Chemo Starting Sep 09

hbowser

Good evening, everyone. 

Patty - What a great role model you have in your mom; 22 years, that is wonderful.  Congrats on only having one more treatment left. I'm sorry if you've said this before, but what is next for you?

DiDi - Glad you're feeling better, you must feel good to wear pre-chemo clothes.  At first, I thought I was going to stay bald forever, but noticed soft, very thin fuzz (for lack of better term) is covering my head, mine is white, though, not grey.  Hopefully, this is a phase, but am glad to have hair.

Chinablue - Are your nails getting better?  I have decided not to do reconstruction at this time.  I have great respect for anyone whose had reconstruction because honestly, the options were overwhelming.  He said I would not be a good candidate for FLAP (?) since I didn't have enough stomach fat.  My DH asked if he could donate some to me. .  TEs was another option, but didn't want months of follow-up and additional surgery.  I just want this over with; I sound like a chicken, don't I?   

BarbAnne41 - I guess I missed it, but you had radiation first then chemo?  Honestly, I thought my chemobrain was getting better!  Congrats on finishing #7.  When someone asked me about A/C, I just said it differs from person to person b/c I had horrible experience with A/C and didn't want to scare the person.  Just gave them helpful tips.

Melinda - Thanks for the info re: tamoxifen.  Hot flashes I can handle, I think.

Jane - How much Vitamin D do you take a day?  It must have been great to get your teeth cleaned.  I can't wait to go to the dentist and get my teeth cleaned.  Maybe able to stop drawing my eyebrows soon since my eyebrows are coming back faster than on my head.  It seems like my hair is coming back everywhere else faster than on my head!!!

Susan - I bet you were a knock-out; beautiful.  Congratulations to your daughter on getting the lead.  How exciting.  It sounds like you are doing okay on tamoxifen; hope it continues.  Sorry to hear about your MIL.  Will pray for her speedy recovery.

Kim - Congratulations on your last taxol treatment; sorry to hear about your continued SEs. 

Neece - Glad to hear that your fingers are getting better.  Thanks for your suggestions.  I keep on hearing to move my arms as soon as possible so that I won't have issues. I am hoping that my recovery will be easier (I'm in denial?) since I am not having reconstruction and should not have any lymph nodes removed.  He took 2 sentinel nodes when he put in my port and they came back clear.  Can that explain some pains I have been having in my armpit area and down the arm on my SNB side; nerves re-establishing themselves?  I had some pains, too, while on Taxol and my onc. was not concerned, acted like it was normal.

Anita - Sorry to hear you had pain during your port removal, but I bet you are glad to have it removed.  Fortunately, mine is coming out during my surgery so I won't be awake for it.

My surgery is scheduled for February 2 (Groundhog Day) at 11:30 AM.  I can't believe I can't have any water after midnight!!!  I will be so dehydrated and am kind of nervous since I didn't do too well with anesthesia last time. Will definitely tell the doctor and hope they will be able to prevent it this time.  They are telling me that it is considered extended outpatient, will only need to stay about 23 hours?!!

I'm going to post before I lose what I wrote.  Take care everyone and enjoy the rest of the week.

Love, Holly

chinablue

Holly, you are not a chicken!  You are a brave brave women who is facing surgery.  If reconstruction is not your thing, more power to you.  From what I understand (I am not a doctor), you can always have it done later.  Check with your doctor about this especially if radiation is in your future.  

chinablue

I am done with chemo!!!!!!!!  I can't wait until I feel some energy and lose some neuropathy.  Ahh ... another milestone.

Does anyone know when your taste buds go back to normal? 

I am getting ready for the zometa trial (iv vs. pill).  I am really hoping to get the iv because it is zometa.  The pill is another biophosphate that has not been tested.  I think I am going to back out of the study if I get the pill arm.  It says in the clinical trial contract that I can back out at any time.  If I back out I will, see if I can get the zometa every six months from my internist.

I hope everyone has a great day. 

msmpatty

Barbara - A friend gave me a bottle of Ovation (Susan mentioned this above) for Christmas.  It is supposed to stimulate hair growth and her hairdresser was raving about it.   I am waiting until the end of Taxol to start using it under this premise:  Since chemo kills fast growing cells, I don't want my hair follicles to go faster and be potentially more at risk.   Might be a stupid idea, but my hair has been growing since Taxol #5 and I don't want to jinx it.   The sun is out again in San Diego, so the visitors from Michigan should find it nice and warm!

Anita - Not good news on the numbing shots for the deporting, but glad it went well in the end.  I was offered a Lidocaine shot near my port in order to keep the stick from hurting prior to TX...but I found the shot hurt more than the stick so I stopped having it.   Guess there is no avoiding it for the deportation.    I'm happy to be joining you in radiation land....I think...ha!

Susan - Bravo for going "commando" and being beautiful to boot!   The earrings are a great idea, just in case anyone is confused by the hair "cut".  Maybe I'll need one of those little pink headbands they put on baby girls.  

LAST Taxol this Friday!    Can't wait to get my teeth cleaned!

Patty

BarbAnne41

Hi Ladies-

 Jane- You are welcome, and I can tell you that a  man having radiation at the same time as me had to go out of town so they juggled his schedule to have one early the day of departure, skipped two while gone, and had one late the day he got back, then they added the two he missed on the end. Hope that works.

China-Congrats on being done woo hoo. Yeah I can't wait to join you!

Patty- You make a very good point. I should wait, but gosh it is awfully tempting to spray some on! I am so excited for your last tx Yea Patty!!

Holly- Yes I had rads first 35 txs in all, with boosts, I had to have some tests before chemo, including a stomach scope, so the rads were a way for my onc to have some form of tx going since he had all those tests to run pre chemo. You are not a chicken, surgery is daunting enough without all the other. February 2nd we'll all be thinking of you!

Neece-Glad you are feeling better and your finger is returning to normal. How is the weather?

Anita- Sorry about the pain, gosh it is tiresome isn't it? Hope you are feeling better.

Susan- It is so nice to have you back. I am tempted, when it does grow back to keep it short, my dh says I always look healthier with shorter hair-I wonder what he means by that. Enjoy the burst of song!!

I am super jealous of all your teeth cleaning, but I must confess I am one of those people who hates the dentist, always have, so I am enjoying the forced respite. Now if only plaque would take a vacation too! 

Love to you all!!

Barbara

jadams1264

Hello SOSisters... have appt w/radiologist tomorrow.  Ready to get this next phase started so it can be done!  Am feeling better and my energy level is definitely improving.  4 weeks today since last chemo.  My taste buds are still off a bit but getting better.  I would say that my most annoying se's that are hanging on are the swelling and aching legs.  But I am better!!

Susan - it is so good to have you posting again.  We have missed you.  I know you must be so proud of your daughter.  Do you love your short hair?

Holly - nobody thinks your a chicken and reconstruction is not right for everyone.  I also have white hair but it seems to be coming in nicely, about a 1/4" in most spots, a little longer over my ears and the back of my neck.  Will be thinking and praying for you on Feb. 2nd!  I take 1000mg of Vit D in gel cap form everyday and a multi-vitamin.  I'm thinking I need to add the "B's" but want to talk with my onc first since all the doctors have different opinions.

ChinaBlue- CONGRATULATIONS ON FINISHING CHEMO!!!! YEAH..... I'm on week 4 and taste buds are better but not quite normal yet.  My energy level is definitely better!  Good luck with your trial.

Patty - know you will be glad to get your last txt behind you.  I'm trying to remember who finishes up last, know one of us was doing txts through March, can't remember who.  Yes, the teeth cleaning was wonderful, never been so happy to go to the dentist.  The things that make me happy these days!

BarbAnne41- thanks for the rad info again.  You are such a wealth of knowledge and I appreciate you letting me ask all these questions and getting answers!  About your DH and short hair, my DH also says I look better with short hair.  Is it a conspiracy or maybe we do look better but aren't use to short hair?  I will be hesitant to wear mine short because by time enough time has passed for hair color it won't be all that short (HA).

Barbt0323 - hope you are feeling good and resting up.  We are missing you!

Vickilynn - hope you are well and feeling energetic!

Pamelajo- thinking of you and sending you positive vibes!

And to everyone else I didn't list - hope you are doing well and having absolutely no side effects.  Take care.

Thoughts & prayers are with you!

Jane

Anonymous

Good evening everyone.  I hope you have all had a wonderful day.  I was really stressed out today.  I emailed my onc yesterday about the lump and waited all day for a response.  I ended up getting an email from her nurse coordinator this morning asking me to give her a call because the doc is out of the country.  I called her back, and had to leave a message, then waited all day again for a response.  She finally called me back after 6pm, and I missed the call so she left a message.  She talked to the doc and wants me to call her in the morning before I see the plastic surgeon.  OMG, I hate this.  In my rational mind I know that this is probably nothing, but it feels exactly like the lump I found last year, and you all know how that turned out.  I was told that, that lump was most likely nothing, and waited 4 months for a diagnosis, and I found that lump almost exactly a year ago, and my best friend's mom who died of bc had a recurrence exactly 6 months after her surgery and I am 6 months out from surgery...any way a lot on my mind.  I am going to be okay, but I really do hate this.

Jane, I am glad that your taste buds are coming back.  Mine were in great shape for Christmas, which wasn't great for my waistline.  I have since gotten back to Weight Watchers, and I have been losing, but it is always so hard.

Holly, I don't think you are a wimp at all.  In so many ways I think I was a wimp for doing immediate reconstruction.  In a way I wasn't willing to accept what was happening to me, and I didn't have to deal with such a dramatic physical change.  The first thing that my onc told me was that she wasn't a fan of immediate reconstruction.  Granted this was 3 weeks post surgery, a little late for her to weigh in.  I picked DenverDiva as my screen name, because of the reconstruction.  I never felt like much of a diva before, but having all of that surgery made me feel like one, and not in a good way.  My results are beautiful, but now I am worried that they could mask a future problem.  I think you are very brave, and you will definitely be in my thoughts on the 2nd.

Barbara, I am not sure what your hubby means, maybe that it is easier to keep short hair healthy looking?  About a month post final chemo my hair came in soft, white and fuzzy and then after about a month of that my real hair took off, and has been growing steadily ever since.

Patty, yay, you are almost there!!!!!  I will be thinking of you on Friday.

Chinablue, you go girl!!!!  I am so glad that you are done!

Okay, I am way to tired to remember who I have forgotten, but know that I love you all.

Sweet Dreams! Thank you for listening to my worries!  I love you!

Susan   

jadams1264

Good morning SOSisters...on my last day of vacation for last year.  And how will I spend it - at the cancer center seeing the radiologist.  What fun...altho I'm sure DH will spring for lunch.

Susan - thinking about you this am and have already said a prayer.  Hang in there, good luck with the phone call and trip to PS!  Let us know how you make out as soon as you can.

I will post more tonight.  Hope everyone has a great day!

Thoughts & prayers are with you.

Jane

chinablue

Susan - Please let us know what happens with the lump.  I am sending positive thoughts, best wishes and hugs to you over the internet.  

positiveme

Susan- I am keeping you in my thoughts and prayers

THINK POSITIVE

Catherine

BarbAnne41

Susan I am keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. By the way, my hubby just thinks my face looks healthier with a shorter cut, no hair hanging around it-I don't know but thats always what he says. Anyway keep us posted and I will keep praying.

Jane- Eat something yummy.

Patty- I will be thinking of you tomorrow and throwing imaginary balloons at you..

Love to you all

Barbara

Anonymous

Hello Everyone,

Thank you all for your concern and warm thoughts, you are the best! 

I saw the plastic surgeon today, and he was very reassuring.  He thinks that it is fat necrosis, which is no big deal.  He did a core needle biopsy, I have one little stitch and a sore spot in my otherwise numb foob.  I should get the results from that in about a week.  I hate waiting for results because my mind won't fully settle down until I hear that one little word, B9!  I do feel better though and I really like my plastic surgeon, he has an awesome bedside manner,and he is just a good guy.  I am glad he was able to just do the biopsy today in the office.  It makes it so much less stressful to deal with a Dr. you like.

Barbara, I think you will look healthy and beautiful no matter what!  Husbands are sometimes very strange ;-)  Mine always likes long hair, so I would love it if he would decide that short is the way to go.

Catherine, thank you.  I hope you are having a great day.

Chinablue, your warm wishes are wonderful.  I really believe that the warm wishes come right through the internet, and help us all feel better.

Jane, I appreciate you!  I hope you find something great to eat.  Peanut butter seems to be my new favorite vice.

Holly, I hope all is going well for you today.  I know that time before surgery is a bit anxious for some, so I hope you are able to relax. I hate that dehydrated feeling, and the whole idea of anesthesia is yucky, but they will give you pre-meds to help with that.   I am sending you great, good vibes.

Patty, You go you Farmer you!!!!!!  I will bake you any kind of cookies you like and have them waiting for when your taste buds are ready for them!

I know I didn't post to everyone, but if I go back a page to see who I missed I will lose my post.  I am sending the best of wishes to all of the SOS ladies out there, even the ones that are MIA just now.  I love you all and will chat with you again soon.

Hugs, hugs, hugs!!!!

Susan

PS I almost forgot I also saw the eye Dr today and that went fine, but I couldn't resist picking out a really cute pair of Coach frames with darling little crystal dragonflies on the sides.  Oh my I spent a bit too much, but retail therapy always relieves some of the stress don't you know!

Melinda-Tma3

Susan - we missed you so much....we're here for ya! Big sister love comin at ya! Full force....

Today is my rad 1/2 way mark! Hooray...no problems to speak of so far!  I have 2 weeks left of regular rads and then I get my 5 boosts the last week.  Keeping busy and not tired yet.  Still playing tennis 2-3 days a week....I get to bed pretty early 9ish...but no naps or any other issues!  My rad doc said people who work tend to fair better...maybe they don't have so much time to think about it. Hoping you are all hanging in there!  Life is back to full steam!  Still have a weird taste in my mouth sometimes....I wonder if my buds will ever recover completely....hmmmm....it's not the rads...cause it's the same as before I started them....  

Oh btw...Still taking the tamoxiphen....no changes still going fine! No major SE's.  Getting caught up on life and looking forward to daffodils.... My hair continues to grow slowly.....I keep thinking...."is it here yet" kind of like are "we there yet" on my way to vacation....  3 months since chemo and not much to show for it! Here's my latest pic.....Granted, I'm happy to have what I have...a friends sister in law had a bone marrow transplant for leukemia and hers never came back! God Bless her (she's only 49 and wears a wig all the time) I feel for her! 

http://www.flickr.com/photos/pinkocean/4312722126/  copy and paste for my latest hair pic (it makes me look pale...but I'm really not...just a bad pic! 

Big hugs everyone....looking forward to our virtual Chemo-free Celebration in March! 

Melinda 

DiDiT

Holly - I too have always had difficult time with anesthesia - have always awaken heaving - BUT - this time (both times) they put a scopalamine patch behind my ear - I don't know if that's what did the trick, but I left it on for three days - came home with it.  Had zero nausea / vomiting after surgery!!!!

Maybe you could ask for that....Good luck to you - will be thinking of you!!!   I had anticipated a two night stay - but with both (bil bx w/te's and the te removal) surgeries was able to go home the next day!

Your recovery should be easier without te's - less pain, fewer drains, etc. etc.  

If I can help you with anything - feel free to pm me - you're welcome to call as well - I can give you my number then....

Hugs & Prayers!

Di Di 

jadams1264

Hello SOSisters.... well went for radiation appt today.  Had CT scan, they drew on me with a permanent magic marker and gave me 3 little itsy bitsy tatoos.  Go back on 2/10 for more markings and then will start radiation.  Dr. was not real thrilled with my missing 4 days of rads end of Feb., wants me to come in the day I leave for my conference at 8am - wanted to know what time I was flying out!  Do you think my radiation will set off the security sensors - ha.  Otherwise, I can use deoderant, said if I had positive nodes that would be a no.  Anyway I'm still not sure when I'll actually start but am getting there!

BarbAnne41 - had a really nice salad which sometimes is the only thing I want.  It would be good if I wanted that all the time, maybe some of the weight would come off!  It has turned very cold here and are forecasted to have a bad ice storm tomorrow night.  Hoping it misses us.  So do you think you will wear your hair short when it comes back or are you going to let it grow?  I suspect I will have a short cut, it's easier to deal with anyway.

Susan - glad your appt with PS went well.  I'm sure he is right and it's nothing, but glad he did the biopsy, because you would also worry if he hadn't.  I haven't found anything yet that is my favorite thing to eat.  My taste buds are better but still not 100%.  I can totally relate to your retail therapy, I find it helps me relieve stress - at least until I get the bill!  HA

Melinda - congrats on being 1/2 through rads.  Love that you are posting rads are going well and the tamoxifin is going good.  New rad dr says Femera should not give me any problems, I'm so hoping he's right!  Your hair looks great and all that color!  You can really see the difference since you posted the first picture!  I'm looking forward to our celebration too - who is it finishing in March, we should plan the date and the cyber menu!

DiDi - I also have trouble with anaesthsia - been sick everytime including with the patch behind the ear.  I think some people can just tolerate the drugs better than others.  Hope you are doing well!

To everyone else I hope all is well and no one is suffering any side effects.  Take care...

Thoughts and prayers are with you!

Jane

vickilynn

Holly - I had a mast. in July and am not having reconst.  I only stayed one night in the hospital with mine.  I had the surgery only about 3 weeks after finding I had cancer... so there was a lot of psychological things going on.  It was all so fast I hadn't even had a chance to deal with it all.  I had a great home health nurse who visited (actually a couple of them) to help change bandages, etc. for a couple weeks.  That was really helpful and reassuring.  Probably the hardest physical part were the drain tubes.  Not painful, just annoying and limits what you can do --- and the nerves that are damaged (hopefully temporarily).  I got a soft, lightweight cotton fake breast at first and it helped, but when I got the silicone one, it was much better.  In fact, I went to the dr. last week who first sent me for the mammogram (I hadn't seen her since then) and she asked me, "Didn't you have a mastectomy?"  That made me feel good - she couldn't tell (and I had a very large breast!).  It feels pretty real from outside the clothes, too.  Amer Cancer Society sells pockets you can sew in to your favorite bras.  I finally did that after buying specially made bras that didn't fit right.  It feels much better to wear my old favorites. Still dealing with just having one breast - but I heard some good advice... really look at  yourself as soon after your mast. as you can... give yourself lots of time to accept it.  Hope that helps... feel free to ask more.

Susan - good to hear from you.

Melinda - love the new hair!

Hello to the rest of you.  I've been having a rough time emotionally... still?.... again?... but know that I will get through this.  Vickilynn

Scoobydoo

Vickilynn- Thank you so much for sharing your experience.  Your advice will not only help Holly but many women that come here just to read who are about to go through the same procedure.  I am sorry to hear you are still going through a rough patch emotionally.   We have very similar stats.  Can you please share with me why you had a mas vs lumpectomy?  Please pm me. 

Holly - Please talk to your anesthisiologist (sp?) and let him/her know of your issues in the past.  They will give you something to stop that from happening again.  I was given patches to stop the nausea and dizziness, etc.  But they have to give that to you a couple of hours before surgery.  I am praying that you will have a successful surgery and quick healing.

Jane- I also just had my mapping done.  They marked me up as well.  I am supposed to keep the markers on until my next appt which is also 2/10.  We will see.  It is tough taking showers.  I have bandages on from port removal and then all those markings.  Ugh.  Did the tatoos hurt?  I havent had that done yet.  My rad onc says they will tatoo me during simulation.

Susan - Ugh I hate waiting.  I am sure it is exactly what your ps said and is probably just fat necrosis.  I am praying for you to have good results!

 Well just got my chlondronate pills for the study and took my first ones today.  I am so happy to participate in this trial.  Still a little sore from the port removal but much better than it was.  Feet are still numb...but getting much better.  Cording has almost dissappeared so that is really good.

Thinking of all you ladies.  We are moving forward in this journey smarter, wiser and healthier.

Anita

msmpatty

Happy, happy, joy, joy -  last chemo TX done today!   Finished Taxol with a whole head full of very short, very white hair,  excellent blood work,  only a tiny bit of occasional numbness in fingers, and no pain.   Now if I only had eyebrows and didn't need to head for bed at 7:30pm,  I'd be just about perfect.   Ha!   Not.

Barbara, I think you are last one in this group to finish chemo. Hang in there, I'm cheering you on!   And you have the advantage of having gotten your rads out of the way so "done" for you is really DONE!   Well...except for hormone treatment....

Vickilynn,  sorry to hear of your down spell.   I'm convinced that the worst time emotionally is after treatment.  Less to do, less support, more time to worry.  I'm fully expecting to have a little crash of my own.   Stay strong!

Everybody, thanks for all your encouragement, advice, support, weather reports, and laughs.  I don't know what I would do without you all.  I know we'll make it through rads, herceptin, hormone inhibitors, TE fills, exchange surgery.... together!

Patty

msmpatty

Oh...I forgot something I wanted to say to Holly.   I didn't have a mast, but because of where my tumor was located I lost the front part of my breast including the nipple.   My surgeon warned me that my lumpectomy was going to be much more "disfiguring" than most, but she encouraged me to go that route anyway.   I agree with Vickilynn...it is best to face the scar right away.  And tell yourself:  That's where the cancer was and now it is GONE!   This is GOOD!

Six months after surgery my breast actually looks just fine to me... it is just not as "fancy" as the other one (no nipple!).   I've been offered plastic surgery but I've turned it down.  I accept this "souvenir" of my life experience. 

Patty

Anonymous

Good Evening Ladies,

Thank you all for being the best group of friends a girl could have.  

Patty, Congratulations!!!!!  Woo Hoo!!!! Do you hear the cheering form Colorado?  I am so happy for you!  Sleep well, sweet dreams, go you!!!!!

Vickilynn, I am sorry you are down.  It is so hard to move on, and find your new normal.  You are a very special lady, and I am glad that you are sharing with us.  

Anita, what all is involved in the study you are doing?  What phase is the trail?  I am in the TAILORx trail.  I am not familiar with the drug you mentioned, but would love to hear all about it.  You probably posted info when I was on my computer hiatus.  Sorry to make you repeat yourself, but research is so interesting.

Jane, hello dear, I know what you mean about the bill, yuck who wants those?  I am doing pretty well on Weight Watchers, I've lost 6 pounds since New Years, but peanut butter is my nemesis.  I just need to get it out of the house, but I can't bring myself to do it.  It is always something.

Melinda, it is so good to hear from you!!!! I love your hair, the color is beautiful and it looks like it is coming in thick.  You are a very dear friend.

DiDi, I hope all is well with you.  You have such good advice, thank you for sharing with all of us.

Again, thank you for your support, you are wonderful.  I hope I will have results from the biopsy the first part of the week.  I hate being jumpy every time the phone rings, but until I hear I am likely to be a bit antsy.  I'll just come here and share, and I know you will all keep me sane.

Hugs & Love,

Susan

Scoobydoo

Hi Susan.

The trial I and so many others are participating in is the Phase III Trial of Bisphosphonates as Adjuvant Therapy for Primary Breast Cancer (SWOG0307). There were originally 3 arms that one could be assigned to - Clodronate (oral), Zoledronic Acid (Zometa infusion),  Ibandronate (oral).  However, they had closed the Ibandronate arm when I signed up.  I was put into the chlodronate arm.

There was an Austrian study on Zometa that indicated that the addition of this drug on to adjuvant endocrine therapy in premenopausal women with early stage breast cancer significantly improves clinical outcomes beyond those achieved with endocrine therapy alone.

All 3 meds are bisphosphonates and they want to see if one type performs better than the others.  Since the Austrian trial did not icompare other bisphosphonate drugs to Zometa.  They also want to see if taking it orally has a different outxome vs IV.  So that is in a nutshell this trial.

Hope this helps.  Can you tell me about the trial you are in?

Anita

chinablue

To all of those who have finished chemo and to those who are about to finish, congratulations.  Feel proud to have completed the journey.  It surely was not easy.

It was mentioned in a previous post the idea that it might be hard emotionally for us once all of our treatment is done.  Ladies talk about how they are hyper tuned into every health quirk our body sends us, quickly jumping to thoughts of the big c.  There are body image issues as well as relationship issues may need to be ironed out.  Along those lines, I thought I would seek out a psychologist to help me out.  Is anyone else seeing someone?  Any advice? I have never gone to a counselor before.

BarbAnne41

VickLynn- sorry to hear about the emotional moments, but i am sending you gentle virtual hugs, and hope that this period leads to some kind of cleansing renewal.

Jane and Susan- Love to you both. Yes I will probably keep it short, only because short is super easy to color too!  Susan heres to a B9 prayer for you, and Jane Here's to new taste buds!

 Patty-Woo Hoo!!!! Balloons and love your way!! Congrats! Yes March 2nd is my last tx, unless anything comes up. I will be done done, except for my oomph-which will be in a couple years anyway-something to look forward too! Yea girl I am so happy for you!!

 Melinda love the hair! Great photos. I am so happy that rads have agreed with you the way they did me. Soon you will be done!! Thanks for the photos.

China- I haven't ---but counseling does sound like a good idea. I bet the onc's office or local American Cancer Society probably can recommend someone who deals specifically with those issues or who specializes in it.Hope you are well and warm this weekend.

Well things are ok. I have some what figured out a system to the bloat. My itchy hands are well...itchy, but hanging in there, and I now have tingling, both pinky toes and both heals, its funny. Not really haha but you ladies know what I mean. I will let the onc know Monday (Tuesday is tx number 8) so if he wants to alter anything he can.

Hope you all have a great weekend, Gosh it is cold here 3 below this morning! Jane hope the snow and ice missed you!!

Love

Barbara

msmpatty

Barbara - Make sure you tell your Onc about the tingling.   I had it after TX5 and two of my fingers were going numb.   Told the chemo nurse who called the Onc and he immediately reduced my dose.   Found out later he started me at 90mg/m3, above the protocol of 80mg/m3.  With the 20% reduction, I ended up getting 72mg/m3 for the next seven TXs.    And the reduction worked!   No more tingling, numbness never got worse.  When I multipled out the total amount I got, it was the same as the protocol amount.   These Oncs can be tricky!

Patty

jadams1264

Hello SOSisters.  greetings from NC, home of ice and snow!  We are iced in, roads are really bad.  We get an ice storm so infrequently that everything shuts down!  Concerned that power will go out, we have about a 1/2 inch of ice so far.

Vickilynn - so sorry to hear you are having a bad time.  Is there anything we can do?  Seems like everyone experiences some down time after finishing chemo.  You are so strong, know you will get through this soon.

Anita - I got 3 tatoos.  Two of them were nothing, 1 was a little bit painful but over so quickly that I really could not complain.  They marked me with permanent magic marker for the mapping, I don't think it is coming off anytime soon.  They will mark me again on the 10th.  I'm going to request a different color, did me in green this time (ha).  Any side effects from your pills?  

Patty - congratulations on finishing chemo!!!  Isn't it great?  My husband keeps telling me how good it is for me "to be back".  It's been 5 weeks for me and I can definitely tell a difference.  Glad to have another member of the white hair club altho somebody posted that hers turned after a couple of months (Susan?).  I have one full eyebrow and the other one is a half.  It is really quite attractive - NOT!

Susan - congrats on loosing 6 pounds.  I so need to loose some weight, was waiting for chemo to be over, no excuse now.  I know you are anxious about your biopsy results and hope the weekend goes quickly for you.

ChinaBlue - haven't been to a counselor, but think it is a very good idea.  You will have to let us know if you find it helpful.  You are so right that we have a lot of issues to get through after treatment not to mention everyday life!  

BarbAnne41 - yes we have ice and snow but it is postively warm here compared to you - 24!  Sorry you are having to contend with the itcy hands and tingling feet.  Please do check with your doctor, they can slow down your drip, it will help.  Since you are through on March 2nd we need to be planning our virtual party.  

Hope everyone else is doing great and enjoying the weekend.  Take care!

Thoughts and prayers are with you!

Jane

Anonymous

Hello Ladies,

I am having a busy Sat. but wanted to drop by and say hi.  I went to Weight Watchers this morning, and lost another 1.8 pounds, so that was good.  Then I had CPR training, and that was fun, not!  I have to re-certify every year, and I was over due because of chemo.  Doing the practice chest compressions was harder than I thought it would be.  The landscape of my body is just different.

Jane, I agree we need to have a wonderful virtual party!!!!!  I am so glad that we are all still together as we go through this journey.  I am sorry it is so cold there, stay warm.

Patty, I didn't have the tingling and numbness until after my last tx.  If I only knew then what I know now.  It is getting better though.  I am glad they were able to make adjustments for you.  It is tricky how they figure everything.

Barbara, it sounds like you are in the deep freeze too, snuggle up and stay warm!  That is one thing about short hair or no hair, you have to bundle up more.  I get so freezing cold now I have to really watch it.

Chinablue, I am definitely feeling the need for counseling right now.  Finding the new lump really put me into a PTSD frame of mind.  It just shocked me right back to where I was pre-diagnosis.  Fortunately, one of my best friends is a psychologist, so I have her as a resource.  I will have to see how I am doing in a few weeks, and if things don't improve I will seek "real" therapy. The American Cancer Society has support groups, and my insurance has therapists.  I think it is a real issue for many of us, and we need to be as proactive about caring for our emotions as we are for our bodies.

Anita, my clinical trail is also a phase 3 trial.  It is looking at the outcomes for early stage bc, with and without chemo.  It uses the oncotype test to determine what arm you are assigned to.  I was in the "grey" area and was randomized to receive chemo and then Tamoxifen.  Some just get the Tamoxifen.  I am glad you are able to participate in the trial you are doing.  I think being part of on going research is a really good thing.

I appreciate all of your words of encouragement.  I am keeping busy, and I know that I will get my results next week so I can make it.  It sucks to be right back where I was a year ago, but I know that the outcome will likely be B9 this time, so I will be okay.

I love you all!

Susan

Melinda-Tma3

Big Congrats Patty! Hooray Hooray! Gotta run just wanted to get you a little celebration! 

Melinda 

barbt0323

I am so sorry that I have not posted anything recently.  I have so much catching up to do.

Having a great deal of difficulty typing.  Also, have rashes all over hands, feet and knees.  Quite difficulty walking.  Keep on telling myself it too will pass!!!

Last chemo is on 2/11 and am scheduled for surgery on 3/1.  Tomorrow I have appointment with plastic surgeon.  Did take a leave of absence and am glad I did. 

Hope you are all doing well.  All of you are constantly in my thoughts.

Barb T 

chinablue

Oh Barb, hang in there honey.  The end is in sight, only 11 days away!  I also have rashes all over my arms, hands and legs.  I have decided just not to look.  It might not be the healthiest reaction, but it is all I can think of.  Keep on telling yourself it will pass over and over again.  I do it all the time especially when I get overwhelmed with my neuropathy.  Please try to take one day at a time.  Try to celebrate the smallest of milestones.  You will have a small window between chemo and surgery.  Thank god.  

I have read about relaxation and imagery as a way to deal with cancer crap, but  I haven't tried it.  What we really need is to feel better.

 Sending my prayers and many many hugs. 

hbowser

Good evening, ladies.  I hope you all had a nice weekend.

Chinablue - CONGRATS on finishing chemo.  Neuropathy in my hands are gone and almost gone in my feet,except still feel some soreness and tingling in my big toes.  Thanks for your kind words; I can always have reconstruction in the future.  One of the reasons I chose mastectomy is that with it, I won't need radiation (unless final pathology comes back with a surprise, which I am happy about.  When I spoke with the radiation onc., he was saying 36 treatments!  I will pray that you get the IV arm of the trial.

Patty - Let us know how Ovation works.  My hair is not coming in fast enough for me; it is still thin and very soft.  The end is in sight for you. Only one more left!!  

Vickilynn - I hope you are feeling better.  Thank you for your advice.  I haven't wanted to see pictures of mastectomy b/c of my fear, but made myself look at them today and to be honest, my imagination of them were far worse than what they actually look like.  My mind has been working overtime.  

BarbAnne - We share the same feeling of going to the dentist. It seems like every time I go to the dentist, I end up having some major work done; got smart this year and built that into my flex spending account (probably won't need it since I planned ahead).    

Jane - Glad you are feeling better and it seems like your prep for radiation is going well (besides your dr. not being happy). Thank you for your kind words and letting me know how much of the vitamins to take.   I hope your roads are better.  Here in Maryland, I thought we were only supposed to get a dusting, but ended up getting 6".  God must have heard my prayer from last snow storm b/c neighborhood kid came knocking last night and said he was trying to earn some money and wanted to know if we wanted our driveway shoveled. I said go for it.  

Susan - Congrats on your weight loss and I am happy that your dr. was reassuring.  I will be praying that you will get a benign results quickly.  Right with you on retail therapy.  Went shopping today to get some things in prep for surgery/recovery and stopped to have lunch at a Tappas restaurant.  It was great.

Melinda - Wow, I am so jealous; your hair looks beautiful.  I can't believe you are already 1/2 done with radiation.  Time seems to be flying.

Anita - How are you doing on the pill?  Site of your port removal?  My port comes out on Tuesday.  Fortunately, I will be under when they take it out, so no numbing shots for me!

DiDi - Thanks for the advice on the patch.  I am going to call my surgeon's office tomorrow and ask about it.  

Barb T - I am sorry you are having difficulties.  Will be praying for you.

To all you wonderful ladies, I greatly appreciate all the advice and support you have provided me, especially when you are dealing with your own issues and SEs.  I think I am ready; did laundry today and just doing light housekeeping.  I have accepted that my house will be a mess until I can get to spring cleaning, so nothing too strenuous.

Have a great week.  Sending hugs to you all.

Holly