing
- 2.2K HER2+ (Positive) Breast Cancer
- 1.5K IBC (Inflammatory Breast Cancer)
- 3.4K IDC (Invasive Ductal Carcinoma)
- 1.5K ILC (Invasive Lobular Carcinoma)
- 999 Just Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastasis
- 652 LCIS (Lobular Carcinoma In Situ)
- 193 Less Common Types of Breast Cancer
- 252 Male Breast Cancer
- 86 Mixed Type Breast Cancer
- 3.1K Not Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastases but Concerned
- 189 Palliative Therapy/Hospice Care
- 488 Second or Third Breast Cancer
- 1.2K Stage I Breast Cancer
- 313 Stage II Breast Cancer
- 3.8K Stage III Breast Cancer
- 2.5K Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
- 13.1K Day-to-Day Matters
- 132 All things COVID-19 or coronavirus
- 87 BCO Free-Cycle: Give or Trade Items Related to Breast Cancer
- 5.9K Clinical Trials, Research News, Podcasts, and Study Results
- 86 Coping with Holidays, Special Days and Anniversaries
- 828 Employment, Insurance, and Other Financial Issues
- 101 Family and Family Planning Matters
- Family Issues for Those Who Have Breast Cancer
- 26 Furry friends
- 1.8K Humor and Games
- 1.6K Mental Health: Because Cancer Doesn't Just Affect Your Breasts
- 706 Recipe Swap for Healthy Living
- 704 Recommend Your Resources
- 171 Sex & Relationship Matters
- 9 The Political Corner
- 874 Working on Your Fitness
- 4.5K Moving On & Finding Inspiration After Breast Cancer
- 394 Bonded by Breast Cancer
- 3.1K Life After Breast Cancer
- 806 Prayers and Spiritual Support
- 285 Who or What Inspires You?
- 28.7K Not Diagnosed But Concerned
- 1K Benign Breast Conditions
- 2.3K High Risk for Breast Cancer
- 18K Not Diagnosed But Worried
- 7.4K Waiting for Test Results
- 603 Site News and Announcements
- 560 Comments, Suggestions, Feature Requests
- 39 Mod Announcements, Breastcancer.org News, Blog Entries, Podcasts
- 4 Survey, Interview and Participant Requests: Need your Help!
- 61.9K Tests, Treatments & Side Effects
- 586 Alternative Medicine
- 255 Bone Health and Bone Loss
- 11.4K Breast Reconstruction
- 7.9K Chemotherapy - Before, During, and After
- 2.7K Complementary and Holistic Medicine and Treatment
- 775 Diagnosed and Waiting for Test Results
- 7.8K Hormonal Therapy - Before, During, and After
- 50 Immunotherapy - Before, During, and After
- 7.4K Just Diagnosed
- 1.4K Living Without Reconstruction After a Mastectomy
- 5.2K Lymphedema
- 3.6K Managing Side Effects of Breast Cancer and Its Treatment
- 591 Pain
- 3.9K Radiation Therapy - Before, During, and After
- 8.4K Surgery - Before, During, and After
- 109 Welcome to Breastcancer.org
- 98 Acknowledging and honoring our Community
- 11 Info & Resources for New Patients & Members From the Team