2012 sisters

jpmomof3

Thanks Tazzy!  THe trim did the hair good.  I have it spiked in my avatar photo and it makes it look bigger! 

jpmomof3

Thanks Tazzy!  THe trim did the hair good.  I have it spiked in my avatar photo and it makes it look bigger! 

jpmomof3

whoops, this website seems to be having connection problems lately.

allurbaddayswillend

MrsC, I added a couple of drops of lemon juice to my ice water to help make it more palatable. whatever it takes. I drank some ginger ale and some Hansen's Spritzers too. All on LOTS of ice. I got mouth ulcers. The baking soda swish I didn't like - stung my raw tongue, I had HUGE tongue sores - so I switched to doing an oil mouthwash in the mornings. I take about a 1/2 TB of a good oil (organic sesame or something) and hold it or gently swish it in my mouth for about 20 minutes. I stopped having mouth sores after I started doing that. I'd start a couple days after chemo and do it about a week. I'm doing it again on Taxol just for the third and fourth days. Is working so far except the first week when I wasn't sure what SE's I'd have from Taxol.

I asked my chemo nurses about icing fingers and toes. They said that is an "old school" practice and they don't do it because they want us to have good circulation and make sure the chemo "goes everywhere". So, that's their take and I didn't ask my MO but I will try to remember next week.

 It will be okay. (((HUG)))

Tazzy

Dont you find it interesting that we can have the same chemo drugs and each facility has different views on what works and what doesn't. Guess we can only do what works for us and what feels right, and what our healthcare team advises.   Our cancers and treatments are as individual as us. 

Chrisrenee77

Hi all,

I was diagnosed with IDC 4 mos ago yesterday at 35. I had a double mastecromy in june w/o recon. My surgeon was not sure how advanced it was as far as it going into the nodes. My mastectomy was not so bad. However, i just had the TE expanders placed 9/11/12 this surgery is a pain in the butt. I did not realized there were so many of us diagnosed this year. I like everyone else did not realize that i would become a member of this exclusive club.



I was told that the final report showed i had DCIS &IDC stage 2. No lymphs were involved. No chemo or rad needed.

As far as normalcy goes i dont know if i will ever trust my body again. I was in such denial when the diagnosis came down. I thought i had done what i was supposed to do, get a physical every year. I had gone to my Gyn last aug and she did the breast exam and didnt find anything, when in for my first EVER mammo on my 35th bday got called back the next day for sonos the following day for bilat biopsies and results on that friday. Honestly, it was the worst birthday ever. Im glad that there is a site thats specifically for us to tell about our experiences.



Good luck to everyone undergoing treatments and having surgery in the upcoming days, weeks, or months



Christy

Chrisrenee77

Hi all,

I was diagnosed with IDC 4 mos ago yesterday at 35. I had a double mastecromy in june w/o recon. My surgeon was not sure how advanced it was as far as it going into the nodes. My mastectomy was not so bad. However, i just had the TE expanders placed 9/11/12 this surgery is a pain in the butt. I did not realized there were so many of us diagnosed this year. I like everyone else did not realize that i would become a member of this exclusive club.



I was told that the final report showed i had DCIS &IDC stage 2. No lymphs were involved. No chemo or rad needed.

As far as normalcy goes i dont know if i will ever trust my body again. I was in such denial when the diagnosis came down. I thought i had done what i was supposed to do, get a physical every year. I had gone to my Gyn last aug and she did the breast exam and didnt find anything, when in for my first EVER mammo on my 35th bday got called back the next day for sonos the following day for bilat biopsies and results on that friday. Honestly, it was the worst birthday ever. Im glad that there is a site thats specifically for us to tell about our experiences.



Good luck to everyone undergoing treatments and having surgery in the upcoming days, weeks, or months



Christy

Chrisrenee77

Hi all,

I was diagnosed with IDC 4 mos ago yesterday at 35. I had a double mastecromy in june w/o recon. My surgeon was not sure how advanced it was as far as it going into the nodes. My mastectomy was not so bad. However, i just had the TE expanders placed 9/11/12 this surgery is a pain in the butt. I did not realized there were so many of us diagnosed this year. I like everyone else did not realize that i would become a member of this exclusive club.



I was told that the final report showed i had DCIS &IDC stage 2. No lymphs were involved. No chemo or rad needed.

As far as normalcy goes i dont know if i will ever trust my body again. I was in such denial when the diagnosis came down. I thought i had done what i was supposed to do, get a physical every year. I had gone to my Gyn last aug and she did the breast exam and didnt find anything, when in for my first EVER mammo on my 35th bday got called back the next day for sonos the following day for bilat biopsies and results on that friday. Honestly, it was the worst birthday ever. Im glad that there is a site thats specifically for us to tell about our experiences.



Good luck to everyone undergoing treatments and having surgery in the upcoming days, weeks, or months



Christy

Chrisrenee77

Hi all,

I was diagnosed with IDC 4 mos ago yesterday at 35. I had a double mastecromy in june w/o recon. My surgeon was not sure how advanced it was as far as it going into the nodes. My mastectomy was not so bad. However, i just had the TE expanders placed 9/11/12 this surgery is a pain in the butt. I did not realized there were so many of us diagnosed this year. I like everyone else did not realize that i would become a member of this exclusive club.



I was told that the final report showed i had DCIS &IDC stage 2. No lymphs were involved. No chemo or rad needed.

As far as normalcy goes i dont know if i will ever trust my body again. I was in such denial when the diagnosis came down. I thought i had done what i was supposed to do, get a physical every year. I had gone to my Gyn last aug and she did the breast exam and didnt find anything, when in for my first EVER mammo on my 35th bday got called back the next day for sonos the following day for bilat biopsies and results on that friday. Honestly, it was the worst birthday ever. Im glad that there is a site thats specifically for us to tell about our experiences.



Good luck to everyone undergoing treatments and having surgery in the upcoming days, weeks, or months



Christy

Chrisrenee77

Hi all,

I was diagnosed with IDC 4 mos ago yesterday at 35. I had a double mastecromy in june w/o recon. My surgeon was not sure how advanced it was as far as it going into the nodes. My mastectomy was not so bad. However, i just had the TE expanders placed 9/11/12 this surgery is a pain in the butt. I did not realized there were so many of us diagnosed this year. I like everyone else did not realize that i would become a member of this exclusive club.



I was told that the final report showed i had DCIS &IDC stage 2. No lymphs were involved. No chemo or rad needed.

As far as normalcy goes i dont know if i will ever trust my body again. I was in such denial when the diagnosis came down. I thought i had done what i was supposed to do, get a physical every year. I had gone to my Gyn last aug and she did the breast exam and didnt find anything, when in for my first EVER mammo on my 35th bday got called back the next day for sonos the following day for bilat biopsies and results on that friday. Honestly, it was the worst birthday ever. Im glad that there is a site thats specifically for us to tell about our experiences.



Good luck to everyone undergoing treatments and having surgery in the upcoming days, weeks, or months



Christy

mcook301

Hi



I haven't read through all the post today but I want to reach out and share a story and it helps me so I hope it helps a little for all of you. My cousin was dia w Bc at the age of 33 and when I found out back then I did not reach out to her. I saw her at a local event and her hair was short and I knew she had been dealing with treatments the past year but I was not sure what to say to her so I did not even approach her that day. Four years later she was the first person to reach out to me that had went through some of what we had gone through. When I got that first phone call from her, I was so relieved and for that moment I felt I could do this. She is a four year survivor and did Chemo, surgery, herceptin and still tamoxifen. She is the one that I called when I was driving around and sitting in front of great clips trying to get the courage to cut off my hair. She told me that it is hard but remember you are fighting for your life and it will grow back. She also sent me two beautiful hand me down scarves to wear. She had two children and told me stories of losing her temper with her kids, mom and husband. She said during chemo she had many days she could not get off the sofa. She is the one and I quote this saying because I also was this way, "I am a big weeny and if I can get through it so can you" for me I needed to hear this from someone who had dealt with this stuff and it helped me so much especially in the beginning. She had a lumpectomy and of course like myself is always fearful if reoccurrence. She had been on. Tamixofen and said compared to every thing else it had been easy and minimum side effects. She is at year four with that. She reaching out to me every once and awhile now but I always cherish those moments and I will never be scared to reach out to any Person again because of my insecurities about what to day say. I hope it helps a bit to share a bit of her story and I know that her journey might different than mine and yours but I love that she was someone I could turn to when I was so scared and did not think I could get through what I have. I had no choice but many times I thought I would run and hide and try and ignore the fact my life just been thrown into a tornado that did not seem to stop. For now I am seeing a light at the end of this fucking tunnel but it has changed me and I will try hard to deal and accept the new me:) some days are easier than others. I cry one day and forget the next for s few hours about all this



I hope that all you going through treatments chemo etc continue to realize you are strong but also it is ok to be weak and both Normal and ok:)



Sending lots of hugs!

Soyaandpepper

Chrisrenee7- Welcome to this group. We're here to support and listen!

mcook301- That is a really great story and I'm glad that you have someone in person who knows exactly what you're going through! 

Tazzy

mcook... your tale reminded me of something I originally read on one of these boards when I first started here....! 

Here's the link for all to read:  I think we can all relate.  And now when we ask why people say stupid things to us, maybe we used to be those people without realising.

Anyway enjoy.  Wish I could remember what thread it was off?????

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jeff-tomczek/cancer-advice_b_1628266.html

Nkb

Tazzy- wow. Loved the article. Thanks for posting it!

ColoradoGal

My oncologist is very proactive in preventing nausea.  Let him/her know about your concerns and ask the to adjust your chemo drip.  My OC had the first 30 min. of my drip as anti nausea drugs, the benedrly (sp) to keep any allergic reactions at bay and then, finally the chemo. 

Never had nausea or any other reaction except the tired, etc., expected side effects.

shockd

Tazzy - thanks for that article.  Just what I needed.

teeballmom

Chrisrenee: welcome to the group. Everyone here is very supportive.



McCook: Thank you for sharing your lovely story.



Take care everyone.

shockd

McCook - thanks for the story too, I forgot to add that.  A couple of people have reached out to me too, and I am so thankful that they told me that this whole thing was "survivable".  And thank goodness the crappy days only come in ones, so far.  

Tazzy

mcook... another thing I did was write down my SE's on a daily basis and took that we me to my next appt. with my MO.   You think you'll remember, but you dont.  

Glad you all liked the article.  

Have a good day everyone.   Lovely and sunny here again today.   Going to get stuff ready for my DH going on a fishing/camping weekend.  

allurbaddayswillend

Tazzy, Thanks for linking to that essay. It's so perfect and helpful.  - When I asked the nurses about icing nails, I thought they'd respond, "We can do that if you want..." or something like that. I hear about it so much around here that I was a little surprised. Our chemo room is so dang cold though that I think I get the same effect even with a couple of their flannel balnkets piled on...

MrsCich

Thanks Tazzy for your advice. My onc also said no ice for hands snd feet.



Chrisrenee, welcome to the family. I've had my TE's for one month this Sunday. They are awful but I would like to report that I was able to roll on my side last night!!!! Yay! I didn't stay there long but it wasn't excruciating like it was when I tried before. Just curious, how much did your PS put in your TE's? Have you gotten a fill? I'm supposed to get my first fill Monday.



Well, the Decadron hasn't really had any sideffects thank god. I'm not "nuttier than squirrel crap." Lol. I did notice I'm breathing heavier and more but nothing bad. Tomorrow I sit in the BGC. A little nervous. Ok A LOT!!! They said they have drinks and snacks there but I'm bringing a little something because I will be there from 1030 till whenever (they said about 4 hours). Bringing a laptop and snacks. Anything else I should bring? I know I'm getting pre meds but I asked if I get Benadryl and she said no. I only asked because I needed to know if I could drive home. However, I'm taking a Xanax before I go and possibly more while I'm there so I won't be driving.



Love to all.

chrissera

MrsCich, good luck tomorrow. You'll be fine... remember to drink... I bring a 32 oz water bottle with me and sip it throughout the session.



HUGS to all...

MrsCich

I know everyone preaches water, water, water. How much water do y'all drink?? I'm on water bottle 6 right now but it's not going to be finished. Lol. I'm dying. I've downed about 100 oz today. Good, bad??

Anonymous

Been spending the past two days mostly in bed dealing with AC round 3, but been keeping up with you ladies. Too foggy brained to respond to all. Hanging in there and glad to have 3 under my belt.

Mrscich - sounds like you're doing great with the water. Just do the same tomorrow. Sounds like your list of things to bring - assuming you include water in there - is a good one. I usally bring some snacks, water, a book, and some games to play with my hubby. Probably shoulda added xanax to that list for this last round! Good luck tomorrow. We'll all be with you!

Question for you ladies who have had cytoxan. Anyone get bladder irritation? Been struggling with some abdominal pain since yesterday and today the triage nurse proclaimed it to be bladder irritation from the cytoxan. Any tips on what I can/should do to help it pass - aside from push fluids like she said? I left them with a urine sample so I assume they'll have more info for me tomorrow - but just curious if any of you have experience to share. 

Thanks - and hope you all have a restful and SE-free evening. I'm off to pop a piece of ginger gum to settle my tummy.

Chrisrenee77

Mscich,

I know the feeling of accomplishment of the first roll. I was on my side for like a nano second. Lol! I was eventually told to prop myself up with 3 pillows basically sitting up. Its actually not so bad.



When i came out of surgery my PS had put 250ccs in each. I have since had two fills. My first was one week after surgery and i had 100ccs filled. My second was this past tuesday and again 100ccs was filled. If you havent had one yet heres my one piece of advice. See if you can find liquid lidocaine. Apply that about 10 mins before your fill. It doesnt really hurt but itsnot that comfortable either.



Good luck with your TE's i was just so excited to have boobs again.after being flat for three months. I currently go around to my family and say you have got to feel these! Haha



Christy

Chrisrenee77

Mscich,

I know the feeling of accomplishment of the first roll. I was on my side for like a nano second. Lol! I was eventually told to prop myself up with 3 pillows basically sitting up. Its actually not so bad.



When i came out of surgery my PS had put 250ccs in each. I have since had two fills. My first was one week after surgery and i had 100ccs filled. My second was this past tuesday and again 100ccs was filled. If you havent had one yet heres my one piece of advice. See if you can find liquid lidocaine. Apply that about 10 mins before your fill. It doesnt really hurt but itsnot that comfortable either.



Good luck with your TE's i was just so excited to have boobs again.after being flat for three months. I currently go around to my family and say you have got to feel these! Haha



Christy

MrsCich

Ramols, at my cancer center no one is allowed in their while you're getting your chemo. Which I'm ok with. People annoy me. Lol my onc said bladder infections is a side effect so it's highly possible. I have no advice though. Sorry.



My dr said if I'm still anxious while I'm there they'll give me more Xanax in my IV. So....we will see.

Chrisrenee77

Mscich, take all the xanax you can get. Im sorry you are having to go through that.

Chrisrenee77

Mscich, take all the xanax you can get. Im sorry you are having to go through that.

MrsCich

Lol. No one is touching these things. I got 400cc in each while in the OR. Im way more flat chested than I was pre surgery. I had immediate nipple sparing reconstruction. I have a raw spot on my left breast where my horizontal incision meets my vertical incision. He hasn't wanted to do a fill because of it, not sure why really. My nips are umm, not pretty. My right one is attached nicely but the center of it (where the tip would be) is raw and almost gauged out looking. He doesn't seem to have a problem with it and he knows what he's doing so I will leave him be. My husband has to change my dressing though because I start to have a panic attack.