Starting Chemo July 2013

lark

soriya - praying for you today. Stay strong

soriya123

Thank you ladies for your prayers.  I had biopsy done today.  I am so sore from it, but not too bad.  I wont kno the results till Wed or Friday. Fingers crossed!!!  Happy Thanksgiving to all my lovely ladies!!!

Mellie289

I just saw about your mass on the MRI, soriya - my fingers are crossed for you! I went running to my BS a few weeks ago about something I felt in my non-surgical breast. It turned out to be a cyst, but I was really scared going in and thinking... how is it possible to have a tumor growing when I'm in chemo? I hope you'll get some good news on the biopsy and it's just something benign like a fibroadenoma.

Happy Thanksgiving, Firecrackers! I know one thing I'm thankful this year is finding these boards and having had all your support through chemo.

Girlstrong

soriya123....I have been thinking if you and praying for a good outcome. Glad to know your done with that biopsy. Stay positive and think of all the blessings you have on Turkey Day!!

Girlstrong

I saw a PS today and so received a lot of new info. My head is still spinning not only from the chemo I had last Thursday but now from all the decisions I will need to make in the very near future. I have one more PS consult on Dec 16th and hopefully that will "seal the deal" to my decisions. Anyone else in this phase of treatment? How did all of you decide what surgical approach to do? BMX, UMX, Fat graft;implants etc......

angelanature

Soriya,thinking of you today,good vibes coming your way. Hugs Angela

Rambo50

Soriya, glad you've got the biopsy behind you - prayers for an "ALL CLEAR" outcome

Happy Turkey Day to all of you ladies!!!

~Lynn

KTLe

Girlstrong-Please take your time making your decision regarding surgery. Because of the Women's Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998 (WHCRA), you can have reconstructive surgery any time you want. If you're not sure if you want mastectomies, implants,etc., you can take your time deciding. You have to do whatever is going to give you peace of mind. I got so focused on always having wanted a reduction, that instead of a bilat mastecomy, I had my left mastectomy and right breast reduction. I don't regret not removing my right breast or having the reduction, but the surgeon didn't do as good a job on my breast as he has on so many other pts. That's always a risk with surgery. Just remember that there is no rush. It's crazy, but I like how light I feel without my left breast. Good luck with your difficult decision

Soriya-We are all here for you. You will be fine

m1970

soriya, I am thinking of you while you are in the waiting room. I hope you have the best possible outcome.

Girl strong, the surgery decision is a tough one because there are so many choices and none of the, are "wrong". Six years ago I was told I was a candidate for lumpectomy. I didn't want to loose feeling and my breasts were large enough that I didn't think a lumpectomy would be significantly different. Also, I just wanted to be done with surgery and move on with my life, so I chose the lumpectomy.

Well the tumor was a little larger than it appeared on MRI and the result was really was not attractive, but I didn't pursue any recon after my lumpectomy. Six years later I was divorced, and my body image was bothering me, but not enough to put my life on hold and pursue reconstruction.

When a new primary was discovered in the other breast I immediately decided on a bilateral mastectomy. I knew enough at this point to know that immediate reconstruction was an option, and I definitely didn't want to wait 6 months for breasts. I chose DIEP because I didn't want a foriegn object in my body and implants are not permanent (they will need to be replaced in about 7 years). Also the DIEP unlike the more common TRAM flap surgery does not use any muscle, reducing the chance for hernia or decreased abdominal function. I had read so many stories of women dissatisfied with their recon or surgeons not comfortable with the procedure I had chosen, so I decided to go to one of the top great recon surgeons in the United States at the center for reconstructive surgery in New Orleans. It's not to say that you can't get a great result elsewhere. I had given too much of my life up to cancer treatment at this point to take any chances and I wanted it done now and I wanted it done right. My breast surgeon at VCU did not offer immediate recon, and the plastic surgeons he worked with did not offer DIEP. Many people who don't have the information I do after following this topic for 6 years can't understand why I would go out of state for surgery, but I can't imagine any other choice. But there is no way I would have been ready to take that path 6 years ago. I'm very happy with my result and I know it will look even better after my second stsge surgery this January.

It's overwhelming now, but you will gather your facts, talk to doctors and survivors to sort out your choices, and the right decision for you right now will become clear.

lark

Hello firecrackers - finally got the results from my genetic testing and found out I do not carry the BRAC gene. Nice to get some good news at this point. I see my mo on monday to talk about tamoxifin. Really wish i didnt need to take it. We need to talk about risks and side effects. Nocompromises and anyone else on it - any side effects yet?

Soriya - still hoping and praying for good news for you

I'll be thinking of all of you on thanksgiving day. I never knew at the start of this how important this group would be to getting me through treatment. So thankful for each of you and hope you're feeling good.

Rambo50

Yay, Lark!!! I'm SO glad you're BRCA negative I'm having to have my other breast, ovaries and fallopian tubes removed in December b/c I'm positive (good news is that it stopped with me - my kids and brother tested negative). I know it's a relief at this point to get good news! I was originally supposed to start Tamoxifen after chemo, but my MO changed it b/c of my ovary removal. Now I'll be on Arimidex to suppress adrenal estrogen instead. I'm so tired of side effects - I hope I don't have anything significant!

Soriya, still praying for your results

Girlstrong, I agree with KTLe and Marsha - take your time, get all the info you can, and realize it's YOUR decision! I chose not to reconstruct after hubby and I met with the plastic surgeon. Of course I'm 50, have autoimmune issues, and am truly not tied to my breasts (I say that, but I look at my uni-boob in the mirror these days, knowing it, too, will be gone in less than a month and wonder... Really I just want to rewind my life 6 months and never be diagnosed!). Hubby totally supports my decision, and my surgeon has assured me that he's left things so that I CAN have reconstruction if I choose to in the future

Anyone else out there post-chemo still experiencing systemic pains??? I'm having such a tough time making it through an entire day (pains tend to start around noonish), and am not sleeping well at all. My MO suggested ZzzQuil. I slept last night, but didn't wake up FEELING rested... Poop!

On a positive note, my precious daughter will be home from college today - SO excited!!! She's going to be my sous chef while I prepare a few dishes to take to my mom's for Thanksgiving. My son's a police officer and has to work on Turkey Day, but we're delaying our meal to accommodate his schedule

Thinking of each of you as we truly enter this holiday season. I realize more and more just how much we all have to be thankful for. If I could send each of you a copy of Alice Hoffman's Survival Lessons, I would!!!

Happy Thanksgiving,

Lynn

Girlstrong

HI all...thank you so much for your wisdom as I embark on surgical decisions.  I have decided on a BMX.  That is what makes sense for  me and my situation.  Now I just need to decide the timing and type of reconstruction.  Wish me luck.

Pains...so glad you mentioned this Rambo50.  I have some achiness/mild soreness in my affected breast.  I am still in chemo.  Anyone else ever experienced this? 

soriya123

Hello to all my lovely ladies,  my MO called me today to let me kno the results so its a benign...no cancer.  He said he doesnt want me to celebrate Thanksgiving and keep thinking about the results.  I thanked him for that cus that the only thing on my mine lately.  I dont feel like doing anything.  Thank you ladies for your supports n all your prayers.  My MX surgery will be on Dec 4 at 10am.  Im scared.....

Girlstrong

Soriya 123...What wonderful news!!!!!!  So glad to know that things are definitely headed in the right direction.  Don't be afraid of the surgery.  This is the next step in getting well and getting on with your life.  Plus, surgery has to be easier that chemo....you have the hard part done!!!! I am truly so happy for you.
CONGRATULATIONS SORIYA 123.....

Nocompromises2013

soriya - so glad the mass came back benign. Great news. Good luck with your Mx - you will be fine

Lark - 6 weeks on T and still no side effects apart from the weightloss. I do still have the occasional hot flushes ( once or twice a day) they started in chemo. But they are just an inconvenience really... And when I get out of bed in the morning my feet ( well heels ) are a bit sore for 2-3 steps - bit of a hobble there.then they are fine Who knows where that's come from. Cos again I think it could be a throw back to chemo ??

I have nearly finished my first T bottle only another 59 bottles of 60 tabs to go. Haha.

lark

soriya- So happy for you! What a relief. Glad your dr had the good sense to not keep you waiting. One step at a time now. Rejoice in the good news and we'll start praying for your next step.

Rambo - sorry you have to go through more surgery and drugs. Let us know when it will be. You mentioned still having pains. I just have a lot of muscle aches..neck, back and legs and I'm not sleeping well either. Surprised the aches haven't gone away yet. I think I really need some yoga classes to get these muscles stretched out. Glad you can be with your kiddos for thanksgiving!

Nocompromises - glad you're doing well on T. I still get hot flashes that started during chemo too. Not too bad, but annoying when it wakes me up at night. I lost weight on chemo and dont really need to lose any more. Will have to watch out for that if I decide to take it. Thanks

momx2

Soriya so happy for your good news , and good luck with the mx . I will pray for you .

The 5th will be my last taxol/ herceptin, then just herceptin every 3 wks meantime I have a surgical consult on the 2nd , cant wait to get this over with .

Lark great news , yay !!!!

Girlstrong good luck !

To all of you firecrackers Happy Thanksgiving!

{{{{Hugs}}}}

2bluestars

Woohoo Soriya!!! That's excellent news! So happy for you!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Hannariggs

Happy Thanksgiving Eve Firecrackers!

I was just catching up on all the posts. Sorry I got behind.

Soriya-I am So happy for your negative test results!!!! Thank God! I just completed my follow up Petscan on tuesday. I hope it comes back negative. I had requested the test, as I really needed to know that we licked the cancer and it wasn't brewing anywhere else. Fingers crossed.

Angela-I have missed you!!!! I too have the "sick chick,hair slick" look. I think we could start a fad. At first I thought the hair was a platinum blonde, which would have been ok since I am a blonde, but hell no its turning gray! Bring on the clarol. lol.

Rambo-I am doing the clinical trial for arimidex. I have not started yet, but I see my onco next week for my test results and then I start the pill. Gee, I have not taken "the pill" in years. I was spayed years ago and thought I had taken care of that problem but now more pills. OY! We will have to keep in touch to see how we are doing.

Thus far I am on radiation 9 of 28. So getting there. I can't wait to ring AND lick that damn bell. I have a party planned and have a trip to Vegas to catch the fireworks display. It was only fitting that after all we have been through this past year, to end it with fireworks, but in a good way. To say farewell to the past and hopes for the future. I will carry you all in my heart, knowing what all of us firecrackers have endured and came through it. Good riddance 2013!

So on this Thanksgiving Eve, I just want to thank all of you sisters for being there. I could have never made it without you. This Thanksgiving will be bittersweet as I have so much to be thankful for, and as strange as it may sound, I am thankful that my cancer was caught and was treatable. So many others are not so lucky. We are also lucky in the fact that we KNOW and have felt the love of our family, friends, and some people we have never met like each other during our illness. Again most people will never know that love until its too late. God Bless all of you.........Happy Thanksgiving!

Karkar06

Congratulations Soriya!

GraceB64

Congratulations Soniya!

Must be a relief that they came back benign!

I was looking for the thread of what everyone does for constipation relief? I finished my chemo on Nov 1st and have started the Tamoxifen. Is this the reason I'm "blocked up"?

Any input would be appreciated!

soriya123

GraceB64, I used Senna plus for constipation.  It works for me.  I used Senna Plus during chemo though.  

soriya123

Thank you my lovely ladies for thinking of me.  Hannariggs, your post made me cry. .....I kno we all been through sooo much and too long.  You all will always be on my mind n my heart.  

Rambo50

Soriya, I'm THRILLED about your results!!! How awesome of your MO to let you know before Thanksgiving - now you REALLY have something to be thankful for :):)

LanaM

Happy Thanksging July Firecrackers! I am thankful for many things this year- faith, family & friends who all helped me through this cancer battle this year. I'm especially thankful for all you wonderful ladies - your support and information have been tremendous! I hope everyone has a wonderful day & maybe we can forget cancer for a day!

TwoHobbies

Happy Thanksgiving to my lovely firecracker sister warriors. I want to let you know how thankful I am to each of you for traveling this bumpy road with me. It would have been much harder without you! When I was down you lifted with support and good laughs.

I have been on vacation which I highly recommend. It truly got me out of the obsession with cancer mode and I feel renewed, less stressed and happier. A week of sun and swimsuit with no wig no makeup was freeing and no one seemed to care. I know I don't look as good as I used to but it will come back and next year I will be hot hot hot on that beach. LOL. And yes I plan to go every year now because enjoying life is on my schedule from now on.

I will have to catch up on posts but I see Soriya had a worrying situation and I'm so happy that biopsy was negative. I hope everyone is doing well.

angelanature

Hi All,Yah Soriya!!!!What a relief! And how nice of your Doctor,one of the good guys or girls! It sucks you have to have surgery before xmas,I'd be scared too. Thanks Hannariggs,I miss you too,we have had similiar experiences. Rambo, I still have joint pains and of course the dreaded neuropathy(I'm on neurontin for that)but off all narcotics,yah! Though I miss the ativan especially during radiation,but being drug free is the way to go.Lana,I love that tattoo,I'm 48 and am tattoo free but intend on getting one to celebrate making it through treatment! Proton radiation takes Forever! It's an hour there and back,and sometimes I'm on the table for over an hour,pink already after 4 txs,but we have to do whatever we can to beat this thing. Enjoy your holiday all,it's nice to be with family and I appreiciate every moment now after facing death. Hugs All, Angela

2bluestars

Hi everyone!

The Dr. just called with my surgery time. Don't understand why they wait till the day before but at least I now know. I'm having my bmx with port removal at 7:15 tomorrow. Surprising, I'm not that nervous. I was way more nervous the day before chemo.

I am getting increasingly frustrated with the lack of hair growth! I have nothing. While I was still on taxol I had a few stubbles appear then, two weeks after chemo, lost all of that, plus eyebrows and eyelashes. I'm so sick of looking like a porn star downstairs and Uncle Fester upstairs! Just want to look like me again.

Hope all is well with everyone. Wish me luck tomorrow! :-)

Rambo50

Oh - missed all of your nice Thanksgiving posts!!! Been SO busy trying to finish up my semester before my surgeries.

Lana - the pic and tat

2bluestars - WOW!!! Tomorrow??? That IS short notice! But I'm glad you're not nervous - things will go fine I'm scheduled for my 2nd mx 12/13. I share your frustration about lack of hair growth! I keep rubbing my head and feeling the beginnings of something, but it's not growing! Have to admit I never thought of the "Uncle Fester-porn star" combo - roflol!!! Best of luck tomorrow - I'll say a prayer for GREAT success, minimal pain, and rapid healing!

soriya123

2bluestar good luck tomorrow and i hope u have fast recovery.  my MX with TE will be on Dec 4, somehow i am more nervous   n depress than chemo.   Rambo yours coming up too ..i wish you speedy reovery also.