Starting Chemo March 2015

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  • DavisD
    DavisD Member Posts: 338
    edited February 2016

    Karen-I think your 2013 chemo sister gave me the idea to look into the Monalisa therapy. If this works I owe her big time!  I loved the story about the swim teams "pink out" there really are so many kind people.

    Ksusan-Badass is right! I'll be those kids loved it. Never too late. Got my first at 50 yrs old:)

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  • BBwithBC45
    BBwithBC45 Member Posts: 727
    edited February 2016

    DD, I had an appointment today with my PCP (presurgical) and asked her about MonaLisa therapy. She's never heard of it and she said she would have to research it. She didn't want me to do anything yet until she looks into it. She also told me to make an appointment with a urologist, because I'm experiencing some incontinence too. She said I shouldn't have this problem yet, especially since I've never given birth. I thought that it was chemo/Tamoxifen related. I've never had these problems before. I'm really bummed about this incontinence too. I noticed it about 3 months ago maybe, and I was in denial. I was waiting for it to get better and was too embarrassed to mention it to any of my doctors up until today. From what I read, MonaLisa can help with this too, depending of course on the cause of incontinence.

    I'm due to see my gynecologist in April, I'll ask him about MonaLisa then then but I doubt he's heard of it. When I asked him about the dryness, he told me to use vaginal moisturizers, didn't mention anything else. I don't want to make an appointment to see him earlier. I'm sick and tired of all the appointments. I'm seeing a urologist in 3 weeks. Maybe he'll know something?



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  • DavisD
    DavisD Member Posts: 338
    edited February 2016

    BB-I'm sorry you didn't get any positive information about the Mona Lisa therapy. I'm not sure about this condition being related to giving birth. I have two kids but both were Csections. Mine started following a bad vag infection. It took a long time to get better and burned badly. Somehow the infection went away but the pain didn't. Added to that I was perimenopausal , diagnosed w/Sjogrens, then BC and chemo. My GYN said it was "the perfect storm." All affected mucous membranes.  You are younger than me if I remember correctly. Don't give up on getting relief.  I'm afraid the longer it goes on the harder it is to get better. On a more positive note, I had some incontinence prior to menopause and that along with everything else has dried up..Not a bit anymore.  I'm sick of all the medical appointments too and don't want to waste my time on someone who isn't going to answer all my questions. Hang in there and know you're not alone! I'm available by PM if you ever want.

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  • shaz101
    shaz101 Member Posts: 718
    edited February 2016

    Bb thanks for the link. I'm on my second course of anti biotic now. Blah. Hopefully that'll do the trick.

    I've decided to get my property ready for sale. It'll take a while to do everything and I'm feeling pretty overwhelmed right now. But i feel it's time to make a fresh start. My old life just doesn't fit me anymore. Feeling sad but happy that I've realised that I need to move on now. This place was my dream but I guess dreams change.


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  • pboi
    pboi Member Posts: 663
    edited February 2016

    Sharon...hope the antibiotics do the trick this round too! My hubby and I too are contemplating a move. Our kids are getting a bit older now and among a few other reasons, we'd like to give them each their own room. The thought of all this change right now is overwhelming! But as reluctant as I might feel, I think it might be a good time for a fresh start. Our current home has so many memories for us, totally understand the feeling sad yet happy feeling.

    PB

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  • Jackbirdie
    Jackbirdie Member Posts: 4,693
    edited February 2016

    Oh Sharon- I'm so sorry. I know you didn't come by this decision easily. We really need to Skype. Hugs.

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  • pboi
    pboi Member Posts: 663
    edited February 2016

    Sharon after reading Katy's post...worried that my post came off as insensitive about your decision. I can relate to the overwhelming feeling of contemplating a move or making big changes in our lives.

    Then saw how you mentioned how this was your dream and how dreams change. I'm sorry. I hope that though you are having to give something you love up, that you can work towards fulfillng new dreams that will make you happy.

    PB

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  • rleepac
    rleepac Member Posts: 755
    edited February 2016

    Hi gals. Just checking in. Had a Herceptin treatment last Thursday and it knocked me on my butt again. I feel like all I ever do is complain so I try not to say anything. But then DH just takes one look at me and say 'hurting huh?' Only 2 more to go!

    I'm supposed to follow up with the breast surgeon next month but honestly I don't think I need to. I've seen the plastic surgeon and the MO several times since my surgery and I healed up really well so I think I'm going to cancel. I'm just tired of doctors. My MO told me that as long as I have a hands-on exam every 3 months by someone...he's good with that. Trust me, I've been felt up plenty so I think I can forego this one.

    I still hate Tamoxifen. Just in case anyone was wondering LoL! Hot flashes and chills every 2-3 hours. My hands, feet, knees, hips, and spine all hurt all the time. I do have one spot in my thoracic spine that hurts different than the general achiness so MO will probably order an MRI next time I see him but it's probably nothing.

    Some days I have energy and other days I still feel pretty fatigued but I'm sure that will get better in time. They said it could take 6-8 weeks for the iron infusion to make a difference in how I feel. My hair doesn't seem to be growing much and I'm hoping it will pick up again after the Herceptin is done.

    I've already met my maximum out of pocket expenses for the year so I guess that's a good thing? Maybe? Oh well...I don't feel like things could get any worse (unless there is a recurrence of course) so I'm just looking forward to being done with Herceptin.

    Bekah

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  • DavisD
    DavisD Member Posts: 338
    edited February 2016

    Sharon-I'm sorry about the change of dreams. I know you loved having the animals and all the work you've done. Sending you my best wishes for a better tomorrow.

    Bekah-I'm tired of doctors too so totally understand and the comment by DH..mine started saying the same thing so much that I stopped telling him when I felt bad...just tired of feeling pathetic. This thread has always been a place for us to bring all our feelings and not be judged so complain away! Hope you start feeling better.

    Katy-Hi! Nice to see you're around and chiming in. I think of you often.

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  • Jackbirdie
    Jackbirdie Member Posts: 4,693
    edited February 2016

    http://www.chicago-bureau.org/american-cancer-soci...

    Here's a little off season pinktober article that was published today. It's been months in the works and there's a nice pic of Jack and I at Cape Blanco.

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  • KBeee
    KBeee Member Posts: 5,109
    edited February 2016

    Sharon, (((hugs))). A fresh start will hopefully lead to all bigger and better things, but I cannot imagine how overwhelming it must be.

    Bekah, Glad you're almost done with Herceptin. I hope the side effects of Tamoxifen decrease over time. All docs have different opinions. My BS wants to still do periodic exams because he says the more hands that do exams, the more likely they are to pick something up early. He told me that he knows the lay of the land surgically, and that's why I'll see him a few more times. I do understand being tired of appointments though. I have a little break from them for a bit, but in April, I have about 4. Blah

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  • eheinrich
    eheinrich Member Posts: 792
    edited February 2016

    Hi Ladies,

    Currently heading out to the ledge. I felt a lump on my non-mx side. I found it last night. Tried to get an appt with my doc but she is out of town. I called the breast center 2 min after 5 and they were long gone. I'll try tomorrow. Ugh.



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  • Jackbirdie
    Jackbirdie Member Posts: 4,693
    edited February 2016

    E- oh crap! I am camping out in your pocket until you can get someone to have a look see. So sorry you have to suffer through this for even one night. Is your sister there with you? Major distraction is in order. Have a Xanax and a glass or two of wine.

    Holding you close, my dear.

    #cancersucks

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  • Italychick
    Italychick Member Posts: 2,343
    edited February 2016

    And just got the call my ex husband dropped dead of a heart attack in his car. We were always friendly post divorce and I would never have wished him anything bad, and now I sit here crying about our youthful years together, and all the memories we made as a family, 16 years of them.

    My poor daughter, lost her father in law the same way right before Christmas and now her dad two months later. And I had to call and tell my son. I don't know how my kids are managing to survive this year.

    Sometimes life just plain fucking sucks

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  • eheinrich
    eheinrich Member Posts: 792
    edited February 2016

    My sister is here. I'm trying to keep my big girl pants on but they keep sliding down. Also trying not to get over excited. (but I can't help it). Alan is cooking for us tonight so we do have a distraction. I want to sit and cry, but I don't want to sit and cry so I am currently sitting and trying not to cry with limited success.

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  • Jackbirdie
    Jackbirdie Member Posts: 4,693
    edited February 2016

    Oh Theresa- there just are not words. So very sorry for your loss. And your childrens' loss. It is just too much. I am holding you close right now. The universe has really, really bad timing.

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  • eheinrich
    eheinrich Member Posts: 792
    edited February 2016

    Teresa I'm so sorry. This year plus has been such a shit storm. I'm sending you hug upon hug. I am here if you need anything.

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  • molly1976
    molly1976 Member Posts: 403
    edited February 2016

    Big hugs, Eileen and Theresa.

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  • ksusan
    ksusan Member Posts: 4,505
    edited February 2016

    I'm so sorry for everyone's difficult time. Sending you love and courage.

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  • KBeee
    KBeee Member Posts: 5,109
    edited February 2016

    Theresa, I am so sorry for your loss. That's horrible.

    Eileen, Hopkng you can get in soon. If you can not get hold of your surgeon, call Gyn or family doc do they can get you in to get evaluated. Hoping it is a benign lump, but hate that you have to worry

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  • ksusan
    ksusan Member Posts: 4,505
    edited February 2016

    Katy, good article. Nice photo of you and Jack.

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  • pboi
    pboi Member Posts: 663
    edited February 2016

    I'm so sorry Eileen, hoping you can get in soon to get it checked out.

    So sorry for your loss Theresa.

    PB

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  • pboi
    pboi Member Posts: 663
    edited February 2016

    Nice article Katy, thanks for sharing!

    PB

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  • Italychick
    Italychick Member Posts: 2,343
    edited February 2016

    Daughter is here, we'vebeen reminiscing about all our stories and experiences. Weird that somebody is gone in a second, when he has been in my life since I was 14 years old.

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  • Trvler
    Trvler Member Posts: 3,159
    edited February 2016

    Sharon: Hugs. I can only guess how overwhelming that must be.

    Eileen: Ugh. I hate how they leave at 4:59:59. You KNOW they are doing that when you see the clock at one second past five. I hope you can get in quickly.

    Theresa: I am sorry. Even though he's an ex, it is a part of your life.

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  • rleepac
    rleepac Member Posts: 755
    edited February 2016

    Sharon - I'm sorry your dreams have changed but maybe it's for the best. You never know what is in store for you next!

    E! - don't panic yet...we are all here for you.

    T! - I'm so sorry. We lost my DH's uncle that way and it was very traumatic. I know you were still friends and this must be very hard. My prayers are with you and your family.

    Bekah

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  • pboi
    pboi Member Posts: 663
    edited February 2016

    My thoughts are still with you this morning...Eileen and Theresa.

    My anxiety is through the roof this morning. I need to go back to the chemo center this morning for my 1st Zometa infusion. I haven't been back there in almost 8 months and in that time have tried to forget all about that place. Now all those memories are flooding back and I'm a mess. I feel for those of you who have continued to go for Herceptin. I'm scared to go today and worried for what side effects will come from the infusion, when I feel like I'm just turning the corner to feeling better post treatment. I'm just going to have to suck it up, go there, and remember that this will help me protect my bones and hopefully keep bone mets away! Sorry to be such a downer but I just needed to vent

    PB

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  • KBeee
    KBeee Member Posts: 5,109
    edited February 2016

    PB, Hold your head high, and when you are there, remember that those in treatment will be looking at you to see that life does return, hair does return, etc. See if you can think of 2 different people to start conversations with, or to offer advice to. Maybe that'll take the edge off of being there. I have accompanied a few friends sicne I finished, and a couple times, I spoke with people who were obviously newbies in there. We all remember what that felt like. It helped them to see someone come in who's on the "other side". I also think if you focus on others and not you, it may help to decrease your anxiety. It helps me...hope it helps you and that all goes smoothly.

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  • Jackbirdie
    Jackbirdie Member Posts: 4,693
    edited February 2016

    PB- in your pocket. I don't blame you for feeling that way. It's like PTSD. Stay connected to us. Reach down in your pocket, and let us know how it goes.

    T- continuing to send you hugs and to your family.

    Sharon- thinking about you so much. Hang in there.

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  • pboi
    pboi Member Posts: 663
    edited February 2016

    Thank you Karen and Katy for your support this morning...it helped me so much! There were just too many memories there I just did not want to revisit. It's all done now and I am home hydrating like crazy. Hopefully in a couple of days the side effects will subside and I can enjoy my weekend.

    Katy...which AI are you on and how are you doing on it? Dexa scan yet? My dexa scan started this all for me, which I hate, but on the other hand I like that I have one more med in my arsenal that might protect me from bone mets.

    PB

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