Anyone Starting Chemo Jan. 2010?

dgirl24

mslrg- my heart goes out to you!  Yes get something for your nerves- because being so stressed and down will make you physically ill.  I never believed in antidepress. and such- but now in my heart I know they def help people like us.  The stress that is being put on you at such a fast pace is hard.  I wish I could give you a big hug!  Your job situation stinks!  Will anyone at your work -get your back?  You keep talking and letting it all out- it's healthy! 

Your son- poor guy!  Is there anything I can do?  I feel so bad for our kids!  My boy is 13 and well he suffered- although he says nothing.  He misses me- I did everything for him.  I finally did get some help from my dad who offered to take him a whole weekend to do guy stuff- just so he got out of our house.  I wish there was more support for the kids...gee when I was divorced my son attended Banana Splits at school - where he got to spend time with other kids of divorce.  What about kids of cancer?  Does your son like any sports?  What does he like?  Maybe we can do something special for him.  Maybe if you want to send me an email with some info on him I can send him something.  I have a soft spot for boys.  I know they have chemo angels for chemo patients - well maybe we need kid's of cancer angels?  I'd be glad to do something.  

I will pray for your cousin.  What the heck is wrong with people?

All this bad/negative stuff is not what you need at this point- you are in my thoughts!   

Billion and Grace- you guys are making me so hungry!!!  Thanks for pointing out the recipes you enjoy-

michelle- you are welcome and you'll be fine!  let me know how you make out.  Are you getting rads in NJ?

terrijo- thanks for the tamox. info- please keep us posted on SEs- i dread it a bit. 

zappit

mslrg - I was totally appalled to hear about your son's awards ceremony. What was the teacher thinking?? My son is about the same age (13), he is also sensitive and at some point had to combat bullying. If they did that to him he/we would be crushed! You do not treat kids like that! Plus, you had to sit thru the ceremony for 2 hours...for what? Don't they realize it is not easy to last that long after treatment. Sorry that happened to you and your family...sounds like a crazy mess-up and disappointment that should not happen. The teacher needs to be more sensitive and astute. I would e-mail for an explanation and get it off my chest.

Also, sorry to hear about you not being able to attend his graduation...sad when employers and society do not have grasp on basic family needs of their employees. How short sighted can they be if they do not keep employees happy!! Have they not heard about life/work balance? Taking time off for illness and graduation is not a luxury...to me it is a basic human right! For a society that puts a premium on "family values" this is a shoddy way to treat you. OK, I'm getting a little outraged but it is clear you need a break! Stay strong...and do not let this get you down!!! They need to be more gentle...get over this hurdle and find a way to change the situation if you can. I will be thinking of you and wishing you ALL the strength to deal with this. 

VENT here whenever you need to. If it helps, I'm sure we are all here for you.  

Anonymous

All

A coworker just introduced me to his wife's non-profit called Pink Ribbon Riders  See Link. http://www.pinkribbonriders.com/index.htmlIt is a grass roots breast cancer non-profit that provides financial assistance to bc patients.  They consider patients from  Michigan, New York, North Dakota, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Pennsylvania and Wyoming first, however they have never turned anyone away.  Please check it out.

KAJDerby

Mslrg- I would be sooooooooo stinkin frustrated with your sons teacher!!!!!!!!  I have a nephew that is autistic and another one that is fragile x.  They had such a hard time at school and my sister really had to fight for them, with the teachers even.  This BC is hard enough without the stress of everyday life.  Hang in there.  I am hoping that in a year all of our lives will have a different perspective.

nkrun-thank you for sharing that link.  We are in the process of making decisions about staying here in Okinawa or going home.  I may need to contact this group.  What timing you have!!!!

11tyBillion

seriously dgirl24, I think you are on to something with wanting to do something for the kids that are in this battle right along with us.  I wonder if there is anything like that yet?

mslrg -- I had actually typed "is there anything that I can do for your son to make him feel better..." but I deleted it, because I was not sure how you would feel.  After seeing what dgirl24 said, seriously, if there is anything that I too could do to help youe son feel better ... even just a card or stickers, or whatever he is into, you just say so.  There is no reason in this world that he be left out of getting his awards like that!  Did you ever find out why that happened?  

Since tomorrow is my last chemo treatment, I was trying to figure out what special thing to do for the chemo nurses that I swear are angels (well, some of them are angels).  There is one in particular that I have grown close to, and I HOPE I have her tomorrow, but if I don't, I would still feel strange walking in empty handed.  I would love to do something special for that one nurse, but how awkward would that be if she was not there, or if the other nurses I had had found out that they got nothing and she got something?  So I decided to jsut bake up a big thing of homemade cookies and take it in so they all can share, and so they all can feel special.  I dunno, considering what those ladies do and see, every single day, they deserve some kind of treat!   I feel a little hipocritical though, as I have cut almost all of the sugar and fat out of my daily meals  ... I would LOVE to take soemthing healthy, and anti-cancer in there for them to snack on  -- but I dont really feel like dealing with a 50 lb basket of fruit! :-)

bubbalu

11thBillion:  Funny I've been thinking about the same thing, doing something special for the oncology nurses who have taken such good weekly care of me.  I have also grown close to one particular nurse and have had her for my last 4 infusions.  I told her one day that I wish I could have her every time and she said, 'just ask for me'.  So each time I went in I said, 'is Linda here today'........they told her I was there and she took care of me.  Sometimes she's very busy and you have to wait longer for her but it's worth the wait.  Ever since then when I go in they know I want Linda.  I'm planning to hand her a card with a gift card inside.  For the rest of the staff I was also thinking a cake, cookies, cupcakes but like you said it's a health conscious environment so what do you do?  Muffins?  fruit tray?  Plus, I've given up white sugar, white flour.  Chocolate I read is still okay, the dark chocolate.  In our center's lobby they often have food setup for everyone, lunch trays, cold cuts, cakes, etc.  I'm hoping to get an idea before that time.  Let me know what you come up with?

mslrg

You have all been so tremendously kind and generous. Adam feels better, and I'm sure he would love a card or stickers, or any special recognition.  He is so forgiving.  Adam got his award--unceremoniously, but he got it yesterday. The teacher assured me that she turned his name into the principal, and the principal swears the teacher didn't. Let me just be plain and honest: the principal has lied to me several times before, and I don't think this time was any exception. Adam's principal is retiring at the end of next week: two years too late for Adam, I'm afraid. She has been the most difficult, unhelpful, vindictive (female canine) ever! When Adam had problems with bullies at school, the principal would not help us, even though the kid who beat Adam up had been previously expelled from another school for similar repeated behaviors. The principal met her comeuppance with me! I reported her to the director secondary ed, the associate superintendent of secondary ed, the superintendent, and then I hired a lawyer and made her life miserable until she would do her job. Given my experiences with this woman, plus what I know about her from other parents' complaints, I would not put it past to have purposely dropped Adam off the list just to get back at me---hurting Adam, an innocent kid, was of no consequence to her. Glad she's leaving education. Good riddance!

I had to meet with my own boss today-- a pre-meeting before I return to work on Monday. I also had to get paperwork from my personnel office--a letter stating how much pay I've lost this year so that we can try to tap into our retirement funds and make it through the summer. I saw a lot of people at the district office who I know and they were a very complimentary about how well I look and how "cute" my wig is--I wear the short one mostly these days--much easier on the hot flashes! Earlier this week, my acpuncturist told me I should go in wigless and without make-up because my coloring makes me look better than I feel. She said I should make them feel guilty about making me come back in my condition. But I decided that I would go in dignified and look the best I could. I still look pale and ill to me, but to others who don't know me that well, I look healthy, I suppose. One piece of good news is that because I am returning when I m, I no longer "owe" the district money, and I will actually get a small check for May and June--about 1/8 of my normal salary, but it's something.

My next stop was to my school--the first time back since I went in to give out Christmas presents in December. I really didn't want to go in, but felt obligated to do so because this was my secretary's last day before she has her mastectomy on Monday. I had a card and a small gift for her: a small, heart-shaped pillow to go under the seat belt so it doesn't rub her surgery site, and a breast cancer bracelet. She is so visibly scared and cried a lot in my office. I remember that all encompassing fear when I was first diagnosed; a deer in the headlights, afraid for my life, afraid of the pain of surgery, afraid of the unknown, afraid of chemo, afraid for my children if they had to grow up without their mother, afraid for my husband and for my mother, overwhelmed by emotion and the plethora of information descending upon me like a simultaneous tsunami, hurricane, earthquake, and tornado! I felt completely helpless, hopeless, defeated. Seeing my secretary today brought all of those feelings back to me like I was diagnosed just yesterday. But it was helpful for both of us for me to be there. She could see that although I am still recovering, recovery can happen. And me--Well for me, I was able to give comfort to someone because I know exactly what she's going through and it helped me to feel I had helped her. She had lots of questions. I left out the ory details, but I refused to lie or sugar coat my answers. She asked me about the sentinel node biopsy--I rememeber a point when I was more afraid of that than the actual mastectomies themselves. She asked me if it hurt. I said, "Yes it does. Ask for lidocaine BEFORE they do it! Ask for a Valium way before they do it--mine didn't take until after the procedure. The best part about it is that it's very fast." In my head I was thinking, "Hurt? HURT?? It hurt like hell! I do believe my husband still has the scars in his hand where my fingernails sunk in from that pain! It is up there with some of the worst pain I've ever had!

I made it home by about 2:30, and I went straight to bed. The fatigue was well set in by the time we got home. It was a mini day at school, but I handled it.. The teachers who did see me all complimented my hair. Kids who saw me, recognized me and were also glad to see me. I can do this. I think I can manage to work next week. It will be difficult, but I can do it. I have to!

dgirl24

Mslrg-Sounds like it looking up!  You are doing great.  Glad Adam finally got his award- but what a pain in the butt that principle is! Glad she is on her way out!  I sent you a private message about maybe my son and your Adam becoming pen pals or something.

georgiabirdgirl

11tybillion- i had the same quandry about what to do for my chemo nurses.  They are on a strange rotation that kept some of them out of there for 2 months at a time.  I got to know all of them, and they were all great.   There was also a lot of sugary baked goods there.  Every time I came in for chemo, I brought a thing of cut fruit, bagels, or muffins.  There was always at least another set of goodies too so I skipped the sweets. Instead, I brought a big flowering plant.  I figured they could fight over who could take it home or keep it back in their break room if allowed.  I attached some Thank you balloons.  Then I wrote a card, making sure to include the names of all the nurses I knew had taken part in my care to thank them.  I put a gift card for starbucks (which is across the street) and told them to go have a latte on me. They seemed to love it.  These folks are true angels and deserve the recognition for how much they work to make chemo easier on a patient. 

mslrg-I am so happy to hear that the tide is starting to turn for you.  You can do it next week.  No doubt it will be tough and you will get tired before the end of the day, but you will be there and get through it.  It sounds like it will be great for you both to secure your job and to prevent you from having to pay the district back.  I'm sorry your son had such a tough experience, but I'm so happy he seems to have move passed it so quickly.  Kids are so resilient. 

I'm getting closer and closer to my surgery date and I'm pretty scared, but ready for it to be over with.  We have been having a terrific time with my in-laws.  We've been planting, playing, eating, and swimming.  I guess I am trying to squeeze in as much normal fun as possible before I'm out of commission for awhile.

My peach fuzz is finally coming in.  I have a small, practically invisible layer of growth all over my head.  YEAH! 

Take care everyone.  Have a great SE free weekend.

Anonymous

georgiaibird-I hear you about being scared about the surgery. I have not fully made my decision(lumectomy vs bi-mas, uni is not an option cuz- I think that would be weird). The docs are 100% convinced that the lumpectory is the way to go. Everyone else, including other survivors all say go for the double. I'm leaning toward a lumectomy with the mandatory removal of lymph nodes. I'm less concerned about how they will look then how they will perform.  Once this whole thing is over I fully plan on resuming my activities including particpating in triathalons, surfing, softball, tennis, golf, rock climbing etc.  I feel that implants would just seem akward. Sounds like I need to connect with other jock survivors and get their point of view.

MSLRG-I agree with the others sounds like you are on the mend. That story about Adam is down right sad.  As a parent of a senior and sophomore, who have been in may different schools in different states, have varying degrees of satisfaction with these schools.  Bottom line I am so happy my son is graduating in a few weeks and my daughter only has 2 years.Just this week I got 2 calls from the VP. One because my daughter wore a tank top to school and if she does it again she will get suspended for a week and a second my 18y/o son got his cell phoned taken away  for a week for texting in class. I'm going into the office on Monday and pulling the cancer card to get my son's phone back. While I don't condone my kids behavior, I don't think is is the best utilization of the VP's time.  My kids go to drug infested school in on over privileged area.  Maybe they should focus on getting the drug situation under control and stop worrying about the small stuff.  This HS is ranked in the top 100 school in the US-I'm not seeing it. The schools appear to be understaffed, underpaid, underfunded, some under qualified, dealing with antiquated technology and "no child left behind" . Recently moving from Illinois to California, I think the California school are in much more trouble than in any state. (Sorry for my daily grip)

At my last onc appointment I got a reality time check. I guess I never thought about it but my healing journey has really just begun. Chemo started in January and I'm only in the middle of second regimen of weekly T/H.  5 more weekly T/H then 9 months of weekly herceptin. Wow I did not fully understand the herceptin portion of the treatment. Weekly at the infusion center and thru my port. I struggle with what to call the herceptin portion.  I made the mistake of telling another survivor that I will getting chemo for 10 more months.  She abruptly corrected me by saying "HERCEPTIN IS NOT CHEMO".  Yes it is a biological agent not a chemical agent but I will still be getting weekly infusions at the cancer center.  Ok then what do I call it??????  Bio?   

While on hercpetin, I will have surgery in August, 6 week recovery, 6 weeks of daily radiation starting in Oct. Depending on the type of surgery there may be additional reconstruction etc.  I know this is not news to many of you but guess I never thought past the T/H portion of chemo.

Bottom line I will be putting my life on hold and living in my cancer bubble until the middle of 2011. holy crap...Patience is not one of my strengths.

Peach fuzz is in full bloom. I swear my hair grows a cm every 2 days. 3/4 is growing like crazy while 1/4 is still falling out. My hair is so soft I cannot stop rubbing it. It must annoy my coworkers and family members.  It looks like it is coming in darker and greyer than prechemo.

dgirl24

Michelle- thinking of you today as your surgery was yesterday!  Hope you are feeling well and your surgery was a breeze...

dgirl24

oops forgot to post this

NKRUN- what you are feeling is what we all feel.....how and when do we get back to our boring simple life?  You girls getting your herceptin- are tough chicks!  Herceptin- doesn't matter what it's called it's still a pain in the butt.

mslrg

D-Girl--thanks for the penpall offer. Adam isn't up yet, but I told my husband about your suggestion, and he also thinks that's a great idea.

Georgiabirdgirl--a very nice gesture for the chemo nurses. I know surgery is scary, but you can get through it. Use your pain meds--to stay on top of the pain and it will be tolerable. I found chemo to be more difficult because the after effects lingered on for so long. The first day of surgery is the hardest, but I felt better each day--the daily progress boosted my spirits. We will be with you in our hearts. I know it's tough--my next one is on June 21st, but I can't wait, even though I know there will be pain involved.

Nkrun--the ultimate decision re: lumpectomy or bmx is yours--as long as you make an informed decision and you are, then it's the right decision.

 I have a question for you all--how did you find out you had breast cancer? I found out from a mammogram--here was no lump to feel at all, it was so deep inside one of my 42 DDDs! My secretary told me that 4 weeks ago she had a mammo, which came back clear. Then 2 weeks ago, she wasn't feeling well in herself, she felt dizzy, and noticed pain in her left breast. She passed her hand over the place where it hurt, and felt a lump through her clothes. She got in for another mammo and ultrasound two days later. While there, they didn't like what they saw and made her stay and get a boipsy on the spot; she got a diagnosis the next day (2 Thursdays ago). They rushed her for surgery this coming Monday. I have never heard of this before. How could there be no lump one day and then a lump big enough to be felt through clothes 2 weeks later? I am afraid that this may be an aggressive cancer.What are your thoughts?

KAJDerby

nkrun- I hear you about this bio/chemo thing!  I am NOT too excited about it, but at least with herceptin it gives us a big advantage over recurrence.  It may not be chemo.  It can have some serious side effects and it is no walk in the park. 

Mslrg - I had a LARGE lump.  It grew fast, I don't think as fast as two weeks, but pretty fast.  In the end there were 13 tumors.  The largest was 7 cm.  In all 3/4 of my breast was tumor.  Still waiting to find out what stage.  My scan in July will determine that.  I had my surgery within 15 days of the biopsy results.  Originally there were no openings for a month, but the doctor called me and said there was a cancellation for the next week. 

pagowens

Hi All,

TerriJo - I am just starting to focus on post-chemo, post-rads and thinkning about 5 years on Tamoxifin - not too knowledgeable yet and worried about the SEs - read through the Bottle o Tamoxifin a bit and seems like pre-mena[ausal woman having more difficulty on the meds.  I am so desperately needing to feel normal again that I'm dreading 5 years on ANYTHING.  By 2016 I won't even know what normal is anymore.

Mslrg - many hugs to you and your family. I don't know how to help and can only say we all feel for you!  For me, I found the lump when I laid down on the bed and felt something "hurt" like a ping on my side.  Felt the lump and was really hoping it was a pulled muscle or something!  Went to the gynocologist right away and the rest is BC history.  My breasts are dense as well and they always have trouble reading my mammo.  I must confess - hadn't been to the mamo for nearly 3 years....got busy and kept forgetting to get there.  Shame on me.

Nkrun - My hair is also starting to "fuzz" while also falling out again.  I had a lace cotton nightcap on under a ballcap yesterday.  Took it off when I got home and the cap was filled with short black hairs....just like when it first fell out after I shaved.  What's with that?   I thought the falling out stuff was done with. My hair is coming in white, my eyebrows are coming in white and my underarm hairs are just starting back - also white.  And, I can understand the patience stuff...I am out, pure and simple.

I was going to have a celebration BarBQue at the end of chemo and I have two infusions left.  But I am just not feeling it - don't feel like celebrating, don't feel like I have enough energy, don't feel "recovered" enough to celebrate.  So, I'm taking a pass.  Maybe an "end of chemo and rads" party in the early Fall.

I did buy the Rebecca Katz book and have been busy getting the new and strange ingredients I've never cooked with before.  Made the 1.5 hour trip to Trader Joes yesterday and got most of what I need, along with organic meats and poultry.  I want to hit the Lottery and hire a chef.

Ciao!

Pat

michelle_nj

Hello Sisters,
Dgirl24 - Thanks for asking. How do you feel? Is the pain any better in the good breast?
I had yesterday the exchange and like you said, it was not that bad. I was home by evening, including an awful traffic. I'm a bit disappointed about the gummy bear size, seems to be much smaller than the TE, but maybe they will survive better to radiation. The drains are uncomfortable and the nurses said I should have it for 7 days.
Otherwise, maybe because of the vicodin, I feel so,so blue.
I will have the radiation in mskcc, like everything else.
Nkrun -Seems to be a long, very long way, but I'm sure you can do it. Good news with the fast growing hair. I wish mine will grow as fast. But it grows just whiter. My DH thinks I should shave it again to get rid of this chemo fuzz.
Mslrg - I'm so happy things are slowly starting to get better for you. Good for you to try to look good and even had enough energy to offer kindness and support to your secretary.
GraceOkinawa - Good luck with your decision making about staying in Okinawa or moving back. When I visited Japan, about 10 years ago, I thought it is a very interesting culture but everything is so different than here,including driving. I guess it was not easy for you to adapt to living there.
VegasDiva- Congratulations! You are a Survivor. Actually two times survivor. Yippee!!
Pagowens - I totally understand you and feel the same. As about food, the more I read, the more I realize how difficult and time consuming the change will be. I also have to admit I'm confused, because seems like everything is moving on the NO list: acidic foods (coffee, meets, dairy), sweet fruits, soy, etc.
What are you actually eating, dear sisters?

mslrg

You ladies re so great! I feel so supported. Thank you!
Nkrun--thanks for the link to pink ribbon riders--I just completed the application. It's a bit of work to get done, but worthwhile the effort. Every bit helps.

Grace--good luck making your decision. I too lived in Japan a hundred years ago. Well, actually it was 1987. I taught English in Tochigi prefecture, near Utsunomia--and yes, a very different culture indeed!

Michelle NJ--how was the exchange? My PS never mentioned anythng about drains.

I have been in the process of achieving my US citizenship this year--afte almost 30 years living in America, it looks like I'm here to stay. The process has taken several months, a lot of money, and the help of an attorney. All my paperwork went through well, my fingerprints, background check--all fine. I got a letter today for my interview--this is the last step where they decide whether or not I am worthy of US citizenship, and I have to take and pass a test on civics and US history. My interview date is June 22nd, the day after my exchange surgery! I have been in contact with my attorney to see if there's any way I can get the date changed without messing everything up. He thinks I can, but we have to see. Trust my luck! Anyway, whatever the date, once that's done,  I will get another date for my naturalization ceremony with other new Americans. Do you think it would be a bit much to ask the INS if I can bring my 5th grade classes to see the ceremony? 5th grade social studies curriculum is all US history, and I have a lot of immigrant kids in my school--we have 17 languages. I think it would be a tremendous, real-life learning experience for them, and it's held at the Federal building in Sacramento. A great field trip. I wonder if I pull it off???

KAJDerby

Mslrg_ I think that would be great!!!  Congratulations!!  I think some of our graduating hs students should have to take a test to graduate!  I know people who graduated recently and they couldn't tell you how many states were in our country or who the current president was!

VegasDiva

mslrg I think it would be great if you brought your class to your citizenship ceremony.  Congratulations on that.

 After reading about all those yummy recipes from the Rebecca Katz books I went right to Amazon and bought both of them.  Can't wait to get them.  Thanks to all of you who recommended them.

I gave the nurses at the infustion center my own homemade version of the Edible Arrangements.  I took a pail and filled it with sand then used cookie cutters to cut shapes in watermelon, honeydew, cantaloupe and pineapple.  I put them on bamboo skewers and arranged them in the pail.  I also put strawberries on the skewers.  It looked really nice and they loved it and was easy for them to eat.

For the radiation techs I made a big tray of chocolate covered strawberries.  They really liked those.  The tray was gone before I even got done with my last treatment.    I had one tech the entire 33 treatments.  Her partner would differ depending on the day and time I was there.  For her I made a flower cupcake with a little glitter Thank You flag in it.  Looks similar to the one below.  The Dollar Store sells the perfect cup for the base.  Whole thing, flowers and all is less than $5.

As you have probably guessed I am a real craft person.  Love scrapbooking, card making, cooking, cross stitch, embroidery, etc.  I'm just a regular Martha Stewart!

Amazingly my eyebrows have grown in pretty well.  I have been using the Rapid Lash on my eyelashes.  They are growing in,  not sure if it is just nature taking its course or the RL.  My head has about a 1/2" of salt & pepper hair.  More pepper than salt, pretty ugly coloring.  It seems to be growing in some weird directions, the top seems like it might have some curl to it but the sides and back are definitely straight.  Wouldn't that be weird if it was part curly and part straight?

The only thing that really hurts now is my incision from the rads.  It is more painful than right after the surgey.  It is bright red.  The bad thing is the edge of my bra rubs against it.  I have to tape some cotton pads to my bra for a bit of protection.  Other than that I am feeling a wee bit better every day.  I try to walk, but can only do about 1 - 1.5 miles.  I'm trying to get back to my yoga, but it is really hard.  I just don't have the energy.

A dear friend of mine had her grandaughter, age 24, suddenly die this past Wednesday.  Not sure what happened yet.  I will be going to the wake tomorrow night, so I guess we will find out then.  What a shock and how sad.  Tari was a single mom with a 2 yr. old son. 

Hope everyone is having a good weekend.  Love and hugs to all my cyber sistas!

TerriJo

mslrg - congrats on getting your citzenship.  I think it would be great if your class could come to see the ceremony.  When my daughter and niece (both adopted from China) received their citizenship, we were invited to have them lead the new citizens in the pledge of alligence.  The girls were 3 at the time and we practiced the pledge for weeks.  I made them special outfits to wear - blue jumper, white top, red jacket and red shoes.  My sister and I both were dressed in red.  It was also a special day because that was the day the Post Office revealed their adoption stamp.   Maybe you could ask INS about your class doing something similar. 

Today was a very freeing day for me.  I decided that I would go to Church today without any covering on my head.  At first I was concerned about what people might say but then I thought what the heck - it's my head and I'm really getting tired of wearing stuff on my head, plus it is starting to get hot here in the 90's today.  Nothing awful happened, it was no big deal.  Most of my church family said how much my hair has grown and one lady even asked if she could rub my head.  After church we picked my son up from his Scout campout and he was a little embarassed for his friends to see mom without a hat on.  I told him why I wasn't wearing one and then he said it was ok, but could I still wear it when I take him to school until school ends for summer.  I agreed and he was a happy camper.  Not sure if I will stop wearing a covering when I go to work, think I will wait another couple of weeks before that happens.

Have a great weekend and stay cool.

TerriJo

stlcardsfan

Hi all,

Had my first Herceptin only on 5/19. Opted for just Tylenol before hand, and that seemed to be fine. They checked my blood levels before this treatment, and I am officially anemic. My platlets were down to 55, and WBC and RBC weren't much better. Was told they would get better with time and to eat red meat and dark green veges. Good thing my surgery isn't until 6/21 as that will give my body time to heal. 

Is anyone on Jan thread getting Herceptin only after completing chemo? 

KAJDerby

I am currently on taxotere and herceptin.  June 24 is my last taxotere and then it will be herceptin only.  I think nkrun will also be doing herceptin after her chemo is done.

mslrg

Terrijo--I'm proud of your courage to go wigless/wrapless--I am not brave enough. I wish I was. Fortnately we've had unseasonably cold weather here in northern california, but when the summer gets here!!!! I wiah I had te cinfidence you have but I feel like I look like G.I. Joe!

 Yikes, Stillcardsfan! WIll you need a transfusion? You must feel really tired and weak. I hope you feel better soon. Liquid chlorophyllis also good for boosting hemoglobin.

 I'm in bed, and ready to go back to work tomorrow. WIsh me luck!

youngmomof3

mslrg: best of luck tomorrow. Go in there with your head held high and confident that you are strong and will get through the day, week, month, etc.

youngmomof3

stlcardsfan: I am also just getting herceptin now till Jan. I have another weekly dose and then they will increase my dose so I'll get it every 3 weeks. haven't had any problems with the weekly doses so I'm hoping no problems once the dose increases. I also get tylenol before every herceptin.

1marmalade1

stlcardsfan - I completed chemo March 31 - 3 wks. later started Herceptin tx's, every 3 wks. until Jan. 2011.  My LMX will be June 1.  Have been on Arimidex for a month already. 

KAJDerby

Vegasdiva - I loved your gifts for your chemo nurses!!!  Great ideas!  So very sorry to hear about your friends grandaughter.  There are just some things that are very difficult to understand.  Our son passed away 6 years ago this September when he was 24.  Sometimes there are no words you can say to make it better.  The thing that helped me the most through that very difficult time was, "I love you and I'll be here whenever you need me." 

Issymom

I have been away for a while.  I had a great weekend.  On Saturday night, we had my End of Chemo party.  My husband came up with the idea in March.  I was excited but felt a little uncomfortable but it turned out great.  We had about 75 people that night.  We have never had that many people in our house before, it was crowded and loud but everyone had fun.  I made all the food (simple finger food).  Costco and Trader Joe's made that really easy and not too expensive.  Besides celebrating all of the people who helped me through my treatments with food and prayer, we used the party as a fundraiser for my 3 day walk.  My set a challenge that if we raised $2,000 by the night of the party, he would shave his head.  On Friday, we weren't sure if we were going to make it but in the end we raised over $3,500 and my sister has $750 (and she hasn't even started her fundraising).  The top 3 donors got the honor of shaving my DH head with a little help from the kids and myself.  My son then decided to shave his head as well.  When it was suggested that it was my daughter's turn, her eyes got as big as saucers.  I didn't want her to and either did she.  My son and husband will be back to normal by the end of July, it would take my daughter 2 years to get back to where she is now.  She is going to continue to grow her hair out and then get it cut for "locks of love" or some other organization. 

Here is a picture of the 4 of us.  The lighting is bad but you'll get the picture (pun intended).

I highly recommend you all celebrating the end of your treatments.  It was also a test of my stamina and I can say that I felt the same as I did before ALL the cancer stuff.  As you can see, my hair is not growing back at all.  I am almost 5 weeks PFC and am getting a little worried.  I am getting a little on my face and I think the hair on my legs is tring to grow but nothing really noticeable on my head.

KAJDerby

Issymom-You all look GREAT!!  Congratulations on the money you raised and coming to the end of chemo.  I will have to wait until next April when my herceptin finishes,but I will do it!

michelle_nj

Mslrg - The exchange operation is easier than the mastectomy, but you get a drain for each breast implant and my PS wants to keep the drains at least 7 days or more, till the liquid is under 30cc. Good luck with getting your citizenship.
VegasDiva - You really are the Martha Stuart of our Sisterhood.
Issymom - I'm so happy for you, for the successful chemo party, you had fun and also raised lots of money. I love the picture, you all look great.