Ninel...How are things going?

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FloridaLady
FloridaLady Member Posts: 2,155

Just wondering if you got all your test done, and a chemo start date...

Thinking of you,

Flalady

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  • FloridaLady
    FloridaLady Member Posts: 2,155
    edited August 2008

    bump...still checking.

  • ninel
    ninel Member Posts: 168
    edited August 2008

    Hi FloridaLady,

    Thanks for checking in on me. All my tests came back inconclusive. Whatever it is it's too small. The size of a pen ink mark the nurse said. Being that small they can't even biopsy it so we're continuing with treatment of the inital tumor. This brings out other issues I have. When I was pregnant with my first child I found out I had low platelet counts. This is not good for the chemo. They put me on prednisone for 5 days hoping it would boost the counts. I guess 5 days was not enough so I am on an IV instead now. I had one yesterday and getting one as we speak. It takes 5.5 hours for this infusion. I'm going nuts here.

    I am scheduled to get more bloodwork tomorrow morning to check the counts then an appointment with the oncologist and then my first chemo treatment. Initially I was supposed to get dose dense chemo, but with this platelet issue they may move it to every 3 weeks instead and I will probably have to continue with this IV infusion for the platelets.

    I am excited to finally get some movement on this, but at the same time I'm nervous and anxious.

    I'll keep you posted.

  • FloridaLady
    FloridaLady Member Posts: 2,155
    edited August 2008

    Ninel,

    I'm so glad to hear from you.  I'm also glad you are moving forward...even though very slooow.Smile I know this waiting is driving you crazy.  You sound strong and positive and ready to move forward.  I have to say I'm proud of you...even before you start your chemo journey.  We all have hard moments along the way.  But you will find out that they will pass...Yea! Than a new one will pop up. :>)  You GO Girl! Full speed head.  Get this behind you and get back to your life.  I hope the IV supercharges your platelets. Let me know if there is any way I can help you.  Research questions, support or a good place to vent.  We are close by... if you need some one to talk to place feel free to PM me and I'll give you my number.  I have a sister in Lutz and two girl friend also in north Tampa.  I'm do still come to your neck of the woods once in a while.

    Best wishes,

    Flalady

    PS: I have chemo #5 or should I say...#29 in three years.  I like to count this weird things I do with bc.  I thought about writing a poem like the 12 days of Xmas.  35 rads, 29 chemo's, 7 different kinds chemo, 3 negative receptors, two less boobs, one blood clot and a closet full of wigs....I sure I"m missing a few important points. Any way...I hope tomorrow brings good news.

  • ninel
    ninel Member Posts: 168
    edited August 2008

    Hi FlaLady,

    You just put a huge smile on my face. Keep it coming.

    I just completed my 1st AC treatment. I will be pumped up on all kinds of anti-nausea meds. All I feel right now is fatigued. They keep telling me with the arsenal I have I should be fine. I hope so.

    I also found out that all the tests I had for my arm (I had a hot spot appear on the bone scan) was just some sclerosis...no mets THANK GOD.

    So for now they're going to keep me on the 2 week treatment. I will continue to be on Prednisone for my platelets and hopefully they will cooperate.

    I would love to meet up for coffee or breakfast/lunch if you are in this area. I'm in Land O' Lakes, very close to Lutz.

    Thank you for your well wishes,

    Ninel

  • FloridaLady
    FloridaLady Member Posts: 2,155
    edited August 2008

    Ninel,

    Glad you got the 1st one under your belt.  Did you get something to help you sleep?  They put steroid in your chemo and nausea meds that will keeping you from sleeping.  While you add it get a some pain meds.  When your blood counts drop...you will have bone pain.  It's also nice to have these around because it never fails this happens on the weekend.  Don't worry about getting hooked on meds.  Only 2% of cancer patient get hooked.  I think it because after bc who wants to take anymore drugs:)  Good nights rest is the key to having the energy you need during the day.

    I love to meet up with you.  I do work but sometimes I do take days off to do some running around.  If not... could you do it one weekend.  Let me know what is best for you and we will plan something over the next few weeks.  My schedule is flexable so let me know.

    I hope you continue to do well of the next few days.

    Flalady

  • ninel
    ninel Member Posts: 168
    edited August 2008

    Hi Flalady,

    They really did a good job with the anti-nausea meds. I have had no problems sleeping. My biggest problem are the mornings. If I don't eat I'm nausious if I eat too much also nausious. And getting the kids to school wipes me out.

    I'll have to get back to you about meeting up.

    Ninel 

  • FloridaLady
    FloridaLady Member Posts: 2,155
    edited August 2008

    Ninel,

    Glad you are doing well.  Now you get a little break hopefully with the kid back in school

    Keeping you close in prayer,

    Flalady

  • ninel
    ninel Member Posts: 168
    edited September 2008

    Hi FloridaLady,

    I had my 2nd chemo treatment this past thursday. I've very surprised to be doing better than the first treatment. I can't say that I am as wiped out. My father sent me some antioxidant fruit puree juices. Maybe that the magic potion. I am actually able to deal with the kids this week.

    The oncologist told me the tumor did shrink YAY!!!!!! My white and red blood cell counts are good. My liver is good. The only issue are my platelets. I started out with counts in the 80s, after steroids they went up to 92. Then after the 1st chemo they fell to 68. She decided to go ahead with treatment anyway, but if the counts come back any lower she's going to push treatment out one week to let them recover. There always has to be some issues.

    How are you doing? 

  • FloridaLady
    FloridaLady Member Posts: 2,155
    edited September 2008

    Ninel,

     

    I glad you did better with this one.  I think sometime the first is so bad,because we a so scared of the unknown.  It's great that your Dad sent the juice.  I blend (use a blender instead a juicer) for juices also.  This really do help with the fatigue and help you with your lowered immune system.  I hope they find a way to balance your platelets. 

    I did better with this chemo also, but my was because they had to lower my dose a little to protect my hands/feet from anymore neuropathy.

    Has your hair become tender yet?  My hair coming out was little painful...I'm glad my hair stylist told me to expect this.  I will not loss my hair this time because of the type of chemo's and also these are given at lower doses. One good thing any....

    I hope you continue do so well.  As soon as we get some cooler weather, you will feel better.  That makes me thing of another lovely side effect...having any hot flashes yet?

    Are you having fun yetLaughing

    Flalady

  • FloridaLady
    FloridaLady Member Posts: 2,155
    edited September 2008

    Just checking on you...Let us know how your doing.

    Flalady

  • ninel
    ninel Member Posts: 168
    edited October 2008

    Hi FlaLady,

    I'm doing really well, better than I ever expected. I am halfway through treatment. Just had my 5th round of chemo. My oncologist is telling me I'm one of the lucky ones. My tumor measured at almost 3 cm when I started and now is about pea sized (.5 cm). I am very thankful this chemo is doing it's job.

    At about 3 weeks in my hair started to come out. I decided to shave it all off. I haven't had any hot flashes. I don't know if thats because I'm only 34.

    I knew that my mother's sister died of breast cancer, but I just found out I also have a strong history on my father's side. His sister had it and her 2 daughters had it (they are both still alive). One of the daughters had genetic testing and she tested positive for the BRCA1 gene mutation.

    My insurance will not cover the genetic testing, but my oncologist says there's a strong chance that I have the mutation too. She highly recommends removing my ovaries. So thats somehting to really think about now.

    I hope you are doing well.

    Ninel 

    O

  • FloridaLady
    FloridaLady Member Posts: 2,155
    edited October 2008

    Ninel

    I hate to say I told you...but I told you that you could do this.Wink 

    I so glad you are one of the lucky ones and responding so well. No hot flashes too...you are doing something right. That is a lot of family history I would get the ovaries out. 

    Are you doing anything special to help you with side effects.  I know your Dad was juicing for you before are still drinking it?

    Best wishes to you and yours. I hope your treatment continuies to be gentle.

    Flalady

  • ninel
    ninel Member Posts: 168
    edited October 2008

    My father wasn't juicing for me, he purchased it. It's called ViaViente. It's Anti-Oxidant Rich Whole Food Puree. I drink it in the morning and at night. I don't know if the juice is what is making a difference, but I feel great. You can google it.

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