Anyone starting chemo in Aug. 08?
Comments
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Roya, I had a three week break between chemo treatments and my hair has been growing back, but now I'm having a different chemo(FEC) and the little bit of hair I have is going to fall out,too. I think pretty soon because my scalp is hurting and itchy again.
Has anyone else felt like they have aged more than usual? I'm 46 and my skin just looks so much older to me lately! I'm trying all kinds of moisturizers, but I know you have to be careful with the chemo SEs. When I was on the Abraxane, it caused me to have acne, so I had to use Proactive, which worked great, but on the FEC, my skin just seems really dry. Oh, well!
Put up my Christmas things yesterday, gets me in the Xmas spirit!
The weather here is beautiful today, high 60s, low 70s, and I think I'll plant some pansies in my flowerbeds. Feeling good today, have to take advantage!
Everyone have a great day! Deen
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Deen, my hair started growing back in after the FEC, it hasn't fallen out again with the Taxotere, but I don't think it's grown anymore either. It makes sense to me that it can start to grow and then fall out again after subsequent treatments. My eyebrows and eyelashes have thinned a lot since the Taxotere, but I think the top lashes may be coming back in again for now, at least my eyes aren't as watery.
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Hello Everyone,
its been a while. I am done with a week of rads,,and pushing along.
Anyone have a port when they had there expanders put in? I am worried about this part. Get to see the plastic surgeon on the 29th to plan my reconstruction, I had to read back pretty far, but read as much as I could to catch up.
I am glad to hear you are all doing good. Happy for all whose hair is returning, and done with chemo. My chemo trip will be another 8 months (just pills) and haven't shown any sideeffects so far. a little tired and slight belly upset. But my hair is now growing back,,,and I feel like G I Jane . Its kinda neat. Like a badass GI Jane LOL
Anyone using Aquaphor for skin prevention. Thats what they recommended to me and so far its working good. I am only 4 down,,and 31 more to go though.
I get to get reconstruction in between,,,then its Avastin and this Xeloda at the same time. The Avastin is stronger than the Xeloda that I am doing while getting rads too. I feel like this is almost over,,,and this is just prevention now. So its not as intimidating as before.
I had 20 nodes removed and I honestly don't think my lf arm will ever be the same. It feels like a tight rubberband allllll down my arm into my hand even. But we'll see. As long as nobody pulls on it over my head I'm getting used to it LOL.
Thanks for listening. Glad everyonesThanksgiving was nice. Hugs Lisa
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Deen, I think I do look a bit older. My skin is dryer. My missing eyebrows and lashes have made a difference too.
Lisahugs, glad to hear from you. Missed you! Hows the baby?
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Hola,
Met w/the BS today for my final follow-up. My arm is healing well and the swelling has reduced greatly. I was almost sad to not have to return. Dr. & staff were great.
Lisa: Glad to see the new pic and hear you're doing well. I know what you mean about the arm ever being the same. It's just going to take a lot longer to heal. Oh I use Aquaphor all the time (for my dry hands. ) Good stuff.
Roya and & Deen, I have received compliments about my complexion but I have oily skin and now my skin is way drier too. I do use the Avon Anew night cream twice daily. Also: being on a chemo hiatus, my eyelashes & eyebrows have disappeared. BUT my DD noticed I am growing peach fuzz on my scalp! About 1/2 a cm. I think I miss the eyelashes more. Really!
Have a good night all,
Jeannine
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Okay everyone, I am psyched....Tomorrow is my very last THC chemo. I can't wait for this to be OVER!!! Then my next step is surgery. What a breeze that will be compared to chemo!!! Rad's should start in Feb. Then a year of Heceptin every 3 weeks in my port. I feel like this is really a long long time BUT..... each step is just that one step closer!!! Thank you everyone for cheering me on. Love to you all.. Corinne
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Hi, everyone ~ Corinne, yay for tomorrow! Roya, Lisa & Jeannine ~ Glad to see upbeat reports from you all, inspite of the missing eyebrows & lashes! I'm in the same boat. Seems like a few more are gone each day, although I've never caught them actually falling out.
Well, I had my rads set up app't. today. Got my tattoos. Due to the holidays, my trial run won't be until 12/30, and then I start on 1/6. I hate dragging it out, but I do think there's a benefit to getting physically and emotionally strong between each phase of tx. I also had a chance to chat with their psychologist today, who talked a bit about emotions that we surpress or don't let ourselves experience when we're going through all this tx stuff sometimes kicking in at a later date. I thought I'd gone through all of that already, but maybe not, so I guess it's good to be forewarned, in case it happens.
DH and I are off to Las Vegas tomorrow for a few days of the NFR (rodeo). It's a family tradition for us, and I am so looking forward to seeing some of my wonderful BIL's & SIL's who have been so supportive during these past few months, as well as just having some fun for a change!
I'll catch up with you all over the weekend ~ Deanna
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Hi Ladies,
Roya-baby Ella is wonderful. She is reaching out to me now, when I reach out first
And she's almost able to hold her bottle herself:) Thanks for asking. Your hair will come back, and its actually pretty exciting. I have a small amout and I am walking around like I have it down to my rear end LOL Jeannine-ita amazing how the nodes afftect the arm. Its actually a bit better since I have returned to the YMCA. I am FINALLY allowed to loost these extra lbs
I think if we work on it (our arms), it'll be ok. So happy to hear someone is using the Aquaphor too Thanks.Corrine- good for you, I am happy for you.
Its going to get better.I was concerned about having my port still in, that it would effect reconstruction, so if anyone wonders about that in the future, I put a pot up and got a postive response. It should be ok.
I wonder how long they will have me keep this thing in? It still is uncomfortable!!!!!!
Your all wonderful. Our hair will return. I feel as if I have been stripped down,,,,,to be built back up. I am opting for a butt lift out of this too LOL:)
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Jeannine, this experience gives peachfuzz a whole new meaning. Never thought I'd be so glad to see anything like that. Not sure I even knew what it was before now.
Corinne, do you know about when you will have your surgery?
Deanna, have lots of fun and sun in Las Vegas. Do they have real winter there?
Lisahugs, are you able to hold the baby yet? I remember that you were too sore for a while. Glad things are getting better......and they will keep getting better and better.
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Well girls, home from rads #7 and only 26 more to go! My kids are being great with it. We leave school and head down to the cancer center. They seem to bring a lot of joy to the staff and patients there. The nurses have kind of adopted them! I am so proud of my kids...that is alot for them to handle on a daily basis! It does make things hectic though as the 2 older ones have nightly homework and my oldest dd is in ballet and volleyball while my ds is playing flag football and the littlest dd is in gymnastics. My dh's job has gotten really hectic as everyone is trying to get in their elective spine surgery in on this year's deductible...so the daily rads just adds to the hecticness (to make up my own word!) Feel kind of overwhelmed, but I am glad to see a light at the end of the tunnel!
Stacy
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Rads number 6 down.
Hi Stacy, are you red at all yet? ,Or feel at all different? Sounds like you too have a full plate
Ms.Roya, actually holding the baby was doable right away, thankyou pain killers LOL. Now there is no pain, unless I lift my arm up too high. Working out has done wonders in just a few days. Its great. Peace fuzz is great, this has to be how guys feel when they start getting their stash for the first time LOL. I'm soooo happy my head is now darker than my face. I looked sick before, now just very rebelious LOL.
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Lisa, no redness yet...I am using a prescription cream that I can't remember the name of everyday. Rads onco said she'd rather be proactive and try to prevent any skin issues rather than waiting to see if I had any. Sounded good to me! No other issues to speak of yet and I hope there won't be!
I too am LOVING the dark peach fuzz!! Not a shiny spot left on my head now...although still look very bald from about 3 feet away!
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I am off to the onc for a post-hospital checkup. Praying that all my levels are OK this time.
In one week I will have my LAST Taxotere. How soon after all this do they let you start to exercise and lose the extra weight? After chemo or after surgery? I am hoping for a smaller size wedding dress,LOL
My head is still shiny. Eyebrows and eyelids sparse, but still there.
To cheer myself up, I am going to the florist for a wedding consultation after the onc. Marching forward with the wedding plans.
Two weeks since the last treatment and I am still achy with a queasy stomach. But next week is the last. Must hold on to that.
Bette
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Roya, I am calling today for an appoingment with my surgeon. I imagine it will be the first week in Jan. or so. Rad's will start in Feb if I am not mistaken then I Go on a year of Herceptin and another drug I think is called arimidex. Hoping to gain some peach fuzz in January or February.
Bette,: my prayers are and have been with you. I know you have just been havin a hard time with all of this. How are your wedding plans coming along? I understand about the achy and queasy stomach. I was put on new meds 2 chemo's ago that really helped. One was called Amends. it is for nausea and the other I had to go in for rehydration, That helped so much that this time they are doing the rehydration twice, My lst week and a half beofre my last chemo were definitly my best. I did not have much of that mettalic taste. either i thought perhaps the rehydration did it. Did anyone have this experience too? Corinne
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Hi everyone!!! Doing great here - I have quite a bit of hair on my head - VERY dark with some grey thrown in here and there but heck I will take ALL I can get!!!! LOL Feeling great - I only have 3 MORE RAD SESSIONS TO GO!!!!! YEAAAAA!! Monday is my last one then I go back in 30 days for them to check me, Breast Dr. in Feb and Oncologist at the end of Feb!!!!! But Januray will be soooooooo nice not having to go someplace every freaking day!!!!! I have a little tan on my boob but no pain and really no redness so I am feeling good. I am just glad my journey is almost over!!!! Loves to all............
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The onc said I could start to exercise, so I got on the treadmill for 15 minutes and it felt soooo good! I had not worked out since the SE's kicked in in August. I am allowed to back on Weight Watchers ASAP after the last treatment. I have gained a whopping 30 pounds since Dx, and want to shed some of it by wedding dress shopping day.
We talked about my three hospitalizations and the very real possibility of having to go into the hospital again right before Christmas. I told her I am OK with it because I know the chemo is shrinking my tumor, which is the goal of all I have been going through since August. So I am cleared for the last Taxotere on 12/17.
Well I am off to look at wedding flowers! What a cheerful thought on a cold, rainy December day.
Bette
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Went for my last Neulasta shot today. Thy actually gave me a care package of nuts and chocolates, socks and a hand crocheted blanket to say "Congratulations, you graduated!!" But I have such a long way to go. next is surgery. Calling tomorrow for a consultation and scheduling the acutal surgery. Then I have rad's then a whole year on herceptin by way of injection like chemo. It seems I am on one small path. After that it is 5 full years of Tamoxifen. I really am still overwhelmed with all this but perhaps after each hoop I go through I will feel a little better. Anyhow, Friday I go for rehydration. Life moves on...Corinne
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I copied and pasted this article about 'Gel Headbands' which are to be worn underneath our wigs. Gel Headbands are recommended for chemo patients and are great for such issues as itching, tenderness of the scalp, etc. Just go online and look up 'Gel Headband' and lot of info and resources will come up.
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Comfy Grip Headband
Get a grip on your wig with the world's most unique concept - The Comfy Grip is essential if you have experienced hair loss and are concerned about slippage or friction caused by your wig.
The Comfy Grip is a band filled with a highly specialized therapeutic gel. It is designed to provide optimal comfort and security of your wig.
Special Features of the Comfy Grip:- Prevents pressure sores.
- Dissipates body heat.
- Reduces skin shear.
- Conforms to help cushion pressure points.
- Will not absorb body fluids or oils.
- Self healing, will not leak if punctured.
- Distributes the weight of your wig and prevents slippage.
- Velcro® adjustment fits 18.5" to 24" circumference.
- ONE SIZE FITS ALL
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Hi, everyone
Corrine- congrats on the last chemo!
Deanna- have a great time in Vegas! We'll be having the annual rodeo in Houston in Feb.
Good luck to everyone doing their rads!
Lisahugs and Bette-both of you sound so much more upbeat, I can't help but think you're feeling better, and I'm so glad.
Still praying for everyone and wishing no bad SEs. Deen
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Alibug, congrats on your last 3 rads! And on all the new hair
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Hello!
I just put in 20 minutes at a slow pace on the treadmill. I am determined to get back into shape!
Next Tuesday, Tom is coming and we are going to bake cookies for the nurses at the chemo center to celebrate my last treatment. I am getting pink icing to draw BC ribbons on the cookies.
We don't know if I will get sick again after this treatment and have to go into the hospital again. Please pray that I stay well for the holidays.
I have two more hats to knit and my Christmas presents are finished except for the wrapping. Being on disability, I decided to forgo shopping and make presents from my large supply of leftover yarn.
I am concerned that I won't be done with rads in time to go on my honeymoon. Things got pushed back with the SE's, so that surgery is 1/20/09, and our wedding is only two months later, on 3/28/09. What am I going to do? I want to go away with Tom after the wedding. We both need a break and some time together without thinking about cancer treatment.
Well, that's all for now. Felling pretty well today.
Love to all
Bette
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Well girls - I only have 1 more rad session left - Monday is it - I won't go back to them for another 30 days!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I just can't wait. We are having a big party at my work for my completion of all my stuff!!!!!!!!! They have been VERY supportive with all my appts and things so I couldn't have asked for a better company to work for!!!!!!!!!! Everyone have a great weekend. Bettylou68 I am glad you are feeling pretty good. Hang in there - it is almost over!!!!!!!!!!! Loves to all................
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Hello everyone. I haven't been on here in a while but have kept up with everyone. I am so glad to see that you all seem to be doing so well and chugging right along. I have my last Taxol on the 16th. I have been dealing with alot of emotions due to chemo ending. I have looked forward to this for so long and now that it is here I don't know what to do. I want to be happy yet the fear creeps in and takes over sometimes. I had to take a little break from cancer talk but it never really goes away. I kept needing to log on just to read that everyone was okay. I am so glad you all are doing so well. Bette I hate that you were hospitalized but only one more and it will be over. My friends are taking me on a weekend trip right after Christmas to celebrate my birthday and the end of chemo. I see my onc on the 22nd and we will talk about further testing. I hope and pray all is well with everyone and we can enjoy this holiday season with our families and friends. God Bless you all!
Tonya
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Good afternoon!
Alibug: that's so great that you work for a supportive company! I wish my work situation had turned out like that.
Tonya: congratulations on the last Taxol on the 16th! My last Taxotere is on the 17th.
I am having a quiet afternoon, trying to get all my knitting done. I will go out to dinner with some friends tonight. This morning. I ventured out early and did some Christmas shopping.
Last night I was so depressed about the possibility of another hospitalization from my last chemo plus the reality that on 1/20/09 I will wake up from surgery without a breast that I called my therapist. She was considering putting me into another kind of hospital! After a while I convinced her that I could pull through with a little help from her and from Tom. This morning the sun came out and the world looked better.
I am praying for a good weekend for all with no SE's for those of us still in chemo.
Love
Bette
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Have been showing off my head to family and friends getting ready to be with out a hat soon
I really feel like a new women and feel beautiful when I look in the mirror ( with makeup on of course).My darn toe got infected, I got a darn in grown toe nail that got infected and had to be cut out. I think this has been the most painful experience with needles I have ever had LOL. A needle stuck into an infected toe (to numb it so the nail could be cut). AHHHHHHH
Sorry but I had to share that. Another thing I thought I would never experience. No more fake toenails for me EVER again.
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As I write, Tom is leading the first meeting of a cancer support group that he and a BC husband are starting at their church. He called right before the meeting and was a little nervous about speaking in front of a group. He is going to tell our story, and also about resources such as this site and Chemo Angels.
I am so proud of him.
I had more energy than usual this morning, so I have been straightening up the apartment and doing laundry. It may be a week or two before I am up to it again, so I figured I might as well start out with a clean environment. Time to check the laundry. when I went to the laundry room I forgot to wear anything on my head. I hope I didn't scare any of my neighbors, LOL.
Lisa, I have had a toenail cut out and those needles are brutal! My heart goes out to you! How great you are almost ready to give up your hats! I guess I will be at that point in about two months. Right now there is no action going on on my scalp.
Have a great Saturday everyone! I will report back on how the support group went.
Bette
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Hey Girls,
Just checking in and reading everyone's update.
Congrats, Corinne! How are you doing after the last TX? You should be so proud of yourself.
Bette-your last is coming up soon!!
Alibug-Can't believe how fast your time with rads has gone!! Big celebration for you on Monday!!
Has anyone heard from Gail? She finished chemo, but I haven't seen a post from her for a while.
All is well here-hair is dark and filling in all over my head. I definitely have a hair line going all around my head. but, I still wear my wig!!
~Misty
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Had such a hard time after my last chemo this past Tues. Went for rehydration yesterday and am not quite a queasy today. I am sooo happy the worst of my cancer treatment is over.
Bette- My prayers are with you and will be praying for you on 12/17. Hopefully things will go better this time than the last. I understand the depression that comes and goes. My doctor told me it is normal. We are all here for you!!!
Lisahugs- How long has it been since the time you finished chemo and your hair grew back?
Alibug- I am there with you celebrating. Even though we have never met it is like I've been there with you through it all.
Misty, Thank you for your great inspiration. Seeing I have the same kind of cancer and you seem to be paving the path before I have gone down it, I have been greatly mentored without you even knowing it. Misty what do you know about the HER2+ thing. Does it mean it is more likely or less likely to come back with the Herceptin we've been on?
Roya, I am going to check out that gel headband. I hate the beanie stocking under this wig. When I get a hotflash I just gotta take the wig off!!
Has anyone heard from Kimberlynn?
I hope everyone has a great weekend. I will pray for you all!!! Corinne
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Bette- thats wonderful to hear about your hubby.
I am happy for you. Glad your feeling ok.Corrine-my last chemo was Sept 29th. My oncologist said I was on the strongest chemo there is, and the tumor started to grow again (every 3 weeks-adriamycin-taxotere-and cytocin). So I was set up for surgery right away. The only positive about that part is that any chemo I do now (for prevention) won't kick my bootie. So my hair started growing some time after that?
So thats about right, most women I think start feeling better about the short hair after month 2 of growth? You'll all have to let us know. I never thought I would appreciate having such confidence with short hair. I pray you all get this gift too. I always thought the longer my hair the more beautiful I would feel. Thats a lie , and a bunch of crap LOL
I am alive, cancer free, and now know that my beauty is on the inside, not the out I am going to go get pics of the baby on Monday, I don't have a hat to match a cute dress I got, so I have decided to go hatless and have these pics done. If anything I can just keep some and not give them out
But I don't think my hair will ever be this short again , and having them professionally done will make it so much better. I want to capture this, so some day I can share it with my daughter when society tells her she has to "look" a certain way to be beautiful. -
Well girls - tomorrow is it - the last day of rads - I am sooooo excited I just can't believe that all of this is ALMOST over. I go back to rads doc in 30 days and then my breast doc beginning of February and Oncologist the end of February!!!! THEN ON TO MY CRUISE!!!!!!!! I just can't wait - and I just want ALL OF YOU to know that I couldn't have made it through ANY of this without all of you!!!!!!!!!! I love you all more than you will ever know!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Loves to all..................
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