Starting Chemo in April 2014

linda505

Longisland!!! woo hoo - hope the dark place doesn't last long!!!  congrats!! And wow nice way to hang on to the hair!!

Swissmiss - ughh on the AC - I know I couldn't take it right now if mine went out!!  I would have to go stay with friends or family.

MomMom

Lngisland,  Congrats on last chemo and keeping your hair!!!

Timbuktu

I never lost my hair with CMF.  It just thinned a bit.

Taxol is another story.

BlessedMe

Hello April Sisters!!

I have been lurking here for months and have come to just love each and everyone of you! I really thought I could continue to just lerk but have found myself wanting to share and ask questions.... so here goes.

I found my lump trying to position my large breast in my large bra and holy crap...what is that. Was  DX early Feb with 2cm IDC in the left and oh... they also found DCIS in my right breast. From the start I decided on the BMX without question. Had surgery on 4/7 and found out that 1/15 lymph nodes was positive on the left side. (ER+ PR- and HR+) Grade 3. I do not have ANY family history and actually have not know anyone with breast cancer over my 55 years , Surprise!

I love my BS, MO and my PS and would not trade them for anything as they have been honest, up front and have answered all of my detailed oriented personality questions.

I am on the TCH cocktail and am doing OK... I say OK because of each of you. Your post have allowed me to confirm that all is ok with the SE's that I am having. I have everything ready for anything that can happen thanks to all of you!

I have number 5 of 6 on Monday and am very worried about the fatigue as it is the worst for me. Standing and pealing two potatoes is good but add the third and I am screaming that I can do three then try to run to the chair to rest. LOL

I have a Fitbit and try so hard to get at least 5000 steps per day but sometime it is just too much. I feel like I am 90 some days but reading here helps me more than you will ever know. .

Thank you all and everything each of you have done for ME and I hope that I will be able to add to the team as we continue our journey.

I truly love each and everyone of you. You will never know the impact you have had on my life and my BC journey. One just hopes they can pay it forward.

 

 

 

 

Moderators

Welcome to BCO BlessedMe

We have many lurkers and that is fine. When they want to post, they join, which we're glad you have now. Fatigue is oftemn a problem - as you'll have read SEs vary greatly, but at least you know you are not alone. Mutual support is valkuable a times like these and we wish you the best after No. 5 & 6.

The Mods

Jaimieh

blessed me welcome. TCH is a beast. I had 6 rounds last time and had low magnesium and was anemic which made me exhausted. It took a couple months to recover but eventually I did recover and feel great again. 

BlessedMe

Jaimieh,

How refreshing does feeling great again sound! Thanks for the hope.

Round 2 must be a tough go. Are you getting a different chemo this time?

LovieLovie

BlessedMe - Welcome everyone has something to add to the group (maybe you'll help another lurker). I agree with you that the gals on here are amazing!

Swissmiss - A simulation is where they will locate the exact spot to radiate which includes putting small pinpoint size tattoos (usually 3) that they use to line you up in the exact same position for each time and they will make a mold they will put you in each time.  The tattoos feel like a small poke and they don't generally hurt.  The mold is foam that they let the air out of and it makes a form of your upper torso and will have a place for your head.  Word to the wise... make sure you are comfortable as they can deflate and try again until you are as you will be in that position each time.  There will be some lining you up and double and triple checking for accuracy.   Hope that helps.      

HollyHope

Welcome Blessed! Even though I go through spurts of posting, I read everyone's updates almost daily.  I feel like I really know you all.

I am 6 1/2 weeks PFC and want to share that I'm really starting to see hair now...I'm obsessed.  Also, the fatigue is so much better!!! I started back to work this week and I'm tired, but I can do it.  Compared to where it was, it's so much better now.  I really does get easier and most moments I am feeling really great.  Just those darn hot flashes sneak up on me.  I'm sure I'll get used to them eventually.

Hugs to my friends/sisters!

Holly

BlessedMe

Hi Lovelove,

Thanks for the welcome! Maybe I will help some other lurkers and they will bake less cookies and such. I have made so many along with other treats and typing has to be less calories.

I said no to rads!  Not so sure of the decision yet. Three days prior to my surgery a report came out showing that 1-3 nodes involved would benefit from rads. I had only one with a BMX so am taking a chance -Vs- the 2% gain. If I had 2 or 3 nodes positive I would have done rads. I still have time to change my mind but still leaning to no rads. I am fearful of heart and lung hits due to the BMX.

HollyHope

Oh I forgot to add - I started tamoxifen 7/8 and I haven't noticed one single SE from it...Yay!!! There is HOPE!!!

BlessedMe

Thanks for the welcome HollyHope!

I have been reading post daily and also feel that I know everyone.

I am soooooo glad to hear the fatigue is getting better for you. I cannot wait! There are so many things I THINK I am going to get done in a day that my body just says hell no you can't do that. It is so depressing but I get on that horse and ride as long as I can. (about a minute LOL)

I can finally say, HUGS to All....

nancybel

welcome Blessedme.  Glad you decided to come out. You will find everyone here so helpful and supportive. 

 I am 9 days past last Tx and am starting I feel better and get more energy.  I have my first appt with my PS tomorrow to discuss recon. I'm pretty excited as I didn't have recon at time of surgery. 

lilyrose53

Ddkath70,  I also live in AZ.  The heat just sucks all ambition from me.  Fatigue is unbelievable.  I figure we might be able to walk outside by October?  Lol

Welcome BlessedMe!  Glad you decided to join us.  You will find tons of support here.

Longisland,  so glad you are finished chemo!  

Swissmiss,  I hope you start feeling better.  Summer heat always gets me down.  Sure hope you get your AC fixed!

To everyone else,  hope you have a better week.  Hugs, lilyrose

EverForward

Got to sleep just fine, but awake at 2:30 so here I am. Damn!  Had my week-after appt with my MO yesterday. My echo from last week looks fine, but my sitting pulse of 120 still concerns me, but not her. The fatigue and muscle weakness is just part of the deal.

One more chemo to go! I'm dreaming of my post chemo trip to CA and to my wonderful cabin in the mountains. 

Holly, glad to hear your hair is returning, but not so glad to hear you're still having hot flashes. Not cool.

Now I'll put on some relaxing music and see if I can go back to sleep.

MomMom

Welcome Blessed me!! Glad you are here to join this great group of fighters.

Last chemo this morning! You will get there too!

SharonDe

Longisland - congrats on finishing!

BlessedMe - welcome to the TLC (tired ladies club). Fatigue seems to be worse for some of us.  I smiled at your two potato / three reference.

Nancybel - glad to hear your energy is returning.

Holly - also good to hear no SE from the tamoxifen. 

Lilyrose - I can imagine the heat in AZ, having lived there for 3 years. Is be staying indoors.

I start arimidex soon, and am planning to have no side effects

Timbuktu

Ever, the last two dr visits I had pulses of 132 and 112.  I am on beta blockers and never have a high pulse.  So the last time I asked them to take it manually and it was 71!  Those machines are not very reliable even though by bp was normal.  I don't know if this applies to you, but it might be worth a try to take it manually.  I hope it's normal!

EverForward

That's good advice, Timbuktu. One time they took my pulse again at the end of the appointment and it was significantly lower, so you're probably right about the accuracy of the machine. Next time I'll ask if they can also do it manually.

The end is in sight, sisters! Hang in there.

clarrn

Everforward- my pulse was sitting at 110-125 too...but had to miss chemo yesterday and my pusle went down to the 80s last night and has stayed there. (I have had the advantage of having my vitals taken at least every 4 hours over the last 7 days in here)   6-10% of people get a taxane induced tachycardia and looks like we might be part of that club (or yours could be not reading right like Timbuktu suggested).   My MO isn't worried about it either. 

Congrats longisland and MomMom!

Welcome Blessed. 

SharonDe

oops - forgot to wish MomMom good luck with the last chemo.

Only one more to go, Everforward!

Lakegirl1

Clarrn....thinking about you and your PICC line. How is it going?  Hang in there....I know it stinks...I had one in March/April.  When they get a handle on this, will they let you go home and finish IV antibiotics there?  Hopefully, you will be able to do that. I know, the hospital is lonely/boring...I just kept doing laps around the RN stations...  I at least felt like I was doing something for myself, I couldn't handle laying around. My general disposition seemed to improve.  Also, if you get the chance sit in the sunshine in your window, if possible. That seemed to help too. If nothing else, good people watching opportunity to the "outside" world. 

Hugs...

Tinkerbells

they had to stick me 4 times to get a vein- am wondering how the hell they are going to do my next 5 taxol- then herceptin/perjeta for a year. I know some of you are in the same boat. Am loathe to put port in at this point. Any advice or suggestions? Thank you ladies!

EverForward

Getting a port is not a big deal. The procedure isn't terrible. There is some discomfort, like a tightness around the spot where the tube connects to the artery. But compared to how *miserable* I would be if they had to use only the veins in one arm for an entire year (chemo + Herceptin), the port is a lifesaver. If you are very worried about it and were only doing a few rounds of chemo, I might advise against it. But if you have tricky veins and are doing a year of treatment, IMO, it's totally worth getting a port.

Tinkerbells

thanks, ever! I will discuss with MO. Or as I refer to her--ms. Optimistic! ( sarcasm)

Sandra

linda505

Mscaruso - I would definitely get a port - I can't imagine getting stuck so many times for the next year and really I had a couple days of minimal discomfort from the surgery.

MomMom

Last Chemo Day!  YAY!!!!!!  Poster made by my oldest grandchild, 13 yr old Lindsay, such a sweetheart!  Can't believe this part of it is over - five long months.  Onward to 7 weeks of rads in a few weeks!! 

Mscaruso, Although I hated my port for the first few months because it hurt while sleeping if I moved the wrong way, it was a real blessing for all those infusions.  Having said that, I can't wait to have it removed:-).  I don't think you would be sorry if you get it.  Makes infusions SO much easier. 

Timbuktu

You really don't look your age MomMom!  Congrats and good health for many years to come!

MomMom

Timbuktu,  Aww shucks, Thanks!!! 

MakeLemonade

Congrats to all who are finishing or finished!  Yay!!!  I will have my last Taxol next week, then it is just Herceptin for a year.  

Just finished blood transfusion #2.  Hemoglobin just couldn't hang on :-(. However, had a nice chat with one of the volunteers there who is a 7-1/2 year breast cancer survivor.  Always good to hear the success stories :-)

As of this past weekend, appear to have developed cellulitis in my surgical breast. Was put on an antibiotic on Tuesday, but it doesn't seem any better.  Am seeing my breast surgeon in about 1/2 hour - was supposed to be a regular 3 month check up and was hoping he could see the "new normal" breast.  Nope :-(. 

Was supposed to have the simulation for rads next week, but that will be out as long as this swelling is present.  Very disappointed and frustrated with this - so close to the next step, yet so far.

Can't remember who it was, but someone was questioning whether to get a port?  GET IT, best thing ever :-).  As I was getting my transfusion today, it took two different nurses to access someone's vein for an IV - they were getting ready to call the IV team.  If you are going to have to have Herceptin for a year, it Is worth it.  I get all of my blood draws through my port as well.  It was uncomfortable at first, especially if I reached for something or tried to lie down on that side, but that didn't last that long.  A month tops?  Now I don't notice it at all, but am thankful for it every single week when they have to access it.