April 2013 Chemo Group

Jen987

SHIPSGIRL - How funny. You can totally blame it on chemo brain. I'm 6 weeks PFC, wonder how long I can use that as an excuse? LOL

shipsgirl

I say milk it for as long as you can.

6cats

I'm so proud of you shipsgirl!!   At least you remembered to wear matching socks... your socks matched your shoes... And you wore closed toed shoes to protect them from accidental bumps... Good girl!!!

6cats

shipsgirl -- I was writing another post to you because I noticed we had the exact same diagnosis, treatment, dates, etc... We were almost twins!!! Then I looked again... I was looking at my own post! Darn!

shipsgirl

6cats - no worries... we all have chemo brain moments!!  lol

anne11595

PamelaKay,im in a clinical trial. My HER2- low was what would let me in the trail. I went threw all the papers I have and could not find a number for the low part. but I know it was just on the line for the trail. Its called NSABP B-47. Its in hope that people with triple negative will have a better chance of the cancer not coming back. So I well get the herceptin for one year. In hope that it will help everyone with her2 -negative.

Heather I know you will do great Monday. You will be sore as heck but it does go away. Just do t over do anything and take pain pills before the pain gets bad!!!!! Good luck!

DeliriumPie

Thanks Pamela. I don't have surgery date yet. But it should be mid August. It seems that u have to have an appointment to get an appointment these days! I am hoping to get a firm date and find out what the heck the plans are at my bs appt next Tuesday. I hope you get some relief from all your te troubles.

Molinda

Shipsgirl,



Thank you for sharing. That is so sweet! But it is priceless...grab on to the humor it what will get you through this. Quite frankly they matched pretty well, I bet no body realized it. I did kind of the same thing once and actually had nothing to attribute to since it happened pre dx. I wear scrubs at work have a set of black scubs with red stripes down sides as highlights. Also have plain black pair of bottoms and a pink top with black accent strips set. Well long story short, I wore the black pants with read stripe with the pink top with the black accents. Talk about being embarrassed! No body said a thing until I went to the grocery store after work.., lol



Hugs, love and prayers!

Melinda

daffyc

Shipsgirl, that is too funny (in a good way!!).  Thank you for sharing!

Heather, I'm in the no immediate reconstruction phase, too.  I will have to have radiation and every doc I've seen has been against it.  It's kind of a bummer, but I will be having a thyroid surgery at the same time as my bmx and also need to have my ovaries out sometime in the not too distant future.  I'm overwhelmed by all of that and think like Pamela said, it's not a bad thing to let the body heal a little more before having reconstruction.  But again, I get the disappointment, too.

InDenial, is it an official 'invite' type of thing for the FB page or can anyone join?  I will be going from a DD to flat and have no idea in the world how to dress for that:)  I'd love any advice possible.

daffyc

OH and had my last chemo infusion on Thursday!!  It came with some excitement (and not the good kind).  It was supposed to be my 4th dose dense taxol, but I had another reaction (had reaction on cycle 2, 3, and now 4).  The other 2 times they let me go ahead and finish which I was able to do with no further problems.  This time my MO said NO way to finishing it.  I ended up being admitted inpatient and they did taxotere on a slower drip rate (2 hours versus the normal 1 hour).  They kept me overnight to observe.  

I didn't get to ring the bell, but all the nurses at my normal chemo infusion center said that they want me to do it when I come back for a port flush and blood draw in a few weeks.  I have possible liver mets so it feels weird to ring it when I feel like I could be back for more, but I know I should celebrate each step as I can!!

indenial

Daffy, congrats on finishing chemo!! I didn't know that some infusion centers have an actual bell to ring, I thought that was just an expression! LOL 

And yes, absolutely, anyone can join the Flat & Fabulous FB page, you don't need an invite. Let me know if you have any trouble finding it.

Jen987

Hello my fellow April chemo gals.  Congratulations to those finishing up and those who are still braving chemo, hang in there.  I will be 7 weeks PFC tomorrow and the hair on my head is growing in fast.  I have had to shave my legs and underarms too.  UGH.  Thought I'd be able to get through summer not shaving.  Made it through my second week of radiation, 5 more weeks to go.  Only mild redness and alittle tenderness on the lumpectomy scar.  As some have said radiation is a breeze compared to chemo.  I love my rad team.  They are so nice and compassionate.  My thoughts are with each and every one of you as you go through your chemo and surgeries.  Keep up the fight.

MsPharoah

Jen, thanks for the update and good to hear you are doing well.



My last chemo is Tuesday...6 TC's. Hard to believe. I have been researching radiation and trying to prepare for it. My DH and I have decided that we will approach this just like chemo and not anticipate bad side effects...deal with them at the time.



After this last chemo, I have a nasty vein burn...I sure hope they find a good vein for my last treatment. I would say that overall the worst side effects for me have been a tie between the fatigue and the loss of taste buds.



Daughter, son in law and grandsons visited at the end of June and my son, daughter in law and grandson visited this past week end. I so dearly love my children. Couldn't ask for more supportive and loving children. Middle of August, 2 of my sisters are coming. I am so hopeful that I have some energy back because I want to take them to a show on the strip and you have to walk so much in las Vegas because they make people walk through the casinos to get anywhere.



I am thinking of our sisters who are having surgery this week and hoping for success and a speedy recovery.



Sandra

BeHereNow

Jen978-what is PFC?



Hi all, I have been recovering from chemo, starting radiation treatment, and starting my aromataise inhibitor. I feel like crap, emotionally. I'm hoping I adjust to this new normal, but I may go see my psychiatrist early instead of waiting 4 months. I scheduled an appt with a therapist for tomorrow. We'll see. The hormonal changes are overwhelming me!



Also, I had a BMX and now have a growth on my non-cancerous side that is related to the surgery. It's large and will need some sort of treatment.... Yuck! Maybe even a surgical procedure.



Best of luck to those still having chemo -- you're getting there! And I hope those of you who've recently had surgery are doing well.



Love to all!

Molinda

Hi Friends!

SX was a success. Both BS & PS happy with outcome even up until my 1st post op check up with BS. He sent me home saying that I'm not only looking great but healing great. Even wanted me to suggest some exercises to start raising my arms over my head with my PS to see if he'd be ok with it. What a laugh! I'm a mother not to mention a control freak (usually comes with the job, mine came from inception...lol). Does he not know that ones arm go over their head by nature at least 20 times a day even when trying not to? Wasn't sure when PS visit would be as drain out put still too large. Go big or go home as they say! Well I guess I'm going big as usual. I have alternated the last 4 nights between a fever with chills or a fever with night sweats (have to hate both when ambien won't let you sleep through either)! At least I get to see the PS tomorrow, but unfortunately he will probably need/want to operate on Wednesday to remove what we now believe to be the infected drain/implant I really don't like the thought of that especially since I was just starting to have moments of lucidity from note needing meds as often as I was (loved ones say I'm overdoing, it) I can't wait to see what the Dr says since he sent me home with exercises that I probably haven't done enough of. Oh well appointment at 3 pm today so I guess we'll just have to wait and see what the verdict is then. Whoever is right, it will be me stuck on that table again.

Loves, hugs and prayers to all,
Melinda

BeHereNow

Melinda, I'm sorry to hear about the complication. That's awful. Be gentle with yourself....

Jen987

Katie - PFC is post final chemo

MsPharoah

Good morning ladies.



Melinda, I am so sorry that you are having to deal with the reconstruction complications. I pray that your doctors will help you get past this with minimum pain and risk. Please take good care.



Heather, I remembered that your surgery was yesterday. When you are able, please let us know how you are doing. We all care very much.



Katie, so sorry that you are feeling like crap. I definitely know how you feel. You are so smart to seek help through this difficult time. I've heard that the end of active treatment and the anti hormonals is pretty tough and I am convinced I am going to need some help soon. Be kind to yourself...hugs



So for all the gals on rads...I heard that the following makes rads easier. I'm going to try it and thought I would share.....immediately after the treatment or as soon as practical, walk 30 minutes. Drink water/fluids..as if you were still on chemo. Then slather, slather, slather whatever creams are allowed by your ro as frequently as you can. I have been able to work full time through chemo....missing only treatment days and 1 1/5 sick days so far, so I want to be able to maintain through rads, if possible. Not trying to be a hero...just know that I am more emotionally healthy when I try to maintain my normal routine. I also have employees who depend on me and I wouldn't let them down for anything.



Love and gentle hugs to you all.



Sandra

BeHereNow

Sandra, I'm going to follow your rads protocol. I'll report back



I also think the Femara is causing major fatigue.



I took a 2.5 hour nap ths afternoon (actually, I passed out!)).



Saw a new therapist today. Good.



Thinking of you all.



Heather, let us know how you're doing when you can.

AmyQ

I am 21 days PFC and starting Femara tonight. My onc wants another PET CT in 4 weeks with follow-up tumor markers and then we are off to 3 month monitoring.  I was hoping to get my TE replaced with permanent implants in August but PS said 3 months post last fill which was mid-June so I have to be patient...I am so dang sick of these TE's and I'm even sicker of taking all the pain meds but I guess I've gotten this far so wait I will. 

Virginger

Hi everyone...haven't posted in Fore Ever~ been more active on Face Book....about a month ago cut back to 1/2 day. First 1/2 still directing so mostly sitting...2nd 1/2 was a lot of standing and when neuropathy set in, right foot was starting to go NUMB. I have time with Short Term Disability.

Friday will be my LAST CHEMO!! Woooohooo. I will hopefully take a month off and start Radiation beginning of Sept. Since I'm Triple Negative, i won't be getting any hormone treatments.

Hat update...as of yesterday I'm up to 130 hats that have been sent to support me~ If you interested here's a link on a story the hometown paper did about the hats....

http://opelikaobserver.com/community/1274-hats-off--and-on-for-ginger-stern-a-brothers-unique-way-of-supporting-his-sister-through-her-cancer-journey-#addcomments

MsPharoah

Ladies...it's 2:30 am and I am so awake from the roids. Last infusion was uneventful, but this time I lost my taste buds first day. Poor husband made a great dinner and it tasted like cardboard. Lol. So I think I am pfc?



Katie, good luck with your therapist. Talked to dh about both of us getting therapy after final treatment. He didn't think he needed any help as long as I got some. (men).



Amy, good luck with your scans and I hope your exchange surgery is scheduled soon. You're very patient. I don't know about you, but I felt like every step of this process requires lots of waiting..and patience.



Katie and Amy, definitely interested in your experience with AI femara. Am a little concerned about starting it with rads after chemo. How tired can someone be? I guess we will find out.



Ginger, congrats on final chemo coming Friday. I hope your return to work continues to go well and that you take it easy. yuck for neuropathy. Pooh!!! The article about you and your brother and all the hats was so cool. You are dearly loved..what a comfort to you at this time.



Best, sandra

indenial

So happy to hear more of you are finally finished or nearly done!!  I want to encourage you that you will feel better every day. I was really frustrated the first couple of weeks post-final-chemo because I thought I'd magically feel wonderful but it does take time to recover. It still takes the 2-3 weeks for your blood levels to bounce back and about that same length of time to start to feel human again. Today I am 5 weeks PFC and feeling better than ever. I wasn't healthy in the years before breast cancer (I know many of you were so this may have been harder on you) but now I feel more energized, stronger, healthier, all around better than I have in over 7 years! I feel like I have my life back! Chemo "reset" me somehow. Anyway, most of my lingering side effects are already gone (neuropathy was mild but has basically disappeared in the last week!) I still have to pace myself because I am tending to overdo it & I need to remember to rest more frequently. But I feel great! I hope this is encouraging for those just finishing or still in the middle of it!

My eyebrows are still very very sparse and a mess. Eyelashes are thinned too. But my other body hair has been growing slowly, & I've shaved twice. Head hair is a slow process. There is finally a bit of stubble in most of my bald spots (front/top of my head, where it's thinnest) and the rest of my head has about 1/4" that hasn't really grown much but it's filling in around it. My hair was normally dark brown/black and is coming in kind of colorless/gray with a bit of black mixed in. It looks weird and I am still wearing scarves most of the time but did get some headbands that I will probably switch to in a week or two just because it's so HOT and really, everyone already knows my head looks ridiculous so I'm not sure why I bother "hiding" it with a scarf! At any rate, it's exciting to see some growth, I recommend taking pictures every couple of days so you can see your progress, otherwise it feels like nothing is happening! 

AmyQ

indenial - so happy to hear that there is a kick-start to the new you. I'm fortunate in that I wasn't sick before the cancer dx so really just suffered SE of chemo but kept most of my hair thanks to cold caps. My only linguring issue is tissue expanders but did get an exchange date of 9/16/13 so am super excited about that! 

MsPharoah

In denial, thanks for the uplifting, encouraging post and suggestions for monitoring hair growth.  I know it will take a while to get my hair back..I'm ok with that.

Amy, I wasnt' sick either or at least I didn't know it.  Maybe I was sick and I just got used to feeling out of sorts and attributed it to aging.  Seems like the only things that have made me sick or in pain are the treatments.  It is very frustrating and confusing to me at times.

Definitely looking forward to renewed energy and getting my taste buds back so I can enjoy a glass of wine occasionally.  Seems like that is on the horizon for me, just hope that rads and anti hormonals won't kick in with SES.  I am hopeful that I will have these simple pleasures again.

Sandra 

Jen987

I wanted to let you know that anyone who is having issues with hot flashes and night sweats that Vitamin E is helping.  My MO suggested I start taking it and within a week I was getting relief.  Also I think the Biotin is helping too.  I know it doesn't help the hair grow but the hair that has grown in is thick.  I have been taking pictures every week and in 2 weeks I went from almost bald to where you can't see my scalp anymore.   Just thought I'd pass that along. 

BeHereNow

Yay, Jen! I'm taking biotin, too!! I'll report back.

indenial

Thanks for the tip Jen! My MO advises against vitamin E (I think because it's an antioxidant?) and I am still struggling with the hot flashes but it has settled down a bit. 

MsPharoah, I think it is common to feel well with breast cancer, and only sick with treatment. I guess I am just backward. Either way, I am happy to be feeling better after so many years, and hope you all recover quickly and get back to yourselves soon! 

I also started Tamoxifen 3 weeks ago. The first week I had increased anxiety/jitters and mood swings. The anxiety is gone and the mood swings are less drastic & extreme now. Aside from that and some minor constipation, no other side effects!

MsPharoah

Jen and Katie, questions about biotin. What dosage are you taking...did you get approval from your onc...and how far pfc did you start? It sound interesting so wondering what steps to take next. Thanks for your advice.



Sandra

BeHereNow

Sandra, I did not ask my onc, because he hasn't been particularly attentive or caring. I am in the process of switching! I take 5000mcg per day. Now that you mention it, I may wait and ask my new onc .