Anyone starting chemo in Aug. 08?
Comments
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Bette, I had a similar problem with my employer. I went on unpaid medical leave. I know that's extreme, but I keep my benefits and my job is there when I'm ready to go back. DH had to go find a full time job, and we spent about 2 months living off of credit cards. I went to a local cancer services center and they pointed me in the right direction for grants and other programs to help out. My leave date began July 1, I had an appointment with Social Security on July 31, I received my 1st SSI check around mid September. I already have the approval letter for SSDI beginning January 2. The approval process goes a lot quicker when you have a cancer diagnosis. Other than that, check with the American Disability Association, they enforce the law that says your employer must accomodate you, unless it will cause undue hardship to the company (and very few companies can prove undue hardship). I printed out about 30 pages from their website, a friend of mine who is a manager where I work let the powers that be know that I was researching it, and miraculously within days we had a solution to the problem. Our policy for absence was requesting a day off at least 6 days in advance or it was unexcused, period. They refused to amend that policy during this time for me and it was getting ugly. They actually had me sign my "final warning" before termination due to days missed that had been scheduled off within the time frame, but HR had not processed the absence correctly. The whole issue had me depressed, my stats and my sales were way down. Anyway, there are laws that protect you! Don't let them get you down! Good luck to all.
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Thankyou DFONT for sharing. I really needed to hear that I am not alone in this,and your sharing opened he door to Many revalations for me (thankyou Jesus). I have learned that there will be many times throughout my childs life I will not be able to give her what "I want or think right",,and that there will be others that will help her along her journey, it will Not be all me guiding her (again thankyou Jesus
. And this is the just the first of MANY hardships of being a mother. And THIS is what "they" mean't when they said I wouldn't understand until I became one I feel for ALL of the mom's out there because there are SO many kept from doing things with their "babies" that they would like to be doing. Thankyou again. @-}--HOOD-these headaches suck,but are doable
Thanks because I have more peace about it now. As far as depression. Battled most of my life, just finding out. Mine is mild, and having a baby has kept me focused on her instead of "it". I'm also a recovering alcoholic (sober over 4 1/2 yrs yahhh) so I know alot about feeling out of control of moods and feelings. I have done this completely unmedicated (didn't want to get addicted to anything else). I can tell you that having my focus on God was my medication. When I didn't ,I would end up on the bed crying in agony (from the inside out). I have had soooo much healing its amazing. God wouldn't take me this far to leave me now,,,Hello.
You have a purpose HOOD,,we all do. You are special,and those people in your life know that. And you are allowed to have bad days. This chemo has defiantley changed me, I can't do anymore med's. I have a precript for prozac on hand, but figure if I can do sobriety,,without meds, I can do this. I always go back to the hardest thing I ever did, and say if I can do that,,I can do this.
Ladies I labored at home for 3 days with contractions 3-13 minutes apart, they NEVER STOPPED. I planned on a home birth, but her head was crocked, and she was stuck. I didn't get past 5 centimeters until the hospital. I went in SCREAMING "Give me the epideral". If I hadn't I still wouldn't know I have cancer. They found it by me being there,,where I needed to be. I thought God left me because 3 days of labor,,I NEVER heard of such a thing. Well now I know why. Just like all of this,,,,don't have a clue as to WHY,,,,but God will let me know in His time
He has a plan for us all,,and is ready to take away that fear when ever were ready to give it up. I pray you all have peace,in Jesus name. And if not, then there is a reason. Maybe HE wants to get you to somewhere you need to be too. Hugs -
Hi all, I have had such a hard week. Had my 3rd treatment on the 6th and had nausea and diarrhea almost all week I went to the doctors today and all my blood counts are good. I noticed tonight HOWEVER, that my blood counts on vitamin B12 are extremetly high. They are suppose to be between 193-982 Mine are over 5000. I tried googling and came up with liver disease or leukemia. Does anyone know if Neulasta could cause this elevation? I will call the doctor in the AM and find out. Keep me in your prayers. Thanks. Corinne
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I had a week off from chemo last week so DD and I went to Florida to the beach for a week for some R&R. Congrats to all those who have finished or soon to finish their treatments. There will still be quite a few of us still here banning together for support
Someone asked about neulasta. I have never had neulasta, my onc does labs every week before treatment. It doesnt make sense to me to get it as a preventative if you dont need it and im so glad my onc doesnt do that as from what im hearing the s/e's are horrible. I too sometimes get headaches, it feels like my scalp is numb and my head hurts. Ive had a couple that have lasted for several days. Sometimes I wonder if its from being put into chemopause. i dont know. 10 years ago i had a lumpectomy with radiation but no chemo. I had 7 weeks of rads about 35 or so treatments. I went every morning at 7:30 before work. I didnt have any s/e at all except an itchy rash and they gave me a cream for it. Easy Breezy compared to chemo. You dont feel anything. They made a mold that contours to your body and you lay on that while they do the radiation. It keeps you in the position they want you. lisahugs1, you will find a way to hold and cuddle your baby, maybe using pillows or something and hopefully you will have lots of help with feeding and changing etc... when youre not feeling so great. I have a CT scan tomorrow to see how the chemo is working and back to treatment #7 on Thursday. Prayers for everyone -
Hey girls...sounds like we are all in need of some hugs, good wishes, prayers, or maybe a good stiff drink?
Hood and Bettyelou...((((((HUGS))))) to you both. Know that we are here for you and use us as a place to vent when needed.
Last Tx yesterday went well, but the fatigue hit fast this time. Just glad to say I AM FINISHED!!
Hugs, prayers and blessings to all!
Stacy
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mommy3abm - Congrats on being done. My fatigue hit fast too for this last one but again like you just glad to be finished!!!!!!! Bettyelou - hang in there and grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr on an employer who can't sympathize in your time of need. Jeesh is their quota sooooooooo freaking important that your health should lack???? I think not!!!! God-is-good - a retreat to Florida - sounds just what I need too!!!! LOL I too did not get the shot - my blood was checked every 3rd Friday before treatment and it always came out good so I was blessed!!!!! Corrine6 sorry to hear about your "bottom" problems. I had those with my 2nd treatment and it sucked almost as bad as the chemo. It makes you feel horrible. Lisahugs1 - my "babies" are grown but when my 10 year old still wanted a hug and to hang out on my lap for a spilt sec I was glad I could manage that. I feel for you and all the women who have little ones. Hang in there - it will get better!!!! Loves and HUGS to all........... HANG IN THERE - we can do it together!!!!! I start
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Bettelou- check out the faq's for FMLA (Family Medical Leave Act) www.dol.gov/elaws/esa/fmla/faq.asp
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what a run-a-round i got yesterday/ Called my Naturopathic Dr who told me she did not know why my B12 was so high. Called my Oncologist and she said she thought it was cuz I was juicing. Called my endocrinoligist who said you only get B vitimins from meats not fruits and veg. Anyhow my endocrinologist thought that something was wrong with the test and I should repeat it. Going today to take it again. mommy3- CONGRATULATIONS on being done. I am soooo happy for you. I was wondering if anyone is having trouble with the drying out of the inside of their noses. I have been taking saline solutions but they do not seem to work. Anyone have suggestions?
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Thats funny Corinne6 My nose is a darn running facet (spelled right). I have just gotten over a cold, who would have thought getting a cold could be so scarey
I've been taking sudafed now (okay'd by ONC). And BLOWING and BLOWING Thanks Alibug05- I appreciate that.
All you ladies are womderful,,,THANKYOU.
I have my next chemo Monday. I will find out how much this darn tumor has shrank. Please say a prayer for me that its STILL shrinking
Will hopefully find out how many more "rounds" I have left. I pray this is the last. Up to 3 more ???
Have a great day,,and smile
Gotta go to the orthodontist. I have braces on my teeth, no hair, and no eyebrows LOL -
Wanted to add I was on a anti biotic for that cold
please tell you onc if your catching anything -
Corrine, they sell nasal moisturizer or lubricant, at the drug store, I think by the nose drops, or what about plain old vaseline? That's what I use when my nose gets really dry in the winter.
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Hey Girls,
Funny you brought up the nose problem. For all four of my treatments, I went through about 1-2 weeks of runniness and blowing. So, that left my nose rather sore. Also, we lose the nose hairs (of course), so you have less protection. Last month, I started taking a Q-tip and putting Neosporin ointment on it. Then, I rub the tip around the inside of my nose and on the edges each morning and night. This has greatly helped the dryness and soreness. Try this!!
Hope everyone is well. When is the next TX for anyone here? We're pulling for you!!
~Misty
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Hey ladies,
I think the runny nose thing is common from what I've read on the boards. My nose runs all the time too, the first time it happened I thought I was getting a cold
My eyes also water a lot! Does anyone else have that problem? I assume it is also from the loss of some eyelashes (although I still have most of them). I'm guessing my eyes are just more sensitive? Any other thoughts?I hope everyone is doing well these days. I know for me it seems to get a little bit harder with each treatment, but we can all get through this!
Sending out prayers and hugs tonight for all
Monique
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Hi Ladies,
I also have dry nose problems after treatment. Last time i used saline spray
and neosporin on a q-tip inside my nose. I ended up with a bad infection in my
nose that was spreading into my eyes very quickly. I was in the er for intravenous
antibiotics. I know it can be very uncomfortable, but be careful what you put in
your nose. The infection was extremely painful.Hang in there everyone, we can do this!
Laurie
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I had the nose sores within days of my 1st tx; onco gave me Bactrum ointment, I use a Q-tip to put in my nose, he said this will combat any infection. I use it for a few days after each tx and have not had nose sores since that 1st one.
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My nose is dry- not running I went to Walmart and picked up a humidifier yesterday. Someone told me using petroleum jelly could result in pneumonia. Soooo..after using tons of saline drops with no avail, I will try th above mentioned things I think because of the humidifier i am doing somewhat better today.
I find out today the results of my B12 retake. I sure hope that it was human error on the last test. My next #4tx out of 6 is on Oct. 27th.
Roya, what did you think of the book Beating Cancer with Nutrition?
Monique, I have not had the eye problem thing, yet, anyways. Perhaps someone will have gone down that path and has a solution
Chelli, Where are you at in you tx'x. I too am her2+ I am trying very hard to change the chemistry of my body by nutrition so that it won't come back. My naturopathic Dr said that this is possible. I just hope that I can stay with it for life and it won't be a fleeting diet in my life.
Bettelou, How are you? Been thinking of you an praying for you.
Misty and mamma3. How is life AFTER chemo??
Can't wait for this all to be over.Dec 8th is my last big treatment I have surgery again to get clean margins sometime in Jan then radiation for 30 days followed by herceptin intraveneously every 3 weeks for a year. Ugh!!!!
Is anyone following in my footsteps for treatment? I heard that Herceptin will not be as bad as having all 3- Taxotere, Herceptin and Carboplatin. I am trusting that I will be stronger through it all and will have been able to reach out to so many at my treatment center.
Anyhow, to all of you having treatment this week - thinking of you and praying for you!!
Hugs,
Corinne
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Corinne - I have tx 4 on Oct 21. Not sure how many total needed, it went from 3-4, the 4-6, last I heard was 6-8. So, I'm looking at it as my halfway point. Then mastectomy, radiation, and 1 year of Herceptin. I just got results of my muga scan and it is 71%, only dropped about 5% in 3 months, after 4 tx of Herceptin, 3 w/Cytoxan, Taxotere and Epirubicin. Also, in June the largest tumor was approx 4cm (dr. could not get the whole thing on ultrasound screen), but last month it was down to about 2cm. So something is working. I see the breast specialist on Monday, I'm sure he'll check it again. I have another pet ct 1st week of Nov, hoping to see those lesions on the liver reduced, or with lots of luck GONE! Oh, my nose issues started with just dryness, then the sores. So keep an eye on that. After the last tx, I started having the runny nose. Each tx brings new or different SE. Lovely. Good luck and my prayers to you all!
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Monique, my eyes also water a lot.....it is very noticeable and people do ask about it. Chelli, thanks for the advice about the Neosporin. The runny nose and dry nares seem to take turns alternating.
Corinne, I love that book!!!! Mommy3abm, congrats on being thru with chemo. What a blessing!!!!
Lisahugs, lots of hugs to you and your baby. Warm hugs to all my BC sisters.
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About the watery eyes... I feel like that's happened to me when I'm wearing my wig -- especially the first wig I got. I've wondered if it might be something in the wig that possibly also gets on your hands is causing an allergic reaction. Same for the drippy nose, which no doubt is bad because of a lack of nose hair, but which starts for the same reason -- an allergic reaction. Just a thought --
Deanna
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Hello ladies,
Got genetic testing today. Theres no breast cancer on my moms side, and I am 30, so the surgeon is really suggesting a double. Don't know about fathers side.I will get the test back and see what it says about my genes. Anyone had genetic testing?
I like the idea of my new boobies being the same though
Thankyou Roya. Hugs to you too.
All of you women are soooo strong. This sucks, but the purposes for "it" are beyond our imaginations. God's plan is better than ours, and He loves us
Just wanted to share that baby is laughing now
Just started today She smiles allll the time, and hardly ever cries. Tell me thats not all God Just wanted to put a smile on someones face -
Thank you Lisahugs. There nothing quite as beautiful as baby's very first tender smiles. You really can feel the innocence of pure love.
Thank you for sharing. You did make me smile.
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Hey where is everyone? Hope you all have a great weekend!
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Hey Everyone,
Hood, glad to see you are posting. I hope you are feeling better this weekend.
Had a nice day off from work yesterday. I took down bathroom wallpaper and will paint today. Nothing like a good project-this was something I wanted to do this summer, but never got around to it with the DX-imagine that?!
Hope everyone is feeling well. Stacy and Gail-how are you doing after the last TX you both had?
Deanna-the eyebrows and lashes are holding on so far, and it will be three weeks on Tuesday. I am keeping my fingers crossed!!
Alibug-how are you doing after the last TX? When do you start rads?
Corinne-life after chemo is good. I feel great and the tastes are at about 95% normal. So, there is hope for you girls that you will bounce back pretty quickly after the last one.
I go to the onc. on Thursday to discuss starting Tamox and to get my next Herceptin without the chemo. I plan to relax for the 90 min. infusion and mark another one off my calendar. Unfortunately, I feel like I may have another fibroadenoma on my right side(had the mast. on the left). They have a very distinct feeling. I don't think it is anything else. How could it be? I had a clear MRI at the end of June and just got done this dang chemo!! I hope this doesn't ruin plans for my implants' surgery next month. I called my onc yesterday to tell him that I feel one, but he said not to worry and he'll check it out on Thursday. Can I ever get a break!! It seems like my body is prone to getting them. Always something!!
Anyway, hope everyone is having a good weekend-who is up for the next TX this week? There is a movie on tonight at 9:00 on Lifetime about the man who came up with the miracle drug, Herceptin. Any HER2s should tivo this!
~Misty
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I also have runny nose and watery eyes ;after 4 AC treatments. The Neosporin trick sounds great!
I am having a problem with my fingers. The nailbeds are turning bruised looking and the skin around the cuticles is dry, cracked, and bleeding. Today I started wearing cotton gloves over Neosporin. It is a bit harder to type, but I need to heal my fingers as my job involves paper handling and keyboarding
Tom and I are going ring shopping next Saturday.
I see the BS on 10/29 to check size of tumor and talk about scheduling surgery. We are traveling to Baltimore the 28th and staying over, maybe do some sightseeing that day and see DD"s new house on the way back to PA.
So something to look forward to besides Taxol .
Bette
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I'm here too. Had the last of 4 treatments this past Wednesday. I went in for it 5-days later than scheduled. My only child died 9/26/08 (Jacob Webb, Nelsonville, OH, Fatal Car Crash... if you want to google it). He was only 19 and it was so hard to do anything that I canceled all my cancer stuff. But... I think Jake worried so much about me that I owed it to him to call back and finish. Well, I'll finish the chemo any way.
This last round is really not as bad as I was thinking it would be. For me, every round got worse. Finally after the 3rd my doc gave me ativan for the vomiting... I couldn't keep that down either but after he switched it to a suppository it actually started to work for me.
I think that I'll be leaving the boards for a while. I just wanted to write in so no one would think that I didn't survive or something.
Good
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(whoops... how did that get entered)
I was trying to sign off with:
Good luck everyone.Kym
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Kym... I just don't know what to say. I am totally speechless. I will PM you when I can wrap my head around your incomprehensible loss. In the meantime, I just wanted to ask, is there anything at all we can do for you? Will you please let us know?
Holding you up in prayer ~ Deanna
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Kym
I am so sorry and I am praying for you.
Teresa
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Kym,
Hugs and prayers coming your way. I cannot fathom what you are going through right now. Please for your son and those who love you and care about you (including your friends right here) take care of you and follow through with your treatment. It is not selfish...consider it a tribute to your son. Please let us know what we can do for you!
Hood- hope things are going better for you. I am feeling a little blue now that chemo is over...I still have surgery and rads, but I can't help worrying about what else I should be doing. It was almost like as long as I was on chemo I felt "safe"...hmmm
Hair is getting stubbly mostly lacking in color, but long (yeah if only) enough to start poking in my head when I lay down at night. Gotta shave my legs more often now and think I felt very tiny stubble under my arms while showering today...bummers.
I have felt more worn down this time and caught the cold my kids and dh have had. Oldest dd actually had a rather large asthma attack triggered by it on Monday. So, we had 2 of us "crazies" on steroids for a few days!! Hubby couldn't get out of work on Mon and I had last chemo scheduled that day so I had to call my sister who lives 100 mi away to come and stay with her. I am sooo thankful for her. She was in the shower getting ready for work at 6:50 am. 15 min later had already called in to work and was on her way. Picked dd up at cancer center lobby before I had even been "hooked up". I will owe my family when this is done. Several times this summer we had to call my parents and tell them dh would be at their house (near my sister) with all 3 kids (under the age of 10) in two hours to drop them off for an indefinite amount of time. My parents never batted an eye and always said we will have dinner waiting for them. This has also shown me that it is ok to ask for help. The only disappointment was the lack of contact from my dearest and closest friend of 23 years. She has called once since July. I don't know why that bothers me so much, but it really does.
Enjoy the rest of the weekend ladies...who is up this week? I see surgeon on Monday.
Stacy
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I have the first of four Taxol treatments on Wednesday and see my surgeon for a tumor check on 10/29.
I am not over the SE's from the las AC treatment almost two weeks ago yet. Usually by now I am feeling a lot better. Lot's of naps on the agenda.
Bette
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