For those starting chemo in June

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  • mary1220
    mary1220 Member Posts: 1,246
    edited February 2005

    Hi girls, Well PJ I have flown 3 times now since my surg. and haven't had any trouble at all. I went to Az. in June, 5 weeks after surgery then in Nov. and Dec. So far so good. My mouse at home isn't as bad as the one at work. If I curse loud enough mine will work for a short time. Well guess I better go shower. Later girls. Hugs, Mary

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  • PJB
    PJB Member Posts: 2,615
    edited February 2005

    Mary, what did the doc say about your lump under your arm? Or did I miss an earlier post?

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  • mary1220
    mary1220 Member Posts: 1,246
    edited February 2005

    PJ, the lump went down so I cancelled. I did however get my thyroid checked today as I can't get my new script for refills without a blood test so went in and got it today. Drs. nurse called and said my thyroid was way high. It went from 1.8 to 3.0 so my Dr. will call me next wk. Deb her nurse just wanted to see how I was. I told her there seems to be a link to thyroid and chemo or radiation and there must be. Thats why I have gained the weight. Thank goodness, Deb. told me I need the wt. My whole family 2 brothers and 2 sisters , we are all thin. Tall and thin. I have one sis thats 6 ft. I read the board about the thyroid and Rads. It makes sense that the Rad. would spill over and kick the thyroid gland. Thats why I have been a little lazy and my muscles hurting, and I am itching and my skin is so dry. Gee; I should of realized it sooner. I just blame chemo for everything. I thought I was getting worse instead of better. Well gotta go girls, Hope everyones fine and keep an eye on the thyroid. Hugs, Mary

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  • janie44
    janie44 Member Posts: 1,460
    edited February 2005
    Mary,

    Who would "have thunk" it. It seems that all our body parts and functions are related somehow. Are you tall like the rest of your family? I wish I were taller and could carry the weight better --- like nine foot ten.

    My right foot continues to swell, itch, and turn red. I do the Benedryl by IV, mouth, and topically to try to stay on top of it.

    I hope today is a good day for everyone. Is everybody off Monday?

    Warm fuzzies,

    Janie
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  • mary1220
    mary1220 Member Posts: 1,246
    edited February 2005

    Hi Girls, Well my husbands job is going south in April(the 24th) so I am going in to get all my first test done a little early while I still have ins. I never say this is as bad as it gets cause every time I do it gets worse. Where does a 55 year old man go? Geargia Pacific shut down after he had 17 years in and our retirement was lost so everyone got a thousand bucks to suffice now this. My husband is a worker but finding ins. is the problem. We will make it.Thank God I have a decent pay check. Well, have to pick up grandkids to stay all night so later girls, Mary

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  • PJB
    PJB Member Posts: 2,615
    edited February 2005
    Oh, Mary, that's awful. Like you didn't have enough junk to worry about. Can your husband get COBRA insurance after his job ends so you can stay covered for awhile?



    Oh, and Janie, you mentioned you were having some stressing stuff at work, too. How're you doing?



    Hope Renee's OK. I've got a fun weekend planned. Work Monday, tho.



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  • mary1220
    mary1220 Member Posts: 1,246
    edited February 2005

    Hi Girls, Hope everyones wk. end went great. I am enjoying somewhat piece and quiet now that the grandkids are gone. I had the 21/2 year old with his sister and another grandson. We went to Pizza hut then bowling on Fri. and bowling again on Sat. That can get expensive... Well my husband is dragging his feet about a business of our own. Hell I have nothing to lose. If we lose it all we live in an appartment or buy a camper. My husband is now at my desk I have never yet used and he is going through my pens because they are upside down and the ink will settle in the top. Need I say more???? Can you do real harm with an inkpen and your husbands eyeball???? He does woodwork. Cuts things out of wood and makes clocks and sports key hangers and coat racks etc. He makes x-mas tree ornaments and all kinds of stuff and hes pretty good and we have sooo much in our basement. He decided to come in here by me and paint.O.K. this is not working, I just got a speach about using the printer for a shelf. Now hes asking me questions......Do you think his tongue would go through the printer if I smash it flat???I wonder if hitting him with the desk light would knock him out or just give him a bump on the head??? Now hes talking to himself so I can hear. There is so much to love about this man,boy. Well I have to take my boss to the Dr. in Spring. tomorrow and hopefully my Dr. will call about my thyroid. Janie I am 5'7 1/2" tall. I hold my weight pretty good but I am just not use to the extra 13 lbs. If they get my thyroid fixed I will lose it. I should of thought of thyroid but just blame everything on chemo. Well better go and get some sleep. My knees have been very stiff and sore but hopefully that will go away. I have to see about onky apt. and plastic surg. for crease in my boob and mammo on clean breast. Gee hopefully I will get it all in. P.J. Yea we can get cobra but it would probably be pretty expensive but they will send us a letter about it. A friend said they were offered it at $1200.00 a month and they didn't have any illiness. Later you little gators, hugs mary

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  • rlswkndr
    rlswkndr Member Posts: 148
    edited February 2005
    You've probably read the posts Janie recommended, so I won't repeat here. Was also told to keep the sleeve on for 24 hours after, so that's where I'm at this morning.
    Had a blast in Dallas and now am back home recovering from all that good food. Still took a short nap or rested each day- was good to put the feet up for a while.
    Came back to snow after a day of 77!!! It was great... now reality!
    Renee
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  • rlswkndr
    rlswkndr Member Posts: 148
    edited February 2005
    Oops, missed the second page of posts. Mary you've been thru a ton of stuff, but know you have a great sense of humor and make us laugh when we think we can't. That is probably how you get thru all you do.
    Paula, my sleeve is not a custom made, it's a stock size small compression sleeve. My dr. didn't recommend it, but after talking with many women that developed L after flying- most within 12-24 hours of a flight, I felt I needed to wear it for prevention. When I told Dr. I was going to get a sleeve she thought it was a good idea.
    Janie- Hope you are doing great.
    Renee
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  • janie44
    janie44 Member Posts: 1,460
    edited February 2005
    Mary, I hope things turn around for you soon. You and I could throw a huge pity party about right now.

    Renee, it sounds like you had a wonderful time.

    PJ, I'm hanging in.

    I go to the lymphedema therapist here for the lst time today. I hope she doesn't want to make it a daily thing or something. I get paranoid about missing any work now.

    I found out the tremor meds was what was making me sick instead of the Herceptin. I have a choice -- sick or shake.

    I still have the rash but it may be subsiding some this week -- itchwise. It is still swollen.

    I will quit whining for now. I am off for President's day. Talk to you guys later. Janie
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  • PJB
    PJB Member Posts: 2,615
    edited February 2005
    Well, another day, another bunch of blood donated to science....

    Also went to the eye doc today. Guess what? I have a cataract starting at age 41! How special. She says chemo can mess up your eyes and cause the formation of cataracts. She says it's not at all bad now, but we'll have to keep a watch on it. She also suggests I get a couple extra tests done since I"m on tamoxifen, but I'm gonna check with the onc about them. I want to be sure she's not trying to pad her wallet unnecessarily.

    See the onc Thursday. I'm gonna press him about the sleeve. Lymphadema is the last thing I need.

    Mary, hope you get that husband straightened out. It's gotta be rough for him, but even rougher for you, having to deal with HIM and penny pincher.

    Renee, glad we could order you up some nice weather for your trip to Texas. Janie, things'll get better.

    Paula
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  • mary1220
    mary1220 Member Posts: 1,246
    edited February 2005

    :grin :Thats me after choking my husband with a rubberband that he found in with the paper clips lastnight. He didn't know what to do with it or if it was suppose to be in with the paper clips I will say he didn't last long at my desk as he has a hyper problem and can't sit still. I am slow and easy going and he is a ball of energy and impatience. We are so perfect for each other. Its just a battle waiting to happen all the time. Well, called my rads. onc. and she doesn't think the rads spilled to my neck because I didn't have any nodes in the neck pos. so I don't know, I guess I will find out when my Dr. calls. I guess she has a bunch of flu people so it will be a day or two. I better make a Wally run. I need to look up a date to go to Az. in March for my youngest daughters birthday(March30). I really want to move to warmer weather but I would miss the grandkids a lot but damn, I need to think about this. Hugs, Mary

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  • mary1220
    mary1220 Member Posts: 1,246
    edited February 2005

    Rene, Glad you had a good time. Isn't that weather great??? I must be nuts to stay in cornfields and snow. I bet you had some dandy Mexican food. Hugs, Mary

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  • janie44
    janie44 Member Posts: 1,460
    edited February 2005
    Just got back from local lymphedema therapist. She really knows her stuff. I have 5:00 appointments most nights for the next two weeks. I am now 17% over the fluid limit in the right arm, or at level 2. She said all of us bc patients start at level zero and some go to another level for one reason or another. She wants to get me back down to zero. She did mention wearing the sleeve when flying and gave me a bunch of other precautions. I have to get back to under 10% before wearing the sleeve. I have to ask if I can do without it once I get back to zero.

    Later gators,

    Janie
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  • mary1220
    mary1220 Member Posts: 1,246
    edited February 2005

    Good morning girls, Hope all is well. Janie, How do they get your fluid down in your arm? I mean do they use water pills or heat or something? I don't know. I have been lucky there. It seems like my poor bones just get worse. My knees get real stiff if I sit but I have a hard time sitting down. They don't want to bend. The Dr. called and is upping my thyroid meds. by 10 micrograms. That makes me jumpy, that stuff can do a number on ya if its too high. Well better go start my car so it can thaw, that is sooooo much fun every morn. Have a good one. Hugs, Mary

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  • janie44
    janie44 Member Posts: 1,460
    edited February 2005
    hi ladies

    Mary, the first time they compressed the fluid out with a machine and then put the sleeve on. I later swelled up with Taxol and couldn't get it on. This time, she is massaging it out to other channels and then wrapping the fingers, hand, and arm tightly. I went from 17 to 10% since yesterday. I am bandaged from one appointment to another and it is difficult to type, write or shower.

    Take care girls,

    Janie
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  • mary1220
    mary1220 Member Posts: 1,246
    edited February 2005

    Wow Janie that sounds terrible!! Will your arm get back to normal eventually? I know some say they have swelling for a long time. Thats the pits Janie!!! My husband is running around trying to find another job with ins. Where are all the jobs Mr. Bush created??? Oh yea, Mexico. Well I better go so you take care Janie and I am glad its down today. Hi to P.J. and Renee. Hugs, Mary

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  • janie44
    janie44 Member Posts: 1,460
    edited February 2005
    Mary,

    From what I understand, when I start wearing the sleeve, I will have to wear it daily with only a few days off.

    Sending good wishes for a job with insurance. I hope you have insurance through your job so they won't claim pre-existing condition.
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  • PJB
    PJB Member Posts: 2,615
    edited February 2005
    Well, Mary, you DID talk about wanting to move somewhere warm. And Mexico certainly has that going for it. Best of luck to your hubby. He's in a tough spot.

    Janie, hope the arm continues to improve.

    Go to the onc for 3-month checkup today. Have my little list of minor complaints; we'll see what he makes of them. I guess I'll get another mammo next month. Oh boy.
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  • rlswkndr
    rlswkndr Member Posts: 148
    edited February 2005
    Paula, You're 3 month check up... wow! I don't have a mammo scheduled till June. They wait 6 months after treatment. I thought that was a bit long, but I didn't want one sooner anyways.
    Janie- hugs for a healing arm. Mine is swollen on the arm with the infiltrated drug. It may never get better- ugh. I wrap it every night.
    Mary- Praying for ease in job hunting-with insurance! Warm weather sounds wonderful,,, but grandkids close by would be hard to give up... unless you think about all the times they drive you nuts.. then warm weather wins!
    Renee
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  • mary1220
    mary1220 Member Posts: 1,246
    edited February 2005

    Hi girls, P.J. yea Mexico is warm and cheap living. I have no ins. with my job as I am considered self employed and my husband has always had good ins. There was no warning the plant would close. It has worked 6 days a week for 2 years because they have so much business. We will make it. I am getting my left boob mommoed in march. I had the cancer one mammoed in Nov. but not the good boob. I called my reg. dr. and shes getting one done for me. I go the first wk. of April for 3 month check up. I was dxed. March 4. Our ins. ends in April I think so I am getting everything done before. I may not get my next 3 mo. but if I just need an x-ray and liver enzymes I can handle the cost. It would be hard to be away from the grandkids and I looked after my oldest daughters boys as she was a single mom working full time and getting a Bachlors so I took care of the 2 boys a lot. I don't kmow what to do but my bones are so sore and stiff I don't think I can take this weather another winter. My husband is affraid if my cancer comes back what would happen to our business if I am going through treatment and he has to take care of me. Maybe I would have something to make me get through it. Maybe I will outlive him? I understand where hes coming from but he has no idea where I am at. I don't want to work until I die and I want to do some things and I want the money to do them. Therefor I have to take a chance and if I fail at least I tried. Too much to think about so I am going to rest my brains or lack there-of. Later girls, Thanks for listening. Hugs, Mary

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  • janie44
    janie44 Member Posts: 1,460
    edited February 2005
    Sounds like we were dx'ed about the same time. Mine was 3/11.

    Mary, only those willing to take some risks are able to get ahead. You go girl!

    My 3 month check-up is in April. Always the last dog to be hung.

    Have a good night ladies!

    Hugs,

    Janie
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  • mary1220
    mary1220 Member Posts: 1,246
    edited February 2005

    jANIE, I was to go for first check in April but my husbands last day of work will be April 24 so I got my apt. moved up a couple weeks. Just in case I need anything extra done.I am at work and nauseated all to heck. Woke up lastnight with it so guess I have a touch of the flu. My boss is asleep listening to x-mas music. I could scream. I feel yucky and I left my reading glasses home so I have no idea what this says on the screen. I can't see a thing. Later gators. Hugs, Mary

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  • PJB
    PJB Member Posts: 2,615
    edited February 2005
    Mary, sounds like you need a few sick days. I'm sorry you're dealing with the flu. Hope you and Janie BOTH get to feeling better.

    Hi to Renee, too.
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  • janie44
    janie44 Member Posts: 1,460
    edited February 2005
    Mary, I pulled one of your tricks. Whatever I wrote here yesterday went to cyberspace neverland. You did very well to not be able to see what you were typing. Get well! There is a flu epidemic here, especially in the schools.

    PJ, I"m ok.

    Renee, did you have to do the machine or bandages before getting the sleeve? My fluid is now 7% and I could do the sleeve but she wants me to come for wrapping/bandages until Thursday to get more out. So I still have Mummy Arm.
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  • mary1220
    mary1220 Member Posts: 1,246
    edited February 2005

    Hi girls, I am cleaning out the spare bedroom that no one uses and putting a twin bed in it and shelves. I am going to make a big closet for me. I don't have enough room and we just have too many clothes and we never wear them!!! I am going through things and pitching crap. My husband found some shirts he got in the 70's and told me they were good shirts. He picked them out and I slid them beck in the out pile. He has decided he wants to go to school. I am all for it but I will not have ins. I will have to stay well and cancer free. I think no problem its just two years but it wasn't a problem before I got this either. Everyone tells me to go on dissability for a while but I just hate to. I don't know what to do. I will continue to do what I am doing but I am going to start a business in warmer climate soon.There is no good jobs here. Well wanted to check in and say hi. Better get back to throwing away crap. Bought some hair dye, very grey so going to fix that.Gotta shampoo my carpet also. Not enough time for all of it and my hubby is in the recliner snoozing but he thinks hes watching the race. He has had 4 days off and he is laid around about enough. I can see the storm moving in when he is outta work. Hes a dweller. He messes in the basemant all the time wood working. He is always in the basement in his "shop" woodworking. The house can be falling down but the "shop" looks good. Better go. Hugs, Mary

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  • PJB
    PJB Member Posts: 2,615
    edited February 2005
    Mary, sounds like a fun day. Or not. What's your husband planning to go to school for? I mean, what will he study? Does being on disability give you any help insurance-wise? Any idea what kind of business you'll start?

    Nothing much up here. And I love it. Hope you all are OK.
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  • rlswkndr
    rlswkndr Member Posts: 148
    edited February 2005
    Janie- I didn't have to do the machine or bandage techniques because I don't have lymphedema. I have a 'stock' compression sleeve and glove just for flying and for the arm that is swollen from the drug, it is a tube- like ace bandage that I wear at night. The circulation in that hand is so messed up and they don't want that fluid to just sit there. All the numbness is still there- ugh- what a pain!
    Mary- Kudos for your hubby wanting to go back to school. My son at the tech school says half his class- computer networking- are my age or higher. My hubby and I are both self employed - he's a CPA, started his own business after a job loss at a big company. It was the kick he needed and loves being self employed now. I have a clothing business. Insurance is a pain and expensive but it is out there. We used to switch plans every year or so to keep rates down, but now... we are stuck. At least they;ve been paying what they should, but we have very high deductibles.
    Paula, I love it too when there is nothing to exciting going on. It's snowing again and wishing for sun and warm weather. We are thinking of going on a road trip to Galveston when tax season is over.
    Renee
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  • mary1220
    mary1220 Member Posts: 1,246
    edited February 2005

    Hi Girls, Frankly I don't know anything about dissability. I doubt I would get much and I need my income so I really don't think thats an option. If my guy I work for gets to where he can't get around I know I can't lift. I didn't realize it but I don't have much strength any more. I picked up my almost 3 year old grandson and I really had trouble. I went in to nurse pract. today about my knee. She took an x-ray and wrapped it but I think I tore something. I called my onc's office (hes in Chicago teaching again) I asked when all the muscle and joint pain will go away. The nurse asked if I have pain pills? I told her I just want to know when I am going to feel less pain. It was a bad day. Its snowing and cold and cloudy, need I say more? My body just seems to be worse in the cold. I am going to see my oncy on Thurs. He wants to see me now, Gee. Oh, I weighed in at 147 today.My butt just keeps growing. Its like a balloon. Maybe my thyroid will get the cure in a few wks.My husband don't know what hes going to study. Hes trying to figure it out. I think something in computers would be good. Hes thinking enviornment, biology. Well better go and work on my spare bedroon/closet. Later girls, Hugs, Mary

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  • janie44
    janie44 Member Posts: 1,460
    edited March 2005
    PJ, I wish nothing much went on here. Never a dull minute.

    Renee, now I remember about the arm. Chemo brain working overttime.

    Mary, disability is a portion of your paycheck depending upon what you let them deduct. I pay a fortune for it but can't afford to go on it. I went back to school later in life. I was the granny of the group when I finished picking up the BS. The college kids accepted me as one of them and I had a great time. It was hard raising three kids too. Then, when I went to grad school, I was sort of in the middle, age-wise. I got my last degree (if you don't count the add-on) when I was 46. I finished about the time my oldest started college. I went back later to add another credential and then took my federal, state, and oral licensure exams even later to get licensed to work outside the schools. I started going and didn't know when to quit. Anyway, good luck to your husband. He has plenty of time to decide majors. And good luck in your business ventures.

    Hugs to All,

    Janie
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