Starting Chemo March 2015

Trvler

Theresa - I am so glad you are feeling better and have a plan. I know sometimes it just helps to talk to the doctor and feel like they have a clue and you don't have to worry about it. Sometimes I feel like I need to become an expert on everything (like Special K) but I just don't have the time to do it.

I know for me, I think a big part of my anxiety is that my doctor never reassured me AT ALL. She was terrible at it. I don't necessarily think it is because my situation was so terrible. She just has a bad bedside manner.

So NOLA had my records since last Thursday and kept saying they didn't have them. They finally tracked it down. It was on a disk. God, not inspiring much confidence.

Was Eileen's surgery today? I am such a crazy frazzled mess trying to make sure everything is taken care of before we leave. There has been a huge mess of the bus service here and they didn't even give us bus info and it is a long story. And then my older daughter has to go to school at 2 different times on different days but it rotates and isn't the same each week. So I am just trying to get it all straight myself AND explain it to the people watching my kids.

Italychick

Hi Allison. Somehow I think Eileen's surgery is on the 26th, but I may be wrong.

I totally get you on the doctors not helping the process. Given your aggressive approach to your situation, etc., I am pretty hopeful for you that you have knocked this beast to the ground. When do you leave for your surgery? Will you be keeping us posted while you are there? I'll be thinking about you.

Jackbirdie

T- none of the above. You mentioned him yourself. JACK DANIELS.

Ok- according to a modified version of Sloth's drinking game, my (lack of) character just zinged yours and you have to have a shot. Right now!

Italychick

Katy, oh haha, I'm a bit thick sometimes! Um, okay, can I make an IOU out and save it for our party weekend? Not sure how work would feel about me doing a shot at work during the middle of the day, and I need my health insurance.

Oh, and my breast surgeon said, "I'm not being patronizing or anything, but I actually really love your short hair. It makes you look so full of vitality and life."

I'll take that compliment!

Jackbirdie

yikes-Allison that is a LOT to organize. E's surgery is tomorrow. Thinking of you. You will forget something. Something will mess up. You can't control it. It's too much. Just accept a few screw ups now and don't try to get everything perfect before you go. You're doing a great job. Sending organizing and breathing mojo. And a hug.

And thanks for the support about yesterday. Truth is I never even got dressed today. I'm pretty wrecked. Did a little therapeutic watering of the garden. Not much else. But I saw the wisteria is blooming again, crazy late! I want to offer it to you as a charm for all you face in the coming weeks. It smells heavenly. Wish j could bottle it up for you.

jumbledbamboo

Regarding lymphedema waiting on my sleeve. I need a trick to get my ring off today. otherwise it needs cut off

Lovemylab- Glad rads are over whoot!

Leigh being done with Taxotere is awesome news. Happy for you. Being done with my big chemo was great.

Sloth, I'm tired of being told I look great. Bratty I know, plus I smile brightly. I should post how I really feel more but no one really wants to hear that. I am most open about stuff they can relate to and that is sparing. Like almost crapping my pants in walmart.

Jackbirdie I hope you feel better. You are always so supportive here.

Pboi, I never sleep enough. I fight it sometimes and others it won't show up. I do have lunesta. I don't take it much. I should.

Theresa glad you got some answers and feel better about your treatment plan

eheinrich

Hi ladies,

Surgery is tomorrow. I'm really really nervous. Second guessing the risks/pain/recovery for just a breast (I know it's more than that, but hopefully you know what I mean). Trying to tie up loose ends. I will have "babysitters" for the first 10 days - yay for my BIL coming for a week! - but I don't want to be like hey can you mop? This place hasn't been mopped in ages! But if I don't get to everything so be it.

I've been reading the boards but haven't really been in a respondy place.

I'll drop a note at some point post surgery to say a probably very foggy - Hi I'm ok

xo

eheinrich

Happy Birthday Whitney! This next year will be so much better than the one before. Onward & upward.

Italychick

Eileen, best of luck to you tomorrow. I couldn't remember if it was today or tomorrow. You've got this - I am thinking positive thoughts and sending good energy your way!

Jackbirdie

Cleaning For A Reason

Eileen- check the above link out. They clean houses for lots of cancer patients. They are nationwide. Surely available in the LA area.

I'll PM it to you too so you don't have to hunt for it again

pboi

Eileen...sending you positive thoughts for a successful surgery tomorrow.

PB

wpmoon

Thinking of you, Eileen!

slothabouttown

Eileen, positive good energy heading your way, can't wait to hear from you once you're up and at em. Get er done Girl, bye bye boob hole.

shaz101

Hello. I just wanted to pop in quickly and say that I am ok. I have visitors from interstate! 😕 they're staying with me until tomorrow. It was all very short notice. I found out on Monday. I hope you're all ok I'll catch up soon . X

eheinrich

Thanks ladies. Linda you always make me laugh Goodbye Boob Hole, indeed.

Italychick

and hello perky new Barbie Boob! Seriously, wishing you all the best

KBeee

Hope all goes great with the surgery

eheinrich

I'm interested to see what little miss right side looks like. Lefty will be a train wreck until idk when exchange occurs, but righty will be looking in a whole different direction tomorrow/when bandages come off. Right now she is staring at my feet. Cute feet (except for that one crazy big toe where the nail peeled off - that part is NOT cute - shhhhhh don't tell it, she still thinks she's pretty) but still. I'm really afraid but being young (ish?) and single (ish) I feel like I need to go forward. But really afraid. TE folks insert reassurance here

greenae

Good luck to you, E!

You will do fine, and I think, be very happy with your final results. I had a right reduction/lift and a left TE to implant, on July 7. Went from DDDD to DD. I have cleavage and even, upright, (may I say perky?! ) smaller boobs. Clothes Fit! Don't need a bra! And feeling in my right nipple...woohoooo!

The recovery was much easier than from mx. My PS was nice enuf to release 5 of my 7 axillary cords. I had one drain, for only 8 days, this time and only needed pain meds for 24 hrs. Got to hosp at 6am and was at home in my recliner at 1215pm. (Easiest part of this whole mess). I hope you have an easy time and I am betting you will be happy you chose to have recon. Hugs and wishes for a speedy recovery!

Arlene

I read every day, think of all of you, and wish us all Worry and Pain-free, soon back to Normal? Lives!

KBeee

2 years ago on this day I had BMX. Today I begin radiation. I am pretty emotional today and am hoping to be rid ofthis beast for good this time.

shaz101

Karen, I think you deserve to be rid of this beast for good! Thinking of you and sending virtual hugs your way xxx

shaz101

eileen I am thinking of you too. Wishing you a speedy recovery and a beautiful perky boob.

shaz101

I don't want people in my house telling me stories about people who die of cancer! Grr

Trvler

Karen: I hope so, too!

Eileen: Wishing you the absolute best in your surgery! Please report back when you can.

Katy: I love your garden. I wish I had a nice yard with a garden. We built our house 11 years ago and my big disappointment has always been the size of the backyard. We moved from the city and it was to a new subdivision and there were no houses behind us so it didn't even occur to me. I have been pestering my husband to move but he won't even think about it.

Happy birthday, Whitney!! And I wish you MANY more of them.

SpecialK

To all having surgery, about to have surgery, finishing chemo, in rads or starting - you got this! YOU GOT THIS!

ninjamary

Good luck to all having surgery. You got this!

jumbledbamboo

Shaz, I had just started chemo and a friend of my husbands wanted to stop by. I feel like shit, look horrible and the visit was unexpected. I didn't bother doing anything but covering my head. He sits on the couch and all he wants to talk about is how the CANCER DID NOT KILL HIS DAD CHEMO DID. He repeats it like a mantra. we all grieve in different ways, I get it. but please don't drag your bag of issues into my house right now. I was tired, sick and already fed up with chemo. thanks a hole.

Trvler

Thanks to YOU, K. I couldn't do cancer without you! lol

UGH, Jumble. I am sorry. I get so irritated with my manicurist. She had BC, her sister died of it and her daughter just had it in her thirties. She kept telling me chemo is poison.

Meme117

Congrats Sharon on ending rads! I haven't even started yet and the closer the date gets the more anxious I get but I have my creams ready.

Congrats Maureen on ending chemo! Your daughter looks like a great support.

Happy Happy Birthday Whitney! the aquarium photos are stunning, did you take with your phone? any other plans for celebration?

BIG HUGS to you Karen, sending you positive thoughts as you deal with this shit sandwich again, cancer sucks!

Katy your garden and tutti look so beautiful! Hope your having a good day! Sun is shining in PA, how about there?

Hugs to you Carrie for a quick recovery at home!

Arlene your new boobs sound fabulous:)

Theresa looks like you have a great doctor, I hope mine will provide me with such a detailed plan of action. Any cinnamon color added yet?

Best wishes E for a quick surgery and recovery!

Its been 3 weeks since surgery and I still cant straighten my arm all the way, tight and painful - could it be cording? have appt Monday with pt for eval. Tuesday start back with MO for Herceptin, boo-hoo. But for today I'm not thinking about all this shit and gonna enjoy this beautiful day - walked 3x so far this week and feel good.

"Just being is not enough, " said the butterfly, "One must have sunshine, freedom and a little flower." Hans Christian Anderson

KBeee

Everyone knows people who died of cancer but we do NOT need to be reminded of that during treatment; it's just so rude.

Meme, I took a few weeks of gradually working my arm before I had decent range of motion. I was not even allowed to lift it over my head until 3 weeks post surgery. I have cording and will try to snap a picture. Often you can visibly see the cord (and you can on mine).

1 rads down. Lots to go. I was very anxious, but held it together. I was up all night at work last night, so I just rested.