2012 sisters

MirandaSW

Traveled to Colorado yesterday. Had my hisve and itching under control before we left but a few hours later they were errupted again amd sooo itchy.  But the time we got here I was ready to go to the hospital whrere I got Ativan, IV pred, and IV beneadryl...as if I havent taken them orallly all day. It worked for a bit. Hel

Now helped me sleep last night. But itchy today again.the entire back of my legs and butt.neck, arms, feet, hands and my scalp is covered in hives. Back to the ER I think. I think that IV stuff works better.This is day 4 of the bs.  Sooo hoping tomorrow will bring more relief. I have been taking oatmeal baths, slathering with calamine (which helps but not for very long), and multiple other creams, powders,

Honestley< I hate being chemo sick, but I would take that over this intense itching anyday.  Nice vacation so far , eh?

Happy thanksgiving to all of you celebrating!

halfcan

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone celebrating south of the border!   Hope you have an SE free day today and can eat all that yummy food!!!!  Hugs.

halfcan

Miranda - Geez...that sucks!!!  I hope those hives stop soon so you can enjoy your holiday!!!  Maybe another trip to the hospital is in order.  So sorry.  Hugs.

iatigger

Yikes Miranda, hope those hives get under control soon for you. I have had a couple experiences but nothing near as wide spread as yours. Non itchy thoughts coming your way. Find some yummy dessert to take your mind off them.

blackcat2012

I know this is going to sound weird but my mom used to use Bactine when she got hives and it worked to relieve the itching and swelling.  Just a thought....

juneaubugg

Miranda that sux!! So sorry. Hoping you can have a moment or two of peace today.



Happy Thanksgiving to all in the USA.

JenLex

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

Joanne_53, Juneaubugg, Liefie, Tazzy & Websister: Thank you for the warm welcome!

It feels good, but strange, to be finished with all my treatments!  Now I will concentrate on watching my hair grow; resuming running on the treadmill; losing the 15 pounds that found me during treatment (hope I can do that on tamoxifen) and planning a vacation for 2013 (think I've earned one!). 

Juneaubugg, I hope I can return to my old self, but I'll be just fine with whatever my new self is, too!  My new self may be 15 pounds heavier, but she possesses an inner strength that she didn't know she had on that day in January when she was diagnosed! 

Tazzy, you are so right--the comfort and support that the ladies in this group provide to each other is amazing.

See you in the 2013 Survivors Thread!!!!  (It feels good to type that!)

lisa2012

ditto- matress mambo is a cute expression, hadn't heard it before. I am now using Replens every few days to stay more "in shape" as the AIs dry you out even more. Lovely.

Happy Thanksgiving... my house smells so good as my husband cooks away. Both of our sons (24 and 26) are here- playing Scrabble and seeing who can cheat more. Nice feeling.

websister

Quick check-in, I won't try to address all that has happened on the thread since I last posted except that I am very happy with your negative results, Ramols and I too am impressed with your energy level in certain areas of your life

MirandaSW I also hope that this evening finds you much more comfortable than you have been over the last couple of days.

Tazzy - wishing you a wonderful time on your well deserved vacation, enjoy every minute

Liefie - enjoy Seattle, I hope you come back refreshed and ready to take on the last of the things you need to do before you travel again. By the way, I'm wondering what you are doing with your cat while you are gone for such a long period? You will miss your 'little darling'.

Half-Can - glad you are posting, do you think you are over the worst of it for this chemo? I hope so.

To the ladies south of the border, I add my wishes for a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend for all of you.

Take care.

jpmomof3

Thanksgiving. I am thankful to be done with my treatments and to be cancer free now. I am thankful for my oncologists and surgeons for guiding me through this and cutting the cancer out of me. I am thankful for chemo and radiation for killing any sneaking cancer cells. I am thankful for tamoxifen for increasing my chances of seeing my kids grow up.i am thankful to be alive.

Anonymous

Jpmom - amen! Couldn't have said it better. The whole "i am thankful for" piece of the holiday was so much more meaningful for me this year. I am simply happy to be alive. Hugs to all! Off to my next to last chemo txt tomorrow morning!

Nicole503

Hi ladies,

After a whole day smiling (despite discomfort) and assuring my extended family that I am doing "just fine", it's nice to come here and let my hair down ~ while I still have some!

I was diagnosed with a 4 cm IDC in my right breast on Halloween -- a fitting day for such a diagnosis.  We have Kaiser insurance and I am happy to say that since my diagnosis, I've had an MRI that found a suspicious 9 mm spot in my left breast, had a BMX which removed the cancer in my right breast (clear margins) and determined that the spot in my left breast was benign, my nodes in both arm pits were negative , and I am scheduled to meet a medical oncologist next Friday.  I have no idea whether I will need chemo -- I really know very little about how they determine the score that everyone seems to get that helps you decide.  It has been a whirlwind for sure and as our extended family came together for Thanksgiving, what I felt was exhausted.  There is a lot of gratitude too, for the good surgical outcomes, the support we've received, the excellent medical care I've experienced, and the community of breast buddies I am discovering.  But honestly, my number one emotion is exhaustion.  It's nice to be able to just admit that to people who understand.

Wishing everyone either happy shopping or peaceful resting tomorrow.  I'm definitely going for the latter!

mcook301

Happy Thanksgiving!



Hi everyone! Websister,lisa2012,jenlex,halfcan, juneaubug, and everyone one else I missed!





Ramols - I had the same thing before my one of my appointments docs ran a test due to not having my period since last August:) my bf and I were careful and I did not think there was a chance in heck. Glad u got you answer back:)



Jpmom- well said!



I am still dealing with pain and exhausted but I was at my moms today for thanksgiving and I went for an hour walk and it felt great. For some reason every time I come back to my home town I am so much more motivated maybe because it is less stress. I have a lot to be thankful for so I try really hard to remember this when I want to bitch or cry about this pain I am experiencing right now. But I can still feel pain and I can still spend time with my family and friends so things could be worse. This will pass and just another part of this journey. I really just want to raise my freaking arm can't wait till I can find the right doctor to help me.



It was the first time I had seen some of my family since my cancer journey today and I got a little over whelmed with all the questions so I just hid in my bedroom for awhile which is weird for me because I am usually the one who gets everyone laughing by being silly etc. cancer has changed that for me right now I just want to nest and stay in places I feel safe and secure. Usually tonight I would be out at the local pub seeing all my friends who are back and I had planned on it but just couldn't do it. It makes me a little sad I want my life back! I want to be happy again. I know these thoughts are because of the pain and no sleep but this shit is getting old and it has to stop. I am pissed I got through chemo, surgery and was healing pretty good then wham bam screw you Michelle let's give you another test of your strength. Sorry but Fuck off Cancer! You will not get the best of me!



Ahh I do know this will pass but hurry up dam it. patience has never been a strength of mine but I am learning.



Have a wonderful weekend Ladies! ((hugs))

mcook301

Nicole- missed you in my post. Yes it is nice to come here and be with everyone of us that gets it. Sorry you have to be here:)

websister

Nicole - adding my welcome, you've been through a lot in a very short time, I remember well the exhaustion surrounding that period of time and also almost a numbness like it had happened too fast to have really had time to take it all in yet.



Jpmomof3 - great to hear from you



McCook - sending hugs, glad you had a good walk, hope you are able to wave that arm in the air soon, are you still receiving Herceptin?



Ramols - I will be thinking of you as you have your treatment tomorrow, I have my last one booked for December 4th now and then it looks like a both of us will be continuing on with Herceptin in 2013

liefie

 Websister, so glad the end of chemo is in sight for you, and for Ramols it is tomorrow - yay!!! My cat will be staying at a place called 'The Catnap Inn' (sic!) where they take very good care of their 'guests'. The dog will be staying with a friend, which will save us a lot of money. Kennels are not cheap.

Nicole, welcome here in this place where we can let everything out. Your exhaustion is totally understandable, and I hope you will have a good rest tomorrow.

Jpmom, I can only say amen to your post.

Miranda, you poor thing! I really hope that itching goes away soon. It cannot be pleasant.

Oh Mcook, I know so well what you mean not wanting to see people and not going out. For a while there it was the same for me. It felt as if I had lost the confidence or desire to be among people, and I just wanted to hide in my house where I would not have to deal with anybody except my family. The chemo fatique was also part of it. For months I did not even have the confidence/energy to drive my car anywhere. As time went by, and I became physically stronger, my confidence returned, and I slowly eased back into normal life. I guess it will be the same for you as soon as you get the physical issues sorted out, and start to feel better.  Best wishes to you to get the shoulder issues sorted out!

Jenlex, congrats on finishing treatment! Now you can just focus on putting it behind you, and putting the new 'inner strength' to work! You're right, this experience leaves us much wiser, doesn't it?

Lisa2012, what a treat to have your boys home. Enjoy them!

halfcan

I'm reaching out for advice from you gals who have had nasty bone pain from the Nuepogen injections. It started yesterday and Ex. Strength tylenol isn't cutting it. I have been awake all night excepting an hour doze. Thankfully yesterday was the final shot this round. Last session the pain was shortlived but this time its ugly.

Thanks for asking websister....otherwise doing better. Yea...end of FEC!

KarenZ0305

Happy Black Friday ladies! I say this wrapped up in my blanket because I hate the mall on a good day!



Miranda - I so sympathize with you! Since my thyroidectomy I've had issues with hives. Whenever my body is trying to tell me something is wrong out they pop! First time I had no idea and went to the ER and a mom actually pulled her son closer to her when I sat down! Looked like I had leprosy head to toe! The last time was January of this year. One month before my diagnosis. Had to do lots of prednisone. Now I'm not trying to diagnose you or anything just wanted to say been there hate that and I hope it resolves soon! The baths helped me with the itching and gave me a little me time too!



Half can - I too had the pain and would take the Vicodin my MO gave me. That and my DH rubbing my back helped since that's where my pain mostly was. I hope it lets up soon and glad that was your last.



Nicole - welcome. This is a good place for you during your journey. I don't know what I would do without this group!



I hope everyone had a wonderful turkey day. Ours was going great until the kids fish died! My poor boy who's six was inconsolable. He's been talking about our dog who passed away two and a half years ago alot! He was 15 which is a great age for a shep/lab mix and John wouldnt go near him but I guess with all that is going on this year that is his way of being sad and expressing it? I don't know. Later today we will go to the store and get another.



Ladies hope you all enjoy your weekend with minimal or no SEs and good times with family if you are with them!



Karen

marianelizabeth

halfcan sorry about the bone pain. Are you having the Neopogen every day for 7 or every other day. My MO thinks every other day mitigates the bone pain. Who knows, but I have not had any. Anamerty went to very other day with severe bone pain and I think it helped first cycle but not sure as of now.

liefie, enjoy your trip!

Hope the weekend is good to all of us!

Marian

Anonymous

Juneaubugg~I haven't been on this thread for a good while. At that time, you were really struggling with wanting to stop chemo. I'm thinking now, that you continued, and are now finished with it. Am I right? Did it ever get easier?



I had mx (left) on Oct. 22. My surgeon is so meticulous! He gave me 4 drains for a single mx. Insisted on only removing 1 per week. I got the last one out Tuesday. He didn't want me to drive or use the left arm at all until next week when drains have been out for a full week. He even told me to find a new position to sleep cause he doesn't ever want me to sleep on the left side. Thank God I didn't have a bmx.



I had ct scan & bone scan on Wednsday to rule out mets, because of tumor size and number of positive nodes.



I'm hoping to start chemo next week.



Blessings

Paula

Cindi74

Halfcan, Are you taking Claridin 8 days after the Nepogen or Nulasta?  It works for some.  There was a clinical trial.  I cleared it with my Oncologist. 

Apparently only about 25% get the bad bone pain.  I have had none so far.  I give the Claridin credit, but I may just be part of the 75% who don't get it.

halfcan

I talked to my MO before about Claritan and he hadn't heard about the trial. I will ask him once again before next chemo if I can try it. Also doesn't want to do injections every other day. Sigh... Hope you all have a wonderful weekend with minimal SE's and many reasons to make you smile.

maryah930

Halfcan - There is a clinical trial, but it's randomized and I want the real thing! LOL  I just asked my MO about the claritan (not Claritan-D) and she said it was okay to take.  I got my neulasta shot yesterday and the bone pain is very minimal.  she did say it does not work for some, but I figured I had nothing to lose except the pain.

websister

Half-can - so sorry to hear about your bone pain. I am on the Neulasta and I do take Claritin for 7 days with my MO's permission, starting day of Neulasta, and I think it helps although I do still have pain. I also have Tylenol 3 prescribed if I need it, have used a few times.

Hugs

juneaubugg

Soteria205: yes, I did finish. I will be honest. The last treatment was ok, but between #2 & #4 was a really REALLY bad ride. BUT... I made it; mostly because of having this place to cry to. Now I'm almost done. Exchange next Thursday. Hair is starting to cover my head.... Yes, there is an end; I just couldn't see it then.

MirandaSW

halfcan, my percocet takes my bone pain away when it is bad.  I have heard of the claritan use for this also but have not tested it.

Welcome newbies. Sorry you are here, but we all are here together for a reason, to support each other.

I was in the ER 3 or 4 days in a row. Hives are miserable.  I feel like Ive been in a daze for the past several days and remember very little. I reread my last post here...oh my was I a mess. Today I was finally in a better spot although not back to normal. I am still with itchy red spots that come and go randomly. But they are not big angry welts that itch so intensely I am making myself bleed to itch.  My whole body is swollen like crazy from all the steroids.

Lifeonitsside

Take the Claritin an hour before the shot. I did it every time and had very little pain.

kslansky

I'm a newbie too!

Annual mam on 10/26 return visit on 11/1 for another mam, ultrasound and two core needle biopsies of one mass in my r/B and one r/LN.  I got the diagnosis on the following Monday.  Subsequent testing shows a 2nd lymph node involvment.

Had a mediport implanted this past Tuesday, will do chemo class next Wed and will start my treatment plan later in the week (hopefully). 4 mos of chemo, surgery (TBD) and radiation.  These past few weeks have been a wild ride for my family and myself

Joanne_53

Kslansky.

You are right about the wild ride. Things will settle,a bit once every thing is in place. Myou are,in the right place.

Nicole503

Welcome kslansky!

Wishing you well with the start of your treatment!