Connecticut Girls

sweetie2040

Lynniea-I hope you are feeling better today. All the rain doesn't help either.

Lizzymack-I think there was a whole thread on here about medical marijuana-quite interesting and heated I'd say. I didn't know it was legal in CT either, is it?

How is everyone else doing. I think we could really use spring here in CT and RI too!

singlemom1

Hi everyone - checking in to see how everyone is doing?

Lynniea - I hope you are feeling better. Thoughts and Prayers are with you.

I got my oncotype back last week and had a score of 30. Dana Farber oncologist is recommending chemo.  I am waiting to be seen here by Dr. Defusco, but I am pretty sure she is going to recommend the same. I have basically already made up my mind from my own research that I will do the chemo.  Very scared but trying to take one day at a time.

lynniea

Thanks I am feeling better I have  my 6th chemo on Thursday and praying it goes better with the second taxol.

sweetie2040

singlemom- I  heard Dr. Defusco is a great Dr. I have two friends who have her. I'm sorry you have to do the chemo, but it is good that you researched it out and are prepared with your decision. There are many brave ladies on here who have gone before you to support you. I wish you all the best, take one day at at time.

Lynniea-hope all goes well for you too. Keep you in my prayers.

1WonderWoman

Singlemom1: chemo seems so very daunting but once you are into your txs, you get used to when you will not feel so good, when you will finally emerge and you can better manage everything in that way.  Also the life-saving benefits of chemo cannot be over-stated.  I had 6 TAC and am 4 months post-chemo.  You can do it and you will be fine.   I would encourage you to join the June chemo thread.  I started the August chemo thread last year and I promise you that every day I was so grateful to have those ladies to chat with and to discuss SEs etc...   In fact, I will find the June group and post the link here in a few minutes.   Don't worry...we are all here for you

Sweetie2040: sorry it took me so long to get back but I guess medical marijuana is ok in CT!  I don't know how that happened...they must be getting some tax dollars for it! 

Lynniea: is this your last tx?   I wish you the best, hope it goes well and that you are nearing the end of your chemo regimen.  

So, I am still hung up on the RI and CT being the #1 and #2 states for bc.  I checked the population and combined we don't even make up 1/10th of the CA population.  Perhaps it is early detection here?  Something is going on...! 

Did you all hear about beta blockers?   Apparently they are examining those on beta blockers are getting dxd earlier and those who are on betas through chemo have less recurrence.  Interesting information.  

Have a good night, girls!

singlemom1

Thank you Sweetie and Lizzymack!

That is very interesting about the beta blockers. I just started on one a couple of years ago. Where did you see this?

 I have decided to change BS's and am wondering if anyone knows anything about Dr. Zafros out of St. Francis Hospital? Has anyone seen her? Also since I am going to Dr. Defusco for chemo out of Htfd hospital, is it okay for my BS to only have rights at St Francis? Also  PS is also only out of HTFD office,  and  current BS and PS  are from the same practice - and worked together on my case. Would it be  okay to continue to stay with the PS but not stay with the BS????

karebear76

singlemom1: I got to SF for my onc and I am going thru Johnson for radiation. Thankfully my BS is affilliated with both. I have Dr. White and he is amazing!!! He is out of the Breast Center across the street from SF. He also comes to Enfield so that is nice since that is where I am.

1WonderWoman

Singlemom:  here is the link to the beta blocker article: http://www.hemonctoday.com/article.aspx?rid=84170

It was also on Fox News CT tonight. 

Also here is the link to the June 2011 chemo group: http://community.breastcancer.org/forum/69/topic/769067?page=2#post_2425427

As soon as you can, you should go to that thread and introduce yourself.  You will find much comfort with your very own chemo start group.

Just so you know, I had a situation similar to your's in that I wanted to, and subsequently did, dump the BS but wanted to stay with the PS.  The PS put up a fight b/c I left the BS he worked with so closely.  For me, however, it was way more important to have a BS of choice and the PS was secondary.  You can always switch your BS now, go with whatever PS she/he likes to work with and then, should you not like that PS, switch off after surgery.  If, however, you have faith in the BS you want to go to then it is entirely feasible that person will work with a PS of equal reputation and talent.  Once you find the right BS, it all falls into place. 

This is all your decision to make and it is up to you whatever you do and however you want to do it.  Just make sure your BS is with the hospital you want to have surgery at and worry about the PS after all that is in place.  Don't let anyone pressure you either.  It is all up to you

Best of luck to you.  Any other questions, you can feel free to ask. I am here and will be happy to help. 

Karebear: you were just enough south to avoid that tornado action this evening.  Lucky you.

Have a good night, all-

lynniea

Thanks all for the prayers and no it is not my last I have 2 more after tomorrow

1WonderWoman

Lynniea: just remember you are almost done   Best of luck-

lynniea

Yes I have only 2 more treatments left of chemo.  I feel pretty good now a little drowsy when I got home and slept for 3 hours and felt a little better after.  Thanks so much

singlemom1

Hi Ladies - I am due to start chemo next week. Wondering if you have any advice on what day of the week is best. I need to make a decision by the morning. I take care of my   intense  and strong willed 5 year old daughter by myself. I can start the chemo either monday, tuesday or thursday. Any thoughts on which day  I should expect to feel the most side effects - right a way or a few days after? I am thinking of starting on Monday as she will be in school all week, but I will not have much help in the evening. I do have some friends to help on the weekends but I don't know if it will be all weekend. I am very scared and nervous that I won't be able to take care of my daughter. I don't have family to help. Any thoughts???

1WonderWoman

Singlemom: my heart breaks for all women who have young children and are going through bc, and moreso for those without a spouse to help.  Having said that, you will probably feel most sick days 2-5 after chemo.  For example, you start on Monday, the sickness will hit on Weds and you will normally start to feel a bit better Friday night into Saturday.  I am not even joking when I tell you if you need anything, PM me.  I will gladly try to help you out.  You also might want to call the American Cancer Society.   They might have some resources for you.  It is not going to be easy but it is doable.  Some people sail right through chemo with no SEs.   I had TAC which is a pretty tough regimen.   I was definitely down days 2 through 5.   However, when you do emerge, you feel pretty decent.

I wish you well.  I am sorry you have to go through this but you are not alone.  Reach out, ask for help and don't be shy about it.  

Please keep me posted on how you are doing.  Finally, I would start it on Monday if I were you. 

lynniea

Hi Single Mom Just want to let you know everyone is different and so are the side effects.  Do you know which chemo medicine you are getting.  I had AC-T the Adriamycin and Cytoxan I did great with which was suppose to be worse.  I started Taxol and got the bone and muscle pain.  It is the worst pain I ever had.  But God see's me through it.  Just take it one day at a time. I have 2 left and can't wait till it's over.  Is there a social worker at your Doctors office I found mine very helpful.  They have programs to help you.  You should check them out.  I will be praying for you and if you need anything you can pm me anytime.  God Bless you and your daughter.

karebear76

Singlemom: I started my chemo on Thurs so that I was at least functional for Monday. It is hard with little ones. I have 3 (7, 6, 4). ((HUGS))

lynniea

Saw the DR today and everything is about the same.  Going to Hawk's Nest from the 18th to the 25th in old Lyme Pain at home or at the beach I say the beach.  I have only 2 more chemo's left I have another breast MRI and ECCO the first week of July and than see my surgeon on the 14 of July to schedule my surgery.  I am on the down hill slope now and praying all the rest goes well.  I always say take one day at a time.  I know God will take care of the rest.

singlemom1

Thank you Lizzymack, lynniea and Karebear. I am trying to stay positive and hopeful for minimal SE but am also very scared as I stated earler in regards to my daughter. I have decided to start on Mondays as I am worried that friends may not be able to get her till later in the day on sat and I don't want to be really sick with her for long periods of time. I am hoping I will be able to deal with the SE and her together better during the week day evenings when it is only for a few hours since she is in all day preschool until 5:50-6:00.  Thank you for your support.

Also - I had met with Dr. Defusco for over two hours, she is very thorough and I feel I am in good hands. She recommended a Dr. Lori Fritts for a BS - anyone hear of her?

Lynniea - I am sorry you are having a tough time. I can feel you pain when I read your posts.   I wish this was easier on all of us.

Karebear - how are you feeling? How much Chemo have you gone through yet?

 May strength and love be with all of us..............

karebear76

Singlemom1: I went thru ACT for 16wks, had surgery, now doing rads and after rads I will do another 16wks of a milder chemo as they found I am HER2+ after surgery. The extra chemo will help the herceptin to work better. I just hope it isn't as bad as the first course.

I am going through St. Francis. Never heard of Dr. Fritts. I had Dr. White and he is amazing!! 

lynniea

Went out to eat with family today first time I felt good enough to go.  We went to my restaurant I worked at for 10 years.  I saw my co workers and they all said they missed me.  We also went to one store at the mall you don't realize how tired you are until you have to walk some.  I was so pooped out when we got home but it was worth it.  We head to the beach on the 18th in old Lyme at Hawks Nest.  I hope you all have a nice weekend.

singlemom1

started AC on monday. I am doing horrible. jumping out of skin, no light, headache, feel like I have the flu, cannot get out of bed, just cry. they took me off some of the meds and that is helping but I don't know anyway I am going to get through 8 weeks of this. I didn't hear it was suppossed to be this bad. I am scared - what is wrong with me

karebear76

HUGS Singlemom1. AC is Nasty and there is no way around it. You feel awful most of the time and just as you are starting to feel better and almost "normal" it is time for another treatment. Try not to see it as 8wks but 4 treatments. You are 1/4 done! Next time you will be 1/2 done with the AC and on the down side of this part of treatment. Hang in there. I won't say it gets better for a while but you will get through it and know that we are all here for you.

1WonderWoman

Singlemom: I am sorry to hear about your challenges with AC.  At some point you will hit the turn-around mark where, from that day forward, you will feel a little better each day and eventually will feel strong again going into the next tx.   I had TAC.  I know how you are feeling.  Don't forget there is a June 2011 chemo group.  Don't hesitate to stop by.  I really loved my group and we all supported each other.  It was nice to have a group where everyone is going through the same thing at the same time.   I wish you the best.

lynniea

Singlemom She is right remember to look only at 4 and not 8 it sure did help m.  I prayed a lot and had not as many problems with the AC .  Just remember 1 down and 3 to go.  I praise God I have only one left.  I have gotten a lot of bone and muscle pain with the taxol.  I am heading to the beach tomorrow for a week at Hawks Nest.  Pain or no pain I will be there.  I will be praying for you Singlemom and hope everyone has a nice weekend.

singlemom1

thank you Karebare,lizzymack and lynniea! your responses are very comforting. I am feeling a little better today. Being off the decadron and compazine has helped. I am feeling a little more normal just very very week. I can barely get out of bed, but at least I can type of the computer and read some tv. My friends took my daughter to for the weekend and another friend is going to come over and try and clean the house and make me something. Lynniea - I hope you enjoy the beach and have wonderful weather. Thank you for praying for me - I will keep trying to focus on 1/4 down as you said Karebare! My best to all of you Wonderful Warriers

singlemom1

Hi everyone,

I am doing better today. Thank you all so much! Today is day 7 after tx and I feel some returning to normal.  Being able to connect with you wonderful ladies has really helped. How are you feeling Karebear? It would be nice to meet once we are all in a place where we are up to it.  Please excuse all my typos and spelling, I was just trying to type the words out duirng this past week. Here is hoping for strong minimal SE weeks for all of us!

1WonderWoman

Singlemom: it is so hard and I my heart goes out to you.  Just remember that you get stronger and then the next zapping arrives but the next one will be 1/2 way done for you and that is something to celebrate!!!!  Also, more good news: you don't always feel so sick after *every* tx.  I was dreadfully sick for about 4 out of the 6.  You might catch a break and not be so sick for #2 or #3.  It is not the same every time.   I hope you are feeling even better now.   I enjoy living alone and did not want people around during chemo but I sort of knew I needed help when chemo brain led me to put the TV remote in the fridge and left my car door wide open, in my driveway, over night!!!!!  Chemo brain was the toughest part of it all for me but then again I was on 3 chemos and it was a very tough regimen.

Lynniea: hope you enjoy Hawk's Nest!  Happy trails, woman! 

I wish you the best and may you feel stronger every day from here on out.  Get rest and don't be hard on yourself

 

karebear76

Singlemom: Glad you are feeling a little better.

I am tired but doing ok. I'm not tired all the time so that is good. Tomorrow will be #9 of 33!!!! I am getting there!! 

singlemom1

Oh Karebear - I am so sorry that you have to go through this. I did not realize it was 33. My heart hurts for you. What an amazing woman you are. You certainly have G-d with you for you to be able to post supportive messages with everything you have going on. My heart is with you!!!

1WonderWoman

Karebear: I am with singlemom on the 33 issue.  Is it herceptin?  33 is a lot.  I wish you the best.

Singlemom: feeling better today?  I sure hope so.  The best thing about getting the first one over with is you now at least have a point of reference on what to expect.  So you are 25% done and  this is also saving your life, btw, so smile and before you know it, you will be finished

karebear76

My treatments are radiation! So yup 33! 5x a week with the weekends off. I finish July 25th. I am getting herceptin and that will be until next June as I just started it. 

I hope you are all feeling better today.