March 2012 chemo

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  • IndigoMont11
    IndigoMont11 Member Posts: 1,095
    edited July 2012

    LOL on the hair regrowth!  I have the fine fuzzies too - a few of them are surprisingly long (like about an inch).  I've always had a silly bad habit of playing with my hair, and I keep "petting" my head too.  DS#1 said I should wait to dye it and see how I look with silver hair - but I don't know if my vanity can handle it.  It'll be awhile before there's enough to dye, anyway.  And - tra-la-laaa! I can tell for sure that my eyebrows are growing back.  I am actually really surprised at that.  It's been kind of fun creating perfect ones with makeup, not that I'm sad about them growing back.  Now the mystery is, will anything fall out again and when will the unwanted stuff start sprouting?  I hope the latter takes a really long time.

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  • lanagraves
    lanagraves Member Posts: 596
    edited July 2012

    Note to Self: Never google rib pain and sclerosis. Most of you know about my rib issue that started around Memorial Day. X-ray showed a possible hairline fracture. The thing is, the tenderness is still there, not getting worse but not getting better either. The xray also showed "possible sclerosis" which both my MO and RO, as well as their nurses, said was nothing to worry about. Also nothing showed on PET scan. But, curious me, googled rib pain and sclerosis, of course, because the tenderness is not going away. Scary stuff! Apparently, there are only a few possible causes of sclerosis in the ribs and among the most common - metastasis from breast cancer. So, if I didn't have enough to worry about - there's something else.

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  • kltb04
    kltb04 Member Posts: 1,051
    edited July 2012

    Lana - Ok, I tried to do some empathetic googling on your behalf!  It's kind of hard to find info on just "sclerosis" and rib pain.  So is the possible sclerosis in the same area as the hairline fracture?  Could it just be some healing from that or another injury?  I know it is worrisome :(

    Indigo - Yay for hair - I can tell mine is coming in with lots of grays - I think it will be fun to experiment with color once it is long enough.  And yay for eyebrows...mine are still there for me to powder them in where I don't actually have to use a pencil and draw anything.  I could swear that my eyelashes are growing in a little too - I actually used some mascara last night - but I have weirdo ones that are still long/never fell out.  Very strange.  I ruined my first pair of falsh lashes so I bought a cheap pair last night (and I do mean cheap) at...Dollar General.  Wahoo - nothing like the redneck falsh eyelashes.  They are more for fun anyway.

    Well, I had fun going out to eat with friends last night and catching up.  When I was running errands before I went, it was SSOOOOO hot - like 108! - and so I said forget covering the head and I went bald.  Didn't get a second glance - that I noticed anyway.  Quite empowering, lol!

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  • QuinnCat
    QuinnCat Member Posts: 3,456
    edited July 2012

    My hair is growing post-Taxol and even while taking Carboplatin.  I was shocked to be able to actually be able to grab it. Maybe "pinch" is a better word.  It's so soft and fun to touch.  I've been dying my hair for 18 years now, so I finally get to see what it looks like au naturel.....mostly white, with some dark gray. (I turned gray very young, lol)

    lana - sometimes google is just plain scarey.  I like that nothing showed on the PetScan.  The PetScan apparently shows more than necessary, so if it doesn't show up on that test, seems like you shouldn't worry.

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  • KCB
    KCB Member Posts: 365
    edited July 2012

    Hi Ladies! Just wanted to say hi to you all.. At the cottage with sketchy reception, so my opportunities are few to write. Today is the official end, in my mind, of my chemo: end of the third week after last injection. Done. So very very done. It's feeling good to be away from home, from all the reminders of BC, to the point where I sort of dread going back to that house where the nightmare all happened. Ok I'll get over that. But it IS so good to breathe fresh air, swim

    In the lake, look at the stars and the beautiful green and blue of it all. This is healing stuff.

    Hair: soft fine fuzz mostly.. Darker bits around my ears, looking pretty funny! But rubbing the new fuzz is gratifying. Unfortunately still look bald.

    Lana: google can be bad for one's sanity... But of course you want to get this rib thing looked into, that's only natural.

    Kltb: amazing that you went topless, and more amazing that no one gave you a second look!! Oh, I love that!

    I am so enjoying the Olympics btw.

    Love to all.

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  • Sissydi
    Sissydi Member Posts: 516
    edited July 2012

    Argh! My port is clogged up......I have to go get a procedure done to clear it next week; their going to go in a vein in my leg and up to the port to clean off the tip! Yuck!

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  • onvacation
    onvacation Member Posts: 1,344
    edited July 2012

    oh Sissy - that doesn't sound fun!  Hope it is painless and works!

    Hair - well it is starting to grown on my head - yea!  No eyelashes still and brows are mighty thin.  I am ready to get all of them back - just saying!

    Hope eveyone has a lovely evening! 

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  • lanagraves
    lanagraves Member Posts: 596
    edited August 2012

    Not sure if it could be from the fracture healing. Docs didn't seem very worried about it, and neither was I...until I googled it.

    Re: hair - mine is very visible now, maybe an eighth of an inch long. Of course, I've been going bald for weeks now. It's just too hot for caps and wigs. Not sure if I still get funny looks. I don't notice anymore.

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  • MichelleMassey
    MichelleMassey Member Posts: 213
    edited August 2012

    Hi all! Well I've had a crappy few days. They changed my HER2 status to positive. I was counting down to my last 2 taxol and now they've started me on herceptin for a year. Was also set up for my mastectomy with DIEP reconstruction and now I have to have rads. So just get mastectomy. Here I thought I was getting to the end of the road and now have way more to go.



    Re hair- mine is growing in in a friar tuck kind of way. Finally starting to grow on top though. I'm constantly rubbing it also. I've always had course hair so this baby soft hair is nice.

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  • IndigoMont11
    IndigoMont11 Member Posts: 1,095
    edited August 2012
    triplem - whaaaa?  Why did they change the HER2 status so long after your dx?  I'm sorry too about the change as far as your surgery.  Hang in there - I'm waiting a loong time for recon too. 
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  • IndigoMont11
    IndigoMont11 Member Posts: 1,095
    edited August 2012

    Sissy - sure hope the port clear is quick and painless!

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  • lostinmo
    lostinmo Member Posts: 922
    edited August 2012

    triplem-why did it get changed now? 

    Sissy- hope they get your port cleared and it's quick and pain free.

    Off for my post surgery appointment at this horrific hour of the day. Got the call yesterday and my appointment with the RO is August 9th. So I'm slowly moving ahead again.

    Good day for all! 

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  • Alicethecat
    Alicethecat Member Posts: 535
    edited August 2012

    Congratulations KCB!

    Fantastic news that you have finished chemo. I remember your challenges and am so pleased that you are done with it. Superb!

    My final infusion is on August 17 and I am counting down the days.

    So pleased to hear you are enjoying a summer holiday.

    Best wishes

    Alice the Cat 

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  • Alicethecat
    Alicethecat Member Posts: 535
    edited August 2012

    Hi March Chemo Marchers 2012 and those looking ahead to treatment

    I'm doing very well after my seventh chemo infusion (round three of Taxotere). A 20% reduction in the original dose has resulted in no side-effects! I'm in day 6 of the day 5,6,7 days of low neutrophils and feeling great.

    So please take heart. It is not all doom and gloom! If you get the right dose for you, you could get a pleasant surprise.

    Best wishes

    Alice the Cat

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  • KCB
    KCB Member Posts: 365
    edited August 2012

    Thank you Alicethecat! I will be counting down with you for Aug 17...so hard to believe we are really at the end of this chapter.

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  • lostinmo
    lostinmo Member Posts: 922
    edited August 2012

    Yippee!  One less Dr to keep up with. Was told I didn't have to go back to BS unless my MO needed them for something. We won't think about what that could possibly be. I did get a script for gabapentin to see if helps with the nerve pain in my arm. And I can wear my regular bras again. Just have to figure out how to stuff the one side until I can get fitted in 2 weeks. 

    I feel positive about things again! 

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  • MichelleMassey
    MichelleMassey Member Posts: 213
    edited August 2012

    Lost-so glad to hear you're feeling good! You give me hope for when I have my mastectomy. Hopefully I bounce back like you did.



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  • Myleftboob
    Myleftboob Member Posts: 1,469
    edited August 2012

    Lost

    You can buy little soft lightweight foobs to fill you in.  A pair came with the cami I bought for post MX and it was enough to fill the gap until I could wear a prostesis 6 weeks later.  Even wearing that made a huge difference in how I felt.  My GF came with me to the shop and when I came out with it on she said the difference in the look on my face was priceless.  It was just nice feeling balanced and so less obvious what had just happened to by body.

    Sounds like you're doing great attitude wise which is half the battle!

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  • lostinmo
    lostinmo Member Posts: 922
    edited August 2012
      I couldn't resist!
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  • lostinmo
    lostinmo Member Posts: 922
    edited August 2012

    I found that can get fitting here in town so I stopped in to ask questions. The woman was extremely nice and made me feel very comfortable with everything. So when it's time I don't think I will be too nervous about it. MLB-she sent me home with a lttle cotton one and some batting for it to use for now. The sad thing is looks about like my real one.

    triplem-I have faith that you will do fine when it comes time. If it wasn't for my range of motion issues in my arm I would say I feel like I did before the Drs ever got ahold of me. Meaning I feel better than I have in 5 months. 

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  • KCB
    KCB Member Posts: 365
    edited August 2012

    Um. Can I just say, if one more peson makes "affectionate" pirate comments to me (with me in my scarf) I will just possibly scream.

    Nice people, too... Really. What is that? I try to maintain a sense of humor, and I like to think I've done quite well... And I've handled these comments well, but turn away and fight the tears after the 5th time or whatever it is, at the insensitivity (not to mention lack of frigging originality!!!) I mean it's not like I CHOSE to lose all my f-ing hair!!!

    Sorry, I'm mad. And now, can you believe it, I am actually second guessing myself on never having worn a wig. I just looked ridiculous in it. And the hats didn't suit me either. Unbelievable.

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  • onvacation
    onvacation Member Posts: 1,344
    edited August 2012

    KCB - don't second guess yourself!  Do what feels right to you.  People are just dumb sometimes!  (((HUGS)))

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  • lanagraves
    lanagraves Member Posts: 596
    edited August 2012

    KCB - if it makes you feel any better, I went to the car dealership last week to get my oil changed and a bald car salesman came up to me and said "can I do this? People do this to me all the time." while he was rubbing the top of my head. (I gave up on head coverings and started going bald several weeks ago). I just laughed - what else could I do?

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  • KCB
    KCB Member Posts: 365
    edited August 2012

    Thanks Ladies! I may just ditch the headcoverings too... That'll give them something to talk about!

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  • Myleftboob
    Myleftboob Member Posts: 1,469
    edited August 2012

     Lost

    I swear the ladies that run mastectomy shops are angels.  I know for me only being 10 days post op and how gentle and non freaked out my gal Diane was made me feel so at ease.  I had the same cotton batten filled ones, you don't want anythig too heavy for sure.  When I got the prostetic 6 weeks later its made of silicone and much heavier.  Took me a bit to get used to but now I don't even notice it.

    Lana

    I can't believe that salesman actually did that!?  A few years ago my old boss had a client come in and she was bald and absolultley stunning.  I never asked her anything about it because I assumed really that she was a model or something and that was her look. I also didn't ask because she didn't volunteer any info about so I just figured it was none of my business.  I'll have to thank my parents for raising me with good sense and manners. 

    KCB

    Back to the manners issue!!  I think people don't know what to say and feel they have to say something and think their doing well by trying to be funny. NOT! You wear or don't wear whatever you're comfortable in. 

    I am off for a SIMA test this morning to see what my EF is before my Herceptin TX. It was 56 last time so we'll see what it is now.  I'm  a bit run down this week, developed a lovely cold sore and somehow got pink eye.  On Valtrex and eyedrops for the next few days I just look lovely LOL!.  F it on wearing the wig today to the hospital, its a ball cap for me.

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  • kltb04
    kltb04 Member Posts: 1,051
    edited August 2012

    KCB - glad you are having a good vacation!  I know what you mean about the negative association with being at home and the BC.  I am finding that I have that with my parents new house.  That is why/when they moved up here (at my dx) and therefore the first few times I went over there that is all I was thinking about.  I know, it's weird but that's the way I feel (haven't told them that though).  As far as the headcoverings do what you feel comfortable with.  Pirate comments?  People can be morons!

    lana - um, awkward!  I guess all you can do is laugh if someone does something like that!

    mlb - I agree, I don't see how people with decent manners can do and say such things!  Ah pink eye, hate that!  I haven't had that in years but one time I had it so bad, I actually wore an eye patch because it was so runny and yucky. Hey, if you did that and wore a scarf, you could be a pirate like KCB! ;)  Let us know on the SIMA test.

    Sissy - UGH on the port - that sounds dreadful.  Let us know when you will have the procedure.

    Michelle - oh wow...that sucks.  So did the HER2+ status affect the rads decision?  Rads is my current obsession these days.

    Alice - you are finishing right as I am - my last chemo is the 13th.  Glad the dose reduction is treating you well. 

    lost - glad things are moving forward for you!  And glad you are feeling well.  Love the cartoon!  There is a actually a sign in my kids' pediatrician office that says "please do not let your children take the tongue depressors.  We will dispense them as needed" (or something like that.  They are flavored!)

    onvacation - is Dad doing ok?  Everytime I see you post, I still think about him.

    Well, as for me, I had an appt with my BS on Wednesday and basically set up a rough time frame for surgery. She reiterated I was a candidate for lumpectomy and I reiterated that I wanted the BMX (to which she readily agreed). Said since we were doing the BMX there was no real need for another mammo or MRI because upon palpitating the area, she really can't feel the lump much at all. I would have liked to see exactly where we are with it but I guess I will find that out after surgery with the final path. And then there was the rads question again.  This is going to be my obsession for the next few weeks. She quoted me the stats of only having rads after MX with 4+ positive nodes or not getting clean margins. I guess I will have to wait til I meet with an RO to find out for sure but I am doing my own research on this gray area of having 1-3 nodes positive. I am finding that most research doesn't address neoadjuvant chemo though.  I just want to be armed with the info before I meet with an RO - right now my only argument is "I have read other people say...."

    Have an appt with my PS on Monday to discuss the specifics of size/type implants, etc...and I will also raise the radiation issue with him.  As far as when, BS says 6 weeks PFC so I am looking at end of Sept/beginning of October. If I was smart, once I am past that final treatment's side effects I would put forth a serious effort to start eating well and getting some exercise so I can go into surgery as strong as possible. 

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  • Myleftboob
    Myleftboob Member Posts: 1,469
    edited August 2012

    EF went up to 59 so I was good to go for another Herceptin TX!  It was really quiet today at the clinic because its a Civic holiday Monday.  The nurses said yesterday was crazy  and Tuesday should be too.  Had a great time watching the Olympics with the nurses.

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  • onvacation
    onvacation Member Posts: 1,344
    edited August 2012

    kltb- thanks for asking about my dad- he is progressing very slowly, really thought he would be much better by now.  Hoping for wome improvement soon!

    So happy it is Friday - wish I could say I had exciting things going on, but other than getting my dog groomed, nothing much going on - and I am actually ok with that!

    Enjoy the evening ladies! 

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  • Alicethecat
    Alicethecat Member Posts: 535
    edited August 2012

    KTLB

    I had no positive nodes after mastectomy or any invasion of the blood but I am still doing 12 rounds of radiation in September, every other day. 

    The thinking over here seems to be to treat an aggressive cancer (HER2+++) with aggressive treatment.

    Everyone is different, of course, so good luck with your research and decision.

    Best wishes

    Alice

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  • IndigoMont11
    IndigoMont11 Member Posts: 1,095
    edited August 2012

    Onvacation - best wishes for your dad's continued improvement!



    I told the MO about how awful I felt after last tx, and he prescribed a little extra steroid. He described how it would work, but I figured the instructions would be on the pill bottle, so I didn't take notes. When I picked up the scrip, the label said, "take as directed"! Uh, thanks! Of course, MO's office not available today for questions like that. The pharmacist did find the MO's notes online, and gave me a copy. Which is good, because when he (the pharmacist) tried to explain it to me, he didn't get it entirely right either. Geeeminy. Anyway, so two pills today, one tomorrow, and a half on the next day. Crossing my fingers. So far except for the crud taste in my mouth, and being just a little tired, doing okay.



    Hugs to everyone! Enjoying our less than 90 degree weather today; had the air conditioning off until the hot flashes got too unbrearable.

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