Calling all TNs

NavyMom

Welcome Doreen.  You are half way through treatment!  Come back soon and let us know how you are doing.  We talk about various topics---some serious and some really funny too.

Karen: Your invitation to Annie is so nice.  Very heartfelt words. 

I would like to add to what Sugar posted.  I fully agree, our connection is strong and how we look after each other is  warm and safe

mccrimmon324

Morning Ladies,

LuvRVing (Michelle) - Have a blast in Paris, then come back and kick the sh*t out of FC! 

Minxie - Glad your Pet scan showed only the breast. 

Lovely - I just know you'll get good results from your biopsy.

CS - Not much longer now! 

I've been busy applying for jobs.  Was told the one place that I really liked would get back to me by the end of the week, well, that's today and I really hope I get it. 

Best thing that happened to me.  I reconnected with my bestie who I lost touch with about 14 years ago.  She looks exactly the same! Has the most amazing kids, just had a blast! and we only live less then 10 min from each other now.  Its amazing how you can just pick up where you left off with some people.

GuyGirl

Morning all,  I need help.  I have been asked to sing a song at a Cancer Survivors picnic.  I need a song that celebrates life.  Any ideas.  It is just a few weeks away, so I have got to come up with something.  My niece suggested the new Martina McBride song " I'm gonna love you through it".  But honestly, I don't know that I could hold it together through that.  The other songs I was thinking of was Wind Beneath My Wings by Bette Midler or Hero by Mariah Carey. 

Any ideas would be appreciated.

mags20487

Heather---good old friends are the best!!  Glad you have someone there already in the new life.

Luvrving--sorry to hear your news.  Paris will be amazing.

Minxie---so glad its only local but sorry you must endure more.

NEWBIES- welcome to the TN family

Maggie

mccrimmon324

I'm gonna go with Wind beneath my Wings, I just love that song.  Good luck!

LuvRVing

Live Like You Were Dying by Tim McGraw

 http://youtu.be/XiOcW_YR1G8

Titan

all fired up by Pat Benatar?

inmate4232010

okay, i vote for we are the champions by queen.  probably not the best choice, but i just love me some freddie mercury!  

inmate4232010

Good morning ladies,As Michelle said, I have been AWOL for a few days from the board.  It is funny how guilty I feel for not being here, but needed to take a few days to feel sorry for myself, I guess.  This chemo has been a real SOB and a constant reminder that I actually do have cancer.  I know, I know, there are so many other reminders than feeling sick, but I just don't look at myself much in the mirror anymore so when I feel good I just pretend that all is normal and I am fine.  Anywho, I am back to feeling better and must say that I have missed you all so very much!  Did I mention that one of the side effects of erubilin is depression?  I sure will be mentioning it to my doctor today for round 4/6.  Here's hoping for a less adventurous treatment than last week.    Michelle....I am on Erubilin right now.  It also goes by the name, Halivan.  This drug is given to those who have advanced breast cancer and who have failed on three other chemos.  I have had (in order) AC and Taxol, Cisplatin and Gemzar, Methotrexate, Navelbine, 5-FU and Lucovorin.  This one by far is the most difficult for me.  That said, I WILL be completing my 6 doses.  I will just need to figure out how to deal with these pesky SEs.  How are you doing my dear?  I think about you every day and hope that you are keeping up that positive "I can do this" attitude.  I do believe that attitude helps tremendously.  Please let me know if there is anything that I can do to help.  My heart and mind are with you holding your hand!  Oh, and good job on "locals only".  This we can do!  Virtual panties and boots on the way!

Titan

Wish there was a "Like" button Inmate...I LOVE Queen....!I like Sail Away too...

Hope60

I have been away from the board for the past few weeks.  Crazy busy at work, and then family events every weekend.  So I just wanted to stop by and say hi to everyone.

LuvRVing - I'm so sorry to hear your news.  This FC....it's just not fair!!! I hope you have a wonderful trip to Paris ...enjoy every minute!!

Lovelyface - My thryroid lit up on the PET scan I had when first diagnosed with BC.  Docs weren't too concerned....all felt that it would need to be looked at further, but it could wait until after BC treatment.  Toward the end of rads, I had a thyroid ultrasound... turned out I had a solid nodule that needed to be biopsied.  I freaked....the last thing I wanted to contemplate at that point was another cancer.     To make long story short.....it was benign.  Thyroid nodules are very common and mostly turn out to be benign.  On the very unlikely chance that it's thyroid cancer, it is curable (yes, curable!) and the treatment is pretty easy (no chemo or rads!)  I just know you will be fine.

Anonymous

This song is my favorite survivor song-

http://youtu.be/JNC3mkVgOMo

Lovelyface

Thanks Hope for that assurance.  It is such a relief to hear that a solid nodule was benign. That was the one thing I was most freaking about, thinking that if it is solid, it's got to be cancer.   My Doc told me that most women have thyroid nodules, it is just that all of them don't get the thyroid US, as there are no symptoms.

Lovelyface

I think in the earlier posts, Wrenwood or someone had posted information on the Budwig diet, which was the first time I heard of it.  I tried it only because I felt I lacked estrogen in my body and the flax seeds has low estrogenic levels.  I tried it for like 10 days, morning and afternoon, the flax oil, cottage cheese and the ground flax seeds and I could feel my energy levels rising, my thinning hair improving.  Lately, the afternoon serving started giving me such a horrible stomach ache that I had to stop.  I think it is just that it needs to be taken on a completely empty stomach or something and I was not doing it correctly.  It really was helping me with my energy levels and I felt a shift in my health for the better.  Anyway, to make it short, here is the link to the Budwig theory http://www.budwigcenter.com/.  I know there are a million theories out there regarding alternative cancer treatments, but this one in particular strikes me.  However, I don't want to get caught up in these types of treatments, as one can get really broke trying this and that and spend their life savings on them.

Additionally, it disturbs me a great deal when I hear things like - that something is very wrong in people's body who have either had or have cancer.  Candida, high acidity, low immune system, etc. I feel like a big polluted disease carrying body.  Whenever I read theories on cancer, I am not sure what to think or believe.  I would like to think that my body is healthy but that just this one time, something happened and I got attacked.

I am wondering what you all think?  Do you think we need to clean and purify ourselves.  That really we have candida or high acidity with low immune systems?  It is so disturbing to me when I hear stuff like this.  And I am so confused as I also do feel that there is something not right as soon as I entered menopause.  They talk about Coffee enemas?  Is my stomach just filled with filth, is that why I got cancer?  But I am a much better eater than most others I see who eat fast foods and bad food.  I hardly ever eat chips and fast foods and store bought foods.

I feel that if I exercise everyday to oxygenate my blood and cells, eat vegetables and fruits, that I am fine and my body won't make cancer again.  Do you ladies think that having had cancer, requires us to look at diets such as Budwig, and follow their protocols?  Even as far as going to Spain, and getting cleaned out?  I am sorry about the way I have worded my pros and cons on this subject, but I am hoping it makes sense.   Thanks.

christina1961

Inmate, I am so sorry you are having such a hard time with the eribulin.  We are all so individual - I didn't have as hard a time, but I do think I noticed depression as a side effect.  During my trial, one of the nurses said the doctors were quite excited about the drug, though, as a "clean up" drug.

LuvRVing, I am so sorry you have had this news.  I'm glad you are feeling well, and hope you have fun in Paris. 

Lovelyface, I don't believe we could ever know what causes cancer but I'm sure it is a combination of things. I think the genetic factor is the strongest factor, followed by physical environment. My biology instructor in college told me everything that adversely impacts DNA should be avoided - when filling up the car, be sure not to breathe the fumes, etc. My father ate very well and was very strong.  He worked in the yard long hours and was never overweight.  He didn't eat much meat, grew his own vegetables (although he did use pesticides on the fruit trees), quit smoking when he was 30ish, didn't drink - and he got prostate cancer at 70 and esophageal cancer at age 85. When my MIL got lung cancer, the oncologist told us that 1 in 9 smokers get lung cancer and those who got it have a genetic propensity for it. At this point, I am eating somewhat better - which basically means less sugar - and walking at least 3 hours a week.  I cannot avoid large amounts of personal stress at this point in time so I am trying to learn to deal better with the stressors I have.  I have also been taking aspirin at least 3 days a week.

Lovelyface

christina -  your father's story is very interesting similar to mine.  I have never eaten pork or beef in my life.  I was vegetarian for 11 years, although I used to eat imbalanced food at that time. It is hard being vegetarian, so one tends to eat higher carbs and sugar.  As for genetics, I am the first person in my family ever to get cancer.  A distant second cousin has had DCIS and another cousin had some sort of cancer, but out of all my siblings, aunts, uncles, first cousins, I am the only one.  We have prided ourselves all these years as having good genes.  My Onc. told me that only two things have been proven to date to cause cancer, one is genes, the other is environment.  Maybe this is why I get so confused and irritated when I hear things like, we have high acidity, low immune systems, PH is acidic, etc. etc.  Christina - what is the story behind aspirin? In 1988 a doctor at Kaiser was doing a large study on saliclatytes (sp?).  He gave me a 30 page document on his findings.  He told me at that time in 1988, that I should never take aspirin, that according to his research, my body was not the type to take aspirin.  Ever since then, I always put down on my forms, that I am allergic to aspirin.  I have never taken aspirin.  I wonder how it is all connected. He was a highly educated caring doctor. I wonder if his studies were ever published.

christina1961

Lovelyface, I have read some studies regarding aspirin as an inhibitor of metastasis. Someone may come along and post the links- or I can try to find them this weekend. I was a vegetarian for several years during my thirties, although not vegan and I also ate imbalanced food - and too many dairy products.  For several years I have eaten only fish and shellfish, veggies, but far too much sugar. I usually have several vegetarian days per week.  Interesting, my father also had a sweet tooth - he baked his own cobblers made with home grown peaches, rhubarb, and strawberries.

I would like to know about the study by the Kaiser doctor- that is very interesting.

ksmatthews

Wow I have been away for a few days and you girls have been busy!  Michelle I am so sorry to hear of your news.  Go to Paris have a fabulous time and come back and get those big boots on, and we will be right behind you with ours on too!  Stay positive like inmate said and kick some butt!

Inmate sorry you are having a hard time with your chemo.  Loved your story of you f*ck word!

I am scheduled to go next Tuesday for a genetics consult to see if I should be tested .  I really don't know much about this.

I know I missed some of you ladies, but I am wishing you all a great weekend. 

Sugar77

ksmatthews - just curious where in Tenneesee is White Pine? A family friend is a breast oncologist in Knoxville.  Is that anywhere near where you are? 

tnbcRuth

Lovely- please try not to scare yourself too much.  We all do it to a degree, just don't let it get out of hand and stress your body and emotions.  The shopping trip could help a lot!!

So nice to read up on everyone...NavyMom, BernieEllen, OBXK, Inmate, Sugar, LRM and Titan! and you all taking such good care with those having recurrences or possibilities of a recurrence!!  Having been there just a few weeks ago, it is so appreciated!! 

I have the first ear ache of my life and ouch!!  I had some clindamycin that's still in date, so hoping that will work.  Got to leave work early - woo hoo!

LRM216

Hey TBBCRuth - nice seeing your pretty face, missed you, and yes, ouch to the ear ache, sure hope the meds work quick.

Inmate:  So sorry this chemo is beastly to you.  Jeez, like you're not going through enough.  I had the worst time on my A/C and taxotere - disgusting actually - but I just kept telling myself if it was making me feel this bad, it had to be annihilating the effing cancer too. 

Sending love to all of you,

Linda

ksmatthews

Sugar I am about 40 min from Knoxville.  My dr's are actually in Knoxville.  What is your family friends name?

Karen

Sugar77

Karen - his name is Dr. Timothy Panella.

onvacation

I don't know if a good, clean, whole food diet will prevent cancer from coming back, but I believe you will feel better and it might help prevent other things like heart disease, diabetes etc.  Eating a good diet can't hurt you, only help!  I am vegetarian but the first few years I really didn't eat many veggies!  So I think it isn't that you are vegetarian and don't eat meat, it is more that you eat whole foods with an emphasis in fruits and veggies.  Just my opinion, but i think my diet has helped me get through this chemo crap with few side effects.  Could all be in my head, but I'm going to stick with it and clean it up even more after my treatment.

Hope everyone has a great weekend with limited side effects! 

Cocker_Spaniel

Good morning Ladies.

Can you believe I slept until 11am.  It was just lovely and so needed.  Just got the fluey symptoms from Taxol today so going to blob and do absolutely nothing.

Karen - I couldn't think of anything I would much rather do than come and see you in America.  It would be more than wonderful to meet you, see your beautiful farm house, snuggle with your little dog and goats and eat your dinners!!, cause they always sound so yummy.  Who knows maybe I will be able to do this. I would be over the moon.  Its only a plane ride after all and although I am not keen on planes I would do it to come and see you.  So when I am well I will think about this and your wonderful offer. Just don't change your mind.  I will do all the cleaning up for you as I'm good at that but not so good with the cooking. 

Heather - keeping my fingers, toes and legs crossed (is that right!) that you get the job that you prefer. Yes it is amazing that you can go all that time not seeing a friend and then its as if you have never been away from them. That is called real friendship. I have some friends who live in other towns and when we catch up its as if they live next door and we talk non stop, mind you I'm good at that. I just feel this is the right move for you and when hubby arrives with the dogs you will be just right again.

Minxie - thinking of you lots and sending you prayers.

LuvRVing - as others have said have a real blast in Paris.  What a City to go to.  Forget all about cancer and live it up then get ready to come home and fight.

Inmate I too like Freddie.  Great strong voice, great songs, pity he had to leave us.  Hoping your treatment goes well and you don't go AWOL too often.  Miss your 'F' words. 

Guygirl - my daughter plays me 'You raise me up' by Westlife.  I love that song and it makes me tear up every time knowing that is what she thinks of me.  She said I give her courage but I think its the other way round. 

Lovely - I don't feel I need to purge my system.  I am not sure that putting other lethal drugs in your system to do that is any good.  Somebody I knew used to detox regularly and he was always pale and weak looking for a  man with no life in him.  I am 64kg and have been for years, 5' 3" and I eat chips occasionally cause I love them, mind you I love any food, but would all this make a difference I wonder to anyone getting cancer.  Sugar yes, I think I should cut down on that but unless my coffee has a lot in it I can't drink it.  I think a little bit of everything does you good and no amount of dieting etc will make a difference.  Maybe we should just accept ourselves for what we are like.  We could give up all the things we enjoy/like and die tomorrow. Maybe we are just the unlucky ones in getting this and we have no option but to get over it as best we can.  Who knows I guess.  I think do what feels right for you, not others as long as you are not hurting anybody , and enjoy life when you can while you can and laugh like there is no tomorrow.   

On that note ladies I will leave you to enjoy your day. God I can talk the hind leg of a donkey.  Thinking of you all, sending huge hugs and lots of love for a stress free day.  Going to take my fluey symptoms, go back to bed and dream now about my holiday in America with Karen. Annie.      

  

      

         

NavyMom

Talk the hind end off a donkey.  Never heard of that saying before.  Made me chuckle.  Thanks, Annie.

LuvRVing

Hi everyone! Hope you are gearing up for a delightful weekend, I know I am! We got some pretty good news from Dr. Chen at Dana Farber. My mets are really tiny, she tried to feel the nodes and couldn't. The entire tumor load is very small, so after some discussion about clinical trials, carboplatin and Xeloda, I will start Xeloda when we get back from Paris. I'll also have a biopsy to confirm it truly is BC (like, what else would it be?) and the hormone status. It's highly unlikely that it would change from negative to positive but she wants to verify it. After two months, I'll get scanned again to see if it's kicking a@@. If so, I'll continue indefinitely assuming the SEs are manageable. Otherwise, we'll move on to Carboplatin. It's a reasonable plan and, hey, I get to keep my hair for a while. I will not, however, be able to have my DIEP reconstruction surgery. That's a bit of a bummer, not sure there are many other options because I've had radiation. I'll table that for a while, talk to my PS and see if there are any other options.



Inmate, my friend - so sorry you are having a tough time. But you're a tough chick and you're not about to let this FC get the best of you! We ARE the Champions, my friend!!!



For those of you who are worried about what you eat, especially sugar, causing cancer, I might remind you that I have been diabetic for 11 years. I avoided pretty much everything white during all of the first 9 years, and I got FC. Now, I am not suggesting you all go out and binge on pizza and chocolate cake, but I also don't think you should feel guilty if you indulge on occasion and in moderation. And oh, I've never been a sugar-holic. Personally, I'd pick a bag of peanuts or a bowl of popcorn most days.



Thanks, everyone, for your support! And have a fabulous weekend!

LinnieB

Hello everyone, I'm a new poster, but have been reading the boards for some time now, and the information provided has been very helpful.

I'm a triple-negative girl, and so far I've made it through the mastecomy, beginning of reconstruction, a port placement and reconstruction revision. After all this, I am finally about to start chemo. The revision and some dental work delayed me initially, and then my insurance caused me to look for another oncologist.

The thing that has me concerned enough to finally post is that the course of treatment recommended by my new doctor differs from my original's recommendations.

The first doctor wanted me on dose-dense AC for 4 rounds followed by 4 rounds of T.

My new doctor says that studies don't show that Adriamycin is additionally beneficial to triple-negatives, and he wants to do 6 rounds ;every 3 weeks) of TC.

Has anyone been through this treatment regime? I really like this doctor, and his reasoning sounds good. I just want to do all I can.

Thanks.

onvacation

I am doing 6 rounds of TC every 3 weeks followed by radiation.

Hope60

Hi Linnie - I don't really have any advice, but I saw your post and wanted to respond.  It must be concerning to get two different recommendations for chemo.  I had the dose dense AC +T regimen your first doc recommended.  I believe it was considered standard care for TNs at the time.  But that was in 2010, and things seem to change quickly in this area. I haven't kept up with all the research so I don't know what the treatment of choice is these days ....hopefully somebody will come along soon who is more knowledgeable than I am.  I wish you the best of luck with your chemo.