February 2011 chemo pals

LisaGH

Awesome note GG!

Yesterday was 6 of my 3 wk herceptins- MO said 'You are at 6 of 13 today.' So 7 more to go. Got my flu shot at the MO office too. Counts are still low - mostly white count and neutrophils low. He said Herceptin does that.

It was 260 days ago today I was diagnosed w/ Breast cancer. Wow what a year this has been for us all on here???!!!

jenn_h

Checking in to the girls who I think about all the time! It's been a long time since I've been on here. I have 6 rad treatments left (1 reg and 5 boosts), honestly I don't have the energy to be excited. GG< I know how you feel about wondering if it's gone or shouldn't we get more tests or SOMETHING! I have been absolutely exhausted and very nauseous throughout the rads. It is very difficult to get through the work day, then rads, then come home and be expected to make dinner and do laundry and stuff. Thur. I was so sick my dr. made me stay home from work yesterday...thank God b/c I feel better now. He gave me an antibiotic and stuff and said unless I'm superwoman (which I may think I am but I am not, he added) I needed to take a day off of work and just rest...Honestly I would do chemo again over rads any day!!!

My hair is growing pretty fast, everyone says they really like it short, i will be happier when I have some more bangs though at least! Congrats Mama for finishing up...and on the whole count down thing...I was thinking about this the other day too...I wasn't diagnosed until Feb, but this is right around when the big lump appeared, so this is where the journey basically began...

charlottesmama

charlottesmama

Haha! I don:t remember how I did this, but here*s  a photo of my hair. Its growing back fast, so hang in there grrrls. I got yer backs...

dogeyed

MICHELLE, I've noticed my perhaps 1/4" hair (I haven't measured, can't grab enough to rule it) has swirls in it, too.  I do have wavy hair normally, but it was so long, they were not tight waves.  It's coming out blonde and gray, and eyelashes and brows are coming in.  I'm a couple weeks behind you on hair growth, so I look forward to being able to put a ribbon in my hair.  Ha!

 JENN, so GLAD to see you here again!  You know, those rads are actually tiring me out.  I thought it was from a dental procedure a couple weeks ago, but no way that would last this long.  I have been sleeping like there's no tomorrow, which helps a lot.  Thank heavens for weekends.

I'm supposed to start cleaning my house tomorrow (or Tues or Wednes) and I think I will be okay with it, I've cut out a lot of things on my list, just straight cleaning is what I'm going for.  That and putting the rest of my books up on the two bookshelves left.  Husband will do a few other things, plus we're going to rent a rug washer machine and he'll do that, too.  I'm going to wear two back braces, mine and one of husband's, so as to protect my weak back.  The trick is IF I'm going to have enough energy, since rads are apparently taking it right out of me.  But it should only take me three days, at three hours in morning, three in afternoon, so I should do okay with it, and maybe half of a fourth day to do a "walk-through."  My goal is I just don't want anybody to get the plague if they come in here.  Ha!  GG

charlottesmama

One more pink ribbon and I'm gonna start shooting!

MamaV

I hear your Charlottesmama - It's going to be a LONG pinktober!

thefuzzylemon

Michelle- SOOOOOOO PRETTY!!!!!!!

Ladies, I feel so blessed to be able to read your journeys and thoughts. If no one has told you today, you are so special to me.

I colored my hair red for October. Its really my way of supporting cancer fighters of all types. I'm so inspired by the strength and love that all of you have shown.

Rads are done!! Site is finally healing!!! Im on vacation and have my first class (part time job) tomorrow!!! Life really does go on....and on...

Hugs and all my love.....

jenn_h

YAY Fuzzy!!!

mamaoftwo

Hi SpecialK- I think I'm having a few side effects from the Arimidex, but I'm not completely sure it's related.  I've had left knee pain that I didn't have before, which may or may not be related to the Arimidex, and morning stiffness. I wake up all bent over, though that goes away quickly.  Then for the past 4-5 days I had a constant ache in one of my ribs on the right side, and from my amateur google research I found out that random rib pain is common on Arimidex.  Miraculously, the pain disappeared today.  I am assuming this stiffness and achiness is caused by Arimidex.

To answer your question, I was given boniva as a preventative measure since I have osteopenia in one small area of my back and aromatase inhibitors (femara, arimidex) are known to affect bone density..  I am concerned about side effects and do not want to be on this pill over a year.

I wonder if Femara is very different from Arimidex?  If you are only getting mild achiness from Femara, maybe you'll be fine if or when you switch, especially if they are derived from the same sources.

Laura

dogeyed

FUZZY Redhead, SO great to see you again!  I can't tell you how much hope it gives me that you are finished with those rads that burned you right up.  AND a vacation!  Girl, you needed it. 

ALL, I decided NOT to clean my house, I gave up.  Talked with husband, asked him what he thought of me putting it off to January, and he agreed, didn't think I should be doing all this stuff nohow whilst still in treatment, and that I needed a mental rest from endlessly pushing myself to do something I can't do, really.  So, once again, I let it go.  It's not that bad, won't take that long, but I simply cannot make myself get going on it.  January is always a good time, tho, for me to begin projects.  I'll also get going on a more serious effort to get more fit than I've been in years, do some walking.

Also, I had a lot of concerns for a while there about the melanoma that is part of my diagnosis.  A very kind woman in Texas has it too, but her progress with it has been frought with trouble,and it scared me.  So, while a nurse at the cancer center said normally scans were not done after treatment, I found out this melanoma woman did, and that's how they found it had spread.  So, when I see my doc two weeks post-rads, I'll ask for one.  It won't show small beginnings of new cancers, but anything rather large will show up, which I read that part online, to confirm what the Texas woman was telling me.  I'm glad I finished thinking that through.  And I still may go back to the melanoma doc's office for another long wait, but anything new will need to wait until after I see my cancer doc.  Come spring, God willing, I will cut myself free from all docs for six months, and enjoy the spring and summer that I hated missing this past year.  I had shut myself in and really couldn't get into the beautiful seasons right outside my window.  GG

dogeyed

ALL, I have a new idea.  When my hair gets long enough, I wonder if extensions would blend in?  I guess if I used fake hair, the salon people wouldn't charge too much.  That way i could get back my waist-long hair instantly!  Ohhhhhh, I'd love to do that.  Anybody here ever have extensions and want to explain on this?  I think I've seen on TV the attachment situation, looked like they kind of wrapped something around the extension hair and real hair, but I don't know what little wrap it is or how long it would last.  I wonder if I could brush it and dye it?

Also, does anybody know what hormone pill some women have to take that you only do for two years?  I'm wondering if it would match up with my estrogen-positive cancer.  I really hate the idea of returning to "the pill"  hahaha!  And I hate even more the idea of revisiting menopause madness.  Yup, I went plumb crazy for a while there.  I just want to return to a normal life for a while!

I've been posting in my month's radiation bunch, and I am now more than halfway through and finally got a little burn going.  I hope it doesn't get worse.  The prescription aloe lotion I got from my rads doc is really helping me, so here's hoping.  And one more thing, for the blondes out there, if your hair is coming back, does it look a tad darker than normal?  Mine is almost black and white, which the white I assume is still my blonde, and the black is the gray that I had coming in just before all this happened (I'm 60).  Gosh, I'm full of questions!  Love to my chemo sisters forever, GG

MamaV

dogeyed - There was someone on here (sorry I can't remember who) who was trying to get extensions with 3" of hair.  She was told she needed 2" more for extensions.  It's soooo hard to wait for it to grow! (Actually it was someone on the hair board)

Sorry to hear you have a little burn going.  I hope you make it through without it getting much worse!

ruffy

My sister in law just suggested extensions last night. Right now mine is long enough for gel and spiking- I'm excited though for a bit of feminine length . It's like a milky brown color. Lighter then it was originally-:) dogeyed, glad your cream is working. I have my last radiation tmrw- I'm extremely burnt underneath my breast and doc said it's going to get worse before it gets better. The breast itself is very burnt to but underneath it's breaking BOOO! . He did prescribe some stuff for me though for pain cause it hurts.

I will be on hormones but the 5 year kind. Not the 2 year. I start those next week.

So, my last radiation is Wednesday followed by my 38th bday Thursday.everyone is asking me how I'll he celebrating. I'm like " I'll be celebrating by NOT going to radiation or to any appt that involves the hospital , doctors, nurses etc.." I'm sure I'll be pretty teary, relieved, excited, scared, any other emotions I'm forgetting?? Lol

Love ya feb gals xo

dogeyed

I feel you, Ruffy, I'm telling you, ain't nothing gonna get between me and my couch when rads are over.  That's what I'll be celebrating, too!!!  And yours will begin with today's last rads!!!  Oh, I know you'll be over the moon.  I have an identical burn under where my boob USED to be, and I have a big red swath coming out of my armpit and heading across the top a few inches.  I'm glad you have some pain meds.  I'm pretty much sedated 24/7 on account of my back, but could be at the end, the misery will start to break thru and my rad doc will help me.

MAMAV, thank you for the tip on needing about five inches of hair for extensions.  Gads.  Let's see if I can calculate, hair grows 1/2 inch per month, so that would be.... ummmm.... I swear I cannot do numbers.  I kin reed and I kin rite, but I can't add up a couple double numbers without winding up with three diff answers.  TEN MONTHS.  Well, that's no good!  Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan... JULY?!#@  Oh, well, better late than never.  My hair has always grown fast, tho, I wish I could get it done in April, perhaps.  Maybe if I pull on my hairs they'll grow faster.  Hahaha.  Bye all chemo sisters!  Always, Gail

MamaV

Ruff - congrats on finishing up and Happy Birthday!!!!! What a great way to celebrate - being DONE!

Gail - I know your pain - I need some fricken hair that I don't have to hide under a wig!

SpecialK

ruffolo - Happy Birthday and happy end of rads day too!

mamaoftwo

Ruffolo, Happy radiation-is-done!  And happy birthday too for tomorrow.  You must be so relieved. That's great that you made it through everything. The burn, at least from my experience, starts fading after 3-4 days and then heals really quickly.  It's funny how finishing treatment can make you feel happy and depressed at the same time.  I can' t remember if you have any further procedures you need to do.  In the meantime, enjoy having NO medical appointments!

Laura

ruffy

Thanks Everyone for the well wishes and the birthday wishes It is funny the mixed emotions that cancer treatment really brings out. I cried when I read all your posts congratulating me because you girls really know what it's like, you know the good, bad, and the ugly and you were always there for me cheering me on. Thank you. With all my heart. I managed to get through my darkest days knowing you were right beside me understanding my frustrations, worries, complaints, and the occasional laughter , lol. Thanks fab feb girls. I'm thankful to have met you all. Not that I'm going anywhere cause I'm not- I'll still be here probably asking questions about something sooner then later.

Xoxo

dogeyed

Today is Thursday, and that means.... drumroll.... HAPPY BIRTHDAY RUFFOLO!!!  Cheers and confetti, lots of cake (yes, you may eat cake and drink beer, kid), and my gosh, I can tell you that being 38 is a great time to live in, to be sure.  May your hair grow fast and long, may your days be beautiful and easy, may you always be my chemo sister that I love so much.  Hearts and hugs, Gail  P.S.  Husband's birthday is same as yours!  That makes you my real sister-in-law!

jenn_h

Sara...sorry I haven't been on here in so long (my son has totally taken over my computer!) and I missed telling you Happy B-day!! and Congrats on finishing!!

I finished rads week and a half ago...so happy, but still so burnt, it is very hard for me to dress, I can't wear a bra or anything so I glued the stuffy boobs that came with my post mast. cami to a tank top...lol...do whatcha gotta do!!

My hair is coming in pretty good, little darker and a lot more grey than it was...people say they love the short hair style...i'm not sure... so used to my long locks!

I guess I'll be starting on tamox...see onc tomorrow...my radiologist suggested getting my ovaries out soon tho and getting one of the other meds...so who knows...maybe more to come...ugh!

dogeyed

JENN, hate it you still have more treatments to go.  And as MAMAV said, my hair is not even quite a 1/2 inch long.  I'm thinking I'll get extensions in the spring, to hell with waiting for my waist-long hair coming back, but I hope it's not too expensive or I'll stick to my wig, altho I rarely wear it now.

ALL, I am one week away from being done with rads, next Friday.  I have been busy getting all chores done around here, paid bills, fought on phone for an hour about one of them, balanced register, whew!, groceries today, pharmacy visit coming up, then made mid-Nov followup with cancer surgeon at cancer clinic.  This way, in the two-week interim, I'm taking phones off hook, locking door and won't open it except for the law.  I'm ordering a guitar this week so I'll have it for then, as a reward for finishing EVERY treatment next week, my old one got ruined when we moved across town a few years ago.  But I'd really almost rather go down to TJ Maxx and get some cute clothes!

FUZZY, if you're out there somewhere in our world, I hope you is done, too, check in when you can.  And SPECIALK, I wonder how you are, too, seems like something was going on with you, forgot.  RUFF, another special friend, glad you made it thru, too.  DIVINE, see you in rads!  MICHELLE, thanks for leading our group.  ALL, I often think of those dark days in spring when we were all holding tight to each other, in disbelief and misery over all this cancer routine.  Well, for me, I've already started unplugging my sick self from the life support machine, and will just float away,  to the moon and stars and morning sunsets and quiet gazebo overlooking our meadow, hearing the creek, maybe a few birds left, and I shall thank the Good Shepherd for sparing me from so many things that have gone wrong with my sweet chemo sisters along the way.  So, I say bye bye for now, and bless each and every one of you for the rest of your LONG long lives.  Always, Gail

MamaV

Getting my port out on Wednesday next week!  Kind of nervous about it - like am I jinxing myself taking it out?  Am I going to need it again?

SpecialK

jenn_h - Sorry you are burned from rads - I met a lady at a function at Moffitt Cancer Center who showed me her burn, it looked painful.  Glad rads was the one thing I was able to escape.  Gluing the fluff to the shirt - awesome!  Yes, we do what we gotta do, don't we?  My hair is also a salt and pepper mix - more salt than pepper right now!  People actually think I cut my hair this way - I am quite surprised by that!

dogeyed - You sound like you have been busy!  Good for you!  I say don't answer the door even if it is the law!  I was dealing with a recalcitrant UTI - antibiotic resistant - it took a week to find the right one that I was not allergic to!  It finally went away, so all is well for today, at least!

MamaV - Let us hope that none of us need a port ever again! That being said, I am not going to have mine out for a while, mainly because of the HER2+. I will be using it until February but many MO encourage leaving it in for a while if one is HER2+.

charlottesmama

Hey ladies! I'm going to drag show (not like I've never been to one) on Saturday. The Queen who organized this a few years ago in memory of his mom who died from bc, uses the funds to purchase wigs for our local LGFB program. Funny thing is after I volunteered at LGFB to be made up (I wear minimal makeup) I said I looked like a drag queen! This should be fun! One of the few Pinktober events I've wanted to participate in. WHHEEEEE! Fierce. Snap.

SpecialK

charlottesmama - have a blast!  I want to go too, but will be visiting my in-laws.  Somehow that just doesn't sound like nearly as much fun...  Maybe we can dress my FIL up and put some makeup on him?  Snap is right!

dragonfly1

Charlottesmama That definitely sounds like the event to attend this month-love it!!!

jenn_h

Got some ick news today...went to the gyn for my yearly pap and my ovaries were very enlarged. Off tomorrow for CAT scan and bloodwork...Can't help but say I'm a little freaked out...any words of wisdom, comfort or even hilarity out there?

SpecialK

jenn_h - oh boy, I have nothing funny for you, but I can say I will be sending you lots of positive vibes.  Could this be from your ER supressor?  Was an ooph on your radar?

jenn_h

What is an ER supressor K? Because I am ER+? I guess my biggest concern was that my GYM looked so concerned, he didn't try to reassure me that it was anything else, I think that's why I'm so scared right now...