January 2013 chemo group

LeeA

klaudiak - I am so very sorry about your mother's passing.  Praying for continued strength for you as you move through this difficult time.  

LisaMM

Klaudiak-so sorry for your loss- thinking of you

BevDe

Hi would like to join in with you all. I have been reading everything on here and love the idea of talking to people going through what I am. Ok I have triple negitive stage2 . I had my first ac on March1st it went pretty well. I did get a port and it seemed to work well for me. Will be having 4 ac every 3 weeks followed by 4 T every 3 weeks. My next ac is on March 21st. A little worried about the second treatment hoping it goes like the first but dont want to be to cocky. Thank again for helping me to get a grip on all this

Anonymous

klaudiak~I'm so sorry to hear about your mother's passing. My mom went to Heaven in 2007. I know how hard it is.

I'm glad you were able to travel to Columbia, as tough as it was, to be able to spend that precious time with her.



BevDe~you've found a great place to come for advice, love, laughter, support, and just a place where you can vent. You can say anything you want on here.



Blessings

Paula

LeeA

Welcome, BevDe.  

That's great news regarding your first treatment.  I have a friend who has been through both Adriamycin Cytoxan (plus Herceptin) and then six years later, Taxotere Carboplatin (plus Herceptin).  She has said that she was able to work throughout AC and although she did get tired, it was easier for her than the TCH regimen.  That said, it seems like everyone has a different experience with this stuff.  

In case you're interested, there's also a Facebook group and again, glad you've joined us. 

Zorina

Nicole - Disney is the Happiest Place on Earth and an excellent choice for celebrating.  When you enter DL, go to the town hall and request celebration pins.  It will be fun for you and your daughters.  It's nothing fancy,  but it earns you a lot of positive energy. 

Laudiak - I am sorry for the loss of your mother.  I am so happy that you were allowed to travel and be with your mother. I lost my mother in 2007, and I didn't have a great relationship with her, but I wanted her so badly when I got my diagnosis, so I am envious that you had some time with yours despite the circumstances.  Forward on to those treatments...and may your SEs be gentle!

Bevde - Welcome to this journey.  I am so glad your first treatment went smoothly. 

LeeA

Shannon - these are special delivery from Skigirl.  She asked me to post this from the Facebook group.  

If you can't see it - I'll email it to you.

macyhen111

Sorry to hear of your Mom's passing klaudiak. You have my sympathy.

ywheels22

LeeA: thanks on the photo. Seems weird looking like that and now most of that is gone. Still have some fuzz but not much. Eating sucks right now for sure. I hope I bounce back quickly but I hear it can take weeks post-chemo before you really feel like yourself again.

Hope: yes the food thing is so crappy right now. I guess we will all get back to ourselves though. Something to look forward to.

Nicole: It is wonderful to have something like a trip to look forward to. It can not come fast enough for me. I still have one more AC and at times, it seems like everything is moving too slow. I just want to be done!

SherylB

Mandy,

Glad your son is doing better. I wanted to say how much I admire the fact that he was comfortable in saying he didn't want to talk about it and that you respected his choice. I don't have kids but thinking back my mom would have pestered me until I talked and that would be so wrong. Obviously you are spot on with your mothering skills. Way to go.

Sheryl

Skigirl72

questions for you... How long should I wait after taxol to have the rest of my lymph nodes removed? and how long after surgery before rads start?

SherylB

KlaudiaK,

So sorry to hear about your mom. My mom died unexpectedly 12 years ago and I still miss her, especially since I got the diagnosis of BC. She was always my biggest fan. I am glad you were able to speak with her and say goodbye.

Hugs, Sheryl

smethot

Hey Lee- can't see crap- may i ask that you e-mail that pic to me, pls? 

Hi all- back again...did absolutely fine with AC #3- i am just a lazy cow who lounged in our gorgeous weather all weekend and i'm busier than a one-armed paperhanger with work right now, too.  I was reading up on all your escapades...i was just too self-absorbed to post.  Glad to hear Bryona is back to work, Lee is still our guru of all things, Debbie got her last AC (yeah!) and Zorina- better you than me on Disney but if its YOUR idea of a good deal, you enjoy the HELL out of it.  Me personally, i've always been thrilled that my step-wife is the Disney parent- saves my husband and i from having to go!!!  Jules...hope you can get your taxols ramped, too...i start dose dense every 2 weeks taxols April 4th...end in sight.  Manda- are you out there???  How did AC #3 treat you, darling?  Hope you sailed through...bald head a blazing. 

I did pretty well with AC #3- a little more tummy/heartburn but nothing i can't handle...keep knockin' on that wood!  I have more white blood cells than a blood bank right now and i'm fighting off colds left right and centre...bring on the ebola!  I start to feel low grade yucky and wake up the next morning good to go...neulasta is one cool drug...although i will be very happy when its finished.  I'm now 38% done chemo, 75% done AC and only 65 days to go!!!  I've ordered seeds and plants from hell and i'm waiting desperately for the weather to warm up...i am built too low to the ground for snow.  I planted 500+ bulbs in the fall (i plant hundreds every fall) and as the snow is melting off, i have daffs and crocuses coming up all over...big time!  YEAH SPRING!!!  Daylight savings time is back and ladies, this shit is gonna come to an end and soon!  I've been scoping rental properties on the Amalfi Coast in Italy (summer 2014) and the more i plan...the happier i get.  I LOVE THIS!!!  Spring & summer 2013 are gonna be great...chemo over, hair to grow back, rads to finish and life to get back to NORMAL...at least as normal as i ever get. 

Find what you love, what makes you happy and DO IT.  Why wait?  xoxoxxo  Shan

Zorina

Shannon - Girl, you've got spunk!

(Anyone remember what TV show that line is from?)

Anonymous

Shannon - you are a BADA**.  I love your outlook and I bet cancer regrets ever messing with you!  I'm curious to see if my MO is willing to make my treatment more aggressive.  I am so ready for it to just be done - i'll deal with whatever I need to so I can make that happen.  Itching be damned!

Thanks for the wig advice Lee and Skigirl!  Lee - i think we have will have the same halo.  I got a funny visual of a hatless halo at the security checkpoint.  I will need to remember that when I go on my beach vacation...that is totally something i'd forget about )

Skigirl - i'm just curious...why the additional surgery post chemo?  As far as rads go - my RO told me 2-6 weeks PFC (funny - everything i see that i can only think of post f*cking chemo).

I hope everyone is doing well.  Starting yesterday I felt this strange feeling again...happiness.  I'm not sure where it came from but it sure feels nice.  I wonder if it's the steroids, chemo drugs, diagnosis in general but my mood is sure taking a hit.  It seems to start shortly after the infusion and with my first two treatments, the "cloud" lifted at 1.5 weeks.  This last one lasted 2.5 weeks.  Maybe i need to start daily affirmations?  Yoga?  Happy pills (that perco I took last weekend sure helped ).  I'm going to try acupuncture and massage this round to see if that helps.

happy tuesday everyone!

Anonymous

julesDenver~the mood thing is probably from the steroids. A few days after my first chemo I had a really bad day with depression until I learned to recognize it. After that, knowing what caused it made it easier for me.



Blessings

Paula

Anonymous

Thanks Paula - that would make sense because they give me 'roids for the hives as well.  Hopefully with recognizing it this time around I can overcome it on my own.  If not, i've got enough percocet to keep me happy for a while  I kid...that stuff has a SE for me that makes me seriously consider if it's ever worth it.  Sometimes it is...mostly it isn't.

Klaudiak-I am so incredibly sorry for your loss. 

klaudiak

Thanks ladies I miss her so much. Thank you for your words. You ladies are very kind and helpful

Skigirl72

julesDenver- They only took the sentinel nodes. The MRI before surgery didn't show anything in the nodes. When they did the quick freeze and slab of the nodes in surgery there was nothing. The final pathology showed cancer. So, he wants to go back in and remove the rest of the nodes that the breast drained into. The PS is on hold for any revisions till I am done with rads and far enough out to make him happy. After all, He is the artist.

MandyNJ

Sheryl - wow, what a nice compliment. I'm just following instinct. His feeling safe is more important than my feelings. I found out from her that he isn't bothered by my bald anymore but he does prefer that I wear the wig. It makes him sad that I try to make him eat broccoli.his sister cries a lot. And he ratted his dad and told her that he cut my ear when buzzing my head. but that's all she told me and I'm really ok with that.



Re: A/C #3--- so far it's very much like #1. It hit me the same night. I feel flu-like and nauseous. I went in for fluids today and my neulasta. I hope it helps.



Shannon - you really are a rock star. I really admire your strength and fortitude. In fact, on my last "good" week, I made a pair of leggings for my nieces doll in suede leopard (i think its leopard) print in your honor. Haha!



Hope you're all doing well.



Sorry for your loss Klaudia.

Anonymous

hope49 that is interesting to me what you posted about your mentor developing a sensitivity to laundry detergent. My DH has been suffering from a rash the past month or so. He has been to his PCP, a dermatologist and now an allergist today. They can not pinpoint what the heck is troubling him, but keep recommending things like changing the laundry detergent, not wearing under armour any longer, even tried to tell him to completely change his diet. All of this was exteremly hard for me to swallow thinking why the hell out of nowhere would this suddently occur. Then I started thinking maybe his is allergic to me! LOL  In all seriousness though, I am wondering if there is something about the chemo that is interacting with him. His symptoms first appeard about 3 and a half weeks ago, started clearing up and then started again yesterday. That is right in time with my chemo treatments.  Who the hell knows though?!?

Nicole503 your trip sounds great, especially with a family. What a great way to celebrate so many milestones for you all.

Anonymous

klaudiak I'm so very sorry for your loss. What an awful thing to go through on top of everything you have to deal with already. {{{{hugs}}}} to you lady!

cancernoway

Klaudiak - Sorry for your loss.  My dad was my best friend and we lost him almost 11 years ago and everyday I think of him and hear him in my head.  He passed unexpectedly and I didn't get to say goodbye and I would give anything to have been able to do that.  I know he is here with me, just as your mom is with you.  Know that and take comfort in her spirit surrounding you always. 

Bevde - Welcome aboard.  This group will get you on the boat, through the rough seas and back on shore. 

Lee - Cracked up at the Pugcakes.  Hilarious.

Jules - I hope that Happiness you are feeling continues!!!  You deserve to be happy/

Today it seemed like everything hit my Bitch Switch.  Got pissed at the store because it was granny day and every single person there was either in a scooter, or on a walker or cane and it took forever to get through the store.  Note to self, the grocery gives seniors 15% off on Tuesdays, steer clear.  Then the dipshit dog ran herself silly in the dog pen today and came in a hot, muddy mess.  Had to give her bath and was ticked off the whole time.  She had mud caked on her and I had to scrub her twice.  Grrrrrrrr.  Then I couldn't figure out what I wanted to eat (shocker) and decided on some yogurt and some pineapple and dropped the freakin' bowl on the floor.  REALLY!!  I think I need to go to bed, back to work tomorrow anyhow. 

smethot

OMG- more snow!!!  This blows dead bears.  I know i am Canadian but seriously...enough already!!!  my poor flowers are getting hammered...bring on the spring!!!

Glad to hear from everyone and know we are all making it through...some more easily, some with more challenges but WE ARE MAKING IT THROUGH.  Has anyone else picked something to do or plan or think/obsess about that can help refocus your thoughts?  I firmly believe that a vast majority of kicking the f*** out of this stupid shit is a) KNOWING you can kick the f*** out of this stupid shit and b) DOING IT.  I'm a "take no prisoners" kinda Shan...its what i do...and this has allowed me to get what i want in life.  I will not accept "no" or half measures.  Shit still happens...and i have the scars on my boobie and pit-region to prove it...but you can't control all shit...as much as i try.  What we CAN control is how we react to that shit.  Making lemonade and all that really does have validity.  If we need a little chemical assit to make that lemonaide, so be it...the important thing is to make sure you're putting your best you forward and giving it all you have.  Giving yourself every opportiunity to be the person you WANT to be...not the person you feel this has forced you to become...i don't want to be THAT whiney bitch! 

I refuse to be pigeonholed and told i'm "sick"...my mom and i are still fighting about this.  The most i'll conceed is that i'm in treatment...not sick...just fine, thanks.  And i'm not putting my life on hold or using lumpie & the nodes as an excuse for a pity party- much though my mom wants to throw me one daily.  NOT gonna happen!  People to go, places to see, shit to make happen.  Only WE control how we deal with this...and i for one refuse to do anything but kick ass and chew bubblegum...but bubblegum bothers my TMG...so i'll just put on my steel toed shoes and kick some ass, thanks!

OK...Tony Robbins rant over...for now!  xoxoxo  Shan

Skigirl72

BevDe- I had 4 AC and now waiting to start T (weekly for 12 weeks) on April 1st. My last AC was this past Monday and I am feeling ok. Zero nausea, steroids are kicking in every so often and in a day or two my taste buds will disappear for a few days. I hope you have an easy time with AC. All the stories of the big bad chemo can scare you. Just follow the docs orders and take the meds. My combination that worked is 3 litres of water a day, 1 or 2 colace daily, compazine for nausea and Ativan at night to sleep. Eat small meals and keep an eye on the constipation. That seems to be a big issue for a lot of us. And just listen to your body. when tou are tired- rest. when you feel like going outside for a walk- do it. If you are pissed off or in a funck- come here and vent! We will help you through the good and the bad.

Anonymous

Shannon, I love your attitude. That kind of attitude is a must. I think that is what throws most people off. They think "oh, you have cancer . . . your sick . . . why are you still functioning?" And thank you for the pep talk too. I keep thinking I will try to get back in shape when this is all over, well why the hell not start today?!? Of course it doesn't help when one starts the day off eating good and healthy, such as a protein shake for bkfst, sweet potatoe for lunch, roast and veggies for dinner . . . with half a loaf of french bread . . . butter . . . and an extra dosing of chocolate cake for dinner with milk.

Anonymous

Skigirl~I'm so glad to report that Day 6 from Taxol #2 I feel fine. I lose my tastebuds for about 2 days, and still have fatigue, but neither of those SEs are nearly as bad as with AC.



I got Benadryl & steroids with the first 2 treatments, and since I didn't have a reaction to Taxol, I don't need the pre-meds anymore.



I'm praying you have an easy go of it too.



Blessings

Paula

cancernoway

Shannon - I LOVE YOU!!!

Skimommi - mmmmmm chocolate cake

smethot

The exercise deal is still eluding me.  I'm 5'2" and normally weigh about 130lbs...but i'm muscular so i always get guessed as much lighter.  I'm thin but i have to move or else the weight creeps...and when you're as short as i am, even 5 lbs extra makes a huge difference.  I go by how my pants fit (i carry all extra weight on ass and thighs)...if the pants fit, i'm good.  Pants are all snug right now...not so good.  I've done NOTHING since diagnoses in December...and its starting to get to me.  I worked out for 3 1/2 hrs last week- but two long walks on the weekend when the weather was gorgeous really helped.  Its a motivation thing for me...i can be positive as all get out...i am also positive i hate working out. 

My exercsie bike is calling me...but by the time i'm done work, i just don't FEEL like moving.  And food has tasted GREAT through this whole deal and i SO love to eat...and eat...and eat.  Lazy cow much???  Bad excuse, i know.  So here's the deal...i'm gonna try and do 1/2 hr on my stupid exercsie bike tonight, tomorrow night and Friday night...and 45 minutes Sat & Sun.  Wonder-Twin Powers!  Activiate!  Putting my money where my big mouth is...anybody else up for a mid-chemo resolution???   Shan

Nicole503

Hey smethot

Are you aware of the daily exercise thread on Breastcancer.org.  Like you, I am troubled by weight creep and in need of a little motivation in the exercise department.  The ladies on that thread are FANTASTICALLY motivated!  They are a great group.....perhaps not quite as funny as our January chemo sister, but really this group is a rare gem among listerve groups!