2011 Sisters

TinaT

Kymn:  Yay - way past the halfway mark!!!

justmejanis:  A good friend can be the best medicine.  Have fun!

madpeacock

I like that light at the end of the tunnel. I feel like I am at the other end and all I see is darkness stretching as far as I can see ahead of me. Had three different people call me yesterday to make sure I was not overcommitting myself for the upcoming months. I have preop Tuesday and my surgery is next Thursday (lumpectomy w/SNB). I'm not worried about that - I recover very quickly from surgery. I have a nagging little worry about the node bx, but my MRI was clear for anything other than the main tumor, so I'm hopeful that this will be it. But! Long weekend coming up and fun things planned with friends and college football on the TV (Go Dawgs!), so lots of good busy time! Have a great weekend and I hope everyone is feeling good!

justmejanis

madpeacock......I will be thinking of you as the surgery approaches.  Trust me, the hardest part for me with BC is the waiting.  I finally got done with that and just have to finish up my rads.  #9 today.  I am getting there!  I will be there with you Thursday and thinking CLEAR nodes!  In the meantime, enjoy your weekend. 

Thanks KRomano and Tina for the happy wishes.  It is so wonderful to have my friend Marica here.  She has been so upset since we moved here 14 months ago from Wyoming.  She treated us to a wonderful meal last night.  We just had such a great time.  I get to keep her until Tuesday, LOL.

Everyone feel well...better, stronger.  Take care please!  Enjoy your weekend!

AliciaNicole

HI girls!  I am new here and wondered if i could ask for some advice.  I was disanosed with with aggressive est+/prog+/ her-2+.  I have to decided to have a masectomy but am considering a double mascetomy and i wondered what people thought about it? like if they wish they did, if they wish they didn't. I also am bummed about losing my nipple but particually the feeling, is there anything that can be done about that yet?

no matter what will be I will be staying positive!

thanks for posting things about yourselfs! 

EvelynMarie

KRomano ... I am Her2+ and finished TCH on Aug.11. I am now on Herceptin every three weeks until April 2012. Are you doing TCH for 18 weeks? Or are you doing a different chemo regimen? If you are doing TCH, here is the link to the TCH discussion group: http://community.breastcancer.org/forum/69/topic/578284?page=4

I found it very helpful before starting my chemo. Reading what everyone has gone through gives you some idea of what to expect. You do have to read this remembering that each person is different and your side effects will be different. Some people do well in chemo and others do not.

I was one of those who did well. I was able to work full-time through the whole process, keep up with my housework and my exercise. You have to stay on top of your symptoms and deal with them as soon as they appear. For me the whole chemo process was about constant adjustment -- adjusting my diet, my work, my home ... but doing that made me able to stay on top of chemo.

Before chemo even starts, you have to prepare -- get a wig now because you will lose your hair between day 14 - 21. Whether you buzz your hair is entirely up to you. I did not. I just cut my remaining hair to about an inch off my head. It provided a nice cushion for my wig. Get a really good wig with lacy caps because those will stretch and allow your head to breathe. I had never before worn a wig and thought that they would be hideous to wear but they are really comfortable and I forget that I have it on, until I catch a glimpse in the mirror.

Chemo is not a walk in the park ... I had some bad moments and was hospitalized for four days when my white blood count went down to 0 and I was running a temperature, but for the most part, I did very well.

Good luck with your chemo. You will get through it although there will be moments when you feel that you couldn't possibly go through another infusion. But you will pull through just as we have. We are here if you need us.

EvelynMarie

http://notmytatas.blogspot.com/

KRomanoFight

Janis, looks like I may be getting traditional radiation.  Have to discuss today's appointment with my husband.  I can opt for traditional or enter into a study for IMRT vs. traditional rads.  So good luck with everything and keep posting updates so those of us who haven't, know what to expect.

Evelyn, thanks for the info.  I'm not sure what chemo I'll get yet, just that Herceptin is in my future.  Not real thrilled with that but we do what we need to.  I'm glad to get the updates and the advice so keep them coming.

Chris47

Hi,

I am new here!!  I also have surgery this Tuesday.  I am having a lumpectomy(2.5 cm) and the  will check the sentinal lymphnodes.  It  is all happening so fast !  Not sure how recovery will be!  I hope all goes with you!!!!Are you getting radiation afterwards??

Thanks

Chris

TinaT

Chris47 :  Welcome!  I hope all goes smoothly on Tuesday.  Yes, it's a strange experience, things seem to move too quickly and too slowly all at the same time.  Many of us find that once you know exactly what you're dealing with and a treatment plan is finally in place things are much easier.  Hang in there!!!

KRomanoFight

Chris:  welcome and sorry you need to be here.  No one wants to be dealing with this.  Yes, after chemo I'll be getting radiation.  Just finally settled on that today after meeting the RO.  Next Tues is the MO to set up the chemo.

I finally came to the realization that where we are with breast cancer today is way better then it was when my grandmother went through all this, and even then say 10 years ago.  We are now paving the way for other women as well.  We plug through this getting the most sophisticated treatment and not even thinking that years ago there were many radical mastectomies with muscle stripping. 

I actually couldn't feel better knowing that someone is watching over me right now.  The diagnosis could have been much worse.  I feel honored to be going through this with such strong fighting women who are always available for support.  What an amazing bunch. 

Feeling emotional tonight....with much love to you all!

KittyGirl2011

Chris and Alicia - welcome to the thread but sorry it has to be because of BC.  Good luck with your surgery.  Any questions or crying, ranting, or just plan want to talk feel free to go ahead.  We're all here to support you.  Kitty

Merlinda

My fourth and FINAL round of CT took place on Thursday.  Had my FINAL nuelasta injection this morning.  Now I am simply waiting on the FINAL rouns for SEs.  Should kick in on Sunday night and last 5 to 7 days (based upon my past rounds).  We set sail on our cruise on the 23rd of Sept Doctors want me to start Radiation Treatments on the 6th of October.  Moving on to the next challenge!

TinaT

Merlinda - Sounds like a tight schedule....but I like the part about the cruise! I hope you have a wonderful, restful time!!!

jenn333

Hi all - haven't posted in a few days. Things have been a bit of a whirlwind BUT I'm having surgery this coming Wednesday at UCLA - unilateral mastectomy with immediate DIEP reconstruction (gulp). As intimidating as the thought of major surgery is, I am SO ready to get this over with!



Good thoughts to all and welcome to the newbies (but sorry you have to be here).



Jenn

TinaT

jenn333 - Best of luck, Jenn! Keep us posted...

rjbaby69

Hey ladies.  Welcome to the new folks.  Had my first chemo last Thursday.  Then Friday went back for fluids and neulast shot.  So far, so good.  Tolerated everything well.  Today I got up with no bone pain and felt a little jittery.  Burst of energy after my morning coffee and paper reading and I have cleaned my house and am going to be doing some office work I brought home yesterday.  This is only my first treatment so I think as I get more, I may see more SE's.  Trying to do everything to keep myself healthy and strong and keep my blood levels up.  Right now, I don't have much of an appetite and I'm worried about that.  I may have to force myself to eat some small meals and snacks throughout the day.

On Thursday my daughter and I left early so I could go wig shopping.  Found me two wigs that I really liked.  One I got at the American Cancer Society.  The other one came from the Breast Center where I am being treated.  The best thing of all is that they were free!  I also got a toboggan to wear at night and a dew rag to wear around the house on the weekend.  So I am ready for the hair fallout.  My hairdresser will buzz my head when the time comes and will also style my wigs for me.  So I have my plans in place and just waiting for the time to come.

Wishing everyone a great rest of the weekend!

Hugs!

Merlinda

@rjbaby69... just wait, you symptoms should set it on Monday or Tuesday and last for 3 or 4 days.  (we appear to have had the same treatment regimen)  Just hang in there, you can bear this.  How many treatments do you have to go thru?

rjbaby69

Merlinda my onc first told me TC x 6 but when I got my folder at the first treatment, my calendar showed TC x 4.  So when I see him at my checkup Tuesday that will be one of my questions to ask and get clarification on.  Also the first time I saw him we did not have my oncotype score back.  When I went for treatment and met with him, he said he had gotten my score and it was 14 and that I had a 90% chance of this never occuring again.  That maybe why my calendar only shows 4 treatments.  After getting the score he may have changed his mind about the amount of treatment.  Don't know right now, but will definitely ask Tuesday.

If my symptoms do occur on Monday and Tuesday, that will be so bad.  Have to go back to work at both jobs Monday and the other job on Tuesday.  Have to work you know.  Hopefully SE's will be minimal.  We shall see. But I am ready for anything. Have my tylenol, immodium AD, ex-lax and clairiton. Ready for mouth sores too in case. Have script for mouthwash. Also have bio-tene sample that the onc's office gave me.

Here's to us and kicking the beast to the curb! We can do this!!!

Hugs!

Merlinda

rjbaby69,

I didnt get mouth sores.  My intense abdominal pain was easily addressed with a tablet pill the night before my CT session and Chewable Malox Tabs with the onset of cramps.

It seems as though the duration of my SEs increase by one day for each treatment.  MY hair began to falll out on day 12 after session one.  If you haven't, go ahead and get your wigs selected while you still have your hair. 

Any questions, please feel free to contact me.  Oh yeah, my Oncotype score was 31, I am very smalled framed and the doc only told me four CTs.  Glad it wasn't more. 

My body hurts all over today, are you getting Nuelata injections?  I had mine injections delivered to the house and I took the injection to a local provider for him to administer.

My round trip ditance to CT was 198 milkes.  ACS also helped offset the gas expenses as well.

rjbaby69

Hey Merlinda.  Hope you are doing well.

My daughter and I went the first day of my chemo and selected 2 wigs.  My hairdresser is on standby.  He will shave my head and make the wigs look more like "me".  So I'm ready.

I am sorry to say that Sunday was a very tiring day for me.  My kids came and we had Sunday lunch but I couldn't hardly wait for them to leave so I could lay down.  I took a 3 hour nap.  Felt really good.  I woke up with thrush!  Geez!  But I do have my mouthwash and so far it's working really well.

No sign of hair fallout yet but I do know it's coming.  Not sure how I'm going to feel about that.  Today was a good day.  Little tired but I handled all three jobs just fine.

There may come a time where I have to ask the ACS to help me with gas.  I live 35 miles away from my treatment center.  I have to have chemo every three weeks on Thursday, then I go back and have fluids and the neulasta shot on Friday.  So, no, they will not send the stuff to my primary physician since I have to have fluids.

But so far so good. I'm just worried that the next treatment will be worse than this one. But I'm going to rest when I need to and keep hydrated. I am trying to eat 6 small meals a day, but I didn't make it today. I only ate about 4.

Thanks so much for the info. I appreciate you. Talk to you soon.

Hugs!

NancyJill

Hi, I am also new on this thread--have been on August surgery group, too. I am through the initial shock, and lump/SNB went well. Still waiting and waiting to find out if I'm HER2 + or -; had to get a FISH test ordered because the first test back in mid-August was "equivocal." I didn't know until my first MO appointment last Friday that it was that critical in planning next steps. I agree with all the ladies who say that all this waiting, for every test and every result, is just awful. However, these boards help by sharing information and support. I am learning a lot about what Rads and CT may entail. I don't know yet if I am a candidate for CT or just Rads/hormone blocker. I am learning that I must manage stress better. Congrats to those of you finishing chemo and Rads!

Merlinda

QUESTION FOR THE GROUP:

I was telling a friend of mine (brain cancer survivor) about me beginning Radiation Treatment (R/T) in a few weeks and he suggested that I used Minnesote EMU Oil to prevent the usual skin breakdown that occurs with R/T.  My question is this:  Has ANYONE hear ever heard of EMU oil and its related uses?

Merlinda out for now...

DonnaKay

Hello Ladies! I am new to the Club. Found lump, had diagnostic mammo and us on Aug. 31. Got in with MD Anderson on Sept. 8&9 for another mammo and ultrasound, then two biopsis with us, a needle biopsy of lymph node, bloodwork, chest xray, bone scan and ct scan of abdomen. CT was clear, bone scan clear, bloodwork showed cancer markers were elevated, chest xray clear, biopsy of lymph node was clear. The biopsies on the breast showed 2 tumors, one 2.5 cm and the other 1.7. IDC, Grade 2.

I wish surgery was tomorrow, but I have to see the oncologist first. I should get an appt scheduled tomorrow. How long did you all have to wait for surgery? I hate not having a plan of attack. My nerves are on a roller coaster making me nauseous. I am not a candidate for lumpectomy because the tumors are in different quadrants. Just feel like it is taking so long ...

TinaT

DonnaKay - Hi Donna, sorry you've had to join us here.  I must say WOW, you have gotten a LOT accomplished in a very short time, most of us have not been so lucky to have things move along so quickly!  I know it feels like it's taking forever, but you're very fortunate.  The waiting is so difficult, but you should feel a bit more "in control" once your plan is in place.

I think most of us have been told that even though we know there's something in there that we just want OUT, the time spent gathering information and making the best plan is important.  I had to wait 2-1/2 months between my first biopsy and my surgery date.  I chose nipple-sparing mastectomies and immediate start of reconstruction so two surgeons have to be coordinated for the back to back surgeries.  I hope you have been made aware of nipple-sparing surgery.  Not everyone is a candidate, but it's definitely something to consider if it's a possibility for you!

In retrospect, I was chomping at the bit just like you, especially after I knew what the surgical plan was.  However, I think the waiting really gave me some time to start to let things sink in a bit, part of the acceptance process I suppose.  It must have been a good thing for me because I've done pretty well emotionally with all of this.

Please keep us posted with your progress and hang in there!!!

attypatty

Hello, sisters. I was diagnosed 9/9/11. IDC, stage not yet known since I have't had surgery yet. Good news- the tumor is grade 1, well-differentiated and small- less than 1cm. It's in my right breast and the left has fibrocystic changes that most likely won't need preventative treatment. All that new language aim learning explains what I have yet doesn't mean a thing! Truth is I fell like I am meeting death and all his friends and I don't much like them! So I will do whatever I have to to defeat them even if it means taking off both breasts! L'Chaim!

NancyJill

attypatty, this seems pretty great, considering. Grade 1 and small. It does mean something, but yes, you need to know more, like node status. You are not looking at death!  Forget that! DonnaKay, I was diagnosed 8/15 and had surgery 8/26 because who knows when metastasis really happens? My lymph nodes were clear. I had Lump and SNB. However, MX or BMX means a meeting with a plastic surgeon to discuss reconstruction options, so it takes more time. This is a bigger decision than Lump, I think. My cousin waited 8 weeks for her BMX surgery and she said she had needed time to evaluate all of her options, anyway. I wish I knew for sure if I were HER2 + or -. However, dealing with this uncertainty is easier than the initial weeks of waiting for biopsy and its results. I guess because we get used to being uncertain, and we see that having an initial plan feels good, and that it gets easier as we grow in confidence after our early decisions. I am going back to the cancer support center for another massage or energy treatment soon! It helped so much the day before surgery......and take anit-anxiety meds if needed!

DonnaKay

Thank you for all of your replies.   I really do feel so much better reading about your experiences.  The difference between yesterday and today is remarkable (regarding how low I felt and how much less low I am feeling today).     I plan to revisit you all often.  

I did forget to say that all the doctors I have asked about a lumpectomy tell me that I am sure I can find a surgeon who will do one, but they didn't think it was the best standard of care for me because the two tumors are in different quadrants.   That's okay, because now that I have had some time to get used to this idea, I just really want them both gone and reconstructed, but that may change after I actually see SURGEONS.  

Thanks again!!

khegidio

Hello everyone.  I was diagnosed with IDC breast cancer in my right breast and in one lymph node on 09/07/2011.  My tumor is about 2.4 cm. It is stage IIB.  

I have decided to do chemo first - for a number of reasons.  One of the reasons is because i decided to get the genetic bracanlysis test.  I wanted the results to help me determine what surgery I would get. I will have my surgery 3-4 weeks after my chemo treatments.

I have my port placement on Monday - followed by my CT scans.  My chemo begins next wednesday 09/21.  I am getting six rounds of TAC, 3 weeks apart. I will be on a decodron treatment the day before, of, and after chemo.  I will be getting a neulasta shot the day after chemo.  I am getting anti nausea - but I am not sure what it is and I will be getting it through my port. 

 I am scared of the treatment but have found some great information about how it impacted others through these forums.  I would love to have some 'chemo buddies' to help get through this. 

Any info/suggestions you ladies can provide I would appreciate greatly. 

TinaT

Hi to all the newbies here!  FYI, if you use the Search function at the top of the page you're likely to find threads for women having surgery or starting chemo or radiation the same month as you.  Simply type, for example, Chemo September 2011 or whatever you're looking for.  It really helps to move through it with others who are at the same stage.  Also, you'll find various reconstruction threads, etc.  Hang in there everybody!!! 

khegidio - Here's a thread for women starting chemo in September:

http://community.breastcancer.org/forum/69/topic/773805?page=6#post_2610584

(Edited: having trouble with links today.  You might need to cut and paste the link above into your browser window...)

Merlinda

I just order EMU oil.  I start Rads in three weeks, i will report here and let you all know if this "miracle oil" works for me.

nancygv55

Hello all, I am new here but finding this discussion group brought tears to my eyes.  Thank you, sisters, for all the information and encouragement found here.  I had a lumpectomy on August 25 and thought I was to start my Rads (learned that from you!) last week and had the end date etched on my brain but then saw the oncologist who suggested I go for the Oncotype DX testing.  Sooooo...more waiting which you are all familiar with.  I'll get the results next Tuesday then my Rad simulation Wednesday then hopefully I'm good to go.  I'm looking forward to getting to know you all better over the next couple of months.  I will pray any requests you put forth so feel free to do so.