Chemo June 2010
Comments
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Thanks everyone for your prayers for Grandma. Her doctor sent her back to the nursing home with Hospice last Wednesday. She seems to decline a little each day. She is now not drinking or eating anything. She has difficulty swallowing. I was able to get out and see her this weekend. She had been on antibiotics for a week, so I decided it was safe enough to go. I'm glad I did even though it hurt to see her in that condition. But, she is ready to go, and I and the rest of my family are working on letting her go. She will rest and breathe much better in the arms of the angels.
Bon, honey - I'm sorry you have to have bronchitis and then to have to deal with insurance issues on top of everything else. The past two years I have developed chronic bronchitis, so I know how miserable that is. Funny thing is that ever since I began tx back in June, I have not had so much as a sniffle. I just figured the chemo killed everything inside of me - good and bad.
JVF - my hair is about 1/4 "maybe" a 1/2 inch long. It doesn't seem to be growing very much, but it is very thick. I never had thick hair before. I made an appointment with my hairdresser for this coming Wednesday. I want her to take the shears and clean up the back of my hair. It's kind of shaggy looking back there. I'm going to have her block it. We may talk about color. My husband still wants me to dye it a funky color. I'm not convinced yet - but I've been going to this hairdresser for 25 years and she can give me some good ideas and advice. She and I are about the same age. Interesting thing - about 2 months ago, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. They found it in her mammogram, DCIS. She had a lumpectomy and did not have to have radiation. She was only off work about 2 weeks. Can you believe that? I keep slapping myself for going 4 years with no mammogram.
My insurance started over yesterday. So, we have the deductible and out of pocket expense to look forward to again. The medical bills will start coming again, and with that the threats of turning us over to a collection agency because we are only making payments on our bills instead of coughing up the entire amount. We will have to pay $2500 before my insurance kicks in at 100% again. A couple of radiation tx's ought to take care of that! I have completed 21 of those - didn't think I would see the end of the tunnel on that one but just two and a half more weeks should do it.
Haven't heard any more about my spine biopsy. My onc said last week that he was waiting to hear from the neurologist. He wanted to look over all my scans to see if it was feasible to do a biopsy in that location. He was probably on vacation last week. I'm hoping to hear something the first of this next week. I would like to get that over with on several levels. I will keep you posted. Sorry to be so long-winded. I haven't been on the computer much lately. I'll try to do better.
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hello girls, well i will admit have not been doing well at all, ive not posted because i feel im a bit too far in that hole right now, im trying to get out again, lol, i just dont know where to go from here, i think of you all everyday
love chey
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Sherry--I'm glad you got to visit your Grandmother, although I'm sure it was very difficult. Keeping you both in my prayers--you have so much to deal with right now.
Bon--Are you feeling better yet?? I hope you were able to enjoy some of the holidays.
Kitty--let us know how the speech went--proud of you for doing it! My pastor wanted me to speak at church the Sunday after Christmas. He was speaking about how each day is a new day (God's mercies are new every morning). He knows that cancer has made me see each day as a gift from God, and wanted me to share that with the congregation. I told him I couldn't do it yet--speaking in front of people is just too stressful for me! I just finished rads, and needed to get through the holidays and didn't need any more stress right now. But I hope to share some of my insights some day--maybe after the chemo brain has faded a bit!
Dmom--hope all is going well with you--did your streets ever get plowed?
Chey--remember we are here for you in the good and the bad! You have a whole new year stretched out before you--praying that your mood improves and you can enjoy it! Please keep checking in---wish there was something I could do to help... Hope you are staying warm and dry where you are.
Hope those that are doing rads right now are doing ok. I didn't have too much trouble with it, thanks to my rads onc giving me breaks and such. Skin got nice and red, and a little itchy, but never painful. I finished on 12/15, and it's still peeling around the scar, but most of it has faded to a tan.
My hair is about a 1/4 of an inch. Coming in gray and thick. A little longer and I might start going "topless". Eyelashes are still growing--they came in quickly, as did my eyebrows. I have a lot of facial hair now (thankfully very light colored!). That happened to me after chemo last year too, and finally most of the facial hair went away on its own--hope that happens this time too! :P
Looking forward to tomorrow. I've had a nice week with my hubby, but it's time for him to go back to work so I can get something done. I'm glad I made the decision to wait until next Fall to go back to work, but I have a lot of things I want to get done, and I don't want to get lazy and waste my days. I told my dh that we should go on a little trip soon--maybe Branson, or someplace else within a days drive. I need to get out and have some fun!!
Take care everyone--you are all in my thoughts and prayers!
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Hey all. Happy New Year. I for one was very happy to see 2010 end. It has been awhile since I posted. I have completed 11 rads with 14 more to go. So far so good. My skin has been holding up well and no problem with my expander. I realize that it will be a bit more uncomfortable with each treatment but I think it has been nice to have a 3 day break the last two weeks. I had a recent chest CT and all looks well in my lung but they want me to stay on the anti-fungal for 6 more months in case the "valley fever" decides to come back. Apparently my immune system will still be compromised for a while even though I am finished with the heavy chemo.
I had a great surprise the 23rd of December when my Hubby was able to come back from Phoenix and spend the holidays with me. He will be returning on Tuesday and then I will be able to join him the end of January after my rads are finished.
I tried to get to NYC to see the Rockefeller Center tree and I love to see all the windows at Saks and Lord&Taylors, Macy's etc. but it didn't work out this year. Darn everyday rads....
Chey - I am sorry that you are in that dark place. I hope that you can find some peace in all of this.
Sherry - Being able to be there for your grandmother and you family is so important right now. She is such an important part of your life and all she has meant to you will continue thru you to the next generation. My Mom has been deceased for 13 years and my children tell me all the time that they see Grandma in me every day....It is a blessing and I am proud of that.
Bon - feel better soon. I am so glad that I have not yet had to deal with the bronchitis or pneumonia I usually get each year... keeping my fingers crossed on that one...
My hair is coming in all dark grey and white around my face - much thinner than before. It is still only about 1/2 an inch long. Wishing everyday for eyelashes and eyebrows. The few eyebrows that I do have must be transparent because I can feel them but not see them. Maybe I will try false eyelashes because I do have some very short eyelashes that I can rest them on...they are also transparent....
Bye for now - can't wait to trade the cold of CT for the warmth of AZ.
Hugs to you all - even those of you that I did not mention. Thanks for being here for me thru all of this.
Liz
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sherry- I'm so glad you got to see your grandma. You are so right, she will soon be comfortable in the arms of angels. I'm so sorry that you have to deal with a large deductible and nasty collection drones. I'm not sure, but I think the American Cancer Society has a fund to help pay for high deductibles. It would be worth a call. I know how miserable agressive collection people can be. I say put on the answering machine and screen your calls. Don't even talk to them and don't hesitate to hang up on them. You know you are doing the best you can. Don't add to your stress. God knows you have enough stress!
cheyenne- Sorry you are back in your dark place. Are you still taking your meds? They may have to be changed or tweeked. When was the last time you saw your regular doctor? Remember how much she helped you? I remember her saying your other doctors could take care of your cancer and she would take care of you. She sounded great and caring. Maybe make an appointment?
NYC is almost clear. Twenty inches of snow can't stop us!
Happy New Year all my friends! I can tell you I am not sorry to see 2010 go. I hope the door kicks it in the you know what on the way out!
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Hi ladies! I haven't been on here for a week. My speech went really well. I had a lady in her 60's tell me that she never had a mammogram, but will now that she heard me speak. Everyone could hear me just fine. YAY!
Bon, sorry to hear that you're sick. I had an upper respitory infection right before Christmas. Yuck. I hope you're feeling better soon!
Cheyenne, I hope you're feeling okay. I'm glad you're checking in here. Remember we are all here for you!
Sherry, sorry to hear about your grandma. I'm glad you got to see her. I bet she was glad to see you!
I have 6 more radiation treatments. One more normal one, then 5 boosts. My skin is holding up okay. Just a little red on the foob and rashy near the collarbone. Chemo was much worse for me than rads.
My hair is growing in like crazy. I have over an inch of hair on my head and my lashes and brows are growing in. My brows were super bushy and I had to pluck them. Unfortunately, I am still getting fuzz all over my face. My DH said to get it waxed, but I'm so afraid to do that. My skin is super sensitive and I had acne for years. I stopped breaking out a few years ago and chemo took away my uneven color on my face (silver lining). I don't want to mess with my complexion now. I shaved my face over a week ago and my DH walked in while doing it. We were laughing hysterically about it because it was the one time I wish he didn't walk into the bathroom! LOL!!
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Kitty--does the hair grow back any different after shaving it? My face is super fuzzy too--like I said before, I'm hjoping it goes away on its own, like it did last year.
Glad your speech went well!
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Hi June Ladies: Happy new year.
Sherry - Do NOT beat yourself up about the mammogram. Shoot, I had a clean mamm 6 months before I felt a 2 cm lump in my breast, so that is no guarantee.
Kittycat - We are on the exact same rads schedule - I have 1 left and then 5 boosts. I feel like after chemo, radiation is a cakewalk. Wish I had your hair though. Mine is still pretty short.
Think of how far we've all come! Aren't we fabulous?!!!
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Thanks everyone for the sweet comments about my grandma. She continues to decline a little each day. I'm just praying that her suffering will end soon.
Chey - so glad to hear from you, sweetie. But sad that you have slipped back into the dark place. Saying special prayers for you. Dmom has given you some good advice. Hoping you can start climbing out of that dark place very very very soon!
Still haven't heard anything about my biopsy. My onc's office called yesterday to say they still have not heard back from the radiologist, so my onc was going to give him another call. It was two weeks ago yesterday that the RO told me about the problem in my spine and waiting has been so very stressful. I hope I hear something today about a date for the biopsy. Once I get the date, then I think the stress will let up a little.
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GOOD NEWS! I do not have to have a biopsy. The radiologist looked at my bone scan and MRI and told my onc that I havw a bone hemangioma which is a benign tumor on the spine. So, I am feeling much better.
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Sherry that is GREAT news!!!!! I know this has been weighing on you so celebrate!!! Hugs!
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sherry- Whoo hoo! You are long overdue for some good news! Now onward and upward!
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Good news Sherry!
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Sherry - great news!!!! CONGRATS!!!
Cheyenne - how are you doing??? I'm worried about you. I hope you're doing better mentally (and physically).
Do you all have joint pains? I feel like an 80 year old woman, but I'm only 41. Geez!
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kitty- Yep! Joint pains galore! When I stand up, I sort of hobble until things get loosened up. I did start taking yoga this week and have started rebounding on my new tiny trampoline (great exercise and great for lymph system). I am hoping if I keep moving things will loosen up.
cheyenne- Did you call your regular doctor for a consult? After all this crazy chemo you may be going through chemopause which can wreak havok with your emotions. We're thinking of you.
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Yes, Kitty, I feel as old as my grandma - 97 years! Hips and knees the worst of it. Sometimes when I stand up, or get helped up, I have to just stand there for a little bit until I feel like I can move my legs!
Does anyone still have problems with neuropathy in your feet three months after chemo? The bottoms of my feet are better, they are no longer numb, but my toes are very sensitive and burn alot, especially at night. I can't stand the weight of the cover on them and yet it's too cold to stick them out of the cover. I was just wondering how long this lasted and if it might be permanent or just take a while longer to go away.
Speaking of Grandma, she passed on this morning about 6:30 a.m. It was a peaceful passing I'm told. Her funeral will be Saturday morning and I will be debuting my new do as I play the piano for her service. I am praying that I will have the stamina to be able to do that. I have not been feeling well the past couple of days. Radiation has finally caught up with me - lots of pain in my ribs, under my arm and sternum. Trouble breathing - extremely tired! But grace will get me through it.
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Sherry - I am so sorry to hear about Grandma but we both know that she is in a better place. Remember every time you feel the breeze it is the brush of angel of angel wings and you should feel that breeze often and know it's her.
About your pain - I am with you. My joints are so sore. My feet her so bad that I am having trouble with balance. They have stopped my Arimidex for a week to see if it eases up. I am eating Aleve and Glucosime. Hang in there my friend!
Hugs!!!!
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sherry-Your grandma will be saving a seat for you in heaven. I am hoping she will be waiting for you a long, long time. I'm glad she left peacefully. God will give you the strength to play the piano at her funeral, your final gift to this wonderful woman who meant so much to you.
grneyd- Jackie, what a beautiful image of angel wings brushing against us in the breeze. I feel all my angels around me so often!
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Sherry-->sorry about your Grandma. It's always sad to lose a loved one. I still have neuropathy, but mine doesn't hurt. It's just numbness and tingling. It can sometimes take several months to a year or two to completely go away. There is a small percentage of people who never completely get rid of it, but in most it fades over time. My onc told me if it hurt he would give me something to help--something like Neurontin, I think. You should definitely mention it to your onc. Also--make sure your rads onc knows about the SEs you are having from rads. It sounds like it really hit you hard.
grneyed-->love your picture! I think I might be able to go "topless" in a few weeks. Just want it to grow a little longer and fill in a bit more.
I, too, am hobbling around when I first stand up. I have heard many other women complain of this too. My onc suggested it might be from "chemopause". Happened to me even worse last year after I finished that chemo. This time it's mostly just my hips and ankles.
I had my MUGA scan yesterday (6 weeks since my last one). The nurse just called me to tell me it had improved! I didn't expect a call for good news, so I got nervous when the phone rang! I figured it must be pretty bad if they are calling instead of waiting until I see the onc. next Wed. But, no, it was good news! My heart function went from 51 to 56. Not a huge improvement, but I should be able to keep doing Herceptin. The bp meds really work, I guess.
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Sherry...I am so sad that your Grandmother has passed away but know that you have wonderful memories of her to fill your heart forever. There is not a day that goes by when I don't think of my dear Grandmother and smile. There is an old Irish saying that I like and perhaps it will be meaningful to you, too...
'Death leaves a heartache no one can heal. Love leaves a memory no one can steal.'
Hugs and love to you...I know you'll have the strength to do a marvelous job with your piano solo for your Grandmother's funeral. As she watches over you from above, you make her proud every day.
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Sherry-So sorry to hear about your Grandmother. Glad your tumour is B9. My neuropathy is still with me. I have heard that is can linger for a few months. I do suffer from pain as well as tingling and numbness.
TMaria- Congrats on the MUGA scan.
Grnyday- You look great. You inspired me to post a pic of myself topless too.
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JFV - look at you! You look great topless! Your new hair is awesome!
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Thanks everyone for your love today. Grney, I like the analogy of the breeze and angel wings. There is a song that says something about the brush of angel's wings. Bon, I like the Irish saying. It is so true.
I'm off for a nap. Need to conserve my energy for tomorrow. Love to all.
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Hi everyone. Well,we are done with chemo,had surgery (lumpectomy) and 3 lymph nodes removed,and put back in hospital and had 23 lymph nodes removed. They have done surgery on my right elbow,the ulnar nerve damage. I am in radiation now. Had 5 treatments of 32. I lost my job(layoff) Nov 17,2010. wondering why I feel dizzy?
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Sherry - sorry to hear about your grandma. I am thinking good thoughts for you today, as you play the piano for her funeral. You are so talented!
I have neuropathy in my toes and I still drop things every once in a while. My toes are especially numb this morning. I had terrible hot flashes last night. I woke up at least 3-4 times. I was tempted to turn on the fan, then I was afraid I'd wake up freezing and my DH would think I was crazy (esp since we have the heater on and it's actually chilly in the house).
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Pam- Sounds like you have been through a really tough time. Three surgeries UGH! I had dizzyness while in active treatment. I blamed it on treatment, stress and slightly elevated blood pressure. It has gone away. But, you should check it out with your doctor. It could be about 100 different things. Let the professionals check it out. I am sure that last thing you want is another doctor but dizzyness could be for any reason.
Grnydey- You and I are the "hair" girls on this site ! Thanks for the compliment ! I think you look awesome. Went with my daughter to get her hair cut and was drooling over eveyone's long hair.
We were talking about a pajama party a couple of months ago, Maybe it could be a combination pajama party /hair styling event once we all have hair to style!
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Sherry- Yes, I still have numbness in some of my toes and my nails are still dry. Sure hope it goes away. It's been 4 months. Hugs to everyone.
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Hi, Ladies, Forgive me for not posting in so long a time. Things have been really hectic here and at work. Tomorrow we are expecting that snowstorm to hit and that will probably shut SC down. We are not equipped to handle the snow and ice.
Sherry, I know you will miss your GM but she will always be in your heart and mind. I still think of my GM and GGM that were still living until I was almost grown. They were so inspirational in my life. They were the most gracious ladies I have ever known. There is nothing more special than your GM.
DMom, Send me some advice on dealing with the snow and ice. We went to the grocery store goday and of course they were swamped and almost out of the essentials and bananas. My DH eats a banana every morning and was so upset that we could not find any.
Well, it is official now that I have Diabetes as an aftereffect of chemo. I am now taking Glucophage twice a day. My cholesterol was also nasty, so my PC added Lipitor to my other pills. Honestly, I feel like a walking pharmacy. I have gone from someone that did not take any prescription meds to taking the whole pharmacy within the space of 7 months. BC, YOU STINK!!!!!!!
I have the neuropathy in my feet and hands,also, but it has actually gotten a little better since i started back to work full time. My biggest problem is being tired a lot. This past Friday night I actually slept for 11 hrs. I did wake up several times to go potty and change position but went right back to sleep each time. My DH got worried about me sleeping so long. I must have needed it though because I do feel better now.
Have houseguest right now. My DS and BIL are here from TN to visit and to see Julia. SHe is doing pretty well but we are still wondering where she is getting the sweets. Everyone denies taking any to her but we find the empty wrappers iin her room. My brother thinks she is getting change from someone to get candy bars out of the vending machine. We got her new clothes for Christmas because she was busting out of all of hers. She will not let me take the tags off of them so she is wearing them with the tags still on. Now her nickname is Minnie Pearl Smokie>HA HA!! She wanted everyone to know she had new clothes so she wanted the tags left on.
THat is about it for me right now but I will post back and let you all know if we are snowed in unless our power is out. BTW,my wonderful sweet daughter in Okinawa sent me a belated CHristmas present of an amazon kindle. What a surprise, but I wish she had not spent the money. She wanted me to have it to take to all my appointments. I thought that was really sweet.
Well, Talk to you soon. God bless you all and I love you, Ginny
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gin- Good to hear from you! About that snow! The only advice I can give is stay in and enjoy reading your kindle until they get the streets cleaned! And maybe go out and make some snow angels! So sorry to hear about the diabetes. Did they give you any nutritional counseling? Sometimes diabetes can be controlled or even reversed with diet. I had gestational diabetes and tested my blood 5 x a day and was able to control it totally with diet. I still eat that way now, avoiding all the white foods like sugar, white flour, potatoes, white rice. Oh that Julia! You thank her for me. She sure keeps us laughing. Careful in the snow. We're getting another storm Wednesday. My snow boots sure are getting a workout this year!
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Thanks, DMom, for the advice>We are gonna need it today. Got up this morning at 5:30a to get ready for work. NOT HAPPENING!!!!!! My driveway and all our roads in my area are covered with a mix of snow and sleet already after only 2 hrs of snow and sleet. I guess this will lock SC down. It sure is pretty but what a mess for those of us that do not know how to handle it. Probably will lose power soon. I wish I had some snowboots and chains for the car tires. This afternoon will get even worse with freezing rain-GOTTA LOVE OLD MAN WINTER!!!!
Yes, I have had the nutritional counseling and my sugar is already much better since starting the meds, but my pc wants me to stay on the metformin. Have you read anything about trial studies on metformin helping prevent cancer recurrences in BC>Maybe it will help me in that way.
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