Anyone starting chemo in June 08

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  • Wyoming
    Wyoming Member Posts: 381
    edited January 2009

    Rover you don't any luck but bad. An old wives tail says everything comes in threes. I think you have surpassed the threes so you luck should change for the better. Good luck with the doggie cancer specialists. My dog is 11 1/2 years old, spoiled rotten, and love her bunches. She is a mix: Australian Sheppard, Chihuahua, and dad is Top Poodle. She does'nt shed and she weighs 25 lbs. Enough about my baby. When I went to get my teeth cleaned, I have two spots that we are watching under my crowns.

    Sarah how did you do in your race.

    It has been snowing for three days and cold. We start on my kitchen tomorrow. YEAH!!!!!  My hands are really stiff in the morning. My knuckles hurt on my middle fingers. Sometimes I can't straighten them with out using the other hand. My onc said to use hot water. My other joints are still a little sore. Much better than cancer.  My hair is filling in and it is gray and dark gray. It wants to stick up like a mohawk. I think I will dye it a crazy color.   

    Have a good week.

    Wyoming

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  • GramE
    GramE Member Posts: 5,056
    edited January 2009

    Wyoming,   you could try one of the microwave hot packs.   Unlike a heating pad, they do not need to be turned off and gradually get cooler.   Putting your hands in hot water will dry them out.   Put on a pair of rubber gloves and then in the hot water.  I have had 9 wrist and hand reconstruction surgeries, and speak from experience on the water thing.   Keeping your hands warm should help - do not go out without gloves or mittens, even to get the mail.   Good luck.

    My hair is also mostly filled in and sticks up around the ears, where it is longest.  But it is very soft and fly away.   At least it is hair and not that shiny bald head staring at me when I look in the mirror.  

    Scrolling up a bit, Sarah, I would hope removing the port is in a hospital setting, as the skin needs to be cut, and it IS hooked to a blood supply or blood tests could not be done.  I would be very hesitant to have it out under other than surgical conditions, in a hospital.   Just MY opinion.

    Hugs, bonnie, rover, and anyone I may have missed.   These eyes are getting pretty droopy.    

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  • hunkydory
    hunkydory Member Posts: 1,241
    edited January 2009

    Sara, I had my port removed in the hospital.  They put me out just briefly with the twilight meds and it didn't take long at all.  Recovery was not bad etiher.  I think Nancy is right, it would be scary to have it done in docs office, although I've heard of many on this bc board that have had that done.  I'm at work posting so will keep it short.  HunkyD

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  • Bonnie02
    Bonnie02 Member Posts: 193
    edited January 2009

    HI Everyone,  I have a question for all of you. Has anyone had breast reconstruction  and if so how do you feel about it?  I have been considering it but not really sure if I should or not.  I had a mastectomy on the right side.  If anyone can help on this subject I would appreciate it.

    Bonnie

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  • ChocolateLover
    ChocolateLover Member Posts: 363
    edited January 2009

    hi y'all

    Bonnie, I had reconstruction 8 years ago and dont regret it for one minute.  It's a tram flap and I have never had a problem with it. The surgery took over 10 hrs though and recovery was 4-6 weeks, so it's not for the faint of heart. (of course i was back at work 3 weeks later - can you say psycho?!?!) I dont know about implants though. The tram flap is your own tissue (fat) taken from your tummy or thigh and re-attached under your breast skin to make a new breast.  The blood vessels have to be reconnected for the tissue to continue living, that's why the surgery takes so long.

    Re: the port issues.  Mine is still in, but often it is quite sore even when I'm not having chemo that week.  Anyone else have the same port pain? 

    I'm going back to see onc. Feb 3 and discuss more chemo here in Canada. She applied for special priviledge to combine the two chemos I had in Mexico (liposomol Doxorubicin & Gemcitabine) and it was approved!!! yay! Now I dont have to travel all the way to Tijuana for treatment.  :)    It's not given via IPT but it is a step in the right direction.  It sounds like I will need this as an ongoing treatment, every 3 weeks or so.  Will keep y'all posted. cheers. (so far I have kept what little hair I have - similar to Jax - i think because my chemo doses are so much lower than they usually give.) dont know - but i like having hair again!!!

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  • Rovergirl
    Rovergirl Member Posts: 194
    edited January 2009

    Just can't seem to catch a break ..... my cat died today.  He was 15 years old and had a stroke.  Think I'll go to bed early and hopefully wake up to better luck!

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  • Wyoming
    Wyoming Member Posts: 381
    edited January 2009

    Nancy thank you for the suggestions for my hands. I have noticed they feel better when they are in the shower.

    I still have my port my onc wants me to keep it in for the next two years so he can take blood. I will see him every three months and have blood taken.  I had a lumpectomy so I have no suggestions about reconstruction.

    ChocolateLover congrats on getting to do your chemo closer.

    To everyone keep warm!

    Wyoming

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  • GramE
    GramE Member Posts: 5,056
    edited January 2009

    YVW wyoming. I was told that if you keep the port, you must have it flushed every 4 weeks.  I am getting herceptin every 3 weeks, so it gets flushed that way and not an issue at this time.  

    Hugs to all, keep warm and God Bless,   Nancy 

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  • cdccpa
    cdccpa Member Posts: 42
    edited January 2009

    Hi all -

    Haven't posted anything in a while but wanted to check in.  I had my lumpectomy and SNB on 1/9.  Two nodes out and they were clear.  No IDC found anywhere and only a small amount of DCIS...but it was within 1mm margin...so I'm having re-excision this afternoon for that.  Overall, good response to the chemo.

    I still have my port in since I'll be starting my year of Herceptin after rads are done.  My last chemo was on 12/1 but my onc is having me come in once a month to have it flushed during the 'hiatus'. 

    Rover - sorry to hear about your cat and your run of lousy luck...here's hoping it turns around very soon.

    Jax - your hair is great!  Wish mine was that long...my head is finally all covered and I can't see my scalp anymore so for that I am glad.  Same color and texture as before...so far!  I think I'm more relieved to have my brows and lashes coming back though.

    Carolyn

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  • Vinogal
    Vinogal Member Posts: 439
    edited January 2009

    Hey Junies......thanks for all the comments about my hair.....I am getting used to it......and am happy with my decision to go wild.......Rover......it can't possibly get any worse for you......all good things from now on........Bonnie.....I am currently going through the reconstruction process......with tissue expanders in place......so I'll let you know how that works out........unfortunately right now I am dealing with an infection on the left side......I am on some kick ass oral antibiotics and have all my fingers and toes crossed that it will clear and I don't have to lose the expander.......I just want to be done with all this already......herceptin tomorrow.....and then a check up with the PS on Friday......was supposed to be my 3rd fill.......but now the stupid infection means no fills......I am really tired of all these appointments........sorry for bitchin........

    Carolyn....I too was so happy for the return of lashes and brows.....I think that was the hardest part.

    Chocolate......glad you can have the treatment you need here at home.....yay!

    HunkyD.....really think you should start reading Twilight and get lost in books for a little while......I know it's what I need right now!

    Be sure and check in everyone......I love reading about you all still!

    Cheers

    Jax

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  • GramE
    GramE Member Posts: 5,056
    edited January 2009

    Congrats on the good report, Carolyn.   Sorry about the infection, Jax.   

    HUGS for everyone,   Nancy 

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  • KKing
    KKing Member Posts: 425
    edited January 2009

    Well it is nice to see how we are all still checking in with each other.. that is great.

    I am seeing the Naturpath doc next Monday.. will have an hour session so she can decide what I should be doing.  She is big into diet so will let you know if there is anything useful she suggests.  

    Chocolate L..so glad you can do this chemo at home.  I just talked to a woman I met during chemo and she has a friend who is in Mexico right now undergoing treatments there.  Will let you know how she makes out.

    Carolyn..glad all went well for you.  You are right about the brows and lashes... my eyes were constantly tearing before and drawing in my eyebrows everyday...well somedays they looked better that others.

    Rovergirl... can't beleive that.  It can only get better from here. 

    Jax.. hope the infection clears up.

    Well to all the other ladies here....hope you enjoy your day.

    Karen

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  • Wyoming
    Wyoming Member Posts: 381
    edited January 2009

    I'm at work, my students are working on a map of the thirteen colonies so I have a minute to post.

    Nancy, I see my onc every three months and get blood drawn so my port will be flushed. Thanks for the info.

    Jax keep taking your antibiotics. You can bitch any time you need too. This is why we are here as we know how you feel and we understand the need to vent!!!! Does your expander hurt?  I have to have my calendar with me all the time to keep track of the appts. They say to keep your mind young you need to challenge it well my appts keep me challenged. HAHAHA

    I need to go back to work, some of my students need help. They keep me busy.

    Have a good day.

    Wyoming

    .

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  • Wyoming
    Wyoming Member Posts: 381
    edited January 2009

    I finally found a picture of me pre cancer. Now I need to take one post cancer with my new hair style. HAHAH Jax I plan on going color crazy too, when I get enough hair.

    Wyoming

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  • hunkydory
    hunkydory Member Posts: 1,241
    edited May 2011

    Hi all,

    I have had the stomach flu since Monday after work.  I have been in bed since.  I feel a little better this afternoon so thought I would check in.  Jax, sorry to hear about the infection.  Hope the antibiotics work.  I would hate to see you have to have an expander removed.  I haven't done any reading since last Friday.  Wyoming, I am right in the middle of that book. Brian just died so I need to get back to it.  I have just been so out of it the last couple days.  I am so glad my boss is understanding.  I have missed so much work time this last year.  Love the picture too Wyoming.  Rover, sorry about your cat too.  Distant hugs to all of you....wouldn't want anyone to get this crap.  HunkyD

    Edited to Add:  Wyoming...hope your hands start feeling better when the weather warms!

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  • Wyoming
    Wyoming Member Posts: 381
    edited January 2009

    HunkyD get well. Make sure you get plenty of rest.Good thing you have an understanding boss. It would make an already bad situation worse.  Glad to hear you like the book. I like the moral dilemmas. I went to the store to get the well patches for my knuckles and some ointment. I went to my onc rad today and everything went well. I will continue to see him every 6 months.

    Rover I'm sorry about your cat. Hopefully the last couple of days have been better. I'm a big pet lover myself. I had two cats one for 16 years and the other for 14 years. I now have a new one that is one. Also a dog who is 11 1/2. Both are spoiled rotten but I don't care.

    I went to our mall ( Wal-Mart) and I ended up looking at the hair dye. When I color it I will get my picture and let everyone see it. I won't be as long as Jax!!.

    I will shut for the night. I have done a lot of rambling today. Must have needed to feel connected. Thanks for listening.

    Wyoming

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  • Elliemae32
    Elliemae32 Member Posts: 72
    edited January 2009

    I'm just checking in with all you ladies.  I finally finished chemo last week!!!!   I want to have a party but I think I will wait until food starts tasting good again.  Radiation starts next week.. I had simulation yesterday.  My 2 year old keeps wanting to wash off my marks and has started drawing on himself too...... 

    I'm with Jax... if you want to get lost in a great story read the twilight series.... I have read it twice now, with 2 babies.  LOVE IT. 

    Missed you ladies,

    Ellen

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  • hunkydory
    hunkydory Member Posts: 1,241
    edited May 2011

    Hi Ladies,

    I am feeling better and went to work today.  I am going to put some food in my stomach for the first time since Monday afternoon.  What a diet huh?  Ellen, yea!!!  Chemo is done!  Hope you get through rads OK.  Any questions ask here....a few of us went through it not long ago and are still posting.  I pretty much just gave up on all my markings.  They drew on me a lot.  I looked like a small town road map but it wasn't too bad.  Wyoming, I keep looking at my dark hair and I am going to wait until mine is a little longer than Jaxo's and then bleach it.  That probably won't be until April if I am lucky.  I just don't look like the old me cause it was always blonde and when I needed, I went in and had the roots done.  I don't know if I can hold out that long but I am going to try. Still to early to tell if it will be curly...right now it is as straight as a board.  That's the way it was before though.  I for one am glad to have this support group.  If you guys stop posting, I will probably just post anyway and then answer myself.  I still haven't done any more reading.  Last night was my TV night.  I am a solid "LOST" fan and have been hooked on it since the beginning.  I even download every episode now and we watch it a couple times more.  Such a wierd show...don't hold it against me!!!  Well, now that I have written a book about myself I will quit.  I guess I am just glad to feel human again.  Later....HunkyD

    P.S.  Another animal lover here! 

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  • Wyoming
    Wyoming Member Posts: 381
    edited January 2009

    Ellen congrats on ending your chemo. You will be amazed how fast your tastes buds will come back now that your are done. Rad will be cake. If you have any questions, just ask, we're here for you.

    HunkyD,  Glad to hear you are among the living. I have more facial hair than I ever have. I also have peach fuzz along my neck. My hair is sticking straight up like a Mohawk. I didn't start watching "Lost" but I'm a "Desperate Housewives" fan. It is my escape on Sunday to get me ready for Monday.

    Have a good weekend.

    Wyoming

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  • Rovergirl
    Rovergirl Member Posts: 194
    edited February 2009

    Took my pup to the specialist this week - a double doctor - DVM & Phd - and good news for a change - she doesn't have cancer!  He thinks she may have Addisons disease, which is a adrenal insufficiency.  Who would have thought I'd be excited that my dog has Addisons but I am.  It's been a tough week for my pets.

    Just completed week one of my new chemo so far so good.  Only SE is nasty headaches but so far Tylenol has taken care of thoses.  Maybe my luck is changing I can only hope.

    Rover

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  • Wyoming
    Wyoming Member Posts: 381
    edited February 2009

    Rover I'm so excited for you. My sister has Addisons disease. Much easier to take care of then cancer. Glad your SE are mild.  I think your luck is starting to change, about time!!!!!!!

    Wyoming

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  • Kellke
    Kellke Member Posts: 424
    edited February 2009

    Hi everyone,  I just signed on and thought I was reading a bunch of new posts and then realized I had just missed them before.  Sometimes I wonder how I make it through the days without getting lost my brain is so fuzzy!

    Anyway in answer to the posts about teeth:  chemo itself may not cause problems but will make existing problems worse and most mediactions can dry the mouth which can cause rapid decay and gum diseas e because of the reduced salivary flow.  You can have dental treatment if needed during treatment but most people prefer to wait if they can until they are feeling more normal and less stressed :)

    I have lost three fingernails and some of the others are greenish-black.  Very attractive.  They are not as sore as before but they do get slightly swollen and tender some days.I wonder if this feeling will eventually go away?

    I am just beginning to think about poss reconstruction now but I worry about implants because I read that they need to be replaced after 10-15 years and worry that I won't be healthy enough to have more surgery at that point (hoping I am still around at all )  and I like the idea of the tram that chocolate talked about but I have lost so much weight this year I don;t know if I could do that.  I have been eating whole bags of jelly beans without sharing them so maybe in another year...  Kelly

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  • hunkydory
    hunkydory Member Posts: 1,241
    edited May 2011

    Hi everyone.  Rover...glad your chemo isn't a knock down for you and that your pup has a lesser of two evils.  Hope they can treat.  Thanks for the teeth info Kelly.  I am planning my yearly in the spring.  I'm sure they will find a lot of what my dentist calls "problem areas."  Hope your fingernails get better.  I am not scheduled to meet a plastic surgeon until summer I guess.  If my health doesn't deteriorate, I am planning a profalactic on my remaining breast and some kind of reconstruction.  I will know more later after meeting with surgeon and Plastic Surgeon.  Speaking of reconstruction...Jax...how you doing after the infection?  Thoughts are with you!  Wyoming, I finished the book finally.  It was good.  Have you colored your hair?  Mine is dark.  Whoo.  Still not going out without cover....I'm chicken.  Glad its growing though.  Ellie..how goes radiation?  It will be over before you know it.  Hope you don't get too much fatigue from it.  Just checking.  I am so tired of this disease.  Guess I am having yet another one of those "I have cancer day" blues hanging over me today.   Sorry.  Later, all  HunkyD 

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  • Wyoming
    Wyoming Member Posts: 381
    edited February 2009

    HunkyD like I said in a previous post, it's OK to vent here.Yell  I haven't had time to dye my hair yet.

    Kelly hope your nails get better.

    Jax what color is your hair now?

    Ellie how is your radiation going?

    Rover how long is your chemo?

    Enough questions for now.

    Have a good week.

    Wyoming

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  • Rovergirl
    Rovergirl Member Posts: 194
    edited February 2009

    Alert the media - my nose hairs are back!!  Don't know if this new round of chemo is going to make me lose whatever hair I have - it's not much.  Hunky - I've always gone "without cover" it's not bad.  Most people think I'm either a lesbian or a cancer patient and they don't want to talk about either of those topics.  Not sure how long I'll be on chemo just had a CT-Scan and a MRI last week.  I have an appointment w/ my doc. next week so I'm sure I'll get a better time line then.

    Rover

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  • hunkydory
    hunkydory Member Posts: 1,241
    edited February 2009

    Oh Rover...you just made me laugh out loud at work here.  Well, anyway...hope you don't lose what ya have.  Nose hairs included.  What are you on?  HunkyD

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  • GramE
    GramE Member Posts: 5,056
    edited February 2009

    I also noticed nose hairs are back and leg hair is almost long enuf to braid..  see what living alone does to one? But I did not have to shave legs all summer.   

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  • KKing
    KKing Member Posts: 425
    edited February 2009

    Now I have hair growing on the side of my face and the chin hairs are picking up.   It's a lovely look.

    Wanted to let you know I did go to see the Naturpath.  couple of things she recommended were  a tblsp of lemon juice or fresh lemon with a glass of water ...every morning... it cleanses the liver.  Good for us after all the chemicals.  20 Almonds aday... have cancer fighting lactrile in them.    Green tea or licorice tea.    2-3 fruits aday.. especially berries, apples and pomegranate.   Doesn't recommend oranges and melons... she says they are moldy??  Not sure about that.

    1tsp apple cider vinegar before each meal... great fo the digestion and helps with constipation.. one of my problems..

    30 minutes exercise a day cuts hot flashes by 50%.     I go back to her in a week to go over food she recommends to help with preventing cancer.    Will let you all know about that.

    Have a good one

    Karen

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  • ChocolateLover
    ChocolateLover Member Posts: 363
    edited February 2009

    Rovr, so glad about your pup!

    Karen, I was also told about melons having a high mould count as well as peanuts! and I used to love peanutbutter! especially with chocolate. Mmmmm....

    I also notice, in addition to 30min. exercise, hot flashes are greatly reduced when sugar/starch intake is also reduced. for me anyway.

    I start more chemo next Thursday. Wish me luck. The CT report from Mexico showed mets to my hip and spine now. :( At least I'm not in pain. :)

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  • Wyoming
    Wyoming Member Posts: 381
    edited February 2009

    Rover I have one nose hair and Karen I have hair on the side of my face and the back of my neck. It is quite blonde. Eye lashes are still not long enough to use mascara.

    I have read that apples were a good cancer preventive. I'm an apple eater in the winter and berry eater in the summer. I love almonds. Keep us in the know.

    Have a good night.

    Wyoming

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