Anyone Starting Chemo Jan. 2010?

1marmalade1

bubbalu:  You are right - just like a McDonald's Mastectomy - in and out fast.  No pain killers yet - just a little tenderness, but that's about it.  I hope you have an easier time with the Tax this time - at least it's the last one!  Good luck, and I'm sure your surgery will go fine, too.

Issymom

So glad the last of you are reaching the end of chemo.  I can't believe that I am 6 weeks post chemo.  I am finally seeing some hair growth.  It is weird.  I have some dark hairs popping through on the top front (by me forehead) but the rest appears to be white and very soft (I think this is the chemo fuzz I have read about).  I was beginning to worry.  Interestingly, one of my finger nails is starting to fall off.  I did nothing to hit it or loosen it.  All of a sudden it felt lose.  How fun!

My hysterectomy is Friday and everything checked out OK so I am able to have the surgery through the robotic surgical system.  I am so glad because I am not ready for a long recovery.  I found out yesterday that starting today at noon, I have to go on a clear liquid diet.  Tomorrow I get to drink the stuff they give you before a colonoscopy.  More fun!

Bubbulu - I really didn't need pain killers after my mastectomy.  I took some the first two nights I was home and then switched to tylenol.  The drains were the only thing that caused me any pain (not really pain just sore any time I touched them).  Hopefully, you will have the same experience.

I am off to the onc for a quick checkup after chemo.

bubbalu

Issymom and 1marmalade1: If you don't mind me asking did you have modified radical mx with node removal or simple mx with node removal?  Glad it's behind you. 

1marmalade1

Bubbalu:  I had modified radical with node removal.  I'm glad it's behind me, too!!  If I had gone for the bi-lateral, the right side would have been a simple mastectomy.

Issymom

Bubbalu - I had a skin and nipple sparring bi-lat mastectomy with sentinel node removal (2 on the the cancer side and one on the clean side).  I had delayed reconstruction as that is the only way my BS and PS will do it (much less complications though more surgery).

On a seperate note, I just got back from the eye doctor.  Interestingly, my eyes got BETTER on chemo.  My stigmatism is gone (never really bad) and my distance sight is better.  I noticed that I could see at a distance better without my glasses.  That is why I went to the doctor.  I really only need glasses to read.  Not worth chemo for that but it is nice to have a good side effect.

bubbalu

1marmalade1:  That's so encouraging to me.  I really don't fear the surgery or the pain I just want it behind me and the cancer out of me.  So glad to hear you had so little pain.  You did well with the taxotere too as I remember.  I've heard from others that the shoulder pain is the worst part but that goes away with exercise.  Mine was a 5cm too but the chemo has shrunk it so the onc can feel nothing.  I had a little inflammatory breast disease on my skin so it all has to go.

Issymom:  How great that you can see better, what a bonus.  It's supposed to work the opposite. I have a cataract to be removed after radiation.  I was supposed to have it removed in March but cancer came first.  Now all we need is HAIR EYEBROW and EYELASHES.  Don't care about the body hair....don't miss it a bit. 

tedwards

Does anyone have a 1 year pan of chemo? I am on abraxane and avastin with Zometa every 3 months,.weekly abraxene

And avastin every e Weeks. I have one week off a month. 52 weeks with 26 left. Not sure what is next. But this pure hell,.But I have a 12 year old and. "I CHEERY Girl', but I do have my Pity parties. .Thanks for listening.

Tedwards

mslrg

Mamralade! Wow! you're a trouper. Glad your surgery went well. Healing thoughts coming your way!

Grace: So sorry you're having symptoms on the other side. I hope and pray it's not cancer. However, if it is, maybe all the chemo you've hd thus far will have helped. What with this and an impending international move! OY!!

Georgiabirdgirl--Love DC as well--made a qucik stop in your neck of the woods on my way. Our 2 1/2 hour lay over was in Atlanta and one of my best friends from college lives there. She met us at the airport and we visited for about an hour (first time we've seen each other in about 5 or 6 years, but we've had daily contact since my dx).

Zappit. Wow! What a lot in one day! However, there's soemthing to be said for getting over and done with.

DC is lovely, as always! We did the White House tour yesterday and the Natural History Museum. Today is the Air and Space Museum and a tour of the Capitol, arranged by my Congresswoman.

Traveling by air is tough with TE pain, though. Just a tip for any of you who are traveling, still not up to par, and have kids in tow: My DH asked the airline to let us pre-board and he explained why. They immediately switched our seats so that we were up at the front -of the plane, and allowed us to pre-board. They also offered me a wheelchiar, which I declined until we finally made it to Baltimore and just ran out of steam. Taking your own pillows helps as well. Sitting in one spot for that amount of time was painful. Usually it's just uncomfortabl, but after this trip I was hurting!

Hope you all have a great day!

mslrg

Issymom, I'll be thinking good thoughts for you tomorrow when you have your hysterctomy. You're doing the right thing. Good luck and prayers your way!

Bubalau--sorry about the SE from Taxotere. I think the biggest issue I'm having right now from chemo is fatigue, which is huge! Hope yourecover soon.

KAJDerby

Issymom-praying for your surgery.

Bubbalu - the pain from the taxotere really bothers me.  They don't give strong meds here for pain, but I had some tylenol 3 for migraines.  I took one of those and a promethazine.  It helps me rest.

MSlrg - when we went to Hawaii for spring break.  I used wheel chairs the whole way.  Got us in a special line for immigration and customs and we wizzed through.  Also allowed us to preboard and helped with my energy level.  Plan to use them on our trip also.  Customs and immigration can be taxing while travelling.

mslrg

Hope you're all well--Issymom, hoping your surgery went wel today. We had a tour of the Capitol building today. It was phenomenal! While at the air and swpace museum, I noticed SUsan G. Kopmen setting up for the 5K on Saturday morning. I may do it, depends how tired I am.

mslrg

Hope you're all well--Issymom, hoping your surgery went wel today. We had a tour of the Capitol building today. It was phenomenal! While at the air and space museum, I noticed Suan G. Komen setting up n Capitol Mall for the 5K Race for the Cure on Saturday morning. I may do it, depends how tired I am. It was very hot and humid and we walked a lot, but I did it despite the fatigue.

nursemary66

HI all haven't posted for ages...I finished radiation therapy May 20 !!!! Wasn't bad at all. Used udder creme. Now I have one brown and one white boob...The brown is peeling. Did get weird shooting pains but they are getting better. Had a scare..some chest pain. after a normal EKG,it was thought that I might have a pulmonary embolus,so had a CT Scan of my chest. I didn't have a clot,but they found a suspicious nodule in my lung. Scared me to death. They don't really think it is anything to worry about ( sure ) but i'll have another scan in JUly. Am having a mammogram Monday. Don't know if I can stand to let them do the sore one..we'll see. Started on ARimidex 10 days ago..having hideous hot flashes and I'm already taking Effexor which is supposed to help. Plan to talk to pharmacist to see if there are other ideas. The day I finished rad therapy I cried all the way home! If I didn't have tha thing in my lung I would be feeling a lot better.

nursemary66

I forgot to mention that I am almost 2 months post chemo and have about 1/2 inch of very white fuzzy hair and alomst no eyebrows,but have quit wearing hats or wigs...I do get a few weird looks but I feel good about it!!!

VegasDiva

Good Morning Ladies.  You will never guess what I did last night.  I dyed my hair!  It is only about 1" long, but I couldn't stand the S&P look. My onc gave me the ok to do it.  Tonight I am going to my hairdresser to get my head 'cleaned up'.  It is looking pretty shaggity with the longer strands that are left from before chemo.  I also got 2 new wigs I am going to have him tweak.  I figure I'll be wearing one for quite a few months yet and I still had some money left in insurance that would cover 90% of them so why not.

I leave Sunday morning on my Caribbean cruise.  Ahhhh, sleeping late, lounging all day, eating, eating and more eating.  Can't wait!!    The only hard thing will be "no sun".  I got myself some 100 SPF.  Good thing I am not a sun worshiper. I will just partake in all the indoor activities.

I love to travel, but I am always a nervous wreck.  I need to take Xanax the couple of days before I travel.  I actually had to start last night I was so jittery.

Tomorrow we are having a big party for my cousin who is celebrating 50 yrs of marriage.  It will be a mini-family reunion, folks even coming from out of state.  I'm looking forward to that.

Stay strong Sistas.  Love and hugs to everyone.

mslrg

VegasDiva--good to hear your hair is coming in and you can even get a hair cut!!! Mine is also growing in, but I still look like a boy. I actually took my wig off on Capitol Mall in Washington DC yesterday because it was so hot! I can tell the summer's going to be a challenge! Enjoy your cruise; you've earned it!

 Issymom--how was the surgery' Waiting to hear that it all wernt well.

bubbalu

Issymom: Hoping all is well. Prayers are sent your way.

Had my final taxotere yesterday and chemo is DONE for me.  Had my last Neulasta shot today.  Now comes the fun part, right?  I'm taking advantage of today and my Decadron high.  I didn't realize I would be this happy when I knew it was all done.  Seeing the surgeon on the 23rd to set a surgery date, then rads.  I feel like I'm over the worst part, do you ladies agree?

I took the nurses a tray of mini-sandwiches of deli salads and a big box of candy and gave the chemo nurse I had a gift card. She cried.  They were thrilled.  As soon as my last IV drip hit, all the nurses appeared around my recliner yelling 'congratulations you did it'.  Then they all hugged me in my recliner and gave me a beautiful woven tote filled with goodies.  Then the thru confetti up in the air all around me and blew bubbles on me.  It made me cry, it was so unexpected and so thoughtful.  I will continue to see them from time to time as I will be having my rads at the cancer center and they will do the weekly BW.

I now join the ranks of my 'chemo done sistas' which I've been waiting a looooong time for.

Now I just have to get thru the nasty SE this week and next.  My onc said it would be 6 weeks before I start to feel myself again. 

Question:  What does triple negative mean.  I think I know what the negative part is, non hormone driven but what's the triple mean?  

Have a great weekend everyone.......................happy days are coming soon. 

pagowens

Hi all,

Wide awake at 3:30 AM after crashing at 8 PM last night.  I'm unhappy that babalu's onc said it would be 6 weeks before starting to feel normal again - I had my last Taxol on Tuesday and want it to end now!

Bubalu - triple neg is ER-PR-HER2-.  Did your onc tell you that was your status? 

I love reading about everyone's trips and hair growth (mine is also coming in mostly white and fuzzy) and the relief at the end of the chemo and/or rads.  I am blessed not to have to face any more surgey now and have one month to recover before radiation starts.  I have to go back to the onc this coming Tuesday and the next Tuesday for iron infusions (severe anemia) and "monitoring" my white and red blood counts.  I'm hoping they recover quickly because I'm tired of being tired!

For my last chemo on Tuesday, I brought in a bouquet of the fruit edibles - very pretty and eaten in about 2 hours.  I didn't get done until 6:30 and no one was in the place but the nurses and my doc who gave me a signed certificate "purple heart" with nice notes on it, a Wonder Woman sign for my car and I got to ring the bell 3 times signaling it's over.  It was sweet but I was so tired from the benedryl and long day that I couldn't get up the whoopla the occasion required. 

I went to dinner Wedensday night with my husband and grandson to "celebrate."  We went to Applebeas and I didn't wear my wig but went with the little bit of hair I've got and my Wonder Woman ball cap.  The waiter came over to our table and said, "OK Gentlemen - what can I get for you?"  OK - I clearly need the wig a bit longer.

Most of us are in recovery mode -- my heart goes out to those still going through the chemo stuff!  Stay strong,

Pat

stlcardsfan

Hi all,

Just checking in. Just got back from a mini road trip - first long car ride I have done since I got the BC news last December. My hubby wanted to get some "modifications" done to his car, and the place was in Florence Kentucky. So he drove the car up on 5/31, stayed overnight and drove back 6/1. On 6/2 we went to the Cards game. On 6/3 we drove back to Florence Kentucky - very scenic route along highway 64. We went thru Illinois and Indiana, then into Kentucky via Louisville, then headed north up highway 75. That night we ate at a Restaurant called Jeff Ruby's. It was floating on the Ohio River, on the Kentucky side - and overlooked downtown Cincinnati. Very good food. On Friday, his car was ready, so we drove it back, and went to the Ameristar Casino in St. Charles, MO that night. On Saturday 6/5 got up and got our dog Tarra - all clean from her bath, and came home. Since I was the passenger for the entire car ride, I ended up using a small pillow underneath the seat-belt. My port is on the right side, and this helped keep the selt belt off of it.

This week, I have the radiation consultation, Herceptin #8, and pre-surgery testing. Also ultrasound of ovaries - after I drink 20 oz of water 1 hour before and can't pee it out - in anticipation of the ooph that is to be done on 6/21 along with bmx. 

On the hair front - 5 1/2 weeks PFC, definitely rocking the 5 o'clock shadow now! All appears to be very dark as of now. Hubby does what seems like daily head checks to report the hair growth. I have a hard time seeming the back,  even with mirrors, Leg hairs are growing again! Now I have to shave more than every 1 1/2 weeks like I had been doing before! 

VegasDiva - be careful with the SPF 100, my dermatologist mentioned to me that people are actually breaking out with Acne from using it. She told me it was a very heavy lotion that actually clogged pores. She told me SPF 50 was strong enough. Just wanted to point that out - and enjoy your trip!

mslrg

Bubalu--congrats on finishing Taxotere! You will start to feel much better. Nice gesture of yours to bring gifts to the nurses, and the party tyhey gave you!!

Pagowens--I am fearing being mistaken for a man too. I have been going wigless a lot here in DC because it's just too hot and humid. SOmeone with a clip board and petition singled me out of everyone in my family when we were walking onthe street a couple of days ago and asked, "Do you support gay rights?" I know I may LOOK a little butch with my hair the way it is but geez!!! I told him I do support gay rights, but my hair isn't like this out of choice.

Issymom

I am home from the hospital after my hysterectomy with ovary and fallopian tubes removal.  I was done via robotic surgical system and I only have 4 2cm incisions (one is in the belly button).  I am sore but am able to be up and walking around.  More pain than I had with my mastectomy.  I am so glad to be done with this stage.  Now I have 4 months of no treatments, surgeries, etc..  What a sense of freedom.

Though I was so glad to go home, I had a roomate in the hospital.  She a year older than me and has Hepatitist C.  There may be other things going with her but she had a liver biopsy on Friday and obviously jaundice.  Just before we were leaving a doctor came in to talk to her.  He ran some numbers and told her based on some Mayo chart, she had a 15% chance of dying within the next 3 months from liver failure.  He was very matter of fact.  He said it would take more than 3 months to get a new liver.  Melissa (my roomate) did not have any family or friends with her while she was getting this news.  When he left, she was sobbing and said she didn't want die.  She has twin girls graduating from high school next week and a 15 year old.  We were pretty emotional leaving her.  I gave her a hug and told her I would pray for her.  When I am sitting here in my house sore from my surgery, I realize how much worse it could be.

Bubbalu - I am 6 weeks out of chemo and besides surgery I am feeling really good.  When I had my party 2 weeks ago, I would say I was at about 80-90% of "normal".  Give it a couple of weeks and you'll be amazed.

georgiabirdgirl

Marmalade- I can't believe how quickly you were home after your surgery.  I can't imagine that for me, but it must have been nice to be in a familiar environment. 

I am doing really well.   Not only am I growing a pretty good patch of baby fine hair, but I got my path results back from my BMX and I'm thrilled with the results.  My good breast was totally clear, which keeps me from having to worry about the lymphnodes on that side.  The rest of the lymphnodes that they tested on my left side were clear, so that means I'm good there.  Also, they found another previously undetected bit of cancer in my breast which further justifies my mastectomy.  Another good thing on the report was evidence of tumor regression which shows the chemo did it's job.  Now, I'm just spending my time recovering from surgery and growing hair.  I really think I'm through the hard part of this breast cancer journey.  It feels so good to feel like I'm starting to enter the home stretch.  Speaking of stretch, it feels like my chest is totally stretched to try to make room for these tissue expanders, but it looks pretty good.  All of that, combined with the nice weather makes for a sunny household.  Happy Weekend everyone.

1marmalade1

georgiabirdgirl:  Sounds like you are feeling pretty good!  Glad to hear that your results were so good - yes, there is light at the end of the tunnel!

I don't have my path report back yet, but I suspect it won't be too long.  I'm just not thinking about it at the moment.  I have good range of movement now, and on Wed. I will get at least one of the 2 drains out.  Everything in good time.

Hope everyone is having a great weekend!  I went to my sister's on Fri. evening - came home this afternoon.  Big sis spoiled me the whole time, and talked my ear off.  Gotta love sleepovers!

KAJDerby

Issymom-so glad they were able to do it the more conservative way.  It will help heaing tie. Whoo Hoo for a break from the doctor!!!

VegasDive - hope you are enjoying your cruise!!  Next summer after my herceptin, that is what I'm doing!!

Georgiabird - So glad about your surgery!!!  Such a relief when it is over.  I had mine first, then chemo.

1marmalade-You gotta love a GREAT sister!  Mine is two years younger, but spoiled me when she came to see me!!!

Pagowens- YEAH!  You're done!  My last chemo is June 23!  Will be so glad.  Hoping my herceptin is just causing mild SE.

11tyBillion

Izzymom -- So happy to hear that your surgery went well!  I am in the midst of scheduling my oomph. which will probably be in about 2 weeks.  I am trying to get the port out too, at the same time if possible, as it has to be removed before radiation (it is on the side that has to be radiated...).  I hope you dont mind me asking ... and I completely understand if this is a private decision, and you might not want to share, or share publically... but I too am TN, and BRCA1+, and only oomph. and tube removal was recommended for me.  Were you recommended to also have a hysterectomy because of your BRCA status?  I am only curious because hyst was never brought up with me.  Hope I am not being too intrusive.

mslrg

Issymom, glad your surgery went well. Hope you continue to heal well!

11tyBillion and all: I went to a FORCE event last night with my niece. A gynecologist was there. who's an expert on  cancer-related female issues, as well as hereditary cancers such as BRCA. The topic was on sexual side effects and body images related to cancer and treatment. The choice to get the full hyst/ooph or just ooph/tubes seems to be an individual choice. Some of the women went with the whole kit and kaboodle mostly because they also had fibroid issues. SOme did it because they didn't want to ever worry about uterine cancer, which can be caused by being on Tamoxifen. So your situation can be quite different from the next BRCA + patient. I would advise going to the FORCE website and inquiring on their boards because a lot of women on there have already walked your journey. After the gynecologist left they had a Pure Romance party--bedroom toys and aids. I was in a room with about 20 women and everyone of them was experiencing a lack of sex drive due to surgery or treatment. We are not alone. The gynecologist told us about different hormonal treatments safe even for ER+ breast cancer patients. I had no idea this was an option. Neither my gynecologist nor my oncologist ever mentioned this to me. They talked about testosterone drops or implants under the skin. I learned a lot.

stlcardsfan

11tyBillion

I am also BRCA 2+, I met with gynecology oncologist a few weeks ago. He asked me what my thoughts were with the surgery - ovaries, fallopian tubes and uterus or just ovaries and tubes.

I was leaning toward just ovaries and tubes which they do laproscopically thru the belly button, about a 45 minute procedure and it will be sandwiched between the two other doctors during my bmx on same day. I decided on just ovaries and tubes, and feel comfortable with that. Since I am ER- and PR-, I won't be on Tamoxifen. Just Herceptin until 1/2011. I am getting a ultrasound done of the ovaries before surgery as a fluid filled cyst was detected on one of my pre-chemo scans. Either way, they are coming out and will be analzed just to make sure there was nothing funky going on in there.

As mslrg said - it is a personal decision, and I am comfortable with the surgical decisions I have made.

 lssymom - glad to hear your surgery went well. 

side note to all January people. I was on one of the other threads about lymphedema. There is one about SNB and lymphedema. Has anyone gotten this - lymphedema I mean? I had the SNB done at time of Port placement - 2 removed on left side, and at my followup asked the surgeon if I was at risk for developing lymphedema. She told me no. Now I am hearing that you can develop it with such a small amount of lymph nodes removed, and it seems some people have. They were removed on left side and I always get my blood pressure done on that side - a no no with nodes removed. I am so confused and freaking out about this.  

Issymom

11tybillion - My onc recommended only an ooph, however, my gynecologist and the 2 surgeons who did my surgery recommended the full hysterectomy.  I have a very good friend who is one of the top gyns in Seattle and she recommended the full hyster unless I felt I had already lost enough of my self.  Personally, I felt it was an opportunity reduce my risk of some other types of cancer and/or problems.  I have fibroids and polyps.  It is a personal choice.  I did have an ultrasound prior to surgery and everything looks good but given my BRCA status and family history, they are sending the ovaries and uterus to some special place (can't remember where) to do the pathology.  I will probably not hear those results until later next week.

As for lymphedema, I have heard of some people who only had SNB developing lymphedema.  I had 2 nodes on one side and 1 on the other removed.  I don't have a good side to take the blood pressure but my doctors are concerned.  I hope that is OK.

11tyBillion

Thank you all for sharing your input on the oomph/hyst thing ... I am going to have to see when they are going to have a FORCE meeting here, that event MSLRG was talking about sounded so interesting.  All along I have been pretty comfortable with the ovaries and tube removal (I have never had fibroids or other uterine issues, and since I am TN I won't be taking any meds that could lead to future uterine isses), but now that the surgery is so close, I have been trying to make sure that I have asked as many quesions as I possibly could beforehand.  I am relived that the suggestions taht have been made to me by my Dr.'s were not off base!  (phew!)

One thing I am now coming up against is that my Gyn has suggested that since estrogen protects our bones, and our heart/arteries, he is suggesting that I go on a lose dose birthcontrol pill after the oomph.  Of course he is running this by my Onc., but sheesh, do I really want to have to make THAT decision now too?  I am TN, but just because I am TN does not mean that I am not subceptable to hormone receptive cancers ... So after the oomph., I will have to make yet another decision to take estrogen to help protect me from osteroporosis and heart disease, and run the risk of developing another cancer from that OR, not take the hormones and run the risk of possibly developing heart issues down the line ... WTF?  Hmmmmm which to choose, which to choose ..... developing a new kind of cancer, OR osteoporosis and/or heart disease, OR maybe none of these things .... .  Doesn't it suck that we have to keep making these very crucial quality of life "what if" decisions so far in the future?  I have to decide now to take action on things that may or may not affect me 20+ years down the line.  C'mon!  I am tired of making these life or death decisions!  I would much rather be deciding which drink and desert i would like off the drink and desert tray!

just ranting! :-)

friscosmom

Just checking in, I can't seem to keep up these days. I hope everyone is doing well. Looks like most everyone is moving on to rads, surgery or hormone therapy and starting putting chemo behind them. I have completed 7 of my 8 chemo treatments, my last Taxotere is 9 days away, I can't wait to be part of the chemo finished club. My 43 birthday is next Tuesday, just 2 days before my last chemo, so that will be a wonderful birthday gift! Taxotere hasn't been too bad but I do feel more tired with it than I did with the FEC, I'm so looking forward to starting to feel somewhat normal again.

I ventured out without my wig for the first time last weekend to a get together with one of my horse riding groups. It has gotten so hot already here in Texas that the wig is just unbearable when outside for more than a few minutes. The outing went well, I think there were a few shocked looks initially from those that weren't aware of my situation but those that knew were very supportive and I soon forgot about my very sparse hair. It started growing back in 4 weeks after my last FEC and has continued to grow (slowly!) during the Taxotere treatments. I have maybe a 1/4 - 1/2 inch of salt and pepper hair all over my head, more salt than pepper. I hope to get permission from my oncologist next visit to put some color on it, I'm more self-concious about the color of it than the length. My 25 year high-school reunion is the first week of July and I hope to have it colored before then. Not exactly how I was hoping to look for my 25 year reunion... fat and nearly bald, ugh!

I'm due to start radiation sometime in July, any of you already started radiation? Any tips, suggestions on that, did you have problems with burning, were you able to still wear a bra without discomfort? I'm hoping to continue working during radiation but for what-ever reason I'm worried about not being able to wear a bra after rads start and wondering how I could pull off going into the office braless, that would NOT be a pretty sight, I'm not exactly built for braless any more.