Anyone Starting Chemo Jan. 2010?
Comments
-
Hi Bubbalu,
Haven't used a pain patch - did use an anti-nausea patch earlier in my treatment with the AC. I'd try it out - might be ok - don't know until you try it. If not, take the patch off. Good luck!
DGirl and Michelle - Geez, I have NOT started exercising. I'm in awe of both of you. Did move the treadmill and the elliptical into a bedroom with a tv so I can start. Haven't started yet. Just getting through the day has been my challenge. I know exercise will be helpful and I know I should be doing it. It just seems like another big mountain right now, so I'm waiting for it to get down to the right size - a small hill. I have cleaned out all the closets in the house and created the impression in the neighborhood that we're moving somewhere from all the trash and recyclables outside. I figure that's exercise! PLus I've been working occassionally in the garden and all that raking should count, too.
What's the China Study?
And, just so you all take precautions - a head sunburn takes a long time to turn to tan....and stays sore. LOL - I'm buying more scarves and more cute summer hats so that doesn't happen again! My leg hairs are defnitely growing and my muzzie now has a couple new hairs as well - WAHOO! The nurse practitioner told me that your hair can start growing on Taxol - so I'm hoping that by the dog-days of August, I have some more natural head covering!
I go for #5 Taxol today (out of 12) and am going to ask about going back to work part-time for now. I've realized that when you are spending your time cleaning out closets, it's time to consider more positive activities.
Hugs to everyone!
Pat
-
Day 7 for me past # 5. Side effects starting to subside.
Thank god for Tylenol! Have my 3 month cardio appt tomorrow, suspect I will get a muga scan to check how the heart is doing with the herceptin.
Surgeon appts next week - first ones, so we shall see what options I have for the "re-build"!
Hope everyone is doing well and minimal side effects.
Went outside for 5 minutes on Saturday - only my arm was in the sun - and got a sunburn. How is that for senstive skin because of Chemo! Good thing my head was covered up!
-
I'll be having my db mast this thursday. It will be nice to get that over with, but I'm still nervous now. Eh!! I get a month of recovery and then onto more chemo. I was doing really good eating after reading Anticancer, but with all the chaos around I've fallen off the wagon for now. It won't be any better in the hospital. Guess I'll just have to make a point to get back on track after this settles down a bit.
-
Paxton, good thoughts are with you for Thursday . Tomorrow is my last Chemo Yippee I have made it quite clear to the Doc , I'm not coming back , leaving and going to live a long heathy life . I do have to have radiation , not sure about that I have an appt with that Doc in several weeks . Has anyone had radiation with TE ? My PS mentioned he might have to take out the TE before radiation . Confusing to say the least . He mention that the TE he used has some metal in it and IT would send the radiation all over the place , I've done so well with the TE I hate to have it removed . Time will tell . Never fails done one thing (chemo ) something else creeps in . I know have mild lymphdema in my hand . So now it is PT . As for exercise those girls that bike play pickeball for hours yoga etc you are a hero to me . I can't even wrap my mind around exercise , but I did tell myself after the last Chemo recovery I will start .
Curious is anyone planning a end of Chemo/ radiation celebration ?
Happy spring
Linda
-
pagowens- YEAH on Hair Growth! and way to go on Taxol #5. Gee cleaning out closets, gardening, raking- I'd say that's exercise. I think my husband would rather I did that type of exercising instead of my get-a-walk. See I put off house work to TAKE A HIKE and get lost. LOL
stlcardsfan- glad to hear you are feeling better and on the upswing.
paxton- YOU will be in my thoughts and prayers! You will get back on track later- you just need to take deep belly breaths and settle yourself for some awesome healing!!!
gramoflex- LAST CHEMO- AWESOME!! My last chemo is Monday and I am celebrating with my family and my husband's family at my mom's and I'll be eating Eggpant Parm with a nice salad and warm italian bread with butter. YUM. I will be having my implant put in before my radiation- You have a comfy TE- YOU LUCKY GIRL. I don't like my TE and I'm hoping the implant is better. My PS said implant in 1st b/c the area mat not be great to work with after rads and also it may be more susespible to infection. My hubby did not like the idea of getting raditaion with the metal port.
The China Study is a book from 2005 about the link between animal protien and illness. It's pretty interesting- I bought it on CD and listen to it on treatment days. I'm going to try and change my eating habits and started reading Breaking the Food Seduction along with China study- but it's all so scary. I just want to do what ever I can to make my body better. We'll see.....cuz chocolate is soooo seducing! lol
So I have an implant surgery date of May 18th and Radiation about 4 weeks after that- should put me around the middle of June for rads. I am praying my implant holds up- I guess we have a 50/50 chance of it making it. GREAT.
gramofllex- let us know how you celebrated! Now that I'm having a hot flash - I'm thinking frozen drinks are in order! Cheers
-
Paxton - wish you the best for Thursday. I'm trying the Anticancer diet too, but it's not easy to do, we need time to adjust to it.
Pagowens - I'm in awe of you, cleaning all the closets in the house, that's hard work, harder than walking 3 miles. Plus the mental part, organization, decision. I tried to push myself in doing it, but my brain is still in chemo break and completely refused it.
And your hair started growing. You are doing great. My hair doesn't show any sign, on the opposite my eyelashes keep falling.Gramoflexus - Last chemo, that's time to celebrate. Do you have any plans?
For me no celebration yet, the exchange is coming and the radiation and who knows what else.
Why would they remove your TE and not exchange it with implants?Next Friday I have my last chemo. How can you check if the chemo worked? Should I ask the Onc for some tests? Should I do again MRI, PET, CT? What is the procedure?
Dgirl24 - I have my exchange on May 21 and radiation starting in about four weeks after. I hope our implants have a higher chance to make it.
-
Paxton - My thoughts and prayers will be with you on Thursday as you have your surgery. Hope your recovery time is speedy and that you have very little pain.
Pagowens - If you still have the energy and want to do more cleaning, feel free to stop by my house anytime. I have the energy but not the desire to do it. Glad to hear that your hair is growing back. Mine has also started to grow but so far it is coming in very white with some dark in the back of my head. I was hoping it would come in either dark or maybe red (always wanted red hair like my sister). Oh well, at least it is starting to grow.
Congrats to all those who are finishing up with Chemo.
Terrijo
-
Paxton: best of luck with your surgery on Thursday and I am keeping you in my prayers.
-
Hi all -
It is great to hear about so many of us finishing chemo. My last treatment is next Wednesday. It doesn't seem real. I am so used to up weeks and down weeks. I look to May and it is hard to believe that I won't be having an treatments, surgeries, etc... I am so excited but after 6 months of being BC focused it is hard to think about a "normal" life. Of course, it won't be completely normal as I will be having a hysterectomy in June and then will start reconstruction in the fall. To celebrate the end of chemo, we are going to have a party for all of our friends with helped us through these past 6 months. We are going to make it a fundraiser for my 3 Day Walk. My husband is going to a fundraising goal and if we make that goal the biggest donor will get to shave his head. We are going to have JR division for my son to have his head shaved. Then we can have a contest to see whose hair grows back faster. Of course I will NOT win that competition but it will be fun.
Having gone through cancer, I hate to hear when other people get diagnosed or have a scare. Youngmom I am sorry about your dad. You feel so helpless even though we know what they will be going through. My nephew (son of my sister who just found out that she is BRCA+) was diagnosed with precious puberty (early early puberty - he just turned 9 and is well underway). In doing all the test to determine the cause, they found out he has a brain tumor. We are all in shock and numb. We still know very little. The Tumor Board at Children's hospital will be reviewing his case tomorrow morning and my sister and her husband will meet with the doctors tomorrow afternoon. It is so hard to have you kids going through this. We hope for good and definitive news tomorrow. The unknown is so difficult.
Paxton - We will be thinking of you on Thursday. I personally found the Bi-lat to not be as difficult as I expected. There was very little pain (I didn't have recon). The drains were VERY annoying but after developing an infection that led to a large painful seroma, I had a drain put back in. It was great. The alternative was worse. You have gone through so much, I think you will be surprised at how strong you are.
-
Paxton: Lots of prayers and good thoughts for your surgery on Thursday. Will be thinking about you.
Gramoflexus: I am planning a "Happy Chemo is Over and Summer is Coming Party". My kids are helping me plan it and hopefully it will be my way of saying "thank you" to all my wonderful family and friends who have helped me through these last few months. Hopefully I will have some hair growth by then. My last chemo was four weeks ago and I am not seeing much change in the hair at all! My husband is in VietNam for two weeks and I am hoping for at least some stubble before he gets home next Friday.
Since I have refused to take the Tamoxifin, I am getting monthly shots to suppress the estrogen until I have the hysterectomy. I think its called Zoladex--anyone else doing this? When I asked about the side effects, my onc said hot flashes, weight gain and mood swings. Just what I need!
-
Issymom - I'm praying for your family, girl. The unknown is so hard, but you're strong so its gonna be alright.
Paxton - I'll be thinking about you on Thursday. I had a lumpectomy so my surgery experience was so different. We're all pulling for you so please keep posting!
-
Dear January 2010 Ladies,
I am a February 2010 chemo sister and I just peeked in at your January 2010 thread yesterday to see what it feels like at the other side of the chemo treatment "rainbow." The rainbow seems to move away, the closer we get to it. I just finished reading all of your posts this evening. I just want you to know that your posts were very helpful to me and I feel as if I "know" you. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers. As of last Tuesday, I have had 3 out of my 4 Taxotere and Cytoxan treatments. Your experiences have helped me realize that many of my SEs and feelings are "normal." A new normal... Thank you for sharing from the bottom of my heart, bc sisters. Take care and God bless you all as you continue on your path to good health.
-
Hi All,
It's one am and I'm up. Of course that's because of the benedryl at my Taxol #5 infusion earlier today - I came home, slept from 3 to 8, up 2 hours, then back to sleep at 10 and the jumpy legs woke me up. I did ask about the jumpy legs today - the doc told me it's a side effect of the Benedryl, not the Taxol. This time I carefully monitored my body during the infusion - and yes, shortly after the Benedryl and before the Taxol, the jumpy legs stuff started. I was warned by the chemo nurse that Tylenol PM can also cause the jumpy legs stuff if you're sensitive to it.
One of the side effects that started for me last Friday is a very sore tongue - tender overall but very sensitive at the tip and along the sides. This is not the mouth sores or the Thrush I got before and those meds in my stash didn't help at all. On Friday afternoon I noticed my tongue was tender. My husband, grandson and I went out for dinner Friday night to Applebees as a treat and my husband ordered chips with Salsa as an appetiser. I took one chip and dipped into the Salsa and -- whowee! - my tongue went on fire! I asked my husband how hot he thought it was - and he said it was fairly mild Salsa. I kept my tongue and mouth sucking on ice cubes for the rest of the night and actually couldn't eat much of my dinner. I noticed by Friday bed time my tongue was somewhat swollen - not to the point of interferring with swallowing or talking, but definitely swollen. No bumps, no lumps, no sores...just swollen. So, it was a bit better Sat and we went to my husband's mom's afternoon party at her house for her church group. She's Japanese (my husband's father was Irish) and had a professional chef making sushi - yummy! So, I got my first piece (without raw fish) and mixed a little soy with a bit of wasabi. Because of chemo brain, I guess, I didn't even think about my tongue...until I put the sushi roll in my mouth. Spent the rest of the 2 hours sucking on ice cubes. The tongue has stayed sore so today I asked the nurse practioner in my pre-exam, she looked and was a bit puzzled because it's not a usual side effect of Taxol. The oncologist also looked and felt it might be a symptom of low B vitamin - so I got a B12 shot. My tongue is still sore tonight - I googled vit B deficiency and sore tongue and it exists with rrecommendations to eat more food with vit B in it. Has anyone else gotten such a sore/sensitive tongue (not Thrush, not mouth sores)? I can't wait to go back on my multi-vitamins and vit regimen when this is over!
And, yes, we are also planning a Chemo Is Over BarBQue in mid to late June (have to settle on a date soon and am doing it a Sunday afternoon). My invite list is everyone who helped during this time - friends, family. I was going to state no gifts/don't bring anything to everyone but I love the idea of including my son and son-in-laws' Walk site to let everyone know about their fundraising for the Koman 3-day.
And, just a note -- my leg hairs and some muzzie hairs are growing - nothing yet on the eyelashes, eyebrows and head...I'm betting they are the last to start.
As for the closet cleaning -- it's been clean it out and ditch stuff. I've decided two things: 1. Even though someone gave me something as a gift in the past, it doesn't mean I have to keep it forever if is is not being used or I really don't like it; and 2. I am not the permanent repository of my adult kid's junk. So, those two insights have really helped. We've put so much stuff out in the trash, my nieghbor asked if we were thinking of moving! I've also made two trips to the thrift shop for the stuff that's usable and in decent shape (including my clothes/coats/shoes that I haven't worn for the past 3 years). And, I spent 4 hours shredding income tax and annual bills/receipts from 1998 to 2002. I love this house because it has storage space (as opposed to my last house) and, now I realize that there is some unwritten law that it you have space, something will fill it. I have space again.... for awhile.
My doc was not happy when I asked today about being released to go back to work. So, I worked out a deal -- 20 hours/week for now and I have to put a sign on my office door that if you're sick please call me instead of coming in to see me. My white blood cell count is still not great so I'll be getting the Neupogen shots on Wed and Thursdays. She said, "OK, if you are determined, try it." Of course, with a 3 year old in daycare - what could be more germy than that? I'm starting back this coming Monday and will go in Monday, Wednesday and Thursday for the 20 hours. I have chemo on Tuesdays and Fridays are usually crash days. It's only 7 more weeks till the end of chemo. I can do it, I can do it, I can do it.
And, if I really can't do...no biggie, I'll go out again.
Michelle - As for checking if the chemo worked - my onc told me that at the end of the chemo, she'll order another Bone Scan and PET. I don't know how they check on the lymph nodes - that's my major worry right now and will ask the onc if the PET would show the lymph nodes lighting up too.
Paxton - my prayers are also with you for this surgery.
Issymom - I can't think of anything more upsetting than have a child seriously ill. I'm so sorry about your nephew. I hope the news today is better than the imagined prognosis. And, after having 4 children myself - they are so incredibly able to bounce back and heal quickly at this age. I'll keep him and your family in my prayers as well.
Ok - I'm getting tired again - back to bed!
Pat
-
Paxton You will be in my thoughts and prayers on Thursday.
gramoflexus I plan on celebrating the end of treatment by going on a cruise the second week of June. 10 radiation treatments down, 23 to go and I will be DONE!! whoo hoo
-
I had Taxotere (Chemo # 5) yesterday. Went out for lunch after the infusion so that I could enjoy food while the effects of the steroids were still on.
pagowens - I'm on Taxotere but since it is a Taxane some of the effects may be common. I did have the sore tongue (felt as if my tongue had been slashed with something sharp)....was hard to eat or swallow for about 8 days after treatment. Gets much better then. Could taste again. Used soda bicarb. rinse and a mouthwash that they dispense at the hospital (cocktail of lidocaine, antifungal, antibacterial agents etc.)
Paxton - Good luck! Hope all goes well.
-
Paxton and Michelle- the anti cancer diet- is that the book and who is it by? Have you heard good things about it? I may check it out. How's it going so far?
-
Issymom-I like the idea of the celebration fund raiser. I feel the need to thank those who have come thru for me as well as raise money for the 3 day walk.
Paxton-Be strong buddy
Michelle- I too am trying to live by the anticancer diet guidelines. I also started juicing. My favorite is carrot, beet and a big hunk of fresh ginger. I've also convinced many of my non cancer friends to read to anticancer book as prevention.
dgirl-the China study sounds interesting. I will have to check it out.
I have to say I'm happy and a little bit jealous of those who are finishing chemo. I feel like I still have a very very long way to go. I will finish T/H at the end of June. Surgery/Rad will follow. Please tell me there is light at the end of the tunnel?????
pagowens - glad you are getting released to go back to work. I find that the support from my work buddies and the temporary diversion are key to my healing.
So far I've been able to work thru all my treatments. Mainly because my employer has allowed me to flex my schedule to focus on getting better. I even take conference calls while at the infusion center. I'm sure the other patients just love that. My job typically requires 60% travel but fortunately since I've been diagnosed, I have been grounded. I miss the travel, fancy free meals, racking up frequent flyer and hotel points; but being home more has been such a blessing. I've reconnected with my family. I never realized how much I missed by always being on gone. As I look for the positives in cancer, this is one. Cancer has realigned my priorities.
-
Allow me to add my congrats to all of you who are finishing up chemo. I have 3 more to go but feel like I'm on the home stretch now. Taxotere gave me a very rough 1st week but the positive was that my WBC were sky high unlike on AC. This gives me 2 free weeks! I feel like I've been pardoned!
To those of you going into surgery my prayers are with you. I hear that the surgery is not as bad as it sounds and there's no risidual pain, just discomfort and annoying tubes. After what you've all accomplished it will be fine.
I also have the AntiCancer book and will drink only green tea and red wine after all this is done!
The author is from UPMC where I get my treatments and surgery.
To those of you having celebrations - party on you deserve it.
-
Geez...I don't know about the green tea, but I'm definitely up for the red wine!!! LOL
-
Thanks everybody. I feel like I'm getting ready to jump out of a plane.
-
Paxton 18064: What an adorable child! Just keep thinking about that smiling face waiting for you and soon it will all be behind you. Love your bandana too. They're my favorite headcovers. They will relax you once you get there........................prayers are on the way.
-
dgirl24 I don't think I would trust anything coming out of China.
paxton love the pic of you with the baby. He looks so happy! What a cutie pie.
I like the recipes of Christina Perillo. She is a cancer survivor.
-
issymom: oh my goodness I am so very sorry to hear about your nephew. I can only imagine what you & your family are going through right now. I am definitely going to say prayers for him tonight and hope that good news is coming his way tomorrow.
Paxton: good luck tomorrow. Love the pic of you and your little man.
Pagowens: good luck returning to work and I hope all the germy people steer clear of you. I think going back to work slowly will help ease you back in and I think your co-workers may give you soem incredible support as well.
Some of you mentioned the jumpy legs, I have gotten them since my first treatment and mine were definitely from the benedryl. I only have them during treatment but they make me crazy! I take an Ativan before I get to my appt as well as a Zinc tablet and then the dr gives me more ativan in my iv to try and settle my legs down so i can sit still and if i'm lucky even get a little sleep. It has worked the last two treatments.
I've also been reading the Anticancer book and there is alot of good and interesting info in it. I am wanting to change my eating habits but am alsofeeling during treatment I need to eat whatever I can that tastes somewhat good and keeps my stomach settled. I will be looking into making some changes in my diet and exercise when i am finished with chemo and have more energy and better taste buds. I do worry after reading the book that maybe I gave myself cancer b/c I have not been taking care of my body properly. I have a hard time thinking that i caused this b/c if that is the case then I am very angry with myself for putting my family and friends through this hell with me.
Okay, I must go to bed now. Still have some packing to do because we are going away for a few days with the kids for some much needed R&R and laughs too. My oldest turns 8 tomorrow and I can't believe how fast it has gone. As I thought back to his birth I feel so fortunate to have the best job in the world, being a mom to my 3 favorite people.
-
Youngmomof3. Geez - cut yourself a break - you didn't give yourself cancer! Cancer is a disease that comes by happenstance. Look, I've been drinking only red wine and green tea for at least 3 decades - watching what I eat, eating as healthy as possible, taking care of my body...all because high blood pressure, strokes and heart attacks kill off my family members. And, here I am - strong heart and breast cancer! WTF? Shit happens to us, not always through our own doing (or negligence). Trying to find blame and what causes this stuff could make you nuts. I gave that up. Que sera, sera. It is what it is. That's enough to deal with! Enjoy your vacation and put the blame game to bed, too.
Paxton - the baby is growing and is just the cutest kid! Love your pictures of him - wish I could give him a hug...so (((hug))) from a distance!
Zappit - thanks for the mouthwash formula. My onc ordered some special treatment that is supposed to arrive on Friday via UPS - two vials you mix together, covered under my insurance so it's only costing me $10. The B12 shot helped a lot - no swelling today and a whole lot less painful/sore. I'm hoping that each day it gets better. These mystery side effects are a pain in the...well, mouth.
Glad many of you are finishing up and I'm seeing light at the end of the tunnel. June 1st seems not too far away now...just 7 more chemo treatments to go!
You've all been a lifeline for me. I am grateful to each of you for your ear and your advice and your rantings and your great sense of humor and sensitivity for others. Thanks so much!
Ciao,
Pat
-
Thank you all for your prayers for my nephew. We did get good news, sort of. There is tumor of his hypothalamus. It is non operable but that won't be an issue unless it grows. So no surgery is great but they will be on surveillance for next 5 years. I told my sister she should try to coordinate the timing of his MRIs with her mammograms/MRI (every 6 months) so that they can minimize the amount of time each year that they are waiting for results. He will be having a hormonal impant put in tomorrow to stop the puberty until the appropriate age.
Youngmom - Don't worry about what you did or didn't do to get cancer. Some people do everything right and still get cancer while others make bad decision and bad decision and don't every get cancer. I think going forward it is important to try our best to make good decisions. When we are all done with our treatments, we need to be able to live a cancer-free life. We will never be able to forget this year but I also don't want it to rule my life. I am finding that as I get closer to the end, I am finding that I have more and more time where I don't think about cancer. I think that is the case for many of us as we are not posting quite as frequently as we were even a month ago. This is good.
Lorrie
-
Hey triple negs- did you see this:
http://video.foxnews.com/v/4132521/jennifer-griffins-brave-fight
Jennifer Griffins Triple Negative Stage 3
Very inspiring!
youngmom- sometimes I feel guilt b/c of what my family goes through- BUT we didn't do this to ourself we need to let it go. You are a mom and your whole life will be spent doing for your family- this is the time when they will get the chance to do for you and they may actually like the opportunity to do so. Hang in there- and have nice couple of days of RR.
Really thinking of Paxton today....prayers- prayers and prayers her way! Picturing that baby - will get her through- how true is that!
Vegas- thanks for the book with recipes. I remember seeing Christina years ago on some show and was so impressed with her I bought her cook book and I can't remember the title--she's wearing a bunch of fruits and vegetables on the cover -something whole foods. When I was young I was fascinated with people treating their cancer with food. I will look into her book you suggested.
China Study- the author is actually a good old American boy- grew up on a dairy farm. See they study people in china because they were basically all the same background (genetics) no like here in the US the melting pot. That way when they did tests there was one less thing to factor in. He talks a lot about plant based diet.
Issy- so glad about the little guy. It makes me wonder- could that tumor be "starved" by changing the little guys diet? I just heard that creating a certain ph balance in the body creates an environment that could "starve" a tumor. All this stuff seems very interesting to me. Well I'll say a prayer for the little guy.
NKrun- Thanks for sharing your positives! There's days we forget about those.
babbalu- hope you are feeling good
pagowens- you tell em! It is what it is............My husband and I kept saying that through this whole shitty thing! I too tried to be healthy- but then I think- THANK GOD we did do that or maybe we wouldn't be having such a fun time of it...ok I haven't had a fun time of it but I'm doing pretty darn good. Pagowens I like your spunk!
And hey there has come some great things out of this whole thing.
Well I got to say some prayers and go back to sleep- I've been getting up around 2am every morning. It's 4 here now so I better get some such eye before having to get my son off to school.
OH- inspiration:
Cancer is a metamorphosis. Like the butterfly, we must struggle from the cocoon before flight. It is in our struggle that we deepen, and in the depending that we go higher. What is broken can be beautiful again. It is in our pain that our wings are colored and prepared for flight.
Heidi Marble, inflammatory breast cancer survivor, author of Waiting for Wings. I Read that in Cope magazine and loved it.
Sweet Dreams
D
-
Well- I have been reading periodically but not posting for good reason. I have been at the beach on Spring Break with the kids and another family and I actually almost forgot all about BC while I was there. It was incredible. It felt like a little peek into what my world will be like soon (fingers crossed). I had an infusion yesterday and was up all night last night. Now I am scheduled to have my very last chemo on April 28th and the Taxol has been very easy on me. I only have a few days of pain and then I quickly get back to feeling good. My doc moved my chemo treatments so I wouldn't have to fly home early from my vacation and it was such a gift. My chemo brain actually started to clear up a little too.
One thing I have noticed is that now I am the un-official go-to girl for all things Breast Cancer- or chemo. I don't mind it at all as I want to share whatever tips and tricks I learned along the way with anyone starting this journey. I always direct them to this site too. But what does bother me is how often it is happening now. I feel like I'm in the midst of a true epidemic. It's terrifiying everytime I learn of another young mom, 20-something newlywed, or parent of a friend. And of course any child, your nephew included issymom.
I have read the anti-cancer book and a slew of others and sometimes I feel the same as youngmom3 and feel guilty. But mostly I feel empowered that it gives me more to do to try to stay out of this mess in the future and hopefully help protect my family from it too. When I finish chemo I think I'll have a nice celebration and then get down to business about changing my lifestyle.
I never went on ST disability because Taxol was so much easier on me. So, I have surgery scheduled for May 27 (double mastectomy with immediate recon) and have decided to stay out of work all summer recovering from that. My surgeon says I could be back to work as early as 6 weeks, but I'm going to stay home and get my life squared away and spend qt with my kiddos. If I can find one major benefit to having breast cancer it's that it has given me permission to re-prioritize and easily say no to things that I don't think fit my new outlook on what I should spend my time and energy on.
Paxton- I am thinking about you and praying for you today. I LOVE the picture of you and your little one. That age is so much fun. He's got such a beautiful fun-loving smile. I hope your surgery goes smoothly and that your recovery is easy.
-
Fellower TCH'ers on Jan thread.
Had my 3 month MUGA scan Wednesday to see what if anything Herceptin was doing to my heart.
Found out today that ejection fraction has gone down by 9%, but is still in acceptable range. All other blood work looked good too. Yea, finally some good news.
Also decided not to take the Effexor that was prescribed for the Chemo flashes. I don't want to be on that kind of drug. So, I am looking into ways of dealing with the Chemo flashes naturally.
Paxton - good luck today.
Lssymom - that is great news about your nephew.
Youngmom - there is no rhyme or reason about cancer. Some things we can control, some things we can't. We got it and we are fighting it and will BEAT IT!!!
Hope everyone is doing well and no se's!
Tomorrow is my birthday and hubby got baseball tickets. I am sure everyone can guess who for!
Go Cards!
-
Just got back from our little mini-vacation and had a wonderful time. Took the kids to an indoor waterpark and sported my scarf the whole weekend. Funny that it didn't bother me at all to wear it out in front of so many people. Maybe I'll start a new pool-side fashion trend:)
Have a question for everyone: I still have stubble on my head after 4 tx's. This past week my head has been sore and I noticed that I have several small red spots on my scalp. They are painful when I touch my head and my scalp is itchier that normal. Could it be in-grown hairs? Anyone experience this before?
I appreciate all of the feedback about my questioning if I brought on my cancer b/c of the ways I haven't taken care of my body the way I probably should have. I don't always feel this way but there are times when I'm reading the Anti-cancer book that I can't seem to help but feel this way. I know logically that many times these things happen without any explaination or cause and the majority of the time I believe this to be true about my own circumstance. Issymom, I agree with you that the more time passes the more BC is not the main thing on my mind(thank goodness) and yes, having knowledge will help me more in the right direction for the future. So glad to hear about your nephew. I'm sure that the monitoring will be stressful for your family but it sounds optimistic.Pagowens: I am coming to you when I need a good, swift kick in the butt to get me back on the Positive Train:) Thx to you and everyone else.
Georgiabirdgirl: so glad to hear you enjoyed your vacation and that BC was on the backburner as it should have been. Wanted to see what type of reconstruction you were having? I will have mine in probably July and haven't decided yet what I am doing. Has anyone on here had a "free-flap surgery or did everyone go with implants?
Stlcardsfan: Hope you have a wonderful birthday! I'll root for the Cards as long as they aren't playing the Yankees:)
dgirl24: Love the quote. It is great!
-
Paxton good luck with your surgery! It was so nice to get a bread from chemo. I almost got to the point where I felt ALMOST normal! Good luck. You are almost there!
Does anyone have any hair growning back? It is growning on my legs but not my hairl I am looseing more. I had one treatment of taxol and just thought it should be coming in I AM NOT shaving my legs. not fair! lol
wow Georgia girl. I am so glad. Only one more. and not much pain. any hair?? MY chemo brain has cleared up too but these hot flashes! ugh!!
Categories
- All Categories
- 679 Advocacy and Fund-Raising
- 289 Advocacy
- 68 I've Donated to Breastcancer.org in honor of....
- Test
- 322 Walks, Runs and Fundraising Events for Breastcancer.org
- 5.6K Community Connections
- 282 Middle Age 40-60(ish) Years Old With Breast Cancer
- 53 Australians and New Zealanders Affected by Breast Cancer
- 208 Black Women or Men With Breast Cancer
- 684 Canadians Affected by Breast Cancer
- 1.5K Caring for Someone with Breast cancer
- 455 Caring for Someone with Stage IV or Mets
- 260 High Risk of Recurrence or Second Breast Cancer
- 22 International, Non-English Speakers With Breast Cancer
- 16 Latinas/Hispanics With Breast Cancer
- 189 LGBTQA+ With Breast Cancer
- 152 May Their Memory Live On
- 85 Member Matchup & Virtual Support Meetups
- 375 Members by Location
- 291 Older Than 60 Years Old With Breast Cancer
- 177 Singles With Breast Cancer
- 869 Young With Breast Cancer
- 50.4K Connecting With Others Who Have a Similar Diagnosis
- 204 Breast Cancer with Another Diagnosis or Comorbidity
- 4K DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ)
- 79 DCIS plus HER2-positive Microinvasion
- 529 Genetic Testing
- 2.2K HER2+ (Positive) Breast Cancer
- 1.5K IBC (Inflammatory Breast Cancer)
- 3.4K IDC (Invasive Ductal Carcinoma)
- 1.5K ILC (Invasive Lobular Carcinoma)
- 999 Just Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastasis
- 652 LCIS (Lobular Carcinoma In Situ)
- 193 Less Common Types of Breast Cancer
- 252 Male Breast Cancer
- 86 Mixed Type Breast Cancer
- 3.1K Not Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastases but Concerned
- 189 Palliative Therapy/Hospice Care
- 488 Second or Third Breast Cancer
- 1.2K Stage I Breast Cancer
- 313 Stage II Breast Cancer
- 3.8K Stage III Breast Cancer
- 2.5K Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
- 13.1K Day-to-Day Matters
- 132 All things COVID-19 or coronavirus
- 87 BCO Free-Cycle: Give or Trade Items Related to Breast Cancer
- 5.9K Clinical Trials, Research News, Podcasts, and Study Results
- 86 Coping with Holidays, Special Days and Anniversaries
- 828 Employment, Insurance, and Other Financial Issues
- 101 Family and Family Planning Matters
- Family Issues for Those Who Have Breast Cancer
- 26 Furry friends
- 1.8K Humor and Games
- 1.6K Mental Health: Because Cancer Doesn't Just Affect Your Breasts
- 706 Recipe Swap for Healthy Living
- 704 Recommend Your Resources
- 171 Sex & Relationship Matters
- 9 The Political Corner
- 874 Working on Your Fitness
- 4.5K Moving On & Finding Inspiration After Breast Cancer
- 394 Bonded by Breast Cancer
- 3.1K Life After Breast Cancer
- 806 Prayers and Spiritual Support
- 285 Who or What Inspires You?
- 28.7K Not Diagnosed But Concerned
- 1K Benign Breast Conditions
- 2.3K High Risk for Breast Cancer
- 18K Not Diagnosed But Worried
- 7.4K Waiting for Test Results
- 603 Site News and Announcements
- 560 Comments, Suggestions, Feature Requests
- 39 Mod Announcements, Breastcancer.org News, Blog Entries, Podcasts
- 4 Survey, Interview and Participant Requests: Need your Help!
- 61.9K Tests, Treatments & Side Effects
- 586 Alternative Medicine
- 255 Bone Health and Bone Loss
- 11.4K Breast Reconstruction
- 7.9K Chemotherapy - Before, During, and After
- 2.7K Complementary and Holistic Medicine and Treatment
- 775 Diagnosed and Waiting for Test Results
- 7.8K Hormonal Therapy - Before, During, and After
- 50 Immunotherapy - Before, During, and After
- 7.4K Just Diagnosed
- 1.4K Living Without Reconstruction After a Mastectomy
- 5.2K Lymphedema
- 3.6K Managing Side Effects of Breast Cancer and Its Treatment
- 591 Pain
- 3.9K Radiation Therapy - Before, During, and After
- 8.4K Surgery - Before, During, and After
- 109 Welcome to Breastcancer.org
- 98 Acknowledging and honoring our Community
- 11 Info & Resources for New Patients & Members From the Team