Any other young Manitobans out there??

Melanie36

Hi,

I am a young(er) mother of 4 who was dx Oct. 6 'm still waiting to see a surgeon for biopsy results, then wait for more tests, and a surgery date, I guess.

Anyone else having the same waiting frustrations??

What are your experiences with the whole system??

Who are you seeing?

Melanie

Beverly11

Not sure if I qualify as younger but I live in Winnipeg.  (I am 46)  If you have any questions please drop me a note or pm.  I have had reconstruction surgery. 

Prior to being diagnosed I had a long nightmare experience.  Once I was diagnosed, things happened fairly quickly.  I was diagnosed on Nov 28th/08 and had surgery on Dec 23rd.  Happy with both my surgeon (Dr. Macintosh) at the breast health centre and my plastic surgeon (Dr. Tom Hyakawa)  

I will try to help you any way I can.  Wish I had seen your post earlier.  You are the only other Manitoban I have noticed.

Thinking of you.

Bev

DianeKS

Hi Melanie,

I am new to this site but I will let you know some things that hopefully you may have already found, or come in contact with.

I was diagnosed in 2006 at the age of 39, my kids were 3 and 1 1/2 at the time, had bilateral mastectomies with immediate reconstruction.  I was referred to the Breast Health Centre in Wpg.(which you can find a link to on the WRHA site) for biopsy and diagnosis. I had to wait 3 weeks to get in but once I was seen things moved fast enough for me as after I saw a plastic surgeon (Dr.Buchel who works with Hyakawa and are both highly respected, but also very busy), and my other surgeon was Dr. Inglis. I was booked two weeks later for surgery.  I agree that the waiting is the very worst part of diagnosis.  Once I had biopsy results I wanted a plan, once the plan I wanted the surgery, once the path I wanted to start treatment etc. ...like a domino of waiting.  I had the clinic where I got my mammogram tell me to call everyday to see if there was a cancellation, and I did the next day and got in, same thing with a recent biopsy so sometimes it helps to be the squeaky wheel.  The two weeks before surgery time line helped me to adjust to what was going to happen and to plan how people could help our family, so that felt fine to me.  As for telling the kids I used a resource at CCMB, a book called 'When a parent is sick' by Joan Hamilton which was excellent.  The resource centre is good as well as the guardian angel room if you happen to need a wig depending on your treatments.  They also have the look good feel better program which was a nice afternoon with other women going through similar treatments.

Breast Cancer Centre of Hope also has a great resource library with books and video /DVD resources. It is across from the Misericordia Hospital.  There is a Younger and Wiser group which puts on evenings about issues related to younger women with breast cancer and there are DVD's of some previous sessions which you can take home to look at.  They also have someone you can talk to over the phone as that might be an issue for you in Oakbank even though it is not far away. They were one of the first places I called for information which was really helpful, you can also make an apt.

Cancer Care Manitoba has a website cancercare.mb.ca which can link you to pt. and family services where they have a support group for younger women that you can register for.  I found it helpful to have that place to ask questions with people going through the same thing or similar to me. Again the travel and time away from your family might not be as flexible but it is worth a try and then you could exchange emails if everyone is comfortable with that.

I have blabbered on so I will leave it there.  Hopefully you know some of this already if you do then maybe it will help someone else.  

Hope you're still not waiting, kids certainly can keep you distracted until you want to fall asleep that is.  Movies are great, and I found once you get to a plan the waiting frustrations slowly go away. 

Hope to hear how you are doing,  whatever it is you will find a way to get through it. If someone offers to help ...say yes.

Diane.

GracePang

Hello Melanie, Bev and Diane,

I am also from Wpg and was diagnosed with BC in 2004. Had recurrence this September and mets to liver and lungs. I am seeing doctors at HSC and just started treatments not long ago. The waiting and the uncertainties were the worse part of my experience as well. As long as I had the diagnoses and a plan to fight the disease, I feel much better. Maybe we shall chat someday to share some information and help each other. I know another lady on this site who is also from wpg.

Grace 

Beverly11

Melanie - Thinking of you with your surgery tomorrow.  Praying things go well.  You are in good hands with the medical team at the HSC.

Diane - Yeah, the domino effect of waiting is draining and a full time job.  

Grace - It would be great to chat sometime and share info.  Sorry that you are back in this again.  

Bev

DianeKS

Hi Melanie,

   One week later... hope you are feeling well as can be and have some helpers looking out for you. Let us know when you are able to how you are doing.

(((hugs))).

Diane.

Melanie36

Oh Ladies,

14 hours before my surgery, Dr. MacIntosh met me for my Sent. Node. injection. She said we had to cancel surgery. My CT scan showed a 5.6 cm mass of lesion on my liver.

I am now stage IV.

I met with Dr. Brandes last week (anyone else know of or have him??-kinda creepy but everyone says he is very well respected and knows his stuff) I had a PET scan last night and should hear back from him next week.

Now I guess I'll be starting chemo by the week of the 14th, hopefully.

Chemo scares the shit out of me.

Honestly, up until about 2 weeks ago, I couldn't accept this whole diagnosis b/c I felt GREAT!!!

Only recently has the tumor in my left breast been causing me sharp shooting pains throughout the day. It has grown from the size of the tip of a golf ball to a hard hockey puck!!! This is since I found it in the summer.!Can someone please tell me what to expect during chemo??? I know they say everyone reacts differently, but I am scared.

I know this is a busy time, but I have not yet joined any groups in Winnipeg partially b/c I feel like I would be surrounded by "old" people who I won't relate to. Are anyone of you interested in meeting up?

Let me know,

Melanie

Beverly11

Hi Melanie - Chemo scared the crap out of me too!  The nurses at Cancer Care are truly amazing.  You can ask them questions and they will do their best to answer them.  Are you getting a port or a pick put in for the chemo?  They can do the pick quicker and get things rolling.  I had a pick and had not problems with it. 

 I had 3 fec (drug abbrev) and 3 taxotere treatments.  They provide you with pretty good anti nausea meds.  But, I got sick from each of the fec.  Nausea was a one day thing for me.  Felt crappy for about a week to 10 days after each one.  Stock up on chemo food.  (crackers, juice, soup)  I could not stomach pure water the entire time (from Feb/09 to around Aug)  My last chemo was on June 9th.  But, it took some time to get over it.  I would dilute water with apple juice or flavored water as I wanted to drink as much as possible.  I kept my appetite but was very fussy about food.  Got mouth & throat sores but mainly just from the 1st treatment.  

I was apparantly a worse case scenario dealing with the taxotere.  I was told most people handle the taxotere better than the fec.  I got the chemo brain but I 'think' I am gettting over it.

There is a support group at the HSC for women under 40.  I was too old for the group and felt too young for the other groups.  I participated in an on line program which was helpful especially when you are going through chemo and have no time or energy for more appointments.

Thinking of you

Bev

DianeKS

Hey Melanie,

   I am so sorry for your news.  It must have been shocking to hear the change of plan for your surgery let alone the diagnosis. I assume that the Dr.'s are recommending chemo first then surgery?   Bev is right that chemo is scarey but they only way to know how you will tolerate it is after you get it.  After the point of no return.  Having said that my first chemo treatments were not too bad FEC 6 cycles.  First day was awful, taste and smell changes stayed for about a week and then it got better.  Somehow you will find the strength, you are stronger than you think.   I had a PICC and have another one now for my treatments now ,Docetaxel 6 cycles.  Definitely goes in quicker than a port.

As far as connecting with other younger women...phone the psychosocial oncology dept. at cancercare they will be able to connect you to the younger women support group, and sometimes find someone who is /has gone through a similar experience with diagnosis treatment and life.   They also can connect you with a social worker which I found to be really helpful.  You can pm me if you like.

All the best for your treatment in the next week.

Diane.

Melanie36

Hey gals,

I cannot believe the run around I keep getting. I was originally told I'd be starting Chemo Dec.9...then sent for PET scan...STILL waiting for HER2 tests.

Everything seems to depend on these results...

I'll get FEC-D through PICC line Jan.5/6 if I'm HER 2-

and just D plus Herceptin through a port (first one through IV) if I'm HER 2 +

We'll have to see. (Jan. 6 will be 3 months since initial dx)

We have already made arrangements for family to all come here for Christmas (we usually tread from one end of the city to the other and back on Christmas day)...I  am glad I'll be able to watch my kids open their presents Christmas morning. Don't really care about the rest of the day.

Keep me in your thoughts and prayers,

Melanie

Beverly11

Hi Melanie - The HER2 results do take forever for some reason.  Have they given you an appointment for the picc line yet?  Most people do not have a problem with the picc.  It did not hurt to have it put in; just felt a bit weird.  My arm was tender for a week or so but nothing terrible.  I am a bit over the top & got a tentative appt to have a port put in just in case the pick did not work.  They can do a vein assessment with an ultrasound in the chemo treatment room. 

I was dx Nov 28/08.  1st chemo was on Feb 19th.  No harm in following up and maybe you can get in sooner.  

You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Bev

GracePang

Hi Melanie,

I am in Stage IV wiht mets to lungs and liver. My chemo and Herceptin were delayed as well and they told me that a few weeks delay would not make much difference. During the waiting time, I tried to go on diet to help control/slow the growth of cancer (don't know if it works, but at least you feel that you are doing something).

What is the D part of FEC-D? I don't know why can't they give you FEC-D before they have ther Her2 test results. I am Her2 positive and was recommanded FEC, but I choose to go with AC + T when I was first dianosed in 2004. At HSC, there is a group for Stage IV BC ladies. I applied to join it and may get in in January. Maybe we can be there together.

Best Wishes!

Grace

Melanie36

Dr.s app tom....

Sooooo many questions...

I'll update later..

Thinking of you, Diane, Bev and Grace.

Melanie

DianeKS

Hi Melanie,

   Hoping you find some answers to your questions tomorrow.  Make sure you write them all down and have someone go with you.

   Sounds like you have a good plan for the holidays. My favortie time is Christmas morning as well

.  I'll be thinking of you, and waiting to hear your news. 

  Diane.

Melanie36

Well...

wasn't expecting this...

went to my Dr.s appt on Dec.23.expecting to get more info about starting Chemo on Jan 6 and I left with $750 worth of chemo pills (that last only 2 weeks!!) that he wanted me to start on Christmas Eve !! Xeloda

SE are supposed to be "milder" than other chemos-hair loss is rare-

so far I'm just tired and a bit nauseated. Dr. said 3/4 women get Hand and Foot Syndrome-red, blistery, swollen rash on hands and feet-but there are different degrees of it. Sounds fun.

Grace-I meet with someone on Tuesday regarding support group for women with mets.

Who are your Oncologists??

I'm really not liking mine...wanting to fire him...but too scared. I know he knows his stuff and is very "reputable", but seriously the guy is an asshole and is very patronizing.

Melanie

Beverly11

Hi Melanie - My oncologist is Dr. Pitz.  I like him a lot.  My husband & I like to ressearch and bring up new ideas and he is open to them.  Often, he looks into things and gets back to us later.  He is a pretty young guy and does not rush me with my questions.  Once I paged him due to neuropathy pain & I desperately needed some pain killers.  He came right to the phone.  I have spoken to 2 of his patients who were also pleased with him. However, he is my 2nd oncologist.  The 1st one was very negative and was also difficult to understand with his accent.  He was not open to our ideas either.  A number of things that we asked were shot down with just a no or will talk about that later.  We wanted to get all of our ducks in order.   Cancer Care is pretty open to changing oncologists at our request.  You just have to contact patient services.  I will see if I have the number and post it.  Don't hesitate to request a change in oncologists.  It is your right.  I did find some peace after I changed.  Melanie - it is hard emotionally when you are kind of geared up for one treatment and then things change.  I hope you handle Zeloda ok.  I hope you have insurance to cover a portion of it.

I hope you have been able to find a 'moment' of peace in the Christmas season.  

Ask if there are any clinical trials.  They are supposed to ask everyone but I am not sure they always do.  We were always ahead of ourselves, so they didn't actually get an opportunity to ask us; we asked them.  I am on a clinical trial & taking a bisphosphunate drug called zometa that is quite promising in preventing bone mets.  I take a lot of nutritional supplements also and a pharmacist at Cancer Care has been very helpful to me.  I always want to make sure there are no drug interactions.

Diane & Grace - I have been thinking and praying for you both as well.  

Take Care,

Bev

Beverly11

Melanie - You could contact patient representative at 787-2065 if you are interested in requesting a change in oncologists.  Good luck.

Bev

Melanie36

Thanks for the info, Bev.

I hate my Onc. (Dr. Brandes) He is very, very well respected and many people have told me that "that guy knows his stuff".

This may very well be the case, and obviously I want the best care possible, but seriously, someone who has ZERO bedside manner and actually patronizes you and makes you feel like your thoughts and ideas are irrelevant...hmmmmm. My emotional well being is just as, if not a more important part of my over all care and I don't feel like he respects anything I have to say.

I just might call patient services.

Can't remember if I mentioned earlier, but I was seeing a Homeopath and was very very conflicted as to my treatment options...anyway, long story short, I phoned the Cancer Care Pharmacist to see if she could give me any info on the Homeo remedies I was taking.

At my appt. Wed. the very first thing my Dr. said was "We have to have a serious talk here..." Apparently the pharmacist informed him about my call and he was not impressed. I felt like I was ratted out by the pharmacy. I understand it was for patient safety, but that just pissed me off.

What supplements are you taking, Bev?

Melanie

Beverly11

Hi Melanie - I agree your emotional well being is extremely important.  Also, I think doctors have to be sensitive to how our husbands and children are coping.  If they are not coping well,  it comes back to us.  Some of them really need to realize that they are treating a family.   My oncologist has been very helpful to us and is an all around nice guy.  My husband and I were trying to get a drug (zometa) that is difficult to get and he did some work & ressearch for us.  Ended up I miraculously got it on the clinical trial.  Because I am in a clinical trial I will be with my oncologist for a number of years so I am especially glad that I like him.  When I called to request a change, they really didn't make a big deal of it.

When I was in chemo, all I took for supplements was vitamin D3 and calcium.  Now that I am done my list is extensive.  My current list is:

Vitamin D3 - 5,000 iu Calium - 1,500 mg, Vitamin C -  1,500 mg, Melatonin - 12 mg, Maitake D fraction 60 mg, tocomin suprabio 180 mg (form of vitamin E), green tea extract - 500 mg, iodine - 10 mg.  My husband & I have been buying quite a few nutritional supplements on line from vita cost which seem to be the most reasonable.  If you want brands or other specifics, let me know.

The standard recommendation for vitamin D3 seems to be 2,000.  I had my vitamin D level tested and it wasn't low but wasn't at the optimum level so I am trying to get it increased.  There is scientific evidence in the melatonin, maitake D fraction, tocomin, green tea extract and the iodine.  My oncologist knows everything I am on and is fine with it as I am done chemo and radiation.  I consider this complimentary treatment now and they are fine with it.  My oncologist is also a big exercise advocate.  

I have been thinking of you quite a bit these days.  Just a year ago I started all of this.  It's just ridiculous how we are thrown into the midst of all of this and suddenly feel like we have to be our own medical advisors to some degree.  I have learned so much over the last year.   Sounds like they are keeping you in somewhat limbo as to what your treatment plan is.  I hope you are getting the support you need from friends and family.

Hugs,

Bev

DianeKS

 Hello Melanie and Bev,

 So sorry you are struggling with your oncologist Melanie and that your treatment plan is changing again. I think it is important that you feel that you have a say in your health decisions.  If the one you have right now does not listen to what is important to you (whether he agrees with it or not) then I think it would be a good decision to ask for another oncologist.   I have heard some people either really like Dr.B. or really don't. I'm not sure if you get to choose for your second choice...mine is Dr. Krahn whom I like.  I have also heard good things about Bev's oncologist. They are both much younger than Dr. B. so that might be a better fit for you?  I'm not sure if it matters to you, or CCMB for that matter if you stay at HSC or go to St. B.  I think what matters is that you are satisfied with whoever you get and that they will at least listen to your questions and ideas.  

The only supplements I am on right now are Vit D and calcium... when I remember to take them. Most things I have read say you should not take antioxidants while on treatment so as to not 'protect' the cancer cell you want to destroy with chemo. Not an expert but that's my understanding.  I am surprised the pharmacist did not explain that there are not a lot of studies on interactions of homeopathic supplements so not taking them is better than not knowing what will happen.  Either way, Dr. B. could have gone about it a different way.  I've not looked at them but there are forums on homeopathic supplements as well as triple negative BC.  Which I assume is your results from the Her2 test you were waiting for? based on the info at the bottom of your post  They have sent mine for special testing (FISH) so I don't know the final results on that yet.  It does not change the course of plans for me right now if it is +ve I would take herceptin after chemo and radiation if it is.

Hopefully the group will have some helpful suggestions/support for you.  It can take some time to get to know the others but they are a good sounding board for lots of your questions here.  I'm sure they can tell you more about their oncologist too.   Personal recommendations are usually way more helpful coming from the patients themselves.

Grace- hope you get into the support group for women with mets too.  Always nice to know someone already in the group.

Bev- I agree with all that you said on having to be your own medical advisor.  It is really difficult to wade through all the info out there.

 How are your kids doing with your diagnosis Melanie?  How much have you told them, and how old are they?

Had some ballet therapy this afternoon with my girls and DH.  Hope you are all doing something for yourself these days.  One day at a time...crazy saying, but it works.

Diane.

 

Melanie36

Hey Ladies,

I have 4 girls: 18, 14, 6 and 3. We told them about the breast cancer the day we found out. 'm not the type to sugar coat or hide things from them, but for the younger ones we tried to use terms they would understand and kept it simple.

Since the stage IV dx, which we shared with them, I don't think they really "get" how much more serious things are in terms of time...I haven't exactly said a year or two or three etc...and sometimes when we are having a disagreement I just want to scream "Is this how you want to me to spend the next_____??" Arghhhh

We have sent the girls to see a counselor-partly because of the bc but also because the 14 year old just moved in with us on a permanent basis and we are all still adjusting to that.

I am hoping to get them into the support group for kids in the spring.

How about you ladies. Kids?? Ages?? How are they dealing with all of this?

And how about the husbands??

Dianne...the ballet therapy sounded fun...I'm thinking of starting a yoga group tailored for those of us in a more "fragile" state than others. Last fall it was called Yoga for Cancer Survivors, perhaps it's the same thing only the name changed.

Heading out to a cottage rental in Falcon Lake tomorrow-glad I decided to go as a few days ago I was not into making any plans for anything due to fear of SE...but life must go on...don't think I'll be doing any snowmobiling (too tired) but getting away with friends and family is nice regardless.

Happy New Years Ladies,

Melanie

DianeKS

Hi Melanie,

  Wow,  that's a lot of estrogen in your house.  We have two girls 7 and soon to be 5.   We told them mommy needed surgery and they were happy that Oma was coming to stay with them.  Have always used the word cancer to explain things so not sugar coating things is good..they know that something is up anyway.  They also didn't have any preconceived ideas about cancer.  When chemo started I talked about losing my hair, and the older one remembered it falling out the last time, so they helped with that.  Occasionally I will get advise from the 4 year old 'you'll have to wear your wig to that right mom'.  So I try to be sensitive to them but also let them know that it is not the most comfortable thing to wear.  They also look at it as a game...'do they know it's a wig?'.  Occasionally they will come up with questions like what would happen if they didn't take out the bump, about a month after the surgery.  So I just answer as honest as I can and they are fine with that.  Believe me it's not all smooth sailing I have my moments of yelling and then guilt.  I have a hard time in the evening when sometimes they are not listening.  Kids can cope is a good program but we have not had our kids in it because they were too young last time 3 and 1. 

Definitely do the yoga I really enjoyed it.  Not sure about travel and how long it takes to get into the city, but it was in Osborne Village and the woman who runs it is great.

I did art therapy as well and found it to be a great way to work through some things.

Did you make any decisions about your oncologist?

I'm still on the fence about going to my sister's cottage in Nopiming.  Second treatment of Doxetaxel tomorrow so not feeling energetic about packing.  We both have freezers packed with food people have given us so that would not be a problem.  Pine Falls is far away, but probably not a big concern for the first four days out of treatment.  Just pack a bunch of drugs and go...it really is medicine for the soul.

Happy New Years to you as well, hard to believe it's already tomorrow!

Diane

Beverly11

Happy New Years Ladies.  I am glad to see a new year.  So done with 2009. 

Diane - I hope chemo goes ok today.  Hope you do mean today.  Surprised that you are getting chemo on Jan 1st.  I had a lot of neuropathy pain with doxataxel.  But, it didn't kick in for a few days.  Don't hesitate to request pain killers for it if you get it .  T'3's didn't work for me & I have heard that T3's don't target nerve pain.  

 I have 2 daughters (18 & 21).  My whole family has had a roller coaster of emotions the last year and still on it some days.  

 Take Care,

Bev

Melanie36

Hey Ladies,

Ahhh..to be done with 2009. Don't yet know how I feel about 2010 .

I am glad we went to the lake. I was forced to go on a snowmobile as one of the activities planned was tubing... I did both and had a great time! Thank goodness for the motorized machine that tethered you up the hill or I probably wouln't have made it up that hill more than twice, lol.

Had a few laughs, too. At one point, one of the hosts asked, "So what are your resolutions for this year?"

"Uuummm...staying alive?" I laughed first and said, "sorry, but it's my reality "

We started talking about things I wanted to do (travel) and somehow my DH and the Host's wife started talking about Alaska...He then announces (to her) "Hey we should go to Alaska."

I looked at him and replied " I'm dying and you want to go to Alaska with her??"

I actually enjoyed the look of horror on my husband's face, but only for a second. Then we all laughed.

I guess I shouldn't expect everyone to be so sensitive...but honestly, any time people talk about the future, I can't help but thinking that I might not even be around to______.

Haven't made any final decisions about Onc yet.I have to phone them tomorrow as they have not yet filled out my insurance forms, and I need my short term disability filled out NOW. Dr. blabbed something about "it might not be to your benefit for me to fill these out b/c the drug you are on has such mild SE it might work against you. You may even want to go back to work."

Huh??? I'm terminal-hopefully I have a few good YEARS left- and you want me to spend it going to work instead of making memories with my family??

Believe me I don't need work as a "distraction". And I loved, loved my job. (I am a teacher) but spending time away from my kids is just not an option right now. How do I go to support groups, Dr's appts and take care of myself (yoga classes) etc...while I'm at work?

Maybe I'm off base here, perhaps the girls in support group will be able to help me.

Dianne how are you feeling now that Chemo has started again?

I have heard about a Yoga program in Osborne Village-a hot yoga, I think. Maybe it's just at the same place.

Grace?? Haven't heard from you in a while...you okay??

Bev, now that you are finished chemo and rads, do you have regular follow ups/scans, etc.?

Take Care,

Melanie

Beverly11

Hey Melanie - Sounds like you somehow managed to even have a remarkable sense of humor through New Years.  It is kind of bizar how we make humor out of tragedy.  Must be a coping mechanism.  I do not have any follow up scans.  I had a double mastectomy with reconstruction (implants & latismis dorsi back muscle).  So, no mammograms either.  Doctors are not big on taking blood tumor markers either.  From what I have read and heard seems to be the same view in the US.  Apparantly they are not very reliable.  It does make me uneasy as I worry about every ache & pain.  I know everyone says that but you really do in a very psychotic way. ARe they doing tumor markers on you?  Have they given you any guidelines for your treatment plan? 

Because I am on a clinical trial I have a bit more follow up with my oncologist.  I will be seeing him every 3 months for the next 2 1/2 years.  I did have zometa once a month for the 1st 6 months and now will be having it every 3 months.  

Re work:  I was pleased at how quickly my disability insurer was able to process my claim.  Once they get the forms from your doctor it should not take long.  And, I can't imagine they could possibly give you a hard time.  The stress alone!!!!!  Some people do choose to work through all of this and some have no choice.  I have always been a type A kind of a person and worked more than full time, went to work when I was sick (even with pneumonia).  If cancer can't get you off the hamster treadmill then nothing can.  My mom passed away a few days after I was diagnosed so I went from my 5 days of bereavement to using holiday days to short term disability.  I ended up using holidays for medical tests & appts but didn't care as my mind was just not into work.  So, I have been off work since Dec 3/08.  I am now on long term disability and they haven't given me a hard time at all.  My employer is understandably eager for me to get back to work as my coworkers are over worked.  But, I believe I have to focus on my health and get strong physically and emotionally.  I am scheduled for more reconstruction surgery in Feb and I would have to have about 2 weeks off for that.  I am also seeing a psychiatrist at the HSC to deal with everything.  So, I may be going back in March on a gradual basis.  

I honestly do not know how I could possibly handle work at this point.  I still need a lot of sleep and am not sleeping well yet.  Chemo put me into menopause so that is a factor.  Also, still seem to have a lot of Dr. appts.  

Melanie - you need your family and your family needs you.  And, you need to look after yourself every way you can.  Are you taking any nutritional supplements?

Take Care,

Bev

DianeKS

Well you were right Bev,  my last treatment was on Dec. 31.  So...five days out now and the joints are quite sore and I start the first neupogen injections tonight.  Mouth is starting to change and everything tastes different.  Hot pads and medications are my friends, mostly Naproxen and tylenol #3's at night.  I've been off work this time since Oct. , hard to believe some people work through treatment but they do.  Lots of posts elsewere on this site of working through treatment.  If you don't have to why rush back to it?

The moon was incredible over the weekend and we skated on the lake but we also had early nights.  I think I celebrated along with Toronto's midnight.  My seven year old stayed up later than I did!  Lots of good food though.

Humour is indeed a good way of coping, but you'll find some people just don't get it or are uncomfortable with humour and cancer.  I am lucky to have family and friends that are more the former. 

The yoga program I was talking about is run free of charge through Cancercare Mb.  I think it runs about 10 weeks.  You can look it up on the Navigator online and call pt and family services to register for the next sessions--probably for March or April now.

Hoping to get through the next week without incident as I was admitted last cycle with a low WBC and high fever...neupogen do your thing.

Hope you are well Grace.

Talk to you all  soon.

Diane

Beverly11

Diane - the only thing that helped me with the neuropathy pain was oxycocet.  But, it made me quite sleepy.  I didn't have to get the neupogen shots although it was close. 

I think that some of the women are working throughout treatments due to lack of insurance coverage and benefits as most of the women are from the US.  I think we are a bit more fortunate in Canada that way.

DianeKS

Hello Bev, 

Yes, I would agree that we are definitely fortunate here in Canada as far as work goes.

Tylenol #3 does the trick for me.  Today is a good day, feeling better with the joint pain...hopefully past the worst.

Diane.

Beverly11

Hi Diane - Glad to hear it.  Hope you are out of the woods for round 2.  How many doxataxal treatments are you getting? 

Melanie36

Hey Ladies,

(Bev, I like the new photo )

I'm actually on this post right now looking for the patient services number that Bev gave me...but just had to post. I am spitting nails right now.

I just got a call from Oncs office saying he ISN"T signing my insurance forms!!! I told her I completely disagree with this decision and want to speak to him directly...he has yet to call...

I have no idea what they are basis this on...could it be those silly 20 question, On a scale from 1-10" forms I filled out twice???? (I know I filled out the numbers WAY to low compared to how I really feel...my DH was sitting beside me and I am trying to stay strong and be positive) I just filled it out without much thought.

This doesn't make any sense...I haven't even been on Chemo for 2 weeks...that's not even one cycle. He claims that he can't fill them out b/c the "side effects" with this drug are so mild that I don't believe it prevents you from working"--then proceeds to give me a 5 page handout of potential SE for this drug--YOU HAVEN"T EVEN ASKED ME WHAT MY SE ARE!!!!!

At the very LEAST he should sign my forms saying I just started Chemo and we will reevaluate after 2 rounds (6 weeks)

I HAVE complained about several pains-which they recommended Tylenol and just the day before I mentioned the painful Hand and Foot Syndrome that is starting...not to mention my history of Depression and the fact that I can't get more than 3 hours sleep without my sleeping pills...

OMG I am so sorry to vent but I am so mad...If I was sitting on the fence before about getting rid of this guy...I've made my mind up now!!!

Deep breath...Going to look for that number now...I'll post again later.

Melanie

DianeKS

Even if you don't have any side effects from the chemo.   The fact that you are coping with a recent diagnosis of cancer is enough to deal with and I think most people would support that as something you need time off for. Good grief!

You don't need this right now... go and get yourself a new oncologist and don't look back.

By the way, this is the place to vent, we don't mind, no need to apologize.

Diane.