Chemo Starting Sep 09
Comments
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Barbara - Very interesting information from your Onc. I like his theory and perhaps it explains why when I was on the increased dose my body started saying "hey, hold on there" and after the dose was reduced I could take it. Anyway...I'm torn between hoping your tingling goes away quickly (maybe resulting in more chemo) or hangs around for a little while (no more chemo). At least you get a break!
DiDiT - I'm two weeks PFC and have noticed I'm more achey than I was while on Taxol, especially in the morning. While on chemo I took Tylenol PM every night to help me sleep. Now I'm not using it...so the aches in the morning? Or maybe it is the two cats who snuggle up and render me immobile all night (because, you know, you can not disturb a sleeping cat...or two!)
Neece - I also think the 6-month clock should start when the hair starts. My horrid grey/white mini-hair is also getting ridiculously wavey. But I suppose coloring and straightening would be a little much.
Vickilynn - Ouch! Hope you heal quickly and get those cakes a'bakin.
Anita (and DiDiT) - Looks like we'll be doing rads together. I start at the end of Feb.
Everybody else...let's go with Barbara's doctor's advice. Be good to ourselves, everything in moderation, slow and steady wins the race!
Patty
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Hello SOSisters.... hope this finds everyone doing well.
DiDi - my last chemo was 12/30 and I had major leg pain until just recently. It was horrible to get out of a chair, walk up the stairs. I still have lingering pain but nothing like it was for a while, it is getting better. I have my simulation tomorrow so I will be joining you, Anita, and Patty for radiation the end of the month.
Anita - I thought my eyelashes/eyebrows had quit falling out. However, within the last few days my eyebrows have gotten really sparse - I hate it! It's bad enough that everyone I know has to see this but I'm going to be traveling to Atlanta end of month, meeting a lot of co-workers I only know via telephone and email and I will finally get to meet them with no eyebrows, no eyelashes and my wig. I will make quite the impression!
BarbAnne - sounds like you have a wonderful onc. Between the two of you, the right decision will be made. I'm sorry you are having to go through this and we are all praying for you! And yes, you should take it easy. I think we all get in a hurry to be "normal" again.
Susan - hope you are doing well. Do you have as much snow there as in the Northeast? Glad you are able to post, even if they have to be brief!
Melinda - you are our inspiration. So glad to hear you are feeling so good, gives us all something to look forward too. Of course, I'm sure my diet is nowhere as good as yours. How much snow did you get?
Patty - my hair is also 95% white, 5% gray and very wavy. I'm not sure I can deal with wavy and will be wearing my wig until my hair grows out enough to style (I figure June/July). I will also be having my hair dresser restore my hair to my "original" color - she has the formula!
Neece - how's the arm? Are you getting excited about the new job?
Take care everyone, got to get ready to watch American Idol. Yes, I am one of those people! Thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jane
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Melinda - comforting to know that your pain seems to be improving - this is just a shock to me - I didn't have any pain to speak of during chemo - was pretty active in fact...I had A/C and then Taxol/Herceptin. I've searched this site and several complain of joint pain, but it seems for various reasons....some say Taxol - but you just had AC?
I think I'm more confused - If I knew it was temporary, passing, just another thing to put up with during this treatment regime, I'd be fine. But seriously concerned that this will last... especially if it's due to loss of something in the joint due to chemo - don't know if that 'reproduces' - wait and see
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Jane & Patty - sorry, didn't see your posts. Looking forward to 'spending time' with you during radiation...
Patty - I asked my daughter today about the hair, she said she'd consider putting an all natural hair color on my hair in another month or so...but said she would not chemically straighten it - too harsh. I tried
Gotta go do the Idol thing too, tivo'd so we can skip the commercials! -
Hi Ladies,
Looks like my family and I are going to enjoy a snow day. Besides cuddling up with a good book, i am going to get in some exercise. I am thinking a long walk in the snow. Its so pretty. I am also going to do some arm exercises using light weights. I got a dvd from the library. All I have to do is follow along. My rad onc says arm exercises helps reduce the chance of lymphedema.
My new therapist suggested relaxation breathing. Has anyone done this before? She says there are dvd's out there. She also suggested breastcancer.org as way to get support!
Tomorrow, I will have my rad simulation. I am so glad ladies have shared their experiences. It is fear of the unknown that gets to me. I can't say enough good things about our community.
chinablue
p.s. My nails are sooo gross. A couple of them ooze and smell. All of them are brown/black and loose. My fingertips are swollen, but my onc says there is not an infection. I soak them in hydrogen peroxide as suggested by my onc. Ug any advice?
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I just googled relaxation breathing. I got some good short youtube videos on relaxation. I just did a breathing one (4 min) and a body one (6 min). I am definitely going to do these when I get wigged out with fear or self pity.
My DH says he is concerned will get lost in blizzard we are supposed to have. He is so sweet. I guess I will forget the snow walk and head down to the basement to get on the treadmill.
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Good Morning!
Sorry I have not posted in such a long time. I am way behind on reading all of your posts. A lot has been going on.
One of my best friends since I was five years old is a pediatric nurse practitioner volunteers 2 weeks in Haiti each year. Well, she was in Haiti when the first earth quake hit. The good news is that she is o.k. and now safely back home. Gave her family and friends quite a scare.
Last chemo is tomorrow........YEAH!!!! I am scheduled for a right mastectomy on March 1st. Doctor said that there is a chance I might have to had radiation all depends on the pathology report. If I don't need radiation the plastic surgeon will put in the baloon for tissue expansion 7 to 10 days after initial surgery. At this point I am taking one day at a time.
I did take a leave of absence from my job 2-1/2 weeks ago. It was just getting to be too much. I am 61 years old - turning 62 next month and on a good day before chemo I was tired when I got home.
Well, you wonderful ladies - just think how far we have all come since September.
Life is good!
Love,
Barb T
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Good morning ladies. Whoever prayed for snow, please stop.
Schools in my county has canceled school for this week and since Monday is President's day, they will be off then too. I can't imagine what parents are going through right now, with their kids home since last Saturday!!Fortunately, I was able to get to my surgeon's office yesterday to get the drain taken out. Yeah! I was able to sleep for more than a couple of hours last night so I am feeling normal, except for the numbness in my chest area and under my arm. One of the reasons I had a right mastectomy was so that I would not have to do radiation unless the final pathology came back with a surprise. Unfortunately, the final pathology wasn't in when I saw my surgeon yesterday so I have to wait. He mentioned he was sure he got clean margins. If I had a mastectomy and had all of my breast tissue taken out, wouldn't they have gotten clean margins? Is this a stupid question?
Barb T - That is great news about your last chemo. Congrats. Good luck on your mastectomy on March 1. From my experience, I have to say the anticipation was worse than the actual event. I am 8 days out from mine and I am feeling pretty good. If I can be of any help, please let me know. Great news about your friend. I am so glad we were able to get our nephew out of Haiti and he seems to be doing well. Our family is so happy he is finally with us.
Chinablue - so sorry to hear about your nails; I hope it gets better soon.
To all the ladies getting ready for radiation - I hope this part of your journey is smooth and that side effects are minimal or none. Please keep us informed of your progress.
To the rest I may have missed - know that you are in my thoughts and prayers and I will catch up next time.
Stay warm and safe, everyone.
Love, Holly
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Jane - Welcome to our rad group. I agree with your timeline on the hair...June/July should be a great time to lose the wig and go au naturale. But I'm wondering how, as our hair gets longer, do we keep it from poking out from the edges of the wig? I wouldn't worry about meeting with your co-workers. I have a business where we see our customers in groups of two or three hundred every quarter and nobody has noticed anything different about me except my great new "hair cut"!
Barb T - Congratulations on your last TX! Big grins for you! I agree with Holly, surgery is worse in concept than actuality.
Holly - Good news on the drain removal! I don't think your margins question is stupid. My surgeon also told me that while radiation isn't routinely required after MX like it is with breast conserving surgery, it does depend on the final pathology report. I went the lumpectomy route and even though I had clean margins, the rad Onc told me that in one spot the margin was not real big so she wants to give me a little more radiation for that spot. Anyhow...hope your path report is great and you don't have to do rads!
DiDiT - Thanks for checking with your daughter/expert in the hair department. Guess I'll look forward to color and keep the curls for a while.
China - Sorry to hear about the nail problems. I haven't had any problems with mine so I don't have any suggestions for you.
I hope everyone in the snow storms is cuddled up by the fire....
Patty
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Thank you for the info about ach-y joints and muscles! I am at 2 months out and am having a terrible time. Just sitting for a short time I find it painful to get back up... feels almost like the flu or arthritis. Glad to know it will likely end.
Also good to know about the easy fractures! I checked it out online and you tamoxiphen women need to be especially aware of that. Ouch! I just hiccuped and was that painful!
Glad your dr. listened to you Barbara and stopped (at least temporarily) the Taxol.
Glad to hear that you got your drains out Holly - I do think they were the worst! The onc. took 1 out at 2 weeks and I had to have the other in for 3! My numbness is still there - under the arm and parts of left breast and rt chest wall... I find it hard to find a comfortable bra. Can't wait to be loosed at night!
I would love to have anyone's recipes for the Lazy Dawg Cafe! You can share them here or send them to my email address: don2vicki@hotmail.com It would be fun to have things to bake from you all. I am focusing on breakfast items (coffee cakes, cinnamon or sweet rolls, muffins, pastries, breakfast bars) but also want cookies to sell with our sandwiches or coffee... and Don would love if I'd bake a pie or 2 once in awhile. Still haven't figured out how I'm going to do all this - but we're starting slowly and like I said, it's a small town. They'll give us some leeway I'm sure.
love to you all, Vickilynn
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hi all
Good luck to all of you starting rads this month. I really hope this is gentle to you with few se's
Holly I will hope for good news for you re margins and path report.
Barbara and DiDi thanks to you both for your happier stories re women withmets to liver. That gives me hope for my friend.
China my nails are dreadful too. I am keeping them covered with nail polish until the brown stains grow out. But some are also quite painful- I had a really bad one which settled a few weeks ago but it is sore again now. Seeing my GP tomorrow so will ask for advice on that too.
Jane I start work again on Monday 14th! Seems amazing to be going back after nearly 10 months away (as I had car accident in April before bc diagnosis in July) I am looking forward to it. My arm is a little smaller and less painful. My DH does this special lymphatic drainage massage every day then bandages it up carefully - the bandages are bulky and awkward (and hot in the humid summer weather we are having) however they do support the swollen arm and reduce the pain a bit. Don't know what I woul do without my hubby - he is so patient with this routine and committed to making me better!
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Neece - That is so sweet to hear about how fabulous your husband is treating and taking care of you. I sure hope you get relief soon from lymphedema. I am glad to hear that some of the swelling and pain has reduced. Do you know what could have brought your lymphedema on? I am going to have my first visit with the PT today. My cording is pretty much gone but I still want stretches and massages that will hopefully help to prevent more cording and lymphedema.
Holly - I am praying that you have a positive pathology report. How much snow did you get. We got 14 inches yesterday. So the last two blizzards we got over 45 inches of snow. Ugh. Come on spring!
China - I still have slightly painful nails on both big toes on feet. But nothing as bad as you are experiencing. I am so sorry that you are going through that with your nails. Like Neece I am keeping mine painted until that ugly black/purple/brown color grows out. Yuck. I hope you get relief soon. How is zometa going? Any SEs? I dont think I have had any SEs from the pills.
Vicki - Yes you are not alone. I feel like an 80 year old woman at times. The achiness after sitting or laying down too long. Ugh. Sometimes I have aches in my hip bone. Hmmmm recipes. I will see if I have any winners to give. I am so excited for you. That is so awesome to start your own business. I am praying that it will be a success.
BarbT- Yay!!!!!!! Yahooooooo ....I am so happy for you. Congratulations for finishing chemo. That is so exciting.
Well. I am taking a day at a time. Still wishing I had hair. But I am thankful that the cording is 98% gone. I am not ready to say 100% yet. I start rads on Tuesday and so I am getting mentally prepared to begin that journey. I am looking forward to my visit today with the PT. I have been cooped up in this house for almost a week due to the snow. Neece I am very jealous of you right now with your warm/hot summer weather.
Anita
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Good Morning,
Vickilynn - I would share my recipes, but they are all from cookbooks. I have a great one for blueberry butter cake from the Black Dog Bakery in Martha's Vineyard. Would that be helpful? I think it is exciting to think about a new business. Where in CA are you?
Holly - Crossing my fingers and praying for the best.
Neece - If I understand you correctly, your DH has been massaging your arm everyday. Give him a hug from me. Cheers for going back to work! Listen, please be gentle with yourself. It is a huge transition physically and emotionally. It is a good thing.
BarbT - Some where in my irrational mind, I thought as soon as I finished chemo, I would feel better. I mean right away. Hmm, what was I thinking? Today, I am 2 weeks and 2 days from my last treatment. I woke up this morning feeling a little more clear headed. I think the fog is just barely beginning to lift. What I am trying to say, is I think it will take time. I am not very patient with this stuff that is why I am starting relaxation stuff. A year ago, I thought all of the new age stuff was stupid.
Today, I have my rad simulation after work. I was a bit scared about the tatoos, but someone on this thread said it was like getting a neupogen shot. Geez, I have had so many of those. I can take it. I will let you know how it goes. My rads start on Feb. 22.
Have a great day!
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Hi to Everyone...have been really busy with work and family and fighting se's from final chemo. I went for my simulation yesterday and the tattoos that I was dreading were really not so bad...I think that the doctors should really forewarn and not let us go down the "OMG it's going to hurt" path!
This weekend we are hosting the Daytona 500/End of Chemo party....it should be fun and it is nice to celebrate closing one more chapter in the "year from hell". I start radiation on 2/22 (same as ChinaBlue) and it has been helpful to hear the advice from those of you who have already started...it is taking the mystery out of the whole process.Vickilynn: Congrats on the new Lazy Dawg Cafe...sounds like you will be busy in a good way. Let me know how near Clovis, CA you are and I just might stop by...or if we are traveling in your area, do the same.
Neece: Good to hear that you starting back to "normalcy"..whatever that might be! Was the lymph massage given to you by your Physical Therapist? I am thinking that I might need some massaging because my arm has recently begun holding dents/marks...I have been wearing my sleeve some (after I found it), but I think that I will call my PT and have her look at it.
As to achy joints/pain...I have been experiencing the same and thought that with chemo over I would be my old self...NOT! I guess we either outgrow it, or learn to live with it. I am going to start walking and see if I can't work out the aches and stiffness.
Hope everyone has a great weekend...to those of you who have not posted in a while, I hope that you are all doing well. Daytona....GO 29!!!!!
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Vicki - I'm not much of a cook but I'd love to go through my mother's recipe box for you. She has an old brownie recipe that makes the best brownies ever! And probably some coffee cake recipes from the days when her generation of women did neighborhood coffee klatches.
Anita - How did you get the information about your treatment in the box where our diagnoses show? I've often thought this site should allow us to put in our treatment plan. It would be helpful to know what regimen people are on when discussing SEs etc. Glad your cording and lymphodemia is better!
China - I hope your simulation goes well. I have mine tomorrow morning. I kind of anxious to get started, but also enjoying a few weeks with no visits to the Doc!
Tomorrow is my 2-week PFC anniversary and like many of you ladies I'm still feeling the effects. I had the day off today and spent most of the morning doing errands...then needed to crash on the sofa for three hours. Much as I hated those steriods during 12 weeks of Taxol, in a way I think they kept me going. My son is having a friend over for the weekend and it is making me tired just thinking about it. Two 13-year-old boys...obssessed with Kung Fu...crash, bang, screams. Ugh!
Patty
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Hello SOSisters... well I had my first radiation txt today. Nothing to it, more preparation than anything. Felt absolutely nothing! So 1 down, 32 to go!
DiDi - glad to have another Idol fan. Please keep us posted on the hair color. All of us who's hair is growing in grey/white are very interested in how that goes!
ChinaBlue - how did it go for you today? So sorry to hear about your nails. I am about 6 weeks out and still have days when I am really tired, but..for the most part I'm am feeling better and chemo brain has definitely subsisded. How much snow did you get?
BarbT - Hooray on last chemo. It will get better! My last chemo was my worst, cummulative effect. However I started feeling better about 2 weeks out and continue to get better. There is light at the end of the tunnel! Hang in there!
Holly - glad you were able to get one of the drains out and get some sleep. We have enough to deal with without being able to get a good nights sleep. How much snow did you get? Glad you are feeling good!
Patty - I actually still had some hair left when I first started wearing my wig. Didn't have a problem with hair sticking out, wore a stocking cap I bought at the wig shop. If it gets long enough that the stocking cap isn't working then it will be time to "unveil". How did today go for you?
Vickilynn- I think it is wonderful that you have started this new endeavor. You'll have to publish your menu when you get it done, we can all virtually order lunch! How are you feeling? I also have aches and pains from sitting and standing to long. I am hoping this will disappear with time.
Neece - it really does sound like you have a wonderful and supportive husband. I know you must be excited about work on Monday, have all your clothes already picked out for next week? Try not to overdo, know it will be hard.
Anita - How did your appt w/the PT go? I am feeling for you and all that snow with more on the way (says the weather channel). I do not miss the snow! I'm not sure if I was prepared for starting rads just the attitude "let's get it over with", however, I have to tell you there was nothing to it. Of course, I may change my tune after a few more txts!
DomeGal - I'm not sure I remember what my old self felt like! I do know how much better I feel now than 6 weeks ago. I read on another website that walking really does help with the aches and pains. Now if only I had some motivation!
To everyone who hasn't posted - hope you are well and just busy! Take care.
Thoughts and prayers are with you!
Jane
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Domegal - Well, it would be a pretty long ride - 376 miles north! If you left at 8 am you'd be here in time for us to close at 3 pm! We're in Lewiston, CA if you want to look it up on Mapquest. We're near Weaverville which is on 299 between Redding and Eureka.
Re: RECIPES I would love recipes for a Blueberry Butter Cake and "the best brownies ever"! My mouth is already watering at the sound of it!
I followed up with my local dr. (she's actually a FNP) who re-did xrays of my ribs and the EKG... EKG was perfectly normal and the ribs showed no fracture. She said she believes it is an injury to the ligaments between the ribs! I asked her why they don't tell you this about after-chemo possibilities of injuries. She says they don't want to "set us up". A nice warning, like "don't do anything really strenuous for at least 6 months" would have been nice. Healing time is about 6 weeks and they don't do anything for it. I also talked to her about my achi-ness and she said, "Like you think you're going to get the flu, but then you don't?" That was exactly it. Yep - pretty common. Though she's not an onc. her mom had breast cancer and she seems to know a lot, and is much easier to talk with than my onc.
My hair is sure growing out funny - different lengths in different places! Not much to look at and there's a very dark skunk-like strip right down the middle of my white, white head!
Love and prayers for you all.
Vickilynn
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Good morning Ladies.
Patty - On the top page were it has welcome MsPatty...click on MsPatty. Then at the top of that page it has edit this profile (next to the words "This is You"/ Then scroll down to the box "signature". That is where I typed in all of my information. Hope this helps. Thanks, yes my cording is sooo much better. Although I have not had LE...thank goodness. I just want to see a PT to get stretches to help prevent LE.
Vicki - Unfortunately my PT appt was canceled due to the snow. So I will call them today to reschedule. Thanks for sharing your rad experience. I am still a little nervous about getting those tatoos...but I will take my big girl pill. My simulation is on Monday and I start rads on Tues. Please no more snow!!!! I can not take it anymore.
Oh how I dream of hair. Please please dear Lord let me have some hair. I will take it anyway it will come.
Well going to try to drive to work today...would much rather telecommute.
Talk to you ladies soon...thinking of you all.
Anita
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Good Morning Ladies,
I am also dreaming of hair. My head is now covered with a soft white fuzz with a few regular hairs sprinkled on the sides and the back. I read on another thread that at four weeks out from chemo real hair starts to come in. For me, I should see some real hair growth in a little under two weeks.
I had my simulation yesterday. It was not too bad. The rad staff was super nice. What a difference from the chemo staff! They offered me lemon water and told me about complementary massage/acupuncture/yoga offered at the center. It was a little hard to lay on the table for 25 minutes while they took pictures because I had to keep my arm over my head the whole time. My cording ached and ached. After I was done, the nurse called the lymphedema doctor for me and she will be at my next rad appt. Wow! If I ever complained about any se's with my onc, he just said "that's normal" or "that's not an se" or "I don't know." Ug. I am so glad not to have to deal with his nonsense.
While the tattoos (3) didn't really hurt to much, I think they did hurt my esteem. I have one black dot in the center of my chest. It looks like a big blackhead. I know it is little thing, but I shed a couple tears in the bathroom when I got home.
I am gearing up for a fantastic week. It is our Winter Break and will be going on vacation. Sooo, you might not hear from me too much. Not to worry. I am out and about enjoying life and my window of freedom before rads start on Feb. 22.
Domegal - Enjoy your party. I wish I could send some oil to take the creaks/aches from your joints.
mspatty - Taxol sucks! It has taken me 2 weeks to START to feel better. The day will come for you. Please take some time to enjoy your 13 year olds. They grow sooo fast.
Jane - I am glad rad went well for you. Thanks for sharing.
Vickilynn - I will PM you with the recipe when I get a chance. Take care of your ribs.
Anita - How on earth did you get rid of your cording? I stretch all the time.
Love Ya
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China - to be honest I think it left on its own. My husband would give me massages before I stretched, not sure if that made a difference. I honestly think they just go away on their own most of the time. How long have you had cording? I had mine about 4 weeks, around my last chemo. Definitely keep stretching and put warm heat on it before you stretch. Massage the area every day as well.
Just know it wont be there forever. It seems that way at first and can be extremely discouraging. Have a nice time on your break.
Anita
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I have cording since surgery, August 6.
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Okay that is a long time China. Have you seen a PT for the cording? I am so sorry to hear that you have had to suffer from cording for that amount of time.
Anita
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My bs said that it would go away on its own. He did not recommend pt. My onc said, "I don't know." My rad onc asked me why the heck didn't I get treatment. Her office has set up an appt. for me with a lymphatic doctor. Oh Brother!
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Hi Ladies-
All is well here in asleep feet-ville. ha ha.. I don't have much to report other than my feet still tingle, I have had a stiff arm/armpit (Lymph node side) since chemo started. It is a little looser since I haven't had any chemo lately. I have a fine coating of fuzzy white hair too. I seem to have a lot of aches that show up, but disappear and I have a new one somewhere else the next day. Today it is the back of my right leg. Tylenol Arthritis is helpful, especially at bed time.
China- I have to say that the nurses and chemo nurses would take notes and some would try to figure out solutions, but many times some would say, "Oh that's not chemo" then I would tell my onc and he would say either yes it is the chemo, and try to schedule some scan or something, drove me crazy, I almost didn't want to tell him things because he was always trying to fix everything, So it is good they are helping you. I have 5 rad tattoos, one directly in the middle of my chest too. It is blue/black. I just consider them badges of my rads. Have a great vacation and enjoy relaxing. Oh and good luck with the cording.
Vickilynn- If I think of any good recipes I will PM you. I may have one. Good luck with your rib area, I am glad it isn't broken! Take car and be easy on yourself!
BarbT- Congrats on finishing chemo!! Big hugs! You will feel normal again!
Holly- I am glad you are getting some rest, I sure hope the snow has stopped there, ugh, it was like that here in michigan the last 2 winters. Take care of yourself!
Neece- Good Luck with the new job I hope it is wonderful.
Jane- I am glad rads went so well. That was my thing, it took much longer for them to push me around and line me up on the table than the zap zap, hope you are well, and can enjoy the weekend.
Kim- enjoy your party and I hope 29 win, I know this will sound ignorant, but who drives 29?
Patty- I am sending you virtual earplugs, having a 16 year-old daughter my dh and i can relate, all they do is scream and argue, presidents day is a long weekend!! Excuse my chemo brain, but when is your simulation? Rads will be a breeze!
Anita- I am very sorry about the snow, but happy your cording has gone away. Is that what my stiffness in my lymph node underarm? I too would love some hair. Be gentle with yourself, and do what you are doing, one day at a time. Rads will be a breeze, I think the toughest part is having to drive there everyday.
Well I am sorry if I missed anyone.
Much love and Valentines hugs to you all
Barbara
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China - so many doctors, so many different opinions. But I'm glad you are getting some help.
I had my rad mapping appointment this morning. Such a mysterious process! Worst part was lying there so long with arms above my head...which isn't so bad considering. The tats felt like he was sticking me with a thumb tack. Ouch, but quick. Came home with a bag of samples to use to lubricate and heal the rad site. In case anyone is interested, here is what they gave me: Aquaphor (very greasy but effective they said); Calendula lotion (this is a healing agent they recommend); Solar Recover (a good smelling spray sold in health food stores that contains vitamin E and calendula). The nurse said that I probably won't notice any major skin changes until week 3 or 4. But the rad Onc said the skin over my incisions might become inflammed earlier because the tumor was attached to my skin and they have to put some extra rads there. We shall see.
Anita - Thanks for the instructions for adding to my signature box. I'm going to try it after posting this.
Patty
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Hi SOsisters! Last regular rad on Thursday...started my boosts yesterday! I'll be done, done, done this Thurs. Still just some sunburn and not tired at all except 8:30 fall asleep time. So far so good. Last stop....Port Removal! Can't wait for that....it drives me crazy!
Keeping up with all of you, but busy with my pottery, beads and classes. Barbara, when you get your update about chemo, let us know so we can plan a virtual Cancer Conquering Celebration date and time! Recipes coming your way soon VickiLynn :-)
I've been going wigless since Christmas Day and have to say I get great comments everyday from strangers and friends alike. So don't fear too much being wigless....I find that many people wish they had the courage to cut their hair short and never do....when they see it, they really like it! So for what it's worth.....maybe try it when you go out of town to see the reactions of people you don't know. I get a look every so often, but it's not the "she has cancer look". It's more of the wow she has short hair...look...it's different...
Hang in there sisters....we are nearing the end....the light is upon us!
Melinda
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Good Morning ladies!!
Patty- samples how nice!! I used a Eucerin daily care, it is lighter than the intensive one, and it worked great for me. I had to lay there of a long time too, and it was only a couple weeks after my lymph node surgery so I was still sore and pretty stiff. But the whole whirlwind experience coupled with work and family made me so exhausted that I dozed off on the table. Nearly had a heart attack when the tech came back in the room to move me around some more. Take Care and enjoy your weekend.
Melinda- Holy cow, the rads do fly by don't they? I am so glad it was easy breezy for you. It really was the easiest part of this whole journey. I will let you and everyone else know. Scans are Feb 23rd and then the follow up March 1st. I am just praying for clear scans and port removal. Let us know how your removal goes, do you have a date yet? Glad you are so busy with your wok, it is really wonderful to be busy with something you love is it? I'll bet you look beautiful with short hair. I already decided the moment it is long enough to cover my scalp I am going to go hatless, I only wear a wig on rare occasion, I am ready for hair short or not.
I know it is a day early, but happy valentines day to all of you!
Barbara
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DOmeGal - PLEASE go see a PT or OT who specialises in LE ASAP. Pitting and denting is "pitting edema" and first sign of lymphedema. While it is uncomfortable my PT told me that the "pitting" type is better than the hard tyw because ypu can move the fluid from there - but you need to get proper lymphatic drainage massage and maybe even a compression sleeve or bandage if it is fairry bad.
My husband has been doing 40 mins of massage every day (special lymphatic massage shown to him by therapist) and bandaging my arm - and it has paid off - yesterday my arm was measured and swelling and amount of fluid in there has reduced by 50% in one week!! Yay! Even therapist was impressed. I can now "graduate" to a compression sleeve later this week instead of bandages.
China I had cording from surgery last Aug until about a month ago. It went away once, came back, moved to a different spot in my arm, but has now eased off again- I am hoping forever! Unfortunately it does seem to be connected with incidence of lymphadema.
Scooby I don't know what brought the lymphedema on for me - esp. as I was rigorous in doing all exercises shown EVERY day, being really careful with my arm as advised, I am not overweight (a risk factor) and exercised when I could thru chemo... just bad luck I guess. I am very glad we (DH and I) are getting it under control but I realise it will be something i need to "manage' probably forwver now - once you have it I think it doesn't go away completely.
Anyway - back to work tomorrow! Now if I could just find my brain to take with me....
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Happy Valentines Day Sisters! Big bouquet of hearts to you all!
-----<3 --------<3 ---------<3
Melinda
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Happy Valentines Day to all of My September Sisters! I hope that yall have a great day !
Hugs
Wanda
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