September 2013 Chemo Group

VintageGal1111

Sorry to hear that ClickChick. And the broken bones, wow!

I understand....I have been dealing with a vaginal vault prolapse & a rectocele (not lovely at all) & have been putting off surgery by wearing a pessary. I decided last summer I would finally have the surgeries this winter & yeah well that cancer dx & chemo & all that other chit took precedence. 

But here we all are...taking the bad along with the good (& there is some good right? LOL). Though it seems many of us have had bad news recently. 

When will your radiation start? My BMX is in 2 weeks so I won't have rads til....mid April I guess.

cascam12

vintagegal1111. Pm you

Anonymous

Thanks, VintageGal. I'm sorry you're having other medical issues, too. That does not sound like fun. I hope good times are ahead for both of us!

I don't have a definite date yet, but my rads should start around 3/21. Good luck with your upcoming surgery. I was such a nervous wreck before mine. I imagined the post-op to be much worse than it has been. Don't get me wrong, it's not a walk in the park, but I thought I'd be on pain meds 24 hours a day for a couple of weeks and I'm mostly taking Tylenol now, 6 days later. I'm thankful for that!

kjsimpson

13 down, 17 to go.

Ingesting More Rotten Tablets  (back on some antibiotics)

Doc thinks my right side might be starting up an infection again.  Taking a pre-emptive antibiotic strike.  Just when I was done with drugs!!  Arggghhh!!!  And can't they make an antibiotic that doesn't have to be taken THREE times a day?!?!?!

Miss_Mama_Bear

Hello ladies! Well, the return from menopause life SUCKS! I bawled all freaking morning to the point that I finally just went back to bed for a bit. Had a serious meltdown on my boyfriend, even considered breaking up with him. Me, who drifted off to sleep for my BMX with a huge grin on my face because life is so good... HORMONE CITY!!!! Totally awful. I'm better now. He was awesome about it and everything is better. 

My right side is pure hell. I am not sure what is going on but pretty much any movement my entire body makes, it hurts in my right pec. Last night was the first night I went all night without taking pain meds and have only ... "only" taken them 3x today, but I started taking Ibuprofen along with the Lortabs yesterday. The implant looks all weird under the skin, it is almost square whereas my left is round. I am thinking (hoping) it will straighten out once I get a couple fills down. Maybe it is folded a bit and that is why it is hurting so much, too? Man, I hope so. I have about had enough of this crap. I am supposed to be getting better, not worse. Okay, there's MY rant

Art: So glad Natalie is doing well!

Cougar: I was out in less than 24 hours as well. I couldn't take the IV pain killers so there was no reason for me to stay there. If you don't feel like going home, I am pretty sure there is usually no problem in you staying. Deep breaths don't hurt for me anymore, and honestly, I think I would be pretty much okay if this TE wasn't folded or whatever the problem is. My left side is perfect. I even accidentally lifted my arm above my head a couple times with very little discomfort. I hope your TEs are in place well and you don't have to wait for fills to get them straightened out. 

PeacockGirl

Last one this morning ! No more one size fits all gowns (obese apparently)
no more zaps, no more 50 mile round trips, no more flashing
the girls everyday at 8:40am! Complete with pink bunny hat my cousin
gave me in Reno in September before I started chemo and my glow in
the dark running shoes.
Insanity Made Radiation Tolerable LOL

ps-KJSimpson, agreed.why aren't antiobiotics time release?

lighthouselady

clickchick - {{hugs}} Sorry about the path report and the need for rads. Just one more weapon against this awful disease...that's the way I look at it!

KJ - Ugh... more antibiotics. Sorry! Hope if it is an infection it kicks it quick. You're moving right along through rads... you'll be done before you know it! (Easy for me to say, huh?)

Peacockgirl - YAY for rads graduation!! You rock!

I had to go to the dentist to get a temporary crown this morning. Ugh. The dentist doesn't bother me really, but good Lord. The tooth was way in the back on top, so he had to reach and stretch and my mouth was so sore from being open so long. Plus the drilling and grinding was so loud it gave me a headache. At least I didn't feel anything IN my mouth, and the numbness wore off quickly once I was home. Now I have to keep reminding myself to not chew on that side.

Feeling some discomfort from my fill yesterday. The skin is so tight on my left side (cancer side) that the expander is filling "UP" and not "out". So I have top-heavy cleavage on that side and a more normal looking breast on the other side. Not much I can do about it I guess, but it looks and feels weird.

Ignoring My Room Tonight  (Hubby made me mad and I still have paperwork to do, so it's 1am and I'm still out here on the computer!)

Miss_Mama_Bear

I keep looking down and thinking "Good grief I've gained a lot of weight!" Not used to my stomach sticking out so much further than my chest. It is so weird. Is everyone's breast skin kind of weird and lumpy feeling? It's not exactly what I was expecting. I am guessing the lumps are left over breast tissue, or maybe swelling? Or skin folds? I don't know what the heck it is. The thought of left-over breast tissue scares me and I also wonder if it will smooth out with fills. I am guessing (forgot to ask) he only put about 50 cc in in the OR. I would say no more than 100cc. for sure. 

LHL: sorry about the dentist. Ugh, seriously wouldn't want to deal with that right now!

Peacock: Congrats!!!

KJ: I agree! I can never remember to take a pill 3 times a day. What are the signs of infection?" I worry that all the pain I have in my right side is a sign. I have some bad skin on that side (poor blood flow) my PS said he thought it would clear up just fine but it worries me too. 

kjsimpson

Peacock,
Congrats!  What a fun picture! 

As for the antibiotics, There is a zip-pack variety where you take two one day and then just one every day for 10 days.  I prefer that.  But the doc didn't prescribe that.  She wants me on the same stuff I had last time (since it supposedly worked).

Lighthouse,
Hope you got some sleep.  Sorry for the lopsidedness.  Don't take up running quite yet.  ;-)

Loved the IMRT's from Peacock and Lighthouse. 

Mama Bear,
My right chest, along the incision line, has been puffing up instead of settling down.  Very tight bundles around the incision. Burns a little. Obvious fluid build-up.  Redder than my left side too.   I don't have a fever this time. But the last time my fever spiked to 102.  Had to go to the hospital.  This time I think the antibiotics are already starting to work and I see the doc Monday for a follow-up.

I applied for a promotion this week at work.  Not sure what my chances are of getting it, but it is back in the work I was doing for about 6 years before I moved to Environmental last year.  Hoping that I get a chance at it, even though the past six months have not exactly made me employee-of-the-year.

70charger

OMG!!  Just wrote this long post & internet stopped working.  GONE!!

kjsimpson

Seven of us have taken the VEGAS Survey.
If you haven't yet, but want to, here is the link:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/N6ZM3MM

Summarizing the VEGAS Survey results so far...

The last two weekends in September are tied for being the best weekends.
Vast majority think I should try and get us a group rate at the same hotel (looking into that).
Vast majority want to make sure rooms are non-smoking.
Vast majority don't care about the size of their bed(s) as long as they have a mini-fridge.
Majority are comfortable with the $80-$120 a night hotel rate range.
Majority are coming alone. I think only one person plans to bring a spouse so far.  A couple are undecided.
Dinners together are a must (100% Yes to that).
Lunch together is what the majority want (80+%)
Breakfast together is not as popular (about 50-50)
For entertainment, Cirque de Soleil and/or a Comedy Show are winning out.

Thanks for the feedback so far, everyone!  If you are planning to go or are at least 50% leaning that way, please take the survey (it is quick) so that I can get an idea of how many rooms I should try to get a block rate for at a good hotel.

SpecialK

kj - I believe the tata group stayed at the Aria last year and got a decent group rate, but people also bunked together.  This is one time to pull out the cancer card - tell them you are a breast cancer group and see what they can do for you.

70charger

Wow !  SOO much to catch up on!  I see we are all the "new normal.  Crying jags, depression, sln pain, chording.  So glad we are going through this together.  Can't imagine going through it without this site & all you wonderful ladies.  Group hug!

Found out yesterday skin & tissue takes 2+ yrs to get back to somewhat normal after rads. 

Stretching exercises & cream are lifelong.  Welcome to your new routine!

Polar vortex is back for the weekend, -40.  Could be worse, I could live back home in Saskatchewan -63.  And they wonder WHY I left! lol

Some idiot dropped off a cat in our rural area 3 weeks ago. I've only see it once as have the neighbors.  So 2 days ago I came back from my walk & here is this furball on my steps waiting for me.  Well with this coldsnap comin..need I say more?  I already have 2 cats so everyone is separated for now.  This one is only about 8 months old.  Vet says 2 others have showed up.  Some idiot just drove down the main road dumping these guys randomly.  And in THIS cold!!

Trying desperately to get away to Mexico, but hubby has been so busy at work no time to talk to his boss. Come on GUYS!!

Come on SUMMER!!

kjsimpson

SpecialK,
Good idea on the cancer card.  Thanks!  I'll check out the Aria too.

70charger

Imagining Mexican Refried Tacos

SpecialK

70 - I lol-ed at your IMRT!

KBeee

Cougar, I was in the hospital 24 hours also.  If you need more time, ask for it though, because going hoem to a toddler and newborn is different than goign home to tweens and teens.  Great news on the path report.

Peacock, Congrats for finishing rads!  So happy for  you!  I love the picture...and love the hat!!!!!!!!!!

Vintage, You have been dealing with a lot; wow!  I hope you can get the other issues resolved soon.

Chickchick, Sorry to hear about those positive nodes, but thankful that there are treatment options to kill of the stragglers for good.

KJ, sorry you are on antibiotics again; but glad they are on top of it quickly this time.  Thanks for tallying the Vegas info!

Mama, I had one TE that had a fold in it early on; it did work itself out as it was filled.  If you are in a lot of pain, better to get it checked sooner rather than later.

Lighthouse, I hear you on the dentist...yuk.  I like my dentist, but hate having to go see him

70, I will stop complaining about our temperatures.  Yikes!  I am such a cold weather wimp!!!!!  Your picture completely has me excited for summer (just have to get past yet another snow storm this weekend).

Went to plastic surgeon this morning fo rfollow up and all looks good.  He is goign to do a little fat grafting in a month or so and do it the same time as nipple reconstruction.  I was waffling about nipple reconstruction, but have decided to do it.  He told me I don't have too much fat to work with...here's what he said, and what I heard:

What PS Said: "You really need to put on a few pounds over the next month so I have a little more fat to work with."

What I heard: "You can eat unlimited chocolate for the next month...yahooooooooo."

Apparently he has spent entirely too much time looking at my breasts and not enough time looking at my hips, because there is plenty on the hips for him to work with.

 

 

Art123

if you do cirque de soleil, do the Beatles show, it was awesome.

Vintage - good luck on your surgery.

It took like 45 minutes to maneuver nat out of our bed this morning. So tonight, she's in the queen sofa in the living room. She had a lot if pain this morning.

We had a nurse come today and will have that next 10 days.

She looks a lot better today. Her mom was such a big help today.

I making dinner.

Hope you gals are well.

KBeee

I lived on our recliner for about 2 weeks.  Sofa and recliners are so much more comfortable after BMX.  Glad to hear Nat is home.  Hoping she heals quickly and that her pain decreases each day.

Cougarlicious

I ended up going home after 24 hours after taking some Norco.  I was avoiding taking the pain meds thinking I was feeling fine but clearly the pain caught up.  I could barely get up and walk the few yards to the restroom and wasn't sure how they could discharge me.  But after taking the pain meds, I've been feeling pretty good!  I'm able to navigate up and down stairs with no issues (although I do go slowly).  We did buy a zero gravity chair but to be honest I sleep much better in my own bed - I purchased a Pure Fit adjustable wedge system from Relax the Back that lets me sleep upright and comfortably.  Luckily my mom has flown up to help with the kiddos as I recover, so I've been able to take lots of naps uninterrupted. 

Art - so glad that Nat is home and you guys have some help!  

LHL - how quickly after chemo can you go to the dentist?  I have an appointment on the 17th but I'm worried it might be too soon.

Peacock - congrats on finishing rads!!

I have some contacts in Vegas as I used to do some event planning for my company out there.  I can look into hotels for everyone once we nail down dates and get a better head count.

kjsimpson

cougar, 

Glad you are home and taking your pain meds. 

Thanks for being willing to help with the hotel rooms. How many months in advance should we try to get a firm head count?

Cougarlicious

I should get a head count and date by June or July....I usually book larger events (100+ rooms) but hopefully I can get some sort of deal based on past bookings even if this is smaller.

lighthouselady

Cougar - I went to the dentist 2 months after chemo. I'm not sure how soon you're supposed to go.

simplelife4real

Good Saturday Evening and March first!  Spring can't be far behind.

Peacock...Congrats on finishing the rads!   Great picture.  Love the wig.

Mama....I'm sorry about the melt down.  You have so much on your plate and have had a lot of stress, not to mention physical pain.  Stress plus physical pain is a recipe for a melt-down, at least with me.  I so hope that you recieve the help you need from nurses, your boyfriend, you sister, etc.  It's really necessary right now as you work on recovery.

I think I may be deveoping cording in my arm from my ALND.  I'm looking forward to my appointment with my breast surgeon on Wednesday.  My pain levels are lingering and actually feel worse today.  Not horrible, but I'm still having to take prescription pain medication at night along with a sleeping aid to be able to sleep at night.  I wasn't expecting that 2.5 weeks out.  Both breasts are really tender from gettting the capsules out, but what really bothers me is my armpit area.  It's like my skin is super-duper-duper sensitive there.  I can't stand to feel my arm touch the side of my body....particularly if it's brushing up against it when I'm walking.   I wonder if EMLA cream would help...but think I  should call the doc's office before I experiment with that.  I would most likely end up talking to a resident or intern at the university...not sure if they would know.  It sounds like a small problem, and in many ways it is in the grand scheme of things, but it hurts.  

lighthouselady

simplelife - I had that incredibly sensitive feeling, too. Mine almost felt like I had rug burn from my armpit down the back of my arm. It's totally normal as your nerves have to regenerate from the ALND. It sounds awful, but what you have to do is gently massage that area, using lotion helps. At first it hurts like hell because you don't even want to touch that area, but I  would have my hubby gently rub the lotion on my arm for about 5-10 minutes every night. It took a couple of weeks but that feeling is gone now!  Sorry about the cording. If you do have it, make sure you ask your BS for a referral for PT. It has helped me a lot. I'm still dealing with cording but it's much better.  

I've had the headache from hell today. Almost as bad as the one that sent me to the ER after my first chemo. Three different pain meds and nothing really worked. I finally took a hot shower and one of Hubby's ibuprofen 800s and went to sleep. I slept off and on all evening... I'll probably never go to sleep tonight now. Ugh. At least the pain is better. Still there, but tolerable.

Anonymous

Simplelife,  I had similar issues with sensitivity after my ALND.  I could barely stand to wear clothes so I would spend a couple of hours in the tub each night so I could be naked and warm.  That sensitivity did go away on its own.   I highly recommend that you contact your surgeon's office.  I have developed cording two months out.  I finally saw a PT on Friday and she couldn't believe my surgeon hadn't given me any stretching exercises after surgery!  Now I'm going to to to PT twice a week for four weeks to get rid of the pain and get my range of motion back.  Cancer.  The gift that keeps on giving.  I hope you get some assistance with this issue and start to feel better!!!

Miss_Mama_Bear

KJ: I hope the antibiotics are working! I've got a bit of fluid build-up it looks like, but I think my pain is from tissue expander folds. I think my right side has a couple. The underside is actually flat, like a square. I have a square boob. Hahahaha! I just thought of that blonde joke about her stuffing her bra but forgetting to take the Kleenex out of the box first.

Simplelife: I had that pain in my underarm area all the way to my elbow after my ALND. It feels like a horrible sunburn? I want to say that it lasted about 3-1/2 weeks or so. You should almost be there! Hang in there! 

I am better emotionally. I am guessing it was the PMS. Stupid period only lasted a day and then it was gone...and back the next day, and gone again. If it is back tomorrow I will scream. I am not doing 100 days or more of "Surprise! Hello it's me! I'm back again!"  -___-

My boyfriend told me that he loves me last night. I told him awhile ago (like two weeks ago! EEEEK! I think I have loved him since the day our eyes met two years ago, though) but he hadn't told me yet. Happy day We fell asleep on the couch and my littles woke up this morning and busted us. He was excellent with them. Life goes on and good things happen. Take THAT, cancer! 

BetterDay

I'm having the same armpit issues. They are so sensitive and painful. For a while I was putting super soft gauze under there to keep my skin from coming in contact with the side of my body. I think it is starting to get a little better but it is hard to tell. 

Tomorrow marks 6 weeks PFC for me, and still no sign of real hair growth. There are some small sprouts, but nothing to get excited about. I have super fine, white eyelashes that have popped up. I hope that is a sign that those will return soon.  I am surprising myself at how obsessed I am with the return of my hair. Being bald wasn't too big of a deal to me once I got used to it. I think I am so focused on it because I am done with treatment. For 6 months my life was treatments, appointments, etc.  Now that I'm done, I feel a little lost.  Obsessing about my hair gives my brain something to think about other than dwelling on this cancer business. 

kjsimpson

All, I've been having similar armpit issues.  The compression shirts have really helped. I don't use my compression sleeve (annoying to wear), but the compression shirts help.

simplelife4real

KJ...do you mean like a sport compression shirt or is it a medical device like an LE sleeve?  

Mama, I'm happy for you that he said those three little words!

I have an appointment with my BS on Wednesday.  This hypersensitive skin issue is on the top of my list of things to talk about.   I did find a thread about it here on this site.  Apparently, some people have it for much longer than a few weeks.