May 2010 Chemo

packjen

For those of you who lose posts, try this:  Just before you select to Preview or Submit, highlight the entire post and then copy it (edit menu, copy).  That way if it gets lost when you submit it you can just start again by pasting it into the new window.  I do this and haven't lost a post yet.  Hope this helps.

Oh, by the way, 5 rads down/20 to go.

Jen

Shrek4

I finally found a cable but it's for the camcorder, so the photos arent' that good of a quality. Enough though to give you a peek on the "baby fairies in a jar" collection I'm working on right now. They come in all hair colors, and each is different - this one is a little red-head. The jar is not finished, it gets a nicely colored lid, a lacey ribbon and a heart-shaped charm. There's a quarter in front of the jar so you can figure out the size of these babies. The jar is a 5 oz one.

Majdula

Leanna: So glad you are feeling better! One last round and you're done! And good to hear your tumor is shrinking too, this brings some meaning to all this suffering :-).

Jenn: I could feel some tugging in my breast too during the first rounds of chemo, so this must be the shrinkage - great to hear yours was confirmed too!

Sacphotomom:  They could see a lymph node in my armpit on the sonogram when I was diagnosed, it was 2cm and palpable. The last time I wet for a check-up it was 3.5mm and my onc couldn't feel it anymore. When I do surgery, they will take out a sentinel node as well and see if it's involved or not.

Day: Lovely fairies, soo cute :-))).

Summer38

Hi ladies,

It's been a while! I have read all of your posts but there's no way I can respond to each of you so all I'm going to say is.....

Welcome to all our new friends, so glad you have found us! And for all of our "old friends" - so happy for those of you who are finishing up chemo and moving forward!

I'm doing ok, last chemo was kind of emotional. And making decisions regarding my radiation was kind of stressful too. I have decided to stick with MSK and travel 1 hour each way everyday.

Love all you girls & I've missed you!!!!

packjen

Summer,

You can check with your local American Cancer Society about being reimbursed for mileage on your trips to the doctor for cancer treatments (I believe it is part of their Road To Wellness program).  I travel 72 mile r/t every day for rads and at first I was just going to file for those miles, but since I had contacted ACS shortly after my dx in Feb. they told me I could file for miles to all my cancer dr appts. since dx.  It's only .14 per mile, but I should be getting close to $400 in gas cards from them.  Even if you just file for your rads miles, it adds up.

Jennifer

packjen

Nearly 8 weeks past final TC. Baby fine Salt 'n Peppa.

sacphotomom

PackJenn ..  Love your new picture...you can see the growth on your head...your hair is about the same as mine..and yes salt and paper..but I have to admit when they buzzed my hair I found out I had a lot more grey then I thought..so of course its coming back that way...

Day ...Your fairies are so cute !

Ca1Ripken

Denise - I'm trying to understand your question... but am having trouble... I am having the neoadjuvant chemo... but, I don't really consider it to shrink the tumor, since I will be having a mastectomy, but I guess they are shrinking it.... because that's what its doing.  I did know before chemo that I had 1 node involved... but only 1 has been tested, so I don't know how many/if any other are involved.  I guess I am kind of like you, in the oppositve, because my tumor appears to be VERY palpable... but has NOT changed its palpability (is that a word?) since the start of chemo, even though MRI shows it has changed.  As for the nodes...I don't know how they would check those anymore... but my last MRI showed all nodes normal size, where before chemo, I had just one that was enlarged (which was also my positive node).  Does that kind of answer it??  If not, send me a PM if you want to!  I hope you do well with the neupogen shot, and no pain!  That's awesome about your tomatoes!  I love them.... and there is so much you can do with them, for every meal.  And tomatoes in the stores for the past couple of years have been terrible here in the south, and too expensive!!  OK, and this MUST be said... I'm still so jealous that you can drink!  I have run the gammit of just regular drinks to drink... orange, blue, red gatorade, lemonade, pink lemonade, fruit punch... I am running out of things that doesn't make my body ill!  I wish I could try some alcohol... or maybe I'm afraid I'll be sick of it if I try it now where my taste buds ruin everything!!  Anywho.... Cheers to you!! 

Jenn - YAY!!!!!!!!!!!   I am sooo excited for you!  I know that feeling to know that it IS really working!  And, don't get me started on insurance companies!!  Ugh!  That takes me to a dark place, and I'm not going to dark places today!!    Thanks for the Epsom Salt tip... I've put it in my book with all my other rockin' tips from everyone on here!! 

Jen - 20%  hoot!!  I also try to open another window and type posts... but sometimes I forget!!     Great tip about the miles... and look at all that hair!!!!!!!!!!   It is coming in so good!! 

Day - That is beautiful... so tiny!  You are very talented! 

Hi Magda - Thanks!

Theresa - HI again!  A BIG congrats on being finished with chemo!!!!!  I'm glad you have decisions made for rads too; time seems to be flying!! 

I'm feeling better than any other AC infusion which is a good thing.  But, I can't eat much, which is tough because I'm so hungry... but if I overeat, I feel terrible!  But, I'll take this over the ball of a person I was the last 2 times.  I cannot believe I only have one more to go.

Now, I have a surgery question for you guys.  I haven't had a chance to call my onc...  so at surgery... the BS will take out the cancer, and lymph nodes.... then who puts in the tissue expanders??  I ask because I am trying to see Dr. Massey, but she cannot see me until December (my surgery is to be scheduled sometime in October)... so, is it fine that anyone puts in my tissue expanders, and the PS just gets involved later for the reconstruction???  I feel like maybe I'm getting close to surgery, and I forgot to do something I was suppose to do to be sure all the people are there that need to be.... but I have a 'coordinator' and feel like she should have prodded me if I were missing something??? 

Another high note... on my Komen fund raising... a friend of mine apparently saw that I had not reached my "goal" (which was $1,000)... which is fine because we still have 30 some odd days for donations.... but my friend donated $385 to put me exactly at $1,000.   I am so touched, I don't even have words.  Amazing the support that you get from people who have been somewhat distant over the years.  Do you think it's right that I made a new goal since I reached that one?? 

((HUGS)) and LOVE to alll!!!!! 

Majdula

Hi Leanna, just a quick reply to your "drinking problem" ;-) - plain joghurt worked great for me to keep me at least a little hydrated. Also I found that taking fluids with a teaspoon worked well enough without making me overly sick; just two or three teaspons every 15 to 20 minutes. Hope this helps at least a bit. (((HUGS))) Magda

packjen

Leanna,

When I had my surgery both the regular surgeon and the PS had to be scheduled to be in the OR at the same time.  The general surgeon removed the breast tissue then the PS created the pocket behind the muscle, put in the TEs and then closed me up.  I think it's pretty important, if not imperative, that the TE be handled by the PS.  S/he is the one who will be doing the final exchange and all the nips and tucks and fat grafting to make your final foobs look fabulous and you don't want him/her to be unhappy with the work of how some other surgeon did the initial TE surgery.

Anyway, that's the way they do it here at Kaiser.  I suppose it is possible for other hospitals to do it differently.

Jen

rcca

packjen-Thanks for sharing the pic of your hair. I am 3 weeks PFC and can feel the stubble. Your pic made me hopeful that I will have hair soon.

rcca

sacphotomom

Leanna.....I did have one drink when I was on AC that was over the 4th of July weekend..and because I got some extra days in between the infusions...then since I have started Taxotere every 21 days ...I have had more days of feeling "regular" that has allowed me to have some refreshing beverages..and the whole time I was on AC I wanted to get stinking drunk because I felt so bad!  I also understood the whole medical marijuana thing!  Since all these chemo drugs are bad for your liver and kidneys I don't drink a lot but, when I get one I make sure its a good one ..and I do only have one  I have almost no tolerance for the alcohol...so one gives me a buzz..I was like that before BC too..cheep date!  I love my wine but since I started chemo I cant drink it.   I can only taste the alcohol in it...it has no taste for me ..and My ONC told me not to eat or drink any thing that I really like during chemo because I wont like it afterward..so I have tried to keep that in mind.   When I was on AC I keep hearing everyone say how hungry they were...I couldn't understand why ..gaining weight you have to be kidding me!..how can you eat...now on Taxotere I can understand why ..I'm like someone that has been denied food and will eat what ever I can, while I can..When my taste bud will let me taste things its is so good!

I was wondering about the shrinking of the tumor, because for myself I just wanted the dang thing out of my body when I was diagnosed . I was wondering how shrinking  worked or what the philosophy was on it...  It would have driven be crazy waiting to get it out.. (yes I'm second guessing myself)..And if anyone every came up to me and asked what I would do differently I would have an answer..I don't want to scare anyone, but I also only had one nod that was enlarged when I went into surgery..then they found out the whole sack under my arm was diseased..  so they took the whole thing..during the surgery they kept removing nods till they got clean ones sending then to be analyzed during the surgery...Wish I would have had the TE put in right away ..then others times I'm glad I didn't...I do believe the PS is the one that puts them in. I would go to whippetmom on the exchange page and ask....get yourself into that page so you can start looking at the options..I have started lurking the page, but I really need to write so they will let me see the results picture page..OH YEA sometihing I wish someone would have told me before I had my MX is take a picture of your breasts before you have surgery, so you remember what they looked like for the PS and for reconstruction!.. .Just thought of something else...about feeling my head!  before I had surgrey I would catch my self feeling my breast rubbing them like trying to make my self remember what they feel like..

 after rads I will need some time to recoup.. I will do a complete search of what my options are for reconstruction...I have learn a lot already on the exchange site. things to look up and pages to bookmark.....OH yea for your tongue try sucking on some ice cubes I think freezing my tongue helps a lot...

This Taxotere has kicked my but this time... I have been really tired...no new SEs and the Nepogen didn't cause any new pains...it was a better round but at the same time it I was more tired...I was having some heart racing feeling Sat, but some deep breathing and relaxation techniques helped. 

I also noticed something this time .since I have been being good with my Lymphedema exercises and message I noticed that I'm not as bloated. I don't feel as puffy..but they are a pain to do twice a day..But now that I'm see results I'm pretty excited about it...

Wow I'm being wordy today.. its 11:24 think its time showered!  Hope everyone is having a nice holiday weekend!

patricia48

Hi May Warriors  Since I have been away a few days, I will not try to respond to everyone.  I will just try to say hi and update you all.   My treatment went well this week.  My hemoglobin went up from 8.3 to 8.4.  Yeah!  It was a small step in the right direction, so my onc let me dodge the transfusion again, mostly because I am so strong, walking every day, etc.  My Sweetie and I bought a grill together, and had steak and asparagus yesterday.  We walked every day, attended a Kenyan celebration with his son and daughter in law, and continued to plan our Paris trip.  I had one beer, and one glass of French Sarah wine.  I did not drink on A/C, but have had a little since Taxol.  Only 4 more  to go, and then Paris!   Our sweet dog Koby is so much fun.  He has a fun personality and makes me laugh!  He loves my glass house, but is leery of my fire escape material deck.  He does not like seeing through to the ground below!  Also, I got to see my granddaughter.  She is 9 months old now, and  starting to walk.  She is a trouper, like her Mimi.   So that is my Labor Day update.   My latest way to cover my head is with the  tube Buff headgear.  I am ordering three more to wear in Paris, under my beret.  I love you guys and do not know what I would do without you. Each and everyone of you has a very, very, sweet and special place in my heart.   Eat healthy, smile, walk, think positive thoughts and remember that we make a difference.   Hugs,   Patricia

Shrek4

Leanna, by my understanding, this is the standard procedure: BS and PS get a common schedule of surgery, after BS finishes the MX, the PS creates the pockets and inserts the TE's/immediate implants.

If you say that your PS will see you way after the MX surgery, that means you will not have immediate reconstruction, but delayed reconstruction. There might be breast surgeons who do the pocket/TE placement, but I am not aware of any.

wellsey66

Sometimes I visit some of the other chemo groups just to read.  Someone in the August group recommended a thread called   You know your a cancer patient when......  I have spent all afternoon reading all 30 pages.  It is really great and I can guarantee you will LOL

Majdula

Hey girls, as for alcohol, my onc allows me an occasional glass of wine - to get some endorphins into the bloodstream . So I had some with my meals during my AC therapy when I wasn't sick and it didn't hurt me at all. I'm not having any since my first T therapy, partly because I couldn't taste anything until two or three days ago, but mostly because I'm taking antibiotics for infection right now, but I guess that once I'm done with them, I'll give it a go before I loose my taste again.

Sacphotomom - I've heard of the marijuana thing too, a friend of a friend of mine actually smoked pot when she was sick and it seemed to helped her... I'm not a smoker though, so that wouldn't have been an option for me... And yes, eating your fave foods during chemo makes you hate them for a long time - I had loved apple pie until it ended down my toilet... As for neo-adjuvant vs. adjuvant chemo, I really prefer it to see my tumor shrinking - there might be more nodes involved, but that's the point of it, to have them cleaned prior to operation. And for me it will hopefully be only a lumpectomy (unless they find I'm BRCA positive, the results are not ready yet).

I need to start planning a getaway for after my treatment too! Patricia, your trip to Paris sounds just great!!!

Big hugs

Magda

Summer38

Good morning ladies,

First day of school for the kids so it's been a busy morning. Can't believe they're getting so big, 5th & 7th grade.....I'm getting old!

Packjen - You look great, I can't believe how much hair you have already. Leanna - I'm glad you're feeling better this round, one more to go! wooo hoooo!!! My BS and PS coordinated together and both were in th OR. After BS did her job the PS did his and closed. I don't think you will find a BS that will put in the expanders. I would def. talk to your "coordinator". Patricia - Sounds like you had a wonderful few days! I love my Buffs too And Wellsey, that is one of my favorite threads - always makes me smile!

Ok, have a question for all of you. I have been getting weird dizzy spells. I am normally a stomach sleeper, so between not being able to sleep on my stomach and the crazy hot flashes I toss and turn a lot during the night. About 2 weeks ago I started noticing that each time I rolled over the room/my head would spin. It also happens when I bend over (emptying the dishwasher or brushing my teeth). Has anyone else experienced anything like this? Or ever heard of it? I did have some dizzy moments while doing AC but not like this.

patricia48

Good Morning all,  Summer I have a couple ideas for what you are experiencing.  I have a condition(before BC)  called BPPV.  Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo is characterized by brief episodes of mild to intense dizziness. Symptoms of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo are triggered by specific changes in the position of your head, such as tipping your head up or down, and by lying down, turning over or sitting up in bed. You may also feel out of balance when standing or walking.  It is caused by some small "sensors" in the inner ear that dislodge and do not float in the proper area.  The Ear Nose and Throat doctor can reposition them with a simple procedure in the office.  I have had this many times.  The only problem is that you have to sit up to sleep the night of the procedure, to keep these floaters in place.  It is a pain in the butt, but no real concern.   I keep mine at bay now by taking Singulair.  Mine seems to be flair up when I have head congestion.  There is info on the Mayo Clinic site and a lot of other places.   You can have it in one or both ears.  You can tell if it only happens when you roll to one side or both.     The other possible reason for dizziness  would be that you hemoglobin low, but for me, that causes dizziness when I stand up, not rolling over in bed, and is accompanied by shortness of breath.   BPPV has nothing to do with cancer or treatment.  The cause can be anything from a fall(that dislodges these little floaters(I can't remember the proper name) to no known reason at all.  Mine is very affected by head congestion.  In spite of it, I am able to be symptom free most of the time, do yoga, etc, but it is terrible when it is happening.  Hope this helps.   Patricia 

Irishtess

Good Morning Girlfriends!  I saw the rads onc on 09/03 & he's recommended 6 ½ weeks of rads.  I'll give him credit for at least considering the 4 weeks my BS and med onc seemed to think would work, but he felt that I would not get the benefit from a shorter regimen.  So, says I, I MUST be done by the end of October (Ireland trip).  Can't you change your travel plans, he asks?  No, I tell him, I can't (non-refundable tickets are purchased & I'm not waiting until after Thanksgiving).  Well, he says, your chest is going to be sore.  What else is new?  It's been sore ever since my surgery!

He then went through all the risks ~ heart damage, lung scarring, increased risk of lymphedema to the node arm, rad burns.  Great ~ more good news!

Day: That baby fairy is adorable ~ you're really talented!

Leanna:  Can't help with your Qs ~ I decided to delay recon.  Hope you get it worked out.

LibraryJenn:  Congrats on the shrinking tumor!

Magda:  I'm so glad you found us ~ love hearing from you.  I think many of us needed to plan post-treatment trips.  I see it as not only putting all of this behind me but also as an affirmation that there is life after BC dx and tx.

Packjen:  Love the new pic!  It's so nice to see some concrete evidence that all those toxins are packing up their suitcases and leaving! (Can you tell how travel-focused I am?!!)   How are the rads going?  I had seen the info on ACS reimbursement for mileage earlier into my dx, but forgot about it, so thanks for the reminder.  Did you ever resolve that cough issue?  I've had a cough for the last 2 months, & I'm sure it's a SE.

Patricia:  Great news about no transfusion!  Thanks for your positive energy and thoughts, & for reminding us to eat healthy and move!

Sacphotomom:  I understand your frustration with the insurance company.  It's so hard to deal with the physical & emotional junk & then have all that crap, too.

Summer:  Hope the little ones settle in to the new school year quickly.  When do you start rads?  On the dizzy spells:  My blood pressure sometimes is really low.  It can make me lightheaded if I stand up too fast, for example.  Maybe your pressure is low?  I haven't noticed a difference with the chemo per se, but the Taxol definitely gave me more severe headaches than I ever had on AC.

wellsey66:  You're right about that thread ~ I look at it often, especially when I really need a chuckle!

I'd rather stay and visit, but I really need to get to work!  Hugs to all my sisters here!

x-raygirl

Good morning to my girlfriends who are kicking some cancer butt together :-))   I had my last tx on Thurs - now I'm just pushing thru the SE.  I called in sick today due to Neulasta pains.  Emma left for college on Sun. with DH and kids - I was in no shape to accompany them.  She's my first to leave - so strange!  I've been having difficulty with my breathing - can't figure out if it's because I've put on 20 lbs or because of blood count.  It's unnerving.  Also, my heart is racing off and on - new to me.   Denise, I'm with you in regards to wanting my tumor OUT!  I'm glad I did it first (along with TE).  I go back for the rest of my fills in 2 wks and once that's done will start rads (33).  I'm grateful it's only 10-15 mins from my house.  I am considering taking a leave of absence til Christmas and really focusing on getting better and rebuilding my body.  There's a tug of war going on in regards to this and I can't pinpoint why.  

Summer ~ I have had exactly what Patricia wrote about too.  My ENT told showed me an exercise to do at home to dislodge the little crystals floating around.   It really sounds like benign position vertigo to me too.  Google it.

Patricia - buff headgear?  I might have to look that up - esp. as the weather cools off.

 Denise ~ I wish I didn't still love wine, but I do.  Onc. told me one glass a day is ok - hmm...  or in moderation.  I must cut back!!!!

Irishtess ~ can't they stop and resume when you return?  Glad you didn't back down with your "no"!

Leanna ~ hurray for a better tx.  One more to go!  Hold that finger up like Wellsey's rider does:-) 

DH and I might go to Riviera Maya before rads for a quick anniversary celebration.   It needs to be somewhere sort of close and not too pricey.  An all inclusive sounds great to me!  Hugs to all of you! 

LauraM

Hi ladies - I just finished getting caught up on all the post for hte last few days. I am just back from Labor Day weekend at my in-laws lake house in the lower Catskills of NY.  It is only an hour trip from my house so it is nice.  My mom and my sister came into visit so it was a very nice weekend.  Today is my first day back to work, I am working from home until I am done with my radiation so that is good.   It is weird, part of me wishes that I wasn't going back to work at all, even thought I love my job and all the people I work with are wonderful.  They have  been so supportive to me though this whole process and I know it is best for me to get back to a "normal" life but my mind is not into it yet.  Oh well, it is good to have a job to go back to.

I love my Buff head wraps too.  I have 6 of them in all sorts of colors and wear them everywhere. 

I have been rubbing my head a lot too, I love the feel of it as the hair is coming in, it is so soft.  I had dark brown hair with a little bit of grey in it before and now it looks like it is coming in very grey on the sides and a mix on top.  Oh well, atleast I can dye it, even though I have never done that before, I am sure I can figure it out when it is long enough.  I am not vain, just too young to be all grey.

Summer - I get dizzy a lot and out of breath, but not when I toss and turn.  I would mention that to your doc next time you see them.

Xray Girl - They still gave you the shot after your last Chemo?  that stinks.  I hope you feel better soon!

Congrats to everyone who has finished up their treatment since my last post!  I hope everyone else is starting this week with no SE's. 

My thoughts and Prayers are with you all!

Summer38

Thank you all for your input regarding my dizziness, sounds like BPPV might be it.

Tess, I'm glad you stuck up for yourself! The "good news" never ends right???

Daiva - Wow, off to college! I can't imagine, I hope you're dealing ok. Please talk to your onc about the shortness of breath & heart racing, keep us posted. I'm having 33 rads too. I'll start in about 2 weeks but I don't have a set date yet. Buffs are the things that the contestants wear - you can use/wear them all different ways. www.planetbuff.com

PS - ssshhhhhhh, I still love my wine too

Laura - I'm glad you had a nice weekend. I feel the same way about work - pulled in 2 different directions but I think getting back to some sort of "normal" may be good for me.

x-raygirl

Thanks - pulling out my wallet to order right now....   

x-raygirl

too many to choose from!!!!   do you guys prefer patterns or solids??????

Summer38

I bought "light" patterns if that makes sense. Nothing crazy but they do have patterns.

Summer38

LOL, just realized that I didn't say WHICH contestants I was talking about regarding Buffs... haha, I meant to write Survivor Contestants.

patricia48

I bought the National Geographic one first, which is kind of tribal, but nice colors.  For Paris I bough a solid red, solid black and one more pattern with dark pink, kind of an oriental pattern.  I thought I could use them for my trip to Asia in January, as well.  Have fun ordering.  

chriskaput

Please add me to the list. I started my treatments 5-24-10.  AC x 4 and then Taxol/Herceptin x 12 followed with surgery then radiation for 7 weeks.  Will be on Herceptin for a yr.

Just had my 8th round of Taxol/Herceptin today...4 more to go!!!  Cannot wait to be done!!

Chris, NY 

patricia48

Welcome Chris.  This is a wonderful group of women.  Everyone is so supportive and we help each other.   I started my treatment on 5-22-10,  I also just finished my 8th round of Taxol.  I had AC first, like you and Taxol every week now.  I will also have 7 weeks of radiation.   Hugs Patricia

Ca1Ripken

Welcome Chris!!  I started 5/13 with taxol/herceptin x 12; and then AC x 4 every 2 weeks.... so backwards.  I have my last AC on Tuesday, then surgery... then rads + herceptin for a year.  So, basically, we're on the same track!  Although right now I wish I was on taxol and not AC!  UGH!  We have a great group of ladies, and we'll be around for a long time!!   

So.... on a good note... I got an appointment with a  PS!!!!  I used my onc nurse to help today; and she got me in with a really good plastic surgeon.... as others suggested (and as I thought), as a surgeon (and being in the medical field), I would NOT think that you would want someone else placing TEs for you... and you come in and then do reconstruction.  I am upset that the one PS I was trying to see was willing to see that done, when THEY cancelled my appointment last month!  Tskkk...  She may be good and busy, but I do want my PS to see me through all of this!!

Sorry, I didn't catch everyone's post.... this round is better, but I'm feeling bad for 1/2 days... after I eat, I feel like crud... it's like the food stirs up all the chemo and makes me feel just nasty!  Unfortunately, I am combatting that by not eating.. and drinking gatorade.  I have some ensure.... I'll try that tomorrow!  But, tomorrrow is usuallly my last bad day for any round!  ONE MORE.... ONE MORE.... ONE MORE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

HUGS Girls!!!!!!!!